TJ Streett

Keep An Eye On CJ Miles

With the recent departure of coach Jerry Sloan keep an eye on CJ Miles’ minutes under new coach Tyrone Corbin.

Analysis: Despite only averaging twenty-three minutes a game C.J. Miles puts up a solid stat line- 12 PPG, 1.5 3PM, 1 SPG with a 78 FT% and .5 BPG. In deeper fantasy leagues we have to monitor his minutes and numbers under new coach Tyrone Corbin. Will the Jazz open it up a bit or play the same blue collar ball we are used to seeing? Miles is available in well over 90 percent of leagues nationwide so you have some time to see if his minutes and numbers bump up over the next few weeks. If he can get thirty minutes a game he quickly becomes more than solid in every category with the exception of assists and field goal percentage.

Projection: Expect more of the same from C.J. Miles if his minutes remain the same but if the bump up to thirty a game look for 15 PPG, 2 3PM and 1.5 SPG.

Steve Mason Becoming Relevant Again

Steve Mason allowed one goal on thirty-three shots Tuesday night against the Penguins. Mason is 5-2 his last seven games with a shutout and is starting to heat up at the right time.

Analysis: Steve Mason is available in about 60 percent of fantasy leagues and may be able to supply that extra late season push we all need in fantasy hockey. Mason has only allowed four goals his last three games and in that stretch has three wins with a .956 save percentage. With guys like Kari Lehtonen and Ondrej Pavelec struggling mightily these last few weeks one must give Steve Mason some serious consideration going forward.

Projection: He’s been a very average goaltender this year but he’s starting to heat up at the right time. We know what Mason is capable of, just look at his 2008-09 season for proof. Expect a 2.5-2.7 GAA with a save percentage just over 90 while being more reliable than Ondrej Pavelec the rest of the year.

It’s Time To Dump Charlie Villanueva

Charlie Villanueva is averaging over twenty-four minutes per game this year, however, he hasn’t reached that mark in Detroit’s last nine games.

Analysis: Charlie Villanueva is a power forward who can hit the three but if he doesn’t get minutes he’ll kill you in rebounds. Villanueva hasn’t reached 12 points or 4 rebounds in Detroit’s last nine games and the biggest reason is Georgetown rookie Greg Monroe. Monroe is shooting over 50 percent from the field with 12 steals his last eleven games and in that stretch is averaging nearly 9 boards with 11 points. With the Pistons moving in a more youthful direction, Charlie Villanueva is the odd man out especially in deeper fantasy leagues.

Projection: Greg Monroe has topped thirty-three minutes each of his last four games and isn’t going to be giving any more minutes to Charlie Villanueva in Detroit ever again. Expect fifteen minutes a game with some threes from Villanueva the rest of the season but nothing special in any other category. Greg Monroe is the real winner here, grab him up before it’s too late.

Replace Marc Savard With Peter Forsberg

Marc Savard will miss the remainder of the season with ongoing issues from concussions. While his season has been a disappointment he was still worth a roster spot up until now. Enter Peter Forsberg and his career 1.25 points per game average.

Analysis: Yes, Peter Forsberg is thirty-seven years old but he put up 30 points in just 23 SEL games last year, he’s still a beast. There is no denying his offensive talent or his love for Colorado who are in a dogfight for a playoff berth in the Western Conference. He’s available in 85% of fantasy leagues and his pickup is a no-brainer. While it is still undecided what line the Avs will insert him in, one thing is for sure… he will produce.

Projection: The Avs have thirty games remaining on their schedule and “Foppa” will get them in the playoffs. Expect 8-12 goals with 18-23 assists the rest of the season if Forsberg can get his visa situation taken care of soon.

Mike Dunleavy Is Heating Up

Mike Dunleavy hit 5 threes while shooting 6 for 8 from the field for 17 points Sunday against the Nets. Dunleavy is hitting 40% from beyond the arc this year and averaging 2 three pointers made per game in doing so.

Analysis: He’s owned in about 50% of fantasy leagues nationwide and if you’re in desperate need of 3 pointers and free throw percentage in your league then this SG/SF may be a good fit for your squad. Dunleavy has hit 19 threes with 7 steals his last six games, as well as averaging 15 PPG and 4 RPG in that stretch. The Pacers are playing very well under new coach Frank Vogel who is seeing his team throw up tons of threes in his first four games as coach. Although Dunleavy’s minutes are slightly down the Pacers tempo and energy are not.

Projection: Expect more of the same with the ever so quiet Mike Dunleavy. He’ll average 13-15 PPG, 5 RPG with some steals scattered in but his real value will be his free throw percentage (80% career) and his 3PM while not hurting you as a SG/SF in field goal percentage with 45%. He’s a solid pickup for threes and he’ll be going fast over the next few weeks.