Fantasy Basketball: Conley Getting PT

Memphis Grizzlies' rookie point guard Mike Conley was a popular preseason sleeper before he A) hurt at the start of the season and B) relegated mostly to the bench when he was available.

But in his first game back from injury on Jan. 2nd, Conley was inserted in to the starting lineup and put up a very enticing line in 35 minutes: seven points, eight assists, six rebounds and three steals.

His line in the Jan. 4th game against Boston was less impressive (10 points, 4 assists), but the key here is that the talented Conley got lots of minutes with another 35.

It's unlikely that many owners were stashing Conley on their bench, so he could still be available. Conley is a very nice pick up right now, especially if you need a point guard.

--- Tyson Chandler has been a beast in the New Year, following up a Jan. 2nd 15 rebound performance with a 22 point-22 rebound outing on Jan. 4th against Golden State (Golden State being the team in the NBA least concerned about defense). Chandler has been his solid rebounding self this season, averaging 12.3 per game. A must play at the center position.

--- With Tracy McGrady nowhere to be found in Houston, enigmatic guard Rafer Alston has picked up the scoring slack in a big way. by scoring 60 points over his last three games. If your league mates are slacking, he could be available on the waiver wire.

--- There are fewer players more frustrating than Rashad McCants, or any Timberwolve for that matter. McCants and his young cohorts seem to alternate big games on a nightly basis. Case in point, McCants went off for 34 points last night. Rashad has talent and is a great sourse of three's, but has been very inconstent. See also Craig Smith, Ryan Gomes and Marko Jaric if you want further proof. The only truly reliable player for Minnesota has been Al Jefferson, who has been absolutely beastly.