There are 105 days left of regular season basketball. We're over a third of the way through the NBA season and halfway through the head-to-head fantasy regular season. Only 10 more weeks remain before the fantasy playoffs begin.

Ranked below are teams based on amount of games (18 max; 13 min), quality games (7 max; 2 min), back-to-back sets (6 max; 2 min), and home/road splits for the month of January. This will provide a broader picture as you prepare for the closing months of the season.

Each team contains a mini weekly schedule. Back-to-back games are underlined and quality games are bold. My definition of a quality game may differ from yours, but I view them as nights when less than half the league plays (no more than seven games). It allows individuals in daily head-to-head leagues to rotate their lineups and maximize games played.

My only disclaimer is that I am not a doctor. I've aggregated the latest news for injured players and will alert you when attempting to pinpoint a return date. If it's actual injury analysis you seek, consult Jeff Stotts.

Key Dates:

10-day contracts: Monday, January 5th, 2015

Guaranteed Contracts: Saturday, January 10, 2015

New York vs. Milwaukee in London: Thursday, January 15, 2015

Cheat Sheet:

Tier 1 - 18 Games

1. Philadelphia 76ers

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): CLE, MIL, @BKN, IND

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): ATL, @TOR, NOR, @DET

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @WAS, NYK, TOR, @MEM

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): @NOP, DET, MIN, @ATL

The Sixers play a league-high 18 January games, along with the most back-to-back sets. For the rest of the season, the Sixers are in a three-way tie for second most games (52) and tied for most back-to-back sets (15). Three quality January games means any fringe Sixer you roster won't easily make it into your daily lineup.

Lately, the Sixers' rotation has been truncated due to injury. With 10-day contracts in play, I'm expecting new blood on a weekly basis. We're talking about a team that rostered 23 different players last season, eight of which lasted no more than 12 games.

If you seek quantity over quality, the Sixers are the only team scheduled for four games each full matchup week. Over his last 13 games, K.J. McDaniels (29% Yahoo!; 11.6% ESPN) averaged 2.0 blocks in 26.8 minutes per game. Sir Robert Covington (53% Yahoo!; 33.9% ESPN) averaged 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.7 blocks, and 2.8 three-pointers in 31.5 minutes per game during December.

Luc Mbah a Moute (calf) missed the last two games and lacks a concrete timeline. His absence opens up 28.1 minutes per game, which haven't been concentrated on any one player.

Tier 2 - 17 Games

2. Chicago Bulls

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): HOU, UTA, @WAS, MIL

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): ORL, WAS, @BOS, ATL

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @CLE, SAS, DAL, MIA

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): @GSW, @LAL, @PHX

The Bulls play eight games against the Western Conference, and seven of their first eight games are home. They only have consecutive days off once (January 20-21), but never play four games in five nights or five games in seven days.

Derrick Rose has played more than 30 minutes nine times this season. With the Bulls playing their monthly-high of 17 games, the urgency to move Rose in fantasy leagues intensifies. He's scuffling of late, shooting 7-of-35 in his last two games.

Bonus Fact: The Bulls are averaging a league-high 7.7 blocks per game at home.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @PHI, HOU, @GSW, @SAC

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @PHX, @LAL, @LAC

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): CHI, UTA, CHA, OKC

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): @DET, POR, SAC, @MIN

The Cavaliers play 12 games against the Western Conference including a five-game Western Conference road trip starting December 9th. They close the month with four games over the final five nights.

LeBron James (knee/back) will miss the next two weeks (seven games) in the wake of missing the previous two games. He'll return against the Lakers on January 15th if the timeline holds. If he skips the five-game road trip, he'll reappear January 19th against the Bulls, missing 11 straight games in the process. Five consecutive games is the longest he's sat out in his career. Tristan Thompson leads the list of hot pickups now that James won't eat power forward minutes. If you perceive this as a time to buy low on James, you're partially correct. Those in head-to-head leagues may want to look else as the Cavaliers play a minimum nine games during the traditional fantasy playoffs (Week 21-23), tarnished by two games during the finals (Week 23).

