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Friday Fantasy Forecast – Version 15 March 5, 2010

Check out our newest entry of Friday Fantasy Forecast where Alistair Ingram will give you some expert advice from the world of fantasy hoops. This week find out why you should buy CJ Watson and drop Monta Ellis.

Friday Fantasy Forecast – Version 15

lebron James Friday Fantasy Forecast

 

Dirty Landry

 King Rockets Basketball

Carl Landry put up starter’s numbers in a bench role all year long for the Rockets.

Not surprisingly, he continues to post starter’s numbers in his new starter’s role for the Kings.

Landry has provided the post presence that Sacramento desperately needed, and upon his arrival from Houston has immediately been inserted into the starting frontcourt. In those 7 starts, the 6’9 forward is averaging 16.9 PPG, 7 RPG, and 1.3 STL.

He’s shooting roughly 48% from the field as a Kings’ starter and has made 36 of his last 39 free throws over the last 6 games (6.5 FT attempts per game).

Landry is finally getting the opportunity to explore his true possibilities as an NBA power forward. He’s averaging nearly 10 minutes more per contest than he did in Houston (37 compared to 27), as Spencer Hawes is the only other healthy and contributing post player in Sacramento.

The former Purdue standout isn’t much of a shot blocker (0.5 per game in his career) and hasn’t attempted a 3-pointer all season, but he has double-double potential on a nightly basis given his current playing time (he had one Wednesday night against his former team).

Odds are Landry’s not available in your fantasy league (79% owned in Yahoo! Leagues), but those who jumped on him after a few starts out west are reaping the benefits.

Plus, if “broken teeth” are a category in your league, Landry is a potential number 1 overall pick.

 

Life Is Gooden

 Clippers Kings Basketball

The majority of the points I just made about Carl Landry can also be applied to Drew Gooden of the Clippers. He’s a solid free throw shooter who can score and rebound, can’t block shots or shoot from the perimeter, and has been coming off the bench all season.

90043809SF001_PACERS_BLAZERSIronically, he too has found a starting role with his new team and is simultaneously contributing easily his best numbers of the season.

The Clippers brought Gooden into the fold to fill the void left by trading starting center Marcus Camby to Portland. Starting alongside All-Star caliber center Chris Kaman down low has proven to be a beneficial role thus far.

Gooden has started 5 of the 6 games in which he’s played since being shipped to L.A. from Dallas via Washington. In those 5 consecutive starts, he’s put up 2 double-doubles while averaging 17 PPG and 9 RPG.

If those figures aren’t impressive enough, consider the fact that the guy shot nearly 98% from the foul line in the month of February while averaging more than 5 attempts per game (a lackluster 9-12 so far in March).

Gooden has shot nearly 50% from the floor while a member of the starting 5, and it doesn’t appear as though DeAndre Jordan (the only other viable post on LA’s roster) will be taking minutes away from him any time soon.

Barring injury, 15-18 points and 7-9 rebounds a night is not a stretch the rest of the way for the former Jayhawk.

 

Warrior Watch: Williams & Watson

 CJ Watson

The greatest thing about the Warriors: Alliteration potential.

The 2nd greatest thing about the Warriors: The fact that, on any given night, literally anyone on their active roster can become fantasy relevant.

90043780IB018_Warriors_HeatThe latest example is a 6 foot 6 undrafted rookie small forward from Virginia Military named Reggie Williams. Playing in just the 2nd game of his career on Wednesday night, Williams scored 13 points on 6 of 14 shooting, pulled down 6 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists.

None of those numbers are mind boggling by any means, but it’s rare for such a no-name to play more than 36 minutes against a quality opponent in the Orlando Magic and be productive. Then again, this is Golden State.

There’s likely nothing to write home about with Williams, but with players like Monta Ellis, Corey Maggette, and Andris Biedrens on the shelf, the Warriors usually plentiful points have to come from somewhere.

