Thoughts on the NBA Playoffs

East

> Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers (3 - 1)

Indiana was playing too hard not to pull out a win. Even the Bulls fans out there might have to reward them and say that the undermanned Pacers deserved at least a win on their home floor. Either way, the Bulls will have to fly back to Chicago anyway, so they'll just have to play one more game before they get to the second round.

Who knows, it might actually be good for them to play another game. The Orlando and Atlanta series poses to drag on until game 6 or 7.

> Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers (3 - 0)

The 76ers are overmatched - plain and simple. Wade, LeBron and yes, even Bosh, have been excellent in the series. They've outplayed all 6 or 7 players that the Sixers have been depending on. I expect Miami to clean this out pretty quick since Boston is also going for a sweep.

Perhaps, if anything Miami should take this opportunity to stretch out their bench and see what they can get from those guys. After all, they're going to need the support in the second round.

> Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks (3 - 0)

The New York roller coaster for the 2010-11 season will probably end in 1 or 2 games. They got the guys they wanted, but the Knicks haven't been solid long enough to really make a run at the standard-bearers of the East. The road to the finals goes through Boston and Melo's crew hasn't proven themselves to be good enough.. Not yet.

The injuries have definitely not helped. Hopefully, the Knicks can rile up enough energy to win one in the Garden, but the Rondo-Allen-Pierce-Garnett combo is too much for this year.

> Orlando Magic vs Atlanta Hawks (1 - 2)

Here's where it gets interesting. Game 4 will miss the presence of Orlando's Jason Richardson and Atlanta's Zaza Pachulia. In spite of the disparity in salary and career accomplishments, I think Atlanta might have actually gotten the short end of this. Zaza was defending Dwight best among the Hawk bigs, and without him Collins, Horford and Etan Thomas might have to deal with the Beast. Orlando, on the other hand, will miss J-Rich's shooting. But since SVG runs only one offensive scheme (Post Dwight / Kick for the 3 /Pick n Roll with Nelson), J-Rich's spot can actually be replaced with any shooter - in this case, probably JJ Redick.

I think Orlando will actually tie it 2-2 after the next game. It might need another monstrous effort from the 3-time DPOY, but he'll have to carry the load on his broad shoulders. If somehow, Horford and J-Smoove can match his production, then maybe Atlanta can pull it out. I'm still inclined towards the tie though.

West

> San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies (1 - 2)

The Grizz leading 2 to 1 was something I definitely didn't expect. Experts have been writing off the Spurs, but basketball wisdom would suggest otherwise. Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker will find a way to get things back on track. Their only problem as of the moment is that their 3-point shooting hasn't been as consistent as before.

Randolph and Gasol are doing their jobs, and will probably do their jobs consistently for the rest of the series. The young perimeter players will probably crack once the Spurs put them under tremendous stress, as can be expected in the remaining games. I think the Spurs will still pull this out in 7.

> Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Hornets (2 - 1)

In game 1, CP3 needed 33 points and 15 assists to carve out a win against LA. Unfortunately for all Paul fans, he will be needing more efforts such as that to have more than 2 games left. Game 3 showed LA flexing their strength underneath and their adjustments on covering Paul. Carl Landry has been a gem for the Hornets but they're really missing David West and his reliable production because outside of those three, points are hard to come by for the bees.

The Lakers will wrap this up in LA after the fifth game. Kobe and company will just execute their defense against the Hornets, and sit back and wait for their opponents. It might be a while before the second round starts in LA.

> Dallas Mavericks vs Portland Trailblazers (2 - 2)

This series is finally shaping up to be all it's hyped up to be. Dirk, Aldridge and all those expected to produce have done their jobs. So far, it's been the team with the guy stepping up who has won the game. Kidd and Peja took care of games 1 and 2 respectively. Brandon Roy took over games 3 and 4. So we're probably looking at a seven-game series. Very good for the NBA, very bad for these 2 teams as the Lakers are resting and healing.

Game five will be nuts, simply put. Both teams will go out at all costs and I think the bench guards will determine the outcome. Terry-Barea-Beaubois vs Roy-Fernandez-Mills will determine who takes the lead. I still think the Mavs will pull this series out in 7.

> Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets (3 - 0)

This series has been all about closers - the Thunder's ownership of one of the best and Denver's absence of one. The Nuggets are a great team and that's the main reason why they weathered the whole storm built around trading Melo, but they're in a playoff series and they need that to close out games. We've seen the Nuggets offense struggle in the fourth quarter, and until they can get Nene to go up to that role (since's crushing dunks on the frontcourt of every team), Denver will fall short.

Similar to the Bulls-Pacers series, I think Denver will get hot enough to pull out the next game a home. But knowing OKC and how the organization is shaping up to be, they will not let the series go beyond 5 games. Then, they'll rest and heal up until they visit the Spurs probably after another week.

