With the fantasy playoffs approaching quickly, it’s time to focus on improving specific stat categories you have been lacking in all season rather than just finding the best players out there. A weakness in rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, or threes is usually all the difference – especially if you’ve spent your season investing heavily in simple scorers. Let’s take a look at some guys that won’t put up Kobe-like shooting lines but can definitely help you win a bunch of categories if your opponent only has a bunch of Kobes.
Brandan Wright (Owned in 4% of Yahoo Leagues): Wright has been in and out of the Dallas rotation and right now he’s definitely in. Although inconsistent minutes have limited him to 23 MPG over the last four, he is averaging 12.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.3 BPG, and one SPG over that time. He is also shooting 75% in those four games and played over 27 minutes Sunday against the Wolves. He is definitely worth a pickup as long as he keeps getting minutes.
Dorell Wright (37%): Wright’s shooting isn’t always consistent but he’s really stepped up his game over the last couple weeks. In his last six games he is averaging 25 MPG, 13.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, two APG, one SPG, and 2.3 3PPG. He has been getting double-digit shooting opportunities regularly and is still available in nearly two-thirds of fantasy leagues as we head into the playoffs.
C.J. Miles (12%): Miles has now scored in the double-digits in ten of his last eleven games. Although he typically plays under 25 minutes, he is averaging 13.4 PPG, two SPG, and 2.4 3PPG over his last five games and shooting 49% from the floor. As long as he is hot from behind the arc he is worth a pickup in most leagues.
Tobias Harris (44%): Harris has really become a very solid and consistent fantasy option since being traded to Orlando. In nine games since moving to the Magic he is averaging 29 MPG, 15.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, one BPG, one SPG, and one 3PPG while shooting 52% from the floor. At this point he is regularly playing over 30 minutes per game and getting double-digit shot attempts and is worth a pickup in any league he is still available.
Reggie Evans (13%): If you need scoring, look elsewhere. If you find yourself short on rebounds heading into the playoffs, Evans could go a long way in helping you win that category. Over his last five games he is averaging 14 RPG and one SPG. He is averaging 9.6 RPG on the season so his production has stayed consistent but he has also put up some monster 20+ rebound games lately.
Kenyon Martin (2%): With Amare Stoudemire out for six weeks, recently signed Kenyon Martin could see a some serious minutes. He played 22 minutes Saturday against the Jazz and put up 10 points, six rebounds, and two steals on four of six shooting in just his third game this season. He may be old but still has the potential to be a good role player and is worth a speculative add in deeper leagues.
Amir Johnson (61%): Andrea Bargnani is likely out a while with an elbow injury leaving Amir Johnson to take over the starting duties. In his last five games he is averaging 33 MPG, 16.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG, and 1.4 BPG while shooting 69% from the floor. He is absolutely worth owning in every league.
Andrei Kirilenko (66%): Kirilenko could be back as soon as Tuesday after playing just four of the Wolves’ last 15 games. He is averaging 13 PPG, six RPG, 1.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG, and three APG on the season and is worth owning in every league when healthy.
Spencer Hawes (55%): Hawes is a very streaky player but he’s worth owning when he’s hot. Over his last five games he is averaging 30 MPG, 13 PPG, nine RPG, one BPG, and 2.4 APG and is worth playing in most leagues until he inevitably cools down.
Derrick Favors (65%): Favors has started five of Utah’s last six games and while his scoring remains wildly inconsistent he makes up for it with great defensive stats. In his last six games he is averaging 29 MPG, 11.5 PPG, 10.7 RPG, and 2.7 BPG and should continue to put up that kind of production as he has most of the season.
