We here at Lakers Nation know that Fantasy Basketball is a huge part of the culture in being a fan of the NBA. So for those of you that are currently in a league, and looking for some ways to improve your team, we’ve put together a list of players you should consider picking up this week to make your team that much better.
Point Guards
Shaun Livingston – With Deron Williams expected to be sidelined for a short period of time, Livingston is going to fill in at that starting point guard position for the Nets. He’s likely to be a solid contributor in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
Steve Blake – Steve Blake has taken full advantage of his opportunity since being elevated to the role of starting point guard in the absence of Steve Nash. He’s had double-digit assists in his last four games, and marked a season-high of 16 assists this past Sunday against the Pistons.
Trending up: Mike Conley, Greivis Vasquez, Nate Wolters, Jordan Crawford
Trending down: Deron Williams, Tony Parker, Kemba Walker
Shooting Guards
Avery Bradley – Bradley has been having a spectacular season in the absence of Rajon Rondo so far, as he’s been scoring relatively well. In his last outing he scored 27 points, marking the second time he’s gotten above the 20-point mark in his last four games.
Lou Williams – Williams made his season debut last Friday, scoring seven points in the 16 minutes that he played. It may take some time for him to get back to his old self as he continues to recover from knee surgery, but it is a good sign that he’s already back on the court. He should be a guy to look out for.
Trending up: Kobe Bryant, Gerald Green, James Anderson
Trending down: Manu Ginobili, Joe Johnson
Small Forwards
Corey Brewer – The Wolves are slated to play four games this week, and Brewer is the cemented starting small forward on this team. He’s been reliable contributor in multiple categories, and hasn’t been shy to give a stellar performance here and there. He can be a sneaky pick-up this week that can really helps.
DeMarre Carroll – Over his last five games he’s been giving fantasy owners 10 points and seven rebounds, while knocking down two three-pointers a game. In a four game week he can definitely be of use to anyone needing a small forward for the short-time being.
Trending up: Wes Johnson, Martel Webster
Trending down: Trevor Ariza, Iman Shumpert
Power Forwards
Jordan Hill – Since being placed in the starting lineup alongside Pau Gasol, Hill has been going on a tear. Most recently he posted career highs of 24 points and 17 rebounds in one game, and now that his minutes are expected to increase, it makes him a must-grab in fantasy leagues!
Terrence Jones – The Asik debacle in Houston has given Jones the opportunity to start alongside Dwight Howard, and he’s taken full advantage of his opportunity. Last week he averaged a double-double in points/rebounds, and also provided owners two blocks a game.
Trending up: Josh McRoberts, John Henson, Ryan Anderson
Trending down: Brandon Bass, Amir Johnson
Centers
J.J. Hickson – The veteran big man has been starting at the center spot in Javale McGee’s place and has been performing very well. In his last three games: 14.7 Ppg, 51.3% FG, 12.7 Rpg, 1.3 Spg, 1.3 Bpg. Grab this man while you can!
Miles Plumlee – He may not be the guy that stands out among big men in the league, but he quietly gets the job done in an efficient fashion. Over his last five: 11.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks while shooting over 50% from the field.
Trending up: Vitor Faverani, Timofey Mozgov
Trending down: Anderson Varejao, Jason Smith