FanSaloon Fantasy Basketball Week 5 Sleepers

Posted on January 27, 2012 by jbecker

We’re only a quarter of the way through this shortened NBA season, and the common theme we are seeing every week is INJURIES! Eventhough injuries are keep us from picking some of our favorite NBA stars everyday, they are opening the door to picking very affordable fantasy sleepers. Here is a list of a few fantasy basketball sleepers you should consider for the week to come.

Guards

Raja Bell: Utah Jazz ($3,542) – It’s always good to find those real cheap starters on solid teams. Bell starts for the Jazz and has averaged 14 fantasy points over his last 6 games

Ronnie Brewer: Chicago Bulls ($4,984) – Luol Deng is out 2 weeks with a torn ligament in his hand, insert Ronnie Brewer into the starting lineup. Brewer got 39 fantasy points his first game as a starter, expect more of that with Deng on the bench.

Leandro Barbosa: Toronto Raptors ($6,262) – Though he doesn’t start, Barbosa has been playing extremely well the last 3 weeks. Coming off the bench, Barbosa has averaged 23 fantasy points in his last 9 games.

Forwards

Tayshaun Prince: Detroit Pistons ($6,538) – Prince averaged 28 fantasy points in his last 5 games before he had to tend to some family matters. Be sure to scoop him up when he gets back into the Pistons lineup.

Shawn Marion: Dallas Mavericks ($7,770) – Dirk Nowitzki has a sore right knee and will be sitting out the next couple games. Shawn Marion has been on a tear as of late trying to fill the void. Marion is averaging 31 fantasy points over his last 5 games.

Kevin Garnett: Boston Celtics ($8,089) – The Celtics have been struggling with Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen both sidelined with injuries. Garnett has been picking up some of the slack, averaging 37 fantasy points in his last 2 games.

Centers

Marcus Camby: Portland Trailblazers ($6,276) – After coming back from an injury, Camby is looking youthful out there. He is averaging 30 fantasy points his last 2 games.

Joakim Noah: Chicago Bulls ($6,895) - The Bulls is another team struggling with injuries, and they’ve looked to their center to help makeup for some of their losses. Noah has averaged 27 fantasy points over his last 4 games.

Samuel Dalembert: Houston Rockets ($7,515) – I had to put Samuel Dalembert on here again because he’s just been a beast as of late. Dalembert is averaging 30 fantasy points over his last 8 games.

Be sure to pick your FanSaloon.com Daily Fantasy Basketball Team and take note that salaries are always updated every Sunday night, so pick these fantasy sleepers while their salaries are still low!

Share this:

FanSaloon Fantasy Basketball Week 4 Sleepers

Posted on January 20, 2012 by jbecker

To stay ahead of other fantasy owners in daily fantasy basketball leagues, it is important to find the fantasy sleepers early that will help your team succeed immediately. Here’s a look at some still affordable fantasy basketball picks that can help take your daily fantasy basketball team to the top.

Guards

C.J. Miles: Utah Jazz ($5,600) – The Jazz are one of the hottest teams in the league right now, and Miles is slowly getting more and more playing time. He’s averaged 23.5 fantasy points in his last 4 games and has had over 24 fantasy points in 3 of his last 4.

Jordan Crawford: Washington Wizards ($5,600) – Crawford has played solid coming off the bench for the Wizards. He’s averaged 20.5 fantasy points in his last 5 games.

O.J. Mayo: Memphis Grizzlies ($5,856) – Amongst all the trade rumors surrounding Mayo, the Grizzlies have been playing him more and more to help increase his “value.” He’s averaging 23 fantasy points over his last 5 games.

Kemba Walker: Charlotte Bobcats ($7.350) – This rookie ain’t so cheap anymore, but he’s still affordable in relevance to his production as of late. Walker has been inserted into the starting lineup and is averaging 36 fantasy points in his last 3 games.

Forwards

Gordon Hayward: Utah Jazz ($5,667) – Hayward is starting on one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. He is capable of putting up 35 fantasy points on any given night. He’s averaging 19.25 fantasy points in his last 4 games.

Chandler Parsons: Houston Rockets ($5,880) – Parsons is now starting for the Houston Rockets. He’s averaged 23 fantasy points in his last 7 games.

Tayshaun Prince: Detroit Pistons ($6,321) – Prince has been playing inspired ball as of late. He’s averaging 33 fantasy points in his last 3 games.

Centers

Mehmet Okur: New Jersey Nets ($5,576) – Since Okur has comeback from injury, he’s picked up right where he left off, starting for the New Jersey Nets. He’s averaged 22.25 fantasy points in his last 4 games.

