Redd-Iculous Fantasy Tips

After an MRI exam, shooting star Michael Redd has discovered two torn ligaments in his left knee, forcing him to miss the remainder of the NBA '08-09 season.

Although losing Redd will probably give the Milwaukee Bucks no hope at making the playoffs, fantasy owners that own players like Richard Jefferson, Charlie Villanueva, and Ramon Sessions should be ecstatic.

Below is a list of NBA players that will get a fantasy boost due to Michael Redd's injury:

Fantasy Standpoint

Richard Jefferson (SF, MIL)—Jefferson's fantasy value should skyrocket within the next week or two due to Michael Redd's season-ending injury. In the month of November, Michael Redd missed 14 games in which Richard Jefferson thrived, averaging 37.3 minutes per game (averaging 35.6 MPG in 45 games this season). Jefferson never scored below double-figures during these 14 games, averaging nearly 20 points per game and 5.2 rebounds per game in that stretch (averaging 17.5 PPG and 4.9 RPG on the season).

Jefferson's numbers clearly improved during Redd's 14-game absence and now as the go-to guy on the Bucks’ squad, you can expect Jefferson's fantasy numbers to rise.

Suggestion—If you are in need of a forward on your fantasy team, trade for Jefferson now before he becomes an untouchable player on every fantasy roster.

Ramon Sessions (PG, MIL)—Ramon Sessions benefited the most from Michael Redd's 14-game injury earlier this season, averaging career-highs in points (15.7), assists (5.3), rebounds (3.8), steals (1.1), and minutes per game (32.1). Sessions clearly proved worthy of owning in all fantasy formats during this streak and will definitely start to heat up in Redd's absence.

Suggestion—Sessions could turn into a fantasy stud for the remainder of the season if he averages consistent minutes and should be picked up immediately if still available on the waiver wire. If not available, a trade could be dealt for Sessions for a lesser player on your fantasy team before Ramon starts dropping 20-plus assists like last season!

Charlie Villanueva (SF/PF, MIL)—Battling for the starting job against Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Villanueva has been able to put up consistent numbers throughout the month of January and could start to pick up the pace even more with Redd now injured for the rest of the season. Charlie's minutes are bound to increase and you can bet his fantasy numbers will as well.

Suggestion—Villanueva has now dropped four double-doubles in his last six games and is proving that he could average monster numbers when given an ample amount of playing time. Charlie should be picked up in your fantasy league if still available, as he could turn into a big fantasy contributor in the months to come.