A fairly busy week… Here’s a look at 1/8-1/14:
Four games: Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Portland, Toronto.
Three Games: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Cleveland, Indiana, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, Memphis, Miami, Minnesota, New Jersey, Orlando, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Antonio, Seattle, Utah, Washington.
Two Games: Golden State, New York.
Get Chris Bosh back in your lineups ASAP if you haven’t already done so. He posted 26/14/4 and 2 blocks in his first game back from injury.
I don’t really want to comment on Golden State’s Matt Barnes (23.3ppg, 8.2rpg, 3apg, 4.3 treys, 1.7 thefts over last 2 weeks) but I’m hating DM who picked him up in our league.
Mike Bibby owners were delighted to see the guard breakout with a season high 38 points on 12 for 21 from the field (and 16 trips to the charity stripe) last night.
Also, FYI: Arenas and Caron Butler are ranked #1 and #2 overall (basketballmonster.com) for the last two weeks of action. The Wiz have won 6 of 7 and 12 of their last 15 games.
Plug ‘em in, Plug ‘em in:
Tyson Chandler, FC: Say what you want about the former Baby Bull, but he has certainly found his niche in Oklahoma City. Chandler has appeared in all but two games this season after being plagued by various injuries in recent years. He’s also averaging career highs in minutes (31.9), rebounds (11.2), and FG% (62.4%). Chandler is off to a good start in the New Year with 31 boards and 4 blocks in two games. Make sure he’s in your lineup for the Hornets’ four matchups next week (LAC, @ATL, WAS, @MIL).
Andrew Bynum, C: The kid just turned 19 in October and is the Lakers’ starting center. He showed some flash earlier in the season when he was thrust into the rotation and now has the opportunity to reclaim the starting gig with Kwame out for a month. With 30+ minutes Bynum could average 12/10 and a couple swats a night over the next few weeks. If your second center is Zaza, Frye or Wilcox, I’d say Bynum should get the nod over them.
Jason Kapono, F: The chump from UCLA is actually getting burn for the Heat as of late. Funny thing is he’s getting PT at the expense of James Posey and Antoine Walker who were inactivated for failing to reach a Janurary 1st deadline to get their body fat to 8% or less. Posey claims that he’s currently at 9% and should be back in no time, but I think we can assume ‘Toine’s fat ass will be out for the year if the Heat actually enforce this rule. In the meantime, Kapono has started the last 3 games and is averaging 16/3/2 with 2.5 treys and a steal over his last six. If you need help from downtown start J-Kap for three games next week.
Randy Foye, G: Last week it was Roy, now it’s Foye. DM talked yesterday about Mike James’s struggles, while at the same time rookie Randy Foye appears to be earning the trust of coach Dwane Casey. Foye has seen his minutes increase from 15mpg in November to 20mpg last month and to a season high 41 minutes in Wednesday’s OT win over the Spurs. With his increased role, Foye has scored in double digits in 8 of his last 11 games, averaging 13/2/2 48/90% over that span. He’s got great all-around game and can score from anywhere. If Foye could crack Minnesota’s starting lineup or find a way to get 30 minutes a night he’d be an everyday fantasy starter. He may not be worth starting in shallow leagues, but he could be a good plug-in if you need a utility guy. The T-Wolves face the Clips, Griz, and Nets next week.