Samuel Dalembert: Houston Rockets ($7,375) – He’s getting a little costly because he’s been playing so well, but Dalembert is averaging 32 fantasy points in his last 5 games. He’s still affordable for those kind of numbers.

Be sure to pick your FanSaloon.com Daily Fantasy Basketball Team and take note that salaries are always updated every Sunday night, so pick these fantasy sleepers while their salaries are still low!

Share this:

Is the Washington Wizards Victory Over the Oklahoma City Thunder the Coming of a Revival?

Posted on January 19, 2012 by James Moschella

If you haven’t heard yet, on Wednesday night the best and the worst of the NBA met in what was sure to be a lopsided affair. Washington’s league worst 2-12 record met the best of not only the West, but the NBA in 12-3 Oklahoma City, and the Wizards came out on top 105-102.

John Wall contributed 25 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, good for 37 fantasy points. Fellow guard Nick Young added 24 points and 42 fantasy points and Andray Blatche pulled in a double-double and had 30 fantasy points. Most importantly, the Wizards exposed a weakness in what seemed to be an unbeatable Thunder team.

Oklahoma City’s guards had a game of their own as Kevin Durant went for 33 points and 50 fantasy points and Russell Westbrook went for 36 points and 47 fantasy points, yet both were outplayed. Oklahoma City wasn’t blown out by any means, and probably deserved to win this game in the minds of many. Fortunately, for Washington, the home court was on their side (or in Andray Blatche’s situation, not so much). Washington outscored the Thunder by eight points in the second half en route to the win.

The Wizards were never out of this game, and much of that can be credited to their backcourt. Loads of people will write this game off as a tired team that came in on a road trip and lost to a team who was looking to reap the benefits. Washington played up to the competition and earned the victory. The young backcourt of Wall, Young and Jordan Crawford slipped through screens and were faster than the Thunder. They beat Westbrook to loose balls, and outscored their opposition in transition. All the meanwhile, big men Javale McGee and Serge Ibaka battled it out down low, effectively cancelling each other out.

Young and Wall played extremely well, but the defense of Washington’s bench was also commendable. They held perennial sixth-man of the year James Harden to 13 points and 16 fantasy points in nearly 30 minutes, and no other bench player scored more than six. They did their job and let the young legs of their starters do the rest.

This could be somewhat of an intriguing game for Washington. Through this win, we’ve seen just how talented they really are. It’s no secret to fantasy owners that Wall has been less than spectacular this year, but he played like a star last night. With the other youngsters on his team, if he ever develops into a leader, the Wizards could have something to show for themselves other than a flashy retro uniform – this all without having seen their top-10 pick from last April, Jan Vesely.

Vesely should add depth and breadth along the wing for the Wizards. Freeing up shots for him will be key, and could see a better hole for Wall to drive to the basket and get fouled or dish to McGee, who apparently likes to dish to himself instead.

The Wizards are far from perfect and far from a playoff team, but have talent to give teams like Oklahoma City fits. They have speed and if they ever get the motivation, are able to fight for balls. They could be like a New Jersey Nets team circa 2003, with some good shooters and a great transition team.

More importantly, I think this Oklahoma City team has a weakness. They’re big and tenacious down low with Kendrick Perkins and Ibaka, but they don’t mix well with their backcourt. Those two don’t like to do things alone, but their backcourt does. They’ve got the beginnings of what could be an uncohesive team, taking low-percentage shots and such. Without the massive amounts of talent that Durant and Westbrook have, they’d be a disaster.

Nonetheless, both are must haves on fantasy teams. Better yet, Nick Young and Jordan Crawford are as well. They’re showing hard-working sides we’ve never seen before, and this Oklahoma City game displays just that.

Share this:

Even After The Denver Broncos Loss – Tebowmania Lives On

Posted on January 16, 2012 by jbecker

Tim Tebow’s performance in his wild-card playoff game victory sparked more tweets per second than any topic before; including last year’s Super Bowl and the death of Osama bin Laden. A bible verse, John 3:16, was Google’s No. 1 search for a day simply because the quarterback threw for 316 yards that game (and not to mention had tremendous fantasy football stats). But it wasn’t just about his first playoff game, Tebowmania went completely viral this NFL season. There were Tebow tattoos, photo-shopped Tebow centaurs, he even had Saturday Night Live do a skit about him (if you missed it View Here). Then the Broncos and their feisty quarterback ran into Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the Patriots, and the national sensation was immediately put to a screeching halt.

