Muntradamus:FANTASY PLAYER UPDATE Prt.2 (Week 6)

FANTASY PLAYER UPDATE Prt.2 (Week 6)

BY: Muntradamus

(Read Part.1 Here)

Every fantasy player that has any implications on any lineup will be listed in this article.  This is my perspective of what is currently going with every player.  If you have a question about a player, and a player only I will share my opinion on him.

For those that are new to the site, I spend hours upon hours of research and I man handle multiple high stakes fantasy basketball leagues at once.  I am here to help you win your league.

Daily Show is coming soon along with 3 NEW ARTICLES!!

Also Coming in February is the new TIER RANKINGS for each position.

Let’s get to it..

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Kobe Bryant– Continues to play like a top 5 pick in all fantasy leagues.  He fills up the stat sheet consistently better than any guard in the fantasy basketball world.

Andrew Bynum– Is finally starting to see more shot attempts and broke 20+ Points for the first time since, Jan 5^th.  Hopefully this trend continues as he is far too talented for the production he has been putting up so far.

Pau Gasol– Is finally playing like the 2^nd round pick he was suppose to be.  He is still soft, and I still do not like him as a basketball player.  But as far as fantasy basketball goes, he is more than alright.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLES

Rudy Gay- Has been having a nice season, but he has not played like the 1^st round type value he was before he got injured last season.  His production is still decent with 20+ Points and good amount of rebounds, blocks and steals.  However when Zach Randolph returns expect his touches to go down.

Mike Conley- Continues to have a breakout season, this week was not as good as the past.  Though he still managed to get great assist numbers to go along with his amazing FT% and high steal rate.  Conley is a great fantasy guard to own.

OJ Mayo- Has now officially been playing starter minutes off the bench.  He is not producing to the level that his fantasy owners would expect, but at least the potential is there for something great.

Tony Allen- Is a weak starting fantasy option especially because he splits time directly with Mayo.  A bad situation for him as far as consistent offensive production goes.

Marc Gasol- Is beasting it up this year, and is easily playing like a top 5 center option.  His touches will go down when Zach Randolph returns, but before that happens continue to enjoy what could be the 2^nd best center in all of fantasy basketball.

Zach Randolph- Early reports are that he could come back anytime between mid and late February.  For now pick him up if he is available because he is one of the best offensive post players in the NBA today.

MIAMI HEAT

Lebron James- Continues to play like the 1^st overall pick in all fantasy leagues, even with the return of Dwayne Wade.

Dwayne Wade- Returned this week to show off that he is still one of the best guards in all of fantasy basketball.  So far no report on any problems after his first three games back, which means the steals/blocks/assists and everything else he brings will be there for the foreseeable future.

Chris Bosh- Has taken a fantasy basketball hit with the return of Wade.  Those games of 20+ Points, 10+ Rebounds will not be there as often as they once were.  However Sunday proved otherwise which makes a good case for him to be a great sell high candidate.

Mario Chalmers- Lost the most value out of any fantasy player with the return of Wade.  Now Chalmers has to battle Norris Cole every night for minutes, which is not a good thing especially because Cole is a fan favorite in Miami.

Udonis Haslem- Is good for about 10 rebounds a game if he gets the minutes.  That’s about it.

MILWAKUE BUCKS

Stephen Jackson– Is too good to be on the bench for the Bucks.  But when he is active, they still manage to give him his starter minutes.  It will not be before long he gets back that fantasy value that he had a couple weeks ago.  Making S-Jacks a soon to be sell high candidate.

Drew Gooden– Is now the hottest pickup in all of fantasy basketball as he has thrived all season filling in for Bogut.  With Bogut out for two-three months, you would be crazy to leave the former Kansas Jay Hawk on the waiver wire.

Ersan Illysova– Is a nice deep fantasy sleeper in all leagues as he could play a major role in this rebuilding of no Andrew Bogut season.  His 3PT shot is very relevant, and he grabbed 19 Rebounds, which was a bit of a fluke, the game Bogut went down.

