Start

Mike Conley, PG, Memphis Grizzlies 
Conley has really stepped his game up during the playoffs, as he’s averaging over 15 points and 6.5 assists per game. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves, but Conley is consistent and reliable, so use him if you need a point guard on the cheaper side.

Jeff Teague, PG, Atlanta Hawks 
With Kirk Hinrich down and possibly out with a bad hamstring, look for Teague to continue to start at the point and get solid grind. His value could rise with Derrick Rose’s ankle injury, as well, but you can probably bank on 10-12 points and 5-6 assists per game.

Luol Deng, SF, Chicago Bulls 
Quick, how is Deng doing in the playoffs? The answer is quietly awesome. When you think Chicago, you think Rose, Rose, Rose, and then maybe Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah. But one look at Deng’s numbers and you need to start asking why you don’t use this guy in fantasy basketball more. The dude has topped 16 points and 6 boards in five of his last six games in the 2011 playoffs, easily showcasing his solid value and consistency. Translation: use him.

Al Horford, F/C, Atlanta Hawks 
Horford is quietly having a solid playoff appearance. He’s not averaging the points you want, but he deserves a mulligan after going to battle with Dwight Howard for six games. Look for him to get back on track offensively against the Chicago Bulls, and to remain a consistent double-double threat at the very least.

Marc Gasol, C, Memphis GrizzliesGasol has been somewhat of a beast in these playoffs, but even more importantly, he’s been super consistent. While everyone’s attention is focused on stopping Zach Randolph, the “other” Gasol just keeps doing his thing. Have confidence with him in your lineups going forward.

Sit

Derrick Rose, PG, Chicago Bulls 
Bold statement, I know, but I’m not actually telling you to positively keep away from Rose. However, he’s going to be dealing with a bad ankle for the entire series (most likely), and if he doesn’t, it might mean missing a game or two. Rose is the league’s MVP and may go on a tear, but he’s not 100% so he is a risky play.

Kirk Hinrich, PG, Atlanta Hawks 
I was excited to see Hinrich vs. Rose in this series, the battle between old Bulls teammates. Unfortunately, Hinrich is ailing with a bad hamstring. Don’t expect to see him in action this week, while there’s a very good chance he misses the entire series.

Josh Smith, F, Atlanta Hawks 
I don’t mean to hate on Smith, mostly because he can be a stud with his versatility on any night, but he’s just not getting it done. In three of his last four games, he’s shot under 40% and has scored nine or less points. He’s just not a consistent option until he gets back into a groove.

Ron Artest, SF, Los Angeles Lakers 
Not that you needed more than one reason to not use Artest, he’s scored six total points in his last two games combined, and didn’t really look the same against Dallas in Game One. Artest riding two bad games doesn’t usually equate to a great third one, so stay away until he gets it going again.

Jeff Green, F, Boston Celtics 
Were you expecting Green to enter the playoffs and suddenly be a huge part of Boston’s offense? Nope, still hasn’t found his spot. Green hasn’t even scored 10 points in a game in these playoffs. Look elsewhere.

(April 22, 2011 – Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America) 

Written by Kevin Roberts exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com. 
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