The Fantasy Basketball Weekly Planner is the essential guide to setting your lineup for the upcoming week. Every week, we provide you with top matchups, the latest news and give you the scoop on injured players.
Fantasy Week 23 (March 30-April 5)
Teams with five games: Utah
Teams with four games: Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Golden State, L.A. Lakers, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Sacramento
Teams with three games: Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Indiana, L.A. Clippers, Minnesota, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Portland, San Antonio, Toronto, Washington
Teams with two games: Boston, Chicago
*All stats heading into play Monday
Atlanta Hawks
Schedule: @PHI, @BOS, ORL
Injury
Report: Marvin Williams (back/out
for regular season).
Slam Dunk: Joe Johnson, Josh Smith
Tough
Call: Start Mike Bibby and Ronald Murray in any type of league, even with the three games. Al Horford is struggling lately, but is still as good a No. 2
center as you'll find right now. Maurice Evans
should only be used in an extreme pinch in leagues of 12-plus teams. Sit Zaza Pachulia.
One Week Boom: Mike Bibby, Ronald Murray
Boston Celtics
Schedule: CHA, ATL
Injury Report: Kevin Garnett (neck/Doubtful for April 1 vs. CHA); Leon Powe (knee/out until early April); Garnett is not likely to
play Monday or Wednesday, according to coach Doc Rivers. Powe is coming
up on the second week of his 2-3 week timetable, but is not yet
practicing with the team and is unlikely to return this week.
Slam
Dunk: None.
Tough Call: It's pretty obvious at this point,
but sit Kevin Garnett in all formats. He
may not play at all in Week 23. Start Paul Pierce
and Rajon Rondo in any average-based
league, but only if you don't have any suitable alternatives in
cumulative formats due to the two-game week. Start Kendrick Perkins in average-based leagues as a No. 2 center with Garnett
down, but not in cumulative leagues. Leon Powe
is not ready to be activated in Fantasy. Sit Glen Davis outside of deeper average-based leagues, but he is a bit
of a risk even in those leagues. Sit Eddie House.
One
Week Bust: Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo
Charlotte Bobcats
Schedule: LAL, @BOS, MIA, @DET
Injury
Report: None.
Slam Dunk: Gerald Wallace, Emeka Okafor, Raymond Felton
Tough Call: Start Boris Diaw in any type of league this week. Raja Bell can be used as a No. 4 guard in leagues of 12-plus teams. D.J. Augustin is on a roll and is an interesting sleeper for
cumulative formats and deeper average-based leagues this week. Sit Vladimir Radmanovic even with the four-game slate.
One Week Boom: Boris Diaw
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Player | % Change | |
1. | Gilbert Arenas, G, Wizards | 17 |
2. | Anthony Morrow, G, Warriors | 15 |
3. | Will Bynum, G, Pistons | 9 |
4. | Jason Thompson, F, Kings | 7 |
5. | Kelenna Azubuike, G, Warriors | 7 |
6. | Trevor Ariza, F, Lakers | 7 |
7. | Anthony Randolph, G, Warriors | 7 |
8. | Manu Ginobili, G, Spurs | 6 |
9. | Lou Williams, G, 76ers | 6 |
10. | Brandon Rush, F, Pacers | 6 |
Chicago Bulls
Schedule: @IND, NJ
Injury Report: Luol Deng (leg/out indefinitely); Deng is not likely to return for
the remainder of the season.
Slam Dunk: None.
Tough
Call: Start Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon and John Salmons as
normal in average-based leagues, but only in really deep cumulative
formats due to the two-game slate. The Bulls play just two games, but
both are very favorable scoring matchups. Start Brad Miller, Tyrus Thomas and even Joakim Noah in any average-based format (Noah provided that two
centers are required), but avoid Kirk Hinrich.
One
Week Bust: Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon, John Salmons
Cleveland Cavaliers
Schedule: DET, @WAS, @ORL, SA
Injury
Report: Ben Wallace (leg/out until
early April); Wallace is not yet practicing with the team and is still
likely at least a few games away from returning.
Slam Dunk: LeBron James, Mo Williams
Tough
Call: Start Zydrunas Ilgauskas in any
league with the four-game slate. Use Anderson Varejao in any cumulative league that requires two centers with
the four-game slate. Delonte West is in
a bit of a slide and is not recommended even with the four games. Joe Smith had one solid game this past week, but that was fluky and
he remains low-end even for a waiver wire option. Avoid Daniel Gibson.