Twitter references to “Tebow Time,” which hit it’s peak during overtime of the Broncos’ win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 8, was at it’s climax just before Saturday’s kickoff vs New England. “Tebow Time” quickly disappeared off the Twitter trending topics as it became clear that the Broncos’ playoff run was over. In its place? Shaun Ellis, the Patriots’ defensive end who sacked Tebow to the turf during the New England’s 45-10 beat-down.

Don’t worry though folks, Tebowmania isn’t going to end anytime soon. Broncos executive John Elway confirmed on Monday that Tim Tebow has “earned” the right to be the starting quarterback heading into Broncos’ training camp next year. Elway also made it clear that Tebow has much improving to do.

Elway spoke at the season-ending press conference saying “the passing game wasn’t where we wanted it to be.” He also stated that the team will have to “be in the market” to bring in more quarterbacks. No surprise there considering there are only two quarterbacks on the roster: Tebow and Adam Weber. Brady Quinn will probably leave via free agency and the Broncos will pickup a veteran backup or a rookie quarterback in the NFL Draft to compete for the starting position.

It would be shocking to me if Tebow isn’t the Week One starter next season. The Broncos want to see Tebow’s improvement after a full offseason of work with his new coaching staff. They also want options if Tebow struggles. Trust me, Elway doesn’t want to bring in another quarterback that’s content just holding the clipboard on the sidelines.

It’s a no brainier that Elway wants a QB likeTom Brady, who doesn’t? Elway stressed needing an offense that can consistently throw down the field. Tebow has earned the right to keep playing. But Elway’s words made it clear that Tebow will continue to be evaluated closely and will need to develop as a pocket passer to be “that guy” Elway is looking for. I believe Tim Tebow will be a good fantasy football pick next season, because in the words of my favorite ESPN analyst Skip Bayless “All He Does Is Win Football Games!”

Share this:

Shriveling Shamrocks: The Decline of the Boston Celtics

Posted on January 15, 2012 by James Moschella

Four seasons ago, the Boston Celtics were NBA Champions. Three seasons ago, they took the Lakers to game seven of the NBA Finals. Now, with four of the same starters, they are 4-7 and 10^th in the Eastern Conference standings.

Many consider the Celtics’ best asset to be their defense. A feisty Rajon Rondo, an aggressive Kevin Garnett, and a shutdown man in Paul Pierce combined for a team that in the last three seasons, on average, did not allow 90 points per game. Now, they allow 92. More importantly for fantasy users, they are only scoring 89. A total that is good for fifth-worst in the league.

The Celtics currently possess two offensive options. Either Rajon Rondo takes the ball inside and gets fouled or Ray Allen comes off a pick for a catch-and-shoot three. The Rondo to Garnett alley-oops of the past are gone. The one-on-one slasher ability of Paul Pierce appears to be absent. Jermaine O’Neal’s once tenacious rebounding is non-existent.

Garnett’s only move now is a fade-away. Pierce can’t draw fouls anymore and has been playing on a bum ankle. Ray Allen, despite his amazing fitness, doesn’t hit every shot he takes, and Rajon Rondo barely shoots 60% from the line.

The fact is, one doesn’t want to watch the Celtics, especially when rooting for a player on their fantasy basketball team. With the exception of Rondo, there isn’t much worth on this team and it’s a disappointing thought for most NBA fans. Rondo is still averaging a double-double, but in terms of fantasy points, he falls nearly to 10^th.Pierce should pick up, but not anytime soon, and Kevin Garnett’s knees will shatter in the near future.

The only faith for the Celtics lies in the bench. Veterans Mickael Pietrus, Keyon Dooling, Marquis Daniels and Brandon Bass need to will this team to victory while the even older veterans sit and catch their breath.

Bass and Pietrus are worthy of looks in deep fantasy leagues. Bass is playing 27 minutes per game, averaging 12 points and seven rebounds. Pietrus’ stats are far-less impressive, but after just three games he has shown he is Boston’s sixth man, pulling in 20 minutes and being the first off the bench. His minutes will pick up as he learns the offense, and he will likely score more than the five points he is averaging. Greg Stiemsma’s name may come up in Celtic’s fans minds, as the NBA rookie has impressed in his limited minutes, showing shooting and blocking ability. Many Celtics pundits have praised and even called for him to start, but Doc Rivers remains faithful to his veterans.

