I’m not sure about you guys, but when I get a four-day work week (President’s Day this past Monday), I find myself still cramming five days of work into less time - and it’s not fun.  Ironically enough, the NBA took this past Monday off as well, but proceeded to get as many games in as possible.  This week is a little different.  We have more four-week teams, along with some solid action to watch on Monday.

Number of Games This Week:

Atlanta Hawks - 4; Boston Celtics - 4; Charlotte Bobcats - 4; Chicago Bulls - 4; Cleveland Cavaliers - 3; Dallas Mavericks - 4; Denver Nuggets - 3; Detroit Pistons - 2; Golden State Warriors - 4; Houston Rockets - 4; Indiana Pacers - 3; Los Angeles Clippers - 4; Los Angeles Lakers - 3; Memphis Grizzlies - 4; Miami Heat - 3; Milwaukee Bucks - 3; Minnesota Timberwolves - 3; New Jersey Nets - 3; New Orleans Hornets - 4; New York Knicks - 4; Orlando Magic - 4; Philadelphia 76ers - 4; Phoenix Suns - 4; Portland Trail Blazers - 3; Sacramento Kings - 4; San Antonio Spurs - 3; Seattle Supersonics - 4; Toronto Raptors - 4; Utah Jazz - 4; Washington Wizards – 4

Alvin Lai went with his fellow Canadian as the top point guard this week, but with the rest of us going with “Agent Zero,” Nash will have to settle for the second slot.  Chris Paul rounding off the top three may be a permanent spot for him through the duration of the season.

1. Gilbert Arenas (1.25)
2. Steve Nash (1.75)
3. Chris Paul (3.00)
4. Ray Felton (4.50) - Despite rough shooting as of late
5. Allen Iverson (6.75)
5. Kirk Hinrich (6.75)
7. Jason Kidd (7.25)
8. Deron Williams (7.75) - Seems low for a four game week
9. Mike Bibby (8.00)
10. Andre Miller (11.00)
10. Jason Terry (11.00)
12. Maurice Williams (12.75)
13. Chauncey Billups (13.50) - Two games for Detroit slides him down a bit
14. Stephon Marbury (14.00)
14. Tony Parker (14.00)

SHOOTING GUARDS

I would be happy with any of these guys going into this week.  Definitive tiering between Iguodala and Gordon, as well as Ellis and Bell.  However, if you’re rolling with one of the following in your SG slot, you’ll likely be rewarded with plenty of scoring along with a few extra goodies.

1. Kobe Bryant (2.00)
2. Joe Johnson (2.25)
3. Tracy McGrady (2.75) - MVP talks in his future?
4. Ray Allen (3.25)
5. Vince Carter (5.50)
6. Michael Redd (6.00)
7. Andre Iguodala (6.25)
8. Ben Gordon (8.50)
9. Brandon Roy (10.00)
10. Kevin Martin (10.50) - Hasn’t done much but score lately
11. Manu Ginobili (11.50)
12. Monta Ellis (11.75)
13. Raja Bell (14.00)
14. Ricky Davis (15.75)
15. Jason Richardson (16.00) - Four games could make this a low ranking

If the Suns play four games, you can count on Shawn Marion being in the top slot regardless of other teams.  No major tiering until Mike Miller and Gerald Wallace.  Keep an eye on Wallace’s injury, as he may miss a game or two in the near future.  Same goes for Kirilenko, who keeps making these lists based on a “he can’t be this bad all season, right?” type thinking.

1. Shawn Marion (1.00)
2. Paul Pierce (2.25)
3. LeBron James (3.25) - Three games, but still top three
4. Rashard Lewis (4.25)
5. Josh Smith (4.75)
6. Caron Butler (7.00)
7. Carmelo Anthony (7.00)
8. Ron Artest (7.75)
9. Mike Miller (9.50) - How many long balls will he hit this week?
10. Gerald Wallace (11.25)
11. Josh Howard (11.25)
12. Danny Granger (11.50)
13. Luol Deng (12.00)
14. Andrei Kirilenko (15.75)
15. Ruben Patterson (16.00) - Can he keep it up with Redd back?

We all love Dirk, but Dennis’ push for Dwight Howard nudged him just ahead of Brand this week.  Either would do just fine in your starting PF slot.  No real tiering until Chris Wilcox which is completely understandable.  And as mentioned, keep an eye on David Lee’s injury, as Channing Frye may have a bigger role in the near future.

1. Dirk Nowitzki (1.00)
2. Kevin Garnett (2.75)
3. Dwight Howard (3.00)
4. Elton Brand (3.25)
5. Lamar Odom (5.25)
6. Al Jefferson (6.50)
7. Al Harrington (7.50) - Back-to-back Al’s
8. David West (7.75)
9. Zach Randolph (8.00)
10. Chris Wilcox (10.50)
11. David Lee (13.00) - Ankle injury to monitor
12. Chris Webber (14.50)
12. Nick Collison (14.50)
14. Drew Gooden (15.00)
15. Ryan Gomes (15.25) - Should step up if Wally misses time

We all slotted the top four in the same order, but be aware that this was before Emeka Okafor’s calf injury.  So, stay tuned.

1. Chris Bosh (1.00)
2. Amare Stoudemire (2.00)
3. Pau Gasol (3.00)
4. Emeka Okafor (4.00)
5. Tim Duncan (5.50)
6. Mehmet Okur (6.25) - Back spasms may limit PT
7. Jermaine O’Neal (6.50)
8. Ben Wallace (8.50)
9. Marcus Camby (8.75)
10. Tyson Chandler (10.50) - Rebounding machine as of late
11. Samuel Dalembert (11.25)
12. Eddie Curry (11.50)
13. Andrew Bogut (14.50)
14. Shaquille O’Neal (14.75) - Can he step up without “Flash?”
15. Boris Diaw (15.50)