GuardsJordan Crawford, PG, SG (WAS)--The Wizards may have just two wins on the season, but there is plenty to talk about in terms of fantasy. Jordan Crawford has been on fire over his last four games, scoring at least 17 points coming off of the bench. His playing time has been fairly stable for most of the season and considering he has committed just two personal fouls since November 26, his minutes will continue to stick around 25 per-game. On Tuesday, Crawford hit on three of his six three-point attempts and is averaging 3.73 three-point attempts per-game on the season. He will not help too much in the rebound and assist department, but his 80.9 free throw percentage is intriguing for any fantasy owner. In most fantasy leagues Crawford can be used at both guard positions, so those looking for depth at either guard position should consider picking up Crawford before it's too late.Alexey Shved, PG, SG (MIN)--Since November 24, Alexey Shved has been awarded at least 25 minutes of playing time per game and has taken full advantage. Over his last four games Shved is averaging 15.3 points-per-game to go along with 2.8 assists-per-game and 2.5 rebounds-per-game. He has also taken at least five three-point attempts over his last four games and is connecting on over half of his shots taken behind the three-point ark (54.2 3-point fg pct). His playing time may take a hit as once Ricky Rubio returns to action, but the Timberwolves consider Shved there future at the shooting guard position. Those in need of help in three-point shooting should take a long look at Shved before he becomes a must-own in all fantasy formats, and that will be sooner than later.Ben Gordon, SG (CHA)--He has been known for his streaky scoring over the course of his career, and Ben Gordon is back on one of the streaks over the last week. In his last for games, Gordon is averaging 23.5 points-per-game and has connected at least three three-point field goals in each game including games in which he hit seven and eight three-point attempts. With Gerald Henderson returning to action, Gordon may see a decrease in playing time, but he is known for volume scoring no matter how many minutes he is on the court. His turnovers have been an issue (12 in previous four games), but it isn't serious enough to overshadow the positive attributes he is currently producing in fantasy.ForwardsJason Maxiell, PF (DET)--The Pistons are in rebuilding mode, but there are a few veterans on the team that are contributing significantly, including Jason Maxiell. Starting all 20 games this season, Maxiell has not disappointed those who took stock in him this season, averaging 8.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 1.6 BPG in just over 26 minutes each contest. He has picked up his game over his last six games in the shot- blocking department, averaging 2.5 BPG making him one of the better shot-blockers in the league over that time span. The Pistons will be playing from behind a lot this season, considering they are one of the worst teams in the league, so he is going to continue to log minutes and should take full advantage of his extended playing time, as should fantasy owners.
Carlos Delfino, SG, SF (HOU)--Since returning to action on December 1, Carlos Delfino has made an immediate impact for the Rockets off of the bench. He missed the team's previous seven games with a groin injury, but appears to have fully recovered and is going to be the sixth-man moving forward. In his previous two games, Delfino is averaging 14 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.0 APG and 1.o SPG in just over 47 minutes of playing time. To add to his already growing fantasy value, he has taken 15 three-point attempts in his last two games, hitting on 45 percent of his three-point field goal attempts. He will continue to be an asset in the three-point field goals made, so that takes him to another level when considering players on the waiver wire. In most fantasy leagues, he classifies at both the guard and forward positions making him a solid ad for those looking to improve their overall depth.Shawn Marion, SF, PF (DAL)--Sometimes it isn't the flashy pickup that stands out the most, rather the reliable and that would be the case for Shawn Marion. Over his last five games, Marion has picked up his game giving us a tease of the fantasy value he once produced back in his days with the Suns. Averaging 13.2 PPG to go along with 6.6 RPG, Marion has become the most consistent fantasy player outside of O.J. Mayo in the Mavericks starting lineup. Sprinkling in a few steals and blocks on any given night, Marion pretty much covers all scoring categories in fantasy, outside of three-point field goals made. In the previously mentioned timeframe, Marion has taken just six shots from behind the three-point ark, with the team relying on Mayo from that distance, but there is still a chance he can give owners one or two long balls here and there.CentersLarry Sanders, PF, C (MIL)---After touching on Larry Sanders earlier in the season, there was probably still a few that were skeptic on his fantasy value, but that likely changed after Sanders' recent success. In his last four games, Sanders has been a shot-blocking machine, blocking 23 shots including one game with 10 and one game with seven. Last Friday he logged his first triple-double on his career as he continues to be a dominating force under the basket. Since November 30, Sanders is averaging 10.5 RPG, 10 PPG, 5.75 BPG and 1.5 SPG making him a must-add in all fantasy leagues. His recent play has also landed him a spot in the Bucks starting lineup, but he is still struggling with staying on the court due to foul trouble. This is a start in the making, and once he learns to control his body better and limit the fouls, he will be a fantasy stud.
