Week 4 Fantasy Basketball Planner

Week 4 (Nov. 16-22)

Teams playing four games: Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Indiana, Miami, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Portland, Toronto
Teams playing three games: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Golden State, L.A. Clippers, L.A. Lakers, Memphis, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Antonio, Utah, Washington
Teams playing two games: Minnesota

Atlantic Division

Celtics F Ray Allen is averaging his lowest scoring numbers since he was a rookie, but that could change this week against the likes of the Knicks and Warriors. Keep him active across the board ... The Nets are getting added production out of Terrence Williams due to all their injuries. That could continue this week even with the return of Chris Douglas-Roberts ... Nets big man Josh Boone is getting playing time due to the absence of Yi Jianlian and has turned in some decent rebound performances ... Knicks G Chris Duhon has gone without a made field goal attempt in three of his last four games. His minutes have dwindled as a result ... 76ers F Elton Brand is not getting a lot of playing time in the fourth quarter, affecting his bottom line production due to the drop in minutes ... Raptors F Chris Bosh, in a contract year, has scored 20-plus points in his first eight games to begin the season.
Injury report: Nets G Devin Harris (groin) is not expected to play in Week 4... Nets F Chris Douglas Roberts (flu) is getting over the H1N1 virus and is expected back over the weekend ... Nets G Courtney Lee (groin) is questionable to return over the weekend and is likely to be an injury risk heading into Week 4 ... Nets F Yi Jianlian (knee) is not expected to play in Week 4 ... Knicks G Nate Robinson (ankle) is expected to return over the weekend. His return could have a negative impact on the Fantasy appeal of Larry Hughes, Chris Duhon and Toney Douglas ... Knicks C Eddy Curry (calf) is expected to return Nov. 18 at Indiana and while he is not a recommended start, is worth a flier in deeper formats. The Knicks are lacking a true inside presence and could give him favorable playing time soon.
Favorable matchup: Toronto Raptors (@DEN, @UTA, MIA, ORL): The Raptors are the only team in the division with four games this week, two of which come against teams that allow over 102 points per game.
Unfavorable matchup: Philadelphia 76ers (CHA, MEM, @CLE): The Sixers play three games this week, including two teams that allow under 91 points per game. It's not a good week to go with struggling Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young and Marreese Speights are questionable plays this week as well as a result of the tough matchups.

Central Division

With Tyrus Thomas (arm) sidelined, Bulls F Taj Gibson has begun to take off. He has had at least 10 points and 5 rebounds in three of his last four games heading into the weekend and managed 18 points with 5 rebounds against Toronto Nov. 11 ... Bulls C Joakim Noah posted three straight double-doubles and is off to a breakout start ... Cavaliers G Delonte West was inactive once again for Thursday's game against Miami. He is not reliable in Fantasy at this stage ... Cavaliers swingman Anthony Parker is among the league leaders in three-point shooting ... Pistons F Charlie Villanueva is on one of his hot streaks, scoring 28 and 30 points in two of his last three games. He is a hot-and-cold guy, but should start in any format when he's hot ... Pacers G Dahntay Jones is averaging around 35 minutes per game and is getting double-digit shot attempts in the offense, leading to scoring in the mid teens on most nights. Take advantage of that while it lasts ... Bucks F Ersan Ilyasova is quietly putting up useful numbers. He had 13 rebounds, 6 points, 4 assists, 1 block and 1 steal against the Knicks on Nov. 7 and followed that up with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 blocks against the Nuggets Nov. 11 ... He could be a useful last-resort stopgap measure for the team's upcoming four-game week, especially if you are looking for cheap rebounds.
Injury report: Bulls F Tyrus Thomas (arm) will be out until at least December ... Pistons G Richard Hamilton (ankle) and F Tayshaun Prince (back) are both without a definite return date and each sounds unlikely to play in Week 4. Ben Gordon will continue to start in Hamilton's place with Rodney Stuckey being indirectly affected and Jonas Jerebko continues to start for Prince with limited results. His absence seems to be benefiting Charlie Villanueva most ... Pacers F Troy Murphy (back) could return over the weekend. Monitor his progress, but you should be able to count on him in Week 4 after a lengthy absence ... Pacers G T.J. Ford (back) could return in limited fashion over the weekend and is someone we recommend reserving until he proves both healthy and productive again. His absence has benefited Earl Watson ... Pacers G Mike Dunleavy (knee) is unlikely to play in Week 4, but he could return to practice soon ... Bucks G Michael Redd is coming up on the early part of his initial recovery estimate, but he's yet to return to practice and sounds highly questionable for Fantasy purposes in Week 4. Don't count on activating him. Charlie Bell has had limited production in his place.
Favorable matchup: Cleveland Cavaliers (GS, @WAS, @IND, PHI): The Cavaliers play four games, including one against the team that allows the most points in the NBA -- the Golden State Warriors. Philadelphia also allows 102.0 points per matchup. It's a good week to start your fringe Cavs: Shaquille O'Neal and Anderson Varejao, possibly even Anthony Parker and Zydrunas Ilgauskas in deep leagues.
Unfavorable matchup: Milwaukee Bucks (DAL, NJ, CHA, @MEM): Despite one very favorable matchup at Memphis, the Bucks could be in for a low-scoring week against three opponents who allow under 100 points per game.