4. Detroit Pistons

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @SAS, @DAL, ATL, BKN

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @TOR, NOP, @IND, PHI

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @ ATL, ORL, @MIL, @TOR

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): CLE, @PHI, HOU

The Pistons play five games against the Western Conference and are tied for most back-to-back sets the rest of the season (15). Reeling off three straight wins leaves the Pistons five and a half games behind the eight seed in the East.

5. Washington Wizards

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @NOP, NYK, CHI, @ATL

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): SAS, @CHI, BKN, @BKN

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): PHI, OKC, @POR, @DEN

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): @LAL, @PHX, TOR

Up until 2015, the Wizards possessed the second easiest strength of schedule, alleviated by playing in the East. This month, the Wizards play nine games against the Western Conference, including a three-game West road trip to start the month and a four-game, five-night road trip out West at the end of the month. They also play the most games (29) over the next two months.

Nene Hilario recently suffered an ankle injury. It would behoove the Wizards to exercise caution with him. His loss is Kris Humphries' gain, especially with three four-game weeks on the horizon. In 15 starts, Humphries is averaging 8.2 points and 7.3 rebounds in 25.8 rebounds per game. Rasual Butler and Kevin Seraphin will also pick up the slack.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): DEN, PHX, @MIL, SAS

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @IND, @PHX, @DEN

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @CHA, DAL, NOP, @ATL

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): @OKC, BOS, @PHI, CLE

The Timberwolves close the month with five games over the final seven nights. They're in a three-way tie for second most games (52) the rest of the season.

Nikola Pekovic (ankle/wrist) began running on an anti-gravity treadmill four days ago. Coach Flip Saunders floated out the idea that Pekovic will start by playing D-League games. I won't start worrying about him until he starts putting full weight on his ankles. The Timberwolves are last in the Western Conference (5-25), and he's suffered incalculable setbacks since the start of the season that any return will likely end with him playing 20-25 minutes per game and resting back-to-backs. Pekovic hasn't played a game since November 15th.

Ricky Rubio (sprained left ankle) has been sidelined since November 8th. We'll hit the eight-week mark this Saturday, and Rubio thinks he can return by mid-January. When Rubio returned from his torn ACL a few years ago, the team initially brought him off the bench and held him under 30 minutes per game for the first month. The Timberwolves convey their first round draft pick to the Suns this season if it lands outside the top-12. I don't see the urgency to play Rubio starter's minutes, considering they signed him to a four-year extension this offseason.

Kevin Martin (right wrist) is expected to be reevaluated after the first five January games. That timeframe extends Martin to seven and a half weeks since surgery on his shooting wrist. The plan all along was to bring him back slowly. Coach Flip Saunders may even throw him down in the D-League for a few games. Prior to the injury, Martin was shooting a career-high 48 percent from the field and 48 percent from downtown. With the emergence of Shabazz Muhammad, one wonders if Martin assumes his pre-injury role. The Timberwolves need to give him enough minutes to prove to suitors he's fully healed from wrist surgery if they plan on trading him. Martin has three years and $21 million left on his deal, including a player option for the final season. A team in need of shooting can trade for him and hope he opts out of the final year since it coincides with the new television deal.

7. Houston Rockets

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @CHI, @CLE, @NYK, UTA

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @BKN, @ORL, OKC, GSW

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): IND, @GSW, @PHX, @LAL

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): DAL, @BOS, @DET

The Rockets start the month with five games in seven nights, including four on the road.  Eight of their contests are against the Eastern Conference, and the first time they receive consecutive off days is January 26th-27th.

Terrence Jones (leg) could be out another month to six weeks, according to coach Kevin McHale. The emergence of Donatas Motiejunas and addition of Josh Smith and Corey Brewer sever any remaining hope or value Jones held.