Williams got the 2nd most playing time of any Golden State player in the loss (despite coming off the bench). Then again, it was a 27 point blowout, so those numbers could easily be misleading. Still, worth keeping an eye on, and at the very least you’ve expanded upon your useless Western Conference knowledge.

Some numbers that aren’t misleading: 17.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 2.3 STL. That’s C.J. Watson’s stat line in 10 games as a starting guard this season.

Watson has started the last 3 games in the absence of Monta Ellis (back), averaging 18.3 PPG and 4.0 STL while knocking down a combined 4 threes in 120 minutes of action.

Ellis has yet to join his team on their 5-game East Coast road trip as he awaits the results of an MRI to learn his status. Until the fantasy stud point guard returns, Watson will continue to run the point and get his shots (13+ FG attempts over his last 4 games).

Anyone who’s playing 40 minutes a night for a team which averages nearly 107 PPG (3rd in the NBA) is an absolute must own. At just 39% owned in Yahoo! Leagues, it would appear that Watson can be had.

BallHype: hype it up!


Baron Davis Gets His Swagger From Booms Beard[Video]

Booms Beard large

Have you ever wondered where LA Clippers guard, Baron Davis, gets his swag from? Whether on or off of the court, the man of many nicknames like “Boom Dizzle”, “2-EZ”, and “The Illest Don Dada You’ve Ever Met” just seems to exude coolness.

Booms Beard medIn this hilarious video brought to our attention by the fine folks over at Brobible, Baron Davis takes his turn at mocking the crazy world of infomercials with his endorsement of Booms Beard. Baron apparently is out to prove he can be just as funny as his NBA counterpart Steve Nash, who has done a number of spoofs like the World’s Most Dangerous Man.

This video will have your sides splitting as Baron acts as both the narrator and celebrity endorser along with a guest appearance by Utah Jazz point man, Deron Williams. I chuckled at the many uses of the fake facial hair as well as the special reduced pricing during the recession of only $29.99, down from Booms Beard’s regular price of only $5,000. Hopefully Baron can use that beard to help the Clippers get into the Playoffs next season.

Check out the video and go get yourself a Booms Beard:

BallHype: hype it up!


Amare Stoudemire Posterizes Richard Jefferson [Video]

Amare screenshot

Phoenix Suns dominating big man, Amare Stoudemire, has been a beast on the hardwood lately ever since he found out he wasn’t being traded.  The man they call STATS” has been putting up 26.5 ppg over his last 5 games since the NBA trade deadline passed and he found out he would be a Phoenix Sun for the rest of this season instead of playing alongside Lebron in Cleveland.

We have been starting to see more bounce and ferociousness out of Stoudemire who has been known to serve up some facials on opponents over his career.  Recently in a game against the San Antonio Spurs, Amare once again served one up against opponent Richard Jefferson, who had thoughts of trying to swat the 5 time All-Star.  Big mistake!

 

Even though the Suns lost the game, 113-110, Amare was the best player on the floor by dropping a whopping 41 points and 12 boards.  In a bit of comic relief, former 2 time dunk champion and current Sun, Jason Richardson  missed a dunk with under a minute remaining which would have tightened up the score.  I guess he’s lost a step.

BallHype: hype it up!


Friday Fantasy Forecast – Version 14

lebron James Friday Fantasy Forecast

 

Andray The Giant

 Andray Blatche

Don’t usually do this, but I’m going to go ahead and toot my own horn on this one.

In last week’s Fantasy Forecast, I tagged Andray Blatche as a player to watch in Washington. If you didn’t pick him up immediately following the trade deadline, it’s pretty safe to say you’ve missed out.

Grizzlies Wizards BasketballBlatche is taking full advantage of the Antawn Jamison trade, which not only sent the double-double machine to Cleveland, but may also result in Zydrunas Ilgauskas retaining his Cavaliers’ jersey (you can blame the NBA for that one).

The Syracuse native has started the last 5 games as the Wizards’ power forward, putting up huge numbers in the process: 24.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 BLK, 60% FG, 84.6% FT (22-26).

