One game to go - 4 teams fighting it out for the last 3 playoff spots! And two of them are playing each other!!

Owen, Heaver, Karlos, Micka and Jasmine hold the top 5 spots (and none can drop below 5th); whereas Fudge, myself (anthak), Chris88 & Smitty and Dan (Dabombers) are the 4 that are trying to fit into 3.

But it all pretty much comes down to the one game...  Do Something Knicks v Wade Machine. If Dan wins: Chris and Smitty will most likely miss out on post season action (due to their inferior points for compared to the other 3); but if Dan loses: he misses out (as he is already one game back on the other 3). Obviously such a massive game for both teams!!

We also have another HUGE game this week - with Elbonanzas and Pikus United up against each other. Funny that it worked out these two teams play against each other in the last game!

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.

Over the break ive got another run home for all finals contenders, and the reviews and previews::::::::

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The run home:

<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] v Fezkat: If W - highest 1st, lowest 1st; If L - highest 1st, lowest 2nd. (likely to finish 1st)

<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] v Labronts: If W - highest 2nd, lowest 5th; If L - highest 2nd, lowest 5th.

<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] v Maggots: If W - highest 1st, lowest 3rd; If L - highest 3rd, lowest 3rd. (likely to finish 3rd)

<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] v Ruddy: If W - highest 2nd, lowest 5th; If L - highest 2nd, lowest 5th.

<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] v Steve: If W - highest 2nd, lowest 5th; If L - highest 2nd, lowest 5th.

<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] v UAs: If W - highest 6th, lowest 8th; If L - highest 6th, lowest 9th. (unlikely to finish 9th)

<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] v Doobs: If W - highest 6th, lowest 8th; If L - highest 6th, lowest 9th. (unlikely to finish 9th)

<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] v Wade Machine: If W - highest 6th, lowest 8th; If L - highest 7th, lowest 9th. (pretty much needs a win)

<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] v DSK: If W - highest 6th, lowest 8th; If L - highest 9th, lowest 12th. (must win)

Matchup 18 reviews:

<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] 1210 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] 1268

Was a good game this week between us, but Run TMC were too strong in the end. And I had a healthy team throughout the week, whereas Owen had an injury or two to contend with. But I just couldnt get there, losing by just 58 points. A loss this week for me and I may get a chance for revenge in the first week of finals. Best for Owen were A Jefferson (223 from 4) and Griffen (155 from 4); whereas for me it was Rose (216 from 4) and Durant (199 from 4).

<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] 825 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] 601

I thought that Doobs was MIA again, but that isnt the case. He did have a few injuries this week, but with a few roster changes, he still managed to keep up in games played with Walesy. But the Too Seriouseses were too good - winning by a couple of hundred. Best for Walesy were Lowry (137 from 3) and CJ Watson (117 from 4); and for Doobs - noone over 100 - Mo Williams the best with 84 (from 3 games).

<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 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] 1223

Stowie is on a 2 game winning streak now - finishing strong! Best were Ibaka (154 from 4) and Marcus Thornton (137 from 4).

<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] 921 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

Best for Cameron were Bynum (162 from 3) and Ginobli (126 from 3).

<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] 703 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] 878

Jasmine is just limping into the playoffs, with one of the lowest scores for the second week running. Karlos also had a low score (by his standards), but did enough to get the job done and guarantee a top 3 finish. Best for him were Howard (141 from 3) and Turkoglu (140 from 4); and for Jasmine it was Monta Ellis with her only score over 100 (he got 221 from 4 games).

<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] 1193 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">Stevo’s Nuggets[/url] 993

After such a poor start to the season, it was a great effort for Steves playoff chances to still be alive going into the 2nd last game. But Micka showed him how a top 5 team goes about it... After a close tussle at the beginning of the week, he hammered Steve for a few days to build a 300+ point lead with a day to go - eventually winning by 200. Best for Micka were Anthony (190 from 4) and Douglas (146 from 4); and for Steve - Hansborough (179 from 4) and G Henderson (160 from 4).

<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] 1047 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">Ruddy’s Cavaliers[/url] 971

This was a massive game! In the end DSK has kept their playoff chances alive another week, and have put an end to Ruddys in the process. Ruddy didnt go down without a fight! He was leading after 4 days, but DSK won all 3 remaining days to get up by only 76 points - leaving them with a do-or-die match this week. Best for DSK were Gortat (139 from 3) and Ricardson (135 from 4); and Ruddy had Foye (122 from 4) and Gasol (113 from 3).

<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] 716 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] 1311

A massive win to Dan, keeps his finals hopes alive! A 600 point win is awesome form to take into the finals that start this week for him - and it came against a live team, as UAs was definitely trying with 4 acquisitions during the week. Best for Dan were Wade (210 from 3!!) and Nowitzki (198 from 4); whereas best for UA were Kidd (138 from 4) and Lopez (105 from 2).

