Author: TJ Streett

Last Call On JJ Hickson

Since his move to Portland, JJ Hickson has turned his disappointing season around.

Analysis: JJ Hickson is one of the NBA’s hottest power forward/centers and fantasy owners have been taking notice since late March. Hickson’s line in his last five games looks like this- 15.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.0 BPG with a 59% field goal percentage. You really cannot ask for more from a guy who is still available in about half of all fantasy leagues. His minutes have been hovering in the thirty minute range over the past week as he continues to put up solid numbers.

Outside of Marcus Camby for blocks there really isn’t too much left on the wire in terms of big men. Hickson’s point production might take a hit a bit but he will rebound very well with the minutes he’s been getting. There isn’t much time left in the fantasy basketball season and taking a chance on Hickson just may pay off. Keep in mind that Amare is still out, DeJuan Blair is struggling and Derrick Favors isn’t blocking shots anymore. With the numbers he keeps putting up, it’s last call on JJ Hickson.

Stick With Turner

Evan Turner is being dropped from many leagues across the country while he still continues to produce.

Analysis: Just because Turner is not dropping twenty-five points every game does not justify dropping the shooting guard/small forward from your fantasy squad. Evan Turner is averaging 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 31.8 minutes of floor time in his last ten games. Any shooting guard getting thirty plus minutes of playing time with his talent needs to be owned. Yes, he’s only averaging ten points per game in that stretch but his field goal percentage is a respectable 44% and is at 50% in his last four games. The man still gets his fair share of assists(2.6 p/g) yet he is only owned in about thirty percent of fantasy leagues.

All Turner has to do is take more shots and then …boom …he’s back. In the Sixers last two games Jodie Meeks is 5 for his last 16, Young 6 for 16, Hawes 5 for 17 and Holiday is 6 for his last 19 shots. Evan Turner needs to start taking over, he’s got a hot hand while the rest of the Sixers do not. He’s still a solid option in all leagues but do not be surprised when he catches fire again.

Point Guard Help- Darren Collison

Darren Collison is still available in some fantasy leagues despite some impressive assist totals recently.

Analysis: Darren Collison is averaging a stout 6.25 assists per game over his last four contests. He’s averaging 1.0 steals, 3.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists in his last ten games. He’s always been a solid assist guy but he’s finally starting to peak this year. He’s not turning the ball over and he’s been shooting very well from the field in the past few weeks. He’s a career 85% free throw shooter in addition to the assists and steals. He won’t light up the score board but he gives you everything you need from a lower tier fantasy point guard.

Collison is available in over twenty percent of fantasy leagues and he is going fast. He’s averaging over thirty-two minutes per game this year and his minutes continue to be stable. If you are in need of assists he should be one of your first options if Ramon Sessions or Jameer Nelson are not available. Ten plus points, five plus assists with steals and solid free throw shooting is what he’s offering. His shot selection has improved and with it his fantasy value.

Under The Radar- JJ Barea

Jose Juan Barea has been out of action the last week with a right thigh contusion but he will be returning to action very soon.

Analysis: Before Jose Juan Barea’s thigh injury he did have three straight ten plus assist games. Luke Ridnour has been playing well at the point but Barea will get his fair share of minutes upon returning from injury. And as good Ridnour has been the last three to four games, Barea’s production right before his injury was significantly better. Barea is averaging about the same amount of points, threes and assists per game as Ridnour yet is playing an average of twelve minutes less per game this year. Keep in mind that Ridnour is shooting just 38% from the floor and 26% from three during this week long “hot” streak he is currently on.

Obviously if either guy is available in your league they are both worth a look but Barea does have more upside. JJ is available in over eighty percent of fantasy leagues so you have some time to assess team needs. Barea’s health is not that much of a concern going forward but his minutes will be the most interesting number to keep an eye on over the next few weeks.

Shooting Guard Help- Tony Allen

Tony Allen has been one consistent guard over the last few weeks. He’s always been a guy who can get you steals but he’s taking his game to another level.

Analysis: Tony Allen is averaging 1.8 steals, 11.4 points, 4.6 rebounds with 2.8 assists over his last five games. Allen is also shooting nearly 80% from the line this year with a field goal percentage a shade under fifty percent. Allen is producing very well in six fantasy categories yet he is available in over sixty percent of fantasy leagues. He is a shooting guard and while he doesn’t hit many threes his production cannot be ignored.

Allen is eighth in the NBA in steals per game with 1.75 per and second in the NBA in steals per forty-eight minutes. He’s averaging 26.0 minutes per game for the season but his recent hot streak has seen his minutes rise to just under twenty-eight per game. Every extra minute matters when his production has been so diverse. Allen is as consistent as they come in terms of steals and with his new found scoring touch and rebounding his fantasy game is finally balanced.