Fantasy NBA Mythical Five: Week 3

Fantasy NBA Mythical Five: Week 3

The Director

Steve Nash (1) - 62.5 FG%, 1.3 3FG, 21.7 PPG, 12.7 APG, 1.0 SPG

The Skywalker

Manu Ginobili (1) - 50.0 FG%, 100 FT%, 3.3 3FG, 21.8 PPG, 1.5 SPG

The Triggerman

Kevin Durant (1) - 1.7 3FG, 29.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Captain Lionheart

Carmelo Anthony (1) - 93.8 FT%, 25.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG

Tower of Power

Zach Randolph (1) - 63.0 FG%, 22.3 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.3 SPG

Wild how the PG's played this last week. Top 3 players were PGs, and Nash just edged John Wall for the top spot this week. Here are their other stat lines.

John Wall - 1.7 3FG, 16.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 10.0 APG, 4.3 SPG

Russell Westbrook - 28.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 9.0 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Fantasy NBA Mythical Five: Week 2

The Director
Toney Douglas (1) - 100.0 FT%, 2.7 3PG, 22.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.0 SPG
- Douglas has been taking some time away from Felton and has been playing the 2 as well. Being D'Antoni's system, when you're hot, you play. So, we can expect him to play the same minutes this week.

The Skywalker
Jason Richardson (1) - 50.0 FG%, 4.0 3PG, 26.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.7 SPG
- J-Rich stole the show when he delivered the key basket over the Grizz to send the game to OT. He should stay at this level should Phoenix try to stay in the playoffs.

The Triggerman
Rudy Gay (1) - 2.8 3PG, 30.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG
- Rudy Gay took his game to a high level in 4 games this week. Let's see if the numbers stay the same with Zach Randolph back in the line-up.

Captain Lionheart
Josh Smith (1) - 16.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.0 SPG, 3.3 BPG
- Very tasty defensive numbers from J-Smoove this week. Could it be that all the trade talk has him earning his keep in Atlanta?

The Tower of Power
Pau Gasol (1) - 23.3 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG
- Brilliant across the board, Gasol is starting to look like LA's best fantasy player. His overall skill has him delivering across all 9-cats well with 56.1 FG%, 90.5 FT% and only 1.3 TOs

Fantasy NBA 2010-11: Week 1

And we're back!

The NBA 2010-2011 has officially started with the New Big Three falling to Rondo and his old Big Three. Amare (I still don't know where to place the apostrophe) is in New York. Carmelo is not happy, probably so is CP3. Boozer is hurt again due to the smite of poetic justice. John Wall is overshadowing the now defunct Agent Zero, but big bad Blake Griffin is in LA creating havoc in the paint... All the makings of a good season.

In fantasy world, Durant won top pick over CP3. LeBron and D-Wade might battle for stats in Miami and Chris Bosh has fallen to the 2nd or 3rd rounds. Former 1st round picks Kevin Garnett and Shawn Marion are sometimes left in the FA Pool. It's a different fantasy world too, so expect some changes to happen as well.

Now for the Mythical 5!

The Director

Russell Westbrook (1) - 91.3 FT%, 22.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 8.5 APG, 2.0 SPG

Manu Ginobili almost cracked the list as SG if Monta is used as a PG, but Westbrook's high FT%, Rebounds and Assists were great, especially from the PG

The Skywalker

Monta Ellis (1) - 66.7 FG%, 2.0 3PG, 30.5 PPG, 6.5 APG, 1.0 SPG

We can exepect Ellis' FG% to drop especially with Curry out due to an ankle, but his points can be expected to remain high and close to 30.

The Triggerman

Wilson Chandler (1) - 1.7 3PG, 21.0 PPG. 10.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 3.0 BPG

Chandler, being in his 2nd year under D'Antoni is looking to be their version of Shawn Marion's stat-stuffing back in Phoenix - all from the bench too. This would be a late round-steal.

Captain Lionheart

Danny Granger (1) - 3.7 3PG, 27.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 1.3 BPG

Granger has been made to operate from the wing for majority of this time as to make space for the improvement of Hibbert. So expect the 3s to be high but the rebounds to go down from last year.

Tower of Power

Joachim Noah (1) - 52.0 FG%,16.5 PPG, 18.0 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 2.5 BPG

Noah nearly lost this battle Luis Scola, who is feasting on the fact that Yao only plays 24 minutes a game, and is off on back-to-backs. It's curious to see how the numbers might adjust when Boozer comes into the team in December.

It's the best time of the year and I'm back!

It's playoff time already.. and I've been so busy that I only start sharing my thoughts and it's already the 2nd Round. What is up with that?!

