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 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 the New York Knicks combo of Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith. This duo combined for solid fantasy production; unfortunately Carmelo lost his head and managed to get himself suspended for a game. I also put forth Kyrie Irving as a must start em’ player and he responded with a beautiful 33 point performance on 11-15 shooting including 5-6 from beyond the arc and 6-6 from the charity stripe.
This week sees four teams who have two game work weeks; the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz. These teams have some descent contributors; however, they each lack that sure-fire fantasy guy who will get you big points night in and night out. In addition to the four teams having only two games apiece; this week brings another scheduling anomaly. That’s right, the NY Knicks actually only play one game this week; that means that no matter how much you love Carmelo Anthony you need to cut him loose for the week.
Week 12 in the NBA starts January 14 and goes through to the evening games on January 20, 2013.
WEEK 12 – START EM’
Chris Paul & Matt Barnes – LA Clippers
The Clippers schedule really ramps up here over the next two weeks. If you took my advice last week and sat Chris Paul and Blake Griffin down you would have seen their value decrease slightly as they only played twice. Well now is the time to buy low and take the salary cap savings as you can ride Paul and Matt Barnes for the next two weeks. The Clip Show play four games this week followed by a five game work week in week 13. With nine games over 14 nights, the Clippers have the busiest schedule in the league.
Chris Paul has been playing out of his mind so far in January and there is no reason to think that will change. Paul has been averaging 21.8 ppg, 10 apg, 4.8 rpg and 1.8 steals per game and in doing so he has generated a lot of MVP buzz for himself. A really nice addition to Paul would be Matt Barnes. Barnes is the forgotten man coming off the bench; however, with Jamal Crawford hobbled by a foot injury, Barnes scoring load will increase. So far in January Barnes is averaging 13.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.6 blks and 0.8 steals per game all the while playing starter-like minutes coming off the bench.
The coming four games for the Clippers are against Memphis, Houston, Minnesota and Washington; none of which are known for their defensive prowess. I expect a big week out of this duo and as a bonus you can let them ride for the week after as well and save those trades for later.
Dirk Nowitzki – Dallas Mavericks
Alright, I’m going to take a chance on the big German here. The Mavericks have a nice four game work week ahead that includes Minnesota, Houston and Orlando. Dirk appears to be healthy again as he is getting his usual 30 minutes a night and it would appear as though his scoring touch is coming back. Albeit he isn’t posting gaudy numbers just yet; however, he is back in the starting lineup and is the de-facto go-to scoring option.
Nowitzki’s numbers are trending up as he gets more game action under his belt. His shooting percentages are pretty bad right now; however, that doesn’t stop him from jacking shots up. One of these games Dirk is going to catch fire and when he does those 21 shot attempts are going to net him and you some great points.
WEEK 12 – SIT EM’
Carmelo Anthony, J.R Smith & all New York Knicks
No matter what the team and whomever the player, one guy playing one game cannot equal the production of a comparably skilled player over four games. That is the dilemma we are faced with this weekend as Carmelo Anthony, J.R Smith and the rest of the Knicks see only one game. The Knicks bounce back with 15 games over the next three weeks so there remains plenty of games before the All-star break to maximize the fantasy points.