Blatche has 3 double-doubles in those 5 contests and has scored at least 24 points 4 times in that span. He’s also played 40+ minutes in back to back games, and Flip Saunders is clearly giving the 23-year-old a chance to flourish in the nation’s capital.

As a starter this season, the youngster is averaging 18.6 PPG on 53% FG, 8.8 RPG, 2.9 APG, and 1.3 BLK. This guy will not only post huge figures down the stretch, but will undoubtedly be a centerpiece of the Wizards’ rebuilding effort next year.

If this pace continues, think poor man’s Al Jefferson before his knee injury last year in Minnesota (23 PPG, 11 RPG, 1.7 BLK). Call me crazy, but given his potential for future playing time, Blatche could easily go in the first 4 rounds next year.

Of course, he’s still young, raw, and inconsistent, so what do I know?

 

Red Hot Rookies

 Magic Hornets Basketball

Hornets rookie Marcus Thornton seems to have found a beneficial on-court relationship with fellow rookie Darren Collison, who’s amazingly had at least 9 assists in each of his last 7 games. Some of that is great vision, and the rest relies on knock down shooting.

Hornets Bucks BasketballWhile Collison has lit up the Western Conference for nearly 21 PPG in the month of February, Thornton has made 11 of his last 24 shots from downtown over the past 5 games.

Thornton was on a roll from late January into early February (as noted in Fantasy Forecast – Version 11), making 6 consecutive starts before a lower back contusion against the Thunder kept him out of 3 games.

Thornton has yet to resume that starter’s role, but scoring a combined 62 points in his last 2 games can’t hurt the cause. He scored a franchise record 23 points in the 2nd quarter against Cleveland on Tuesday and finished the game with a career high 37 (which also set team records for points by a rookie and bench player).

The LSU product has played nearly 72 minutes combined off the bench in the last 2 contests, while starting 2-guard Morris Peterson has earned a whopping 25 (just over 4 Wednesday night in Milwaukee). Clearly, the minutes are more important than the starter’s role, but it might not be long before Thornton has the edge in both areas.

The rookie remains limited in terms of overall fantasy value (4.0 RPG and 2.0 APG as a starter this year), but he excels at his niche. Thornton has made 2.7 3-pointers per game on 47% from long range in his 6 starts this season and is averaging an even 20 PPG since the All-Star break.

Peja Stojakovic’s 4 for his last 14 from long range (20 points combined the last 2 games), which means Marcus Thornton is the hot hand from beyond the arc in New Orleans.

 

In Need of a Desperate Housewife

 Tony_Parker

Tony Parker’s wife, actress Eva Longoria, is a sight for sore eyes. But is she a sight for a sore hip, foot, and ankle?

Tony Parker Longoria rt floatThe Spurs starting point guard has dealt with numerous injuries this season, including plantar fasciitis in his left foot and multiple ankle sprains. Parker’s latest ailment: A mild strain of his left hip, which was revealed by an MRI on Monday.

He’ll likely have to play through pain for the remainder of the season (as if he hasn’t already), and his effectiveness should be a huge question mark down the stretch.

Parker has suited up for just 2 of San Antonio’s last 3 games, going a combined 3 for 15 from the floor with just 6 points and 5 assists. He hasn’t played more than 27 minutes in either of those starts, and one can’t help but wonder if he’ll resemble the guy who’s averaged roughly 19 points and 6 assists over the last 4 years.

Parker’s health issues have paved the way for George Hill’s increased role in the Spurs’ backcourt. He’s started the last 16 games in San Antonio and has averaged 15.8 PPG, 3.2 APG, and 3.1 RPG as a starting guard this season (20 games total).

During that 16 game span, he’s scored in double figures 14 times. Hill averaging 15.6 PPG in nearly 35 minutes a night during the month of February, and he’s putting up the following line over his last 3 games: 17 PPG, 4.3 APG, 4.3 RPG, 1.0 STL, 1.0 BLK, and 1.7 3PT.

