Fantasy Planner Week 22: Anthony & Parker Fine, Curry’s Status Unknown, Lawson Back Soon

Sits & Starts

Throughout Andre Miller‘s career he has never been recognized as one of the elite at his craft though he ranks 10th in the league’s all-time assists. Even before Ty Lawson went down with a heel injury, Miller had been playing outstanding ball. In the two games since, he has averaged 37 minutes, 16 points, and 6.5 assists.

After almost a full season of starting I cannot decide whether Jeremy Lin is overrated or underrated. When Lin burst onto the scene last year in the biggest basketball market in the world he was bound to get over-hyped.

Personally I agreed with Carmelo Anthony when I heard about the monster contract the Rockets offered Lin this off-season (and I have been a long-standing Daryl Morey fan). I thought the Rockets offered far too much money to a player who had not yet proved himself in more than a sample-taste.

In his first year as a full-time starter, Lin is averaging a cool 13.1 points, 6.1 assists and nearly two steals per game. He also seems to be finding his confidence as he has scored over 20 points in three of his last four games.

Lin started the season off in disappointing fashion for those who expected his all-star like number to continue. Since then, he has become a bargain player who provides unique value at a discounted price. This week is not the best to use him though, against the top two defenses in the league.

Indiana’s players are long and well-learned in their defensive tactics. Memphis has one of the best defensive back-courts I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. The Clippers have Chris Paul, who not only is the most gifted point guard in the league offensively but is a tenacious defender whose competitive spirit drives other point guards into desperation and turnovers.

This week I believe Lin will struggle to provide even average efficiency or value. If you use him primarily for steals, you might be better off just grabbing Tony Allen from your waiver wire.

At the beginning of the season people were writing off Dwyane Wade. They said age had caught up to him and his physical style of play had just worn his body down.

Wade may not be the focal point of the Heat’s recent remarkable streak but has been playing inspired ball on both ends of the court almost as if to show the world he is ready for playoffs.

The Heat have four games this week. None of their opponents have a defender capable of locking down Wade by themselves.  He might average around 23 points a game this week with excellent percentages as well as his normally solid peripheral stats and could be the best fantasy play at shooting guard this week.

Moe Harkless has started to come into his own. Many owners have still not discovered his value as a small forward who is athletic and can score in a variety of ways including the long ball. He also is a very good rebounder for his position and provides solid defensive stats. I expect the rest of the season Harkless will continue to be hot and now is your last chance to grab him.

Like his teammate mentioned earlier, Chandler Parsons is in for a tough week. Parsons  faces the Pacers’ defense as well as the Grizzlies’. To cap it off he will finish off the week being guarded by Matt Barnes and his distracting/confusing tattoos.

I really like Parsons and agree with the general consensus that he is one of the best per-dollar value guys in the league. As a fantasy owner, this week I am avoiding him and going with guys like Harkless instead.

Greg Monroe is coming off a rough Saturday night performance where he shot 2 of 11 from the field. However, Monroe is a tricky post player who provides value you might not expect from  big men.

Although Monroe scored a ho-hum 6 points, he pitched in nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals. As a Boston fan I am not afraid to admit being jealous of Detroit’s future front-court. Monroe is one of those players who is well-rounded and has a great future, yet it seems he never gets talked about. This week he might turn some heads when he takes on the Bulls without Noah and the T-Wolves’ sputtering defense.

For Pau Gasol owners out there I am sure his return left you wanting. Unfortunately I don’t see that changing this week. Gasol struggled even before his injury to find his niche with this team and they started playing well without him. I expect Pau will be passive due to being careful with his foot, his personality and trying not to disturb the chemistry his team has built with him on the sidelines.

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.