The Breakdown
Varejao was playing very well this year, averaging close to a double-double. Losing him will be a blow to many fantasy squads. With Varejao out, J.J. Hickson becomes a must own. Hickson had lost playing time after struggling in the early part of the season, but the Cavaliers are so thin up front that they have to play Hickson big minutes for the foreseeable future. Hickson is available in about two-thirds of leagues.
Those in deeper formats may want to take a flyer on players like Manny Harris, Christian Eyenga, and Alonzo Gee. One of those players stands to see a big increase in minutes because the Cavs will be forced to play small. Once Anthony Parker returns from his injury, team managers should monitor the minutes of these three players and pick up whoever is getting the most run.
