FSR Daily
-The Boot Saga continues, as Tom Brady missed at least the first part of practice on Thursday. Probably didn’t have to tell you this, but Belichick had no comment on his quarterback’s injury status.
-A warning to Ben Gordon owners, the Bulls guard had an MRI on his wrist Thursday. If possible, get Kirk Hinrich as a backup plan just in case the injury is serious.
-Jamaal Tinsley is going from a late-round draft steal to a fantasy bust. He’s missed five games this month, including last night’s game due to a sore left knee, and is only averaging 7.1 ppg and shooting 33.9 percent during January. Worse yet, his backup Travis Diener put up 15 points and 9 assists last night. Tinsley is great for assists (8.6 per game) and steals (1.8 per game), but I wouldn’t be shocked if he loses his starting job if his slump/injuries/strip clubbing continues.
-Elton Brand has been cleared by doctors to start running and jumping drills. I’m not sure he’ll have much of an impact fantasy-wise this year, but given his career stats (20.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 2.1 blocks) I’d say he’s worth a pickup if he’s available in your league. His biggest effect may actually be on Clippers center Chris Kaman, who will likely see a reduction in points and rebounds if and when Brand returns.
-Sasha Pavlovic could miss up to two months because of a strained left foot. This shouldn’t be a big deal to Pavlovic owners because there shouldn’t be any Pavlovic owners–he’s only averaging 7.3 ppg and 24.6 minutes as a starter this year. But Boobie Gibson (why didn’t we know his nickname was Boobie when he played at Texas?) may replace him in the lineup, and the more playing time for Boobie the better. As a starter or from the bench, Boobie will help you with threes and points.
-If you watched the Nets v Warriors game last night, you’re probably thinking the same thing I am: Monta Ellis is becoming a star. He’s only 22 and his January splits are sick (19 ppg, 1.5 steals, 54.6 percent shooting). If he adds a three-point shot, watch out.
-A very worthwhile read here from Rich Lerner at Fantasy Insider Online that shows that having the number one pick doesn’t always work out.
Tags: Ben Gordon, Elton Brand, fantasy basketball, Fantasy Football, Jamaal Tinsley, Monta Ellis, Sasha Pavlovic, Tom Brady