Fantasy basketball team managers are gearing up for the
start of the playoffs next week and as such should be looking into
picking up some last minute steals while jockeying for position in their
leagues. Although most will be ‘streaming’ during the playoffs, the
smarter ones should be preparing now while there are still some bargains
to be had.
1. Spencer Hawes-C-76ers-Injury plaqued and thus a major disappointment most of the season, Hawes played in his third game back since Feb. 6th vs the lowly Bobcats and scored 13 points with 11 boards and 3 blocked shots in almost 24 minutes. If he continues to get minutes and stays injury free, Hawes can help fill up a stat sheet like just a few big men can. Hawes is a low risk, high reward pickup who is abvailable in over 60% of most leagues.
2. Tristan Thompson-PF-Cavs- Thompson went off on
Monday night against the Nets and turned in career numbers in points 27
and rebounds 12 in 37:29 minutes. He has been a little inconsistent but
worth a flier in deeper leagues as long as you stay mindful that once
Anderson Varejao returns, Thompson’s numbers will drop. You should plan
on using him this week if you need some help at PF but understand that
he’ll just be a loner until next week, unless Varejao suffers a setback.
Thompson is only owned in 10-15% of most leagues.
3. Jason Thompson-PF/C-Kings- Staying with the same last name, we’re going to consider this Thompson
a ‘Must Add’. If you need a big guy who can score, play some minutes,
and rebound a ton, then you shouldn’t wait on picking him up. In his
last four games, Thompson has averaged 14.3 points and 12.3 boards in 29
MPG. He’ll also get you an occasional block and steal along the way as
well. (Think Zaza Pachulia). Like we always say, even players on bad
teams will still help to garner some nice fantasy points, so don’t let
the fact that he’s on the Kings dissuade you. Hard to believe but
Thompson is available in almost 75% of most leagues.
4. Klay Thompson-SG/SF-Warriors- For our final
pickup, with the last name of Thompson, we have yet another ‘Must Add’
to offer you. The rookie has been on fire since given the start after
the Monta Ellis trade. His main asset for team managers is his scoring.
Thompson has scored in double digits in his last eight games. In his
last four games, his first starts of the season, he has averaged 19.0
points a game! Some of you must be looking for a scorer going into the
playoffs. Thompson will also pad some other stats for you as he has
averaged 2.0 threes, 3.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1 steal over those
four games. His shooting percentage is his only drawback so keep that in
mind, however his numbers and his dual position availability should be
drawing you to him. Hurry up and grab him while he’s still available in
60% of leagues.
5. Steve Novak-SF/PF-Knicks- Our feature in our
Photo Of The Week last week, Novak is a 3-point specialist that is
widely available and will help tremendously in your 3-point category.
He’s only a bench player averaging around 17-19 minutes a game but
that’s all it takes for him to give you the threes you’ll need. Over his
last four games, Novak-aine is averaging 3.2 threes a game while
scoring just under 11 points and 2.5 rebounds. More than serviceable and
someone to pick up if you’re lacking in threes, the Knick forward is
only owned in 25% of most leagues.
Written by the Fantasy Furnace, Content Partner
Writer and editor at fantasyfurnace.com. Sports and fantasy sports; profiles, analysis and advice, including tips for managing winning leagues.
Follow on Twitter @fantasyfurnace
1. Spencer Hawes-C-76ers-Injury plaqued and thus a major disappointment most of the season, Hawes played in his third game back since Feb. 6th vs the lowly Bobcats and scored 13 points with 11 boards and 3 blocked shots in almost 24 minutes. If he continues to get minutes and stays injury free, Hawes can help fill up a stat sheet like just a few big men can. Hawes is a low risk, high reward pickup who is abvailable in over 60% of most leagues.
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#00 is back. Only his minutes and continued health are a concern.
Photo: libertyballers.com
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#13 Tristan Thompson had a career night on Monday putting up 27/12.
Photo:media.myfoxorlando.com
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#34 Jason Thompson has been averaging a double-double- over the last four games.
Photo: esporte.uol.com.br
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Warriors G/F Klay Thompson has been given the starting nod and he's averaging 19.0 points over the last four!
Photo: csn.com
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#16 forward Steve Novak of the N.Y. Knicks specializes in 3-pointers and is one of the best in the league.
Photo:knicksnow.com
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Written by the Fantasy Furnace, Content PartnerWriter and editor at fantasyfurnace.com. Sports and fantasy sports; profiles, analysis and advice, including tips for managing winning leagues.
Follow on Twitter @fantasyfurnace