Manu Ginobili rt floatTony Parker’s injury injuries will continue to hamper him for the rest of the year until permanent measures can be taken in the offseason. Right now, Hill (a former IUPUI standout) is a smarter start than Parker (a 2-time NBA champion).

If it wasn’t for do-it-all 6th man Manu Ginobili (23.7 PPG, 4.3 APG, 4.3 RPG, 2.7 STL over his last 3 games), he’d currently be the Spurs’ best fantasy guard going forward.

BallHype: hype it up!


NBA Pic of the Week: Nuggets JR Smith’s Transformers Tattoos

JR Smith large

The Denver Nuggets are surely hoping to make a return trip to the Western Conference Finals this season.  They are off to a great start by ranking among the Top 4 teams out West behind their superstar Carmelo Anthony, who has been among the league leaders in scoring all season.

D053240018.jpgThe X-faxtor in the Nuggets chances to return to the NBA’s version of college’s Final Four could very well rest upon their super 6th man, JR Smith.  This season, the 6th year player is averaging 15 ppg off the bench, is quickly becoming one of the game’s rising young stars, and is capable of dropping 30+ points in any game, like his 41 point outburst against the Hawks around Christmas.

While no one doubts that Smith is supremely talented, he also has been known to make some bone-headed moves and be injury prone by being suspended for a number of on and off court incidents including a 10 game suspension for his involvement in the Knicks/Nuggets brawl in ‘06 and a 17 game suspension to begin this season.

His most recent example of  odd behavior is his recent addition to his body covering tattoo collection featuring the Transformers.  He has both an Autobot and Decepticon tattoos, one on each side of his neck.  Smith said he got the ink since he was such a big fan of both movies.

BallHype: hype it up!


DeMarcus Cousins Compares Himself To Shaq

DeMarcus Cousins large

The Kentucky Wildcats are having one of their best seasons in their storied history. Although their stay at #1 was rudely interrupted by the Devan Downey show, they remain one of the teams who have a legitimate shot at winning another NCAA title.

While most talk nationally is about their phenomenally talented freshman point guard John Wall, big man DeMarcus Cousins has arguably been their best player and is most crucial to their success.

Affectionally nicknamed “Boogie”, Cousins displays a hard nosed, emotional, and sometimes reckless demeanor on the court and a joking, easy going persona off the court.

Always good for a good one-liner or humorous come-back, Cousins recently made some news in an interview by comparing himself to future NBA Hall of Famer and 4 time NBA Champion Shaquille O’Neal. At first take on his statement, one has to laugh, but upon comparing numbers, Cousins is actually in the ballpark.

While at LSU, Shaq during his freshman year averaged 12.9 ppg, 12 rebs, and 3.8 blocks, which are comparable to Cousins’ 16.3 ppg, 10 rebs, and 2 blocks. Cousins is obviously a tad better offensively by being able to put the ball on the floor if need be while Shaq was strickly a post up center. Shaq was ahead of Cousins in cleaning the glass and protecting the paint.

With his draft stock sky rocketing, Cousins is expected to leave Lexington and enter the NBA Draft after only one season for Kentucky. If he would somehow be convinced to stay, would he be able to come close to Shaq’s sophomore campaign which saw him put up 27.6 ppg, 14.7 rebs, and 4.2 blocks in earning National Player of the Year?

In my opinion, it wouldn’t be out of the question but I believe Cousins compares better with Syracuse’s Derrick Coleman, who topped out at 17.9 ppg, 12 rebs, and 2 blocks at Syracuse before playing 15 NBA seasons and was one of the most versatile players at the PF position of his time.

For those of you who want to see the whole video, check it out here.

Can you say “Hack A Cousins?”

BallHype: hype it up!


Friday Fantasy Forecast – Version 13

lebron James Friday Fantasy Forecast

FRIDAY FANTASY FORECAST: TRADE DEADLINE EDITION

 Big 3 Gone: The New Look Wizards

 Wizards logo

The Wizards’ recent fire sale has brought tons of fantasy intrigue to the nation’s capital. Already missing Gilbert Arenas (let’s just say it’s not injury related), Washington shipped its two other proven scorers to contenders before Thursday’s deadline.

