fBasketballBlog

Hill is sloping downward lately. (Flickr/Keith Allison)

It’s hard to believe we’re already five weeks into this NBA season, but that’s reality of my calendar is correct. A lot has gone on in the form of injuries, waiver wire drama and lineup changes, so let’s take a deep breath and dive into this week’s fantasy preview.

Game watch:
4 games: DAL, DEN, LAC, MEM, MIL, MIN, NJ, NY, ORL, PHI, POR, SAC, SA, TOR
3 games: ATL, BOS, CHA, CLE, DET, GS, HOU, IND, LAL, MIA, OKC, PHO, UTA, WAS
2 games: CHI, NO

Waiver wire watch:

• Jason Williams: his most recent line was solid and he should see plenty of minutes while Jameer Nelson is out
• James Harden: he’s turning things around, though his shooting is still unreliable
• Mike Dunleavy: nearing his return, should be treated with delicacy in real life and fantasy life
  
• J.J. Hickson: still a good source of points and boards
• J.J. Redick: could see extra run with Nelson out
• Jarrett Jack: two solid games in a row, giving Jose Calderon a run for his playing time
• Nazr Moahmmed: will have value whenever Tyson Chandler is hurt
• Marcus Thornton: playing very nicely with Chris Paul sidelined, good for points and threes
• Darren Collison: solid fill-in for CP3 so far
• Roger Mason: will be a good source of threes while Manu Ginobili sits
• Randy Foye: Mike Miller’s injury is Foye’s fortunate circumstance
• Martell Webster: doesn’t have to split time with Travis Outlaw for a while, had a monster line Saturday

Injury watch:

• Tyson Chandler (back): day-to-day
• Mike Miller (calf): out indefinitely
• Andrew Bogut (leg): will miss two to four weeks
• Mike Bibby (ankle): monitor his status
• Shaquille O’Neal (shoulder): rest could benefit him, still day-to-day
• Shawn Marion (ankle): should return Tuesday
• Erick Dampier (illness): a big mystery right now, bench or drop him
• Richard Hamilton (ankle): could return this week
• Tayshaun Prince (back): ditto
• Tracy McGrady (knee, back): MRI should give a hint about his return date
• Mike Dunleavy (knee): could return this week, minutes will be limited
• Quentin Richardson (back): day-to-day
• Michael Redd (knee): should return soon
• Manu Ginobili (groin): will be out about another week
• Mehmet Okur (flu): should return soon
• Eric Gordon (groin): could return Monday
• Tyreke Evans (finger, ankle): day-to-day
• Courtney Lee (groin): should return this week
• Marco Belinelli (groin): day-to-day, which is a shame given his strong play

Stock Watch:

↑ Elton Brand: seems to have things figured out

↑ Peja Stojakovic: relevant to fantasy owners again

↑ Beno Udrih: thriving in ever-thinning Kings backcourt

↑ Al Jefferson: posting solid numbers again

↑ Nene: playing well, though injury risk still looms

↓ Grant Hill: hot start is over

↓ Andray Blatche: Antawn Jamison’s return ruined his value

↓ Aaron Brooks: cooled off for now

↓ John Salmons: will he ever be consistent this season?

↓ Rasheed Wallace: frustrating