8. Atlanta Hawks

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @LAC, MEM, @DET, WAS

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @PHI, @BOS, @TOR, @CHI

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): DET, IND, OKC, MIN

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): BKN, POR, PHI

The Hawks play six games against the West and four road games in five nights from January 13-17. Eight of their first ten games are on the road, and their last seven games are at home. January 11th and 13th encapsulate their only quality games, and the Hawks play the fewest quality games (8) the rest of the season.

Tier 3 - 16 Games

9. Memphis Grizzlies

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): NYK, @ATL, @NOP, PHX

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @BKN, @ORL, POR

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): DAL, TOR, PHI

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): ORL, @DAL, DEN, OKC

Zach Randolph missed the last five games due to swelling in his right knee. He still doesn't have a timetable for his return and recently said, "I don't have a target date yet. I'm just trying to get it right and get the swelling out. I want to get comfortable playing on it. We'll see how it is in a couple of days. I'll probably get it checked out again." I don't have a good read on the situation. If he doesn't join the team on the upcoming two-game road trip, a home game against the Knicks (January 5th) would be as good a game as any to test out the knee. Randolph has been questionable almost every missed game and participated in shooting drills earlier this week, spreading optimistic breadcrumbs for his fantasy owners.

10. Toronto Raptors

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): CHA, BOS

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): DET, PHI, ATL, NOP

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @MIL, @MEM, @PHI, DET

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): @IND, SAC, @BKN, @WAS

The Raptors conclude their six-game road trip January 4th. After three days off, they begin a six-game homestand. They only play five times against the Western Conference, but close out the month with four games in five nights in two different countries.

DeMar DeRozan has been out since November 29th with a tear to his left adductor longus tendon. The Raptors are 11-5 in his absence and 24-8 overall, good for first in the Eastern Conference. He's still without a timetable, and the way the Raptors are playing, combined with the upcoming bunny schedule, DeRozan could potentially sit a large portion of January (conjecture on my part). Latest reports have DeRozan traveling with the team and launching set shots.

Prior to the injury, DeRozan was playing four fewer minutes per game, he stopped shooting threes, and his assists dropped off when compared to last season's numbers. He was shooting a career-low 39 percent from the field and averaging a career-high 1.4 steals per game. Temper expectations if you've been stashing DeRozan.

Landry Fields needs to pass concussion protocols before returning to the court. He supplanted Greivis Vasquez in the starting lineup, but in his stead, James Johnson has been starting. Coach Dwane Casey may prefer Johnson off the bench. If he does, look for Fields to start until DeRozan returns.

11. Brooklyn Nets

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): DAL, BOS, PHI, @DET

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): HOU, MEM, @WAS, WAS

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @SAC, @LAC, @UTA

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): POR, @ATL, TOR

The Nets play six games in the first 10 days and seven games against the Western Conference.

If coach Lionel Hollins continues to rest Kevin Garnett the second game of a back-to-back, the reserves will have four opportunities to land in your daily fantasy lineups.

12. Portland Trail Blazers

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): LAL, MIA, ORL, @LAL

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): LAC, @SAS, @MEM

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): SAC, @PHX, BOS, WAS

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): @BKN, @CLE, @ATL, @MIL

The Trail Blazers start the month with three games in the first nine days and cram 10 games over the final 16 days. Their final six games and nine of their 16 are against Eastern Conference opponents. The month ends with a four-game road trip.

Robin Lopez has been out since December 16th with a broken right hand. He expects to miss six to seven weeks (21 to 25 games). The road game against the Nets or Cavaliers during Week 14 coincides with a six-week absence. A seven-week hiatus aligns with a return February 3rd against the Jazz or February 5th against the Suns, both home games. Since the seven-week timeframe falls one week short of the All-Star break, the Trail Blazers may decide to hold him out as a precaution. I don't know that they'd do that, but it's a remote possibility, especially if Lopez suffers a setback. He'll miss 29 games if he returns post-All-Star break.