Caron Butler was dealt to Dallas along with starting center Brendan Haywood, while Antawn Jamison has found a new home with King James and the Cavaliers atop the Eastern Conference.

Josh Howard Wizards

So what’s left over for the Wizards? They got a talented, yet disgruntled Josh Howard back from the Mavericks. Howard put up 14 points, 5-14 FG, and 3 steals off the bench in his Washington debut on Wednesday night.

The Wiz also received center Zydrunas Ilgauskas from the Cavs and forward Al Thornton from the Clippers in what was a 3-team trade involving Jamison. Both had been playing reduced roles in Cleveland and Los Angeles respectively, but we’re yet to see how either will be used in their new jerseys.

Mike Miller has been shooting the absolute lights out from the starting small forward spot (19 for his last 24 from 3-point range), so he’s not about to take a back seat. The Wizards had Randy Foye (5 for his last 19 FG) and Nick Young starting in the backcourt on Wednesday night against Minnesota, and they combined to shoot 4-17 from the floor.

Look out for Howard and Miller at the 2 and 3 (or vice versa), with Young riding the pine. Thornton has scored in double figures just once since January 29th, but he should be one of the first forwards off the bench. It’s hard to remember the fact that he averaged nearly 17 PPG last year for the Clippers.

In the frontcourt, Andray Blatche is a player to watch. Starting for the first time since January 5th on Wednesday, Blatche scored 33 points on 14 of 22 shooting, grabbed 13 rebounds, and posted 2 steals and 1 block against the Timberwolves.

Andray Blatche

In 5 games as a starter this year, the 23 year old is averaging 15.2 PPG, 8.6 RPG, and 1.6 BLK while shooting 50% from the field and nearly 74% from the FT line. The Wizards should have every intention of giving Blatche some serious minutes down the stretch to see what they have in the young power forward.

The 34 year old Ilgauskas hasn’t played more than 30 minutes in a game since November 21st, so expect him to be nothing more than a backup center. Starting at center for Washington on Wednesday was 7-footer JaVale McGee, who posted 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks in nearly 23 minutes of action. Based on playing time, I’d wait for a larger sample size before considering him add-worthy.

 

The Kings’ Changing of the Guard

 sacramento_kings_logo-1024x768

With Kevin Martin heading to Houston, Beno Udrih’s fantasy value could be on the rise in Sacramento. Udrih has started just 8 games since the beginning of December, but may have the inside track on the starting shooting guard spot.

As a starter this season, the Yugoslavian is averaging 14.1 PPG, 4.6 APG, 2.7 RPG, 1.0 3PT, and 0.9 STL. He only played 18 minutes in a blowout loss to the Warriors on Wednesday with 4 points and 4 assists, but that was with Martin in the starting 5.

Another potential candidate for backcourt playing time is Francisco Garcia, who’s played just 2 games since returning from a serious wrist injury. Garcia played 22 minutes on Wednesday with 9 points on 3 of 6 shooting and 1 three.

tracy_mcgrady rt float 2The Kings also acquired shooting guard Larry Hughes from the Knicks in the 3-team deal, which also sent Tracy McGrady to the New York. Based on the amount of time Garcia has missed (more than 4 months) and Hughes has played (4 games since the New Year), Udrih seems like a safer add.

The only noteworthy player coming to the Kings from Houston is Carl Landry, who’s averaging an impressive 16.1 PPG and 5.5 RPG this year while averaging a shade over 27 minutes a night off the bench for the Rockets.

Landry could take minutes away from Donte’ Greene, who’s been highly inconsistent since his insertion in the starting 5 back on January 20th. With that said, Jason Thompson (3 double-doubles in his last 4 games) an Omri Casspi (14 PPG, 6.8 RPG over his last 4) are both productive forwards that could limit Landry’s role.

 

Same Old Knicks, Same Old T-Mac?

