Phoenix has a favorable schedule with only three games this week. If he is healthy enough to play, look for Goran Dragic to slice up the Raptors and Kings defense this week as he has a size advantage against both opposing point guards. In his third game, he plays his former team the Houston Rockets. Look for Dragic to be particularly motivated as he faces off with Jeremy Lin, who Houston chose over him in what is sure be a fast-paced game. Also keep your eye on Jermaine O’Neal, as it has been widely noted he too appears to have found the fountain of youth out in Arizona.
Denver this week has four games. Look for their players to control the pace of the game all week. The only team that should make an effort to slow the game down will be the Clippers. Denver’s depth makes them particularly dangerous. I expect to see their bench receive extended minutes this week while Gallinari continues to heal up and they should blow by most of their competition.
The Nets boast a favorable week as well as they play two of their there three games against inferior competition. Deron Williams has slowly been rounding into better form and Joe Johnson is set to return. Net players should produce efficient games this week as they face the lowly Bobcats and Wizards. The starters should be well-energized and rested at the end of the week in their match-up with the Hawks.
Sits & Starts
Wilson Chandler has been phenomenal of late. He has great scoring abilities and is a great fit in the Nuggets’ fast-paced offense. Gallinari is still healing from deep thigh bruising so Chandler should continue to get extended minutes. Chandler’s confidence should be soaring now after his recent offensive explosion on Friday against the Thunder. Play him while he is hot and enjoy the ride.
Stephen Curry had a historic night this past week at Madison Square Garden as he nearly tied the record for made threes in a game. Curry’s field goal percentage has been rocky this season, but he is clearly heating up. Steph should dominate his match-ups this week as he faces off with Kyle Lowry, Brandon Jennings and Isaiah Thomas. As for his game in Houston this week, I expect him to play with some real edge and give them a personal reminder that he too can hit threes in bunches.
Expect Joakim Noah to have a tough week as he goes against Tim Duncan, Utah’s abundance of big men and the recently spry-again Dwight Howard. Noah’s play has been other-worldly as he provides value at elite levels across the board. This week Noah will most likely slow down some.
Dirk Nowitzki is in for a great week as playing against Houston should give him an abundance of favorable mismatches. He also should have no trouble against Detroit as he will blow by any slow-footed defender they throw at him. Dirk ends the week playing against the depleted Timberwolves where he should use his size to his advantage against the streaking Derrick Williams and likely will not have to face the pesky Andrei Kirlenko.
Depth Chart
Updated weekly, our depth chart lists the top ten players on every team, with links to their stats. Injured players, like most of Minnesota’s lineup, are noted with brackets.
Each Sunday during the NBA season, the Fantasy Planner previews the upcoming week. Get updates every morning from Kent Williams in the Fantasy Spin and follow us on Twitter @SheridanFantasy.