One Week Boom: Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Dallas Mavericks
Schedule: @MIN, MIA, @MEM, PHO
Injury
Report: Josh Howard (ankle/day to
day); Howard has not played since March 5 and while he is day to day,
there is no concrete timetable for a return.
Slam Dunk: Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry
Tough Call: Avoid using Howard. He could return
at any time during the week, but could just as easily miss all four
games. When he does return, he may be limited. Avoid Erick Dampier outside of emergency situations. Brandon Bass, Jose Juan Barea, Antoine Wright and James Singleton
should be and stay on waivers.
One Week Bust: Josh Howard
Denver Nuggets
Schedule: NY, UTA, LAC, @MIN
Injury
Report: No significant injuries.
Slam Dunk: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups
Tough
Call: Start Nene despite his recent struggles. The Nuggets have
favorable matchups all week in a four-game slate. J.R. Smith is a start in any league as well and should have a solid
scoring week against the opponents he will be facing. Kenyon Martin is playing full games again and is worth taking a chance
on as a No. 4 forward in leagues of 12-plus teams. Chris Andersen is a solid waiver wire addition this week considering
his recent production. Linas Kleiza has
some sleeper value in deeper cumulative leagues, but should be avoided
in average-based play because he is too erratic. Avoid Renaldo Balkman and Anthony Carter.
One
Week Boom: Nene, J.R. Smith, Kenyon Martin, Linas Kleiza
Detroit Pistons
Schedule: @CLE, @NJ, @PHI, CHA
Injury
Report: Rasheed Wallace (calf/day to
day); Wallace is expected to give it a go for Tuesday's game in
Cleveland, but remains day to day.
Slam Dunk: Tayshaun Prince, Antonio McDyess
Tough
Call: Be cautious with Wallace. He has better than a 50-50 chance of
being available for Tuesday's game, but is still no guarantee. When he
does return, he may be limited since he has not played in over two
weeks. View him as a low-end No. 2 center. Allen Iverson is back, but is coming off the bench and looked rusty
Sunday against Philadelphia. He is a No. 4 option right now in standard
leagues. Start Rodney Stuckey and Richard Hamilton in any format. Hamilton appears to be beyond his groin
injury. Will Bynum has been solid amid
the injuries, but is a risky play with Iverson and Hamilton back. Avoid Arron Afflalo and Jason Maxiell.
One
Week Bust: Rasheed Wallace, Allen Iverson
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Team | Schedule | |
1. | Jazz | NY, @POR, @DEN, MIN, @NO |
2. | Kings | NO, @GS, @PHO, GS |
3. | Hornets | @SAC, @LAC, @GS, UTA |
4. | Mavericks | @MIN, MIA, @MEM, PHO |
5. | Nuggets | NY, UTA, LAC, @MIN |
Golden State Warriors
Schedule: MEM, SAC, NO, @SAC
Injury
Report: Stephen Jackson (toe/out for
the season); Corey Maggette (head/day to
day); Andris Biedrins (ankle/out until
least April); Maggette has been out since Tuesday's game and has missed
the last two games, but is considered day to day. Andris Biedrins does not appear to be near a return yet.
Slam
Dunk: Monta Ellis
Tough Call: Be
careful with Corey Maggette. The way Don
Nelson is running the ship right now, it would not be a surprise to see
Maggette miss another couple of games or perhaps the remainder of the
season. With Maggette banged up and Jackson out for the season, Anthony Morrow has become the man of the hour. He is a recommended
addition off waivers for this four-game scoring period that includes
three very favorable matchups. Kelenna Azubuike
should also benefit and is a start for most any format. We know Jamal Crawford scored 30 points in his return from his odd four-game
absence, but those who have been burned by his soap-opera relationship
with Nellie know there is no guarantee he will play all four games this
week. View him as no more than a No. 3 guard this week, potential aside. Ronny Turiaf has not been productive enough lately (outside of
blocks) to recommend. Anthony Randolph
is a solid sleeper off the waiver wire in cumulative formats. Sit Brandan Wright and Marco Belinelli.
One
Week Boom: Anthony Morow, Kelenna Azubuike,
Anthony Randolph
Houston Rockets
Schedule: @PHO, @LAL, POR
Injury
Report: Tracy McGrady (knee/out for
the season); Carl Landry (leg/out until
at least early April); Landry is still recovering from a flesh wound he
received when he was shot in mid-March.
Slam Dunk: Yao Ming, Ron Artest
Tough
Call: Start Luis Scola and Aaron Brooks in average-based formats, but only in larger cumulative
formats as No. 4 options due to the three-game slate. Sit Kyle Lowry, Shane Battier and Von Wafer.
