Fantasy Basketball Postseason Push
After the trade deadline, there usually aren’t many moves teams can make that would cause some big waives. The Los Angeles Clippers made one of those moves bringing in Glen “Baby” Davis after being bought out and clearing waivers. The Clippers have now what was once 60% of the Orlando Magic’s starting lineup with Redick, Turkoglu and Davis.
Even if your deadline hasn’t passed, a move doesn’t have to be a blockbuster this time of year–just some tweaks here and there to round out your roster. You can make some minor adjustments and solidify your lineup from top to bottom. Like the Clippers as mentioned, the Indiana Pacers acquired Andrew Bynum and Evan Turner to prove they truly have championship aspirations. If your fantasy squad makes moves like that you’ll be ready to go for the postseason.
Some guys to target for the stretch run:
Guards
Jordan Farmar, LAL PG
Even in a crowded backcourt, Farmar should manage to be effective and could blow up on occasion. As a bonus Lakers play a lot off prime time games so his stats could be seen as complimentary.
Jimmer Fredette, Chi PG/SG
On a Bulls team that needs some spacing and scoring off the bench, Jimmer is a nice late season grab for Chicago. Fredette could end up on a similar career path as J.J. Redick and be one of the league’s most efficient scorers. In the meantime, just keep an eye on his minutes; if he were to approach 15+ a game he could be worth a look for 3’s.
Ramon Sessions, Mil PG/SG
Back to the team that drafted him, Sessions has quietly put up solid numbers back in Milwaukee. So far he’s averaging 13 points while shooting 472% from the field and 935% from the line to go with 3 dimes and about 3 boards.
Forwards
Wes Johnson, LAL SG/SF
If he’s floating out on waivers (certainly shouldn’t be in any roto leagues) grab him. He’s locked into his spot for the rest of the season in D’Antoni’s system and will provide nice all round stats.
Caron Butler, OKC SF
Already basically proclaimed the starter by coach Scott before even putting on a Thunder uniform, Butler seems like a great fit into a Harden-like role. He’s a much better fit than (the former) Kevin Martin because he can play defense and handle the rock, and better than Jeremy Lamb due to Lamb’s inconsistency.
Matt Barnes, LAC SF
Looks like he is finally himself again and has hit 16 three’s over the last five games along with solid across the board numbers. He should be locked into steady minutes to finish the season and could be a great glue guy for you if he’s available.
Centers
Mason Plumlee, Bkn PF/C
Plumlee is an intriguing player and someone to keep an eye on in keeper and dynasty leagues. With The Big Ticket frequently sitting, and Brook Lopez done for the season, Plumlee has filled in and could put up some nice lines if given solid run.
Kyle O’Quinn, Orl C
Flies under the radar but gets solid boards and has decent upside if he can get minutes on a tanking Orlando squad. Over the last 8 games he’s averaged almost 8 points, 8 boards and 1.3 blocks. You could certainly do worse on the wire.
Boris Diaw, SA C
Coach Popovich recently gave Tony Parker a vote of confidence about playing time down the stretch, but no such mention about Tim Duncan, who will be 38 next month. Diaw already gets solid minutes and often goes overlooked in most leagues, but gets great assists for a big man and should see an overall boost in production whenever Timmy’s not in the lineup.
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