Ahh, there’s nothing like waking up to a balmy 66 degrees on the 1st of December in the nation’s capital. Is it global warming? Or perhaps Gilbert Arenas’s scorching hot shooting (33%) this past week? Could it just be anticipation for tonight’s Wizards/Bobcats game? Yes, Yes, I’m sure it’s that last one. Well, setting your fantasy hoops lineup isn’t any more of a science than predicting climate change, so let’s get to it.
Four games: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Golden State, Houston, Indiana, LA Lakers, Memphis, Milwaukee, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, Washington.
Three Games: Charlotte, Denver, Detroit, LA Clippers, Miami, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Toronto.
Two Games: Cleveland, Utah.
Plug ‘em in, Plug ‘em in:
Raja Bell, SG: Ok, so this one may be obvious. Raja has broken out of his early season slump in a big way, averaging 22 points and draining at least 4 treys a night in his last five games. He’s actually shooting more and at a higher percentage from behind the arc (47.0%) than from short range (46.7%). Bell has developed into one of the premiere three-point specialists in the league and should be in everybody’s lineups right now.
Jamaal Tinsley, PG: There’s no telling how long JT will stay healthy, let alone keep up his current hot streak. So, there’s no better time than right now to take advantage. Save for an off game at Portland on Tuesday, Jamaal has posted some nifty averages (18/5/7, 1.6 threes, 1.6 spg) over the last two weeks. Plug him in with confidence as the Pacers tip off four times this week.
Luol Deng, G/F: Bill Clinton may have been from Hope, Arkansas, but Luol Deng hails from Wow, Sudan. The former Blue Devil continues to make significant progress in his third pro season, upping his scoring average to 18 on 13.6 shot attempts per game. He is currently shooting a ridiculous 54.5% from the floor and is chipping in on the defensive cats as well (1.2 spg, 0.7 bpg). The Bulls take the court four times next week so be sure to have Luol in your lineups Deng it!!
Hakim Warrick, F: It’s been a bit of a roller coaster ride the first month for Warrick and his owners, but the former Syracuse standout is getting big minutes again and delivering solid percentages: 52%FG, 71%FT. Memphis has some nice matchups on tap (@NY, @BOS, @MIL, LAC), and with Mike Miller and Chucky Atkins (get him in your lineup while you’re at it) being the team’s other scoring options right now, Warrick appears to be a smart play.
Sit ‘em down:
Andrei Kirilenko, F: The gas-operated assault rifle is known for filling up the stat sheets, but this year, Kirilenko has frustrated his owners yet again. He remains a major injury risk and his offense has all but vanished in Utah. BV suggested selling him if you can get some decent value, but I’m not sure who would bite right now. The Jazz only play twice this week, so go ahead and tell Andrei to grab some pine.
Speedy Claxton, PG: Many (including myself) targeted Atlanta’s new floor general in drafts as a potential sleeper. Instead, the Hawks’ decision to spend $25 million to acquire the veteran backup is beginning to look worse than my decision to sign up with Mobile ESPN as my wireless service provider last summer. Sure, the Hawks have a full schedule coming up, but four potential blowout losses on a west coast swing can’t be something they’re looking forward to. Speedy just sucks a fat one right now anyway… shooting 23% from the field while sporting season highs of 9 points and 5 assists. If you don’t have room to sit him at the end of your bench, feel free to cut him loose.