Fantasy Basketball Review: Week 8 (12-15 – 12-21)

By Pete Rampino in Fantasy, Featured ⋅ December 23, 2008 at 4:51am ⋅ Post a comment

Just thought I’d use this time to take a cheap shot at SoB’s Dan. In another league, Dan was so optimistic and cocky that he had the best team that he guaranteed that he would not only make the playoffs but, he would win his matchup every week. He claimed to have no holes in his game and was bold in his prediction. So, I will now give all of you a test. Currently, Dan’s team sits in:

A) 1st Place
B) 2nd Place
C) 3rd Place
D) Dead Last

The correct answer is “D”, Dead Last. This is the price you pay for cockiness. The moral of the story? Modesty doesn’t cost much, so go get some.

Injury Roundup

Stephen Jackson (SG,SF), Golden State Warriors: Jackson re-aggrivated a hand injury during practice last Friday and as a result has not played in a game since that time. He practiced Monday but didn’t play in the game that night.

Corey Maggette (SG,SF,PF), Golden State Warriors: Maggette has missed seven straight games with a partially torn hamstring and is out indefinitely. It is a tough blow for owners but, you knew the risk when you drafted him.

Elton Brand (PF,C), Philadelphia 76ers: Brand will miss at least a month of action with a bone fracture in his right shoulder that he suffered in a game last Wednesday. Quite a disapointment to those who spent a first round pick on him.

Three Shining Stars

Devin Harris (PG), New Jersey Nets: Harris is proving to be one of the best PG in the league with 25.8 points on 43.7% shooting and 91.4% FT. Harris added 2.3 threes, 9.5 assists, and 2.8 steals to his great week.

LeBron James (SF), Cleveland Cavaliers: King James flat out dominated the court last week when he shot 64.1% from the field and averaged 32.0 points. In addition, he had 6.7 reb and 6.0 assists with 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks. Throw in 1.3 three’s for good measure and we have a great all around week for LeBron.

Brandon Roy (PG,SG), Portland Trail Blazers: Roy and the Blazers only played two games last week. However, Roy made it count by averaging 40.5 points which included a season high 52 against Phoenix. His other stats were also impressive with 2.5 three’s, 5.5 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks.

Three Fading Stars

Chris Bosh (PF,C), Toronto Raptors: Bosh couldn’t live up to his season averages last week with only 17.0 points. Even worse were his percentages. He shot 32.8% on his FG and an anemic 69.7% on his FT.

Andrew Bynum (C), L.A. Lakers: Bynum had a rough time last week with only 6.7 points, 6.0 reb, and 1.3 blocks. Thanks to more foul trouble, Bynum only played less than 12 minutes in Saturday’s game.

O.J. Mayo (PG,SG), Memphis Grizzlies: The rookie’s hot season cooled down a bit last week with an uncharacteristic 13.5 points and 2.5 reb. His three’s also took a hit when he managed to only hit 0.5 per game (1.8 on the season).

Players To Pick Up

Derek Fisher (PG), L.A. Lakers: Fisher has been on a good run lately and averaged 18.3 points on 54.8% shooting last week. He capped it off with a season high 27 against Orlando on Saturday. His 2.3 three’s also heighten his value.

Aaron Brooks (PG,SG), Houston Rockets: No, we are not talking about the failed NFL QB. This Aaron Brooks started his first games of the season last week and made the most of it with 15.3 points, 5.0 reb, 5.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. He was no stranger to three point land by making 2.3 three’s during his three games.

Jarrett Jack (PG,SG), Indiana Pacers: Due to injuries to T.J. Ford, Danny Granger, and anyone else with an infection, Jack started in their places and scored 19.8 points on 51.9% shooting. Jack added 4.0 reb, 5.0 assists and 2.3 steals. If the injuries continue, expect Double J to receive more minutes.

Sports of Boston Friends and Family League

I lost my matchup 5-4 to SoB’s Jeff and fall to 4th place. I didn’t have a bad week or anything. I just got outplayed by our humble Patriots writer.
Shotgun from The Blueworkhorse continues his reign of terror over the rest of the league by obliterating his opponent 8-1. Obviously, he is still in first.
Dear SoB’s Geoff: Check the league once in a while. You haven’t done crap since November 27th at 1:40 am. Yeah, you can’t hide from the facts buddy. The biggest B.S. of it all is that Geoff is in 3rd place. Stupid.
Recent pickups include: Matt Bonner, Grant Hill, Rodney Stuckey, Boris Diaw, and James Posey.

Tags: Andrew Bynum, Brandon Roy, Chris Bosh, Corey Maggette, Devin Harris, Elton Brand, Fantasy, Fantasy Basketball Review, LeBron James, O.J. Mayo, Stephen Jackson