LestersLegends.com

Fantasy Basketball Box Score Breakouts – 11/14/09

LestersLegends — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:30:57 +0000

Here’s a look at some fantasy basketball players that blew up the box score last night, but before we get started check out this week’s NBA schedule as you prepare to set your fantasy rosters (click here to see the article).

Bobby Brown, New Orleans Hornets
23 minutes, 13 points, 6-13 FG, 1 three-pointer, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 turnovers
Bobby led the Hornets in assists in the first game without Chris Paul. He should be a decent play while CP3 is out.

Will Bynum, Detroit Pistons
31 minutes, 20 points, 6-13 FG, 8-9 FT, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 turnovers
Bynum is one of four capable scorers on the Pistons while Rip Hamilton is out, so he’ll get plenty of looks.

Earl Boykins, Washington Wizards
31 minutes, 20 points, 7-12 FG, 5-5 FT, 1 three-pointer, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 4 turnovers
Not a bad debut for the Wizards, but he won’t get many opportunities when Randy Foye returns.

Eric Maynor, Utah Jazz
41 minutes, 24 points, 9-16 FG, 6-7 FT, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers
Another gem for Maynor. He certainly earned a spot in the rotation when Deron Williams returns.

J.J. Hickson, Cleveland Cavaliers
38 minutes, 20 points, 7-13 FG, 6-7 FT, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers
Second straight strong showing for Hickson. Looks like he could be added to fantasy rosters in deep leagues.

Trenton Hassell, New Jersey Nets
44 minutes, 17 points, 5-12 FG, 7-7 FT, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover
Hassell’s averaging 12.6 points per game over his last five. He’s also averaging 42.2 minutes over that span. He’s actually worth adding as a short-term fix in deep leagues while the Nets get healthy .

Udonis Haslem Miami Heat
39 minutes, 28 points, 12-20 FG, 4-4 FT, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover
Haslem is a 11 point, 10 rebound guy. Why would he explode last night? Because I played him naturally. In all seriousness, Haslem is a must-own in most formats.

Brad Miller, Chicago Bulls
29 minutes, 14 points, 5-9 FG, 4-4 FT, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers
Nice game for the big man, but he’s been very inconsistent even with Tyrus Thomas out.

Ryan Hollins, Minnesota Timberwolves
30 minutes, 15 points, 7-9 FG, 1-1 FT, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
Hollins had a big game while Al Jefferson attended to personal matters. Don’t expect this performance to be routine.

Luc Richard Mbah aMoute, Milwaukee Bucks
38 minutes, 8 points, 3-5 FG, 1-2 FT, 1 three-pointer, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers
Nice rebound total, but it came against the Warriors so don’t put too much stock in it.

Charlie Bell, Milwaukee Bucks
39 minutes, 14 points, 4-9 FG, 4-5 FT, 2 three-pointers, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover
He played Golden State.

George Hill, San Antonio Spurs
32 minutes, 18 points, 7-12 FG, 2-2 FT, 2 three-pointers, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 turnovers
Hill has been playing well of late, but this game was impressive considering Tony Parker and Tim Duncan returned.

I typically don’t cover players who are widely owned, but Brandon Jennings‘ 55 point outburst, even against Golden State, was ridiculous.

Fantasy Basketball: Week 4 Schedule

LestersLegends — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:00:16 +0000

Here’s a look at the Week 4 NBA schedule.

Four Games
Atlanta Hawks (POR, MIA, HOU, NO)
They play four games, but have some tough match-ups. Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford, and Jamal Crawford are must-starts. Mike Bibby, and Marvin Williams are solid plays.

Charlotte Bobcats (ORL, PHI, MIL, IND)
Despite the four game schedule, I only feel comfortable starting Gerald Wallace, Raymond Felton, and Boris Diaw. Raja Bell has use if you need some three-pointers. Tyson Chandler offers little at this point, but could be a decent source of rebounds.

Cleveland Cavaliers (GS, WASH, IND, PHI)
LeBron James could drop 50 on the Warriors. Despite the nice match-ups I only trust LeBron and Mo Williams at this point. With two back-to-back sets, Shaq’s minutes may be managed. Anderson Varejao’s move to the bench has wrecked his fantasy value. J.J. Hickson has some now though.

Detroit Pistons (LAL, POR, UTA, POR)
Pretty tough schedule for the Pistons. I like Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, and Rodney Stuckey. The rest scare me, though Big Ben is a nice source for rebounds, blocks, and steals.

Houston Rockets (PHX, MIN, ATL, SAC)
They should put up solid numbers against the Suns, Wolves, and Kings. I like Trevor Ariza, Aaron Brooks, Luis Scola, and Carl Landry. Shane Battier, Chuck Hayes, Chase Budinger, and Kyle Lowry are possible Utility options.

