Βy Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
Time runs out and a lot of teams have to run in their quest to reach Euroleague playoffs. In a total of 16 teams, 11 have still solid hopes. So speaking about fantasy, you must be focused on these teams and if you have a dilemma you must choose the player with the bigger motivation. We don’t know if this is also Alri’s method, but he is about to win for the second straight season in row our prize. At this point he leads again our Eurohoops league with 3.607 points so far….
Let’s examine a little more this week. One of the most popular players is Vassilis Spanoulis and it’s obvious that he will return in many fantasy teams. Olympiacos’ captain recovered last week from his injury but the win over Laboral was easy and he didn’t pushed himself. This time, at “Martin Carpena”, the Reds must beat Unicaja and “Kill Bill” is a safe choice. So, he’s our first pick, no matter about credits, players, other changes etc.
The player who must leave our team is Bojan Bogdanovic because he is just average so far in the Top 16. The Croatian couldn’t bounce back against Panathinaikos and it’s better to continue without him. Also, Sergio Llull doesn’t give us an extra boost and there are more others also attractive point guards. So we will bet on someone else. Finally, Bryant Dunston is effective and he can give really good numbers but Olympiacos will play without Printezis and Perperoglou and probably Bartzokas will use Dunston more as power forward. He can’t shoot well away from the paint, so will change him.
After Spanoulis, we will add two of the best players in Top 16. Carlos Arroyo has the best ranking per game in the second phase after Rodriguez among the point guards. He doesn’t have ups and downs and he’s highly recommended. The last player who will come in is Robertas Javtokas, who is third in ranking in the Top 16. His numbers are always around 20 and he’s a safe choice.
Enjoy fantasy!
Points Guards
Sergio Rodriguez 76,2 credits (-2)
His first average game in the Top16 happened last week vs CSKA but of course that’s not enough for us to even think of selling him.
Carlos Arroyo 59,4 credits
He plays great in the Top16 showing a fabulous consistency in big numbers. Galatasaray depends on him and he can push through that demand. Against Zalgiris he ‘ll probably not have any problem to score a lot.
Shooting Guards/Small Forwards
Rudy Fernandez 77,3 credits (+3,4)
He exploded against CSKA last week and in this moment there is no thought at all to sell him. Real needs him vs Maccabi and we need him until the end of the Top 16.
Vassilis Spanoulis 61,8 credits
Against Unicaja at SEF he had his worst game in his Euroleague career. But now the game is crucial and he must step up. Printezis and Perperoglou are injured and the captain must score also on their behalf.
Bogdan Bogdanovic 55,3 credits (-0,6)
Partizan plays just for fun and pride, Bogdanovic has the freedom to show his talent and Kinsey is out. It’s normal to have almost 16 shots per game in the Top16 and to have ups and downs to his numbers. We bet on him.
Sony Weems 51,4 credits (+4,7)
He comes from a huge game vs Real and he should be again the leader of CSKA vs Bayern, a team which loves the transition game.
Power Forwards/Centers
Ante Tomic 71,9 credits (+0,3)
He has by far the best ranking per game during the last six weeks, during which he has an average of 18,5 points and 8,5 rebounds. All this started after the battle vs Panathinaikos in the first round, but he can prevail.
Joffrey Lauvergne 65,8 credits (+1,2)
He’s a fantasy monster. He produces in every game thanks to his scoring and rebounding skills. Against Lokomotiv it won’t be easy but he can make it.
Robertas Javtokas 51,7 credits
He’s done a great job in Top16 and he’s a cheap and solid pick. He has 16 points and 20,6 ranking per game in the last eight week.s
Viktor Khryapa 48,8 credits (-2,6)
He had a bad game vs Real but it’s not expected for him to continue like this. He’s the glue of CSKA and against Bayern he should have a nice game. We trust him.