Only 4 regular season games to go now, and it still so close - but for the first time this season, we have some teams that cannot drop out of the top 8: congratulations to Run TMC and Kings of Karlos who have both won 13 games a piece, and are 5 wins ahead of 5 teams that are sitting in ladder positions 7 onwards. Every team is still a chance to make the top 8! (except for obviously our two winless cellar dwellers/ byes)

After all the blow outs last week, it was great to see a few close games this round. Half of the live games were close ones, with 3 being decided by less than 100 points. Steve and Heaver had the closest margin, however special mention should also go to the match between Fudge and Walesy - both teams went into this game with 50% records so it was a big match - and Walesy held a slender lead going into the final day, before Fudge blew him right out of the water - winning by 136! And also i need to say that, after beating the highest scoring loser a few times this season, I now know what its like to be on the other side - losing by 80 points with a score of 1209...  would have beaten 15 other teams

We have a huge matchup this round! In importance and also length. The NBA All Star game is on, and the trade deadline also falls within this matchup. The All Star rosters have been announced with the starters as follows - East: Lebron James (Dannys Lebronts), Amare Stoudamire (Team Fezkat), Dwayne Wade (Wade Machine), Derrick Rose (Team anthak) & Dwight Howard (Kings of Karlos); and the West: Kevin Durant (Team anthak), Carmelo Anthony (Westside Hardcore), Kobe Bryant (Team Stowie), Chris Paul (Adelaide Maggots) & Yao Ming (FA - currently injured). We have a couple of days off over the All Star break - In the preview, OTB, Ill go into the schedules a bit more.

Now, over the break I will review each game of matchup 15; and preview the games coming up::::::

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Matchup 15 game reviews:

<a title="Wade Machine (Daniel Laengst)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=15&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Wade Machine[/url] 1289 v <a href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=1&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_blank">Team anthak[/url] 1209

Was a great game throughout the week - High scoring and close! Interestingly, we both had our best big man miss 1 game for the week; but apart from that neither of us had any injuries big enough for any other player to miss a game. We both had 7 players score 90+; I had 6 over 100, compared to just the 5 for Dan; but he had the only player to top 200, who was Davis with 216 (from 4 games). Others with a ton were Conley (153/4), Allen (148/4), Hill (138/4) and Nowitzki (102/4) for Dan; and Durant (153/3), Rose (145/3), Randolph (125/3), Williams (122/4), Gasol (109/4) and Udrih (102/4) for my mob.

<a title="Fudges Sixers (Jim Tsilikas)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=16&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Fudge’s Sixers[/url] 1260 v <a title="Too Seriouseses (Les Wales)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=2&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Too Seriouseses[/url] 1124

I have already mentioned Fudges massive final day heroics!  But really, Fudge would have been unlucky to lose this one after leading all week, before Walesy rallied with a big Day 6 which put him in front by a small margin. Curry, Aldridge and Lee all stepped up, on that final day, to lead the Cousins-less Sixers to a good win against a current mid-ladder rival. Aldridge (223/3) top scored for Fudge with a big double century from only 3 games!! And he was well supported by Lee (174/4), Iquodala (159/4), Curry (129/4) and Martin (120/3). While Walesy had a massive 6 players with tons, in Wallace (231/4), Blair (182/4), Hibbert (155/4), Bargnani (140/4), Lowry (113/3) and Billups (104/3). The win puts Fudge into the 8, and Walesy down to 12th but only 1 game back.

<a title="Dannys Lebronts (Danny Smith)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=18&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Dannys Lebronts[/url] 742 v <a title="Team El Bonanzas (Al Lee)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=3&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Team El Bonanzas[/url] 0

Looks like Danny10 isnt around anymore. Im not sure how long it has been since his team roster has been changed - at least a couple of weeks though. It has taken a game against Elbonz to snap his losing streak. On that - for those that missed my comment - Elbonz contacted me, and I want to let everyone know he is alive and well! If anyone out there cares - Danny10 had 2 players over 100: lebron (201/3!) and Marion (137/4).

<a title="Run TMC (Owen Beebe)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=19&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Run TMC[/url] 1208 v <a title="Adelaide Maggots (Cameron Sears)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=4&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Adelaide Maggots[/url] 980

This win clinched a playoff spot for Owen! He had 7 players score 100s and another one in the 90s! He led this one from start to finish, winning 5 of the individual days. Cameron has been in good form lately, but was no match here unfortunately. Owens best were Miller (194/3), Rondo (165/3), Griffen (152/4), hayes (131/3), Jackson (119/4), Jefferson (103/3) and Wright (103/4); and for Cameron it was Paul (175/4), Bynum (124/4), Dalembert (120/4) and Garnett (119/3). Adelaide Maggots are sitting 2 games back from the top 8 now, so it is becoming unlikely that they will see any post season action. BUT - they do play 3 teams below them on the ladder over the remaining rounds, so I wouldnt be losing hope just yet.

