Most teams have busy schedules this week. Let’s take a look at some recent trends and discuss what’s on tap for 1/16-1/22.

Four Games: Philadelphia, Washington, New Orleans, Minnesota, Houston, Denver, Indiana, Boston, Utah, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Charlotte, Chicago, New York, New Jersey, Detroit, LAC, LAL, Memphis, Dallas, Toronto, Phoenix, Sacramento.
Three Games: Seattle, Miami, Atlanta, Golden State, Cleveland, Orlando.
Two Games: Portland

Plug ‘em in, Plug ‘em in:
Chris Kaman, C – Our second favorite ugly-man in the NBA (after Wizards’ starting center Calvin Booth of course) has been on a tear the last couple weeks. He’s playing 36 minutes a night over his last seven games and putting up pretty sick numbers: 17/12/2, with ridiculous percentages (59%FG and 91%FT) and swatting over 2 shots per game to boot. This year is indeed turning out to be Kaman’s breakout season. His stellar play makes him a great start this coming week with four games and fellow big man Elton Brand nursing a sore hip.

Ben Gordon, SG – The former UConn star is Chicago’s leading scorer with 14.4 ppg, so what took so long for coach Scott Skiles to get him in the starting lineup? Well, now that Chris Duhon has been relegated to backing up Kirk Hinrich at the point, the door is wide open for Gordon to really start lightin’ it up. The sharpshooter will be a much better fit alongside Hinrich and should see his numbers go up across the board with more consistent playing time. Gordon’s stats this month (20/2/3, 49%FG, 92%FT, and 13/27 from long range) give you an indication of what’s to come. Plug him in with confidence this week.

Manu Ginobili, SG – Its hard to recommend starting someone currently coming off the bench for his team, but Manu is being eased back into the Spurs rotation and has responded very well since returning from injury shortly after Christmas. Over his last six games Ginobili is averaging 18/3/3, shooting 51%FG and 77%FT, while adding one trey and 2.2 steals, all in just 25 mpg off the bench. Look for the Argentinean’s minutes to continue to climb as he eventually works his way back into Greg Popovich’s starting lineup. In the meantime, it’s safe to put him back in your lineups especially with a full schedule next week.

Danny Granger, F – Many of us have been waiting to see what kind of impact the 17th overall pick out of New Mexico would have with loony Ron Artest on the bench. Granger has shown some promise this month, averaging 12/6/2 with 2 stls, 0.8 blks, and hitting 4 for 10 from downtown. The rookie’s playing time has increased significantly every month jumping from 12.9 to 21.5 to 30.5 mpg from Nov-Jan. Granger is a versatile forward similar to Atlanta’s Josh Childress and definitely has fantasy value as long as he’s got a starting gig. Keep it up Danny boy.

Earl Boykins, PG – Boykins has 25 career blocked shots. How in the world does a man shorter than my mom block a shot in the NBA?? Anyways, Denver’s 5’5 reserve PG is putting up a career-high 14 points per game despite sharing time with Andre Miller and fellow backup Earl Watson. Take a look at his New Year averages: 22/2/5, 48%FG, 97%FT, 2.3 threes, and 1 steal per game. The diminutive Boykins can run between defenders’ legs and hide behind teammates when on the court, giving him a distinct advantage over taller point guards. All jokes aside, now is the time to play Earl while he is hitting 54% from long range and providing that energy off the bench.

Mike Miller, G/F – So he’s an injury prone, on-again/off-again starter, but he’s still got game (especially for a white boy from South Dakota). Miller recorded his first career triple-double (21/10/10) the other night against Sacramento and figures to be in line for more minutes after such a performance. He provides good value in scoring, rebounding and threes, and also makes solid contributions in percentages. You might as well get him in your lineups and hope that he continues his hot streak. He’ll probably drop another triple-double when he visits the Wizards in DC next Sunday.