Marreese Speights, Philadelphia 76ers
With news that Elton Brand will miss a month of action due to a shoulder injury, Marreese Speights now has fantasy value. He’s been one of the best rookies in the league as far as per minute numbers. If he gets the starting job or even if his minutes rise from off the bench, he could be a valuable fantasy piece.

Marco Belinelli, Golden State Warriors
Don Nelson’s flavor of the month is currently Marco Belinelli. Belinelli is starting for the Warriors and he’s putting up good scoring numbers. He’s also been handling the ball a bit so he has a chance to put up decent assist numbers.

Nenad Krstic, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder recently signed Nenad Krstic to an offersheet. Krstic, who had been playing overseason, would likely step right into the Thunder’s starting lineup if the Nets decline to match the offersheet. As a starter, Krstic could be a very important piece for the Thunder and a viable fantasy option.

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Although the NBA season just started, this is a great time to hit the waiver wire and look for gems and fantasy basketball steals. Which players looked good on the opening night of the NBA? Check out these fantasy basketball players.

Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat
Mario Chalmers started for the Miami Heat at point guard and played a great game. Threatening to get a triple double in his first game, Chalmers is a definite pickup in all fantasy basketball formats. The only word of caution is to realize that the Heat were playing the Knicks — who are perhaps the worst defensive team in the league.

Charlie Villanueva, Milwaukee Bucks
Last year, Charlie Villanueva had a hugely disappointing season. He never seemed to be able to get into a groove and it showed by his play on the court. But now Villanueva is healthy, starting and is a good fantasy basketball pickup off of the waiver wire.

Yi Jianlian, New Jersey Nets
Although most of the hype surrounding Yi Jianlian has died down, he’s a player to take a look at. He was bad during the preseason for the most part, however he played very well in New Jersey’s first game.

Darrell Arthur, Memphis Grizzlies
Darrell Arthur was good during summer league, good during the preseason and had a good regular season debut. It’s going to be hard for the Grizzlies to keep him off the court because Arthur is proving to be a steal of a draft pick. Keep an eye on him if he jumps into the Grizzlies starting lineup.

Photo: Newscom

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Earl Boykins
Boykins was a feel good story the last couple seasons who inexplicably has disappeared from the NBA. He opted out of guaranteed money from the Milwaukee Bucks and has since failed to sign with another team. Reportedly, the issue is he wants mid-level money and no one is offering it to him. However, if Boykins were to return to the NBA, he could become a quality fantasy basketball payer rather quickly.

Chris Webber
Webber has been linked to both the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers. If he returns, expect Webber to get a good amount of minutes because he’s not the type of player who is going to want to ride the pine. Even at his age, Webber should be able to produce points, rebounds and assists. If you are playing in a larger league, you might consider signing him now with hopes he’ll be back within the next couple weeks.

PJ Brown
Brown can probably still produce rebounds and blocks in limited minutes if he were to return to the NBA. The Phoenix Suns is one team who has asked him repeatedly to come out of retirement. Although Brown wouldn’t have much worth in a small fantasy basketball league, in a larger one he might be good as an insurance policy if he returns to basketball.

Dale Davis
Davis is similar to Brown except his ceiling isn’t as high. Davis would return to the NBA mostly as a defender and an end of the bench type player. Even if he returns, don’t expect much of a fantasy impact from him.

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Martell Webster, Portland Trail Blazers
Webster has played pretty well for the Blazers, however he has a lot of room to improve. When you are looking for sleepers, this is the type of guy to look for. Webster is a very good shooter, a capable rebounder and could become a big fantasy asset if he can further grow into his role. There’s no reason why he can’t average between 15-18 points given his potential and skill set.

Dorrell Wright, Miami Heat
Wright came into training camp as a starter for the Heat. He played poorly in preseason and he ended up falling all the way out of the rotation. Now, he’s not only back in the rotation, he has been starting some games. Wright is a swingman who can do a lot of things except shoot the ball.