<a title="Doobia Dominators (Andrew Dubowik)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=20&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Doobia Dominators[/url] 897 v <a title="Jasmines Mob (Jasmine Johnson)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=5&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Jasmine’s Mob[/url] 1207

Jasmine has responded to her defeat last week in style - racking up 1200 points and easily beating Doobs this week. Jasmine only lost 1 day of the matchup and that was on the low scoring Day4 - 16 to 41. Doobs score wasnt so bad considering the amount of injuries he had, and a few players are getting back on the court for him over the last couple of days, so things may be looking up for him now. Jasmine had only the 4 players over 100, led by Sessions who smashed out 237 (from  4), and he was backed up by Williams (156/3), Ellis (153/4) and Bogut (139/4). Doobs also had 4 players over 100: Granger (172/4), Felton (148/3), terry (142/4) and Bosh (125/3). This loss has pretty much put an end to Doobs playoff hopes.

<a title="Team Stowie (Daniel Stow)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=8&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Team Stowie[/url] 925 v <a title="Westside Hardcore (Michael Walters)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=6&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Westside Hardcore[/url] 1256

Westside Hardcore have continued their smashing form with another huge score, and big win to go with it. Another loss to Stowie has made it very hard to make the playoffs, as he, along with Doobs, would now likely need to win all the remaining games just to have the slightest of chances. Stowie had 3 players score over 100: Bryant (156/4), Collison (133/4) and Salmons (107/4); While Micka had 4 over a 100 and another 3 in the 90s - His best was Anthony (226/4) who was supported by Duncan (168/4), Parker (141/4) and Brand (119/4).

<a title="Pikus United (Adam Ziegler)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=9&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Pikus United[/url] 0 v <a title="Do Something Knicks (Chris Riches, Steve Smith)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=7&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Do Something Knicks[/url] 1094

Well I had no worries this time round - tipped DSK to win in a canter and they came through for me! Aparently DSK had a few worries throughout the week, with players down on form etc, but they still topped a grand and obviously won comfortably. Paul Pierce may be looking at an op, which isnt good news - i dont know why they would risk such a player in a bye week... but it does seem as though they managed their stars somewhat during this week, as it was the lesserlights that shone through: Gortat (139/4), JJBarea (128/4), McRoberts (127/4), Bynum (108/3) and Nene (102/3). This win keeps DSK in touch with the top 8, as they have moved to 8 and 7, and are sitting in 9th spot.

<a title="Kings of Karlos (Sean Minetti)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=10&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Kings of Karlos[/url] 1353 v <a title="Under Achievers (Richard Chambers)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=11&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Under Achievers[/url] 932

Kings of Karlos have extended their winning streak to 10 wins now - and they dont look like slowing down. Once again pumping out the highest score of the round! But they are still sitting in 2nd spot in the Too conference, leaving them currently seeded 3rd in the predicted playoff bracket. UAs actually did quite well - both teams had 6 players over 100, and UAs actually had 1 in the 90s as well. But Karlos had 11 more games played during the matchup due to a few injuries to UAs players. With all of UAs remaining matches against teams only slightly above them on the ladder, it may be time now to clean out some of those injured players. Best players for Karlos were Howard (235/4), Jamison (152/4), Calderon (141/4), Odom (133/4), Evans (130/4) and Turkoglu (113/4); and for UA it was Kidd (138/4), DeRozan (128/4), gay (116/3), Lopez (111/3), Humphries (109/3) and McGrady (105/4).

<a title="Stevos Nuggets (Stephen Nilsson)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=12&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Stevo’s Nuggets[/url] 1032 v <a title="Team HEAVER! (David Tong)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=13&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Team HEAVER![/url] 1095

Despite going camping for half the week, Steve nearly pulled off another big upset. As I mentioned earlier, this was the closest final margin of the round. Heaver got off to a good start, to lead by 121 after 2 days play, but then Steve quickly erased the deficit on the next day, before a huge defensive performance from Heaver on Day4 left Steve with zero points for the day, which set the tone for the remainder of the week where Steve could not quite catch up enough to get the much needed W. Steve had 3 players over 100: West (189/4), Hickson (185/4) and Wall (142/3); and Heaver also only had 3 over 100: Love (227/4), Chandler (112/3) and Westbrook (101/3). This win leaves Heaver in top spot of the Serious conference; while Steve is 1 game back from a playoff spot.

<a title="Ruddys Cavaliers (Peter Rudd)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=14&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Ruddy’s Cavaliers[/url] 1007 v <a title="Team Fezkat (Kristian Collins)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=17&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Team Fezkat[/url] 923

I tipped this to be a close game! Was very hard to pick. Ruddy has had a few players back from injury lately, which has been a big help at a crucial time of the season. This win has kept him firmly in playoff contention, whereas Fez - after a lot of lucky wins at the beginning of the season - has dropped the ball and is holding up the ladder for us. Fez is still a chance to make the playoffs - but a lot would need to go right from here on. Ruddy had 4 players score tons in Nash (256/4), Gasol (149/4), Chandler (113/4) and Boozer (104/3). And Fez had just the 2 in Holiday (133/4) and Meeks (124/4).