<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] 1036 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">Fudge’s Sixers[/url] 1475

Fudge is in fantastic form of late! Winning his last 7 matches - and knocking off good teams during the streak. This win has knocked me out of the top 6 for the first time in months; and - more importantly - it has opened the door for either Micka or Jasmine to grab the top spot in the Serious conference and the 2nd seed in the playoffs. But despite this loss, Heaver is still favourite for that spot IMO. Fudge had a whopper of a score this week! With 8 players over 100 and another in the 90s, his best were Curry (210 from 4) and Iggy (182 from 4); whereas best for Heaver were Westbrook and Love (both 195 from 4).

<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] 961 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] 983

Its a shame Danny10 was not around for a fair chunk of the season. He started brilliantly and was one of the pace setters for a good part of the first half of the season. Best this week for Danny10 were James (178 from 3) and Marion (173 from 4); and for Fez, his best were Stoudamire (173 from 4) and Deng (136 from 4).

Matchup 19 previews:

<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] (6-12) 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] (11-7)

It is still possible for me to miss out all together but Dan would have to win in a really high scoring game, as DSK would need to outscore me by about 1400 points! anyway Ill tip Team anthak - winning form is good form to take into the finals.

<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] (7-11) 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] (9-9)

Both these teams are in good form of late. Ill tip Team Stowie in a close one.

<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] (0-18) 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] (0-18)

Could this be match of the round! I have mentioned the DSK v WM match about 500 times already and i havent even reached their preview yet... but this match could surpass it in interest levels. Could Varejao do enough to force this from being our first draw of the season??

<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] (15-3) 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] (8-10)

Not much riding on this really. Kings of Karlos has 3rd spot pretty much sewn up, and AM cannot make it now. Karlos could still finish 1st if he wins and outscores Owen by 1185 points...

<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] (8-10) 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">Jasmines Mob[/url] (13-5)

Jasmine has not been going so well lately, she could still grab 1st spot in Serious, but I dont think she will win this week. Stevos Nuggets to get up, leaving Jasmine in 5th 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">Ruddys Cavaliers[/url] (9-9) 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] (13-5)

Im sure that Ruddys attention will turn to SuperCoach good and proper now that he cannot make the playoffs. I think it may have happened a few weeks ago anyway. So tipping Westside Hardcore here.

<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] (10-8) 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] (11-7)

This is the 502nd time i have mentioned this game now, but this is the big one! Should be telecast on FTA to a worldwide audience. As I have already mentioned - whoever wins makes it, and whoever loses doesnt. That simple!

DSK have won more games throughout the season, but WM have scored more points (and also conceded more). These 2 teams have had the 1st and 2nd most acquisitions in our league for the season. Probably largely due to both teams having had more than their fair share of injuries during the season, but Dan actually brought a lot of that on himself - actually bringing in injured players through trades (Delfino, Davis) and FA pickups (Aza, Perkins among others). and WM also has a few injuries to start this week off - with Scola, Davis and Horford all DTD; whereas DSK only have Blatche rated DTD. DSK have already used 2 of their 5 acquisitions for the week, and WM none as yet.

Looking at total games played for the week with their current rosters - WM is looking at 48 games played (although may miss up to 10 games from the currently injured players); and DSK are due for 45 games with a healthy team (but may miss up to 4 games of Blatches as he is currently injured). But I presume both teams will be swapping a few players on the waiver wire throughout the week as well.

Unfortunately, im thinking the injuries to Dans team will be the difference in this matchup... Ironic isnt it. It may not be the case, but missing games from players such as Scola and Horford is not good.

Horford could be back soon, but Scola and Davis are not expected back until later in the week; whereas for DSK, Blatche will not play on day 1, but may be back for their next game.

Anyway, will be very interesting to see how this game plays out over the week. Im tipping Do Something Knicks, but it really could go either way!

<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] (11-7) 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] (6-12)

Fudges Sixers to keep their awesome form going! Interesting that with a win he will almost certainly play Karlos next week. Even if Karlos tanks to avoid the matchup, he cant drop below 3rd.

<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] (9-9) 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] (13-5)

Now that Danny10 is back, he has beaten Fez last week, and may shake up the finals with a win over Heaver this week. But im tipping Team Heaver!

<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] (16-2) 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] (5-13)

It looks as if Fez is damb keen to not finish on the bottom, as he has been giving the FA list a workout and was in many trade discussions leading up to the deadline...  but after this loss, he is sitting on a 6 game losing streak at the moment. But a win this week may still see him climb up the ladder a little... but will it happen against Run TMC?

Go Varejao!