With Marc Gasol down with an ab tear and Zach Randolph unable to play full time, the second-place Grizzlies look like a very different team with the season winding down. While losing Gasol can be devastating for your fantasy playoff hopes, it turns out Memphis has a very strong bench rife with hidden talent. Let’s take a look at three Grizzlies worth snagging up this week and some other guys playing well at just the right time.
Jerryd Bayless (18%): With the Grizzlies banged up, Bayless is seeing more scoring opportunities and has now put up double-digit points in six consecutive games including a 30-point effort Saturday against the Celtics. Although he won’t provide much in non-scoring categories, he is averaging 29 MPG, 20.2 PPG, and 2.6 3PPG over his last five while shooting 54% from the floor and can definitely give your team a nice scoring boost in the final weeks.
Ed Davis (21%): Davis was great in Toronto but was relegated to the bench behind Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph but with both banged up he is finally getting a chance to be fantasy relevant again. He started on Saturday against the Celts and despite only playing 19 minutes he put up 11 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks. He can help with points and defensive categories and should see a lot more time with Gasol out.
Darrell Arthur (4%): Like Davis, Arthur hasn’t done much off the Memphis bench but injuries have pushed him into the starting lineup. On Saturday he put up 18 points and seven rebounds and could be a daily double-double candidate as long as he remains in the lineup.
Maurice Harkless (34%): The 19-year-old rookie has been playing great ball all second half and has put up double-digit points in all but two of his 18 games. Over his last five he is averaging 37 MPG, 16.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG, and 1.4 3PPG and should be owned just about everywhere.
Beno Udrih (5%): With Aaron Affalo out, Udrih seems to be in line for some extra time and opportunities after playing 36 minutes Friday against the Thunder. Over his last two contests he is putting up 13 PPG and 6.5 APG with a couple of rebounds and steals. He is also shooting a nice 56% from the floor and could be a big help with assists down the stretch.
Taj Gibson (15%): Gibson has returned with three strong games after missing a month with a sprained MCL for the always-shorthanded Bulls. In three games since returning he is averaging 28 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 1.3 BPG and should be able to sustain that kind of production unless a miracle happens and all of the Bulls’ players suit up for once.
Damien Wilkins (5%): Wilkins has started eight straight in the 76ers front court and is now playing around 40 MPG with plenty of opportunities. He has put up double-digit points in eight of his last ten games and over his last two he’s averaging 39 MPG, 20.5 PPG, 2.5 SPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 1.5 3PPG and should continue to get double-digit shot attempts every game.
P.J. Tucker (1%): Tucker has returned to the Suns’ starting lineup in the last four games and is playing over 30 MPG nightly. Over his last three he is averaging 11.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG, and shooting 52%. If you need some rebound juice with okay-scoring why not give Tucker a shot?
Shawn Marion (61%): Marion returned from a two week absence with two strong games, putting up an average of 31 MPG, 13 PPG, 9.5 RPG, and 1.5 SPG. A healthy Marion can be huge down the stretch with potential to put up a double-double every night.
Brandon Knight (67%): Knight returned from an ankle injury that kept him out four games with a start and 37 minutes against the Bobcats on Saturday. Although he only put up 10 points, six boards, and four assists against Charlotte, Knight had been averaging 18.7 PPG, 3.6 APG, 3.4 RPG, and 2.7 3PPG in seven games before he suffered the sprained ankle and could be a big help scoring in the fantasy playoffs.
