Quentin Richardson, Miami

Care to make a little money?  There’s a bet at the bottom of this week’s East Coast Bias…

Atlanta Hawks: PG Mike Bibby’s 23 points on March 5 were a breath of fresh air.  IT marked the first time in 2010 that the former All Star topped 20 points.  His play has fallen off considerably this season with a roster full of younger players that can all pass well relative to their position.  Bibby’s APG sits at 2.3 in March, and unless there’s a rapid turnaround, he’s a drop candidate.

Boston Celtics:  After averaging just 11.7 PPG in an injury-plagued February, Paul Pierce has had difficulty getting on track in March, averaging just 15.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists through three games.  It’s clear injuries are still hampering his game, making him a prime name-value trade candidate in all fantasy formats…assuming you can find a taker.

Charlotte Bobcats: Well, Tyson Chandler did play, but it was only enough to manage 4 points and 4 rebounds per game over his two games played…still not enough to justify being owned in any league.  The minutes are still going to fantasy non-factor Theo Ratliff, who is a mere get-me-by for the team until Nazr Mohammed and Chandler are ready for fulltime action.

Chicago Bulls: C Joakim Noah will be out for at least three weeks while nursing plantar fasciitis, an injury that should worry his owners even in keeper leagues.  Brad Miller and Taj Gibson are the immediate beneficiaries, with Gibson being the more useful of the two (even with occasional bouts with foul-trouble) but the team will likely look to the heralded 2010 free agent class for fortification.  Can you say “Chris Bosh”?

Cleveland Cavaliers: J.J. Hisckson was the hot add after averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds over two games, but then proceeded to reward prospecting owners with virtually nothing over his next two.  With Zydrunas Ilgauskas rumored to be returning to the team shortly, the post-Shaq enthusiasm for Hickson may wear off quite soon, if it hasn’t already.

Detroit Pistons: F/C Jason Maxiell has filled in for an injured Ben Wallace for the past three games and has done a pretty good job, especially with his 16 rebound game versus the Rockets.  With the team headed nowhere fast, there’s little reason for Wallace to rush back.

Indiana Pacers: F Tyler Hansbrough has seen his rookie season come to an end with a whimper due to an inner ear infection.  That’s toughness for you right there.  And, after a resurgent February, T.J. Ford has reverted to his middling ways, with 7.8 PPG in March.

Miami Heat: Quentin Richardson has been on fire thus far in March averaging 20.7 PPG and 4.7 3-pointers made.  Even better, Q’s 7.7 rebounds, making him far from the one-dimensional player he’s been for most of the season. G Mario Chalmers, on the other hand, has fallen back on less than productive habits, even after a brief period of usefulness in late February.

Milwaukee Bucks: John Salmons is the team’s leading scorer at 19.2 PPG, and has been the fulcrum of the team as it marches toward a surprising playoff berth. G Brandon Jennings, who averaged as many as 22 PPG in November, is scoring just over 11 PPG in March after scoring just 10.7 PPG in February.  It’s safe to say he’s hit the proverbial rookie wall.

New Jersey Nets:  Courtney Lee returned from a three game absence to score 25 points.  It was an encouraging sign for a player that averaged 15.5 PPG in February.  Terrence Williams looked pretty good as a fill-in, and still has value due to his ability to pass and rebound.  Somehow, Trenton Hassell is still a starter too.  Yah, go figure.

New York Knicks:  There were rumors that Wilson Chandler was a useless throw-in type player.  His 19 point, 6 rebound averages in March suggest otherwise.  Maybe he’s playing better because Al Harrington is back in the starting lineup.  Oh, yah…Tracy McGrady.  That’s all.

Orlando Magic: PG Jameer Nelson is finally getting healthy, just in time for the Magic to make a late season push.  His 16.3 points and 7.3 assists in March are the highest averages he’s posted in any month this year. Vince Carter’s looking healthier too, and that cant hurt Nelson’s stats.

Philadelphia 76ers: The career of G Allen Iverson went from being at a crossroads to being at an apparent end.  Facing a divorce from his wife, and with numerous personal issues (alcoholism and gambling) coming to light, it seems that The Answer has more to worry about than scoring.  He needs to focus on rebounding…in his troubled life.

Toronto Raptors: Chris Bosh returned from injury to chip in 12 points and 12 rebounds—not very Bosh-like, but still respectable considering the layoff.  Hedo Turkoglu is day-to-day, like he’s been for what seems like the entire season.  Here’s hoping you didn’t pay for last year’s version of the disappointing Turkoglu…Jose Calderon either for that matter.

Washington Wizards: $5 to anyone who started the year with Randy Foye, Mike Miller, Andray Blatche, Al Thornton, and JaVale McGee on their roster(s).  Email with proof for cash.

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