Sorry about the delay fellas. I’ve been terribly busy at work and am trying to wrap up semester classes. All but seven NBA teams, and me, have their calendars full this coming week.
Four games: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Golden State, Houston, Indiana, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, New Jersey, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, Seattle, Toronto, Utah.
Three Games: Charlotte, Detroit, New Orleans, Portland, Sacramento, Washington.
Two Games: Minnesota.
Plug ‘em in, Plug ‘em in:
Al Jefferson, PF: The “community center” in Boston has turned into an “army of one” virtually overnight. Struggling starter, Kendrick Perkins, has been shut down for the next few weeks with plantar fasciaitis, while Ratliff and Olowokandi have missed significant time with their own ailments and suckiness. You may remember I wouldn’t shut up about Big Al last year and was thoroughly disappointed, but now he seems to be in an ideal situation (again) to finally breakout with some consistent minutes. He can put the ball in the hoop, hit the glass, block some shots, and he is absolutely dominant in the personal fouls category. He’ll be starting at center and should earn eligibility within a couple weeks. Yay!
Stephen Jackson, G/F: The gangsta has posted 51 points on 19-for-33 shooting and dished 11 assists in his last two games. Apparently he’s pissed off about his recently mandated court date next month and is taking it out on the basketball court. He’s been a borderline fantasy starter this year, but with his current hot streak and four games next week, you should take advantage and get him in your lineup.
Luther Head, G: The second-year guard hasn’t started a single game this season, yet he’s still seventh in the league with 44 three-pointers made. That alone makes Luther worth a roster spot, and if T-Mac or Alston were to go down, you’d see a spike in his overall numbers. If you’re trying to compete from behind the arc this week, be sure to get Head in the game.
Kyle Korver, SF: Allen Iverson was recently sent home by the Sixers and now waits to hear where he’ll be traded. In the meantime, Korver may be waking from his hibernation from fantasy relevance. He scored 20 points tonight and 13 on Wednesday. He still has ridiculous long range ability as evidenced by his 54% shooting from downtown this year. Philly will hit the hardwood four times next week, so use Korver while you can. Also, this may be your last opportunity to get Iguodola at his current going rate before he really takes off. If you want to to pursue Iggy, you should make an offer to his owner ASAP.
Mike James, PG: As expected, we have seen the journeyman’s numbers take a hit across the board this year, but MJ is off to a hot start in December. His minutes fluctuated quite a bit in November, but he’s averaging 34 mpg so far this month. James has also found his shooting stroke, hitting 10 treys in his last four games, and scoring a season-high 28 points tonight. If he were playing more than twice this week, I’d say plug him in. Unfortunately, you may need to look elswhere if you can.