Trevor Ariza, Los Angeles Lakers
Ariza is a player the Lakers acquired from the Magic earlier in the season who is really starting to play well. He’s young but he has loads of athleticism. If his playing time can stay consistent, he could be a huge sleeper in the second half of the season because he has a very diverse game.

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Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
Conley recently returned from injury and is now in the starting lineup for the Grizzlies. With Damon Stoudamire placed on the inactive list for the game, it’s obvious that the Grizzlies will give Conley every chance to win this starting position. And while he’s young and playing difficult position, expect Conley to put up solid numbers almost right away. He has a high ceiling, especially in dynasty leagues.

Antonio Daniels, Washington Wizards
Although Daniels is just a stopgap until Gilbert Arenas returns, he’s a really good fantasy player when he starts. After recovering from an injury, Daniels is back in the starting lineup for the Wizards. Arenas should be back before long but until then, start Daniels with confidence.

Chris Quinn, Miami Heat
Quinn returned from an ankle injury and was placed back into the starting lineup. While he’s not a very explosive player, Quinn could become a valuable fantasy player if he can lock down a starting spot for the Heat. He’s a good shooter, a decent playmaker and is a definite sleeper at the moment.

Stephon Marbury, New York Knicks
Marbury has been away from the Knicks as he dealt with the passing of his father. The Knicks are a mess and Marbury hasn’t exactly played well this season, he still has time to turn it around. When on top of his game, Marbury is a very nice fantasy player. If he gets traded or Isiah Thomas gets fired, that could light a fire under Marbury and help him reach his potential.

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On the Rise

Samuel Dalembert – C – 76ers
Dalembert is not a gifted scorer. His value lies in what he can give you on the boards and in the shots that he blocks. In his past 10 games, he has provided plenty of value in those categories, averaging 11.2 rebounds and 3.3 blocks a game. Dalembert is also solid from the field (54%) and you could do worse from a center at the line (71%). The Sixers do not have a great number of scoring options, so he will throw in an occasional 20 point scoring night as well.

Kenyon Martin – PF – Nuggets
Martin came out of the gates slowly this season. His recovery for the leg injury that sidelined him most of last year seems complete. His December numbers through six games: 14.8 points, eight rebounds, and 2.3 blocks while shooting a robust 64% from the field. The points and rebounds are around his career averages, so there is no reason to believe that he can not maintain those numbers – barring injury, of course.

Travis Outlaw – F – Trailblazers
Outlaw started the season with pretty ordinary numbers and it looked as though this was going to be another season of promise not yet fulfilled. However, he has turned up the heat in December, averaging 18.6 points and 6.8 rebounds while maintaining a field goal percentage of over 50% in the first eight games of the month. Outlaw seems like a great fantasy play despite his role off the bench.

On the Way Down

Andrea Bargnani – F/C – Raptors
Bargnani appeared to be on pace to have a fantastic second season after finishing off his rookie season strong. He has been great from outside the arc, but has shot a putrid 37% from inside the three point line this season. He has not shown the defense prowess that he did last season or an improvement in his ability to rebound. This has kept his playing time way down. His December numbers through five games: 2.8 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists with no steals and no blocks – yuck! He seems to be a like a bad fit with Chris Bosh on the Raptors frontline, so I do not anticipate things turning around for Bargnani anytime soon.

Randy Foye – G – Timberwolves
Foye was about a week away from returning when it was learned that he will be delayed for another three to four weeks. The much anticipated start to the talented guard’s second season, his first as a full-time starter, will have to wait just a little longer.

Damien Wilkins – G/F – Sonics
What started out as a dream season for Wilkins – including a 41 point, nine rebound game, has turned to a pretty average one for him statistically. He is only averaging 7.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in eight December games while shooting only 36% from the field. Now is probably the time to move on if you still are holding on to Wilkins.

