So, we have almost completed signup, (DaviaG-Rap and Abe Foreman I still need your email addresses) and the inaugural season is finally about to begin. If you are like myself, you can't wait to draft your players and get ready for the NBA's grand opening in a little more than a week from now.

The good news is that the wait is almost over for the draft. We will be conducting an online draft this Sunday 10/22/2005 @ 10:15 pm. EST. If you are unavailable to attend it is critical that you complete your pre-draft list before the draft begins. In fact, I would suggest that you prepare your list in advance anyway as you never know what technical difficulties you may run into tommorrow night. It should be a fun time for all.

So what can you expect out of the advanced league this year?

weekly breakdown of the matchups from your commissioner along with awards for the previous week
lots of free agency activity as we have a small group of owners with a pool of quality free agents at their disposal
trash talk, trash talk, trash talk :)
your knowledge of basketball players throughout the league will expand exponentiallyHere are a couple of tips to insure that we get the best out of this experience this year:

always do your lineups in advance! - A week out is preffered as there really is no excuse not to have your lineup set. Also keep in mind that once a free agent or a trade occurs on your team it will automatically invalidate any lineups you may have done in advance.
don't take it personal - It's just trash talk. Keep it light and fun
Respond to trade requests with comments - providing feedback on a trade request can make the difference between a trade that takes weeks to solidify or days. This also lets another owner know if a guy is off limits so noone wastes their time
Think outside the box and develop a strategy - Read JDMISER's posts on fantasy b-ball strategy and don't be afraid to develop your own. Like chess, a move without relevance is a bad move.
And last but not least....DO NOT QUIT! - Play the season out. There will be a playoffs for all involved. If you are the competitors that I think you are, nothing short of finishing strongly is considered acceptable.That's all for now.

We will be using the Yahoo message board to communicate as well, but I will make a concerted effort to post the more critical information on both sites (PF.com and Yahoo) for those who check PF.com more regularly.

See you at the draft!

BTW, those with invites who have not joined by Sunday @1:00 pm EST will no longer have the opportunity to participate this season. We have enough players already to begin. Please send me your email addresses as soon as possible to insure that you are a part of the festivities.

- Motown

Got signed up and ranked not sure if I can participate in the live draft so good luck to all.

This will be my first live draft. Looking foward to the season.

It should be interesting to see how having all Piston's fans in a league will pan out. Will owners put more importance on Piston players? Would you trade KG for Darko straight up just to add another Piston to your roster?

I've played Yahoo fantasy plenty of times, but never with everyone that likes the same team.

Should be interesting....

This will be my first live draft. Looking foward to the season.

It should be interesting to see how having all Piston's fans in a league will pan out. Will owners put more importance on Piston players? Would you trade KG for Darko straight up just to add another Piston to your roster?

I've played Yahoo fantasy plenty of times, but never with everyone that likes the same team.

Should be interesting....
If it's anything like the football leagues I was in then you will find all the Piston players being drafted earlier than expected. Sometimes a couple of rounds early. I would expect that if people draft cruddy Lion players early they will also draft Pistons before their time. With all of the Pistons nuts in here, I don't think they will remain on the board too long.

But if someone is trying to decide between fitting Dupree or Acker on their roster...well, I think they are going too far!!!! lol

Ya I've played the leagues before and with the Lions if you want to win your league you don't draft them.As a fan you have to know when to say when and usually Hanson is about the only reliable.

But your right should be interesting with all the Homers sweeping up the Stones.

http://www.pistonsforum.com/images/micro/draftRESULTSfinal.jpg
--

Last Sunday night was indeed a night to remember. The NBA's best got together wearing their best Stern violation uniforms as the elite owners of PF.Com gathered to make history. Our first online draft was a strategic heaven with a ton of surprises along the way. What are your thoughts? Who do you think were the draft winners and losers? Were some of our owners too agressive or perhaps to oconservative with their picks? Our resident fantasy expert JDMiser will provide his thoughts, but I'd like to hear your comments as well. I think all that participated should congratulate themselves for having a great draft. I was very impressed with the depth of knowledge and preperation within the group.