 Tracy McGrady large

Tracy McGrady and the Knicks are a match made in heaven for various reasons.

From a basic NBA perspective, T-Mac is yet another overpriced, overrated star that the Knicks have felt the need to acquire.

From a fantasy perspective, Mike D’Antoni’s fast-paced offense should allow McGrady (who hasn’t played in a game since before Christmas) to get plenty of looks.

Rusty, injured, disgruntled, whatever you want to call him, the guy is a gifted scorer. He averaged 15.6 PPG in an injury-plagued season last year taking just 14 shots a night, his lowest average this decade.

Grizzlies Rockets BasketballNew York has nothing to lose, so it might as well play McGrady, impress the Madison Square Garden crowd, and then part ways with his expiring contract after the season. It’s a way for the Knicks to take their best shot at LeBron James in the offseason, and a way for McGrady to showcase himself for one last multi-year contract.

At this point in the season, it’s rare to find a free agent with the offensive potential of T-Mac. Pardon the double negative, but considering the system, it’s a chance you can’t afford not to take.

Maybe he fizzles out and does nothing for the Knicks. Maybe he gives you 15, 5, and 5 the rest of the way (he very nearly did that last year in Houston). If there’s anyone remotely on the bubble of your roster, sign McGrady up.

BallHype: hype it up!


Lebron Puts The “Y” In Kentucky

Lebron at Kentucky Doing Y

Lebron James is seemingly everywhere these days. Whether it is in his newest State Farm commercial, dropping 40 points in an NBA game, or recently sitting court-side at a Kentucky/Vanderbilt game.

In last weekend’s highly anticipated match-up between the SEC’s top two teams, I was surprised to see “King James” in attendance, dressed in Big Blue colors. James and Kentucky coach John Calipari have a good personal relationship, which started back in the mid 90’s when Coach Cal heavily recruited James to play for him at Memphis. James eventually decided not to go to school and became the #1 pick in the ‘03 the NBA Draft.

Before the game, Lebron was announced as the Wildcats’ special guest and was chosen to be the letter “Y” in Rupp Arena’s usual pre-game ritual where the cheerleaders spell out the word “K-e-n-t-u-c-k-y” in giant flash-cards. Lebron stood and did an imitation of his usual pregame ritual, known as the chalk toss, as the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

Was Lebron in attendance to catch a glimpse of Kentucky’s fantastic freshman John Wall, or did he have other reasons?

Upon some further research, James did have an ulterior motive to be at the game. The Wildcats were unveiling their new Nike LB23 shoes made especially for the Wildcats program. Check out Kentucky’s new kicks, in you guessed it, blue, white, and black.

Lebron's Kentucky LB23 Shoes

 

BallHype: hype it up!


New McDonald’s Commercial featuring Lebron and Dwight Howard

 

Lebron McDonalds screenshot

Back in ‘93, come of the NBA’s biggest stars came together to make one of the most memorable commercials in recent history for McDonald’s that was titled “The Showdown.”

Michael Jordan and Larry Bird competed against eachother in a friendly game of HORSE with the winner getting to eat a McDonald’s quarter pounder. 

Flash forward to 2010, and Lebron James and Dwight Howard are now the league’s brightest stars and are featured in the remake of Jordan and Bird’s epic battle in a commercial.

The spot originally aired during the Superbowl, but here is the new “Showdown” in it’s entirety:

BallHype: hype it up!


Friday Fantasy Forecast – Version 12

lebron James Friday Fantasy Forecast

FRIDAY FANTASY FORECAST: ALL-STAR WEEKEND EDITION

 Warrior Watch: Less is Morrow

 anthony morrow

After missing 10 games with a sore knee, Anthony Morrow has made a gigantic splash since his return to the Warriors’ starting lineup. Morrow played just under 16 minutes off the bench in his 1st game back, but has started and played nearly every single minute in the last two.

