NBA Midweek Report: Week 18

We're hurdling toward the playoffs.

The stakes are high, and you can't hesitate.

Players get shut down for the season at a moment's notice, so that's obviously going to complicate the landscape.

When that inevitably happens, you'll be a pigeon fighting for bread crumbs. Injury replacements could be key down the stretch...

This leads to our first item on the report.

Injuries:

Derrick Rose, CHI, PG

The day you've been dreading has finally arrived, Derrick Rose owner: D-Rose is out for the year.

Again.

At this point, you truly have to wonder if his career is over?

In 1-year leagues, you're basically screwed. Jimmy Butler is gonna beast the rest of the season, but anybody smart/lucky enough to draft JB this season isn't going to let him go. In dynasty leagues, I think you really have to question whether or not Rose is worth holding. He's only 26 years old, but he's probably the most fragile player in the NBA. If you can get anything of value for him in a dynasty league, I would fully advocate moving him.

I purposely stayed away from Derrick Rose in leagues of all sizes this season (for this very reason), but it really is a shame. When healthy, D-Rose was one of the most dominant players in the league. Sadly, he looks like the next Penny Hardaway to me...

With usage freeing up, Nikola Mirotic could get quality minutes again. And I'm still holding out hope that Doug McDermott will finally get a decent look...

Adds:

Terrence Jones, HOU, SF/PF (72% owned in Yahoo leagues)

T-Jones is finally starting to play to his potential as his health improves.

He's played over 30 MPG the last 2 games for the first time in months.

How did he respond?

Try 14.5 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 3.5 BPG.

This is not a blip on the radar. Terrence has one the highest upsides in the NBA. He's gone most places, but not universally owned yet.

He should be.

Acquire this kid at all costs. You'll be glad you did...

Danilo Gallinari, DEN, SF (52% owned in Yahoo leagues)

Another player whose production has increased as his health has improved.

Gallo was an elite Fantasy Basketball player not too long ago, so it shouldn't really be much of a surprise. But at only half of owners rostering Danilo, he could have real value the rest of the season...

He is the #28 player over the last 14 days: 17.0 PPG, 3.3 3PM, 3.3 REB, 1.1 STL.

If you're looking for a combination of upside and track record, here it is.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, DET, SG (32% owned in Yahoo leagues)

In the post-Jennings era, a new star has emerged: KCP.

Augustin's trade has freed up KCP to become a true star. While Reggie Jackson is also emerging right beside him, check out Kentavious' post All-Star game numbers: 19.7 PPG, 50.0 FG%, 4.3 3PM, 1.7 STL.

His usage is rising, and so are his numbers. We could have a real breakout on our hands here. Could be a real difference-maker in the Fantasy playoffs...

There tends to be a flurry of activity the last few weeks of the season. Teams scrambling to make the playoffs are gonna be more active, but it also depends on how competitive your league is. If you're in one of those leagues where 3/4 teams are WAY behind in the standings, they may have given up already. That creates less competition for the FA studs that inevitably emerge. If the playoff race is more congested, you'll find it harder to acquire the studs when they reveal themselves...

We're getting close, people.

Enjoy it.

It'll all be over before you know it.

Just ask Derrick Rose.

Bobman