Less than a week a way from the start of the 2005-2006 season. Let's see some trading and some free agent madness. It's time to get busy fellas.

Let's get readdddyyyyy to RUMMMMMMBLLLLEEEEEEE!

Just to get the ball rolling...

Here were some of the highlights of the draft that I found surprising:

J-Rich drafted first round
Brad Miller undrafted until the third round
Rasheed Wallace drafted early second round
Amare's stock plummeted all the way to the 11th round
T.J Ford despite his upside was not selected until the last round
Shaq was taken in the 4th round
Darko was drafted

Darko was drafted


Hey, that was just for the bragging rights. It was the 2nd last pick of the draft and I released him right afterwards. :laugh:

Hey, that was just for the bragging rights. It was the 2nd last pick of the draft and I released him right afterwards. :laugh:

**points finger at Jammer and laughs** :pound:

Motown Pride, there is a sticky advisory note indicating that since Hill will be down for 3-6 weeks that I should stick him on the IR and wait it out until December. Ist question, is this a good suggestion and second question is I did not see that option in the Advanced League. Right now I just have him as a bench designee. :confused:

to answer your question, I know in most fantasy leagues the IR is not an option any more since the actual NBA has gotten rid of it, so chances are your league is the same, with a player like Hill I would def. keep him on the bench though, 3-6 weeks really isn't that long when you think about it

Just hoping that 3-6 weeks don't drag out for 2-3 months.

Motown Pride, there is a sticky advisory note indicating that since Hill will be down for 3-6 weeks that I should stick him on the IR and wait it out until December. Ist question, is this a good suggestion and second question is I did not see that option in the Advanced League. Right now I just have him as a bench designee. :confused:

I would venture to say that an IR spot will be enforced in the league this year. (I feel about 85% about that) When setting up the league that is a configurable option. Our league is set to be able to hold at least 2 players. Last year, the IR option was not available until the season started. Be prepared though, because Yahoo is notoriously slow for updating a players status to IR.

** Quick Note about the Injured List** Once the player is deemed off the IR list, you will be unable to pick up any new free agents or complete any trades until you remove them from the IR spot.

My recommendation would be to keep Hill at least for a couple of days until the season starts to see how Yahoo handles this. It could very well be that Yahoo will handle this internally based on their knowledge as opposed to depending on the NBA to give a player the IR designation. There really isn't any player available on the free agent list remotely close to giving you the value that a Grant Hill can, so it is definitely worth waiting for....at least for now.

one of my yahoo leagues just gave a notice saying there WON'T be an IR, but the other IR league hasn'r said anything, go figure, I guess it is anybody's guess

one of my yahoo leagues just gave a notice saying there WON'T be an IR, but the other IR league hasn'r said anything, go figure, I guess it is anybody's guess

wow, you're right. I just looked at the Commish options and they took the IR away. ouch..that sucks. I will send a letter to yahoo to get some specifics.

Without any warning, Yahoo has eliminated the IR option. It has been removed from all of my current leagues. To make this transition more bearable for those who drafted with the idea of holding someone on injured reserve for a while....I will be adding another bench position. This is the best I can do given the situation. The new position will be made available @8:00 am on Saturday this weekend. At this point every owner will be able to add an additional player to their roster.

Wow, we need to kick things up a notch here. The Advanced League is way too silent. Normally, this is the time of year when there are trade proposals like mad and trash talking to no end.

Is anyone out there??? :confused:

Wow, we need to kick things up a notch here. The Advanced League is way too silent. Normally, this is the time of year when there are trade proposals like mad and trash talking to no end.

Is anyone out there??? :confused:
Nobody but us novices.

**chirp chirp**

We can send Slippy over to ya all, he's been talking enough smack for at least two leagues!!! :laugh:

Nobody but us novices.

**chirp chirp**

We can send Slippy over to ya all, he's been talking enough smack for at least two leagues!!! :laugh:

Hahah, sure. As long has his team sucks that is. :eyebrows:

Wow, we need to kick things up a notch here. The Advanced League is way too silent. Normally, this is the time of year when there are trade proposals like mad and trash talking to no end.