13. Denver Nuggets

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @MIN, ORL, @SAC

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): DAL, @DAL, MIN

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @GSW, SAS, BOS, WAS

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): @LAC, @NOP, @MEM, CHA

The Nuggets play five games in the first nine days followed by four days off. They play 10 games over the final 16 days, including multiple four-game, five-night trips.

This is a team laden with injuries, some of which are waiting to be activated. Ty Lawson began the year fighting off ankle problems. They've subsided for now, but he was top three in minutes per game during the month of December and those ankle issues will eventually resurface. Wilson Chandler recently suffered a quad injury and is day-to-day. I'm more concern about the hip issues that have cropped up each of the past three seasons.

Danilo Gallinari underwent successful surgery a week ago to repair his right knee. According to his Facebook page, he'll miss at least one month. A Week 13 matchup at home against the Celtics aligns with his timetable. I, however, envision a scenario where the team holds him out through the All-Star break.

14. Indiana Pacers

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @UTA, @GSW, BOS, @PHI

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): MIN, DET, @CHA

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @HOU, @ATL, @MIA, @ORL

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): TOR, NYK, SAC

The Pacers start the month with six games in the first 10 days, five of which are on the road. For the rest of the season, they play the second fewest back-to-back sets (9).

Ian Mahinmi (torn left plantar fascia) was expected to miss 6-8 weeks dating back to December 7. January 18th coincides with the six-week timeline. An eight-week absence keeps him out until the beginning of February. If that's the case, Lavoy Allen has been playing well enough to keep Mahinmi sidelined through the All-Star break.

15. Boston Celtics

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): CHA, @BKN, @IND, @TOR

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): NOR, ATL, CHI

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @LAC, @POR, @DEN, @GSW

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): @UTA, @MIN, HOU, MIA

The Celtics play the most games (53) the rest of the season. If Bradley Stevens could solidify his rotation, you might be able to take advantage of that fact.

In January, they'll play nine games against the Western Conference, including their last seven January games. The first six of those final seven games come on the road thanks to a massive scheduling conflict at TD Garden.

In case you're wondering, Jameer Nelson, Brandan Wright, and Jae Crowder can't be traded in a package deal until February 17th. However, they are individually available in one-for-one trades.

16. Dallas Mavericks

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @BKN, DET, @LAC

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @SAC, @DEN, DEN

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @MEM, @MIN, CHI, @NOP

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): MEM, @HOU, @MIA, @ORL

The Mavericks play a league-high 12 road games in January and close the month with five games over the final seven nights. Their first four games are against Eastern Conference opponents, starting with Rajon Rondo's former squad.

Tier 4 - 15 Games

17. Los Angeles Lakers

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @POR, @LAC, ORL, POR

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): MIA, CLE, @UTA

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @PHX, @NOP, @SAS, HOU

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): WAS, CHI, @NYK

The Lakers play the second fewest back-to-back sets (9) the rest of the season, kickstarted by a league-low two in January. Their four-game road trip spans January 16-24.

Bonus fact: Robert Sacre is a plus 2.3 in the Lakers' 21 losses he's played in this season.

18. Utah Jazz

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): IND, @CHI, @OKC, @HOU

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): GSW, LAL, @SAS

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @CLE, @MIL, BKN

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): BOS, LAC, GSW

The Jazz play the most quality games (20) the rest of the season, accounting for 40 percent of their remaining games. They play three games over a ten-day stretch (January 11-20) and end the month with a four-game homestand.

19. Sacramento Kings

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): OKC, DEN, CLE

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): DAL, MIA, LAC

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @POR, BKN, GSW

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): @NYK, @TOR, @CLE, @IND

The Kings are the only team scheduled for no more than three games each of the first three weeks. They conclude January with a five-game road trip. The final four road games are against the Eastern Conference and traverse two countries. From January 7-17, the Kings enjoy a six-game homestand.

20. Phoenix Suns

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @MIL, @MIN, @SAS, @MEM

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): CLE, MIN

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): LAL, POR, HOU, LAC

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): WAS, CHI, @GSW

The Suns are in a three-way tie for the second fewest games (48) the rest of the season. Not surprisingly, they also play the second fewest back-to-back sets (9).

