FANTASY FURNACE

On Monday, March 10, fantasy basketball enters it 20th week and for most, it will be the last week of the regular season. With the playoffs quickly approaching, here is an opportunity to fine tune your team and prepare to fight for that  elusive fantasy trophy or if you’re in a money league, $$. Go over the areas that need tweaking and make your adjustments now before the other managers do the same. Here are our pickups for your playoff push…

Al-Farouq Aminu-SF-Hornets- It’s not important whether or not you can correctly pronounce his name. What is vital are his stats and how can they help your team. If your lacking in rebounds Aminu could be your man. In his last three games he’s brought down 38 boards, 7 blocks, and 4 steals! That has to help some of you… In four of his last eight games he’s tallied double-digits in rebounds, however he’ll only average around 7-8 points a night. His FT % is a serviceable 75.5% while his FG % is also a strong 47.5%. Aminu is owned in 35% of most leagues and if rebounds & blocks are keeping you out of the playoffs then consider grabbing him ASAP!

#0 Al-Farouq Aminu is a must add for those that can use his 12.6 average rebounds over his last 3 games. Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Marco Belinelli-SG-Bulls- With Kirk Hinrich out (foot) and Nate Robinson mostly ineffective of late (3-13 from downtown), Belinelli has gotten the starting nod over the last five games scoring 20 or more points in the last three of them. He also has drained 10 three-pointers and collected 15 assists in those three. Belinelli is all about two categories; points and threes so as he continues to be the best option for a shorthanded Bulls roster, consider adding him to yours. Owned in only 15% of leagues, he’s there for the taking in deeper formats.

Enes Kanter-C-Jazz- The third all-around pick in the 2011 draft has been getting a few extra minutes over the past four games and has taken advantage by almost doubling his usual shot attempts. He has averaged 17 points and 10.5 rebounds over that time and has shown little signs of easing up. Kanter certainly qualifies as a low-risk, high-reward big guy at the five. Barely owned (15%), the 1st rounder out of Kentucky can be a perfect C2 in most formats. Ride him as long as he is producing these types of numbers.

John Salmons-Sg/SF-Kings- At the outset, Salmons is strictly for those in deeper roto leagues who can afford to gamble on his inconsistent scoring. Over his last eight games he has scored in double-digits in five of them. It’s usually feast or famine with the veteran who makes his living beyond the arc. He can also get you 3-4 rebounds and assists but his three-point shooting is what pays the bills. He too is also owned in around 15% of leagues so pick him up at your own risk.

Eric Maynor-PG-Trail Blazers- Here is our Sleeper of the Week! Recently traded to Portland from the Thunder, Maynor has been one the bright spots on this roster. On March 2nd vs the Timberwolves, he had a career high 12 assists. He followed that up with his highest scoring game of the season vs the Spurs 6 days later scoring 20. In his four games playing for Portland, Maynor has averaged 12.25 points and 6.25 assists. If you need a point guard that’s scoring and dishing out dimes, we strongly suggest that this Must Add get rostered in all formats in 12+ leagues. He’s available in over 90% of leagues.

#6 PG Eric Maynor (on far right) dished out a career high 12 assists in his 1st game with Portland. AP Photo/Greg Wahl-Stephens