The Fig Cap: Who doesn’t like boobies… err, Boobie’s game.

Another week in fantasy basketball land and we’re starting to see some players stepping up their game and establishing themselves (Daniel Gibson, Ronnie Brewer, Francisco Garcia) or RE-establishing their fantasy value (Chris Kaman, Richard Jefferson) – but for how long?  We’ll look into this and other things to think about for the upcoming week.  But, first let’s look at how many times each team plays next week…

What Time Is It?  Game Time! (Week Two: 11/12-11/18)

Teams Playing Two Games: Milwaukee Bucks

Teams Playing Three Games: Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards

Teams Playing Four Games: Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Seattle SuperSonics, Utah Jazz

Hoops Hot?  Hoops Cold?

Since I mentioned five players, we’ll run them down, break them down, and tell you if you should be down with the things they’re doing or not. 

HOT

Daniel Gibson is getting some real minutes this season and has earned his starter status with the Cavs.  Despite a bit of inconsistency in the young season, Gibson’s production in the last week of 16 points, three assists, and three rebounds could be something that to expect for the season.  The close to four triples made in that same time period, however, is another story.  More than half of his shots are from long range, so expect up-and-down games as he’s been showing thus far.

Ronnie Brewer has scored in double-digits in each of the five games the Jazz have played and is proving to be a great third scoring option after the usual suspects of Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams.  As great as his scoring has been (16.2 ppg), it’s his knack to steal the ball that’s something to really pay attention to (3.2 spg).  Good things were expected of Brewer before the season, so this isn’t much of a surprise.

Everyone has been talking about John Salmons of the Kings, justifiably, but it’s hard to overlook what Francisco Garcia has been doing.  Both Mike Bibby (injury) and Ron Artest (suspension) are out, which has opened the door for Salmons’ fantasy value, but he isn’t the only one reaping benefits as Garcia has put up 14 points, four dimes, four boards, two steals, a block and a trey in the past week.  He’s always had a versatile game, which he displayed during his days at Louisville and with Bibby and Artest out, the production will continue… for about three more games before Artest comes back to eat time away from Garcia.  Get what you can get now in standard sized leagues as it’ll all change in a week.

Elton Brand is out, oh no!  But, guess what?  Chris Kaman is back in, in the hearts and minds of fantasy owners that is.  After a disappointing 2006-07 season where his numbers dipped from the previous season, Kaman has come back strong, posting double-doubles in all four of his games thus far, including 15 points and 22 boards in his last game.  Kaman is keepin’ it real and it’s not going to go bad.

The third wheel?  Pffft!  Jefferson is posting great numbers in comparison to teammates Vince Carter and Jason Kidd.  Nothing against them, of course, but dropping at least 22 points in five games this season, and more impressively hitting 46 or 47 attempts from the charity stripe.  Will this trend continue?  It will be hard to considering the aforementioned Carter and Kidd, but it’s safe to say that Jefferson is on his way back from injury after last season’s less than expected numbers.

COLD

Gilbert Arenas just isn’t being Gilbert Arenas or Agent Zero or Hibachi or anything what we had all hoped for.  Surely a 21.5 ppg average isn’t anything to sneeze at, but it isn’t Arenas type stats.  Maybe his knee is affecting him more than he or anyone else thought it would.  Hitting only three of 24 shot attempts from behind the arc isn’t encouraging and has been the main reason for Agent Zero’s 35.1 FG%.  Give it some time and I’m sure that he’ll get it going the Gil way.

Is the old making way for the new?  Ben Wallace hasn’t been doing much statistically on the floor, doing a lot worse from last season when most were disappointed with his numbers.  The three main categories that fantasy owners rely on Big Ben for are down and may not be on the way up - 4.8 rpg, 1.2 bpg, 0.6 spg - thanks to the emergence of Tyrus Thomas.

I’m sure many of you have dropped Walter Herrmann from the Bobcats, a player many thought was THE sleeper to grab during most drafts before the season started.  However, thus far, Herrmann has done nothing to validate the label – 2.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, and 15.4 FG% - and it seems the Bobcats will go with a smaller lineup for most of the game, so don’t expect much to change with Herrmann.

Another sleeper before the season was Luis Scola.  During the preseason it looked like he may take the starting PF position with the Rockets, but hasn’t done much to get passed Chuck Hayes on the depth chart.  However, don’t be surprised if he gets warmer during the season because he is too talented to be held back.  However, for now, he’s as cold as a toaster waffle in the freezer.

TFJO Tidbits

- Amare Stoudemire has missed three straight games with right knee swelling, however he may return Friday night against the Miami Heat.
- Lamar Odom, who had shoulder surgery during the offseason is set to come back Friday for the Lakers against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- Dwyane Wade returned to practice this past week and might, just might, come back in the next week.  Maybe as soon as Sunday against the New York Knicks.
- Raymond Felton got hurt (left knee injury) on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns and missed the Bobcats’ next game.  He may return on Friday against the Indiana Pacers, depending on the medical staff’s recommendations.
- Nene Hilario is expected to miss six weeks because of a torn ligament in his left thumb.
- Cuttino Mobley could miss a week because of a strained right groin, which is unfortunate as he’s been rolling this season, including scoring 33 points in his last full game.
- Erick Dampier returned to practice this past week after undergoing right shoulder surgery during the offseason, but will need to work his way back into shape.  Also, with Desagana Diop doing so well, I’m sure the Mavericks won’t rush Dampier back.
- Ike Diogu has a torn left calf muscle and will be out four-to-six weeks.

Until next week, have a great fantasy basketball week.  And welcome to my niece, Nadja, into the world.  Yes, sis, she will become a basketball fan.  Ball Above All!