Anyway, just some thoughts on a couple of things before I get into the 2nd Round of the Playoffs.

1. Fantasy Basketball

I won 2 leagues this year. Better than my previous seasons, and considering I have less leagues too. So, a hgiher percentage probably comes from being able to manage each team better since I had 4 to 6 teams in previous years. Now, for the Fantasy All-NBA First Team:

PG - Dwyane Wade
SG - Kevin Durant
SF - LeBron James
PF - Chris Bosh
C - Andrew Bogut (Surprised? He was more efficient and delivered somewhat similar numbers.)

2. NBA Awards

The list of the regular season awards have been released and I pretty much agree with everything except ROY. Brandon Jennings should've gotten the award simply for winning, considering there are only 2 lottery picks on the Bucks (Bogut and Jennings), compared to Tyreke's Kings (Thompson, Evans, Hawes). But as a recap, here are the awards:

MVP: LeBron James
DPOY: Dwight Howard
MIP: Aaron Brooks
COY: Scott Brooks
6MOY: Jamal Crawford
ROY: Tyreke Evans

3. All NBA Teams

Here are my predictions for the All-NBA Teams. For those asking, I do value winning.

1st Team: Wade, Bryant, James, Durant, Howard
2nd Team: Nash, D. Williams, Nowitzki, Stoudamire, Gasol
3rd Team: Rondo, J. Johnson, Anthony, G.Wallace, Bogut

D 1st Team: Rondo, Bryant, James, J. Smith, Howard
D 2nd Team: Kidd, Billups, Duncan, Hoford, Bogut

R 1st Team: Curry, Jennings, Evans, Collison, Blair

4. Playoffs 2nd Round

East
1. Cleveland v. 4. Boston

I, like many a basketball fan, hope that The Truth, KG, Ray and Rondo can muster up enough fight to make this competitive. We know their veterans smarts and championship swagger can push the Cavs every game, but the question is if it can actually translate to wins. And as for LeBron's elbow, the Celts will hammer that thing so that he'll feel it, but he's strong enough to survive for this round. Maybe we'll see how much it hurts next round.. Cavs in 6.

2. Orlando v. 3. Atlanta

Maybe the best thing that happened to the Hawks is that they hit 7 games with the Bucks. It's been a week since the Magic have played, and maybe they cooled off considering they were playing so well even if Howard wasn't scoring. Plus, the Hawks got Crawford on track. They might stretch Orlando, but I still think that we'll be seeing a rematch... Magic in 7.

West
1. LA Lakers v. 5. Utah

For some strange reason, everybody thinks that the Lakers are more vulnerable this year as the hunger isn't a strong any more. This I think is sort of true, especially on the support guys (Brown, Farmar, etc.), but Kobe, Gasol and Fisher still have it. Unfortunately for Utah though, they're missing a lot of players and Deron and Boozer are dinged up some way. The Lakers will beat down on the Jazz and eventually squeeze out in the series... Lakers in 6.

3. Phoenix v. 7. San Antonio

As a Suns fan, it would only be appropriate that the road to the championship would go through the Spurs (and eventually, if ever, LA). These two teams have been contrasts of each other ever since Charles Barkley and company shot themselves over David Robinson in 1993. For the previous match-ups t's been Offense vs Defense, Flash/Fancy vs Fundamental. This year though, the Suns have improved their defense and the Spurs have more scoring. Pretty interesting ain't it? So, as a fan, I will not jinx the series by making a prediction... 7 games.

Fantasy NBA Players of the Week 22

Dwyane Wade (MIA) - 25.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 8.8 APG, 2.8 SPG, 1.8 BPG [6]

Kevin Durant (OKC) - 1.3 3FGM, 31.3 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.0 BPG [9]

LeBron James (CLE) - 1.7 3FGM, 33.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 9.0 APG, 2.0 SPG [13]

Ryan Anderson (ORL) - 3.5 3FGM, 19.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.0 SPG [1]

Mehmet Okur (UTA) - 2.5 3FGM, 19.8 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2.0 BPG [1]

Fantasy NBA Players of the Week 21

It's time for the playoffs! At least in fantasy world, that is... Now owners of sure fire teams better be careful with their players as we might see DNPs more liberally. LeBron started it last week, and the Lakers will probably follow suit resting Kobe some games especially since Bynum is now down for at least 2 weeks.

Now the mythical 5...