Markieff Morris blocked 16 shots in November, followed by one block in December. His numbers have dipped while his shooting percentages improved. The only connector I can spot is coach Jeff Hornacek demoting his brother, Marcus Morris, at the beginning of the month in favor of P.J. Tucker. Markieff is shooting 55 percent when he shares the court with Marcus versus 44 percent with his brother on the bench.

21. Orlando Magic

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @DEN, @LAL, @POR

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @CHI, HOU, MEM, OKC

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @DET, @NYK, IND

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): @MEM, MIL, DAL

The Magic play the fewest games (47), fewest quality games (8), and fewest back-to-back sets (8) the rest of the season. Half of their remaining quality games are scheduled in January. That's a bleak outlook if you roster any of their fringe players and need to make up ground in the games played department.

Kyle O'Quinn has accrued a league-high four flagrant foul points. According to the rules, if he commits a Flagrant 2 foul, he'll receive a one-game suspension. A Flagrant 1 foul places him on the doorstep of suspension.

Aaron Gordon underwent left foot surgery November 21st and has since shed his walking boot. A screw was inserted into the foot, and it's simply a waiting process for the bone to heal. He's doing non-impact activities like dribbling and shooting the ball while seated. Even though the good news continues to pile up, I don't expect him back until February. A return on February 1st is six weeks removed from surgery. It's an aggressive timeline, so the All-Star break may be more appropriate.

22. Los Angeles Clippers

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): ATL, LAL, DAL, MIA

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @POR, CLE, @SAC

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): BOS, BKN, @PHX

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): DEN, @UTA, @NOP, @SAS

The Clippers close the month with five games over the final seven nights and begin an eight-game road trip January 28th. They don't return to Staples Center until February 11th, their final game before the All-Star break. The month begins with five games over the first 13 days.

DeAndre Jordan is the NBA's Ironman. He's played 273 consecutive games. I'm not one for jinxes, so if you need someone you can count on to play every game, consider acquiring Jordan. Fair warning: the previous Ironman was Russell Westbrook.

23. New Orleans Pelicans

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): WAS, @CHA, MEM

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @BOS, @DET, @PHI, @TOR

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @NYK, LAL, @MIN, DAL

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): PHI, DEN, LAC

The Pelicans endure a five-game Eastern Conference road trip from January 12-19 because Marvel Universe LIVE! descends upon the Smoothie King Arena.  Both back-to-back sets occur in the second half of the month.

Eric Gordon (torn left labrum) wants to return to full team practice this Sunday. He's been sidelined since November 23rd, opting to forgo surgery.  He was quoted, "I definitely want to play this year. If there's a chance, I want to seriously try and make a comeback. It's basically up to me and my tolerance." Barring a setback, I could see him returning before the five-game road trip.

Bonus Fact: According to NBA.com, coach Monty Williams has run the lineup of Jrue Holiday-Tyreke Evans-Ryan Anderson-Anthony Davis-Omer Asik a total of 30 minutes all season. That lineup boasts an 85.5 defensive rating.

24. Golden State Warriors

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): OKC, IND, CLE

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @UTA, MIA, @OKC, @HOU

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): DEN, HOU, SAC, BOS

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): CHI, @UTA, PHX

The Warriors are in a three-way tie for second most games (52) the rest of the season. They play a league-high 11 January home games but only play four games over the first 12 days. Six of their games this month are against the Eastern Conference.

Andrew Bogut (right knee) doesn't have a clear timetable for his return. He's been out since December 9th, missing the last 10 games. I honestly have no clue when he's returning. A timetable remains elusive, and to my knowledge, he underwent multiple PRP treatments. The backloaded January schedule provides a dash of optimism, but that's contingent on Bogut's recovery.

David Lee is no longer on a minutes cap. With Festus Ezeli (left ankle) lacking a timetable, Lee should get a bunch of run until he reaggravates his hamstring.

