Matchups for Tuesday, Nov. 11
All times are ET.
Key: Opp. PPG = Points per game allowed to opponents. Opp. FGP = Field goal percentage allowed to opponents. RPG Diff. = The difference between a team's rebounds per game and its opponents' rebounds per game.
Injury report
Out
Chucky Atkins, PG, Nuggets (knee)
Monta Ellis, PG/SG, Warriors (ankle)
Francisco Garcia, SG/SF, Kings (calf)
Manu Ginobili, SG, Spurs (ankle)
Kirk Hinrich, PG/SG, Bulls (thumb)
Larry Hughes, SG, Bulls (shoulder)
Sean May, PF, Bobcats (conditioning)
Tony Parker, PG, Spurs (ankle)
Josh Smith, SF/PF, Hawks (ankle)
Day-to-day
Al Harrington, PF/C, Warriors (back)
Josh Howard, SF, Mavericks (wrist)
Corey Maggette, SG/SF, Warriors (hamstring)
Kenyon Martin, PF, Nuggets (wrist)
Kevin Martin, SG, Kings (ankle)
Michael Redd, SG, Bucks (ankle)
Deron Williams, PG, Jazz (ankle)
Start 'em, sit 'em
With Luc Mbah a Moute earning more and more minutes for coach Scott Skiles in Milwaukee, Charlie Villanueva's fantasy value remains in limbo. Villanueva is averaging just 6.3 points in 21.6 minutes over his past three games and can be dropped in most 10-team leagues. Hold him in deeper formats, but put him on the bench until he starts earning more minutes. Ramon Sessions and Luke Ridnour have found a way to coexist for fantasy purposes, but you might want to think about sitting them against Cleveland's stingy defense if you have better options. Thaddeus Young has been the only player in Philadelphia's stagnant offense to find his rhythm, averaging 16.5 points and 1.8 3-pointers per game while shooting 51.9 percent from the floor. Continue to start Young while he's hot, and expect him to increase his steals (0.8 per game currently) as the season progresses. With Josh Smith out for two to four weeks, Marvin Williams will have to step up his game on the offensive end. Look for Williams to increase his scoring output while Smith mends, but don't expect him to perform any miracles in steals and blocks. The hot pickup of the week, Roger Mason, is a must-start against the defensively challenged Knicks. Speaking of defensively challenged, the Spurs have been uncharacteristically soft on the defensive end, particularly from behind the 3-point line, as opponents are shooting 40 percent from downtown on the season. That said, usually marginal starters like Quentin Richardson, Wilson Chandler and Nate Robinson all look like quality starts Tuesday night. Kelenna Azubuike has posted 20-plus points in two of his past three games, and he should have no problem making it three out of four against the Timberwolves, if Corey Maggette is forced to miss another game. In fact, this game figures to be a high-scoring affair, so be sure to get all your Wolves and Warriors in your lineup, including some borderline starters like Kevin Love, Randy Foye and Brandan Wright.
Waiver-wire pickups
After breaking into the starting lineup, Sebastian Telfair has been a popular pickup in deeper leagues. Don't get too excited -- he's still Sebastian Telfair -- but he will be able to provide a short-term boost in assists, particularly against the Warriors. With his new opportunity as a starter in Golden State, Brandan Wright has enough raw talent to be worthy of an acquisition in most leagues. Consistency will not be his strong suit, but he has plenty of upside, particularly in the shot-blocking department. Charlie Villanueva's kryptonite, Luc Mbah a Moute, is averaging 12.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 29.6 minutes in his past five games. He's not quite ready to be picked up in 10-team leagues, but he's a decent acquisition in deeper leagues or for those who are streaming. Brad Miller's return was supposed to spell trouble for Spencer Hawes, but Hawes turned in a 13-point, eight-rebound, one-block effort in his first game off the bench. Jason Thompson will feel the effects of Miller's return more than Hawes, so grab Hawes if you need some help in blocks. You won't be able to replace a player of Josh Smith's caliber off the waiver wire, but you might be able to find some relief for the lost steals and blocks in the form of Amir Johnson of Detroit. Johnson put up a Smith-like two steals and three blocks Sunday against the Celtics and should continue to impress on the defensive end. Just don't expect much of anything else from Johnson; he's a two-category specialist at this point. With Tony Parker on the shelf, George Hill is expected to emerge as the starting point guard in San Antonio. He's only a pickup candidate in deep leagues but is worth a spot-start Tuesday if you are streaming.
Brian McKitish is a fantasy basketball analyst for ESPN.com.