One Week Bust: Aaron Brooks
Indiana Pacers
Schedule: CHI, SA, @OKC
Injury
Report: Troy Murphy (knee/day to
day); Marquis Daniels (wrist/day to
day); Mike Dunleavy (knee/out for the
season); Murphy has missed the last three games and is questionable for
Tuesday's game against Chicago. Marquis Daniels
has missed the last four games and is also questionable for Tuesday.
Slam
Dunk: Danny Granger
Tough
Calls: With a three-game scoring period and no certainty that he
will play Tuesday, Murphy is a big risk in cumulative leagues. Start him
at your own risk. Daniels should sit in most leagues. His absence has
created a situation for Brandon Rush to
succeed and we recommend him as a waiver wire option in average-based
leagues this week as a stopgap. T.J. Ford
has been moved to the bench behind Jarrett Jack,
who has moved over from shooting guard to point guard. That has allowed
Rush to move into shooting guard with Granger at the three. Jack remains
a solid play in average-based leagues and larger cumulative formats, but
Ford is now a risky play. Jeff Foster is
not a recommended play in most leagues, but can be a cheap source for
boards and blocks in larger leagues.
One Week Boom: Brandon Rush
Los Angeles Clippers
Schedule: NO, @DEN, @LAL
Injury
Report: Baron Davis (stomach
virus/day to day); Mike Taylor
(knee/day to day); Marcus Camby (ankle/out
until at least early April); Davis says that he is dealing with an
ulcer, but should play on Wednesday and is a semi-safe play. Taylor
underwent X-rays after knocking knees with Yao Ming Saturday. Camby could return for the final week of the
season, but is unlikely to play in Week 23.
Slam Dunk: Zach Randolph
Tough Call: Davis sounds like a strong
possibility for Tuesday's game against New Orleans. He's a gamble, yes,
but we say start him unless you are stacked with alternatives. Start Eric Gordon in standard formats. Al Thornton
should start in leagues of 12-plus teams as a No. 3 or 4 option. With
Camby out, Chris Kaman becomes a strong
No. 2 center option. Mike Taylor is a
risky play despite his strong recent play while Davis was out. Don't buy
into the mirage. Sit Steve Novak and DeAndre Jordan.
One Week Boom: Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman
Los Angeles Lakers
Schedule: @OKC, @MIL, HOU, LAC
Injury
Report: Andrew Bynum (knee/out until
mid-April).
Slam Dunk: Kobe Bryant,
Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom
Tough Call: Trevor Ariza's
up-and-down season continues. Last week was up, but this past week was
down. Sit him outside of the deepest of leagues. Avoid Derek Fisher.
One Week Bust: Trevor Ariza
Memphis Grizzlies
Schedule: @GS, WAS, DAL, @MIL
Injury
Report: No significant injuries.
Slam Dunk: Rudy Gay
Tough Call: Start O.J. Mayo, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley in Week 23 with favorable matchups against Golden State
and Washington. Hakim Warrick has some
sleeper appeal in larger leagues due to the matchups. Sit Darrell Arthur and Darko Milicic.
One
Week Boom: O.J. Mayo, Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, Hakim Warrick
Miami Heat
Schedule: ORL, @DAL, @CHA, @WAS
Injury
Report: No significant injuries.
Slam Dunk: Dwyane Wade, Jermaine O'Neal
Tough
Call: Start Udonis Haslem in any
format where he is eligible at center or as a No. 3 or 4 forward option
this week. Michael Beasley in leagues
of 12-plus teams as a No. 4 option. Mario Chalmers should only be used in an extreme pinch. Avoid Jamario Moon and Daequan Cook.
One
Week Boom: Udonis Haslem
Milwaukee Bucks
Schedule: @NJ, LAL, @PHI, MEM
Injury
Report: Andrew Bogut (back/out until
at least early April); Michael Redd
(knee/out for the season); Bogut may miss the remainder of the season,
but either way is unlikely to play in Week 23.
Slam Dunk: Charlie Villanueva, Richard Jefferson
Tough
Call: Start Ramon Sessions as a No.
3 or 4 guard. Sit slumping Luke Ridnour,
who has been dealing with back spasms. Avoid erratic Charlie Bell and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.
One
Week Boom: Ramon Sessions
Minnesota Timberwolves
Schedule: DAL, @UTA, DEN
Injury
Report: Al Jefferson (knee/out for
the season); Craig Smith (calf/day to
day); Randy Foye (hip/day to day);
Smith missed Sunday's game against New Jersey and the extent of the
injury has not been announced by the team. He is currently considered
questionable for Tuesday's game against Dallas. Foye is also day to day
with a hip injury and is questionable for Tuesday.