Is anyone out there??? :confused:

I am here and ready for the season to start. I am no expert but some people drafted some poor teams. It should make things easy for the more experienced players.


If I could draft over again the one player I would not draft the second time around would be Zack Randolph. The guy still acts like a little kid and doesn't seem to be working on his game to improve to better the team.

Does anyone else have a player that they had second thoughts about drafting after the pressure intense draft was over?

I really don't have any regrets about anyone I drafted. It came out weird for me though. I tried drafting Center heavy at the top, but somehow got some good guards instead. That auto draft is messed up, lol. I couldn't tell you a good team from a poor one but somebody told me I did well. We shall see. :noidea:

I am here and ready for the season to start. I am no expert but some people drafted some poor teams. It should make things easy for the more experienced players.


If I could draft over again the one player I would not draft the second time around would be Zack Randolph. The guy still acts like a little kid and doesn't seem to be working on his game to improve to better the team.

Does anyone else have a player that they had second thoughts about drafting after the pressure intense draft was over?

I drafted AI with my first pick ( I drafted 11th out of 12 teams), but then I lost my internet connection for a few minutes and by the time I got back up I had autodrafted Steve Nash because he was the next highest of my pre-ranked players.

I like Nash, but to go PG with your 1st 2 picks is a bit much. I would have probably gone big with that pick.

Other than that, I like my team. I think I have a good balance and all but 3 of my guys are eligable for multiple positions.

When I logged into the draft it was in progress, so it autopicked my team before I could put a word in. So as they say, I wll have to deal with hand that was dealt me and ride it out for a week or two to see how it plays. I am little heavy at the guard position with 8 of them, so I will be looking to dump one for a forward in a week or two and will need another center if LB keeps Jerome James on the bench. :laugh:

When I logged into the draft it was in progress, so it autopicked my team before I could put a word in. So as they say, I wll have to deal with hand that was dealt me and ride it out for a week or two to see how it plays. I am little heavy at the guard position with 8 of them, so I will be looking to dump one for a forward in a week or two and will need another center if LB keeps Jerome James on the bench. :laugh:

I have Jerome James in another league. What a waste!

In our league I picked up Stackhouse (I'm a fan of his), but quickly dropped him based on need and his injury plagued pre-season.

What is going on???

This place is dead...

Okay who has a player that has been a total disapointment so far? I have two players Radmonvic from Seattle and Dampier from Dallas. I cut Radmonvic today after I saw he is not even starting this season and is buried deep on the bench.This new Seattle coach seems like he does not have a clue. He only played 11 minutes last night and had 4 rebounds and no points. I am like WTF!!!!!! He lost his job to Reggie Evans?? Who the he double hockey sticks is Reggie Evans??? Didn't Seattle spend a whole lot of money to resign Radmonvic??? So I cut him and picked up Austin Croshere as a stop gap until I can find a better replacement.:frusty:


I am so mad.

Just as I expected I have got nothing from Kyle "Ashton" Korver in his first two games as he is averaging 4 pts and 2 boards:doh:

Also it looks like Jerome James is not going to get any run time from LB so his numbers will be low. You know I am in trouble when the strongest man on my front court is McDyess!!:frusty:

Just as I expected I have got nothing from Kyle "Ashton" Korver in his first two games as he is averaging 4 pts and 2 boards:doh:

Also it looks like Jerome James is not going to get any run time from LB so his numbers will be low. You know I am in trouble when the strongest man on my front court is McDyess!!:frusty:

I dropped James days ago. Its hard to get a read on Korver. He can't continue to stink up the place. Can he? :)

What is going on???

This place is dead...

Okay who has a player that has been a total disapointment so far? I have two players Radmonvic from Seattle and Dampier from Dallas. I cut Radmonvic today after I saw he is not even starting this season and is buried deep on the bench.This new Seattle coach seems like he does not have a clue. He only played 11 minutes last night and had 4 rebounds and no points. I am like WTF!!!!!! He lost his job to Reggie Evans?? Who the he double hockey sticks is Reggie Evans??? Didn't Seattle spend a whole lot of money to resign Radmonvic??? So I cut him and picked up Austin Croshere as a stop gap until I can find a better replacement.:frusty:


I am so mad.

