Fantasy Picker: Got to Believe in Magic

Fantasy Highlights

Nikola Vucevic (PF/C, ORL)
16pts 10rebs 2blks 1stl 6-7 FT 42mins

Vucevic is coming to his own in the middle for Orlando. Despite big men Glen Davis, energy guys Josh McRoberts and Gustavo Ayon, and young blood Andrew Nicholson as options down low, Vucevic was able to play the most minutes for any of the Magic players. Minutes usually mean production, and he did not disappoint. 6-7 free throw shooting for a C should make you feel happy. 

Aaron Afflalo (SG/SF, ORL)

28pts 5rebs 5asts 1stl 1blk 3-7 three point shooting

These numbers are somewhat promising for Afflalo, and not really that surprising if you've seen him play in not so heavy minutes back in Denver. The question is if he can sustain this kind of production for a team with ready guards and a less talented clone of his in Dahntay Jones. Can he be "the man" for a seemingly faceless Magic team?

Greg Monroe (C, DET)

27pts 10rebs 2asts 1stls 3blks

Huge game for the big man in Detroit. The sophomore forward has cemented his place in as the man in the middle for the Pistons, and these should be the numbers expected from him.

Joakim Noah (C, CHI)

20pts 9rebs 4asts 5blks

You've got to love Noah when he's healthy. He's got a tireless motor that you can probably see as a better version of similarly unique-haired Anderson Varejao.  He'll always give you boards and his points usually come from offensive putbacks, so you don't have to worry about your filed goal percentage taking a hit. He's also an active defender, so you do expect at least a block from him every game. 

Andre Iguodala (SG/SF, DEN)

17pts 10rebs 4asts 1stl 1blk 3-6 three pointers

Iggy had an all-around night to lead the Nuggets past the Pistons. He's a triple double waiting to happen, but with Ty Lawson and Andre Miller getting most of the assists, he usually gets to shoot threes. As a facilitator last year for the Sixers, he shot less from threes, but had all-around games. He still has the skills, it's a matter of how he'd use them. 

Players to Consider

Kirk Hinrich (PG/SG, CHI)

8pts 5rebs 5asts 2stls 2-2 three point shooting, 40% owned in Y!Fantasy

Captain Kirk is holding down the fort for the Bulls. He's been a pretty solid starter, and though he does share minutes with Nate Robinson (26 minutes played today), he remains the starter for the team because of his steadying presence on both ends of the court. He won't give you eye-popping stats, but you've got to love his across the board contribution. 

Andrea Bargnani (PF/C, TOR)

16pts 6rebs 3-6 three-pointers

Under the Radar Picks

E'Twaun Moore (PG/SG, ORL)

17pts 5rebs 2asts 3-4 three point shooting, 21% owned in Y!Fantasy

With Jameer Nelson out, you'd expect JJ Redick to pick up some time at the PG spot and produce for Orlando. He did, Moore had a slightly better outing, depending on where you'd want to look at it. Moore had one more three and a better shooting clip, but Redick did have the better assist total with seven to Moore's two. Dahntay Jones looks to be the odd man out because of them, and the fact that Aaron Afflalo is turning out to be the better than him.

Jonas Jerebko

11pts 6rebs 3stls 1-2 three pointers, 4% owned in Y!Fantasy

This isn't the first time Jerebko has been written in this section. He's still not a solid contributor, but he should contribute to in deep leagues. He's a big man with range, and he's not much of a slouch rebounding as well. Detroit may have a huge frontcourt, but apart from the fact that Jerebko has skills,

Overtime:

1. Luol Deng had a big night with 23pts 8rebs 4asts, but you do expect some threes from him. Maybe he's being more aggressive attacking the basket without Rose? He did have a 9-16 shooting clip and just one turnover.

2. Kyle Lowry sprained his ankle early in the game, and the Thunder exploited the Raptors for a blowout win. Sad day for Lowry owners, as he was having a great start for the season.

3. With the injury, Jose Calderon's value just shot up. If Lowry misses a lot of time, Calderon could be a great option at point for threes and assists.

4. Danny Granger's out for three months. Do you pick Gerald Green up, or do you gamble with someone else in Indiana? My money's on gambling. If he's not performing as a starter, he could get moved to the bench, and that could be a fresh start for him