Saturday, February 5, 2011

Hot Streaks: January 23-February 5

  1. Amir Johnson (15.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1.2 blocks, 68.7% FG%, 80% FT%): Johnson continues putting up great all-around numbers for the shorthanded Raptors. Fantasy owners are slowly starting to adopt him although he's proven all season long he's worthy of being owned in all formats. Our only concern is that the injured Reggie Evans is set to return to practice soon and should be back in the line up after the All Star break. He could put a dent into Amir's playing time and production, but for now you should get Johnson on your squad if he's available.
  2. Mike Dunleavy (13.5 points, 2.5 three-pointers, 1.1 steals, 59.1% FG%): Dunleavy's scoring has cooled off since his 30-point outburst, but he's continued to be a great all-around performer. He's hitting shots at a clip well above his season average along with being a good source of three-pointers and steals. Fantasy owners may have to worry about Dunleavy's minutes when Brandon rush returns, which could be as early as tomorrow. Rush, though, is not expected to have as big a role as he did earlier in the season with the emergence of rookie Paul George, meaning Dunleavy could be a nice player to have for the rest of the season.
  3. Marcin Gortat (14.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1 block, 60.3% FG%, 81.3% FT%): As we recently noted, Gortat is having the best stretch of his career. He is putting up the type of numbers many experts predicted if he was given the opportunity to play big minutes. Fantasy owners have clearly taken notice as he's gone from being owned in few leagues to being nearly universally owned. Gortat is obviously a must add if he's available.
  4. Ersan Ilyasova (14.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 56.6% FG%, 84.6% FT%): Like Gortat, Ilyasova is enjoying a great stretch of games over the last couple of weeks. He's scored in double figures in five of six games during that period, including a 23-point, 13-rebound double-double last night. Ilyasova has been a hot add this week, but he's still available in many leagues.
  5. Richard Jefferson (12.5 points, 1.8 three-pointers, 58% FG%, 100% FT%): Jefferson's been shooting the lights out over the last couple of weeks. He hasn't even missed a free throw. Those in need of help in scoring and three-pointers should give Jefferson a look.

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