FANTASY NBA: Matt Barnes, Fantasy Stud?

MATT BARNES
With Jason Richardson and Troy Murphy injured, Matt Barnes is making the most of his minutes. As a starting SF, check out his line: 14.8 PPG on 54.9%, 2.4 3PM, 6.2 REB, 3.0 AST, 1.6 STL, 1.2 BLK, 85.7 FT% and 1.2TO.

Right now, Matt Barnes is essentially a top five fantasy NBA player. Who knows how long it will last or what will happen when Richardson and Murphy come back. But to get even one game like last night's 32 point, 11 rebound, three assist and three steal effort seems worth the chance.

SEAN MAY
In the off chance Sean May is still available in your league, pick him up. He slipped in the 2005 NBA draft because of concerns over his body, a la Carlos Boozer. While Bobcat teammate Raymond Felton and Hawk Marvin Williams got all the draft day love, May was the reason the Tar Heels beat Deron William's squad in the 2005 NCAA Championship Game.

Point is, I expect Boozer-like things from May.

May's averages seem rather pedestrian, but he's rattled off five 10+ rebound games, seven 15+ point games and three 5+ assist games this season.

ANTHONY PARKER
Anthony Parker is terribly inconsistent and I would proceed with caution when considering him on your team. Every single one of his statistical categories, however, has improved in December. He's getting over 32 MPG as a starter, up from just under 30.

If you're going to take a flyer on a guy, why not have it be on the starter who is getting more minutes?

BRENDAN HAYWOOD
Etan Thomas sprained his left ankle and Brendan Haywood started in his place last night, good for 12 points and 13 rebounds. He's already averaging 2.3 blocks a game. If you need a center, he's you're guy--for now.

JARED JEFFRIES?
Keep your eyes on Jared Jeffries, although I wouldn't pick him up now. Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas knew Jeffries for most of his life and both share the Indiana connection. He quite possibly could fill a prominent role on the team, despite previously doing little to validate his 2002 lottery selection.

He started last night at PF--possible eligibility at SG, SF and PF--and scored 15 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and had three steals.