Monta Ellis (GSW) - 2.5 3FGM, 27.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 7.8 APG, 3.5 SPG [2]

Vince Carter (ORL) - 3.0 3FGM, 25.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 7.0 APG [1]

LeBron James (CLE) - 1.3 3FGM, 26.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 8.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG [12]

Troy Murphy (IND) - 3.3 3FGM, 19.3 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.8 SPG [1]

David Lee (NYK) - 21.3 PPG, 15.0 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG [2]


On this week's list, LeBron and VC are the only ones who will play on in the NBA Playoffs. The rest will be goin' fishing soon enough. So, we can expect less from these big team players to reserve them and avoid injury. I suggest stocking on some bench talent to supplement your true players. Then, if anybody is injured, add and drop.

Fantasy NBA Players of the Week 20

Stephen Curry (GSW) - 3.0 3FGM, 20.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.3 APG, 2.3 SPG [2]

Manu Ginobili (SAS) - 2.8 3FGM, 21.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.8 SPG [1]

Kevin Durant (OKC) - 2.0 3FGM, 32.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.3 APG [8]

David West (NOH) - 28.8 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.3 SPG [2]

Andrew Bogut (MIL) - 19.3 PPG, 13.7 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 3.7 BPG [4]

4th Quarter Report: NBA Playoffs Time

With approximately 63 games done for everybody, the NBA is officially in the 4th quarter of the regular season. Teams on the bubble have less than 20 games to bail themselves out of the lottery and continue to challenge for the NBA Championship. Now let's take a snapshot of what would be the playoff match-ups had the playoffs started today.

East
1. Cleveland (51-15) vs 8. Toronto (32-31)
2. Orlando (46-20) vs. 7. Miami (34-32)
3. Boston (41-23) vs 6. Charlotte (33-31)
4. Atlanta (41-23) vs 5. Milwaukee (35-29)

On the bubble: 9. Chicago (31-34)

West
1. LA Lakers (48-18) vs 8. Portland (40-28)
2. Dallas (45-21) vs 7. San Antonio (38-25)
3. Denver (44-21) vs 6. Phoenix (40-26)
4. Utah (42-23) vs Oklahoma (40-24)

On the bubble: 9. Memphis (35-21), 10. Houston (32-31), 11. New Orleans (32-34)

Personally, I think all Playoff teams should have winning records. This is why particularly, this year's performance pleases me. In previous years, Western conference teams having winning records were booted out even they could have had 5th seed in the East. Somehow, that just didn't seem right.

As it stands now, we're bound to see some exciting series: LeBron-Bosh, Wade-Howard, Lakers-Blazers, Texas Shootout, Mile High-Grand Canyon. But I'm here to take a look at the chances of those teams on the bubble - Chicago, Memphis, Houston, New Orleans.

Chicago

Their fate lies in the hands and more importantly, health of Derrick Rose. He's very banged up. We hear or a hip, a knee, a wrist and all sorts of minor dings to him that we wonder if he can survive the grueling chase to the playoffs. Last year, Rose and Ben Gordon practically shot the Bulls into that thrilling series with the Celtics. But he doesn't have a shot-maker like Ben Gordon or even John Salmons anymore, so we've seen the wear and tear on him this year. If he's healthy, maybe they have a shot of pulling into the 8th spot especially with Toronto never really getting chemistry going the whole year.


Memphis
This picture was just too good to not post. Zach Randolph has been consistent for the Grizzlies the whole year up to the point that he even became a first-time All-Star. But them vaulting into another level of success really depends on Rudy Gay. Gay should be their superstar, the one teams watch and prepare for first before Randolph. He has to pick it up and act like the physical freak that he is or else, it's another lottery pick for the Griz.


Houston
Ariza was forced to become a scorer due to the absence and now, departure of T-Mac. Unforutnately for the Rockets, he hasn't come up to standards. Yao's absence can really be felt even with the herculean efforts of Scola, Hayes, Battier and the rest of their 6'8 and under front court. How they're even contending is actually a thing of roughneck beauty with a scrappy team performing hard every night. But, Ariza has to stop chucking and start scoring if the Rockets want to keep their streak of being in the playoffs alive.


New Orleans
Injury could not have struck at a worse time when CP3 went down. With the Thunder picking up their game, the once-considered contender Hornets now are just struggling to reach .500 with Paul down with a bum ankle. David West and Emeka Okafor have been unable to find a right mix to make things work underneath even if Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton have been playing like vets on the perimeter. Paul coming back isn't soon enough for this team as they seem to be on the way out of the playoffs.

Fantasy NBA Players of the Week 19

A little bit late but...



The Director
Dwyane Wade (MIA) - 1.7 3FGM, 33.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 12.0 APG, 2.3 SPG [4]

The Skywalker
Quentin Richardson (MIA) - 4.7 3FGM, 20.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.0 APG, 2.3 SPG [2]

The Triggerman
LeBron James (CLE) - 1.3 3FGM, 29.3 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 9.0 APG, 2.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG [12]

Captain Lionheart
David West (NOH) - 16.7 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.3 SPG, 2.7 BPG [1]

Tower of Power
Andrew Bogut (MIL) - 0.545 FG%, 16.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, 4.3 BPG [3]


Quick Notes:
1. LeBron will not be next week's player of the week unless he strings up an insane set of numbers. Those DNPs are well-deserved indeed.

