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Sports Grumblings -
http://www.sportsgrumblings.com/basketball/articles
Forward Thinking -- November 11, 2007
http://www.sportsgrumblings.com/basketball/articles/articles/207/1/Forward-Thinking----November-11-2007/Page1.html
Travis Timmons
 Travis Timmons has been with Sports Grumblings since 2007. However, he has been involved in fantasy sports since his early college days in 1997 and hasn’t been able to stop playing since. His diverse body of writing includes many creative endeavors such as video game reviews and poetry. By Travis Timmons
Published on 11/11/2007 |
Kevin Garnett, one-third of Boston's Lethal Weapon Three.
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With Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, the new nickname recently coined for the Celtics is “Lethal Weapon Three.” And it appears that they are the real deal as they have brought the whipping stick to every game so far, having leads as large as 41 points in some games. With the Redsox and the Patriots playing in the same sports zone, someone has to be wondering what’s in the water. The Magic have also been stepping up behind Hedo Turkoglu’s offense, which compliments Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard up top. And will the early season woes of the Chicago Bulls force their hand towards a trade for Kobe Bryant? Even rookie Joakim Noah has been outspoken about the lack of championship quality when it comes to their game play.
Five Games: Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and Seattle
Will Miami last until Dwyane Wade’s return? Going back to last season and this year’s pre-season, the Heat have lost 19 straight games. Shaquille O’Neil can not dominate anymore and no one else on the Heat is stepping up, so do not expect a lot from whatever free agents are available even if they do get to play five games this week. On the other hand, Supersonics center Nick Collison has been quietly having a solid fantasy season so far, averaging almost nine rebounds per game. Look for him to take advantage of the match ups against Orlando and Atlanta. David Lee of the Knicks is also snagging over seven rebounds and adding ten points per game.
Four Games: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, Indiana, L.A. Clippers, Memphis, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Portland, San Antonio, Utah, and Washington
Maybe Garnet, Pierce, and Allen are no longer available, but Eddie House would be a solid Celtic pickup this week. With most teams keying in on the superstars, House has been able to free himself up while adding a few points and rebounds to the stat sheet. Antonio McDyess would be another smart pickup if you need rebounds, though he does collect a few points and assists as well. And if you are in need of assists, look no further than Brevin Knight of the Clippers, who is averaging just over six per night. Reggie Evans, who leads the 76ers in rebounds, came down with 15 them in his season opener. Look for him to continue his dominance in that category against New Orleans and Portland.
Three Games: Dallas, Denver, L.A. Lakers, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Orlando, Phoenix, and Sacramento
The Lakers may be a one-man show, but Luke Walton can also sneak in there and add stats across the board with nearly nine points, five rebounds, and five assists per game. While none of these numbers are staggering, it is at the very least helpful to get a player who is well rounded. Another player who will help in most categories is Boris Diaw. Even though he plays shooting forward, he is second on the team in assists, trailing only Steve Nash. The Mavericks also have their superstars, but the guy leading the team in rebounds is DeSagana Diop, who is averaging just over 8 boards a game.
Two Games: Chicago, Golden State, and Toronto
The Bulls will have a rough time this week as their opponents have a combine record of 9-3. Do not look for any help from them. Golden State is also facing two tough opponents. With Detroit being one of them, it would not be wise to select any players from this team either. The Raptors have the easiest schedule, but with only two games lined up, you won’t get many stats from their players. However, Jose Calderon is a solid pickup for those two games as he adds both points and assists.
Best Games
Friday, November 14th, 2007
New Jersey Nets at Boston Celtics
The Nets will step onto the parquet at Boston Garden and face the new dominating force in the East. And since neither team is known for its defense, expect the game to be high scoring. Look for Jason Kidd and Vince Carter to lead the attack. Richard Jefferson will also rack up some points. Everyone knows the big three in Boston, but some lesser known guys like Rajon Rondo and Eddie House will contribute as well.
Monday, November 16th, 2007
Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs
With another hot match up in the Lone Star state, expect this one to sizzle. Bruce Bowen will hurt Tracy McGrady’s fantasy output in this game, but you should still always keep McGrady in the lineup whenever he is healthy. Expect Yao Ming to step up as he appears to be stronger and faster than in previous seasons, and he was instrumental in helping the Rockets win their first encounter against the Spurs earlier in the season. However, the champs will not just roll over. Tim Duncan will be good for points and rebounds, and Manu Ginobili, who is currently leading the Spurs in points and assists per game has the ability to take the game upon his shoulders. The absence of clutch shooter Robert Horry will also hurt the Spurs.
Top Players This Week
Point Guards
Chris Paul
Stephon Marbury
Gilbert Arenas
Tony Parker
Shooting Guards
Tracy McGrady
Peja Stojackovic
Jamal Crawford
Ray Allen
Paul Pierce
Manu Ginobili
Power Forwards
David West
Udonis Haslem
Zach Randolph
Kevin Garnett
Tim Duncan
Shooting Forwards
Kevin Durant
LeBron James
Caron Butler
Centers
Yao Ming
Shaquille O’Neil
Eddy Curry
Sleepers
Ricky Davis
Chris Wilcox
Drew Gooden
Wally Szczerbiak
Rajon Rondo
Francisco Elson
Nick Collison
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