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 legwork for you. We are posting a weekly NBA start em’ and sit em’ fantasy guide to assist you in maximizing your fantasy roster potential.
Week 19 in the NBA runs from March 5th through to March 11. During this span we see that it is a busy time in the Association as many of the teams have four game work weeks. With that in mind there are some exceptions; the Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers play only two games apiece.
On the flip side, we find the Milwaukee Bucks who have the busiest schedule with five games ahead. Unfortunately for many, the Bucks lack real fantasy-value players. Despite the relative void, one player to consider picking up for the week is Brandon Knight.
Knight is having a resurgence in Milwaukee as he is free from the system constraints that were holding him back in Detroit. Not only has Knight improved upon his career averages with his play this season, but over his last ten games he is averaging 20.3 ppg, 6.1 apg and 2.7 rpg. If Knight can continue that strong play over the next five games then he will be a solid contributor for your roster.
One of the hottest fantasy producers over the past couple weeks has been the Houston Rockets James Harden. The Rockets have a tough schedule ahead this week as they must travel into Orlando and Oklahoma and play host to Indiana and Portland. Harden will need to play at his best and should he be able to do that expect averages hovering around 28 ppg, 7 apg and 4.5 rpg. Those are solid numbers for any roster and you would be well served to have them count toward yours.
Since the recently proved ‘hot hand theory’ as evidenced by none other than the streaky J.R. Smith, the brainiacs at MIT have finally latched onto something that sports fans and fantasy general managers have known since the dawn of time. Capitalizing on a hot player is more than just the player’s ability to knock down shots; its about attitude, confidence and swagger. Some players have it and others strive for it.
The Charlotte Bobcats Al Jefferson is certainly walking the walk right now. Over the last two weeks Jefferson is averaging 26.1 ppg and 10.3 rpg. His last two games however give a slash line of 31.5 ppg and 13 rpg. The Cats have a nice four game stretch ahead that includes games against Indiana, Cleveland, Memphis and Denver; aside from Roy Hibbert in Indiana the other teams lack the muscle to keep Jefferson from dominating in the post and on the boards.