Skimming the Free Agent Pool

Dan Dickau – PG – Clippers
Don’t look now, but the Clippers’ point guard situation is in shambles. Sam Cassell is hurt and old, Shaun Livingston may come back eventually, but it will not be this season, and Brevin Knight has not shown that he deserves to play big minutes. So they have turned to the journeyman point guard Dan Dickau to carry some of the load at the point. Dickau scored in double figures in three of his last four games and managed to notch five assists in two of those games. He is not a top option, but if you need some scoring and three-pointers at your point guard spot, Dickau may be your guy.

Kris Humphries – F – Raptors
What do Al Jefferson and Josh Smith have in common besides being emerging fantasy stars? They both were taken in the 2004 NBA after Humphries. Humphries was a superb scorer and rebounder in his only year at the University of Minnesota. I tell you all of this to point out that the guy has some ability. With Andrea Bargnani first injured then struggling, Humphries has really stepped up his game. His December statistics: 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in just over 22 minutes a game. Humphries is not the most graceful of athletes, but he is a big strong guy that can rebound and score around the hoop. Also, he seems to be a better fit on the floor with Chris Bosh than Bargnani.

Luke Ridnour – PG – Sonics
The Sonics’ starting point guard job is all but settled. Earl Watson has done a nice job playing defense, but is a liability on offense. Watson’s weaknesses seem to be Ridnour’s strengths. Ridnour has scored in double figures in his last three games and is shooting 57% from the field for the month of December. He is also a couple years younger than Watson, which is important on a team in rebuild mode. Ridnour will probably never be a fantasy star, but could be a very good addition if ends up with the majority of minutes as the Sonics’ point man.

Craig Smith – F/C – Timberwolves
Smith appears to be having a break-out season in his second out of Boston College. He has muscled his way into the starting lineup and does not appear to be giving it up anytime soon. His December numbers: 16.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in eight games. The downside here: Smith does not do much outside of scoring, rebounding, and shooting well from the field. Also, he does not have the consistency that you want from a fantasy starter. In one stretch, he scored 36 points and followed that up with games of eight points, three points, and then another stellar game of 30 points. Smith is still worth grabbing, but temper your expectations going forward a little.

DeShawn Stevenson – G – Wizards
Stevenson has always been a decent scorer. However, it seems that he has turned his game up a notch lately, especially from three-point range. In his last three games, he has buried 15 three pointers, which is five threes per game! He has also averaged 19.7 points and five assists during that span. He should see increased opportunities with the ball in his hands more due to injuries to Gilbert Arenas and Antonio Daniels. Stevenson is still a risky pick; he hasn’t scored in four games this season. But, his recent hot streak should take most fantasy owners take notice.

Rookie Review

Corey Brewer – G/F – Timberwolves
There is little doubt that Brewer is going to be a good NBA player someday. So far in his rookie year, he has been inconsistent, just like every other rookie. Brewer has played big time minutes lately, but has not done much with those minutes to help your fantasy team. As a starter, Brewer is grabbing almost eight rebounds a game and scoring 6.5 points a game. He is a better shooter than the 30% that he has put up so far, so his scoring should improve as the season goes on. He has the ability put up great steal and blocked shot numbers, too. The potential that he possesses has not turned into real numbers yet; however, there are signs that a break-through is not far away, including an 18 rebound game. Brewer is still not worth grabbing yet, but you should keep a real close eye on how he progress throughout the season.

A Friendly Fantasy Tip

If you notice a great performance from a guy that normally does not put up great numbers while looking over basketball box scores, remember to look at those key players that missed the game. A role/bench player may have turned his big minutes into a great game. However, if he was just filling in for a player that is missing a game or two due to injury or suspension, that surprising performance may not help your fantasy team long- term. He may not have an opportunity to repeat his performance when the key player returns. It is good to note the performance in case the situation changes for a longer-term due to a severe injury or trade.

FantasyFanatics.com is a premier fantasy sports community. Need help deciding who to sit and who to start? What about help with a big trade? Chat with the fantasy basketball experts on FantasyFanatics.com.

