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Fantasy Watch
WITH MORE than a third of the season gone, many NBA coaches are shuffling their lineups. Here are a few players who should benefit from their new roles as starters.
Ike Diogu
Center, Warriors
A broken hand delayed his debut until Nov. 23, but the ninth pick of the '05 draft has been worth the wait. Diogu (right) is averaging 14.4 points over his last five games and is shooting 64.4% for the season. His rebounding numbers (2.6 per game) have been disappointing, but he'll bolster any fantasy roster.
Ben Gordon
Shooting guard, Bulls
Last season's Sixth Man of the Year struggled in that role this year, shooting just 37.6% and averaging 13.2 points off the bench. However, since coach Scott Skiles made him a starter on New Year's Eve, Gordon (right) has hit 46.5% of his shots and averaged 21.7 points. As long as Skiles keeps him in his starting lineup, you should keep him in yours.
Others to Watch
The Blazers are 4-4 since going to the all-Maryland starting backcourt of Steve Blake and Juan Dixon. Don't expect any changes--even after the injured Sebastian Telfair returns.... The fantasy values of Toronto's Jalen Rose and Denver's Earl Watson will skyrocket if and when they're traded, so find a reserve spot for them for the next few weeks.
PHOTO
ROCKY WIDNER/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES (DIOGU)
PHOTO
JOHN BIEVER (GORDON)