2. I said earlier in this series that Q-Rich would never appear again. But, 4.7 3FGM gets him to the place where 5.0 3FGM placed him once before.

3. David West is finally showing his all-star form. The Hornets really need him while CP3 gtes back into shape, hopefully for a push for the playoffs.

4. LeBron's DNPs spell problems for those owners with Cavs, Lakers, Mavs, Magic and Nuggets players. We might see their coaches giving them nights of with their places in the conferences rather set.

Fantasy NBA Players of the Week 18

Week 18's Mythical 5:

The Director
Chauncey Billups (DEN) - 3.7 3FGM, 26.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.0 APG [2]

The Skywalker
Kevin Durant (OKC) - 1.8 3FGM, 27.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.8 SPG [7]

The Triggerman
LeBron James (CLE) - 2.0 3FGM, 30.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 10.3 APG, 1.3 SPG [11]

Captain Lionheart
Gerald Wallace (CHA) - 1.7 3FGM, 23.0 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 2.3 SPG [2]

Tower of Power
Zach Randolph (MEM) - 24.3 PPG, 14.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.3 SPG, 1.3 RPG [2]


Couple of things we must note this week:

1. LeBron James is again the best player in fantasy basketball. Numbers, team's record, overall impact all point to him becoming a back-to-back MVP, especially since Kobe sat down for several games. Plus, Shaq going to be out for over a month means more of the monster numbers for the King.

2. Danny Granger again pays the price for becoming a Small Foward.

3. It was a slow week for point guards. Chauncey Billups didn't put up whoa numbers and yet he was the best at his position for this week.

Fantasy NBA Players of the Week 17

The Director
Jason Kidd (DAL) - 3.0 3FGM, 15.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 8.5 APG, 3.8 SPG [3]

The Skywalker
CJ Watson (GSW) - 1.3 3FGM, 24.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.3 APG, 2.3 SPG [1]

The Triggerman
LeBron James (CLE) - 1.3 3FGM, 32.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 10.0 APG, 2.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG [10]

Captain Lionheart
Danny Granger (IND) - 2.7 3FGM, 29.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.3 BPG [1]

Tower of Power
Dwight Howard (ORL) - 28.0 PPG, 16.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 5.3 BPG [1]



I was surprised to see that this week is only Brandon Routh's (aka Dwight Howard with Shaq being Christopher Reeve) first appearance in the Mythical 5. But after watching the Orlando-Cleveland game, I am able to understand why. Week on week, Howard has been passive with the offense. In that game, he took it to the Cavs bigs over and over to set the tone that he would make them pay. I'm not sure if getting a facial from Shaq helped motivate him, but I'm glad as hell that he showed up.

As for everybody else, I know Granger's spot as a 3 does not help since LeBron has been practically immovable from the Triggerman slot. Thankfully for Durant, he has SG eligibility. Also, Chris Bosh actually had the best averages for this week. However, he only played 1 game and is practically useless compared to 3 or 4 games from the rest.

All-Star Thoughts & Fantasy NBA Players of the Week 16

For the past few years, All-Star Saturday Night has been a success. There was Josh Smith over Kenyon Martin in a Dominque jersey. Nate Robinson with Spud Webb and his Krypto-Nate garb. Gerald Green with his cupcake. Dwight Howard with the sticker, Superman cape and Phone Booth.

Now, we all know that the crown jewel of All-Star Saturday Night is the Slam Dunk Contest. This year, that gem was pretty much a bust, pwet ng baso. Yes, Derozan and Robinson did come up with good dunks (off the side of the backboard-windmill to the reverse side and off the backboard-reverse double-pump, respectively), but the overall lack of competitiveness and creativity in the field took away all the excitement the other events generated.

Simply put, the Slam Dunk Competition needs people who can bring in the hype and even if they fail, at least the "upset" tag can be used for the result. LeBron, You've been the best basketball player (Real and Fantasy) this year, but I am blaming you.


The Director
Louis Williams (PHI) - 1.5 3FGM, 21.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.5 SPG [2]

The Skywalker
Stephen Curry (GSW) - 7.0 3FGM, 36.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 13.0 APG, 3.0 SPG [1]

The Triggerman
LeBron James (CLE) - 1.5 3FGM, 32.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 12.0 APG, 1.5 SPG [9]

Captain Lionheart
Lamarcus Aldridge (POR) - 18.5 PP, 10.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG [1]

Tower of Power
Andrew Bogut (MIL) - 19.5 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 3.5 BPG [2]

Fantasy NBA Players fo the Week 15

Leading up to the All-Star break, the King claims his throne again... Unfortunately, almost none of his fellow all-stars are coming along the ride. Paul, Roy, Melo, Kobe, KG, Billups are all banged up before the best exhibition game on the planet. Let's just hope they can warm Cowboys Stadium up until Pacquiao beats down Clottey..

