It’s time to take a look at week 2/26-3/4:
Four Games: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Golden State, Houston, LA Clippers, Memphis, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento, Seattle, Toronto, Utah, Washington.
Three Games: Cleveland, Denver, Indiana, LA Lakers, Miami, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New Jersey, Portland, San Antonio.
Two Games: Detroit.
Plug ‘em in, Plug ‘em in:
Jason Richardson, GF: The 2006-07 seemed all but lost for Richardson and his fantasy owners for some time there, but his wrist injury may have helped J-Rich take the time to fully recover from his knee surgery. With all the fantasy success stories out of Golden State this season (Davis, Ellis, Biedrins, Barnes), it’s easy to forget that Richardson was supposed to be the sure-fire fantasy stud on this team. It was his 23/6/3 averages with 2.4 treys and 1.3 thefts last year that made him a second or third round pick in drafts this season. Kudos to you if you’ve managed to hold onto him this long. J-Rich is 100% recovered from both injuries and appears ready to get back to being his old self. He’s posted 18.5/7.5/4 off the pine in his first two games back, and should find his way back into the Warriors’ starting lineup in no time. He could very well be the difference maker for a lot of fantasy squads these last couple months of the season. He’s a must start with four tilts coming up this week (@MIL, @CHI, @NY, @WAS).
Kyle Korver, SF: This season may be Andre Iguodala’s breakout year, but he can’t carry the Sixers all by his lonesome. Iggy is mired in a shooting slump in which he’s hit 16 of 54 shots (29.6%) over his last four games, and Korver has been doing his best to make up the difference. The King of Sling is averaging 19/4/1 with 2.5 treys and some sweet shooting (54/96%) since February 9th. Korver has only started one game for Philly this season so his playing time can be erratic, but as a three-point specialist on a hot streak, he’s worth plugging in for four nice matchups this week (SAC, PHO, MEM, NJN).
Randy Foye, G: He’s still stuck in a timeshare in Minnesota’s backcourt with Mike James and Marko Jaric, but Foye has started the last 6 games and should hang on to that starting gig for the rest of the season. The rookie is not only due for his opportunity, but he may also give the T-Wolves a fighting chance at that last playoff spot in the West. As a starter this season, Foye is posting 13/4/5 with 1.5 threes. If he can consistently garner 30-35 mpg, he should be able to improve on those numbers and be a viable fantasy starter down the stretch. Plus, there’s always the possibility of a couple breakout games that could elevate his status even higher. Keep him in your lineups for three matchups this week.
Danny Granger, F: Granger had his share of fantasy worthy starts as a rookie last year, and he’s continued to develop in his second season out of New Mexico. He gives his owners quality production across the board, in the Tayshaun Prince or Josh Childress mold. Granger’s most evident improvement this season has been his production from long range… After averaging 0.4 treys on 32.3% shooting from downtown last year, he’s draining an impressive 1.6 threes per game on 40% shooting in ‘06-07. Granger has helped the Pacers to a 29-25 record this season and he could very well help your fantasy squad land in the playoffs as well. Plug in the versatile forward for three games, including a back-to-back against Phoenix, this week.
Anderson Varejao, FC: The Brazilian big man has started at center in place of Ilgauskus the last four games for the Cavs, averaging 11/13/1 with 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks in the process. Very nice, Wild Thing. Varejao has always been a tenacious rebounder and is one of Cleveland’s top reserves. Even though Big Z returned to the lineup today, we can expect Varejao to continue seeing about 25-30 mpg going forward. Sideshow Bob and his center-eligibility make a decent fill-in for those in need of a second center this week.