Fantasy sports articles written by Eric Johnson
April 14, 2013
NBA Value Meter: The Butler Did It
Jimmy Butler is playing major minutes for the Bulls and is contributing in multiple categories. He's averaging 16.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.6 threes in 45 minutes over his last five games and is the #6 small forward on this week's meter.
April 7, 2013
NBA Value Meter: New York State of Mind
Carmelo Anthony has been an unstoppable force for the Knicks. He's averaging 37.4 points on 56% shooting from the field over his last five games and is the top ranked small forward on this week's meter.
March 31, 2013
NBA Value Meter: The Return of the Game-Changer
John Wall is finally healthy and has been a one-man show for the Washington Wizards. He's averaging 27.6 points, 8.2 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals over his last five games and is the top ranked point guard on this week's meter.
March 24, 2013
NBA Value Meter: Spencer For Hire
Spencer Hawes has been dominating the paint for the Sixers. He's averaging 15.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 3.4 blocks over his last five games and is the top ranked center on this week's meter, topping Dwight Howard (pictured) among others.
March 17, 2013
NBA Value Meter: Start Your Blazers
With averages of 21.6 points and 9.4 rebounds in eight games this month - and five games on tap for the Trail Blazers this week - Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge tops the list of power forwards this week.
March 10, 2013
NBA Value Meter: Grand Theft Basketball
Ricky Rubio has been racking up steals at a prolific rate. He's averaging 12.8 points, 9.3 assists, 6.6 rebounds and 3.8 steals over his last 10 games and is the #4 point guard on this week's meter.
March 3, 2013
NBA Value Meter: Flash is Back
LeBron James is getting all of the attention but Dwyane Wade is stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis. He's averaging 27.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.4 blocks over his last five games and is the top ranked shooting guard.
February 24, 2013
NBA Value Meter: Jack Of All Trades
Jarrett Jack is thriving in the Warrior's small-ball system and is making a late push for sixth man of the year. He's averaging 23.0 points, 7.0 assists and 2.3 threes over his last four games is the #5 point guard on this week's meter.
February 17, 2013
NBA Value Meter: Magic Man
Nikola Vucevic is racking up double-doubles on a nightly basis for the Orlando Magic. He's averaging 14.8 points and 13.0 rebounds over his last 10 games and is the second ranked center on this week's meter.
February 10, 2013
NBA Value Meter: Rudy's World
Rudy Gay's fantasy value is on the rise now that he is the #1 option in Toronto. He's averaging 24.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 1.3 threes in his first four games as a Raptor and is the #3 small forward on this week's meter.
February 3, 2013
NBA Value Meter: The Black Mamba Strikes Again
Kobe Bryant's shot attempts are down but he is flirting with triple-doubles on a nightly basis. He's averaging 16.6 points, 11.2 assists and 8.6 rebounds over his last five games and is the top ranked shooting guard on this week's meter.
January 27, 2013
NBA Value Meter: The Buck Stops Here
Brandon Jennings was an All-Star snub but he is playing like a fantasy All-Star this year. He's averaging 18.6 points, 6.0 assists, 2.1 threes and 1.9 steals this season and is the #3 point guard on this week's meter.
January 20, 2013
NBA Value Meter: Superman Returns?
Free throw shooting is still Dwight Howard's kryptonite, but he is helping his fantasy owners in other categories. He's averaging 22.0 points, 15.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over his last three games and is the #3 center on this week's meter.
January 13, 2013
NBA Value Meter: Russell-Mania in OKC
Russell Westbrook is putting up career-high numbers in assists, steals, rebounds and threes made. He's averaging 23.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 2.0 threes over his last five games and is the top ranked point guard this week.
January 6, 2013
NBA Value Meter: J-Smoove Heating Up in Atlanta
After a slow start to the season, Josh Smith is stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis. He's averaging 18.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, 2.0 steals and 1.3 threes over his last five games and is the top ranked power forward on this week's meter.
December 30, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Fear the Durantula
Kevin Durant is challenging LeBron James as the best multi-category contributor in fantasy basketball. He's averaging 34.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.0 threes, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals over his last five games.