This week's Mythical 5:

The Director
Jason Kidd (DAL) - 2.7 3FGM, 13.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 11.7 APG, 4.3 SPG [2]

Kidd has been steady the entire week, and perhaps fits this monicker best among all PGs this season as he's been feeding everybody. We know he could still force a triple-double but he's content distributing to Dirk, Terry, Howard, Marion, Dampier, Gooden, Barea and even Beaubois.


The Skywalker
Stephen Jackson (CHA) - 3.0 3FGM, 28.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.0 APG, 2.5 SPG [2]

S-Jax has been steady since being traded over. Gerlad Wallace will be getting honors in this year's all-star game, but he's the other half of the Bobcats combo that's keeping them in the playoffs.


The Triggerman
LeBron James (CLE) - 2.7 3FGM, 35.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 10.3 APG, 2.7 SPG [8]







He's back at it again, and is again the best player in fantasy basketball. There's nothing else to say... The new ad with Big Z takes the cake though!


Captain Lionheart
Andrei Kirilenko (UTA) - 22.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.5 APG, 3.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG [1]

Five years ago when the Jazz sucked, this would have probably been a regular site. But when Deron, Boozer, and Memo got into town, AK47 finally came back down to earth. Too bad his contract was just huge!


Tower of Power
Chris Bosh (TOR) - 30.3 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.7 BPG [4]

CB4 was probably the biggest starter snub this year with Garnett taking his rightful spot. We can expect more concern over his destination after the summer as it's clear that everybody with cap room will make Bosh option 3 after LeBron and Wade.

Fantasy NBA Players of the Week 14

The Director
Chris Paul (NOH) - 2.3 3FGM, 26.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 11.0 APG, 3.3 SPG [5]

Unfortunately, people, that is this week's best player in fantasy basketball. To think that Paul actually put these numbers up in just 3 games (while the Hornets had 4). So, for Paul owners out there, this stellar week will be the last for about a month or so. He's down with a partially torn miniscus, and will probably miss the All-Star game, leaving the spot open for Chauncey Billups.


The Skywalker
Kevin Durant (OKC) - 1.7 3FGM, 34.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 1.3 BPG [6]

Durant creeps closer to LeBron's 7 appearances in the mythical 5 with his sixth. Dropping 45 in his last game of this week, Durant solidifes his All-Star selection (the first of many to come). We have seen Durant play bigger this week with more rebounds and blocks. We can probably expect this continuous shifting for small stats (3s, Asts, Stls) to big stats (Rebs, Blks) to go on for the rest of the year since OKC will probably not get a dominating big before the deadline.


The Triggerman
Gerald Wallace (CHA) - 1.3 3FGM, 27.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.3 BPG [2]

Crash is an all-star and is the first Bobcat to do so, an honor he deserves since he's been the only person left from Bobcat Day 1. Always playing bigger than his size, Wallace's rebounding and defense have always been known. Offensively though, he has raised it up a notch this year.


Captain Lionheart
David Lee (NYK) - 24.3 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.5 SPG [1]

Probably the biggest All-star snub this year, David Lee finally enters the mythical 5. As if to make a statement against his being snubbed, Lee has evolved into also becoming a playmaker for the Knicks, averaging close to 5 dimes per game. Now, if only an East all-star would get injured, a Knick could be an all-star, the first since... Starbury...


Tower of Power
Marc Gasol (MEM) - 19.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.3 APG, 2.5 SPG, 1.8 BPG [1]

Pau's baby brother has been playing great this year. Probably just as deserving as Zach Randolph's all-star nod, he has been the slotman for the Grizz's resurgence in the deep, deep Southwest, which has all his teams over .500. has his emergence made the trade with the Lakers any fairer? Still no...

Fantasy NBA Players of the Week 13

The Director
Chauncey Billups (DEN) - 0.909 FT%, 4.3 3FGM, 25.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 7.7 APG [1]

Finally, Mr. Big Shot arrives. Seems to have perfect timing too as the wind-up to the all-star game is right upon the world. Last year, he got the snub even after turning Denver around. This year though, Tony Parker isn't playing as well, so this would seem to be a lock unless Deron Williams creeps into the picture.


