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 appearing in 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 leg work for you. We are posting a weekly NBA start em’ and sit em’ fantasy guide to assist you in maximizing your fantasy roster potential.
Last week I recommended four players for your fantasy roster; John Wall, Paul Pierce, Jeff Green, J.R. Smith and Tobias Harris. Of the four, Pierce was a bust as he played in only two games and didn’t add any fantasy value to your week. Wall continued his stellar play and had the best week out of the bunch as he nearly had a triple-double against Chicago and then turned around to drop 37 points of the hapless Toronto Raptors. Carmelo Anthony was the toast of New York this week; however, Smith had himself a solid fantasy week as is flourishing as Anthony’s sidekick in the Big Apple.
Can you believe it? There are only two weeks on NBA action left in the regular season...two weeks! it is absolutely critical that you capitalize on every possible fantasy point available. Four teams play only two games this week so those players cannot be considered and other teams who have the playoffs sewn up might be resting their gunners. Pay attention to the schedule and where the team is positioned in the playoff picture; teams who are on the bubble can ill afford the luxury of resting their stars.
Here we go with eDraft’s week 24 fantasy start em’s and sit em’s. Week 24 in the NBA runs from April 9 through to the evening games on April 14.
START EM’
Kobe Bryant - Guard, Los Angeles Lakers
As the season winds down, there is no team facing more pressure than the Lakers. Currently on the bubble for that final playoff spot in the West; this season would be an unmitigated disaster should the Lakers not qualify for the postseason. Kobe Bryant will be doing everything he can to ensure that he is playing for another Championship. The Lakers have four games this week while their rival the Utah Jazz have only two games on the schedule. If their is ground to be made up, it must happen this week.
Bryant has been his usual unbelieveable self as he is averaging 24.0 ppg, 10.0 apg and 7.7 rpg during this past week. Four high pressure games with Bryant playing at his best could result in huge fantasy numbers for your squad. Bryant is an absolute must start for the week as he will be the top fantasy player come week end.
Carmelo Anthony - Forward, New York Knicks
It is pretty clear that Anthony is going to do absolutely everything he can to win that NBA scoring title over Kevin Durant. If the last four games are indication of the next four then we are in store for some ridiculous numbers. Last week Anthony hung 50 on Miami, 40 on Atlanta, 41 on Milwaukee and he just put up 36 against Oklahoma in what was an absolute barn-burner of a game. Not that fantasy general managers needed further reason to play Anthony this week, but two of those games were double-doubles as he was tearing down rebounds as well. Look for this kind of success to continue as Anthony is in a groove and he is clearly got the green-light to score at will.
Deron Williams - Guard, Brooklyn Nets
Well, it only took 23 weeks, but Williams has finally found his fantasy form. This last week has left many wondering just where this production was all season long. With averages of 28.7 ppg, 8.0 apg and 2.3 rpg, Williams seems to be asserting himself at the right time for the Nets. The Nets have a favorable four game schedule this week, run Williams out there and hope that this raised level of play continues.
Greivis Vasquez - Guard, New Orleans Hornets
Vasquez is putting the touches on a very productive week. He averaged 21.0 ppg, 9.0 apg and 3.3 rpg during a four-game stretch. The Hornets have another four games this coming week and Vasquez will again be called upon to produce. Vasquez has been one of my favorite fantasy performers of the year as he scores, rebounds and racks up the assists. He is capable of putting up triple-doubles on any given night and will regularly give you double-digit points and assists. He has a whopping 24 double-doubles on the season and I’m looking for him to have a solid week here.
SIT EM’
Al Horford - Center, Atlanta Hawks
Horford is usually a great fantasy play as he has emerged as a top-notch centerman in the Eastern Conference. This coming week however, the Hawks only have two games on the schedule and that just isn’t enough game action for Horford to rack up the points. Horford might be seeing some reduced minutes anyways as the Hawks are preparing for the playoffs.
Paul Millsap - Forward, Utah Jazz
Millsap is not exactly finishing out the season on a high note, his numbers are declining and so is his fantasy value. At this point in the season, Millsap is not a good fantasy option. The Jazz have been struggling and they have only got two games on the schedule this week. This might just be Millsap's swan song in Utah as it is highly likely that either him of Al Jefferson or both get moved in the off-season.
Nikola Vucevic - Center, Orlando Magic
If not for only having a couple games this week, Vucevic would have been a great pickup. He has five consecutive double-double games including a 21 point, 21 rebound performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers. A very bright spot for the Orlando Magic as he is out-performing Dwight Howard; the man he was included in a trade for this past off-season.