NBA Midweek Report: Week 7.

It's almost Christmas.

No school, Christmas bonus, get free stuff from people you rarely see.

You're distracted. I get it.

But I haven't given up on your Fantasy Basketball team.

I'm your constant in a world of chaos.

We can hug it out another day, but let's keep you focused first...

Injuries:
Carmelo Anthony

For the real life Knicks, this could actually be a good thing. The 4-20 Knickerbockers need some perspective. In Fantasy however, you'll forgive a Melo owner if he/she is continually spiking the eggnog...

A clear first round pick, Melo is a scoring stud in the thin SF position. You basically can't replace the guy, but if you were fast enough, you picked up...

ADDS:
Tim Hardaway Jr., NY, SG (14% owned in Yahoo leagues)
While rumours say Melo and Hardaway almost scrapped, no way I'm betting against a kid from Baltimore.

While Melo contemplates the universe, consider adding THJ. The first game without Melo, Tim went off for 23 points (including four 3-pointers) on 9/18 shooting. If the Melo injury lingers, there could be great value here...

Cory Joseph, SA, PG (4% owned in Yahoo leagues)

Another young player taking advantage of a vet's injury. Tony Parker has been out for awhile, and Cory Joseph has been excelling in his absence. Check out these numbers over the last 14 days: 9.8 PPG, 49.2 FG%, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists. Certainly not elite numbers, but very relevant for deep leaguers. And definitely Watch List material for 12-teamers. Parker's got a history of injuries, so an extended injury vacation could spell bigger things for Cory Joseph... Don't sell the farm to get this kid, but don't discount him either...

Intrigued:

Mason Plumlee, BKN, PF/C (30% owned in Yahoo leagues)

Another example of an injured player (Brook Lopez) opening the door for a younger player. While Mason Plumlee had some of the best advanced stats in the entire NBA last season, it's been a colossal disappointment for "the other Plumlee" this year. Brook's 2nd injury of the season (let's keep track of that growing number) is leading to these kinds of numbers for Mason: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks. That's what he did last game against the Bulls. Don't add him yet, but track this boy...

Zach LaVine, MIN, PG (16% owned in Yahoo leagues)

I've written about Zach before, but with both Rubio and Mo out, he's worth your consideration. He's getting a tonne of minutes right now, and rookies tend to improve as the season progresses... Over the last 14 days, he's scoring 12.8 PPG and getting 4.1 assists/game. He's also shooting .465 from the field, and .850 from the line. This kid is getting better...

Jodie Meeks, DET, SG (15% owned in Yahoo leagues)

Purely speculative, and finally ready to play this season, Meeks is worth a gamble. This is a guy that scored 15.7 PPG and hit 2.1 threes/game last season. I've got him in the "intrigued" section as opposed to "adds" - as the Pistons are a horrible team, and have lots of usage question marks. I don't see Meeks getting lots of touches right away, but what do they really have to lose? Could go either way. I wouldn't give up anything to get him, but watch that first box score closely...

So I'm really up against my Thursday deadline here, but I made it.

This close to Christmas, everything feels weirder.

"Time is an illusion, man."

Who said that?

I did.

Go to sleep. Santa's coming.

Bobman