December 23, 2012
NBA Value Meter: All Hail the King
LeBron James is averaging career highs in field goal percentage (54%), 3-point percentage (44%) and rebounds (8.5) and is the top ranked small on this week's meter.
December 16, 2012
NBA Value Meter: By George, I Think He's Got It
Paul George has found his shooting stroke and is stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis. He's averaging 21.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.2 threes and 1.6 blocks over his last five games and is the top ranked shooting guard on this week's meter.
December 9, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Curry Carrying the Warriors
It looks like Stephen Curry's ankle issues could be behind him. He's averaging 23.4 points, 8.4 assists, 3.4 threes and 2.0 steals over his last five games and is the top ranked point guard on this week's meter.
December 2, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Chairman of the Boards
Anderson Varejao has been a rebounding machine for the Cavs this year. He's averaging 16.8 points and 18.0 rebounds over his last five games and is the top ranked center on this week's meter.
November 25, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Big Fundamental Turning Back the Clock
At 36 years young, Tim Duncan continues to give fantasy owners great production. He's averaging 18.5 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks this season and is the top ranked power forward on this week's meter.
November 18, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Batum in Beast Mode
Nicolas Batum is stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis for his fantasy owners. He's averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.6 threes, 2.0 steals and 1.6 blocks over his last five games and is the second ranked small forward on this week's meter.
November 11, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Can You Handle 'The Truth'?
Paul Pierce might be 35 years old but he is still a multi-category contributor. He's averaging 20.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 threes and 1.5 steals this season and is the top ranked small forward on this week's meter.
November 4, 2012
NBA Week 2 Value Meter: Fear the Beard
James Harden is off to a sizzling start as the new leader of the Houston Rockets. He's averaging 35.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.3 threes in his first three games and is the second ranked shooting guard on this week's meter.
October 28, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Start Your Lakers
The new look Lakers featuring Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Steve Nash and Pau Gasol are the only team to play four games this week.
April 22, 2012
NBA Value Meter: The Buck Stops Here
The Bucks aren't making the playoffs but that shouldn't stop Brandon Jennings from having a big week. He's averaging 23.6 points, 6.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 threes over his last five games and is the top ranked point guard on this week's meter.
April 15, 2012
NBA Value Meter: The King of New York
Carmelo Anthony has been carrying the Knicks on his back as they fight for a playoff spot. He's averaging 28.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.8 threes over his last five games and is the second ranked small forward on this week's meter.
April 8, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Russell-Mania
Russell Westbrook has established himself as option 1A next to Kevin Durant for Oklahoma City. He's averaging 26.2 points, 5.0 assists and 2.6 steals over his last five games and is the fourth ranked point guard on this week's meter.
April 1, 2012
NBA Value Meter: DeMarcus is Da Man in Sactown
In only his second year in the league, DeMarcus Cousins is quickly becoming an unstoppable force. He's averaging 26.4 points, 13.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks over his last five games and is the top ranked center on this week's meter.
March 25, 2012
Weekly Rankings: Class is in Sessions
Ramon Sessions is finally getting the chance to showcase his fantasy skills as the starting point guard for the Lakers.
March 18, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Bynum in Beast Mode
Andrew Bynum is having the best season of his career and has surprisingly not missed a game due to injury. He's averaging 24.6 points, 14.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks over his last five games and is the top ranked center on this week's meter.
March 11, 2012
NBA Value Meter: All Hail The King
LeBron James is quietly having the best fantasy season of his career. He's averaging career highs in rebounds (8.4 rpg.) and field goal percentage (55%) and is the top ranked small forward on this week's meter.
March 4, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Start Your Mavs
Dirk Nowitzki and his Dallas Mavericks are the only team in the NBA that plays five games this week. Dirk is averaging 21.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.4 threes over his last five games and is the top ranked power forward on this week's meter.
February 26, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Bonjour Monsieur Batum
Nicolas Batum is stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis now that he is in the starting lineup for Portland. He's averaging 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.6 3's and 1.6 blocks over his last five games and is the 5th ranked small forward this week.
