Week 11 (Jan. 4-10)

Teams playing four games: Atlanta, Chicago, L.A. Lakers, Memphis, Miami, New Jersey, New Orleans, Orlando, Portland, Utah, Washington
Teams playing three games: Boston, Charlotte, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Golden State, Houston, Indiana, L.A. Clippers, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Antonio, Toronto
Teams playing two games: New York

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics (@MIA, @ATL, @TOR): The Celtics are all sorts of banged up heading into Week 11. Paul Pierce (knee), Kevin Garnett (knee), Rajon Rondo (hamstring) and Marquis Daniels (thumb) were all ruled out for Saturday's game against Toronto and with the C's not playing again until Wednesday, there will be little information as to their availability for that game prior to lineup deadlines on Monday. You'll have to take a risk with each player if you start them in a weekly format, but it seems the Celtics are going to be extra-cautious with all their players and we recommend playing it safe where possible. In their absence, expect Kendrick Perkins and Ray Allen to be leaned on heavily. Tony Allen and Eddie House could make for interesting sleepers in deep leagues.
New Jersey Nets (MIL, @ATL, @NO, @SA): The Nets do have a four-game schedule in Week 11, which helps the appeal of players like Chris Douglas-Roberts and Courtney Lee in cumulative formats, though only one of the teams they will face allow 100 points per game. Brook Lopez, Devin Harris and Yi Jianlian (yes, Yi Jianlian) are all playing like must starts right now.
New York Knicks (CHA, @HOU): The Knicks are the only team in the NBA to play just two games in Week 11, making for some tough decisions for owners in cumulative formats. David Lee, the highest scoring center-eligible player in standard Head-to-Head leagues going into the weekend, could be a safe play still under most circumstances. You'll have to carefully weigh your options. In average-based play, it's status quo for the Knicks. Under their new slower tempo offensive scheme, Al Harrington, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Chris Duhon have all been worthy starts in most Fantasy leagues. Nate Robinson's long DNP-CD streak ended Friday in Atlanta. He is a player that could give the team energy and scoring off the bench and is a good pick up in leagues where he was discarded.
Philadelphia 76ers (WAS, TOR, @DET): So far, so good for the Allen Iverson/Lou Williams back court situation in Philadelphia. Both players are playing both guard positions and should be able to maintain good assist numbers to go with their scoring, which so far has been more than adequate for both players. They both appear to be worthy No. 3 guards for all formats. Marreese Speights has regressed to the point where he should no longer be active in most formats, though he's still well worth stashing away.
Toronto Raptors (@ORL, @PHI, BOS): Jose Calderon (hip) is targeting a return for the Orlando game, but since the game is on Wednesday there may not be definitive word on his status prior to lineup deadlines on Monday. Considering his lengthy absence, it's a good idea to play it safe where possible, though if he does return Wednesday then he would be available for all three games. Jarrett Jack's Fantasy appeal could be affected by Calderon, which puts his value at risk going into Week 11.

Central Division

Top 10 Players Added
Player % Change
1. Yi Jianlian, Nets 24
2. Tyrus Thomas, Bulls 24
3. Donte Greene, Kings 13
4. DeJuan Blair, Spurs 12
5. Kirk Hinrich, Bulls 11
6. Damien Wilkins, Timberwolves 9
7. Luther Head, Pacers 9
8. Beno Udrih, Kings 8
9. Omri Casspi, Kings 8
10. Randy Foye, Wizards 7