Reggie Evans lead the league in rebounds per 48 minutes last year. Unfortunately that's all he does.

Underachieving pick? Hmmmmm....so far, Desmond Mason has been very disappointing for me but I expect that trend to change as soon as he gets more acclimated with New Orleans/Oklahoma City system.

I just dropped Reggie E in the Novice League. We aren't counting rebounds per 48, just straight up and there are 5 guys with better all around statlines on the FA list...

Radmanovic and Evans both signed their qualifying offers. Neither was re-signed to a long term deal.

I am so screwed. TMAC is down and out with a back injury and they don't know how long he is going to be out. They say 3 to 4 weeks. I can't believe this!!!:frusty: :frusty: :frusty: :frusty: :doh: :doh:

I am so screwed. TMAC is down and out with a back injury and they don't know how long he is going to be out. They say 3 to 4 weeks. I can't believe this!!!:frusty: :frusty: :frusty: :frusty: :doh: :doh:

Really? Wow.

I heard day to day. 3 to 4 weeks is rough.

My biggest dissapointment?

Larry f'n Hughes. Turning the ball over way too much and he's shooting a poor poor percentage right now (.378). Joe gets an honourable mention as well - on a weak Atlanta team needing a leader, I expected him to step up his game; along as his assists.

My surprises?

Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Hes great on the boards and he shoots a high percentage. And to think that I was pissed I drafted him:)

So week 1 is in the books and what a week it was!

Alot of close matchups. Similar to a boxing match, I think we saw alot of posturing and feeling out of the opponent this week before actual punches were thrown. Now that everyone has a stronger grasp for what to expect out of their team...this is when the REAL competition begins.

But before we go into week 2, here are the week 1 awards!

Owner of the Week
ProFantasySports.com

Fairly obvious selection here. Accumlating a record of 7-1-1, the recipient of the number one draft pick has blazed out of the gate with an impressive defeat of Loanshark. The lineup of LeBron, Peja, B-Mill, Billups, Odom, Webber is sure to be one that will be giving opposing owners fits this year. Loanshark's disappointing performance can likely be attributed to the loss of Shaq and the ineffectiveness of Crawford in Larry land.

Game of the Week
Motown Prides vs. Old Miser's Squad

Having 6 categories determined by less than 8 points, this was about as even of a matchup as one can expect. This one went down to the wire. More impressive was Miser's ability to get the job done with the loss of Sam Dalembert to injury. The emergence of Wells, Ford, Krisitc and Mourning was key to Old Miser's victory.

On to this weeks matchups:

WEEK 2

#1 vs detroit what!
#1 looks to wrestle away first place this week, but detroit what! stands in his way. Both teams play pesky defense, but detroit what! plays it just a tad bit better.
Upset special
Prediction:
detroit what! beats you know who 6-3

Motown Prides vs rdang
When these two offensive jaugernauts get together expect a shootout. This one could come down to health. A healthy Davis makes this a toss up. Betting on Davis's health isn't what you would call a sound investment.
Prediction:
Prides rebound from overtime thriller 6-3

FD vs BigDaddy's Boyz
Big Daddy looks to rebound from a horrendous 2-7 start. It won't be easy. A big day from Antoine Walker in a Shaqless Miami might be all the doctor ordered to send Big Daddy to the loser's lounge for a second week. Keep in eye out for Gerald Wallace though. If he misses a couple games Big Daddy might be in a position to make this interesting.
Prediction:
FD in a route 7-2

Wonders World vs LA Drebabys
A sound victory from either of these two teams should be enough to launch one of them into the elite 6 (championship playoff spot positions). Who will move from mediocrity to the leagues elite? LA will miss Korver this week, but I'm sure Wonders World will be more than happy to reintroduce him. When McGrady and Hill return from injury, watch out for these teams. They WILL be in the mix.
Prediction:
Wonders edges through 5-4