Matchup 16 Preview:

This matchup is stretched over 14 days, from (and including) 14th Feb to 27th Feb; however there are 4 days in the middle that dont have any games scheduled because of the All Star games. All teams play either 4, 5 or 6 games each; with 5 teams (NewJersey, Boston, Cleveland, NewYork and Orlando) playing 4 games, and 9 teams (Miami, Indiana, Sacramento, Atlanta, Detroit, LA Clips, LA Lakers, Minnasota and Houston) all playing 6 games each. This matchup may come down to the best selections of bench players, as most of us will have at least 10 players with games scheduled on 5 days where there are heaps of games on (16th, 22nd, 23rd, 25th and 27th). Interestingly Chicago has 4 games scheduled on the days during this matchup that exclude those 5 highly scheduled ones, doubling the next best: 15 teams on 2.

Now for the game previews:

<a href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=1&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_blank">Team anthak[/url] (10-5) v <a title="Fudges Sixers (Jim Tsilikas)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=16&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Fudges Sixers[/url] (8-7)

I have rated Fudges Sixers really highly all season, and it looks as though his players are playing up to their potential now. Fudge is on a 4 game winning streak and currently in the 8. Remembering back to the early days - whenever I tipped Fudge he seemed to lose, so as Im playing him this week, I am tipping them to win, but hoping they dont! :lol:

<a title="Too Seriouseses (Les Wales)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=2&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Too Seriouseses[/url] (7-8) v <a title="Dannys Lebronts (Danny Smith)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=18&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Dannys Lebronts[/url] (8-7)

Doesnt look like Danny10 is still coaching his team, so Im tipping Too Seriouseses to win easily.

<a title="Team El Bonanzas (Al Lee)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=3&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Team El Bonanzas[/url] (0-15) v <a title="Run TMC (Owen Beebe)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=19&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Run TMC[/url] (13-2)

As if our leading team - Run TMC - needs a bye to help them along!

<a title="Adelaide Maggots (Cameron Sears)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=4&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Adelaide Maggots[/url] (6-9) v <a title="Doobia Dominators (Andrew Dubowik)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=20&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Doobia Dominators[/url] (5-10)

Its getting harder for both of these teams to make the playoffs, and a loss here would certainly put an end to any post season hopes. Despite a loss last start, Adelaide Maggots has actualy been in good form, so they have my tip.

<a title="Jasmines Mob (Jasmine Johnson)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=5&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Jasmines Mob[/url] (11-4) v <a title="Team Stowie (Daniel Stow)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=8&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Team Stowie[/url] (5-10)

Jasmine is sitting comfortably in the 8, whereas Stowie needs to win every remaining game, just to have a chance. So with his back to the wall - Im tipping Team Stowie to win in a close one.

<a title="Westside Hardcore (Michael Walters)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=6&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Westside Hardcore[/url] (11-4) v <a title="Pikus United (Adam Ziegler)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=9&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Pikus United[/url] (0-15)

Westside Hardcore looks the likely challenger to grab the Dirk Diggler trophy from Karlos, as he is currently on a 6 game streak, and Im betting it will be a 7 game streak after this round - gee im a risk taker arent I!

<a title="Do Something Knicks (Chris Riches, Steve Smith)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=7&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Do Something Knicks[/url] (8-7) v <a title="Kings of Karlos (Sean Minetti)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=10&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Kings of Karlos[/url] (13-2)

To make things interesting with the DD trophy, Karlos actually has to lose one - hasnt looked likely though! But Im tipping Do Something Knicks to bring home the bacon and spice things up for the few teams in with a chance of claiming it still.

<a title="Under Achievers (Richard Chambers)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=11&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Under Achievers[/url] (6-9) v <a title="Stevos Nuggets (Stephen Nilsson)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=12&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Stevos Nuggets[/url] (7-8)

A massive game here! Both teams desperately need a win to stay within reach of the playoffs. Not sure if I can split them...  maybe a draw...  Nah Ill go out on a limb and tip Under Achievers.

<a title="Team HEAVER! (David Tong)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=13&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Team HEAVER![/url] (11-4) v <a title="Ruddys Cavaliers (Peter Rudd)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=14&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Ruddys Cavaliers[/url] (8-7)

Team Heaver had a bit of a down week and, as good teams do, still came away with the win. I reckon they will do enough this week as well.

<a title="Team Fezkat (Kristian Collins)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=17&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Team Fezkat[/url] (5-10) v <a title="Wade Machine (Daniel Laengst)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=15&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Wade Machine[/url] (8-7)

Wade Machine??



Remember the NBA trade deadline is in about a week. So watch out for all the trades happening soon - may make a big difference to some players output!