Chicago Bulls (OKC, @CHA, @MIL, MIN): The Bulls have gotten high-end production out of Tyrus Thomas since he returned from his arm injury and right now, it appears he's a player to activate in just about any league. In the back court, John Salmons is starting to respond to being benched in place of Kirk Hinrich and he's regained what appeared to be fading Fantasy appeal very quickly while Hinrich has been putting up decent numbers in rebounds and assists while in the starting lineup and has even been able to chip in double-digit scoring here and then. He's a possible sleeper option for deep leagues. Luol Deng's numbers have taken a bit of a dip in recent games as a result of the way the rotation has been moved around, but he remains a strong start in all formats -- especially in a four-game week.
Cleveland Cavaliers (WAS, @DEN, @POR): Shaquille O'Neal has scored in double figures in four straight games coming into the weekend. It is the first time he has done so all year. Yes, his numbers have dropped off this year in Cleveland and he has not been very consistent, but right now he is worthy of starting as a No. 2 center again.
Detroit Pistons (@DAL, @SA, PHI): Jonas Jerebko has remained in the starting lineup even with the team returning, relatively, to full strength and he's expected to remain in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. However, his production has dipped in recent games. It appeared after the first couple of games that he'd be able to retain most of the Fantasy appeal he'd gained while stepping up for injured players, but it now appears he'll be a very erratic option. Charlie Villanueva continues to struggle through his case of plantar fasciitis and until he proves that he can play with the ailment, Fantasy owners should reserve him. He's another player you shouldn't cut unless you absolutely have to, however, given his upside when healthy and going well. Richard Hamilton is struggling from the field, but he's taking a lot of shots and it's only a matter of time before they start to fall. Ben Gordon appears to be a safe play in all leagues.
Indiana Pacers (ORL. @MIN, @OKC): The Pacers continue to deal with injuries to key players with Troy Murphy (ankle) and Tyler Hansbrough (ear infection) both missing time. Murphy could return during Week 11, but it wouldn't be until late in the week and there is no guarantee. He was expected to miss 7-10 days from this past Tuesday. Hansbrough is day to day, but had been playing very well in recent games and if Murphy is out through all of Week 11 could be a sleeper for deep leagues. Roy Hibbert has stepped up his play in the meantime and is a strong play at center. As we've seen already this season, he can be a No. 1 caliber center when Murphy is out of the mix and that's exactly what he's been this past week. Make the most of it while you can. Meanshile, the back court continues to be a mess. Earl Watson, T.J. Ford, Mike Dunleavy and now Luther Head are hard to figure out with a different player stepping up seemingly every night. Right now, it appears Watson and Head are the most Fantasy viable with Ford and Dunleavy being the odd men out. But that could change very quickly. Expect a lot of up and down performances here.
Milwaukee Bucks (@NJ, CHI, @LAL): Coming into the weekend, Michael Redd had totaled just 14 points in his previous three games combined and looks to be far from the player Fantasy owners have come to expect him to be in the past. He's been back on the floor since Dec. 12, and is able to play big minutes. Conditioning is not the issue, but something just isn't right with him and Fantasy owners are advised to reserve him for now. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is getting more run as a starter and has some appeal in larger leagues, but he's merely a stopgap measure. Ersan Ilyasova is up and down, but is currently providing around 10-13 points with around 5-7 rebounds and over a three per game. Very quietly, Luke Ridnour is putting together another useful run for Fantasy owners (which can be related to Redd's poor run) despite playing only around 20 minutes per game. He's a sleeper option for deep leagues this week.

Southeast Division

Sergio's top sleepers for Week 11
Player Start %
1. Corey Maggette, Warriors 61
2. Beno Udrih, Kings 50
3. J.R. Smith, Nuggets 44
4. Mehmet Okur, Jazz 63
5. Omri Casspi, Kings 31
6. Mike Conley, Grizzlies 30
7. Jonny Flynn, Timberwolves 62
8. Roy Hibbert, Pacers 36
9. Jermaine O'Neal, Heat 51
10. Devin Brown, Hornets 5

Atlanta Hawks (@MIA, NJ, BOS, @ORL): The Hawks play a four-game slate, but three come against teams that allow under 97 points per game so Fantasy owners should not expect a high-scoring week out of the Hawks. As usual, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Al Horford are must-starts with Jamal Crawford being a good play as No. 3 or 4 guard in standard leagues. Mike Bibby continues to be too inconsistent to rely upon as anything more than a fill-in.
Charlotte Bobcats (CHI, @NY, MEM): There is still no definite timetable for Tyson Chandler (foot). Nazr Mohammed has been filling in in his place, but Chandler's indefinite status makes him a risky play. Only Gerald Wallace, Stephen Jackson and Raymond Felton should be trusted here. Nothing has changed.
Miami Heat (ATL, BOS, @PHO, @LAC): The Heat have a four-game slate that includes a game against a Phoenix team that allows 105.8 points per game -- second most in the NBA. It is a good week to start Michael Beasley and Jermaine O'Neal in any format. Udonis Haslem is a decent sleeper for cumulative formats this week. Quentin Richardson has some appeal for deeper cumulative formats thanks to the four-game slate. Avoid the Carlos Arroyo/Mario Chalmers platoon in all formats.
Orlando Magic (IND, TOR, @WAS, ATL): The Magic have arguably the most favorable matchups from a Fantasy standpoint this week. The Pacers, Raptors and Wizards all allow over 102 points per game and the Raptors give up 105.8 points per game, tied for second most in the league. Jameer Nelson has not gotten into rhythm yet following his injury, but the matchups do make it easier to take a gamble on him this week. Jason Williams' production should begin to decline as Nelson becomes ready to take on a bigger role.
Washington Wizards (@PHI, @CLE, ORL, NO): The New York Post report over the weekend that said Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton were involved in an argument where weapons were drawn stands to have huge consequences for both players -- Arenas could face jail time and eventually could have his contract voided by the Wizards. However, comissioner David Stern usually waits until legal action is taken before he makes any kind of a decision on matters like this and it could take a while before this gets resolved. So while Arenas' long-term value is absolutely in question, he does appear to be a safe play in the short term. Mike Miller (calf) could make his return at some point late in Week 11 and could eventually unseat Randy Foye at shooting guard, but that seems to be at least another week away. There is a lot of talk that Caron Butler could be used in a trade for Tracy McGrady, but that's all just talk at this point and the Arenas news likely means that the Wizards will have to take a wait-and-see approach.

