The Super Bowl may be tomorrow, but don’t fret… Head-to-Head’s Up is here to help set your fantasy hoops lineup despite all the distractions. Most teams have a full schedule coming up before taking a break the following week for the All-Star festivities. Let’s take a look at week 2/5-2/11:
Four games: Atlanta, Charlotte, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Golden State, Houston, Indiana, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, Memphis, Miami, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Orleans, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento, Seattle.
Three Games: Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Milwaukee, Portland, San Antonio, Toronto, Washington.
Two Games: New York, Utah.
How terrible is Andrei Kirilenko??? Frustrated owners were hoping for some type of improvement (anything) after they heard Carlos Boozer would miss a month, but what has AK-47 done recently? He scored 9 points on 3 for 14 shooting on Wednesday, and has only 1 steal and 1 block total in his last three games. He’s reached double digits scoring in only two out of his last nine games. Perhaps the Soviet Secret Police have something to do with this… I can’t explain it. Sit him down this week, and hope for consecutive big games after which you should sell, sell, sell!
Plug ‘em in, Plug ‘em in:
Brandon Roy, G: The 6th overall pick in last year’s draft has emerged as the clear favorite for Rookie of the Year honors. Brandon ROY is averaging a very impressive 17/5/4, 1.2 treys, 1.6 thefts, and 45/91% in 2007. Despite missing a month early in the season due to injury, the versatile guard has been the only rookie to perform consistently for his team and for his fantasy owners. Roy’s development has been evident as he’s posted career highs in points (28), rebounds (10), and assists (11) in different games over the last two weeks. Roy-Roy should be in fantasy lineups regardless of format or the size of your league. Plug him in for three matchups this week.
Nick Collison, F/C: Seattle’s “Tall Vanilla Latte” (oh my god I love that nickname) has been a beast since returning to the starting lineup last month. The former Jayhawk has posted 19/13/1 with a steal & a block and ridiculous percentages (62/79%) over his last 11 games. Collison has obviously stepped it up in the absence of Rashard Lewis, but this is just downright silly for a guy who went undrafted in most fantasy leagues. He’s played 42 and 46 minutes in the Sonics’ last two games, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Plus, his center-eligibility makes Collison a pretty sweet commodity. Keep the Tall Vanilla Latte (you could say he’s “steaming” right now) in your lineups for another four games this week.
Hedo Turkoglu, G/F: Many of us thought that Turkoglu would build on his career season last year, but he has seen a dip in most fantasy categories in 2006-07. Veteran Grant Hill’s relative good health has helped limit Hedo to around 30 mpg this year, but Hill’s most recent injury (sprained MCL) will shelve him for at least the next two weeks, if not longer. Meanwhile, Dr. Turk has rediscovered his mojo in recent weeks, averaging 16/4/2 with 1.8 threes, 1.5 steals, and impressive shooting (48/83%) since January 10. He should be able to maintain his surge and hopefully parlay it into a strong second half this season. With Hill out and four games on tap, this week is an ideal time to get the Turkish sniper in your lineup.
Vladimir Radmanovic, F: Speaking of Eastern European sharpshooters, VladRad’s fantasy numbers are also benefiting due to an injured teammate… Luke Walton is expected to miss a week with a sprained ankle. Radman has started the last four games for the Lakers, posting 14/7/2 with 1.8 treys, 1.3 steals, and 55/75% shooting. As their numbers would indicate, Turkoglu and Radmanovic are very similar players—both in style and production–when given playing time. Walton had been struggling before his injury anyway, failing to score double digits in 9 of his last 11 games, so if Vladimir can maintain a certain level of consistency he could supplant Walton in the starting lineup. He’s a solid play for four games next week, regardless. I suspect Radman might score 30 tonight against the Wizards and find his way onto many fantasy rosters by tomorrow.