Indiana Pacers (NJ, NY, CLE, CHA)
The Pacers have been pretty banged up, but should produce some decent fantasy options this week. I like Danny Granger, Dahntay Jones, Roy Hibbert, and Troy Murphy if his back is healed.

Miami Heat (OKC, ATL, TOR, NO)
Dwyane Wade, Michael Beaseley, Jermaine O’Neal, and Udonis Haslem are all solid plays this week. Mario Chalmers is a decent play for those looking for assists and steals if his should checks out. Quentin Richardson is a good source for threes and can rebound out of the SG/SF slot.

Milwaukee Bucks (DAL, NJ, CHA, MEM)
The Bucks finally play a heavy schedule. Brandon Jennings has been the Rookie of the Year. Andrew Bogut is also a strong play. Hakim Warrick makes a decent Utility slot play.

Orlando Magic (CHA, OKC, BOS, TOR)
Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, and Jameer Nelson should be in your fantasy lineups. Rashard Lewis will return on Monday, but who knows how much he’ll play initially. He’s not a bad gamble though given his track record.

New Orleans Hornets (LAC, PHX, ATL, MIA)
Everything changes with Chris Paul out with an ankle injury. David West and Emeka Okafor should be solid options, but it’s up in the air after the big men. Darren Collison should be a decent option.

Oklahoma City Thunder (MIA, ORL, WAS, LAL)
Pretty tough schedule for the Thunder. Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook are must-starts. Nenad Krstic and Thabo Sefolosha are possible Utility slot options.

Portland Trail Blazers (ATL, DET, GS, MIN)
The Blazers should finish the week strong. Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Greg Oden are must-starts. Andre Miller, Martell Webster, Rudy Fernandez, and Steve Blake are possibilities. Fernandez and Webster should see more run with Travis Outlaw out.

Toronto Raptors (DEN, UTA, MIA, ORL)
Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani, Hedo Turkoglu, and Jose Calderon are excellent starts this week. The Raptors offer little else.

Three Games
Boston Celtics (GS, ORL, NY)
They only play three games this week, but with Golden State and the Knicks on the schedule, it’s like they play four. Feel free to roll out Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. Rasheed Wallace isn’t quite there, but he’s not a bad gamble against the Warriors and the Knicks.

Chicago Bulls (SAC, LAL, DEN)
The Bulls should put up nice numbers against the Kings, but could struggle on the road against the Lakers and the Nuggets. I like Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, and Derrick Rose. John Salmons is a decent play.

Dallas Mavericks (MIL, SA, SAC)
I like Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, and Jason Kidd. Erick Dampier is a solid source for rebounds. I don’t trust Josh Howard just yet.

Denver Nuggets (NJ, MIN, NY)
Carmelo could drop 40 on both the Wolves and the Knicks. I love him this week despite the three-game schedule. Chauncey Billups is also a great play. Nene is solid, and J.R. Smith could be used if you need three’s.

Golden State Warriors (CLE, BOS, POR)
The Warriors are almost always a great fantasy team, but they face some real good teams that could slow them down. Monta Ellis is the only one I feel comfortable with. Stephen Jackson continues to be at odds with the organization. Anthony Morrow, Corey Maggette, and Anthony Randolph are nice options, but their production has been inconsistent so far. Kelenna Azuibuke’s knee injury should clear up the logjam.

Los Angeles Clippers (MIN, IND, DET)
Chris Kaman is the only sure thing right now for the Clippers. Baron Davis is a solid source for assists and Marcus Camby will give you rebounds and blocks. Forget about everybody else.

Memphis Grizzlies (SAC, PHX, POR)
Despite the short week, I would feel confident using Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol. I’d probably leave Mike Conley on the bench unless you were hurting for assists.

New Jersey Nets (IND, MIL, NY)
Brook Lopez is a must-start. I can’t trust Chris Douglas-Roberts as he recovers from H1N1. Devin Harris (groin) is a risk, especially with back-to-back games early in the week.

New York Knicks (IND, NJ, BOS)
Al Harrington, David Lee, Danilo Gallinari, Larry Hughes, and Wilson Chandler make solid plays this week. Toney Douglas is coming around and could be worth a risk. Chris Duhon could give you some assists if he gets his act together.

Philadelphia 76ers (CHA, MEM, CLE)
Andre Iguodala, Marreese Speights, Louis Williams, and Thaddeus Young are nice options this week. I just don’t trust Elton Brand yet.

Phoenix Suns (HOU, NO, DET)
Steve Nash, Amar’e Stoudemire, Grant Hill, and Jason Richardson are great options. Channing Frye and Leandro Barbosa are possible Utility slot options.

