So, the playoffs are looming, duh. If you made it this far, looking into the first playoff week, I applaud you. I’m a nervous fantasy owner, as I’ve never had a Cobra-Kai caliber team, one that looks to absolutely dominate in the playoffs, and gets all the chicks.
So if you’re like me, (fact: the number of Clubber Lang ass kicking teams out there are very few, so don’t get cocky), most of you you need to take a close look at your line up, and try to remove the attachment factor, when assessing your current roster’s talent. The thing that makes most fantasy managers difficult to trade with, myself included, which is over-valuing your current talent. Who is dead weight, who’s a streamer, and who is blue chip? Before you start worrying your pretty head with all that talent evaluation, it is absolutely essential that you first read Slim’s super duper article on the strategy of availability. It puts players in perspective. Not that I would suggest dropping Chris Paul or the other Blue Chippers on the Clippers, just because they play 2 games week 1 of the playoffs; but in the case of CP3, for example, you may need to focus on guard-typical stats from your streamer, as opposed to big-typical stats week 1. Make sense? Good. Here are a few cats you might be able to use off the wire:
BUY:
Shaun Livingston PG, SG
Shaun has been playing very well for the surging Nets, averaging 13.6/4.3/3.6/1.6/.3 over his last 3 games in 32.5 minutes. While those numbers won’t knock your socks off, he’s only 11% owned, and has 4 games next week.
Alec Burks PG, SG
Alec seems to be earning solid minutes since the All-Star break. He’ll score, we all know that. What has been intriguing is his uptick in dimes and steals, and more respectable boards in the last 5 games. His line during that period: 16.2/3/4/1.6/0. He’s solid, 33% owned currently, but only 3 games next week, fyi.
Terrance Ross SG, SF
Slim fully endorses him. That should be enough of a reason. For what it’s worth, I do as well, he’s been steady of late, with late mid round value, he’s hitting the 3 consistently – 3 per game over the last 4 games, with a 13.5/2.5/1.25/1/.5 , and is playing 4 times next week. Ross is a good streaming option next week, as he’s only owned 29% at the moment.
Khris Middleton SF, PF
He has no real competition for the spot now that Caron Butler is gone, and in his last five games he’s averaged 16/4/3.8/1.4/.4 with 2 3pt per. He’s 44% owned, and he’s a deer. So go get yourself some venison! Sorry.
DeMarre Carroll SF, PF
Another great recommend from Slim and JB. DeMarre has been playing well of late, is only 47% owned, and plays 4 games next week. He has been averaging 15/4.6/1.6/.6/1, with 3.3 treys per over his last 3 games. He is a very appealing streamer, indeed.
Tim Hardaway Jr. SG
Timmay’s just a dude to keep an eye on. He has been scoring at a blistering rate last 2 games, averaging 25/2.5/0/.5/0, with a mammoth 4 3pts per. Need a shooter? This pistol’s hot! … Sorry.
SELL:
There is nobody that I will be writing about for you to drop this week. Nope. You’re on your own in that department.
Good Luck everyone, may your shooters tickle the twine this week!
