by Jordan Fickling, sports editor
Fantasy Playoffs are in two weeks. Many owners are battling for playoff positioning or to even enter the playoffs. Here are five players worthing looking into that may turn the tide when the playoffs come.
Point Guard: Jeremy Lin
Jeremy Lin has reemerged as the go to player on the hapless Lakers. Ever since Shooting Guard Kobe Bryant ended his season due to a torn rotator cuff, it’s been open game to see who will step up on the Lakers. Despite the fact that Lin has had a lackluster season, Lin has turned it around greatly after the all-star break.
He’s averaging 17.0 points, 5.0 assists, 2.8 boards, 1.2 steals and 0.8 3-pointers in 27.8 minutes per game. He’s playing a substantial amount of minutes coming off the bench and his role looks to remain the same as playoffs come. Lin has tremendous upside in assists and steals which makes him worth a look in standard leagues.
“Lin has had a disappointing season to be honest. He’s struggled in finding a role for himself in the different teams that he’s been on. I doubt that he’ll be on the Lakers next season,” senior Dennis Mitts said.
Shooting Guard: Tony Snell
Chicago is in dire straits. With three injuries to their key players in the form of Point Guard Derrick Rose, Shooting Guard Jimmy Butler, and Power Forward Taj Gibson, it’s open season for minutes. Snell has had a recent string of great games for Chicago. He did an exceptional job filling the void for the previously injured Mike Dunleavy and it seems that he will be doing the same thing for Butler.
In the month of February, Snell averages 13.6 points and 2.7 treys. He looks to be positioned as a starter during Butler’s absence making him a potential add in deep leagues.
Small Forward: Nikola Mirotic
Since Rose and Butler are down, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau has to find replacements in terms of output. Forward Nikola Mirotic is having a spectacular rookie season and consistently displays great basketball IQ.
He recently erupted for a career-high 29 points, nine boards and two treys to go along with it. With Gibson out for the time being, this opens the door for additional opportunities for Mirotic. Mirotic is well worth a look in standard leagues as he will have a heavier load to carry for the unfortunate Bulls. Both Mirotic and Snell will have interesting roles as the weeks progress, making them the two most interesting additions for the oncoming fantasy playoffs.
“Mirotic has become a personal favorite of mine on the Bulls. He is a fresh face to a stacked Chicago roster and the NBA as a whole. I really enjoy the amount of opportunities given to him,” sophomore Renee Choong said.
Power Forward: Donatas Motiejunas
Losing a star center isn’t easy. Just ask Donatas Motiejunas. For weeks, Rockets Center Dwight Howard has been out of action with a knee injury. Motiejunas has since accepted a larger role in the Rocket’s offense. He is arguably their best player in the frontcourt, and one of the reasons why the Rockets have remained playoff contenders.
Motiejunas has been red-hot since the all-star break. He averages 2.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.0 three-pointer, and 0.8 steals and blocks per game. As long as Howard remains injured, expect Motiejunas to continue this amount of output as the Rockets look to further their playoff endeavors.
Center: Alexis Ajinca
Ajinca has recently been putting up top-50 round value over the past few games. He’s been very consistent and with the major injuries to both Power Forwards Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson. Ajinca can help turn the tide in terms of field goal percentage and rebounds.
Ajinca has played on many teams during his tenure in the NBA, but New Orleans seems to be permanent home. Ajinca is well worth picking up in deeper leagues. Davis is close to a return from his 1-2 week shoulder injury, which threatens the value of Ajinca. Owners should patiently observe Ajinca performance over the next couple of games when Davis returns. If he is able to remain constant in his production, by all means pick him up.
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