Tier 5 - 14 Games

25. Milwaukee Bucks

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): PHX, @PHI, MIN, @CHI

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): NYK (in London)

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): TOR, UTA, DET, @SAS

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): @MIA, @ORL, POR

The Bucks start the month with five games in seven nights, and half their January contests are quality games. However, they play a home game in London against the Knicks on January 15. They will have seven combined days off prior to and after that game. If you're on the fence about any of their players, January 11th would be the optimal drop date.

Ersan Ilyasova needs to clear concussion protocols, but his concussion history complicates matters. Ultimately, it may not matter in most leagues since Jason Kidd has run nine players between 20-32 minutes per game since Jabari Parker's season-ending injury. Adding one more healthy body to the mix dilutes the minute's pool.

26. New York Knicks

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @MEM, @WAS, HOU, CHA

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @MIL (in London)

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): NOR, @PHI, ORL, @CHA

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): SAC, OKC, @IND, LAL

The Knicks are in a three-way tie for second fewest games (48) and a two-way tie for second most quality games (19) over the rest of the season. They start and end January with five games in seven nights. On January 15, the Knicks play in London against the Bucks. That game is preceded and followed by a combined seven days off. If you're streaming any Knick player, January 11th is the time to cut them free. Sorry, Cole Aldrich.

Carmelo Anthony (knee) and the Knicks are hit with two back-to-back sets within the first eight days and two more over the final nine days. He's shown he can play when given ample rest, so the multitude of consecutive games is worrisome.

Iman Shumpert (left shoulder) has been out since December 13th. The plan was to reevaluate him three weeks later, so likely sometime over the weekend.

Amar'e Stoudemire missed all three games on the Western Conference road trip dealing with his knees. His status for any upcoming games is doubtful in my opinion. He recently admitted that long flights aren't good for his knees, so I highly doubt the trip to London is desired.

27. San Antonio Spurs

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): DET, PHX, @MIN

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @WAS, @CHA, POR, UTA

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @DEN, @CHI, LAL, MIL

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): CHA, LAC

The Spurs, fresh off an 18-game December, are in a three-way tie for second fewest games (48) over the rest of the season. They only play two games in the first eight days. Half their contests are scheduled against the Eastern Conference. The Spurs begin a six-game homestand January 23rd that lasts 16 days and concludes February 7th.

Coach Gregg Popovich said that Tony Parker (left hamstring) will return before Kawhi Leonard (right hand). In fact, he believes Leonard will return "later rather than sooner." Parker has been out since December 26th, and Leonard hasn't played since December 15th as he deals with a torn ligament in his shooting hand. On December 22nd, Leonard received a hand injection. Coach Popovich relayed the following, "One of the doctors said he's been doing hands for 40 years and it's the first time he's ever seen this injury. It's a little bit unique." I'll admit, I thought the conjunctivitis was a bit of a hoax, but this hand injury dwarfs his eye problems.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @GSW, @SAC, UTA

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @HOU, GSW, @ORL

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): @MIA, @WAS, @ATL, @CLE

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): MIN, @NYK, @MEM

The Thunder were dealt a concentrated schedule - eight games in 12 days (January 15-26) - preceded by five days off. It means they only play four games in the first 14 days. Half their games are against the Eastern Conference, highlighted by a five-game road trip along the East coast. You won't get much use of their tertiary players in the first half of January, especially since none of the first four games are of the quality variety. You're better off latching onto a Steven Adams or Anthony Morrow around December 14th, but now that Kevin Durant is back, it may not matter in standard leagues.

After last night's blowup, Russell Westbrook leads the NBA with eight technical fouls, barring rescission. Worst of all, he only needed 19 games to reach the halfway mark to an automatic one-game suspension. At this rate, he'll reach 16 techs one game before the All-Star break.

29. Charlotte Hornets

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @BOS, NOP, @TOR, @NYK

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): SAS, IND

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): MIN, MIA, @CLE, NYK

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): @SAS, @DEN

The Hornets begin the month with five games in seven nights, play five games against the Western Conference, and alternate two- and four-game weeks.