February 12, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Can Anyone Stop The Linsanity?
Jeremy Lin scored more points in his first three starts than any NBA player since 1976. He's averaging 26.8 points, 8.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals over his last five games and is the #4 point guard on this week's meter, behind #1 Steve Nash.
February 5, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Welcome to Lob City
Blake Griffin is starring in and directing his own one-man show. He's averaging 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.2 steals over his last five games and is the #3 power forward on this week's meter.
January 29, 2012
NBA Value Meter: You Can't Handle The Truth
Paul Pierce has stepped up his game with Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen out with injuries. He's averaging 23.4 points, 8.2 assists, 6.4 rebounds and 1.8 threes over his last five games and is the second ranked small forward on this week's meter.
January 22, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Superman Returns
After a slow start, Dwight Howard is putting up 20/20's on a regular basis. He's averaging 24.6 points, 19.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks over his last five games and is the top ranked center on this week's meter.
January 15, 2012
Weekly Rankings: The Black Mamba Strikes Again
Kobe Bryant's wrist injury isn't preventing him from blowing up on a nightly basis. He's averaging 43.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.8 threes and 2.2 steals over his last four games and is the top ranked shooting guard on this week's meter.
January 8, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Chairman of the Boards
Kevin Love is dominating the glass and scoring at will for T-Wolves. He's averaging 26.1 points, 14.9 rebounds and 2.3 threes this season and is the top ranked power forward on this week's meter.
January 1, 2012
NBA Value Meter: Fear the Durantula
Kevin Durant has scored 30+ points in four of his first five games. He's averaging 27.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.2 threes and is the top ranked small forward on this week's meter.
December 23, 2011
NBA Value Meter: Six Games For The Spaniard
Pau Gasol could have a big opening week with Kobe Bryant banged up and Andrew Bynum suspended. He averaged 18.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.6 block last year and is the top ranked power forward on this week's meter.
April 10, 2011
NBA Value Meter: Garbage Time
Just like last year, Andray Blatche is blowing up when the Wizards have nothing to play for. He's averaging 23.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 1.0 blocks over his last five games and is the top ranked power forward on this week's meter.
April 3, 2011
NBA Value Meter: New York State Of Mind
As the fantasy season winds down, Carmelo Anthony is just warming up. He's averaging 38.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.7 threes over his last five games and is the top ranked small forward on this week's meter.
March 27, 2011
NBA Value Meter: K-Mart Special
The Rockets are still in the playoff mix and Kevin Martin is a big reason why. He's averaging 27.4 points and 2.8 threes over his last five games and is the second ranked shooting guard (behind Dwyane Wade, pictured) on this week's meter.
March 20, 2011
NBA Value Meter: CP3 On Cruise Control
Chris Paul has put up some ridiculous fantasy numbers since returning from a concussion. He's averaging 22.5 points, 12.3 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 steals over his last five games and is the fourth ranked point guard on this week's meter.
March 13, 2011
NBA Value Meter: Better Late Than Never
Brook Lopez has been a disappointment this year but he's stepping up his game just in time for the fantasy playoffs. He's averaging 27.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.0 blocks over his last five games and is the second ranked center on this week's meter.
March 6, 2011
NBA Value Meter: Blocks R Us
Big Al Jefferson has been on a shot blocking and rebounding tear for the Jazz. He's averaging 24.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocks over his last five games and is the top ranked center on this week's meter, ahead of Amare Stoudamire (pictured).
February 27, 2011
NBA Value Meter: Introducing: The Game Changer
The Wizards are awful but John Wall is having an impressive rookie season, averaging 22.2 points, 8.0 assists and 5.2 rebounds over his last five games. He's behind Derrick Rose (pictured) among point guards this week.
February 20, 2011
NBA Value Meter: Talent Transfer
LeBron James has taken his talents and fantasy production to South Beach. He's averaging 26.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.3 assists for the season and is the top ranked small forward on this week's meter.