In those two contests, the 6′5 shooting guard has posted back-to-back double doubles with the following line:

 29.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 5.0 APG, 4.0 3PT

Morrow currently ranks 5th in the NBA in 3-point field goal percentage (45.2%) and has made 8 of 15 from beyond the arc in those two starts.

That’s the extremely good news for Morrow. The bad news: Corey Maggette hopes to return from an injured finger next week, which would likely take away Morrow’s starting role, and definitely cut down on his minutes.

Warriors Media Day Basketball

With that said, the sharp-shooter has played more than 93 minutes combined in the last 2 games (including all 48 against the Clippers on Wednesday), and if his hot shooting continues (21 for his last 36 FG), earning 30 minutes off the bench isn’t a stretch.

Golden State has minimal zero depth in the backcourt (their shortest player off the bench against the Clippers was 6’8), and Morrow would likely become the 6th (and possibly 7th) man when Maggette returns.

With the way the Warriors light up the scoreboard (107.5 PPG), I find it hard to believe that there won’t be enough shots to go around.

Alliteration aside, another Warrior worth watching is Anthony Tolliver, who’s fresh off a career high 29 points against the Clip Show.

In his last 3 games, Tolliver has played at least 36 minutes, scored at least 11 points, and has posted two 11-rebound performances (including 11 total offensive rebounds).

During that stretch, he’s shot 20 for 36 from the field, 4 for 5 from 3-point range, and 10 for 11 at the free throw line.

andris-biedrins 

Andris Biedrens is either not healthy or not good enough, because the 6’9 Tolliver is taking the majority of the minutes down low. Keep tabs on the former Creighton standout, as Maggette’s return will have less of an adverse effect on his playing time.

 

Peja Vu

 Peja Sojakovich

The way Peja Stojakovic is shooting, you’d think it was 2004. That year with the Kings, Peja averaged more than 23 PPG, shot better than 43% from beyond the arc, and knocked down 3 threes a game.

Over his last 5 games, the Yugoslavian is 19 for 39 (48.7%) from 3-point range and has drained at least 3 trays in each of those 5 contests. During that span, Stojakovic is averaging 21 PPG and is shooting better than 51% from the field.

Clearly, a large chunk of the scoring responsibility has fallen in his lap since Chris Paul underwent knee surgery. He and David West are now the two most consistent scorers on the Hornets’ active roster, but Peja’s been the go-to-guy over the last 2 weeks.

Stojakovic has scored in double figures in 9 consecutive games. He did that just twice in his previous 6 games. He’s also played at least 39 minutes in 5 of his last 8 starts, and his confidence and comfort from long range is clearly sky high.

Peja would have been a fantastic buy low candidate a few weeks ago when New Orleans found out it would be missing CP3 for more than a month. If he was wearing a Sacramento Kings jersey right now, would you be able to tell the difference?

 

Miller Time

 Mike Miller

Mike Miller is doing Reggie and their shared last name proud. Believe it or not, he’s leading the NBA in 3-point shooting at nearly 54%. Granted, he’s only played in 22 games, but that’s an amazing stretch of perimeter shooting regardless.

Over his last 5 games with the Wizards, Miller is an unbelievable 14 for 19 from long range, including a 7 of 10 performance against the Knicks (figures) on January 30th. Reggie was better at one aspect of the game than Mike will ever be collectively, but Mike has never been as one dimensional.

A few years ago, Miller had 2 to 3 seasons of very strong all-around fantasy production with the Grizzlies, and he’s currently showcasing some of that versatility in the nation’s capital. During that 5 game span, Miller has put up the following line:

15.6 PPG, 67% FG, 7.0 RPG, 3.4 APG, 2.8 3PT, 1.2 STL, 80% FT

To assume that these numbers are an aberration might be selling Miller short on his ability to fill multiple categories over the years. In his career, he’s averaged 5 rebounds and more than 3 assists per game.

While the 3-point and overall field goal percentages are clearly off the charts, the former Florida Gator is a solid fantasy start assuming health and playing time. Starting 7 straight games and playing at least 35 minutes in all but one should be all the evidence you need.

BallHype: hype it up!


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