One of the biggest early season injuries to date happened with the Atlanta Hawks losing starting center Al Horford. Who does it help most? We take a look along with the rest of your must-need NBA fantasy basketball information.
Trending Up
Atlanta Hawks Power Forward Josh Smith- The Oak Hill product struggled through the first five games of the season. He wasn't putting up the scoring, rebounding, FG%, or block numbers you are accustomed to getting from the stat sheet stuffing Smith. The last seven games that has changed and the scoring is even higher than in the past. In the first game without Al Horford, who is most likely out for the season, Smith scored 30 points on 63% shooting with 13 rebounds. I traded for Smith last week in a league; I would suggest you try to do the same.
Golden State Warriors Power Forward David Lee- Lee has found his offensive groove the last two games against Miami and Orlando averaging 23 points and 12.5 boards. FG% excellent as always and with Stephen Curry out the assist numbers are up at 3.5 per game. He's been in double figure rebounding for the last five games. After a down year Lee is right back to top 20 status.
Denver Nuggets Small Forward Danilo Gallinari- After a slow start to the season that included an embarrassing missed lay up that cost the Nuggets a game against the Lakers Gallo has been lighting it up. He was really struggling with his outside shot early in the season hitting four three pointers in his first seven games. In the last four games Gallinari has made 10. His FG% is trending up, Gallinari helps with assists and rebounds, and to top it off he is averaging just under two steals. Gallo has become a fantasy monster.
Trending Down
Detroit Pistons Power Forward Jonas Jerebko- Jerebko started off the year with an impressive four games averaging just under 14 points, seven boards, and one three pointer per game. In January he has come back down to earth with just under seven points and only five rebounds. He is still getting minutes, but it's possible the best month of Jerebko's season has already passed.
Minnesota Timberwolves Shooting Guard Wesley Johnson- Johnson has been disappointing all season, but now the minutes are starting to drop. He only played nine against the Bulls and hasn't played 30 in the last five games. I thought Johnson was a possible breakout candidate to fill out the bottom of the roster. This hasn't been the case.
Houston Rockets Shooting Guard Kevin Martin- After three straight 20 plus point games to finish the month of December, Martin has taken a step back so far in January. K-Mart is averaging 14 points on 35% shooting with only one three pointer a game. I don't expect him to stay down for long, but he is definitely struggling right now.
Eye On The Wire
Houston Rockets Small Forward Chandler Parsons- Parsons has replaced Chase Budinger in the starting line-up. He's already put up a 20 point game and even when he isn't scoring is throwing up some solid rebound numbers. Parsons has the ability to knock down threes and picks up some steals. In deeper leagues he is a must pick up and in shallower leagues someone to keep an eye on.
Washington Wizards Power Forward Trevor Booker- Booker has replaced Andray Blatche in the starting line-up. Blatche is out with a shoulder injury, but I think Booker ends up keeping the spot even when he returns. Booker is going to get you solid FG%, rebounding, blocks, and steals. The points will be there some nights and others will give you nothing. The FT% is going to hurt you. The good outweighs the bad though.
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