The Skywalker
Kevin Durant (OKC) - 1.3 3FGM, 31.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG [5]

He's back. He's been here less than just 1 person. Like almost everybody has said, the Thunder were not supposed to be this good this early. Durant is leading the precocious team with his own advanced-for-his-age numbers, and they're in the playoffs. Who knows, they might even leapfrog Portland as the "Young team the NBA is afraid of." He's gonna be an all-star for sure.


The Triggerman
LeBron James (CLE) - 2.3 3FGM, 34.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 10.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.7 SPG [7]



As if last week wasn't good enough, he upped himself and beat Kobe and his Lakers too. Mo Williams is down for the next month or so, thus we can expect more of this from LeBron. The best players in fantasy basketball (and real basketball) is on a different plane these last 2 weeks.


Captain Lionheart
Corey Maggette (GSW) - 0.929 FT%, 30.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.0 APG [1]

The conflict of the week! Andrei Kirilenko was another candidate for this slot, with better percetages and defense. But he only played 2 weeks. So, I went with Maggette since he played more games and his FT% was way up there considering the volume of FT he takes.


Tower of Power
Andrew Bogut (MIL) - 20.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 4.0 BPG [1]

He was the number 1 pick, folks, not CP3 or D-Will. Yes, it might have taken him a couple of years longer, but the Australian is here to stay. Tag teaming with a young spitfire in Brandon Jennings, they seem to make each other better. Let's see if this combo heats up the Milwaukee cold.

Fantasy NBA Players of the Week 12

The Director
Chris Paul (NOH) - 1.3 3FGM, 18.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 13.5 APG, 3.0 SPG [4]

CP3 is back in the Mythical 5 with his usual numbers. Looks like he, David West and Emeka Okafor are finally getting their acts together, and less scoring is needed from him. Us fantasy people hate that... unless we own Okafor.


The Skywalker
Dwyane Wade (MIA) - 27.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 7.3 APG, 2.5 SPG, 1.8 BPG [3]

D-Wade was a defensive beast last week. Sure he gambles and puts his team at risk in the real world, but that doesn't mean jack in fantasy basketball. 4.3 Steals/Blocks per game is just way, way up there for any guard.


The Triggerman
Lebron James (CLE) - 35.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 7.0 APG, 3.0 SPG, 1.7 BPG [6]


LeBron was once again the best player in fantasy basketball. He's been here for the 6th week and he even produced higher offense and defensive numbers than Wade. It seems that Cleveland is finally taking some of the load of LeBron, keeping defenders honest and letting LeBron go nuts. If only he'd dunk in the Dunk Contest...


Captain Lionheart
Stephen Jackson (CHA) - 3.0 3FGM, 29.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.7 APG, 3.0 SPG [1]

Here's another one of those "multiple positions saves my ass" types of listings again. I really never knew until recently that S-Jax had PF eligibility. Being in Golden State indeed paid off for some fantasy owners who lucked out on this one.


Tower of Power
Brook Lopez (NJN) - 22.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.5 BPG [2]

He's been the only consistent thing in New Jersey aside from the losses. How those two correlate, I dunno. But, Brook is recently getting outshone by Robin out in Phoenix. Maybe we'll see these 2 get some time to go head-to-head.

NBA Fantasy Players of the Week 11

Just when last week I said that everything was getting back to normal in the fantasy world, it gets screwed up again. LeBron wasn't close to 30-8-8, Kobe was shooting left-handed, Nash and Paul were scoring. You could go on and on.

So this is why we have a pretty weird Mythical 5 this week... Prepare to be surprised.

The Director
Monta Ellis (GSW) - 30.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.0 APG, 2.3 SPG [1]

For some strange reason, the monicker "The Director" doesn't fit when Ellis is your PG. But then again, he's eligible, so ehhh.. But he had good scoring and somewhat good percentages, so we have to give him the spot.


The Skywalker
Kevin Durant (OKC) - 1.7 3FGM, 30.7 PPG, 3.0 APG, 1.0 SPG [4]

Kevin Durant installs some normalcy in this week's mythical five being on the list 3 times prior to this. The points are there, but everything else is down. Must be a really slow fantasy week for all the top players...


The Triggerman
Andre Iguodala (PHI) - 1.0 3FGM, 17.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 7.3 APG, 2.7 SPG [1]

Iguodala did his LeBron impersonation this week with an 18-7-7 type of deal. Lebron Lite, as I will now call him, gave us good numbers but nothing that will pop out at you. But his efforts will not be unnoticed as he is not the only Sixer on the list.


Captain Lionheart
Channing Frye (PHX) - 3.7 3FGM, 18.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 1.0 BPG [2]

Here's where it begins to get fishy. Frye was previously on this list at center but I had to bump him down in favor of another big guy. Frye was draining 3s as is his role with the Suns and at a high percentage compared to the blips he's been having the weeks prior.