Brandon Jennings– Should take his fantasy basketball level to the elite stages now that the Bucs need him more than ever.  The assists may go down a little bit, but his scoring and 3PTM should start going up.

Carlos Delfino– Continues to start every night however he is only a fraction of the player he was a season ago.  Best left for the waiver wire.

Mike Dunleavy– Has some interesting fantasy potential, and it should not be long before he takes either Shaun Livingtson, or Carlos Delfino’s starting spot.  He will rack up 3PTM with the best of the best of them if he is given the opportunity.

Shaun Livingston– Read Mike Dunleavy.

Luc Richard Mbah A Moute– Will continue to see heavy minutes because he is an excellent defender.  Not a great player for your fantasy basketball roster.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Michael Beasley– Returned this week to only show off that he is a shooting machine.  He shot the ball once every two minutes since he has returned making him a great fantasy pickup if he is still available.  I would start him as well.

Kevin Love– Continues to arguably play like the 2^nd best fantasy basketball player.

Nikola Pekovic– Has stepped up to play like a great fantasy center who is worth considering in all leagues.  I would first wait to see if the T-Wolves give up on the Darko project, but this guy is a serious double-double threat every game, and reminds me of the next Marcin Gortat.

Ricky Rubio– Will get you around 10 Assists per game consistently, the points will not come in bunches, nor any other category.

Luke Ridnour– His days of fantasy relevance are coming to an end with the return of Beasley.  It was nice while it lasted.

Derrick Williams– Has fallen off the fantasy radar as he is having trouble adjusting to his SF/PF breed size.  He did not do anything to impress the Minnesota fan base with Beasley out.

NEW JERSEY NETS

Deron Williams– Is still playing like a 1^st round value fantasy player, once Brook Lopez returns expect those assist numbers to increase.

Brook Lopez– Is a couple weeks from returning to the court.  Once he is back, Brook will be a must start fantasy player in all leagues and is immediately a top 10 center.

MarShon Brooks– Value took a huge hit over this weekend.  Rumors are that his foot may be broken, on top of that, coach Avery Johnson said his minutes will be limited the rest of the season to around the 25+ range.  I would trade him immediately while he still has some value, or you can trade him once he returns and puts up one big game.

Anthony Morrow– Continues to be a 3PT shooting machine.  His value will remain high with Brooks sidelined, even when he returns he will continue to knock a couple of 3PTM a game.

Kris Humphries– A solid double-double machine who will stand to lose a lot of value in a couple of weeks once Brook Lopez returns.  It would be wise to sell high on the Ex Kardashian Lover.

 

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

Jarrett Jack– Remains a consistent fantasy guard.  His numbers have not been as explosive as they were earlier this season, but there is no reason to think he is not capable of reaching that goal again.

Eric Gordon– Continues to rest his knee for another month if not more.  Bad situation for his fantasy owners, if he is a free agent and your league is a weekly lineup league, I would snatch him quickly.  He will make an impact in the fantasy basketball world immediately once he returns.

Trevor Ariza– After coming back from his injury he reminded us of the Ariza from the Rocket days.  Shortly after that, he reminded us that he is a very inconsistent fantasy option who gets a lot of playing time.  Your team is probably not in a good position if you are relying on Trevor.

Emeka Okafor– Mr. Big Consistent has been a solid fantasy source all season of blocks, and rebounds.  He is playing good minutes, and should continue to be a great center to own in all fantasy leagues throughout the season.

Carl Landry– Has stepped up into that scorers role the Hornets needed, only to find himself back on the bottom of the bench Sunday.  The potential is there, for now I would keep him on my bench.  Make sure he is not available as 15 Point, 10 Rebound games will be there consistently at some point.

Chris Kaman– Once the best post scorer on the team, now can’t even find the active squad.  If you must waive him, the time is now.