Slam Dunk: Kevin Love
Tough Call: Foye and Smith should be viewed as
injury risks. At this point of the season any day to day player on a
team with no playoff aspirations is at risk of being shut down. Kevin Ollie and Sebastian Telfair
would benefit from Foye's absence and Ryan Gomes
would benefit from a prolonged absence from Smith. Mike Miller broke out of his doldrums Sunday against New Jersey and
looks like a decent play in larger formats again, though he has been
very erratic. Rodney Carney is a decent
sleeper option for deeper leagues, though he offers just some
double-digit scoring and three-point shooting.
One Week Boom: Rodney Carney
New Jersey Nets
Schedule: MIL, DET, @CHI, PHI
Injury
Report: No significant injuries.
Slam Dunk: Vince Carter, Devin Harris, Brook Lopez
Tough Call: Jarvis Hayes
left the team Sunday to be with his wife after she gave birth to the
couple's child. Before he left, though, he had scored 18 or more points
in three of his previous four games. He is a solid addition off the
waiver wire as a sleeper. With Devin Harris
back, Keyon Dooling should be reserved
again. Continue to sit Yi Jianlian.
One
Week Boom: Jarvis Hayes
New Orleans Hornets
Schedule: @SAC, @LAC, @GS, UTA
Injury
Report: Tyson Chandler (ankle/out
indefinitely); Peja Stojakovic (back/day
to day); Neither player has a definite timetable for a return and both
players are questionable to appear at any point in Week 23.
Slam
Dunk: Chris Paul, David West
Tough Call: Avoid both Chandler and Peja as they
offer no guarantees. Rasual Butler is a
decent sleeper this week thanks to very strong matchups against the
Kings, Clippers and Warriors. James Posey
should be avoided, however. Hilton Armstrong
should benefit from the absence of Chandler, but is no more than a
last-minute replacement option. The same goes for Julian Wright at forward.
One Week Bust: Peja Stojakovic
New York Knicks
Schedule: @UTA, @DEN, TOR, @TOR
Injury
Report: Quentin Richardson
(ankle/day to day); Richardson is dealing with an ankle sprain and is
considered questionable for Monday's game in Utah.
Slam Dunk: David Lee, Al Harrington
Tough
Call: Start Nate Robinson and Wilson Chandler in any format for this four-game slate. Chris Duhon and Larry Hughes are
decent, but not great, options as stopgap measures. Avoid Richardson and Chris Wilcox.
One Week Boom: Nate Robinson, Wilson Chandler
Oklahoma City Thunder
Schedule: @SA, POR, IND
Injury
Report: No significant injuries.
Slam Dunk: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook
Tough
Call: Start Jeff Green in any
average-based format and cumulative league of 12-plus teams. Start Nick Collison in larger average-based leagues where he is eligible
at center as a No. 2 option. Avoid Thabo Sefolosha and Nenad Krstic.
One
Week Boom: Jeff Green
Orlando Magic
Schedule: @MIA, TOR, CLE, @ATL
Injury
Report: Jameer Nelson (shoulder/out
for the season).
Slam Dunk: Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu
Tough Call: Start Rafer Alston as a No. 3 or 4 guard in standard leagues. Mickael Pietrus is a reach in any situation. Courtney Lee is an interesting sleeper option off the waiver wire. He is
enjoying a solid offensive run. Reserve J.J. Redick and Anthony Johnson.
One
Week Boom: Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston
Philadelphia 76ers
Schedule: ATL, MIL, DET, @NJ
Injury
Report: Samuel Dalembert (leg/day to
day); Dalembert left Sunday's game and there is still no indication as
to the extent of the injury. He is questionable for Tuesday against
Atlanta.
Slam Dunk: Andre Iguodala,
Andre Miller
Tough Call: Start Thaddeus Young in any league this week. He is on an offensive surge.
Avoid Lou Williams outside of the
deepest of leagues. Sit Marreese Speights
and Samuel Dalembert.
One Week
Boom: Thaddeus Young
Phoenix Suns
Schedule: HOU, SAC, @DAL
Injury
Report: Amar'e Stoudemire (eye/out
for the season); Leandro Barbosa
(knee/out until early April); Barbosa is expected back for Wednesday's
game against Houston.
