Chris Paul – CP3 missed 3 games this past week. He returned on Saturday, though, and scored 22 points and dished 11 assists. Keep an eye on him this week. There’s a good chance he will take a game or two off this week since they have an insane 5 game stretch.
Greg Oden – Multiple teams have come out and said they are monitoring the big man. The Celtics, Cavs, Spurs, and Mavericks are the few that have indicated they are closely watching his progress. Don’t be surprised if a contender takes a gamble on him.
Derrick Williams – There is a reason that Derrick Williams is playing a ton of minutes this week. The T-Wolves are shopping him “heavily.” If Williams continues this, expect him to be moved within the next 3 weeks.
Steph Curry – Curry hyperextended his knee last Sunday then injured his soft ankles. He missed 2 games this week, but returned to action on Saturday. He poured in 20 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and dished 7 assists. Again, keep an eye on him. His injuries can act up at any time.
Zach Randolph – Z-Bo suffered a strained back on Thursday and has been the subject of trade rumors this week. He did manage to return on Saturday and scored 13 points and had 19 rebounds.
Los Angeles Lakers – Despite a 1-2 record this week, the Lakers indicated they will not be active at the trade deadline. “We don’t have many options,” Mitch Kupchak said. “It’s not like we’re going to be active or overly active in the trade market.” Kobe has been deemed to guard the opposing team’s best player. I would expect a decline in Kobe Bryant’s numbers if this were true.
Tristain Thompson – With Varejao out, Thompson has capitalized on the opportunity. He averaged 18 points and 14.5 rebounds this week. I’m not going to say he will continue this trend, but ride him while he’s hot.
James Harden – Harden may be hitting a wall. He shot 25% this past week. I would still consider him a must-start, obviously. It’s not like his assists and rebounds categories are suffering. Just don’t expect his numbers to be out of the roof.
Carlos Boozer – I would say averaging 18.6 points and 14.6 rebounds is considered hot. Boozer was once considered an amnesty clause candidate. Now, he is a bounce back candidate. The big man has gained the energy that the Bulls have needed. Keep starting him this week.
Ricky Rubio – Rubio will have his minutes increased. He will be allowed to play 26-28 minutes a game. With all the injuries of the T-Wolves, his stats shouldn’t increase too much, probably only turnovers.
Josh Smith – Smith was suspended 1 game this past week for conduct detrimental to the team. He returned, though, on Friday and scored just 9 points. He did bounce back on Saturday and scored 21 points. I think he will be fine for the time going.
Boston Celtics – The team has been struggling mightily. Doc Rivers commented after Sunday’s loss, “I gotta either find the right combination, the right guys, or we’re gonna get some guys outta here.” I would expect the team to be active at the trade deadline. Perhaps Jason Terry or Courtney Lee could be out of town.
Sacramento Kings – The Maloof brothers have reached a tentative deal to sell the team to a group from Seattle for $525 million. The consensus around the league is that the team could be playing in Seattle by next season.
Glen Davis – It seems that Big Baby has fully recovered from his injury after posting a 24/6/6 line. Keep starting him in your lineups.
Kendall Marshall – With the promotion of Lindsey Hunter, Marshall may be in line for more minutes and perhaps a starter. Hunter has always been high on Marshall. Keep an eye on his minutes and any Sun’s updates.
Paul Millsap – The Nuggets, Bucks, and Nets have been rumored as potential suitors for the big man. With a crowded front court, Millsap is expendable.