Andray Blatche, PF, C (BKN)--With Brook Lopez out for an extended period of time with a foot injury, Andray Blatche has stepped his game up in a big way for both the Nets and fantasy owners. Since taking over for Lopez, Blatche is averaging 17.7 PPG and 9.3 RPG and has played at least 25 minutes in each contest. He has shown flashes of his offensive abilities over the years, but was never able to put it all together for a full season, which has limited his fantasy value. Playing on a well-balanced team like the Nets, Blatche could have more success, even when Lopez returns from injury. For now, those in need on help at the center position should pick him up before it is too late and reap the rewards.
To make setting your Fantasy Basketball lineup easy, be sure to utilize RotoInfo.com’s new NBA Lineup Grids.Matthew Beck is a Fantasy Sports Columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail him at matthewbeck@rotoinfo.com. Also follow him on Twitter @MatthewRBeck for up-to-date Q&A and fantasy information. And, to make setting your Fantasy Basketball lineup easy, be sure to utilize RotoInfo.com’s new NBA Lineup Grids. GuardsJordan Crawford, PG, SG (WAS)--The Wizards may have just two wins on the season, but there is plenty to talk about in terms of fantasy. Jordan Crawford has been on fire over his last four games, scoring at least 17 points coming off of the bench. His playing time has been fairly stable for most of the season and considering he has committed just two personal fouls since November 26, his minutes will continue to stick around 25 per-game. On Tuesday, Crawford hit on three of his six three-point attempts and is averaging 3.73 three-point attempts per-game on the season. He will not help too much in the rebound and assist department, but his 80.9 free throw percentage is intriguing for any fantasy owner. In most fantasy leagues Crawford can be used at both guard positions, so those looking for depth at either guard position should consider picking up Crawford before it's too late.Alexey Shved, PG, SG (MIN)--Since November 24, Alexey Shved has been awarded at least 25 minutes of playing time per game and has taken full advantage. Over his last four games Shved is averaging 15.3 points-per-game to go along with 2.8 assists-per-game and 2.5 rebounds-per-game. He has also taken at least five three-point attempts over his last four games and is connecting on over half of his shots taken behind the three-point ark (54.2 3-point fg pct). His playing time may take a hit as once Ricky Rubio returns to action, but the Timberwolves consider Shved there future at the shooting guard position. Those in need of help in three-point shooting should take a long look at Shved before he becomes a must-own in all fantasy formats, and that will be sooner than later.Ben Gordon, SG (CHA)--He has been known for his streaky scoring over the course of his career, and Ben Gordon is back on one of the streaks over the last week. In his last for games, Gordon is averaging 23.5 points-per-game and has connected at least three three-point field goals in each game including games in which he hit seven and eight three-point attempts. With Gerald Henderson returning to action, Gordon may see a decrease in playing time, but he is known for volume scoring no matter how many minutes he is on the court. His turnovers have been an issue (12 in previous four games), but it isn't serious enough to overshadow the positive attributes he is currently producing in fantasy.ForwardsJason Maxiell, PF (DET)--The Pistons are in rebuilding mode, but there are a few veterans on the team that are contributing significantly, including Jason Maxiell. Starting all 20 games this season, Maxiell has not disappointed those who took stock in him this season, averaging 8.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 1.6 BPG in just over 26 minutes each contest. He has picked up his game over his last six games in the shot- blocking department, averaging 2.5 BPG making him one of the better shot-blockers in the league over that time span. The Pistons will be playing from behind a lot this season, considering they are one of the worst teams in the league, so he is going to continue to log minutes and should take full advantage of his extended playing time, as should fantasy owners.
