Fantasy Basketball Week 19: The Tony Parker/Patty Mills Dilemma

Week number 19 of the Fantasy Basketball season is upon us. For most leagues, there are only 3 weeks left until the league playoffs begin. Trade deadlines in most leagues should be this week, and there's still time for teams on the bubble to make a strong push to make their leagues' championship round of the playoffs.

It's an exciting time for sure. Several owners have been asking me what they should do about Tony Parker and Patty Mills this week and going forward.

From the best I can gather and at the time of this writing, Tony Parker has been listed as a "game time decision" for Sunday March 2, 2014. If he plays and you were wise enough to have him on your roster, then bravo, but I suppose we have to figure out what to do about him this week, as most of you have to fill out your rosters for the entire week either Sunday or Monday.

One of the problems of having a San Antonio Spur on a Fantasy roster is the philosophy of the Spurs. Coach Popovich rests his players and is extremely careful with injuries. The Spurs are also extremely closed-mouthed when it comes to the status of injuries, so you're never absolutely sure about anything until they have to say something. Stuff like that makes owners want to pull their hair out.

Another problem the Spurs have, albeit a good one, is the play of point guard Patty Mills. He's been exceptionally good for them, and his scoring straight across the board removes the need to hurry Parker's comeback, to be honest. That's another dilemma Fantasy owners picking up Mills have in store for them.

So, what to do about Parker and Mills?

I certainly wouldn't drop Parker, as some have, because the moment he's healthy, he's getting the bulk of the minutes, and Mills goes back to the pine. Parker also has trade value, and that's also something to consider. If it were me and I had to lock in my roster at the beginning of the week, I would slot him in and let him light up your scoreboard.

Mills is a different issue. While he's been a great pickup these last 10 days or so, his value will decrease to the point he'll only be helpful in deeper leagues. If you are in a standard 10-team league, you might as well drop him and look for better options. Below are three options for you to consider this week.

Kent Bazemore, SG, Lakers: Coach Mike D'Antoni has inserted Bazemore into the lineup, and he's delivered the goods. The Lakers have 5 games this week, and Bazemore should make any owners picking him up this week very happy campers. (Stats)

Mike Dunleavy, SG/SF, Bulls: Dunleavy has been dishing, swishing, and rebounding the last couple of weeks, and with Chicago having 4 games this week, Fantasy owners should expect this to continue, at least for one more week. (Stats)

Jordan Farmar, PG, Lakers: If you need treys and assists, the Lakers have 5 games this week, and Farmar has been awfully hot as of late from the three-point land. He's still coming off the bench but has seen his minutes steadily increase, so he might be worth consideration this week. (Stats)

On today's Phil Naessens Show, Tom Lewis stops by to share his thoughts about Danny Granger's signing with the Clippers and the Pacers crazy schedule this week. Kyle McKoewn joins us to talk all things Fantasy Basketball and Kevin Lipe stops by to talk about Beno Udrih and the Grizzlies' rocky road to the playoffs. You can listen to the program below or download it here.

PtR Fantasy League

Panduro's team remains in first place and looks like a lock to win the first seed in the playoffs. There were plenty of good matchups this week that you can check out below.

http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/nba/35869