Southwest Division

Dallas Mavericks (DET, @SA, UTA): Erick Dampier is offering around 10 rebounds and just under 10 points per game with good block numbers as usual. Drew Gooden has found a way to be productive alongside Dampier and not just instead of him when he is injured. Both have their place as low-end starters for Fantasy owners right now in a rotation that is very much undefined. Josh Howard continues to come off the bench, but that could change very soon. The Mavericks don't have very favorable matchups in Week 11, however, which means you should think extra hard about starting the likes of Shawn Marion. We don't recommend starting Jose Juan Barea this week despite his minutes increase.
Houston Rockets (@LAL, @PHO, NY): Tracy McGrady's situation still awaits resolution, but until a trade partner is found it will continue to linger over just about all of their viable Fantasy options. Depending on what a McGrady trade would bring back, possibly a big man like Samuel Dalembert or a guard like Kevin Martin (just some of the names tied to McGrady rumors), they could have an impact on anyone from Luis Scola and Carl Landry to Trevor Ariza or Aaron Brooks. Fantasy owners should continue to rely on these options for the time being, but everyone will feel a lot more comfortable once the situation is resolved.
Memphis Grizzlies (@POR, @UTA, UTA, @CHA): The Grizzlies are getting consistent production out of Mike Conley Jr. again and he's becoming a reliable No. 3 or 4 guard option for standard-sized leagues. He's adding some good steals production and three-point shooting into the mix with a rather low turnover rate, making him Rotisserie-friendly as well. Add him to the mix of Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo as far as viable Fantasy options on the Memphis roster.
New Orleans Hornets (@UTA, @OKC, NJ, @WAS): The Hornets are getting good consistent production out of Devin Brown, who is becoming a legit threat from beyond the arc. He's also providing some good steals numbers and should be a good player to target off the waiver wire as a fill-in as long as he continues to see 30 minutes or more per game. Given the four-game slate, he's a solid stopgap measure in cumulative leagues this week.
San Antonio Spurs (DET, DAL, NJ): DeJuan Blair has been putting up useful numbers since becoming the team's starting center and he has acquired center eligibility in leagues that allow for multiple eligibility. That will allow him to enter the realm of viable No. 2 center options in the very near future.

Best Fantasy schedules
Team Schedule
1. Magic @IND, TOR, @WAS, ATL
2. Jazz NO, MEM, @MEM, @DAL
3. Kings PHO, @GS, DEN
4. Warriors @DEN, @MIN, SAC
5. Heat ATL, BOS, @PHO, @LAC

Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets (GS, CLE, @SAC): Carmelo Anthony is dealing with a sore knee, but should be a safe start in all leagues for Week 11. Chauncey Billups (groin) has missed five of the team's last six games with his injury and has already suffered a setback once for returning to soon. Expect the Nuggets to play this one extra cautiously and that makes him a very risky play for Week 11. He's a player you'll have to monitor all the way to lineup deadlines on Monday night. His playing (or not) will have an impact on Ty Lawson, who shouldn't be trusted in most weekly formats due to the uncertainty. Two great matchups against the Warriors and Kings, teams that give up 105-plus points per game, make J.R. Smith one of our favorite sleepers going into the week. Kenyon Martin is on a real roll over the last couple of weeks and is a great play while it lasts.
Minnesota Timberwolves (GS, IND, @CHI): The Timberwolves have a couple of very favorable matchups this week against the Warriors and Pacers and that should mean good things for Jonny Flynn. Corey Brewer has continued his strong run over this past week and is putting together well-rounded lines for category-based play. With the matchups, he makes for a good start this week.
Portland Trail Blazers (@LAC, MEM, LAL, CLE): The Trail Blazers are the most banged up team in the NBA and their most recent injury to LaMarcus Aldridge (ankle) will frustrate Fantasy owners even further. Aldridge is unlikely to play over the weekend and will be an injury risk for the team's upcoming scoring period. You'll have to monitor his progress leading up to lineup deadlines, but the four-game slate does help. Steve Blake was hospitalized over the weekend due to pneumonia and is out indefinitely, but his absence should clear the way for Andre Miller and Jerryd Bayless to play big minutes. With Aldridge injured, the Blazers are down to an eight-man rotation and several key players will be looked upon to play big minutes. Jeff Pendergraph is a great addition off the waiver wire not only because he is a talented young forward, but also because he's going to be leaned on almost by default. The same goes for veteran Juwan Howard, who should gain center eiligibility in CBSSports.com leagues that allow for multiple eligibility with his fifth start at the position over the weekend.
Oklahoma City Thunder (@CHI, NO, IND): This is a pretty straight forward week for the Thunder, who outside of a few minor injuries will continue to rely on the same rotation they've relied on for most of the season. Start Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green and avoid everybody else. That about covers it.
Utah Jazz (NO, MEM, @MEM, @DAL): The Jazz have a very favorable four-game slate that includes two games against a Memphis team allows 104.7 points per game and a Hornets team that also allows over 100 points per game. Mehmet Okur, who has begun to wake out of his early-season slump is a very good play in all leagues this week.

