No decent PG for the first month of the season, no indication of when Nene will even practice, no depth. The only positive developments are rookie Bradley Beal getting an early chance to play, and newcomer Martell Webster earning a role either as a starter or a key bench scorer. Kevin Seraphin (calf) and Trevor Booker (hamstring) will eventually help fill the void up front. Jan Vesely hasn’t demonstrated much improvement yet from his rookie season and isn’t recommended in fantasy.
CLE @ PHI: It’s an odd preseason schedule for Cleveland, as they have only one game left after tonight. That suggests a concerted effort tonight, as opposed to sharing minutes among third-stringers. Rookie Dion Waiters can nail down the starting SG job with a couple of good games, but if he isn’t deemed ready, the Cavs can use C.J. Miles there and Alonzo Gee at SF. I’m a fan of PF Tristan Thompson as a possible sophomore breakout.
The Sixers, with three more exhibition games coming up in a four-night flurry, can be more relaxed about this one. Their only concern is having Andrew Bynum ready in two weeks, and while the big man may not be in tip-top shape, all the treatment he’s been getting on his knees has been precautionary. Meanwhile, Spencer Hawes looks great so far and Lavoy Allen will get extra minutes. Jason Richardson is the likely SG starter but I love what Nick Young is doing off the bench.
MEM @ HOU: Almost every team has done more mixing and matching of lineups than the Grizzlies. They may give “everyone” a rest and play the scrubs; this is the first of a back-to-back and it’s doubtful they will use their best players extensively on both nights. On the other hand, the young Rockets are still learning the NBA and their new teammates, so each game is an important step. It’s about time Jeremy Lin had a good game and developed some chemistry with the starters.
PHO @ DAL: The “indefinite suspension” of Delonte West was for a locker-room outburst after the game on Monday. He’s apologized and been reinstated, so any momentary surge of Rodrigue Beaubois up draft lists was premature. Still no word on whether Dirk Nowitzki will opt for arthroscopic surgery on his swollen right knee. If he does, he’ll miss at least seven regular-season games, perhaps ten or more. Dirk owners can consider drafting Elton Brand as insurance, and in some deeper formats, Brandan Wright is another possible handcuff.
There are a lot of new moving parts in Phoenix. PG Goran Dragic, PF Luis Scola and SF Michael Beasley must learn to work together. Beasley is being encouraged to shoot more, after being called selfish in the past. Even the second unit needs time; rookie PG Kendall Marshall and sophomore Markieff Morris are joined by third-year man Wesley Johnson.
GSW @ SAC: As regular readers know, I’m a big fan of owning Kings in fantasy leagues. It was encouraging to see Marcus Thompson shoot 8-11 (hitting four 3-pointers) for 23 points in 29 minutes off the bench the other night, then say he’s fine with that role. Rookie Thomas Robinson had an 0-4 night from the floor in his last game and needs to show more to be an early-season factor, but I see him squeezing out Jason Thompson eventually. Likewise, the Warriors may not be a playoff team, but their players are good to own.
DEN @ POR: Get out the calculators; this one could be high-scoring. Andre Miller, one of the league’s best backup PG, has been bothered by a sore shoulder and Wilson Chandler is still taking it easy in his recovery from hip surgery, but both should be ready in two weeks, if not sooner. For now, Corey Brewer is getting consistent bench minutes, but he could be a victim of the Nuggets’ deep depth.
The Trail Blazers also like to run, though exciting rookie PG Damian Lillard has a bruised left foot and is not expected to play tonight. It’s a good chance to see what Nolan Smith can do. We’re also watching rookie Will Barton, who has a chance to be the backup SG.
UTA @ LAC: The Jazz play their third straight in Los Angeles, where they must feel right at home by now. The Clippers will offer a lot more opposition than the Lakers have, and Utah will be shuffling players in and out after playing last night. This is “one of those games” that makes us all impatient for the real thing.
$1,000 Sheridan Hoops Fantasy Contest
When you finish drafting your traditional fantasy teams, consider daily leagues. Join the one-day fantasy tournament for Sheridan Hoops readers at FanDuel. There’s a $2 entry fee; $1,000 in cash prizes. First place wins $200, second $125, third $100 and even 61st place doubles your investment. Pick nine players within a $60,000 salary cap and the team that compiles the most fantasy points — on October 31st only — wins.
| FanDuel Dozen | Oct. 31 |
| Stars | Over $7,000 |
| Al Jefferson | $8,300 |
| Kobe Bryant | $8,500 |
| Chris Paul | $8,400 |
| Greg Monroe | $7,300 |
| Scrubs | Under $5,000 |
| Donatas Motiejunas | $3,000 |
| Festus Ezeli | $3,400 |
| Harrison Barnes | $4,000 |
| Omer Asik | $4,600 |
| Starters | $5,000 to $7,000 |
| Marcin Gortat | $7,000 |
| Andre Iguodala | $6,900 |
| O.J. Mayo | $5,500 |
| Kevin Martin | $6,100 |
Nobody wants to know about my excellent team, so here’s a larger sample of your choices in the $1,000 Sheridan Hoops contest, our Hallowe’en treat to readers.
Daily fantasy leagues are a challenge because of the salary cap. You have $60,000 to build the best possible team for that night.
It’s easy to add or remove players in the nine roster spots until you’re under the cap. In general, the bargain Scrubs allow you to afford expensive Stars and you fill in with the best Starters you can afford.
I’m daydreaming about a 2-Scrub roster on contest night, but that can change right up until 7:00 Eastern, and it undoubtedly will.
Follow the Sheridan Hoops fantasy team on Twitter — @SheridanFantasy — all season.