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.

This week in the NBA has two teams affected by the schedule makers. The Los Angeles Lakers have a two game work week meaning that Kobe Bryant and Co. will get some much needed rest. The Portland Trailblazers on the other hand have a five game week ahead which makes Blazer players a must-run for the week.

There are only five weeks left in the regular season so it is imperative that you capitalize on every possible fantasy point available. As boring as it might be, look to draft players whose production is steady, constant and predictable. Fill the holes on your roster with guys carrying the hot hand into the week and those who have favorable schedules.

Here we go with eDraft’s week 21 fantasy start em’s and sit em’s. Week 21 in the NBA runs from March 18 through to the evening games on March 24.

WEEK 21 – START EM’

Damian Lillard - Portland Trailblazers

This super rookie is making yet another appearance on our weekly must start fantasy roster. With five games on the schedule this week there will be plenty of chances for this young man to shine. It’s not as if Lillard needed to raise his play to further deserve the ROY award, but that is just what he has done of late. Last week he averaged 21.8 ppg and 8.0 apg; heading into this week there is no reason why the success can’t continue. The schedule makers are sending the Portland Trailblazers out on a five game road trip that sees them make stops in Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Chicago, Atlanta and Oklahoma City. A grueling trip to be sure; however, Lillard is young and capable of maintaining his play throughout.

LaMarcus Aldridge - Portland Trailblazers

Coming off three straight double-double games and heading into a jam-packed five game week makes LaMarcus Aldridge a must start. His play of late has been tremendous as he is averaging 24.3 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 2.5 apg and 2.5 blks per game. Five games of stats like that will either make up some ground in your fantasy pool or distance yourself from your competition.

John Wall - Washington Wizards

A player who is on fire right now is Wall. After missing all of November, December and the first week of January to start the season, Wall has been getting progressively better statistically on a nightly basis. He seems to be hitting his high note right now and it is a great time to capitalize on it as the Washington Wizards have a nice four game stretch coming this week. If last week’s averages can be sustained then look for stat lines around 24 ppg, 11 apg, 5.5 rpg and 2.5 stls per game. Great time to jump on John Wall and give him a run this week.

Jrue Holiday - Philadelphia 76ers

Holiday has been the 76ers most consistent and best fantasy option throughout the season. Despite a slow start to the month of March, Holiday is showing signs that he is poised to break out of his slump. I like this coming week, consisting of four games, as the prime opportunity for Holiday to really bust out and revert back to his stellar play. This week will pit Holiday up against some good point guards as he will match up against Chris Paul, Ty Lawson, Damian Lillard and Tyreke Evans. Holiday has shown his ability to rise to the challenge and bring his game up against good competition; pick him up for the week and reap the rewards.

Mike Conley - Memphis Grizzlies

Conley has really elevated his play of late. Thus far in the month of March Conley has bumped his scoring average and assists per game averages. The Memphis Grizzlies have benefited from Conley’s strong play of late and they look to keep the momentum going as they have host Minnesota, Oklahoma City and Boston this week. Give Conley a run for the four game stretch as his 15.7 ppg and 7.8 apg are nice consistent stats for your fantasy roster.

WEEK 21 – SIT EM’

Kobe Bryant - Los Angeles Lakers

Bryant basically played this entire last week on one good ankle as he has a severe sprain that has limited his minutes and production. The Lakers are understandably being unforthcoming with details on the severity of the injury; however, it is obviously affecting Bryant’s mobility and aggressiveness. With the slower week ahead, hopefully it gives a chance to rehab the injury and strengthen it for the stretch run. Give Bryant a rest on your fantasy squad as the schedule and the injury aren’t of benefit right now.

Dwight Howard - Los Angeles Lakers

Whichever member of Howard’s travelling entourage reminded the big fella that he needs to pick up his play in order to screw a team over next season by signing him to a fat max contract should be thanked...I guess. Howard’s on-court play this past week was nothing short of awesome. Howard averaged 21.3 ppg, 16.3 rpg and 3.0 blks per game. So long as Howard remembers that this is a contract year; it seems like his production will remain high. Despite the resurgence this is still only a two game week for the Lakers and Howard will need to sit this one out.

Carmelo Anthony - New York Knicks

This past week, Anthony has been battling a knee injury that forced him to miss two games and be listed as questionable for the games upcoming. Carmelo played in two games while injured and scored a combined 23 points. The New York Knicks are slated to play four games this week and while that would normally signify an opportunity to run Anthony; given the injury concerns and the layoff he has had it would be wise to sit him down for the week to see how he eases himself back into game action. The Knicks have a fantasy favorable schedule ahead and Anthony will see his share of run as the season winds down.