David West was ruled out for the remainder of the season on Friday with a torn left knee ligament, severely hurting the New Orleans Hornets’ push for the playoffs.
Currently sitting at seventh place in the Western Conference, the Hornets will struggle to hold onto their playoff spot without their leading scorer and second leading rebounder.
West also brings a level of toughness and defensive energy to the court that will be nearly impossible for New Orleans to replace.
If New Orleans is to hold off the likes of Houston (3.5 games back) and Phoenix (5 games back) for a final playoff spot, they will need Carl Landry and Emeka Okafor to step up their games on both ends of the floor.
With Okafor already owned in nearly all leagues, fantasy owners looking to replace West should look for Landry and Trevor Ariza on the waiver wire as they can provide a boost down the stretch.
Both Landry and Ariza showed that ability Friday night in New Orleans’ 106-100 win over Phoenix.
Ariza, who has largely disappointed with his lack of production in his first season as a Hornet, scored 16 points Friday night and added six rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal.
He’ll need to step up his rebounding and defense with West out of the lineup, but he’s a player for fantasy owners to take a flyer on down the stretch.
Landry has taken over West’s starting power forward spot and is the player New Orleans needs to step up the most. He had a solid game against the Suns on Friday, scoring 19 points while adding six rebounds and three steals.
Landry has shown the ability to put up big scoring numbers throughout his career and may become New Orleans’ go to scorer down the stretch.
Owners should look for both Landry and Ariza on their league waiver wire.
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