If you look at the NBA in the same fashion as the NFL then there are 25 weeks of NBA action. By breaking down each week and analyzing team schedules you can load your roster with players playing more games and sit those who are playing fewer games.
If all this sounds like a lot of work then you need not worry; because we have done the legwork for you. We are posting a weekly NBA start em’ and sit em’ fantasy guide to assist you in maximizing your fantasy roster potential.
Week 21 in the NBA runs from March 19th through to the conclusion of action on the 25th. During this stretch we see that there are quite a few teams who play only two or three games. So let’s start off by mentioning a few players who need to be sat down this week.
First off we have the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers and the Sacramento Kings all have two game work weeks ahead. While Rajon Rondo is still rounding into game shape he is proving to have fantasy value due to his assist numbers. Of course Stephen Curry is a fantasy-stud, as is Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and the Kings DeMarcus Cousins has been solid all season. Needless to say all these guys need to be sat down due to the scheduling.
The rest of the Association all play three or four games during the week so as usual we will be focusing on those who give the most bang for their buck. With this in mind the Chicago Bulls offer some decent value this week as they have a nice four game set ahead with home and away series against Indiana and Philadelphia.
I’m looking for Joakim Noah and D.J. Augustin to continue their March success this week. Noah has been averaging 14.6 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 7.9 apg, 2.1 blocks and 1.3 steals per game during the month of March. Noah has been the offensive catalyst for the team and as usual the heart and soul of the franchise.
Augustin has been the spark off the bench for the Bulls since December. He has filled the role that was vacated by the departed Nate Robinson nicely. March has been a great month for the super-reserve as he is averaging a robust 18.8 ppg, 1.6 rpg and 3.6 apg. Augustin is playing himself into serious consideration for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award and in the progress elevating his fantasy value considerably.
Another player riding a super-hot month of March is Denver’s Kenneth Faried. The “Manimal” is absolutely on fire this month and he will be looking to keep the strong play going this week. Denver will travel to play Dallas and Oklahoma and they will host Detroit and Washington this week.
Faried is putting up a nice slash line this month as he is averaging 21.9 ppg and 9.8 rpg. Faried has always been good for solid rebounding numbers but throw in a 20-point plus per game average and all of a sudden he must be considered among the fantasy elite. Now I don’t believe that these numbers are sustainable for an entire season, I’m sure glad to reap the short term rewards by putting Faried in the lineup.
Next up we check in with the New Orleans Pelicans and their super sophomore Anthony Davis. Davis’ play of late has been out of this world. Over his last five games he is averaging 33.2 ppg, 14.2 rpg, 2.8 apg and 3.4 blocks per game. With the Pelicans favourable schedule this week, Davis is an absolute must start.
The Pelicans have three homes games against Toronto, Miami and Brooklyn and only a single road game as they travel into Atlanta. Davis should matchup well against all of these teams as they aren’t known for their physical interiour play. I expect Davis to continue the strong play throughout the month and as an added bonus the Pelicans also have four games next week as well.
Staying in the Western Conference, I’m enamoured by the Phoenix Suns of late. Granted their team success hasn’t been there of late; however, from an individualistic perspective the fantasy values of many of the players has never been higher. Goran Dragic and Gerald Green are bargains right now as they are just going off on a nightly basis.
A lesser known yet valued fantasy option off that squad is Markieff Morris. Morris is enjoying a nice run here in March as he is averaging 16.1 ppg and 7.5 rpg. As teams are focusing on the perimeter play of Dragic, Green and Eric Bledsoe; the lane is opened up for Morris to score easy buckets and grab those offensive rebounds from the missed perimeter shots. The Suns have four games this week and Morris will be a solid contributor as the Suns chase down a playoff spot.