With only 2 rounds left of the regular season, another 2 bite the dust - After both lost their games this week, Under Achievers and Adelaide Maggots are both out of the running now.

We had a heap of great games this week (5 of the 8 games decided by less than 50 points)! None more so than the one between Dan and Heaver - both putting up huge scores, with only 12 points separating them at the end. Walesy pushed Owen all the way, and was actually leading when I checked the scores a couple of hours ago, but the final rounding left him 39 points down somehow... maybe I read it wrong earlier?? Cameron and UAs both tried hard to keep their finals hopes alive, but went down at the death - by only 42 and 45 points respectively! And Fudge finished with the highest score of the round to get over a rampaging Fez, putting himself in a great position to make the playoffs. I will go through all the games in more detail later in the review.

Our trade deadline has passed now, and it was a fairly quiet one. Only the two trades being done in the last few days before the cutoff. The one between myself and Heaver ended up being extremely influential in Heavers game against Dan, with the 3 players he picked up (Haywood, MGasol & Udrih) outscoring the 3 i got (Turiaf, McGee & JSmith) by 62 points after the trade went through. Haywood was particularly impressive, starting in the place of an injured Tyson Chandler and scoring 33 and 40 fpoints when his season ave is only 11.2. I only included him in the deal as my worst player just to even up the trade. Anyway - it turned out to be the difference in an extremely close match! May cost Dan a playoff spot.

Now over the break - Ive done a run home thing again; as well as the usual reviews and previews::::::::

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The run home:

Heavers win has guaranteed a playoff spot for him now; and the result of that same game (Dan losing) has also confirmed a spot for Micka, despite him losing this week - they join Jasmine, Owen and Karlos. Now here are the 8 teams that are fighting it out for the last 3 playoff spots and each teams run home:

Team anthak (11-6): Run TMC, Doobia Dominators (should win at least 1, which I hope is enough)

[span style="font-weight: normal">Fudge’s Sixers (10-7): Team Heaver, Under Achievers (in great form - may win both)

[span style="font-weight: normal"> [span style="font-weight: normal">Do Something Knicks (10-7): Ruddys Cavaliers, Wade Machine (as I said last week – the last game will be huge)

Wade Machine (9-8): Under Achievers, Do Something Knicks (see comment for DSK)

Ruddys Cavaliers (9-8): Do Something Knicks, Westside Hardcore (2 tough games - but both winnable)

Too Seriouseses (8-9): Doobia Dominators, Team Stowie (should get 2 wins - which may be enough, but probably not)

Dannys Lebronts (8-9): Team Fezkat, Team Heaver (the coach is back, but even with two wins they probably wont make it)

Stevos Nuggets (8-9): Westside Hardcore, Jasmines Mob (the toughest draw of all teams still in the running. Sorry Steve - not gunna happen now. But great to still be in with a chance after the way you started the season)

I think its safe to say there are only 5 teams still in the running for the last 3 spots. And it looks like 11 games may be enough to make it, so I am quietly confident - well i suppose its not so quiet when i announce it here haha. 12 wins is enough to confirm a spot - so Im hoping for that 12th W this week! against Owen lol...

Matchup 17 game reviews:

<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] 843 v <a title="Team anthak (Anthony Hack)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=1&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Team anthak[/url] 1006

Danny10 rocked up to coach his team again, which had me worried a bit. Danny10 drafted really well and had his team going great guns at the start of the season before he took off for a while, but I was happy to do enough to win even with him back in charge. My best players were ZRandolph (174 from 3), Durant (155 from 3), Rose (153 from 4) and Harden (122 from 3); and best for Danny10 were LeBron (167 from 3), Dudley (103 from 4) and Jennings (102 from 3).

<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] 1106 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] 1067

Walesy needed this win badly, and he almost got there. He had an 18 point lead going into the final day but couldnt hold on. Walesys 4 players playing on the last day could only muster up 39 points which wasnt enough to hold off Run TMC who won by 39 in the end. All in all, it was a fantastic effort to push Owen all the way to the final day, as not many can say they have done that this season. The loss makes it really hard for Walesy now, especially as his points for is not quite as good as the teams above him. Owens best this week were Rondo (220 from 4), Griffen (191 from 3), Jefferson (174 from 3) and he had 1 other over 100; and the best for Walesy were Lowry (191 from 3), Hibbert (122 from 4), Bargnani (108 from 3) and Ridnour (106 from 4).

<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] 822 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

Doobs took it easy on Elbonz, only using 9 players this week. His best were Felton (144 from 4), Terry (134 from 3), Bosh (119 from 3) and Granger (108 from 4).

<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] 1055 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] 1013

What a good game this was! Stowie had the pressure lifted with his hopes of post season action slipping away last week, and it looks like he enjoyed that freedom; whereas Cameron was facing a must win game, and fought hard all the way, but just couldnt get over the line at the end. Cameron actually only won 2 of the 7 days, but held the lead with 2 days to go. Stowie then won the last two days - both with small margins - to get up by only 42 points. Stowies best were Jack (144 from 4), MThornton (122 from 3) and Kobe (104 from 3); and best for Cameron were CP3 (195 from 4), Garnett (190 from 4), Bynum (127 from 3) and Ginobli (120 from 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="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] 603

Most teams have been putting up big scores against our two byes, but this week neither did. Jasmine especially scored very low. This win confirmed her place in the playoffs, but it wasnt done in style. only 603 points...  4 teams doubled that this week! But I suppose we will wait and see what effect it has on her team. She only used 9 players this week - 2 of them only for 1 game each, and only 1 player played more than 3 games - the easy week on the track may do them good in the long run! Her best players were DWilliams (180 from 3), Ellis (140 from 4) and Kirilenko (102 from 3).