Sacramento Kings (CHI, DAL, HOU)
With Kevin Martin out, the Kings lost their best player, fantasy and reality alike. You can use Tyreke Evans, Jason Thompson, Spencer Hawes, Beno Udrih, and Andres Nocioni.

San Antonio Spurs (DAL, UTA, WAS)
Tim Duncan, Richard Jefferson, and Manu Ginobili are solid options. Tony Parker could miss some or all of the games so he can’t be used. George Hill is a decent play if Parker remains out.

Utah Jazz (TOR, SA, DET)
Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams, Mehmet Okur, and Andrei Kirilenko are great options. Ronnie Brewer and Paul Millsap are decent ones.

Washington Wizards (CLE, OKC, SA)
You’ll want to use Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler. Brendan Haywood has been a beast on the glass, and probably should get the nod. Antawn Jamison, assuming he’s healthy, and Andray Blatche are also possibilities. Mike Miller played well in his return from shoulder injury. I just don’t think I could roll the dice on him.

Two Games
Minnesota Timberwolves (HOU, POR)
You can’t play any Wolves this week.

Fantasy Basketball Box Score Breakouts – 11/13/09

LestersLegends — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:00:57 +0000

Here’s a look at some fantasy basketball players that blew up the box score last night.

Rafer Alston, New Jersey Nets
42 minutes, 17 points, 7-20 FG, 2-2 FT, 1 three-pointer, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 turnovers
Rafer messed around and got a triple-double. He remains a nice fill-in player while Devin Harris is out.

Matt Barnes, Orlando Magic
38 minutes, 13 points, 4-9 FG, 4-5 FT, 1 three-pointer, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers
Barnes was inserted into the starting lineup and paid dividends. He has good short-term value as Ryan Anderson is out. However, Rashard Lewis will return on Monday.

Wes Matthews, Utah Jazz
38 points, 16 rebounds, 5-11 FG, 3-3 FT, 3 three-pointers, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers
Wes may see a bump for one more game while Deron Williams is out, but is too inconsistent to rely on.

Eric Maynor, Utah Jazz
36 minutes, 13 points, 6-14 FG, 1 three-pointer, 4 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers
Maynor also saw a bump because of Williams’ absence. If Williams goes down with an injury, it’s nice to know Maynor can step up his game, but his value is low.

Darren Collison, New Orleans Hornets
26 minutes, 18 points, 7-14 FG, 4-4 FT, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 steals
Collison picked up the slack when Chris Paul went down with a sprained ankle. He could be a nice fill-in over the next two weeks.

Marcus Thornton, New Orleans Hornets
24 minutes, 20 points, 8-15 FG, 2-2 FT, 2 three-pointers, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
This explosion came out of nowhere. He could also see increased production while CP3 is out.

Shane Battier, Houston Rockets
33 minutes, 23 points, 8-11 FG, 3-3 FT, 4 three-pointers, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 1 turnover
This was easily his best scoring game as he nearly tripled the scoring average he had coming into the game. It will be interesting to see if this is a sign of things to come or just a blip on the radar.

Fantasy Basketball: Struggling Stars

LestersLegends — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:00:03 +0000

Here’s a look at some fantasy basketball stars that have struggled out of the gate.

Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
I know someone averaging 18.1 points and 7.9 rebounds isn’t grounds for dismissal, but his fantasy owners were expecting more, especially when you consider they are leading the league with 111.3 points per game. You also wouldn’t expect Grant Hill to lead the team in rebounding after ten games. Even though he’s not meeting expectations, don’t give up on him.

Caron Butler, Washington Wizards
Caron is having a decent year averaging 16.9 points and 7.6 rebounds. His assists are way down from 4.3 last year to 0.6 this year. His scoring is down close to four points from last year. With Gilbert Arenas back, you knew his scoring would suffer, but it shouldn’t have been as dramatic while Antawn Jamison is out. Expect his production to dip even lower when Jamison returns.

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
His scoring is down by 2.2 points, his rebounds are down by 3.2, and his blocks are down by 1.5. All of that and Rashard Lewis has yet to step on the court because of his suspension. No need to panic right now though. He’s still putting up nice numbers.

Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors
Calderon’s assists are down from 8.9 to 6.4. The additions of Hedo Turkoglu and Jarrett Jack have been a big part of that decline. I expect that number to increase, but I’m not sure he tops 7.5 this year.

Elton Brand, Philadelphia 76ers
Brand’s averages of 9.5 points and 5.6 rebounds sound more like former #1 pick Joe Smith, and not a career 20-10 guy. His minutes are way down (27 per game) and Marreese Speights has become the Sixers best big man. You can try to move him, but expect to get pennies on the dollar. On the flip side, he’s worth the buy low gamble if you can afford to wait it out.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
Many, myself included, thought Rose would take the next step building upon his Rookie of the Year campaign. In actuality his scoring is down 3 points (and Ben Gordon left), rebound is down 1.0, assists are down 0.7, his shooting is down 2.3 percent, and his free throw shooting is down 6.1 percent. He hasn’t made a three-pointer yet this season. I expect him to bounce back, but he’s frustrating fantasy owners right now.