Southeast Division

Hawks G Mike Bibby is finding it hard to contribute due to the presence of Jamal Crawford. had 19 points and 9 assists on Nov. 11 at the Knicks, but consider the matchup. That's what Bibby has become, a matchup-based starter in Fantasy and the Hawks don't have particularly attractive matchups in Week 4 ... So much for a breakout year from Bobcats G D.J. Augustin. He has scored a combined 7 points in his last three games heading into the weekend ... Bobcats F Boris Diaw has not been terrific to start the year, but he hasn't been all bad either. He is filling up the box score with around 13 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and around a steal and three-pointer per game. That makes him very valuable in category-based play ... Heat F Michael Beasley continues to be erratic, but he does have 17 shots in each of his last two games, a sign he may becoming more involved in the offense. His minutes have increased in each of the last three games as well, with Udonis Haslem's minutes diminishing in those same games ... Magic F Rashard Lewis will return from his 10-game suspension and will be available for a full week in Week 4. Expect diminished production out of Brandon Bass, Ryan Anderson, J.J. Redick and Matt Barnes. Lewis could rejoin the starting lineup right away and is a great play in Week 4.
Injury report: Bobcats G Raja Bell (calf) is dealing with an injury unrelated to the wrist injury that threatens to sideline him for an extended time period if he suffers a setback. He could return over the weekend and should be fine for Week 4, relatively speaking ... Magic F Ryan Anderson (ankle) could return over the weekend and should play in Week 4, but the return of Rashard Lewis makes him a player to avoid ... Wizards F Antawn Jamison (shoulder) is expected to make his season debut over the weekend. Use that game to determine whether or not to activate him in Week 4, we expect him to be ready to plug in for all leagues. His return could mean diminished production out of Brendan Haywood and Andray Blatche ... Wizards swingman Mike Miller (shoulder) is also expected to return Saturday. He should be a safe play for Week 4 ... Wizards G Randy Foye (shoulder) could be out for a few games, meaning more chances for players like Miller, Nick Young and DeShawn Stevenson, though we don't recommend activating the latter two.
Favorable matchup: Miami Heat (OKC, @ATL, @TOR, NO): The Heat have a very favorable four-game slate that includes games against three teams that allow at least 102 points per game. It's a good week to activate Michael Beasley, Udonis Haslem, Mario Chalmers and Jermaine O'Neal -- maybe even Quentin Richardson in a pinch. Oh, and that Wade guy, too.
Unfavorable matchup: Washington Wizards (CLE, @OKC, @SA): The Wizards have three games and all three allow under 100 points per game. The Cavaliers and Thunder are allowing under 91 points per game. Stay away from the likes of Haywood, Blatche and Miller where it can be avoided and if you don't feel comfortable starting Jamison yet this only adds to your uncertainty.

Southwest Division

Mavericks F Josh Howard suffered a bit of a setback in his return from ankle surgery this week. He had to be taken out of a game in the third quarter due to some pain and the team says it could play it cautious with him from time to time. Signs point to him not being 100 percent recovered yet and Howard may not play full-time in back-to-back sets. The Mavs do not have one of those in Week 4, however ... Rockets F Carl Landry, despite coming off the bench, has produced 19 or more points in four straight games ... Grizzlies G Allen Iverson will miss an indefinite amount of time as he ponders his next career move. Retirement remains a possibility ... Despite the absence of Iverson, Mike Conley Jr. has struggled this past week and appears to be losing confidence ... A coaching change in New Orleans could shake things up a bit this upcoming week, look to see how the team reacts and how the rotation may change, including whether or not Devin Brown can continue his recent success and if Peja Stojakovic returns to the starting lineup.
Injury report: Mavericks F Josh Howard (ankle) is considered day to day and should play over the weekend ... Rockets G Tracy McGrady (knee) caused a stir this past week when he announced he could return by Nov. 18, but that return date has since been declared far too optimistic. Late November even seems to be optimistic still ... Grizzlies C Hasheem Thabeet (jaw) is expected to play through the injury and should return this weekend, his role remains too limited for Fantasy purposes ... Spurs F Tim Duncan (ankle) put a lot of Fantasy owners in a bind this week when it was announced just as lineup deadlines were locking that he would not be playing Monday night. He has missed two games, but could return over the weekend and Fantasy owners should cautiously expect to have him active in Week 4 ... Spurs G Tony Parker (ankle) was a risky play going into the week and has not played. He could also return this weekend and is in the same boat as Duncan ... In their absence, Richard Jefferson and Manu Ginobili have lit it up for the Spurs, but that could top off a bit this week if the team gets back to full strength.
Favorable matchup: Houston Rockets (PHO, @MIN, @ATL, SAC): The Rockets have perhaps the most favorable matchups in the league this week, facing four teams that have been allowing over 100 points per game. Phoenix, Sacramento and Minnesota each have been allowing over 105 points per game. It's a great week to activate red-hot Carl Landry as a stopgap. You could even take a chance in deeper leagues on Kyle Lowry, Chase Budinger and Shane Battier. Trevor Ariza, Luis Scola and Aaron Brooks are must-starts.
Unfavorable matchup: San Antonio Spurs (@DAL, UTA, WAS): The Spurs play just three games this week, including two against opponents that allow fewer than 100 points per game.