The Celtics are not the team they were. They often have to resort to a zone defense to shut down shooters, instead of being able to shut them down with man to man coverage. They don’t have four options on offense any more, and nobody can catch up to Rondo in the transition game to make them a threat. They rely on the other team to lose, rather than willing themselves to win. It’s still early, but anyone in their right mind would stay far away from any of these men in green when picking their daily fantasy basketball teams.

Follow James Moschella on Twitter: @MrCocoMarsh

Share this:

Fantasy Football | Fantasy Baseball | Fantasy Basketball | Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports…Time is Money

Tag Archives: Fantasy Points

FanSaloon Fantasy Basketball Week 5 Sleepers

Raja Bell: Utah Jazz ($3,542) – It’s always good to find those real cheap starters on solid teams. Bell starts for the Jazz and has averaged 14 fantasy points over his last 6 games

Ronnie Brewer: Chicago Bulls ($4,984) – Luol Deng is out 2 weeks with a torn ligament in his hand, insert Ronnie Brewer into the starting lineup. Brewer got 39 fantasy points his first game as a starter, expect more of that with Deng on the bench.

Leandro Barbosa: Toronto Raptors ($6,262) – Though he doesn’t start, Barbosa has been playing extremely well the last 3 weeks. Coming off the bench, Barbosa has averaged 23 fantasy points in his last 9 games.

Tayshaun Prince: Detroit Pistons ($6,538) – Prince averaged 28 fantasy points in his last 5 games before he had to tend to some family matters. Be sure to scoop him up when he gets back into the Pistons lineup.

Shawn Marion: Dallas Mavericks ($7,770) – Dirk Nowitzki has a sore right knee and will be sitting out the next couple games. Shawn Marion has been on a tear as of late trying to fill the void. Marion is averaging 31 fantasy points over his last 5 games.

Kevin Garnett: Boston Celtics ($8,089) – The Celtics have been struggling with Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen both sidelined with injuries. Garnett has been picking up some of the slack, averaging 37 fantasy points in his last 2 games.

Marcus Camby: Portland Trailblazers ($6,276) – After coming back from an injury, Camby is looking youthful out there. He is averaging 30 fantasy points his last 2 games.

Joakim Noah: Chicago Bulls ($6,895) - The Bulls is another team struggling with injuries, and they’ve looked to their center to help makeup for some of their losses. Noah has averaged 27 fantasy points over his last 4 games.

Samuel Dalembert: Houston Rockets ($7,515) – I had to put Samuel Dalembert on here again because he’s just been a beast as of late. Dalembert is averaging 30 fantasy points over his last 8 games.

FanSaloon Fantasy Basketball Week 4 Sleepers

C.J. Miles: Utah Jazz ($5,600) – The Jazz are one of the hottest teams in the league right now, and Miles is slowly getting more and more playing time. He’s averaged 23.5 fantasy points in his last 4 games and has had over 24 fantasy points in 3 of his last 4.

Jordan Crawford: Washington Wizards ($5,600) – Crawford has played solid coming off the bench for the Wizards. He’s averaged 20.5 fantasy points in his last 5 games.

O.J. Mayo: Memphis Grizzlies ($5,856) – Amongst all the trade rumors surrounding Mayo, the Grizzlies have been playing him more and more to help increase his “value.” He’s averaging 23 fantasy points over his last 5 games.

Kemba Walker: Charlotte Bobcats ($7.350) – This rookie ain’t so cheap anymore, but he’s still affordable in relevance to his production as of late. Walker has been inserted into the starting lineup and is averaging 36 fantasy points in his last 3 games.

Gordon Hayward: Utah Jazz ($5,667) – Hayward is starting on one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. He is capable of putting up 35 fantasy points on any given night. He’s averaging 19.25 fantasy points in his last 4 games.

Chandler Parsons: Houston Rockets ($5,880) – Parsons is now starting for the Houston Rockets. He’s averaged 23 fantasy points in his last 7 games.

Tayshaun Prince: Detroit Pistons ($6,321) – Prince has been playing inspired ball as of late. He’s averaging 33 fantasy points in his last 3 games.

Mehmet Okur: New Jersey Nets ($5,576) – Since Okur has comeback from injury, he’s picked up right where he left off, starting for the New Jersey Nets. He’s averaged 22.25 fantasy points in his last 4 games.

Samuel Dalembert: Houston Rockets ($7,375) – He’s getting a little costly because he’s been playing so well, but Dalembert is averaging 32 fantasy points in his last 5 games. He’s still affordable for those kind of numbers.

Is the Washington Wizards Victory Over the Oklahoma City Thunder the Coming of a Revival?

Shriveling Shamrocks: The Decline of the Boston Celtics