Fantasy Lab: Week 17

Now that the All-Star break is behind us, we're in the stretch run as we race to the playoffs. Unfortunately, because of the time off, the latest injury info on day-to-day players before the break hasn't been updated. The good news is, that doesn't affect how we break down the schedule -- it's just a bit harder to determine who's going to be out a little longer and who's set to jump back out there. Luckily, we've been doing this for years.

Let's delve right into the latest injury updates: C Brad Miller, Sacramento: Plantar fasciitis, day-to-day PG Steve Nash, Phoenix: Shoulder pain, day-to-day, likely to play F/C Boris Diaw, Phoenix: Back spasms, day-to-day PG Baron Davis, Golden State: Knee surgery, out 3-6 weeks SF/PF Andres Nocioni, Chicago: Plantar fasciitis, day-to-day F/C Carlos Boozer, Utah: Broken leg, out 4-6 weeks SF/ PF Antawn Jamison, Washington: Sprained left knee, out 3-6 weeks PG/ SG Allen Iverson, Denver: Sprained ankle, day-to-day SF Luke Walton, L.A. Lakers: Sprained ankle, day-to-day PG Jason Williams, Miami: Abdominal strain and left foot injury, out indefinitely SF Richard Jefferson, New Jersey: Ankle surgery, out indefinitely SF Grant Hill, Orlando: Grade 1 sprained MCL, out 2-3 weeks G/F Michael Redd, Milwaukee: Strained patellar tendon, day-to-day, likely to play PF Sean May, Charlotte: Bone bruise of the knee, day-to-day SG Jason Richardson, Golden State: Broken hand, likely to play Feb. 21 C Yao Ming: Broken leg, out about two more weeks F/C Kwame Brown, L.A. Lakers: Sprained ankle, out another 4-6 weeks

There are a lot of tough calls this week because up-to-date info is scarce. That doesn't mean we can't make suggestions based on years of experience though. We would consider starting Nash, Diaw, Nocioni, Redd, Iverson, Richardson and possibly Miller, though we think he's less likely to play than the others. The other wild card is Walton, who might play this week, but his return has been delayed already since the injury was slow to heal. We'd probably go with another option again this week. Iverson is also a bit risky since his injury may be more than just a strain, however since he's known for gutting it out, a couple games from him is worth two or three games from another player. Avoid playing anyone else this week.

Now onto the game count for Week 17:

Four games: ATL, BOS, CHA, CHI, DET, MIL, MIN, NYK, ORL, PHO, SAC, WAS Three games: CLE, DEN, GSW, HOU, IND, LAL, MEM, MIA, NOK, NJN, PHI, POR, SAS, SEA, TOR, UTA Two games: DAL, LAC

There are two four-game teams with very favorable schedules this week: Boston and Minnesota, which is excellent news for KG, Paul Pierce, Ricky Davis, Delonte West and Al Jefferson. The T-Wolves' schedule is a bit more favorable since they play two home games while Boston is on the road for all four. Each team plays three of the 10 worst defenses and another against a mid-tier defense.

The easiest three-game slates belong to Memphis, Portland and Golden State. Each plays two games against bottom-10 defenses and a mid-tier team. All of these teams provide great options for starters this week.

On the flip side, the Miami Heat have the hardest three-game slate this week. They play three top-six defenses, including two of the top three in back-to-back road games in Houston and Dallas. It doesn't get much tougher than that, folks. Aside from Shaq and Dwyane Wade, you don't want to start any of the Heat players this period.

The Nets, Clippers and Magic play all of their games at home this week, though L.A. and Orlando only have two games each this week. It's hard to start any of their players outside of the superstuds.

As for teams on the road, we already mentioned Boston, but add Memphis to the list. The Grizzlies do have a favorable schedule though so don't be afraid to start any of their fantasy regulars.