NEW YORK KNICKS

Baron Davis- Is expected to return this week, which means the end of the road for Landry Fields getting consistent minutes.  The timing could not be better for Baron Davis as Iman Shumpert has been struggling, and Toney Douglas is not much of a competition for that starting spot.

Iman Shumpert- Value has taken a hit, and now that hit will feel like a punch once Baron Davis returns.  Shumpert still has nice upside, and does get the intangibles, but for now he is best left on your bench.

Toney Douglas- His days and his minutes are numbered with the return of Baron Davis.  He had his chance to take over with Carmelo injured, and he did not impress as much as he was capable of.  The shot volume was there, the results were not.

Amare Stoudemire- Is finally looking like the player you drafted him to be, but he is doing it without Carmelo Anhtony.  Once he returns which should be sometime this week, it will be vital that Amare retains his production, otherwise his trade value will drop dramatically.

Carmelo Anthony– Once he returns from his injury, expect Melo to be classic Melo and score 20+ Points a game along with doing everything else that makes him a borderline 1st or 2nd round value pick.

Tyson Chandler-  Has been a consistent double-double machine with good block numbers.  Finally he is playing to the level he was expected to play his entire NBA career.

OKLAHOMA CITY

Kevin Durant- Nothing new about the #2 overall draft pick in all fantasy basketball leagues.  He is still has potential to put up better numbers.

Russell Westbrook- Easily a top 5 Guard in all fantasy leagues.  He is putting up ridiculous numbers consistently.

Serge Ibaka- Finally adding some offensive touch to his game, for those who bought low on him.  Nice move.

James Harden- Is looking like a lock for 6^th man of the year.  If an injury occurred to Durant or Westbrook, James Harden would have must-start status and be a top 2^nd or 3^rd round value player.  The potential for a lot more is still there for the young guard out of Arizona State.

ORLANDO MAGIC

Dwight Howard– #1 Fantasy Center by a long shot.  Not much left could be said, except expect a trade to a different team by the time the trade deadline comes along.  It is highly unlikely he re-signs with the Magic.

Ryan Anderson– The consistency is not there the former Cal star.  However with a Dwight Howard trade, those shot attempts and better shots, should be coming more frequently.  Now is a good time to buy low on the a player who is capable of 20+ every night when his confidence is rocking.

Jameer Nelson– Battling injuries, battling inconsistency, not a good season for Jameer so far.  Luckily he has no competition and at somepoint he should get it all together once again.

Jason Richardson– Is playing at a very low level, and between him and J.J. Reddick neither player is much of a fantasy option these days.

Hedo Turkolgu– Is starting to play like his former Magic self.  He has some good low-end fantasy value, however his consistency remains a problem just like all the Magic players besides D12.

PHILIDELPHIA 76ERS

Louis Williams- Still is the leading scorer on the team, however the guard situation in Philly is so deep that it is hard to trust.  I would feel much better about trading him for a weakness on my team, than expecting his production to stay this consistent all season.  At some point Evan Truner is going to turn the corner.

Evan Turner- Is the next Dwayne Wade when he gets the 30+ Minutes consistently.  Of course he will not put up the Wade type numbers, but he gets the intangibles with the rebounds, blocks, and steals from the guard spot.

Andre Iguodala- Does not bring you consistent fantasy production, but when he is on, he will give you low-end 3×2 numbers.  The shot attempts are not there this season, and the time is now to sell high on a player who is well past his prime on a team that does not need him to take over.

Elton Brand- His production is starting to go on the decline, especially with Spencer Hawes returning very soon.  Brand had his moments this season, but his consistency is about to take a major hit.

Spencer Hawes- Will not return Monday, but it would not be surprising to see him return at somepoint this week.  I would leave him on my bench in all fantasy leagues.

Jodie Meeks- Continues to do enough damage to be in the starting lineup and play major minutes for the 76ers.  However he is not consistent enough, or does not do enough damage to warrant being a starter on your fantasy roster.

