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.
Week 4 was an interesting week as there aren’t many times where a fantasy GM would want to sit down Lebron James for entire week stretch. But guess what! We are going to sit Lebron again this week. Make it back to back weeks for Lebron and Co. on the Miami Heat as they again only play two games this week. In addition to the Miami Heat having only two games, the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks have the short week as well.
The team with the most favourable schedule this week is the Memphis Grizzlies. In week 4 they played only twice, this week however they are slated for four games. After a nice week to rest they get back to work and look to continue their stellar play. For that reason I have Zach Randolph as a for sure start em’ fantasy player for the week.
Week 5 in the NBA starts November 26 and goes through to the evening games on December 2.
WEEK 5 – START EM’
Zach Randolph – Memphis Grizzlies
Zach Randolph is playing in ‘beast-mode’ right now, averaging 16.7 ppg and 13.6 rpg. The Grizzlies are playing four games this week, three of which are at home with the last one on the road in San Antonio. The Grizzlies host Cleveland, Toronto and Detroit; none of which are good teams and all of whom will have trouble muscling up against Z Bo in the post. I’d like to see the ppg average go up to around 20 a night which would propel Randolph into ‘must-own’ stratosphere of fantasy players. Take what you can get with him now and run him out for this week as the matchups are very favorable.
Kevin Durant – Oklahoma City Thunder
Mr. All-World Kevin Durant is off to an MVP-calibre start to the season. The only slight on Durant’s game in the past has been his lack of assist numbers and low rebounding totals. This year Durant has nearly doubled his career assist averages and upped the rebounding to a whopping 9.5 per game; all this while still pumping in 25.7 ppg.
The Thunder have a four game week ahead, this coming off only three games last week. During which Durant recorded his first triple-double of the season. This stretch has a road game in Philadelphia to start then three consecutive home games against Charlotte, Houston and Utah. I’m expecting a huge game out of Durant for the Houston matchup as it will mark James Harden’s return to Oklahoma. Bottom line; grab Durant for this week.
WEEK 5 – SIT EM’
Lebron James and Co. – Miami Heat
The Heattles again only play two games this week; meaning LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh should be no goes on your roster. I know it just doesn’t feel right sitting down the league’s reigning MVP much less in back to back weeks but it must be done. Don’t worry, no one on the Heat is going to give you four games worth of stats in only two actual games. After this stretch Lebron James should be a staple on your roster till the all-star break where the Heat once again a two game week.
David Lee – Golden State Warriors
David Lee has been a double double machine this season. Check the stat lines for the last five games where he is averaging 19 ppg, 13 rpg and 4.0 apg. I hate to have to sit a guy when he is clearly playing at the top of his game; however, with only two games worth of stats this week it just doesn’t make sense. After this week the Golden State Warriors play three consecutive weeks with four games in each. So look to drop Lee in the short term and pick him back up for a nice three week stretch after this.