Brand, Bargnani, Peja. Grab 'em While You Can! Fantasy NBA Advice

It’s December and besides for the random mind numbing idiocy that is our lovely nation during this O-Holy month of consumerism, it also marks a time in the world of fantasy basketball where owners start to truly get a grasp on their players and either start panicking or feeling good about their current situation.

In this article hopefully you’ll find some good holiday lineup stuffers that might help make your fantasy season a successful one.  Some of these guys might just help your team finish strong in December and some might assist your team well into March and April.

I’ve found year after year the importance of schedule has helped propel my teams into the fantasy playoffs and beyond. (I really don’t know what lies “beyond” the fantasy playoffs. I just thought it sounded good.) 

ANDREA BARGNANI

Andrea Bargnani has been inconsistent throughout his young career, but with the firing of Sam Mitchell his playing time may get a nice bump.  Toronto has three 4-game weeks and one 3-game week left in December and this center eligible player might just start producing nice numbers on a nightly basis.  Why not take a chance on him right now?

If he does start producing though, don’t be afraid to trade him come January because the Raptors second half schedule is atrocious.  I have Jose Calderon in my league and I’m waiting for a great week and then I’m putting him on the block.

PEJA STOJAKOVIC

This past week was the final two-gamer for the New Orleans Hornets outside of the week of the All-Star Game. Peja Stojakovic has been a complete dud thus far this season.  He’s averaging a mere 13 PPG and shooting a very pedestrian 40 percent from the field.  Lately his shot has been off more than Plaxico Burress’.

Some owners have to be fed up and willing to part with him for a mediocre player in exchange.  His 24 points, six rebounds, and 5 threes the other night might not help you get him that easily, but maybe wait for another down night and then make an offer.  If healthy, Peja can be a big asset for your team’s title run.

SIXERS?

The pre-season hype in Philly was not unwarranted after a late season surge that landed them in the playoffs in 07-08.  Who would’ve thought that going out and getting some solid veterans would make this team worse?

That being said, I do believe the Sixers will turn this thing around in the second half of the season.  I’m chalking up their sub-par play to a lack of chemistry.  Once this group of young, talented players and savvy-vets start to gel, I believe we’re going to see a boost in wins and in stats.  The latter benefiting fantasy owners. 

Players like Thaddeus Young and Samuel Dalembert can be scooped up off the waiver wire or gotten for a pretty cheap price right now.  These guys might not help you out right away but it couldn’t hurt to keep an eye on them going into the new year.  

As for Elton Brand, who’s recent injury could be scaring the bejesus out of some owners, why not try to pounce on him now before that gorgeous second half schedule kicks in. Have him on your squad during an awesome fantasy playoff run that includes four... yes... count 'em... four 4-game weeks.