Thaddeus Young- Is a very high potential forward who is buried on the bench and will need an injury to Elton Brand to have consistent must-start fantasy status.

PHOENIX SUNS

Steve Nash- Continues to put up great fantasy numbers with a mediocre team.  Once he gets traded to a team that has great scoring options, those 15+ Assist games will be coming regularly.  He is questionable for Mondays game tonight, which makes him a questionable start in all fantasy leagues.

Marcin Gortat- Has been the beneficiary of most of Steve Nash’s dimes.  He is grabbing 10+ Rebounds with ease and is an excellent fantasy start until the day Nash is traded.

Jared Dudley- Has come out of nowhere to be fantasy relevant again now that he has his starting spot back.  He was a huge fantasy player towards the stretch of last season, and this is his second chance this season to prove his worth.

Grant Hill- Is a good plug-in-play for deep leagues if you need a forward who will play consistent minutes.  His production is definitely more on the lower side however.

Markieff Morris- Has his moments, but his moments are always battled between Hakim Warrick and Channing Frye every night, making them all very inconsistent fantasy players.

Channing Frye- Read Markieff Morris.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

LaMarcus Aldridge– Is the most consistent fantasy center in the NBA as far as not hurting you in a category (Dwight Howard. FT%).  The numbers will be there every night.

Marcus Camby– Had a huge rebounding week grabbing 15+ every single night.  He is a great fantasy start while he is healthy, and he single handily can change your team around.

Raymond Felton– Had a disappointing week as the Blazers played musical chairs with all of their Guards/SFs.  Expect Felton to bounce back, and remain consistent in the steals and assists department.

Gerald Wallace– Is having one of the most inconsistent fantasy seasons to date.  His decline has started back to the day he was traded to Portland last season.  The steals are still there, but everything else has declined, or is inconsistent.

Wesley Matthews– Sharp Shooter who will do nothing else besides score around 15 points a game.

Nicolas Batum– Has high fantasy basketball potential, but there is no way he can consistently show it with how deep Portland is.

Jamal Crawford– Is starting to see a lot more minutes, especially eating into Raymond Felton’s time.  However he is also inconsistent and is best left to be in your active lineup if you are in deeper leagues.  It was nice to see him get double-digit assists earlier in the week.

SACREMENTO KINGS

Tyreke Evans– Continues to play a 2^nd round pick with no Marcus Thornton.  He is extremely valuable, and I expect him to continue to put up star numbers once Thornton returns.

Marcus Thornton– Is going to need to battle back hard, as his spot as the #1 scorer on this team is not as safe as it was to start the season.   The thigh injury has really taken a toll on his fantasy value, but all it takes is one 30+ Point performance when he returns for everyone to remember how talented he is.  He should not be in any fantasy lineups this week.

DeMarcus Cousins– Is well past his early season trade demands, and inconsistent play.  He is a top flight fantasy center as long as stays out of foul trouble.  By the time the season ends, this guy will be putting up 20-10 games consistently.

Jimmer Fredette– Had a nice bounce back week, however his value will go down immediately once Marcus Thornton returns.  One week flier right here.

J.J. Hickson– Has lost all his value.

Jason Thompson– Continues to put up near double-double numbers almost every night.  Chuck Hayes was back briefly before re-injuring his shoulder, cut into Thompsons minutes heavily.  Hopefully the Kings move Jason to a team that actually needs him.

John Salmons– Is doing just enough to keep Donte Greene out of the starting lineup.  But he is not doing enough to justify being in your fantasy basketball lineup.

 

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Kawhi Leonard– Has now played himself out of the starter type minutes entirely once Manu Ginobili returns.  He will most likely be splitting time with Gary Neal and Richard Jefferson off the bench.

Richard Jefferson– Has done nothing to impress fantasy owners over this time, and his fantasy value will be worthless once Ginobili returns.  His days of being a 16+ PPG scorer is long gone.

