Playoff Panic

Having computer problems, so apologize for the length between posts, and first official reminder to self that Spelling Bee 2010 is drawing closer.

"Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without." - Confucius

In many ways, the above quote personifies my attitude towards fantasy sports now: it's pointless going for "moral victories" or "reaching the playoffs is cool" sentiments. It's win or waste my time. And really, in the fantasy leagues I participate in (and I imagine a lot of your leagues at home), making the playoffs just requires a glance at your team once in a while, not due diligience, constant vigilance, or Nostradomus-like ability. It's like 9th grade algebra: just do your homework once in a while, show up for the test (the draft + the playoffs), and do reasonably well in the class. 'Nuff said.

However, WINNING a fantasy league (I'm talking 12-team minimums, not the 3-team splatter that some people make with 2 of their closest friends to boost their egos) requires a bit more than that... you need to be patient, proactive, shrewd, entrepreneurial, prognosticative, contemplative, and sometimes, it even requires some good fantasy advice.....which is where I come in.

My own fantasy team just lost a chance at a first-round bye in my compettive league because LeBron tweaked his ankle on Friday, was forced to sit out on Saturday, and naturally I missed out on my goal by 10 points (10 actual NBA points, not fantasy points, of which LeBron supplies a mere 30 a game). Urg, and now LeBron sits out on Monday, limiting him to a max of 2 games this week and seriously jeopardizing my team's chances when I need him the most.

Around playoff time, you need a fresh batch of fantasy advice because each decision is very important, understandably amplified by the gravity of the situation. Here are some calls on people you might be torn between starting/sitting:

1. The Matrix Shawn Marion is heating up just in time for the postseason, but will his latest row of numbers continue to proliferate?
A: Most likely. Marion is finally, and I mean FINALLY, getting in tune with the rest of the Mavs and along with Caron Butler, putting up some solid theft numbers, as well as capitalizing on the injury to Jason Terry to have some reasonable offensive production, at an efficient rate. Start.

2. Ben Wallace: Is his overall good numbers enough to compensate for his atrocious FT%?
No, for some reason he's been attempting even more this year, which is bad. And it's not just at the charity stripe: he hurts you in points as well without any 3's, and my general rule is that any man that HURTS you in 2 or more categories should be given a very short leash. Especially in a hotly-contested matchup where FT% becomes a contested category.

3. Taj Gibson: The rise of Taj. Love him w/o Noah.

4. Chris Paul: Should you count on him to be back?
A: Unfortunately, no. If the Hornets were smart, they'd have shut him down despite his protests to play a while ago. They're 5 games out of a playoff spot, Darren Collison's playing great anyway, and even Chris himself admits it's "difficult for him to run." Smells like a "end of the season scenario."

5. Anybody and everybody on Golden State: Start, start start. As long as Monta Ellis is on the floor, anyone who can breathe or move (not necessarily both) should be started. Yes, even Devean George. Here's a random analogy for you: Removing Monta Ellis from the Warriors lineup is like the Fed lowering interest rates: Economic (and fantasy) prosperity.

O and start everyone and everything who plays AGAINST the warriors. Case in point, halftime score tonight New Orleans v. GS = 67-62. 'Nuff said.

6. JaVale McGee: Forget the fact you've never heard of him, forget that he's on the Wizards, forget that you left the water running this morning (actually, remember that last part). McGee is a blocks machine and gets reasonable touches from Washington not to be one-dimensional, and you're not gonna find a better option on the waiver wire at this point in the season.

7. I don't trust Quentin Richardson as far as I can throw him because his value is entirely based on if opposing defenses decide to slack off and leave him open to put every available body on Dwayne Wade, but if anything, he'll pull down boards and get 3-point OPPORTUNITIES (not saying he'll make all of them), and you need to go with the hot hand. Q is really like a stick of dynamite: very volatile and you don't want to use it, but you'll be cursing his name if someone else picks him up and he blows up against you.

Fantasize on,

Robert Yan