RADIO
This weekly column is geared toward anyone playing in a head-to-head format, and especially those of you in weekly lineup leagues. It is a great idea to keep up with which players are scheduled to play four games during the upcoming week (2/2 – 2/8), as fantasy basketball managers can use this information to gain an advantage in games played over an opponent. Simply put, the more games played, the more potential there is for production.
Based on their respective four-game schedules, the following four players should be viewed as “sleepers” for next week. Advising fantasy owners to play the likes of LeBron James or Anthony Davis is a waste of time and effort; hopefully it is common knowledge that studs of that nature should be in lineups regardless of how many games they are slated to play.
Position Eligibility & Ownership Rate Based On Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Leagues.
Top Four-Game Sleepers (2/2 - 2/8)
John Henson (MIL, PF/C) - 28% Owned
Henson has always displayed tremendous upside when given the opportunity to play, yet somehow he never seems to get consistent minutes in the Bucks rotation. This year has been no different under new head coach Jason Kidd. However, Milwaukee is decimated with injuries to their frontcourt right now, and thus Henson re-enters the equation.
With Ersan Ilyasova and Zaza Pachulia out of commission, Henson got the nod as the starting center for Milwaukee in their last game. He stepped up with a juicy double-double of 12 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks in a mere 24 minutes of action. He probably would have played even more, but this game was a blowout.
It is unclear how long Ilyasova (groin) and Pachulia (calf) will be sidelined, but it could be awhile before we see either of them on the court again. This means that Henson’s only competition for minutes right now are Johnny O’Bryant (sucks) and Kenyon Martin (old). As long as Henson remains healthy and stays out of foul trouble, he is going to get plenty of run.
The upcoming schedule for Henson features games at Toronto, LA Lakers, at Houston, and Boston. As long as the minutes are there, the production will follow. If you are looking for help in blocks, this is your guy. It is very possible that Henson plays so well that he keeps the starting job when the Bucks get healthy. Either way, pick him up and enjoy the ride for however long it lasts.
D.J. Augustin (DET, PG) - 58% Owned
Detroit has lost Brandon Jennings for the remainder of the season due to a torn Achilles. There has been some talk of the Pistons trading for a point guard, but it would most likely be a depth guy. Therefore, it appears that Augustin will be manning the point for the rest of the year, and his stock is soaring.
Augustin has been a starter before, so this is nothing new for him. He has not always been the most consistent player, and also is not the greatest defender. However, he is very capable of helping owners in need of points, threes, and assists.
In the four games since taking over as the starter for Jennings, Augustin has been stellar, averaging 21.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.3 treys on 50.9 percent from the field and 90.5 percent from the line. This includes a two point stinker against Philadelphia of all teams.
Next week, Augustin will face Miami, at Indiana, Denver, and Minnesota. This is a very favorable schedule against weak opponents, and he gets three out of the four games at home. Expect Augustin’s strong play to continue. He should be owned everywhere.
Eric Gordon (NO, SG) - 70% Owned
Gordon had a very rough start to the season. He was seemingly lost in the shuffle early on, as the fourth option in the Pelicans offense. Then, he missed several weeks of action due to injury. Since making his return to court, however, he has been awesome.
Over the last month, Gordon is averaging 15.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 0.7 steals, and 2.2 threes on 45.4 percent shooting and 86.2 percent from the charity stripe. He is getting all the minutes he can handle right now, averaging nearly 35 a game over the same span. He is showing no signs of slowing down right now.
Much of his success can probably be attributed to the absence of Jrue Holiday. It is likely that Gordon becomes somewhat of an afterthought again when New Orleans is back to full strength. Holiday currently has no timetable, though, so Gordon’s recent run should continue for the time being. Use him next week against Atlanta, Oklahoma City, at Oklahoma City, and Chicago.
Cody Zeller (CHA, PF/C) - 12% Owned
Zeller has been mostly terrible this season. He has shown some signs of life lately, averaging 12.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.0 blocks over his last three games. This includes his career high 21 points in his last game.
Zeller’s sudden surge has coincided with Kemba Walker missing in action following surgery to repair torn meniscus in his knee. This has forced Zeller into a larger role on both ends of the floor. The second-year forward is still developing his offensive game, but his contributions in rebounds, steals, and blocks should not be ignored. He has also displayed decent passing ability for a big man.
Next week Zeller will play at Washington, Washington, at Philadelphia, and Indiana. There is some risk involved with Zeller, as he has not been the most consistent player. However, he has talent (former #4 overall pick) and opportunity (32+ minutes in each of his last three games), which are exactly what you look for in a potential waiver pickup. Walker may not return this season, and someone will have to pick up his slack the rest of the way. Take a flier on Zeller this week and see how it plays out.
Top Four-Game Sleepers (2/2 - 2/8)