Tim Duncan– Is playing some of the best basketball he has played all season, however as the season rolls on expect those DNP’s to rack up quickly.  The most you could hope for in his situation is a double-double every other night.  Trade him while he still has value.

Tony Parker– Continues to play the best basketball we have seen him play in a couple of years.  His value is due to drop once Ginobili returns, but for now continue to rack up the assists and consistent 15+ Points.

Dejuan Blair– Is not a safe fantasy start at all, and his value is worth nothing thanks to Tiaggo Splitter continuing to out play the former Pitt center.  A double-double is a huge night for Blair, but that does not come often.

Tiaggo Splitter– Is easily the best big man on the Spurs, but continues to eat minutes off the bench.  Once the Spurs start giving him 30+ Minutes a game, or if Duncan/Blair get hurt than expect the Loch Ness Monster to perform consistently.

TORONTO RAPTORS

Andrea Bargnani- Continues to sit with his calf injury, his return date is uncertain and it is too early to drop him.

Jerryd Bayless- Has done enough to crack the starting lineup.  That did not take long at all once he came back from his ankle injury.  Right now he is at the SG spot, but it will not be long before he takes over a majority of Calderon’s minutes.

Jose Calderon- Is on his last fantasy legs.  Right now he is starting at PG because Barbosa is out, once Barbosa is back, it is very possible Calderon finds himself on the bench watching Bayless run the squad.  Wait for one good game, then deal him immediately.

Amir Johnson- Is back into the good grace of the Raptors Franchise, and should have plenty of oppurutnites for double-doubles while Andrea Bargnani gets healthy.

Ed Davis- Is still coming off the bench, but he has already shown last season and this season that he is an effective player if he gets the minutes.  I would snag him up in all fantasy leagues if I had the roster space.

James Johnson- Gerald Wallace 2.0 will continue to get solid production with no Bargs.  The blocks and steals come every night and that is enough to make him a solid fantasy play.

DeMar DeRozan- Is getting every oppurutnity to prove to the Raptors that he could be a big part of their future.  Eventually he will put it all together and stay consistent, I would not panic to quickly on the 3^rd year player out of USC.

Leandro Barbosa- Has been playing his best NBA since Phoenix, and he will continue to eat up minutes for both Bayless, and Calderon.

UTAH JAZZ

Al Jefferson- Had a very rough week that is showing his ankle injury is something of concern.  I am personally benching him this week for Marcus Camby, especially with the news he is doubtful for Monday.

Paul Millsap- Was pretty solid all week, and should continue putting up big numbers while Jefferson is limited with the ankle.

Devin Harris- Did nothing to prove that he is more valuable than Earl Watson.  Right now they are splitting time, with the hope that one of them pulls away from the other.  Earl Watson is doing himself no favors.

Earl Watson- Read Devin Harris.

Derrick Favors- Has proved he is fantasy worth when given the opportunity.  That opportunity only comes when Jefferson or Millsap are hurt.

C.J. Miles- Has been one of the best scorers on the Jazz, and is on the cusp of getting a starting spot.  He is a great add in all leagues with his dual SG/SF eligibility.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

John Wall- Is still playing like a 2^nd round pick that he deserved to be.  The 3PTM and FT% is on the low side, but the steals, blocks, and assists are great.

Nick Young– Continues to be a solid source of Points, Steals, and 3PTM.

Javale McGee– Has not performed at the high level owners were expecting, maybe he will build off of his 22 Point, 11 Rebound performance.  At least the blocks are coming in bunches.

Andray Blatche– Is now not only hurt, but he is starting to get buried on that bench.  At some point this season you have to believe that he will be fantasy worthy again.

Jordan Crawford– The potential for a must-start fantasy player is there for Crawford, it will probably take a Nick Young injury to make that happen.

Rashard Lewis- Will give you a couple 3PTM and that is about it.  How the mighty have fallen.