Tower of Power


Samuel Dalembert (PHI) - 1.000 FT%, 15.3 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 1.7 APG, 2.7 BPG [1]
This week's Best Player in Fantasy Basketball is Samuel Dalembert. Nope, I am not drunk not high. Dalembert got this week's nod because of his double-doubles and his high-high percantage. Normally, I'm not a percentage guy, but he had a signifcant number of shots per game and he made all of his free throws. Tough to admit but I can't deny Sammy D this week.

Fantasy NBA Players of the Week 10

Just because I wasn't able to fix my line-up and put David Lee in, I lost a week 2-7. Makes me wonder if I should keep him for the keeper league. But since he's an unrestricted free agent, I have to wait and see...

Now, the fantasy world seems to be normalizing based on pre-season predictions... This week's mythical 5!


The Director
Chris Paul (NOH) - 20.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 9.3 APG, 2.7 SPG, 1.0 BPG [3]
CP3 is back in his place as the NBA's best PG. But, his assists are down compared to when he came back from injury. This is probably because West and Okafor are contributing more to the Hornets cause. The block is a bonus and the steals are where you want them to be.


The Skywalker
Kobe Bryant (LAL) - 2.3 3FGM, 33.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.5 APG [4]

The Black Mamba just killed the Kings for the second game in a row. He's been playing at an MVP pace this year and with Gasol going down to the hamstring, we can expect Kobe to be looking to shoot again.


The Triggerman

LeBron James (CLE) - 29.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 7.3 APG, 2.3 SPG, 1.5 BPG [5]

The King was the best player in fantasy basketball this week with monster 5-cat averages over 4 games. The statement being made in the 48-point explosion in Atlanta. We know he can do this every night if he wanted to, but he's saving energy for the chase for the homecourt advantage and playoffs this early. Yes, this early, especially since Boston and Orlando are right up there in the East.


Captain Lionheart
Chris Bosh (TOR) - 26.7 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.3 BPG [3]

CB4 has finally restored his 20-10 averages after a funk he went through last week. With Hedo going down to injury and Calderon still not back, Bosh will be forced to have these numbers for at least this week.


Tower of Power
Nene (DEN) - 23.7 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 3.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG [1]

Nene is clearly benefiting from Melo and Ms. Big Shot going down to injury. He has to establish himself as Denver's 3rd option, and seems to be doing so very well. When those 2 come back, we'll see if Nene can keep this pace up.

Fantasy NBA: Players of the Week 9

For this week, it was this first time this year that I was in such a hole that I benched my entire team to just try and win turnovers. It's a ploy you almost never want to go through with but sometimes, deep, deep holes leave you with no choice...

This week, the multiple positions eligibility will help me cheat with the top 5 players in the league...

The Director
Dwyane Wade (MIA) - 28.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 3.0 SPG, 1.3 BPG [2]

Cheat #1. Wade is given PG elibigility, so I'll place him here since he ranks behind Kobe in this week's show. Flash is showing his 5-cat prowess once again, and when asked about it in an interview, he said he was playing better because he slowed down. This means he's picking his spots more and better percentages can be expected as well.


The Skywalker
Kobe Bryant (LAL) - 1.7 3FGM, 37.7 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 6.0 APG,2.7 SPG [3]

If anybody was able to see the Sacramento game the other day, Kobe killed the Kings in 2OT with 2 3s that sent the young Kings packing. He ate Tyreke Evans for dinner too. Kobe, now with Artest gone, can be expected to jack most of the Lakers' 3 attempts now, so be wary of the risks coming.



The Triggerman
Brandon Roy (POR) - 2.0 3FGM, 32.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.0 APG, 2.5 SPG [1]

Brandon Roy was fantasy basketball's best player this week, and sadly for him, he had to be. The Blazers are so injured right now, it's not even funny. Their coach was injured a few weeks back because he had to complete the 10 people on-court during practice. So, with that many players, we can expect Roy to have to produce at this level to stay afloat in the West.


Captain Lionheart
Zach Randolph (MEM) - .650 FG%, 30.0 PPG, 16.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG [1]

Now, Z-BO is one of the players I hate most in the NBA, not just real basketball or fantasy. I just really don't like the guy. He's a pit for your offense, but apparently, he can put up numbers - and has been for the last few weeks now.


Tower of Power
Al Horford (ATL) - .658 FG%, 19.7 PPG, 13.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, 2.3 BPG [1]

J-Smooth gets most of the props for the Atlanta's improvement this year, but Horford has been steadily improving his game too. For the most part, gone are the single-digit scoring games and the bad percentages. He's confident and settling down in the fact that he is their #1 big guy, and he hopes to become a bigger presence to get guys off Joe Johnson.