The NBA season is full of ups and downs. Players performances are very much of an ebb and flow. At times players may be performing well, while at others they might be stinking the joint out. A key to fantasy success is to recognize that a player is hot, ride the streak while you can and sell at the pinnacle so that you maximize the salary value or trade value depending on your league format.
I’ve already given you three fantasy overachievers from the backcourt and we now focus on those forwards who are playing above their heads. If you are holding onto these guys, look to cash out now and maximize the return on your investment. Wait too long and you will have lost out as these players are bound to come back to their playing reality.
We start in New Orleans where the Pelicans have pushed the moderately serviceable Jason Smith into action of late. Smith was forced to play almost 30 minutes a night through the month of December due to injuries on the roster. During this stretch, Smith was averaging career highs of 9.4 ppg and 7.9 rpg. Now that Smith has been once again relegated to bench duties these numbers will come down significantly. There is no need to hold on Smith for any longer than you have already; his value is definitely capped out here which signifies the time to sell.
Moving from New Orleans over to Los Angeles we switch focus to the Lakers. The purple and gold have been decimated by injuries of late and haven’t been able to scrape together a healthy lineup all season long. As players are shuffled in and out of the lineup in hopes of sparking success, occasionally someone will surface and become a short-lived fantasy option.
Jordan Hill has emerged as just such a player. In the last five games for the Lakers Hill has registered two double-doubles, has been averaging over 21 minutes of action a night and his slash line looks 12.8 ppg and 9.2 rpg. Hill will surely be relegated to the bench once and if the Lakers can get healthy. Don’t expect similar like production for too long and instead be watching for an opportunity to cash out on Hill while folks are paying attention to him.
Our final stop sees us switching conferences and highlighting the overachievement that is taking place in South Beach. Chris Bosh for the Miami Heat is having one of his trademark upswings just to remind everyone that he isn’t the forgotten ugly stepsister in the ‘Big Three’.
Bosh’s performances of late are of course coming as LeBron James is sidelined and Dwyane Wade is alternating games to rest his knees. I’m not taking away from Bosh’s stat lines; however, they simply are maintainable for much longer. Over his last five games Bosh is averaging 22.8 ppg, 8 rpg, 1 apg, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals. all of which equates to an almost seven point jump in his season scoring average and 1.5 more rebounds per game.
Bosh’s recent success will be short-lived as James’ return to the lineup will once again bounce Bosh back to being a third option. The sell rating on Bosh right now is high and one would do well to maximize the return while you can.