Let’s see how these pickup suggestions fared this week and if they carry an upside going forward.

ZAZA PACHULIA
83Min 10/21FG 7/10FT 3Stl 3Blk 26Reb 27Pts

Not bad, although there’s nothing special here. Probably not worth starting in most leagues, but Zaza was admittedly a long shot. He does play 4x in the next two weeks so perhaps we’ll see more convincing numbers going forward.

RASUAL BUTLER
124Min 19/37FG 5/6FT 4-3PTM 5Blks 46Pts

Certainly a better call than Zaza and delivery numbers in an unusual pair of cats (3Ptm/Blk) makes Rasual an interesting pickup. Still just a fill-in at best in most leagues.

BOBBY SIMMONS
93Min 9/17FG 4-3PTM 17Reb 2Stl 24Pts

I asked Evil what he thought about Simmons as a pickup for week 12 after seeing some big games in the previous week. I remembered Bobby putting up great stats for me a few seasons back and thought he might do the same again. Unfortunately his production slowed and I didn’t get much from starting him. I’ve since dropped him for Barbosa’s hot hand.

RYAN ANDERSON
101Min 13/34FG 4-3PTM 4/5FT 5Stl 21Reb 34Pts

Once again there isn’t much to speak about here other than his contributions in 3PTM and Steals. Anderson also rebounded quite poorly, especially for a 6′10″ Power Forward. Maybe there’s an upside I don’t see.

LINAS KLEIZA
89Min 18/30FG 4-3PTM 9/13FT 14Reb 7Ast 49Pts

This looks the best so far. The strong FG% and 3PTM from Linus make him a useful addition (at small forward) to lineups lacking in those categories. But missing that many free throws and committing a turnover for each of his 7 assists makes him somewhat of a liability.

SHANE BATTIER
I love Battier. He’s one of those guys anyone would love to have on their team. A role player that thinks and contributes on both ends of the floor, sacrifices his body, and looks to make his teammates better. Battier played only twice this week and is just returning from an injury so I’m expecting his numbers to improve.

VON WAFER
79Min 17/32FG 3-3PTM 3Stl 40Pts

Despite his lack of minutes from only playing twice, Von Wafer put up some solid numbers. Will he continue to get 40min a game with a healthy T-Mac and Artest? Probably not. But if he keeps getting the time, expect his fantasy value to increase.

RESULTS
I did pickup Bobby Simmons last week and was able to capitalize on an injured opponent, winning 6-3!

Thanks to both Evil’s draft guide and weekly posts, I am currently leading my league. Keep it comin bro

NENAD KRSTIC
105Min 15/33FG 10/15FT 4Blk

Ryan Anderson is still trying to find his groove, but 13 points on 6-8 shooting vs. Boston is pretty solid.

10 8 and 1.5 blk does not sound too much of a stretch