Start ‘em Sit ‘em

Put 'Em In

Joakim Noah - I ain't  joking! Noah is putting up some numbers for the Bulls. Now in the starting lineup, he's getting his minutes - and the stats have followed. Over is last three games, Noah is averaging 9.5 PPG, 12.3 RPG and 1 block. The best part is he is committing less than one turnover while shooting 50-percent. He's becoming a smart ball player and you can bet that he'll stay in the game as long as he continues to grab as many offensive rebounds as he is.

Kendrick Perkins - When a guy gets hot, you ride the wave of fantasy glory. Perkins is hot, get your surf board. He's averaging just 7.4 PPG and 5.9 RPG this season, but this past week he boosted his production to 13.3 PPG and 13.7 RPG. That's a major shift. Just watching Perkins you can see why. He's working hard, running the floor and his teammates are trusting him. He picks, he rolls, he lays it in the basket. Simple and easy.

Jared Dudley - Dudley is being smart. He's making the most of his opportunity and so should you. Dudley's production has soared lately, making him a definite must-play. This past week he averaged 13.7 points, 10.3 boards, a block and better than one steal. Remember, he's still coming off the bench. He's just being incredible efficient, shooting 61-percent from the floor this week and did not miss a free throw.

Sit 'Em Out

Andrei Kirilenko - Generally speaking, soon after doctors clear a guy to be able to walk without crutches, you shouldn't start him on your fantasy roster. The Big Russian has knocked down, Rocky IV style, having been chopped down by the Big German, Dirk Nowitzki earlier this week. Though Dirk is done serving his one-game suspension, AK-47 continues to be unavailable to play. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, he did not make the trip with his team Friday night to Phoenix and is doubtful to play Saturday against the Nuggets. His sprained right hip will be re-evaluated by team doctors and his return date will be decided after that. All signs point toward him returning this week, but you just can't know how effective he'll be and how many minutes he'll even play coming off of this injury. There are just too many question marks here.

Tyrus Thomas -He who giveth, Tyrus, can taketh away. Thomas said that his skipping a team practice had nothing to do with him only playing nine minutes in their last game, but that is hardly believable. He insisted that it was a decision he made for personal reasons. He was given some time to think about it, as he had to serve a two-game suspension for his actions. Thomas apologized to his teammates Thursday but things seem a-miss in the Windy City. He's going to have to earn his coach's trust back, which may take a few games of limited minutes - not exactly something you want your fantasy roster to be a part of.

Dikembe Mutombo - When Yao went down, Mutombo seemed like he could have been a good addition. He was going to be in the starting lineup, he was going ot be given a chance to shine - at 41 years of age. But the old man has been just that: old. This season he is averaging just 1.2 PPG and 3.2 RPG. Those numbers have jumped, slightly, since joined the starting lineup, but he's just not getting it done in the young NBA. He just can't handle playing the minutes at his age and you shouldn't force him to either.