Well we’re more than a quarter through the season so it’s probably going to get more difficult finding significantly helpful players if you participate in active leagues. Instead, now is the time to keep a close eye on injuries. When a player goes down or is just hobbling, it usually means something positive for at least one of his teammates. Another item to keep in mind is that December 15th is the first day players signed this past off season can be dealt. Between now and the trade deadline (February 18th), expect teams to maneuver to either put themselves in better position for the playoffs or wave the white flag and start thinking about next year.
Week Eight Schedules
Four Games: CHA, CLE, DAL, DEN, DET, HOU, IND, LAC, LAL, MEM, MIN, NJN, NOH, NYK, OKC, ORL, PHI, POR, SAC, TOR, WAS, UTA
Three Games: ATL, BOS, CHI, GSW, MIA, MIL, PHX, SAS
Two Games: NONE
ADD LIST (players owned in 40% or less in standard Yahoo! leagues)
Erick Dampier (C – 34%) – If your team needs help with rebounds or blocks, Dampier is your man. Despite the glitch with his arm over a few weeks ago, he’s played extremely well when he’s gotten the minutes, as evidenced by the 35 rebounds the last two games. Without a doubt, he appears to be a contract year player so take advantage of him the rest of this season. Just keep in mind there will be matchups that limit him in certain games like against the Suns, Warriors or Knicks.
Jarrett Jack (PG/SG – 27%) – If your team is in need of guard help, you should pounce on Jack immediately. There is a good chance Jose Calderon might be missing a ton of time in the coming future as his hip is giving him problems. If he does miss significant time, the Jack-of-all-trades will be a wonderful source of points, assists, 3’s and FT% – everything you want out of a starting PG.
Joel Przybilla (C – 36%) – It’s rare to have possibly two excellent center prospects sitting on the waiver wire, but that’s what you may have this week. With just a 36% ownership, it’s obvious a number of fantasy managers haven’t jumped all over the Vanilla Gorilla upon hearing about Greg Oden going down for the rest of the year. When Oden has missed time in the past, Joel has stepped up and contributed excellent boards and solid blocks. Portland will lean on him heavily the rest of the year; consequently, so should you.
Brandon Rush (SG/SF – 23%) – So far this season, Brandon has done everything in his power to try to force himself off of most rosters. However, he continues to be a tough habit to kick. Why? Opportunity. Danny Granger is in the midst of missing anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks at the least. Meanwhile, Mike Dunleavy is going to continue to slowly be worked back into starter-like usage. Lastly, Dahntay Jones doesn’t possess a strong perimeter game, but more importantly, took a hard fall in last night’s game hurting his shoulder. Although he says he’s fine, he could be slowed down enough this week whereby Rush emerges as a fantastic contributor during the upcoming 4 game week.
CJ Watson (PG/SG – 15%) – I’m confused by the low ownership of Mr. Watson. I guess we need to call into Sherlock Holmes to solve this mystery, even though it doesn’t appear too mystifying. Since getting over the swine flu, CJ Watson has played fantastic ball. In the last 8 games, ziguana.com has him ranked as the 33rd best player as he’s put up solid numbers in all 9 standard categories. With the minutes he’s been getting, it’s obvious Nellie and crew have an affinity for him so go ride this guy while he’s hot!
CUT LIST
Will Bynum (PG/SG – 31%) – The last few games, “Will the Thrill” has been sidelined with a bum ankle. More troubling, with the Pistons on the verge of getting Richard Hamilton and Ben Gordon back and Rodney Stuckey finally hitting shots, Bynum’s minutes appear headed back to the low 20 range. If you do the math, his nice run appears to be over. Just keep him in mind the next time you hear about any injury/trade rumors regarding the Piston’s back court.
Nate Robinson (PG/SG – 36%) – If the 5 straight DNP’s haven’t helping you decide, let me tell you it’s time to move on. The final straw appeared to be fraternizing with Dwight Howard prior to the start of a game against the Magic. D’Antoni has recently stated he doesn’t plan on changing things either. Why should he? The Knicks are currently on their best winning streak since D’Antoni’s arrival in the Big Apple. I don’t have to remind anyone that Nate should be picked up at the first signs of court time considering his fantasy explosiveness.
Al Thornton (SF/PF – 58%) – This drop is more in line with the thinking that owners should be preparing to cut ties with Al in the coming weeks. Although Blake Griffin’s return has recently been delayed, Coach Dunleavy has expressed he might be the teams new starting forward. If Camby doesn’t get traded, that should spell the end for Thornton’s significance in standard leagues.