February 13, 2011
NBA Value Meter: Drama King
Carmelo Anthony isn't letting the Melo-Drama affect his play. He's averaging 35.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.2 threes over the last five games and is the top ranked small forward on this week's meter.
February 6, 2011
NBA Value Meter: The Black Mamba Strikes Again
The Lakers might be struggling (lost three of last five) but Kobe Bryant isn't. He's averaging 31.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 6.2 assist over his last five games and is the top ranked shooting guard on this week's meter.
January 30, 2011
Weekly Rankings: The King Of New York
Amar’e Stoudemire is proving that he doesn’t need Steve Nash to put up big fantasy numbers S.T.A.T (Standing Tall and Talented) is averaging career highs in points (26.0) and blocks (2.2) and is the sixth ranked center on this week’s meter.
January 23, 2011
NBA Value Meter: Fear the Durantula
Kevin Durant is reminding everyone why he was the consensus first pick in most draft this year. He's averaging 28.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 threes over his last five games and is the top ranked small forward on this week's meter.
January 16, 2011
NBA Value Meter: Must See T.V.
Blake Griffin is directing and starring in his own one-man show. He's averaging 25.6 points, 14.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists over the last five games and is the top ranked power forward on this week's meter.
January 9, 2011
NBA Value Meter: K-Mart Special
Manu Ginobili with four games clocks in at No. 4 among shooting guards
January 2, 2011
NBA Value Meter: Grand Theft Basketball
Chris Paul is healthy and back to his thieving ways. He's averaging 5.2 steals, 10.5 assists and 18.7 points over his last four games and is the top ranked point guard on this week's meter.
December 26, 2010
NBA Value Meter: Monta The Magnificent
Monta Ellis has turned his game up a notch with Stephen Curry out with an ankle injury. Ellis is averaging 31.2 points, 6.0 assists, 3.0 steals and 2.2 threes over his last five games and is the top ranked shooting guard, ahead of Kobe Bryant (pictured).
December 19, 2010
Weekly Rankings: D-Rose Raining Threes
Derrick Rose has added a three-point shot to his arsenal and has been virtually unstoppable this year. He’s already made more threes this season (43) than in his first two years combined (32) and is the top ranked point guard on this week’s meter.
December 12, 2010
NBA Value Meter: Flash is Back
After a slow start, Dwyane Wade is learning how to co-exist with LeBron James. Wade is averaging 29.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists over his last five games and is the top ranked shooting guard on this week's meter.
December 5, 2010
NBA Value Meter: Chairman of the Boards
Kevin Love is dominating the glass and scoring at will for the Timberwolves. He's averaging 23.6 points, 19.2 rebounds and 1.4 threes over his last five games and is the top ranked power forward on this week's meter, topping Pau Gasol (pictured).
November 28, 2010
NBA Value Meter: Time To Fire Up The Hibachi?
With John Wall nursing a knee injury, Gilbert Arenas has really stepped up his game. He's averaging 22.4 points, 8.0 assists, 1.8 steals and 2.8 threes over his last five games and is the second ranked shooting guard on this week's meter.
November 21, 2010
NBA Value Meter: Block Party In The ATL
Josh Smith is having a career year in blocks (3.0) and rebounds (9.3) and is the top-ranked power forward on this week's meter.
November 14, 2010
NBA Value Meter: Dynamic Duo in OKC
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are putting up some serious fantasy numbers for Oklahoma City. Durant is averaging 28.9 points, Westbrook's at 24.3 ppg and both guys are ranked first at their respective positions on this week's meter.
November 7, 2010
Weekly Rankings: Rudy's on a Roll
Rudy Gay is playing at an All-Star level early in the season. He's averaging 29.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.6 threes and 2.2 steals over his last five games and is this week's second ranked small forward.
October 31, 2010
NBA Value Meter: Start Your Blazers
Brandon Roy is averaging 25.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 threes and 1.7 steals and the Trail Blazers play five times this week.
October 24, 2010
NBA Value Meter: Start Your Heat
LeBron, Wade and Bosh are must-starts every week, but role players like Udonis Haslem (pictured) and Joel Anthony have some value as the Heat are the only team to play four games this week.