<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] 1006 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] 976

Karlos has put a stop to his biggest challenger for the DD trophy. He holds the trophy with 10 wins in a row, and this win stopped Mickas streak at 7. Its looking likely now that he will win this trophy for this season. Another close finish here too... only 30 points separating them. Best for Karlos were Howard (171 from 3), Calderon (170 from 3), Fields (120 from 4) and another 1 over 100; while Monroe (115 from 3) was best for Micka, followed closely by Anthony (112 from 4) and Duncan (101 from 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] 987 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] 1237

The Nuggets were no match for DSK this week. DSK had another great week which has extended their winning streak to 5! Steves finals hopes are still alive, but are even slimmer now than the slim chance they were last week... Best for DSK were Pierce (174 from 4), Blatche (166 from 4), Gortat (152 from 4) and Nene (143 from 4); and best for Steve were Wall (148 from 4), Young (115 from 3) and West (101 from 4).

<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] 909 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] 864

Another rooly close game! UAs needed to win the final 3 games to make the playoffs, and I tipped the pressure would be too much, and it looks as if it may have been, as they had a great lead going into the final day, but couldnt hold on... Jason Kidd choking with only 18 on that final day. Ruddys best for the week were Allen (160 from 4), PGasol (153 from 3) and Nash (151 from 4); and best for UAs were BLopez (183 from 3), Kidd (153 from 3), Humphries (138 from 3) and DeRozan (118 from 3).

<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] 1247 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] 1259

Match of the round i reckon! Even though Dan is so very close to the top 8, this match may cost him, which is a shame as he has built a great squad aimed at peaking at this time of year - a win would have almost sewn up a playoff spot and confirmed the strategy as a good one. Easily the highest ranked loser, as both teams had huge scores, Dan was in front for most of the week - but the trade between Heaver and I did immediate wonders for Heaver (as mentioned in more detail earlier), which was probably the difference in the end. Best for Heaver were Love (215 from 4), Westbrook (189 from 3) and Ty Lawson (167 from 4); and for Dan it was Horford (188 from 4), Conley (146 from 3), Nowitzki (120 from 3) and 1 more over 100.

<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] 1293 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] 1131

Fez came to play this week! Put up the 5th best score for the week, but it wasnt enough to top Fudge who is in excellent form at the moment. Both teams worked the waiver wire, with 9 acquisitions between them for the week. Fudge had the game in control for most of the week, winning 4 individual days, and held a big lead going into the final day. Best players for Fudge were Iggy (217 from 3 - including a 100 fpoint game), Lee (170 from 4), Curry (144 from 4) and another 3 over 100. While the best for Fez were Stoudamire (176 from 4), Stuckey (161 from 3), Deng (129 from 4) and 1 another over 100.

Matchup 18 previews:

<a title="Team anthak (Anthony Hack)" href="http://games.espn.go.com/fba/clubhouse?leagueId=23530&amp;teamId=1&amp;seasonId=2011" target="_top">Team anthak[/url] (11-6) 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] (15-2)

Big game for me! I reckon part of the reason Owen is up top is because he hasnt played Team anthak yet!

<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] (8-9) 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] (6-11)

I have a feeling that with Doobs finals chances slipping away - so did he... Too Seriouseses to keep their good form going and get the W this week.

<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] (0-17) 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] (6-11)

Team Stowie is finishing with a flurry.

<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] (7-10) 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] (0-17)

Adelaide Maggots to give PU their last loss for the season.

<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] (13-4) 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] (14-3)

Will be interesting to see how Jasmines Mob pull up after the week off from heavy duties. But, cant tip them after such a poor showing, so going with Kings of Karlos. Plus he obviously deserves it on his own merits too.

<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] (12-5) 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] (8-9)

Both teams are coming off a loss, and my head says it will probably be Micka turning that around, but Im going with Stevos Nuggets to get up in a close one, and possibly keep his post season hopes alive.

<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] (10-7) 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] (9-8)

Do Something Knicks are one of only two teams still in the running to knock off Karlos for the Dirk Diggler trophy, but they would need to win all remaining games - including the granny! (and that would still only end up a tie with Karlos) Still Im tipping them to keep the chance alive with a win this week.

<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] (6-11) 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] (9-8)

Both teams were stiff to lose last week. Im going to tip UnderAchievers here - not sure why? maybe a Buddhist premonition?

<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] (13-4) 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] (10-7)

Fudge is the only other (along with DSK) that is still a chance to grab the Dirk Diggler trophy from Karlos. He would need to win both remaining regular season games, and make the granny to do it. If he then went on to win the granny he would hold the trophy outright; if he lost he would share it with Karlos, and depending on other results - if it was DSK he lost to in the granny - it would actually end up a 3 way tie! :lol: Anyway, tipping Fudges Sixers to keep their good form going and to give the DD a real crack!

<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] (5-12) 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] (8-9)

Danny10 is back, but its not easy to turn a team around after such a long absence. Plus Team Fezkat has hit a rich vein of form.

Not long to go now! Also - not long until the footy starts. We have a DreamTeam league going - for people in this NBA league - that still has spots left. If youre keen - post a comment and well put up the league code.