Andre Miller, Portland Trail Blazers
You knew going to a team with Brandon Roy and Steve Blake was going to hurt his numbers.

Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz
The Jazz have a crowded frontcourt with Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, Andrei Kirilenko, and Millsap. I’m afraid until there is an injury, and there almost always is, his production will suffer.

Fantasy Football Team Names – Week 9 Heroes

LestersLegends — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:00:29 +0000

Philadelphia Freeman – Even Elton John could sing about Josh Freeman’s first start.

Turner This Mutha Out – Michael Turner had two TDs to extend his seven-game TD streak.

MoJo Rising - Maurice Jones-Drew helped slam The Doors on Kansas City

You Betts Your Life – Ladell Betts filled in admirably in defeat.

Rashad-a Be Kidding Me – Rashard Jennings scored this week to the dismay of MJD owners.

Austin Powers: The Wide Who Shagged Philly – Miles Austin isn’t a popular man in Philly.

Steel Gage Match - Dude broke bones in his back last week.

At Holmes in the Psych Ward - Pittsburgh duo abused Denver’s secondary.

Nothing But Coles For Christmas – Laveranues gets a boost from Chris Henry’s bad break.

Haynos Crime – If you lost to Joey Haynos’ TD catch, that would be a heinous crime.

Fourth & 1 Debate: Thursday Football Adjustments

LestersLegends — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:00:44 +0000

Eric of www.rotoprofessor.com was responsible for this week’s Fourth & 1 Roundtable Debate topic.

Click here to see the full article.

This Week’s Topic:
What adjustments do you make to your fantasy strategy in the second half with games now being played on Thursdays?

My Response:
My first thought was the short week was hard on Running Backs since they take such a beating. I decided to look back to last year’s games to see how the RBs fared.

Week 10
Jamal Lewis: 19-60, TD (3.2 ypc)
I disregarded Denver since they didn’t have a consistent running game.

Week 11
Thomas Jones: 30-104, TD (3.5 ypc)
I disregarded New England since they didn’t have a consistent running game.

Week 12
Cedric Benson: 16-35 (2.2 ypc)
I disregarded Pittsburgh since they didn’t have a consistent running game.

Week 13
Chris Johnson: 16-125, 2 TDs (7.8 ypc)
LenDale White: 23-106, 2 TDs (4.6 ypc)
Kevin Smith: 12-22 (1.8 ypc)

Week 14
LaDainian Tomlinson: 25-91, TD (3.6 ypc)
I disregarded Oakland since they didn’t have a consistent running game.

Week 15
Pierre Thomas: 22-87, TD (4.0 ypc)
Matt Forte: 11-34, TD (3.1 ypc)

Week 16
Maurice Jones-Drew: 20-91 (4.6 ypc)
I disregarded Indy since they didn’t have a consistent running game.

At first glance I noticed that the majority of the RBs had a low yards per carry ratio. I also noticed that a good portion of them score anyway. Judging by these numbers I would stick with my top backs in standard leagues and look for replacements in heavy yardage leagues.

I also decided to look at QB play.
Week 10: Cutler 447 yards, 3 TDs; Quinn 239 yards, 2 TDs
Week 11: Favre 258 yards, 2 TDs; Cassel 400 yards, 3 TDs
Week 12: Big Ben 243 yards, TD; Cincy didn’t count
Week 13:
TENN-DET game didn’t count
Romo 331 yards, 3 TDs; Hasselbeck 287 yards
McNabb 260 yards, 4 TDs; Warner 235 yards, 3 TDs
Week 14: Rivers 214 yards, 3 TDs; Oakland doesn’t count
Week 15: Brees 232 yards, 2 TDs; Chicago doesn’t count
Week 16: Peyton Manning 364 yards, 3 TDs, Garrard 329 yards, TD

Now we’re talking. Almost every QB that mattered had a monster game during the short week. Looking back to last year as guidance, I am starting QB that plays on Thursday whenever the situation arises.

Panelists
Junkyard Jake of www.junkyardjake.com
Ryan Lester of www.lesterslegends.com
Paul Greco of www.fantasypros911.com
Bryce McRae of www.kffl.com
Kurt Turner of www.top-fantasy-football.com
Eric Stashin of www.rotoprofessor.com
Lee of www.footballjabber.com
Smitty of www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com
Jacob of www.fantasyfootballfools.com
Hatty of www.hattywaiverwireguru.com