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Sports Grumblings -
http://www.sportsgrumblings.com/basketball/articles
Forward Thinking -- November 25, 2007
http://www.sportsgrumblings.com/basketball/articles/articles/235/1/Forward-Thinking----November-25-2007/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 11/25/2007 |
Kevin Durant and the Sonics have four games this week - good for Durant owners, not so good for the Sonics...
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The Lakers finally made their big trade, but they did not deal Kobe Bryant. In fact, it was somewhat of a letdown to hear that the Lakers moved Trevor Ariza to Orlando for Brian Cook and Maurice Evans since none of those players should make much of a fantasy impact. Other than that, there are not many surprising storylines. The teams in Texas are still dominating and the Celtics have imposed their will. The Timberwolves and Supersonics are still terrible and will continue their losing ways this week. Further, since no one is playing five games this week, there are no numerical advantages to exploit when picking up that extra player or two. The best bets would be to look at teams with injuries, such as Washington and Los Angeles.
Four Games: Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Indiana, L.A. Lakers, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Seattle, Toronto, Utah, and Washington
With Gilbert Arenas sidelined and recovering from knee surgery for the next three months, look for Antonio Daniels to fill in and help more on the stat sheets. Young talent is also flourishing in Los Angeles. Second year player Andrew Bynum is improving and learning the tempo of the NBA. His numbers will only get better with Kwame Brown out, meaning more minutes for Bynum. The Timberwolves are a franchise in rebuilding mode. Randy Foye was the brightest spot on the team and he has been out with an injury the entire season. Even worse, his fast-track recovery therapy has actually set him back until at least December. Even with the solid play of rookie Kevin Durant, the Supersonics are not a team going anywhere. This week will be no different. In fact, it would not be surprising to see them drop all four games.
Three Games: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Golden State, Memphis, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, Portland, and Sacramento
Boston finally proved their mortality by dropping their first game of the season to Orlando. How did they respond? By ripping off a few wins in a row. Look for the trend to continue this week against Cleveland and New York. The Bulls are having a miserable season so far, but they should get a few wins this week with a soft schedule. Luol Deng is supposed to make a return to the lineup which should help them change their fortunes.
Two Games: Charlotte, L.A. Clippers, and Miami
Dwyane Wade appears to be back to his usual self, slashing to the rim and making wild shots. Even more importantly, the Heat are now winning. Look for them to continue their success this week, though Boston will be a tough opponent. The Clippers are dealing with injury woes. Their first practice of the week only had six players. With Corey Maggette out until at least December, and Elton Brand not expected back until January, this season does not look bright for L.A.
Best Games
Friday, November 30th, 2007
Boston Celtics at Miami Heat
Boston is on a tear so far, beating teams down and spreading the scoring around. However, the Heat seem to be gaining momentum as Wade grows healthier and Shaquille O’Neil is playing better than he has all season. In fact, Miami knocked off the Rockets late last week, so anything is possible in this match up. Look for Udonis Haslem to play Kevin Garnett tough while Ray Allen tries to slow Wade. The one piece that the Celtics are missing might be what decides the game. They have no answer for Shaq on offense or defense. I smell an upset.
Friday, November 30th, 2007
Orlando Magic at Phoenix Suns
The Suns will be coming to Orlando for a game that is sure to provide some points. Dwight Howard has been a monster as of late, ripping down 15 boards a game and adding 23 points while shooting above fifty percent. Hedo Turkoglu is also key, as he was instrumental in the Magic’s win against the Celtics by adding 16 points and hitting 2-of-4 from the three-point arc. Steve Nash is probably the best player in fantasy hoops for assists, averaging 11 of them per game. Shawn Marion is also having a wonderful season so far with nearly 20 points a game and just over 11 rebounds. Both teams have solid big men, so look for the difference makers to be the guards. The edge goes to Phoenix in a close one.
Top Players This Week
Point Guards
Jason Terry
Tony Parker
Deron Williams
Shooting Guards
Tracy McGrady
Kobe Bryant
Michael Redd
Many Ginobili
Power Forwards
Dirk Nowitzki
Tim Duncan
Chris Bosh
Carlos Boozer
Shooting Forwards
LeBron James
Caron Butler
Josh Howard
Centers
Yao Ming
Brendan Haywood
Jermaine O’Neil
Sleepers
DeSagana Diop
Rafer Alston
Andrew Bynum
Derek Fisher
Yi Jianlian
Samuel Dalembert
Jamario Moon
Antonio Daniels
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