Few games, but even less defense
| Time | Visitors | Opp. PPG | Opp. FGP | RPG Diff. | Home | Opp. PPG | Opp. FGP | RPG Diff. | |||
| 6 p.m. |  | Milwaukee Bucks | 103.9 | .448 | 0.0 | @ |  | New York Knicks | 103.5 | .474 | -1.0 |
| 7 p.m. |  | Minnesota Timberwolves | 102.4 | .451 | -5.0 | @ |  | Oklahoma City Thunder | 106.3 | .460 | -8.0 |
All times are ET.
Key: Opp. PPG = Points per game allowed to opponents. Opp. FGP = Field goal percentage allowed to opponents. RPG Diff. = The difference between team's rebounds per game and its opponents' rebounds per game.
Out
Stephon Marbury, PG, Knicks (inactive)
Day-to-day
Considering the skimpy Sunday schedule and injury report, you shouldn't have too many tough decisions to make, although if you have some fringe players on any team, it's a good day to start them, since none of the four teams playing is known for its defense. Also, I typically try to be a few games ahead of pace for the first half of the season when I've got a healthy roster. The worst thing for a fantasy team is an unused eligible game, and right now is a good time to make sure it doesn't happen. … Charlie Villanueva pulled a Jekyll and Hyde in his first two games, putting up four points on opening night, then 20 points, 12 rebounds, one 3-pointer, two blocks and a steal Wednesday. I have supreme faith in Villanueva this year and own him on nearly every team, as his 3, steal and block potential is insane. Scott Skiles has lauded how hard the Bucks have played in practice, and he could be the type of hard-nosed coach that can bring out Charlie's inner dragon. … I received flak for dubbing Ramon Sessions a bust waiting to happen months ago, and DNP-CD's in his first two games are sweet redemption. Don't just sit him, drop him. … Mike Miller attempted just seven shots Wednesday night and won't be the type of scorer he was for the Grizz until he gets more accustomed to his teammates. Overall, though, I wouldn't be worried: I expect similar overall stats by the end of the year. … Kevin Love was impressive in limited minutes Wednesday, scoring 12 points with nine boards, two steals and a block in just 19 minutes of play. Those minutes will increase as the year progresses, especially if he produces like that, and despite his shortcomings, he's going to have fantasy impact this year.
Luke Ridnour is the only point guard on the Bucks with any value, and although he's got serious issues with his defense and shot, his game actually translates well into the fantasy world if he's getting minutes. He'll provide enough assists and steals with a few 3s and few turnovers for a point guard, making him roster-worthy in typical leagues and start-worthy in deeper leagues. My primary concern here is his defensive ineptitude, not because it translates into the box scores, but rather because it could cause the defensive-minded Skiles to bench him. Clearly Skiles isn't impressed with Sessions, and Tyronn Lue is Tyronn Lue, so the cool-handed one regains fantasy legitimacy because of his situation. Charlie Bell was hurt all preseason but has played more than 20 minutes in both of the Bucks' games and has the 3s and steals skills to contribute in deep leagues. … Jeff Green is going to be fantastic eventually, but his jumper needs serious work, and he'd benefit much more from being on a contender rather than the (gulp) Thunder, whose uniforms are so generic I'm thinking about trying to start the "Brand X" nickname. … Nate Robinson is going to go insane in Mike D'Antoni's system this year, and even though he's not an incredibly well-rounded fantasy player, he'll provide copious 3s with excellent points, steals and assists as the sixth man for the Knicks. He should not be available in any leagues. Wilson Chandler has logged significant minutes off the bench in each of the Knicks' games, and even though he needs another injury to occur before he's averaging huge minutes, he's worth monitoring closely because of his talent and the success of D'Antoni's former players in the fantasy world. … Corey Brewer and Ryan Gomes both started for the Wolves opening night, and Brewer will be an impact player in the steals department if he continues getting minutes. Gomes is a very nice player and is worth adding in deep leagues as long as he's starting, but his season numbers will depend on how many minutes Kevin Love eventually averages. … Rashad McCants is officially a gunner, attempting 18 shots in 26 minutes Wednesday night for 15 points, and you can expect the same type of production from him this year as last: points, 3s and not much else.
Josh Whitling is a fantasy basketball analyst for ESPN.com.
