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 four players for your fantasy roster; LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Ty Lawson and Monta Ellis. All four players came through and had tremendous weeks as they each out-performed their season averages.
This week in the NBA has three teams playing two games apiece; the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers and the Sacramento Kings all play the short week. On the flip side there are 13 teams with four-game work weeks; so there are plenty of viable fantasy options to choose from.
There are only six weeks left in the regular season so now is not the time to get fancy with your fantasy team. Go with sure-fire fantasy studs whenever you can, compliment them with guys who are playing well or maybe getting an opportunity due to injury. This week I’ve given you three players who fall into that second-tier of fantasy talent; while once again we are going with some of basketball’s biggest names as they all play four games this week.
Here we go with eDraft’s week 20 fantasy start em’s and sit em’s. Week 20 in the NBA runs from March 11 through to the evening games on March 17.
WEEK 20 – START EM’
Ricky Rubio - Minnesota Timberwolves
Rubio is rounding into form after missing the first few months of the season due to his ACL injury from last year. Rubio has really been the lone bright spot for the Timberwolves this season as Kevin Love continues to be sidelined due to that hand fracture. Rubio has started putting up some impressive numbers of late as he is the main catalyst for the Timberwolves. Last week saw a nice uptick in scoring, rebounding and the assists as Rubio averaged 13.3 ppg, 8.3 apg and 5.3 rpg and 4.0 steals per contest. The Timberwolves have a nice four game stretch this week. Give Rubio a run this week in hopes of him continuing his stellar play.
Bradley Beal - Washington Wizards
Beal currently has a minor ankle tweak that is causing him to miss some game action; he is however slated to return this week. Bad timing on the injury front as Beal was really playing well. In the two weeks prior to the injury, Beal was averaging 19.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 2.0 apg. It is starting to look like John Wall and Beal are getting more and more comfortable playing with one another, which is good news as Bradley’s fantasy value is sure to increase with the jump in his scoring average.
Jermaine O’Neal - Phoenix Suns
Another player looking to comeback and resume playing is Jermaine O’Neal. O’Neal has been away from the team this past week to attend to some family matters. It is likely that O’Neal returns for Monday night action as without him the Phoenix Suns have no real center man option. O’Neal could see some serious court time and will be counted on heavily for rebounding. In lieu of any other inside play, O’Neal has produced decent scoring and rebounding numbers for the Suns. This play does represent some risk as O’Neal may not be available for Monday’s game and if that is the case then he is no longer worth running.
LeBron James - Miami Heat
Lebron has continued his stellar play as he looks to keep the Miami Heat’s win streak intact. Despite a slight dip in his scoring average, Lebron remains one of the most consistent fantasy options out there. The Heat have a four game week ahead and that makes LeBron a must start. This week for the Heat marks the start of a five game road trip that takes them through Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Toronto to start. No reasons to think that LeBron won’t have his way with these clubs as none of them are known for their defensive prowess.
Kobe Bryant - Los Angeles Lakers
Quite simply Kobe Bryant is playing like a man possessed. Should the Lakers fail in their quest to make the playoffs then none of that blame can fall at Bryant’s feet. If the last week was any indication of things to come then look for Kobe to keep the 33.2 ppg, 7.8 apg and 5.8 rpg averages. This week brings four very winnable games for the Lakers. Three games on the road in Orlando, Atlanta and Indiana are followed by a home game against Sacramento. So long as Kobe can keep his legs fresh then he remains a must start for the week.
Kevin Durant - Oklahoma City Thunder
Aside from Lebron James, there is no better fantasy player than Kevin Durant and with a four game week ahead for the Thunder then Durant must be on your roster. Durant and the Thunder go up against San Antonio, Utah, Orlando and Dallas this week and while the games are all winnable for the Thunder, what is of more significance is that Durant should dominate the opposing forwards. Expect similar averages as we have seen thus far throughout the season.
WEEK 20 – SIT EM’
Joakim Noah - Chicago Bulls
Despite battling plantar fasciitis and logging huge minutes; Joakim Noah continues to produce for fantasy rosters. Noah’s play of late is even better than earlier in the season as he has raised his rebounds per game average to over 13 per contest. Only reason to sit Noah this week is the Chicago Bulls two game schedule; if not for the shorter week Noah would be a must start. As it stands though, two games just aren’t going to generate enough fantasy points to justify keeping him in the lineup.
Blake Griffin & Chris Paul - Los Angeles Clippers
For both Blake Griffin and Chris Paul the upcoming two-game week seems to be happening at a good time. While neither player is struggling, both could seemingly use some rest. Chris Paul just hasn’t been the same player since returning from his latest stint on the disabled list. Griffin on the other hand is coming off a lackluster performance against the Denver Nuggets in a game where he looked tired and just worn down physically.
DeMarcus Cousins & Tyreke Evans - Sacramento Kings
Cousins has pulled a disappearing act over the last five or six games for the Sacramento Kings. His play has been lethargic and uninspiring over that time as he failed to register any double-double stat nights and was an ineffective fantasy option during that time. Not to be outdone in terms of irrelevancy; Tyreke Evans turned in a dismal week as well. His scoring numbers were down and his assists numbers were nonexistent. Even if the Kings had a full week ahead, I wouldn’t recommend either player. As it is the Kings only have two games this week and that just solidifies Cousins and Evans spots on the sidelines.