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 9 in the NBA starts on Christmas Day December 25 and runs through to the evening games on New Year’s Eve December 31st. The Christmas week in the NBA has become the marque week of the regular season and for many casual fans the five game slate on December 25th is the unofficial starting point of the NBA year.
Taking a quick look at the schedule we see that the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers and the Philadelphia 76ers all have the most leisurely holiday week as they each only play two games during the week. It would be a great time to sit down the likes of Paul George, David West and Michael Carter-Williams and stuff your roster with guys who have four game work weeks ahead.
As mentioned in last week’s start em’ piece the Houston Rockets were set up for fantasy success this week and last as they played a combined nine games over that span. News out of Houston has James Harden missing a few games, or more, due to a high ankle sprain so move him to your bench for the time being.
In Harden’s absence, it is Dwight Howard who has stepped up to be the difference maker. In Saturday’s game against Detroit Howard’s slash line looked like 35 points, 19 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. Howard shot .722 fro mthe field and knocked down 9 of 14 free throw attempts; all in all it was a huge night for D-12. Ride Howard this week as the five games he plays could indeed be epic for your stat sheet.
Another big man poised to have a big week is the Los Angeles Clippers DeAndre Jordan. Jordan and the Clippers have a solid four game week ahead as they tangle with Golden State, Portland, Utah and Phoenix. So far in the month of December Jordan is averaging 9.1 ppg, 13.6 rpg and 2.3 blks. Despite the relatively few shot attempts per game, Jordan continues to put out Ben Wallace-type effort on the boards. The rebounds and blocks make Jordan a very solid fantasy option this week.
Let’s jump over to Portland where we see that the Trailblazers are quietly having one of their best seasons in recent memory. The success is due in large part to LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard; however, the supporting cast has been outstanding in the effort as well.
A member of that cast is Nicolas Batum who thus far this season is averaging a robust 14.0 ppg, 5.3 apg and 6.4 rpg while shooting an efficient .468 from the field. Batum who took criticism last season after signing a hefty new contract is putting up slightly better numbers this season, but of course the team is winning more now so the critics have laid off. Fantasy owners should be satisfied with what they are getting here, Batum isn’t the focal point of the offense but he contributes nicely across the board and gives solid fantasy consistency.
Switching conferences, we stop in with the Chicago Bulls this week who play host to Dallas and Toronto and who have stops on the road in Brooklyn and Memphis. The Bulls are in full scramble mode as a franchise and yet they continue to win games. A major source of that success is the recent play of Joakim Noah.
In the month of December Noah is averaging 13.4 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 3.5 apg and 1.5 blks per game. Noah has posted double-doubles in three of his last five games and he will be looking to keep the good times rollin this week. As Brooklyn is without Brook Lopez and Toronto and Dallas really lack in-the-paint strength; Noah could have massive rebounding games here. Move Noah into your rotation this week and ride the hot-hand in Chicago.
Check back into the eDraft for an exclusive NBA fantasy guide to your Christmas Day hoops action. Just because you are busy ripping wrapping paper and stuffing yourself on french toast come the big day, doesn’t mean that your fantasy roster should be sitting idle. There are a lot of games that day and you need to capitalize on the action while your fellow general managers take the day off.