2014-15 Fantasy Basketball: Week 17 Preview
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This post was written by our newest fantasy analyst, Max Haldeman, exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com. Follow Max on Twitter @MaxHaldeman13.
Week 17: February 23-March 1
4 games: BOS, BKN, CHI, CLE, DEN, GS, HOU, LAC, MEM, MIA, MIL, MIN, NO, OKC, PHI, POR, SA, TOR, UTA, WSH
3 games: ATL, CHA, DAL, DET, IND, LAL, NY, ORL, PHO, SAC
On Fire
DeAndre Jordan – DeAndre has been an absolute beast since Blake Griffin went down with his elbow injury. In the last 15 days he’s averaging 18 points and 18 rebounds per game while shooting 62% from the field. His free throws continue to be an issue for he and his fantasy owners, however, and it isn’t going to be good news if teams keep fouling him on purpose to send him to the line. In the final game before the break, DJ was 12/26 from the charity stripe, and in the first game after the break he was an abysmal 10/28. Spurs coach Greg Popovich says he hates the rule but as long as it continues to be a rule he’s going to take advantage of it. Continue to ride Jordan daily while Blake Griffin continues to nurse that elbow.
Russell Westbrook – Russ, much like DJ, has benefited from injured teammates. Former MVP Kevin Durant has had foot issues all season long, which has led to Westbrook’s surge this season, especially in the past two weeks. He is averaging 26 points, 10 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game in the past two weeks while shooting 92% from the free throw line. Even if Durant doesn’t miss much time with his foot injury, Westbrook will continue to be one of the best players in fantasy basketball this season.
Ice Cold
Arron Afflalo – Afflalo was once a 20 point per game scorer for the Orlando Magic and has now been traded from the Nuggets to the Trail Blazers. In his time with Denver, Afflalo was struggling to find the groove as a consistent scorer and his new situation isn’t any better. Depending on his role, Afflalo’s production will likely go down even more in Portland making him a fringe player at best.
Goran Dragic – Dragic was traded to Miami and was decent in his Heat debut. I’m always hesitant on these ice cold player evaluations when people are just recently traded because of the time it takes to acclimate themselves. Dragic has struggled all season compared to last with the crowded front court in Phoenix, but Dragic should be in a much better situation in Miami.
Stream Options
– Norris Cole would be a great addition now that he’s in New Orleans, especially with how banged up they are. Cole played 30 minutes in his debut with the Pelicans and should provide a good amount of scoring and defense for his owners until the Pelicans get healthy.
– Avery Bradley has solidified himself as the leading scorer in the Celtics’ rotation with Okynyk and now Jared Sullinger sidelined and with Jeff Green in Memphis. He is well worth an add or trading for if he comes at a cheap price. In daily leagues, use him while his price tag is cheaper.
– Isaiah Canaan is now getting a big workload in Philadelphia now that MCW was shipped to Milwaukee. He should continue to get better the more he plays and is relatively unknown at the moment. Add him while you can to at least see how high his ceiling can go.
Injury report:
— Chris Bosh is out for the season due to blood clots in his lungs.
— Anthony Davis will miss 1-2 weeks with a shoulder injury.
— Ryan Anderson will miss 2-4 weeks with a knee injury.
— Stephen Curry is day to day with a foot injury. Although it doesn’t seem to be an issue right now, curry has had foot injuries in the past which could lean to some concern here.
— Blake Griffin was given good news from his doctors concerning his elbow but it still without a timetable for a return.
— Jrue Holiday continues to sit and nurse his leg injury. He aggravated his injury and will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
— Jared Sullinger will miss the remainder of the season with a stress fracture in his left metatarsal.
— Steven Adams continues to sit after surgery on his hand at the beginning of the month.
— Carmelo Anthony has opted to have surgery on his knee and will be out for the rest of the season.
— Michael Carter-Williams continues to sit to nurse his toe injury but is expected to play his first game with the Bucks on Wednesday against his ex-team the 76ers.