Northwest Division

Nuggets F 'My Name is Earl' Smith, formerly J.R. Smith, shook off the rust this week following his return from suspension. He shot 1 for 9 and had limited results in his first game back, but managed 18 points on 7 of 15 shooting in his second game and appears to be ready to activate in Fantasy ... Nuggets G Ty Lawson has scored a combined 10 points in the two games since Smith's return ... Timberwolves C Al Jefferson took a two-game leave of absence this week to tend to a personal matter, but he is expected to be back for Week 4 ... Slowly, Timberwolves G Ramon Sessions is beginning to crawl out of his early season funk. He is beginning to get more minutes and touches and could be worth scooping off the waiver wire if owners have given up on him ... Trail Blazers C Greg Oden is coming into his own, putting together some strong offensive performances this past week to go with good rebounding and block numbrers that have been there all season. He is also getting his foul trouble under control ... Thunder rookie James Harden is slowly seeing more minutes, but is not yet someone we recommend activating ... Jazz F Paul Millsap again showed what he is capable of this week by bringing down 13 rebounds to go with 9 points against the Celtics, but his stat lines have been mediocre at best for the most part. As long as Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur remain healthy and in Jazz uniforms, Millsap will continue to be frustrating to own.
Injury report: Timberwolves F Kevin Love (hand) is getting closer to a return, but he is not expected to play in Week 4. Keep closer tabs on him this week, however, as he could begin to ramp up his rehab in an effort to return for Week 5.
Favorable matchup: Portland Trail Blazers (@ATL, DET, @GS, MIN): The Blazers have a very favorable four-game slate with three games that allow over 102 points per game. The Warriors allow over 112 points per game and the Timberwolves allow over 106 points. It's a good week to activate Greg Oden and Andre Miller. Travis Outlaw is a great one-week fill in and Steve Blake and Rudy Fernandez are sleepers for deep formats this week.
Unfavorable matchup: Minnesota Timberwolves (HOU, @POR): The Timberwolves are the only team in the NBA this week with just two games and one comes against a Trail Blazers team allowing under 90 points per game. All of your T'Wolves are questionable plays this week -- even Al Jefferson if you are in a cumulative format. Weigh your options carefully.

Pacific Division

Warriors coach Don Nelson has gotten into confrontations with players and agents this week and things, as usual, remain unpredictable in Golden State. Nelson was called out by Stephen Jackson's agent for the way he's been handling his client and then Nelson benched Jackson late in a game this week due to an injury Jackson says he didn't have. He also got into a verbal confrontation with Monta Ellis in practice. So far, it doesn't appear either player's Fantasy value will be impacted, but keep close tabs on both situations ... Clippers C Chris Kaman leads the team in scoring through the first three weeks of the season. He is averaging elite numbers: 21.7 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.7 rebounds per game and should continue to enjoy that type of production while rookie Blake Griffin remains sidelined ... Lakers F Ron Artest is averaging just 11.1 points per game through eight contests, though his peripheral stats remain very useful in category-based play. His scoring could drop even more once Pau Gasol returns from his hamstring injury ... Suns C Channing Frye has been much better at home than on the road this season. He is averaging 20.0 points and 6.3 rebounds with 5 threes, 2 steals and 1.3 blocks in three home games, but is averaging just 9.9 points and 4.7 rebounds with 2.6 threes, 1.2 steals and 0.7 blocks. The Suns play two road games in a three-game Week 4.
Injury report: Warriors C Andris Biedrins (back) is expected to be out until at least late November, ruling him out for Week 4. Expect Anthony Randolph to see increased production in the meantime ... Clippers G Eric Gordon (groin) is unlikely to play in Week 4. Rasual Butler and Ricky Davis should see the biggest boost ... Lakers C Pau Gasol (hamstring) has been ruled out for another two weeks as his injury continues to take an extraordinary amount of time to heal. He is not expected to be out until Christmas, however, as was mis-reported by other news outlets this week. Lamar Odom should remain viable a little bit longer ...
Favorable matchup: Phoenix Suns (@HOU, @NO, DET): All Pacific Division teams play just three games this week, but the Suns have the best matchups of the group. The Rockets play a faster paced style this year, which fits right into the Suns' plans. The Hornets should also let the Suns run.
Unfavorable matchup: Golden State Warriors (@CLE, @BOS, POR): The Warriors are one of the highest-scoring teams in the NBA, but they will be up against three of the better defensive teams in the NBA this week. The Cavaliers allow the most points out of their three opponents this week, at just 90.3 points per game. It's a good week to reserve your fringe Warriors.

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