@Mike

RE: CJ — yeah, that happened to a lot of people tonight. Sounds like he might have either the flu or appendicitis. http://www.ibabuzz.com/warriors/2010/02/25/watson-out-vs-denver/ If it’s the latter AND you’re in a tight playoff race, I might sub him. Otherwise, I’d hang onto him.

Meanwhile, Hawes might get a bump in playing time w/ Jason Thompson hurt now. I know… all very random, unpredictable, and annoying. Again, if CJ’s flu/whatever isn’t serious, I’d hang onto him. But if it is serious, I’d probably pick up Gibson — who should produce while Noah is still on a minutes limit — and then by the time CJ and Noah start getting healthier (and Gibson starts coming to earth), I’d pick up CJ or another hot FA.

@Joe

Back from the rainforests… It might be too late now, but Gooden is probably worth picking up if you’re in danger of falling out of the playoffs.

@enrico

If you need across the board production, Diaw has been very solid and underrated lately. If you need 3’s, I’d probably pick DG over Morrow, although go with the hot hand. Gibson is a nice pickup too, but you’re already pretty stacked at REB/BLK now.

@Alan

I prefer Gibson to Thompson b/c of his schedule, and also b/c it looks like Noah will be out at least the first couple weeks of the fantasy playoffs in most Yahoo leagues (and if his last return is any indication, he’ll be slow to return during the week of the fantasy finals).

As for Hinrich/Miller, I’d probably make that move based on their play as of late. Miller is still getting big minutes but deferring to the kids. Like Gibson, Hinrich and the Bulls are playing for something.

@Alan

Well, as long as you’re not sacrificing too much quality, I wouldn’t mind having multiple Nuggets or Wizards (or Bulls) on my squad during the playoffs. As for Okafor and McGee, I’d slightly lean towards McGee b/c of Okafor’s inconsistency and the fact that the Hornets are sliding out of the playoff hunt. If McGee puts up another couple solid games, I’d make the move.

@OnePiece

I’d much prefer Lou. Things might change if AI comes back, but that’s a big if right now.

@Alan

Nice call on Lee. I usually try to reserve that space for players owned in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues. But, like a Carlos Delfino, Lee might have been dropped recently in many leagues and is definitely worth owning now. Feel free to comment directly on that post… otherwise, I’ll def mention him next week.

Re: Okafor: Yup, that was against GS, which gives up the most PTS/REB and second highest FG% to opposing centers according to Rotowire. Still, he is the safer bet b/c he has a history of solid play. Just keep a close on McGee.

@Joe

Hey, man. It was really relaxing, thanks for asking.

That’s a great question, and my next post (once I get to it) will be about H2H playoff strategy. I like your ’small-ball’ strategy — going for the G-centric categories and trying to snag another one (especially b/c some of your bigs, Rashard and DG, are a great fit for this strat). Also, if you think you can only win 4 cats, make sure you know what the tiebreaker rules are for your league. If it works in your favor, sometimes 4 cats is enough; otherwise you might have to win 5.

As for that 5th category — and this might sound crazy, but I think it’s worth it if you’ve come this far — I’d look at the other team and literally tally up their projected stats for the upcoming week, based on who you think they’ll start every night. Then I’d do the same for your team and see which category among FG, PTS, REB or BLK you have the best chance at snagging. Then I’d use my add/drops to target those one or two cats you have the best shot at. Remember, they might be trying to snag one of 3PM, AST, STL or FT away from you too, so don’t neglect any of those.

The other rule during the fantasy playoffs is: Don’t become too attached to anyone. You’ll probably see some pretty big names being dropped just for someone to add a mediocre ‘game played’ during a night with few NBA games. You probably have to hang onto CP3, but if Jason Terry hits a setback and you’re in a tight race, you might have to drop JT. (Actually, if CP3 hits a setback, you might have to cut him too.) Danilo bounced back big earlier but if T-Mac returns and DG starts struggling again, you don’t have time to wait on him. If KG is rumored to miss a game or two, I’d cut bait. Of course, it all depends on if there are legit FA’s available, but you get the idea.

Anyway, this is a solid squad for the H2H playoffs — time to hope some of these guys catch fire while making a few strategic add/drops along the way…