Carlos Delfino, SG, SF (HOU)--Since returning to action on December 1, Carlos Delfino has made an immediate impact for the Rockets off of the bench. He missed the team's previous seven games with a groin injury, but appears to have fully recovered and is going to be the sixth-man moving forward. In his previous two games, Delfino is averaging 14 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.0 APG and 1.o SPG in just over 47 minutes of playing time. To add to his already growing fantasy value, he has taken 15 three-point attempts in his last two games, hitting on 45 percent of his three-point field goal attempts. He will continue to be an asset in the three-point field goals made, so that takes him to another level when considering players on the waiver wire. In most fantasy leagues, he classifies at both the guard and forward positions making him a solid ad for those looking to improve their overall depth.Shawn Marion, SF, PF (DAL)--Sometimes it isn't the flashy pickup that stands out the most, rather the reliable and that would be the case for Shawn Marion. Over his last five games, Marion has picked up his game giving us a tease of the fantasy value he once produced back in his days with the Suns. Averaging 13.2 PPG to go along with 6.6 RPG, Marion has become the most consistent fantasy player outside of O.J. Mayo in the Mavericks starting lineup. Sprinkling in a few steals and blocks on any given night, Marion pretty much covers all scoring categories in fantasy, outside of three-point field goals made. In the previously mentioned timeframe, Marion has taken just six shots from behind the three-point ark, with the team relying on Mayo from that distance, but there is still a chance he can give owners one or two long balls here and there.CentersLarry Sanders, PF, C (MIL)---After touching on Larry Sanders earlier in the season, there was probably still a few that were skeptic on his fantasy value, but that likely changed after Sanders' recent success. In his last four games, Sanders has been a shot-blocking machine, blocking 23 shots including one game with 10 and one game with seven. Last Friday he logged his first triple-double on his career as he continues to be a dominating force under the basket. Since November 30, Sanders is averaging 10.5 RPG, 10 PPG, 5.75 BPG and 1.5 SPG making him a must-add in all fantasy leagues. His recent play has also landed him a spot in the Bucks starting lineup, but he is still struggling with staying on the court due to foul trouble. This is a start in the making, and once he learns to control his body better and limit the fouls, he will be a fantasy stud.
Andray Blatche, PF, C (BKN)--With Brook Lopez out for an extended period of time with a foot injury, Andray Blatche has stepped his game up in a big way for both the Nets and fantasy owners. Since taking over for Lopez, Blatche is averaging 17.7 PPG and 9.3 RPG and has played at least 25 minutes in each contest. He has shown flashes of his offensive abilities over the years, but was never able to put it all together for a full season, which has limited his fantasy value. Playing on a well-balanced team like the Nets, Blatche could have more success, even when Lopez returns from injury. For now, those in need on help at the center position should pick him up before it is too late and reap the rewards.
To make setting your Fantasy Basketball lineup easy, be sure to utilize RotoInfo.com’s new NBA Lineup Grids.Matthew Beck is a Fantasy Sports Columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail him at matthewbeck@rotoinfo.com. Also follow him on Twitter @MatthewRBeck for up-to-date Q&A and fantasy information. And, to make setting your Fantasy Basketball lineup easy, be sure to utilize RotoInfo.com’s new NBA Lineup Grids.