Posted: Jan. 13, 2014
Before you set your lineups today for this week's Suns Fantasy Challenge, presented by Casino Arizona, we've got a few insights and inside tips for you.
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A reminder to all Suns fans, all you need to do is register and set your lineup in the Suns Fantasy Challenge for a chance to win $20,000 in cash prizes, as well as Suns tickets or an autographed jersey.
- Game 1: 1/13/14 Phoenix @ New York
- Game 2: 1/15/14 Lakers @ Phoenix
- Game 3: 1/17/14 Dallas @ Phoenix
- Game 4: 1/19/14 Denver @ Phoenix
The Suns will be at New York for their third game in four nights, the last game of a five-game eastern trip. Phoenix also catches the LA Lakers on the second night of a back-to-back for the Lakers.
G – Goran Dragic vs Lakers 1/15
I like Dragic against the Lakers. With Eric Bledsoe out of the lineup with a knee injury, Dragic becomes the key to the Suns offense against LA, who will be playing the second game of a back to back. Dragic’s offensive production should increase as it had during the month of November when Bledsoe was out. Dragic is averaging 21.5 ppg in the last two games vs LA this season and is averaging 24.1 ppg and 6.4 apg in the new year.
G – Gerald Green vs Dallas 1/17
Green has been starting in place of the injured Bledsoe and has been raining threes, as 13 of his 34 shots in his first 4 starts have been from behind the arc where he’s shooting 38 percent on the season. I like Green against the Mavericks where he had 22 points (4 for 8 from three) in the first game against Dallas. I think he will get frequent looks from the 3-point line as the Mavs will be concerned with Dragic’s penetration and will be slow to close out to the arc.
F – PJ Tucker vs Dallas 1/17
Tucker has been a bit inconsistent recently but I like him against Dallas. In his first game against the Mavs, Tucker had a productive fantasy game with 16 points and 7 rebounds while remaining a key factor on the defensive end, which is his forte. I think Tucker will utilize his strength and athleticism against Dallas’ Shawn Marion and Vince Carter to get to the basket, draw fouls, and again produce good fantasy point value.
C – Miles Plumlee vs Lakers 1/15
When you are averaging nearly a double-double you are not only productive but a difference maker. This season, Plumlee has made a big difference. If you are able to produce double figure points and rebounds nightly, it’s a noteworthy contribution, especially in the fantasy world. In their last meeting versus the Lakers, Miles scored 17 points and grabbed 20 rebounds. It’s one of the reasons I like him against LA this week. He’s active and efficient and that could cause problems for the LA big men.
F – Channing Frye vs Dallas 1/17
Frye’s 43 percent from the 3pt line makes him a solid pick to put big points on the board nightly. Plus, if he over-achieves on the boards with a few extra rebounds, a double-double is always possible. I like him versus Dallas this week. Channing had 18 points and eight rebounds in their last game against Dallas. Goran Dragic is very effective in the pick and roll game and putting pressure on the Dallas big men will that is likely create open looks for Frye.
F - Marcus Morris
Lakers play an up-tempo and open style that can translate into an increase in possessions and therefore, more shots. Marcus, who is shooting 40 percent from the three point line, can thrive in those game conditions. In the two previous meetings this season with the Lakers, Morris is averaging 20.5 ppg. Look for him to provide that type of point infusion off the bench this week versus L.A.
Emeka Okafor: herniated disk in neck; out indefinitely
Eric Bledsoe: knee; was expected back 1/15. Had knee surgery, now out indefinitely
Alex Len: ankle; returned 1/7 vs Chicago but limited to 6 minutes (3 points/2 rebounds)