Slam Dunk: Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal, Jason Richardson
Tough Call: Start Grant Hill in any average-based format or in larger cumulative
formats of 12-plus teams as a No. 4 option. Matt Barnes has been too erratic and is a recommended sit in the
three-game scoring period. Barbosa could be limited upon his return and
is no lock. Use him in larger average-based formats if no healthy
alternatives are available. Avoid him in cumulative formats if possible
due to the three-game slate and the uncertainty surrounding his health.
One
Week Boom: Grant Hill
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Team | Schedule | |
1. | Celtics | CHA, ATL |
2. | Hawks | @PHI, @BOS, ORL |
3. | Bulls | @IND, NJ |
4. | Wizards | @MEM, CLE, MIA |
5. | Heat | ORL, @DAL, @CHA, @WAS |
Portland Trail Blazers
Schedule: UTA, @OKC, @HOU
Injury
Report: No significant injuries.
Slam Dunk: Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge
Tough
Call: Despite a clunker in his most recent game, a low-scoring
affair, Steve Blake has played well
enough over the last two weeks that he is a useful low-end starter in
most average-based formats this week. Use him in larger cumulative
formats as a No. 4 guard as well if four-game options run short. Travis Outlaw should be avoided in cumulative formats, but can be a a
decent low-end stopgap play in average-based leagues. Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla make
for emergency stopgaps only. Rudy Fernandez
is not recommended outside of the deepest of leagues.
One Week
Boom: Steve Blake
Sacramento Kings
Schedule: NO, @GS, @PHO, GS
Injury
Report: No significant injuries.
Slam Dunk: Kevin Martin
Tough Call: Considering the excellent matchups
against Golden State and Phoenix, Spencer Hawes
and Jason Thompson are must-starts. Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia
and Andres Nocioni also make quality
plays. All of them can be used in average-based or cumulative formats. Rashad McCants makes for a decent last-minute sleeper option. The
Kings could be scoring around 110 points per game in Week 23.
One
Week Boom: Spencer Hawes, Jason Thompson, Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia, Andres Nocioni
San Antonio Spurs
Schedule: OKC, @IND, @CLE
Injury
Report: No significant injuries.
Slam Dunk: Tony Parker, Tim Duncan
Tough
Call: Manu Ginobili makes for a
solid play in average-based leagues this week, but is more of a No. 3 or
4 guard in cumulative leagues. With Ginobili back, avoid Roger Mason Jr. and Michael Finley.
Avoid Matt Bonner and Drew Gooden.
One Week Boom: Manu Ginobili
Toronto Raptors
Schedule: @ORL, @NY, NY
Injury
Report: No significant injuries.
Slam Dunk: Chris Bosh, Jose Calderon
Tough
Call: Shawn Marion and Andrea Bargnani are must-starts this week with two matchups against
the Fantasy-friendly Knicks, especially in average-based play. Anthony Parker can be used in a pinch in leagues of 12-plus teams this
week as well due to the favorable matchups.
One Week Boom: Shawn Marion, Andrea Bargnani
Utah Jazz
Schedule: NY, @POR, @DEN, MIN, @NO
Injury
Report: None.
Slam Dunk: Deron Williams, Mehmet Okur, Carlos Boozer
Tough Call: The Jazz are the only team in the
league this week to play five games. That makes players like Paul Millsap and Ronnie Brewer
excellent plays in cumulative formats and in most average-based leagues
as well with solid matchups against New York, Denver and Minnesota. Kyle Korver makes for a decent waiver wire addition in a pinch for
larger cumulative leagues only. Slumping Andrei Kirilenko does as well, but to a lesser extent. The
accumulation of stats should be decent even if the averages are not.
One
Week Boom: Ronnie Brewer
Washington Wizards
Schedule: @MEM, CLE, MIA
Injury
Report: Gilbert Arenas
(knee/probable for April 1 at Memphis); Darius Songaila (neck/day to day); Mike James
(pinkie/out for the season); Arenas is finally back and looks to be
stronger than anticipated despite being out over a year. He should be
available for all three games in Week 23 after resting Sunday. Songaila
has missed the team's last two games. He is questionable for Wednesday
in Memphis.
Slam Dunk: Antawn Jamison,
Caron Butler
Tough Call: Andray Blatche is averaging 14.2 points and 7.2 rebounds over his last
five games. Use him in any average-based league this week or in larger
cumulative formats. Arenas is a tricky play in any cumulative league as
he could wind up resting one of the three games as he did this past
Sunday. He is better saved for cumulative formats where possible despite
a strong game in his return. Nick Young
is also better saved for larger average-based formats. Arenas' presence
could cut into his shot attempts down the stretch. Sit Dominic McGuire, JaVale McGee and Darius Songaila.
One Week Bust: Gilbert Arenas
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