Amir Johnson-PF/C-Raptors- With injuries mounting up in Toronto, Johnson has been getting some major starting minutes and has impressed. Andrew Bargnani (sore right elbow) has been out since December 12th. Jonas Valanciunas has been out since December 21st with a (broken right ring finger). Aaron Gray (illness) has just been sitting (coaches decision) and so given Johnson’s recent production, expect him to start until further notice. He has become a Must Add given his 18.3 points, 10.8 boards, and 2 blocks over his last three games. Owned in 40% of leagues, ‘get him while he’s hot!’
#15 Amir Johnson becomes our Must Add this week as he takes advantage of an injury-laden Raptors team. Photo: canado.com
Tiago Splitter-C-Spurs- Since given the starting nod back on December 15th, Splitter has scored in double-digits in 10 of those games. Although not the prolific rebounder that Amir Johnson is, Splitter will still reign in around 6 boards a game to go along with 1 steal and 1.5 blocks. Calling him serviceable would be an understatement especially in deeper leagues. With coach Popovich allowing some R & R to the older members of the Spurs, Splitter will continue to see his minutes rise later in the season. Owned in just 21% of most leagues, see if this former 1st rounder of the Spurs can help your roster.
Jared Sullinger-PF-Celtics- This year’s version of Brandon Bass can offer you close to a double-double every night. Over his last nine games he has averaged 9.5 points and 8.2 rebounds. He can also help you in field goal percentage. Doc Rivers has given him an even bigger role in the last two games where Sullinger has averaged 30 minutes per game and put up 26 points and 27 rebounds, while shooting 16 for 23 from the field. He is widely available in over 80% of leagues and if you need his kind of numbers, well, like they say, “You go to Jared!”.
Al-Farouq Aminu- SF-Hornets- For another major boost in rebounds, Aminu is one of the hottest waiver wire additions out there. Since he’s been given the start on January 5th, this 2010 1st round pick of the Clippers has posted double-digits in rebounds in all five games averaging 11.4 boards a game! He won’t score much for you (think Reggie Evans…), but he has averaged 2 steals and a block over the past 8 days and that’s nothing to sneeze at. He has tremendous value in roto leagues and as he is only owned in 20% of leagues, he’s there for the taking.
#O Al-Farouq Aminu has become a rebounding machine and should not be overlooked in most leagues and formats. Photo: channel801.com
Martell Webster-SG/SF-Wizards- While the Wizards have been short handed of late, Webster has been over-achieving and putting up un-Webster-like numbers. So if you’re a manager who likes to strike while the iron is hot, and can do so mainly in deeper leagues, then take out a flier on this former Trail-Blazer first-rounder. He has averaged over 12 points a game while scoring in double-digits in six of his last seven games. He will add some threes, rebounds, and steals to your roster and that alone makes him someone to consider. Webster believes his most recent success has come from a different approach to his game. He plays them like they’re all against the Heat or Thunder. If it continues, he’s virtually unowned so grabbing him off waivers will not be an obstacle for you.
FANTASY FURNACE 