Worst Fantasy schedules
Team Schedule
1. Knicks CHA, @HOU
2. Mavericks DET, @SA, UTA
3. Hawks @MIA, NJ, BOS, @ORL
4. Grizzlies @POR, @UTA, UTA, @CHA
5. Nets MIL, @ATL, @NO, @SA

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors (@DEN, @MIN, SAC): Andris Biedrins is finally back for the Warriors, but it looks like it could take him another game or two to get back to playing big minutes. He should eventually return to 10-and-10 production, but Fantasy owners with alternatives should give him another week to get back into "basketball shape." Eventually, that could mean less production out of Anthony Randolph, but we still recommend keeping him active while you can. He's been an absolute monster in terms of his block production and is just about the only defensive presence on the team, which should buy him playing time even with Biedrins back. Corey Maggette continues to go undervalued in Fantasy leagues, averaging 23.6 points over his last five games and still starting in just 61 percent of CBSSports.com leagues. He's averaging a 23-6-2-1-0 line over his last five games.
Los Angeles Clippers (POR, LAL, MIA): Blake Griffin (knee) is still at least another week away and that means Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman retain their appeal as high-end Fantasy center options. Al Thornton has become far too erratic to trust under normal Fantasy circumstances. Meanwhile, Rasual Butler has stepped up his production and is turning in decent scoring lines thanks to some excellent three-point shooting.
Los Angeles Lakers (HOU, @LAC, @POR, MIL): Ron Artest (concussion) is not expected to return over the weekend, but coach Phil Jackson has kept the door open for him to return for the Houston game on Tuesday. His return could mean a return to inconsistent production for Lamar Odom, who has been putting up great numbers this past week in Artest's absence. Be very careful not to expect that to continue next week.
Phoenix Suns (@SAC, HOU, MIA): Leandro Barbosa is slowly and quietly getting back to form. His 17-4-2 line against the Celtics this past week is an indication that as he gets back to full strength he could (and really should) get back to the 15-3-2 type production from the last couple of seasons. Many Fantasy owners have given up on him due to his poor early season play, but much of that was due to the fact he was battling a wrist injury and this is really the first chance this year that he's getting to play at full strength. The Suns have a couple of very favorable matchups against fast-tempo teams in the Kings and Rockets and Barbosa, Channing Frye and Grant Hill should put up strong numbers alongside Steve Nash, Amar'e Stoudemire and Jason Richardson.
Sacramento Kings (PHO, @GS, DEN): The Kings will play three games against teams that allow over 100 points per game, including the two teams that give up the most points in the league in the Suns and Nuggets. Considering the fact that the Kings give up the third most points in the NBA, this could be a week filled with video game-like numbers for the Kings and their opponents. Tyreke Evans (ankle) should be back for Tuesday's game, but you'll have to monitor his progress leading up to lineup deadlines. Kevin Martin (wrist) is still another week or so away from returning and Beno Udrih should enjoy at least one more strong week of production. This is a great week to plug in Omri Casspi, who continues to put up good rebound numbers to go with mid-teens scoring and good three-point shooting. Spencer Hawes has some appeal due to the matchups, but his current role doesn't inspire much confidence.

Do you have a Fantasy hoops question for our staff? You can e-mail us at DMFantasyHoops@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Weekly Planner in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. You can also follow Sergio on Twitter (@CBSGonzalez).