Fantasy Basketball: Who’s worth stashing as the playoffs approach?

Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

There has been no shortage of injuries thus far in the NBA season, and fantasy basketball owners have felt the effects.

As the fantasy playoffs approach, it’s important for owners to gauge the severity of injuries to certain players — like the Phoenix Suns’ Eric Bledsoe and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant — and determine whether they’re worth stashing or if it’s simply time to cut bait.

Pick Up and Stash:

Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns: Even though the Suns plan on signing Bledsoe after this season, he is still in a contract year.  He wants to prove his toughness, and the rehab for his surgically repaired knee has been progressing nicely.  I suspect we will see Bledsoe on the court in two-to-three weeks.  He should be able shake off enough rust before your playoffs begin to claim a starting spot on your roster.

Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies: Gasol tweaked his knee in Wednesday’s game vs. the Orlando Magic — the same knee that kept him out for 23 games earlier in the season.  Gasol’s MRI came back clean and he sounds very confident about returning after the All-Star break, so he should be able to resume normal minutes and activity in a few short days.  If someone hastily dropped him, don’t finish reading this article.  Scoop him up right now.

Kevin Martin, Minnesota Timberwolves: After he suffered a non-displaced fracture of his left thumb, many people dropped Martin, but like Bledsoe, he should return within two-to-three weeks.  Hold tight unless you absolutely have to drop him to keep your head above water.  He’s available in 33 percent of the leagues out there, making him a must-add if you are guaranteed to make the playoffs.

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sportsw

Timetables to Return are Unknown:

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe’s return from a fractured knee should coincide with your playoff schedule, but minute restrictions, conditioning, rhythm issues, and lack of motivation could be major roadblocks.  Plus, the lottery-bound Lakers have no reason to have their star player return prematurely and risk re-injury.  My opinion is to stash Kobe if you are a lock to make the playoffs.

Jrue Holiday, New Orleans Pelicans: The city of New Orleans is only quiet in one way.  That way is in the form of player news.  No one knows a thing about Holiday’s timetable to return from a stress fracture in his leg.  If you are playoff bound, stash him if you can afford it.  If not, don’t bother.  Keep clawing your way to the postseason.

Dwyane Wade:

Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat: No, that was not a typo.  Wade has his own category.  Wade owners would love to hear some news one way or another.  However, I don’t think that is going to happen.  He is being just cautious enough to play most of the time, yet the lack of consistency almost encourages injuries.  In addition, Wade is obviously heavier than his comfortable playing weight.  His continuous game-time decisions have to drive management, coaches, teammates, and especially fantasy owners crazy.  If you can get anything of value for him, deal him.  If you cannot find a sucker, you might get a few good games from Wade with the Heat’s favorable schedule.  Just make sure you are next to an electronic device about an hour before tip-off so you don’t fall victim to another one of Wade’s last-minute lineup scratches.

Don’t Touch:

Larry Sanders, Milwaukee Bucks: Aside from his last five games, Sanders has been a borderline player all season.  If he was dropped in your league, someone surely nabbed him as he started to produce.  Now, he is out for six weeks after orbital bone surgery.  If Sanders was a legit superstar, a debate to stash him might be applicable depending on your playoff schedule.  The simple truth is he is a long way from that categorization.  Drop him, and don’t look back.

Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Pelicans: Another Pelican graces our list.  Anderson has been quoted as saying, “I want to be really conservative with this…”  That’s enough to send me running.  Anderson could perhaps return this season, but the fantasy season always ends a little earlier.  Don’t touch him, and drop him if you are holding on and waiting for a miracle.

For advice regarding stash-worthy players and for all other fantasy basketball questions, please email Alpine at: alpinefantasy@yahoo.com.