Sits & Starts
Kemba Walker is in for a tough week. Walker has been a pleasant surprise this season and his improvement has been quite noticeable. However, Walker twice will face a defiant Celtics team with Avery Bradley and Courtney Lee locking down the perimeter and Kevin Garnett holding down the paint. In between those two match-ups he faces a very good individual defender in Kyle Lowry.
Avoid Tyreke Evans this week as well. It seems as though Tyreke is just playing out his contract and getting ready to beg his way out of the Kings organization (which is understandable). In addition to his lack of motivation, the poor system, and only two games this week, his match-ups are tough. Chicago will lock him down on the perimeter and Joakim Noah will make any trip he makes to the rim unpleasant. After that, Evans must face a totally locked-in, all-time great, and tenacious defender in Kobe Bryant and try to finish around Dwight Howard.
Rudy Gay has only one favorable match-up. Gay is a phenomenal athlete, but he will struggle this week as his jump-shot has been flat lately and he faces Doc Rivers’ defense and LeBron James. In Charlotte I would not be surprised to see him dominate or disappoint as his confidence may take a hit after facing Boston. Physically Gay can pretty much keep up with James in transition. Make no mistake though, when LeBron takes Gay in to the paint, Rudy will suffer a bruising and lose most of his energy and confidence.
Al Jefferson is just coming back from injury and trying to help a desperate Utah team from falling out of the playoffs. Jefferson most nights is a very good play and you can expect about the same numbers from his on almost any given night. This week however, with Jefferson still mending his wounds, and some tough match-ups it might be best to look elsewhere for production. Jefferson should play well against Detroit; after that he faces three of the most fearsome post-defenders in the league: Serge Ibaka, Kendrick Perkins and Marc Gasol. I like Jefferson’s game but this week recommend avoiding him.
Nene Hilario has been mostly disappointing this season for both Wizard fans and fantasy owners. The oft-injured big man is without question very skilled down low. However, he has been injured and on a minute restriction all season. At this point the Wizards are out of the playoff chase and are better taking it easy with their high-paid big man. Although Washington has a light week, I do not trust that Nene will provide great value. Look for Washington to sit him with intentions of getting better lottery position and developing their young players.
Russel Westbrook may be my favorite play of the week. Westbrook is facing off against San Antonio without Tony Parker, then Mo Williams, Darren Collision (with no shot blockers guarding the rim) and Jameer Nelson. Westbrook is licking his chops thinking about these match-ups. Only Collison is quick enough to keep up with Westbrook and not get dunked on. Look for a stellar week from him as Scott Brooks will look to take advantage by having plays run for Westbrook to post up again and again.
Manu Ginobili has been playing very well lately. Coach Popovich has had to rely on Ginobili to pick up some of the slack that Parker has left the team during his absence. I expect Ginobili will continue to play well and provide across the board contributions.
The other shooting guard I would suggest keeping your eye on is Dion Waiters. Cleveland may pull the plug and rest Kyrie Irving for the rest of the season if given even the slightest excuse. Waiters is a ball-dominant player who has often performed at his best with Kyrie on the bench. Although his efficiency is inconsistent, Waiters can get very hot and provide great value in assists for an off guard.
Chandler Parsons should be an excellent play this week. Parsons thrives in transition and should be able to take advantage of the Suns’ and Timberwolves’ porous defense. His final match-up of the week is against Golden State and the rivalry their has been fantastic. Look for him to bring his best this week.
Josh Smith has a long week with four games. He also faces the Heat, Lakers and Brooklyn. All three of those teams are tough defensively down low. However, I like Smith this week for multiple reasons. The Heat and Atlanta both play at a fast place in which Smith thrives, he also should dominate anyone who guards him not named LeBron James. Brooklyn and Los Angeles are two of the three biggest basketball markets in the world. Smith considers himself a showman; look for him to put on some of his best performances this week while in the spotlight.
Dwight Howard seems like an easy answer on any week. This week Howard has four games. One against his former team, one in his hometown, one against the entirely immobile Roy Hibbert and one against the defensively inept DeMarcus Cousins. Howard owners should treasure this week like a high-school girl at prom.
Each Sunday during the NBA season, the Fantasy Planner previews the upcoming week. Get updates every morning from Kent Williams in the Fantasy Spin and follow us on Twitter @SheridanFantasy.