Rather than recreate Al Jefferson analysis, I'll quote myself from Tuesday's Box Score Breakdown:

"Al Jefferson will miss at least four weeks (13 games) because of a strained adductor muscle.  Truth of the matter is, the timeline falls two weeks shy of the All-Star break. One setback could remove him until February 21st. If Jefferson sits all the way through the All-Star break, he'll miss 20 games over 52 days.

The Hornets are the only team to play a maximum 18 games during the extended head-to-head fantasy playoffs (Week 21-25). Jefferson is a hold in most cases. He'll miss five weeks' worth of matchups. The fantasy playoffs are 10 weeks away. If your team can't survive the deadweight, you'll need to look elsewhere. However, his end-of-season's value in head-to-head leagues deems him a hold or trade for, dependent on your situation."

To add to the Jefferson analysis, the Hornets play the fewest total games over the next two months (23), followed by the most games in March and April (26).

Lance Stephenson is a different animal. If he stays in Charlotte, he benefits from the same backloaded schedule. For the time being, whether he's really suffering from a sprained pelvis or the team just doesn't want him on the court, Stephenson has missed the last eight games. Kemba Walker has been playing so well recently that Stephenson could be refitted to a bench role. He thrived last season with the Pacers' second unit, and coach Clifford could use the injury as an excuse to initially bring him off the bench.

Tier 6 - 13 Games

30. Miami Heat

Week 11 (Jan 5-11): @POR, @MIA

Week 12 (Jan 12-18): @LAL, @GSW, @SAC

Week 13 (Jan 19-25): OKC, @CHA, IND, @CHI

Week 14 (Jan 26-Feb 1): MIL, DAL, @BOS

Eight of the Heat's 13 games are against the Western Conference, exacerbated by a five-game West coast road trip spanning eight days (January 8-16). The road trip is preceded and followed by a total of six days off, three in both directions. Cumulatively, the Heat play five games in a 15-day window (January 5-19). Fret not; they play the second most games (36) over the final three months.

The way I look at it: fewer games equal more rest for Dwyane Wade. The Heat play four games over the first 12 days. For the rest of the season, they play the second fewest back-to-back sets (9), another blessing for Wade. Take that as consolation if you've unsuccessfully been able to swap him for decent value.

December Leaders:

Points

1. James Harden: 30.6 points
2. Russell Westbrook: 28.3 points
3. LeBron James: 25.6 points

Rebounds

1. DeAndre Jordan: 15.7 rebounds
2. Andre Drummond: 14.0 rebounds
3. Tyson Chandler: 12.9 rebounds

Assists

1. John Wall: 11.5 assists
2. Ty Lawson: 10.5 assists
3. Rajon Rondo: 9.8 assists

Steals

1. Russell Westbrook: 2.4 steals
2. Stephen Curry: 2.4 steals
3. Draymond Green: 2.1 steals

Blocks

1. Anthony Davis: 2.8 blocks
2. Serge Ibaka: 2.7 blocks
3. DeAndre Jordan: 2.5 blocks

Three-Pointers

1. Kyle Korver: 3.1 three-pointers
2. Wesley Matthews: 3.1 three-pointers
3. J.J. Redick: 3.1 three-pointers

Usage Rate:

1. Russell Westbrook: 39.1 percent
2. Dwyane Wade: 36.3 percent
3. Kobe Bryant: 34.5 percent

Field Goal Percentage

1. Brandan Wright: 72.0 percent
2. DeAndre Jordan: 69.4 percent
3. Tyson Chandler: 66.2 percent

Minutes

1. Jimmy Butler: 40.7 minutes
2. Trevor Ariza: 39.8 minutes
3. Ty Lawson: 39.0 minutes

Games Played

1. Marco Belinelli: 18 games
2. Matt Bonner: 18 games
3. Cory Joseph: 18 games