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Andray Blatche, Washington Wizards
Blatche busted out in a big way on Tuesday. Against the Philadelphia 76ers, Blatche had 26 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a block. Equally impressive was his shooting – 12-of-14 from the field, including 1-for-1 from three-point land. Brendan Haywood turned an ankle during the game, which could spell more playing time for Blatche. Pick him up if you have the chance.

Kenyon Martin, Denver Nuggets
If you watch Martin play, you would never guess that he has had to undergo two microfracture surgeries. He’s still explosive and can attack the rim as aggressively as anyone. While the Nuggets have been cautious as they bring him back, expect Martin to play more and more. Now might be a good time to pickup Martin and the wait for his minutes to increase.

Jordan Farmar, Los Angeles Lakers
Rarely are backup point guards overly valuable in fantasy basketball, but Farmar has looked really good lately. He’s in great shape and his athleticism seems improved from last year. He’s had a string of good games and it’s not inconceivable that Farmar could replace Derek Fisher as a starter at some point in the season.

Charlie Villanueva, Milwaukee Bucks
Villanueva was horrible to begin the season. However, now he’s started to turn it around for the Bucks. He’s still coming off the bench but his production has been much better. He’s had 13, 17 and 17 points in his last three games, respectively. He has immense talent and is certainly a player to keep an eye on.

Antoine Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves
Don’t look now but Walker may be inching his way back to fantasy relevancy. In the beginning of the season, Walker wasn’t getting much playing time. In the last three games for the T’Wolves, Walker has played at least 24 minutes and has double figures in all three games. If Minnesota keeps playing him, Walker could quickly become a really nice fantasy option.

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Louis Williams, Philadelphia 76ers
Williams has looked really good in the playing time he’s gotten this year. With Andre Miller not looking as lively as he was last year, Williams could see more and more time. If he starts playing 25 to 30 minutes a night, Williams has enough talent to put up big numbers.

Marko Jaric, Minnesota Timberwolves
With all the injuries in the T’Wolves backcourt, Jaric could emerge as a viable fantasy option. He has a nice all-around game which is very conducive to fantasy basketball. He does a bit of everything and has few fantasy weaknesses. If he gets increased minutes, he could do a lot of what John Salmons is currently doing with the Kings.

Renaldo Balkman, New York Knicks
While he was injured in preseason, Balkman is back and playing with more energy than ever. This nice part about him is he gives you rebounds, steals and blocks from the small forward position. With Quentin Richardson in a massive slump, Balkman could get more and more playing time for the Knicks as the season goes on.

Penny Hardaway, Miami Heat
Usually, sleepers are young players looking to get a break. In this case, it’s a veteran player trying to reclaim his former stardom. With Hardaway, the good news is he’s apparently back in the rotation for the Heat. He’s played a good amount of minutes in each of their last two games and has played pretty well. If he can shake the rust off and avoid injuries, he could be a player who gives you a decent amount of points, assists and rebounds.

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John Salmons, Sacramento Kings
With Mike Bibby sidelined, Salmons is putting up fantastic fantasy stats. If he’s available, run to your waiver wire and pick him up. He has another three months to play with Bibby out, during which time he should be able to put up very nice fantasy stats.

Damien Wikins, Seattle Supersonics
Wilkins is off to a very good start to his fantasy season. He’s always been able to score and now that he’s getting more shots, he’s scoring at a very good clip. Even more exciting for fantasy owners are his rebounding numbers (7.0 per game) and his assists numbers (4.0 per game).

Ronnie Brewer, Utah Jazz
Brewer has been a favorite on this blog for over a month and he hasn’t disappointed. He’s off to a great start both in real life and fantasy. He’s averaging 16.3 points and 2.8 steals per game over the first four contests.

Kelenna Azubuike, Golden State Warriors
Azubuike is fitting well in Don Nelson’s system. Starting for the Warriors, Azubuike is averaging 20.3 points per game on 65% shooting from the field.

Azubuike sweet dunk over Chris Kaman …

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