We're less than a full week into the NBA season, but already fantasy managers are scrambling to decide what's real and what could simply be an early-season mirage.
Looking ahead to Week 2, it's important to keep in mind that this season's schedule is much more balanced than in year's past. A condensed campaign means all 30 teams play three or four games virtually every week. On one hand, the lack of two-game weeks is a nice benefit for fantasy managers. But on the other, it can make difficult lineup decisions even more difficult, as there are fewer significant discrepancies in games played.
As we head into the first full week of the fantasy season, here are some notable players to lock into your weekly lineups, and others to consider keeping on the bench.
Three games: Charlotte, Cleveland, Dallas, Golden State, Houston, Indiana, Miami, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Sacramento, Toronto
Four games: Atlanta, Brooklyn, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Portland, Utah, Washington
Start: Jarrett Allen, Nets
Beginning the season with a pair of lopsided results, it's been difficult to get a feel for the Nets' real rotation. Despite coming off the bench, Allen showed well against Golden State and Boston, putting up 17 points, 18 rebounds, three assists, six blocks and a steal in 41 total minutes. In 25 minutes Sunday, Allen attempted just two shots but grabbed 14 boards and added a block. Thus far,