WATCH LIST
Omri Casspi (SF/PF – 5%) – It’s a shame the Israeli sensation can’t get off the watch list, but the depth of the Sacramento Kings is to blame. Regardless, he should continue to be an asset for points, 3’s, FG% and rebounds. Lately his defensive numbers have vanished, but I expect him to start contributing in these areas again considering his length and style of play. The big question mark is the inevitable return of Kevin Martin, but worry about that when the time comes.
Tyler Hansbrough (SF/PF – 9%) – “Pyscho T” appears to have carved a consistent role off the Pacers bench. The last 3 games, he’s averaged over 17 points, 7 boards and 1.6 steals. Think DeJuan Blair here because low minutes (low 20s) won’t kill his value. This guy gets it done and he could help you if you’re pressed for forward production.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (SF/PF – 4%) – Usually when you’re one of the coaches favorites and get over 30 minutes a game, you’re worth owning in standard leagues. However, this Prince isn’t the case. He is the Bucks no glory guy where he’ll play tough defense and bring fantastic intensity – too bad that rarely translates well for fantasy purposes. However, despite this, he’s bound to fall into some numbers. Deep leaguers should definitely considering owning him, but standard leagues should probably just pay attention to whether he can get into any kind of groove regarding any type of production in coming games.
Luke Ridnour (PG – 39%) – There is no other explanation other than Luke has found the force. Through more than the quarter of this season, he just can’t miss as evidenced by the 51.8 FG%. His previous season high? 43.3%. The reason he’s on the watch list though is playing time. As the Bucks have gotten healthier, his minutes have dropped measurably (under 18 the last 4 games). Most players can’t do a whole lot with limited time so expect Luke to follow suit shortly.
Martell Webster (SG/SF – 10%) – I’m kind of getting tired about writing about this guy, but due to the rash of Portland injuries, he’s borderline worth owning in standard leagues. He’s semi-capable of doing a lot of things: scoring, 3’s, rebounds and defensive stats, but, for whatever reason, he can’t do any of them consistently. Perhaps someone/something will get through to him where that’ll change, however, don’t hold your breath as I expect his maddening play to continue.
STAY THE COURSE
Mario Chalmers (PG – 65%) – Admittedly Mario hasn’t found his groove for much of the entire first quarter of the season, but don’t give up hope. I expect Coach Spo’ to attempt to get him going as the season progresses plus Rio will probably stop getting into so much foul trouble early on in games. His outside jumper is much more efficient this season and with no real challengers to his skill set, Chalmers will continue to be given significant time.
Boris Diaw (SF/PF – 77%) – The arrival of Stephen Jackson has perhaps put Diaw into a noticeable funk, as evidenced by a drop in his numbers across the board. It’s not too surprising that his usage would suffer, but don’t make too much out of this in such a small sample size. First and foremost, realize that he’s currently in the midst of a significant slump as his shot hasn’t been falling. Considering the Bobcats have no other decent options at PF his minutes will continue to be strong so just ride this out.
COMING BACK FROM INJURY
Plonden’s mentions of Yi Jianlian (PF – 1%) and Tyrus Thomas (SF/PF – 40%) still apply. Also, now is the time to probably grab Jameer Nelson (PG – 66%) if he happens to be available.
DEEP LEAGUE SPECIALS
Jose Juan Barea (PG – 5%) – Recently, Mr. Barea has supplanted Rodrigue Beaubois in the Maverick’s starting lineup. Prior to that, he had a 3 game stretch of non-existent play so it’s conceivable another owner let him go. Considering Howard’s still coming back from injury and the Coach’s penchant for Jose, he could be useful in the short term for some points, 3’s, assists and steals.
Marcus Thornton (PG/SG – 4%) – Really wanted to put “Buckets” on the watch list, but considering that many deep leaguers probably have recently let him go, I wanted him in this section of the article. Thornton has a 4 game week coming up and his shot has recently returned. I expect at least solid points and 3’s out of him, but look for more. Chris Paul has been enamoured with this kid since he was drafted and is recently trying to get him to do more – rebound, drive to the basket, etc. Hopefully this translates into better boards, steals and a more meaningful FT% in the near future.
Damien Wilkins (SG/SF – 1%) – If Ryan Gomes‘ ankle/knee injury last night forces him to miss any time, Damien looks to be the beneficiary. He’ll give a little bit of everything, but most likely it’ll be short lived as Gomes’ injury didn’t appear to be serious.
Dorell Wright (SG/SF – 1%) – Almost forgot to add this guy – thanks for the reminder Andrew! Recently, Wright has gotten solid run for a few reasons. One, Quentin Richardson continues to miss time due to injury. Two, Wright seems to have improved his play including an improved jumper and better decision making. He may be indeed be worth a speculative add if you have the roster space.
