Hot Players:

Mo Williams – Williams was recently traded from Minnesota to Charlotte to solidify the Hornets back court with Kemba Walker  on IR. Mo has already proven that he can put up huge fantasy numbers given the opportunity and after his 52 point game this year I think it’s fair to say that in Steve Cliffords’ offense he could easily become a huge fantasy threat. He will continue to provide assists, points, threes and steals as his minutes will continue to climb as he finds his way and chemistry within the team. He is must own in deeper leagues and I consider him to be one of the sleepers coming off the All Star Break.

Rasual Butler– Butler has had a tremendous season for Washington this year. His threes and fg percentage have been extremely high and his production on both ends of the court makes him a great fit for many owners. With Bradley Beal out with a sprained toe, Butler will get a boost in minutes. He is averaging 8.8 points and 1.5 threes made per game, his numbers leave a lot to be desired but when you factor in the fact that he was only playing 21 mpg you have to see the upside with the Beal injury. Butler is shooting 46% from the field and 42% from behind the arc which is great for owners who need threes and high percentage shooting. He is must add in deeper leagues and someone to consider if you have players on IR.

D.J. Augustin– Since Brandon Jennings went down, Augustin has become the starting point guard in Detroit. He has exploded onto the scene going for 20+ points in 6 out of 10 games since January 25. His stats are ridiculous coming out of the All-Star break. He is playing so well there have been talks the Pistons may trade Jennings away before Thursday. Augustin has consistently been getting at least 36 minutes per game since Jennings went down and he is averaging 16.1 points and 7.5 assists over that span.  He is one of the hottest players in the league right now and his overall value should continue to go up as he continues to settle into his starting role.  He is a must own in every league.

Cold Players:

Nicholas Batum –  Batum tore a ligament in his right wrist on Dec. 17, and the continued aggravation of the injury has forced the wing man to wear a brace since the last week of January. His numbers on the offensive end are down all the way around the board. Batum will always give you good assists and rebound numbers but his current play as of late has been shaky at best. He isn’t scoring on the offensive end with any efficiency and his steals are down. Batum known to fill a box score so I think once his wrist injury clears up he will be able to get it going again , but until then, he doesn’t deserve a start in many deeper leagues.

Lance Stephenson – Trade rumors persist around Stephenson this week as the trade deadline looms. Stephenson has under achieved this year in Charlotte. In his past 13 games he has scored in double digits 3 times, and has only 1 game of double digit rebounds. His value is falling fast as his minutes have sunk due to poor play. Steve Clifford doesn’t believe in Lance on the offensive end (averaging 8 ppg this season) of the floor leading to Lance only averaging 29 mpg this season. He is a young and talented two-way player with a great history of winning but he doesn’t seem comfortable in Charlotte. He is must own in deeper leagues because of his reputation for filling box scores but his numbers aren’t anywhere close to even being decent this year.

Arron  Afflalo – In the 7 last games leading up to All Star Break Afflalo has lost his touch offensively, he is averaging only 8.3 ppg while playing a solid 33 minutes. He has never been one to give you a full line but he definitely has been known to produce threes, steals , high fg percentages and minutes. He is solid athlete who can provide rebounds as well but his game and shooting percentages have been declining as of late. Afflalo Is known as a great defender but until he gets his steals and rebounds back up he is only valued in deeper leagues. Once he comes back from break, monitor him closely and make sure his numbers start to increase. If you insist on keeping him or need him for his minutes then only give him up on the waiver wire for someone who is playing equal minutes ( like an Avery Bradley who is owned in only 20% of ESPN Leagues).