Loanshark vs JammerTime
This could get ugly. Unless Loanshark can turn his franchise around through free agency and trades, this looks to be a long season for our friend. Jammertime just has too much fire power.
Jaws looks more like Nemo in this one
Prediction:
Jammertime in a massacre 7-2

Matchup of the Week

Old Miser's Squad vs ProFantasySports.com
Sports writers clash! :) This battle amongst friends will now extend to the PF.Com Fantasy battle ground. #1 pick versus #2 pick. Lebron vs KG! Does it get any better than this? The reemergence of Peja should be enough to counter Mike Bibby's rebound week.
Prediction:
ProFantasy Sneaks through 5-4

I look forward to silencing the critics...you'll learn not to bet against me!!!

I look forward to silencing the critics...you'll learn not to bet against me!!!

ha..ha... show me da money! :)

Wow, that recap of the week was super cool Motown. :nod:

Wow, that recap of the week was super cool Motown. :nod:

I agree. Especially the part about my team having too much fire power for shark! :eyebrows:

thanks fellas. :)

thanks fellas. :)

You can thank me by trading me Smush Parker. I'm looking for a PG/SG for depth. :nod:

You can thank me by trading me Smush Parker. I'm looking for a PG/SG for depth. :nod:

anyone can be had...for a price. :eyebrows:

anyone can be had...for a price. :eyebrows:

Show me the money!! err stats!!! LOL!!! :eyebrows:

With only two days left I am ready concede defeat for my matchup with you. :doh: I had Barbosa on my watch list and you grabbed him before I did, so looks like you are one step ahead all the way around. :mad:

Good series for your squad!

With only two days left I am ready concede defeat for my matchup with you. :doh: I had Barbosa on my watch list and you grabbed him before I did, so looks like you are one step ahead all the way around. :mad:

Good series for your squad!

Thanks!!

Your team is not bad you just need some beef on your front line really bad. You might have to trade one of your studs in a 2 for 1 deal to sure up your rebounding and FG %. Sometimes having 2 above average players is better than have one great one.

I have found out very quickly that you can't hesitate on FA's. I saw Barbosa out there and looked at my roster and identfied my weak link that was causing me points. I watched both players for one more game and then I made the move to get him. Jason Collins was killing me with his poor free throw shooting and FG% and with Barbosa the only thing I am losing is blocks which I think I can stand to give up if he improves my scoring, FG%, FT% REB, Assists and steals.

How can you be a 7ft Center and shoot the 30% FG and 40% from the FT.

Thanks!!

Your team is not bad you just need some beef on your front line really bad. You might have to trade one of your studs in a 2 for 1 deal to sure up your rebounding and FG %. Sometimes having 2 above average players is better than have one great one.

I have found out very quickly that you can't hesitate on FA's. I saw Barbosa out there and looked at my roster and identfied my weak link that was causing me points. I watched both players for one more game and then I made the move to get him. Jason Collins was killing me with his poor free throw shooting and FG% and with Barbosa the only thing I am losing is blocks which I think I can stand to give up if he improves my scoring, FG%, FT% REB, Assists and steals.

How can you be a 7ft Center and shoot the 30% FG and 40% from the FT.

ha, who has Barbosa now!!!

Not that he's tearing it up or anything, but getting steady minutes...

Big Picture: Micro-Managing
By Matt Buser
April 6, 2006
http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/cn/headshots/buser_exclusive_70x70.jpghttp://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/p/yse_lo_70x24_2.gif (http://www.pistonsforum.com/)

I still have a shot at winning some of my fantasy hoops leagues this year, and my thought processes are simple: what do I need to do to win, and who or what poses my biggest challenge to getting that done? Scout your team, those of your opponents, and the leagues standings very carefully over the next few days – there is still time for a run or hot steak that might affect the standings, and the standings don't really matter in any league until April 20.


Some Random Observations
If you are participating in a rotisserie league, now is a good time to click the "Maximum Games Played" link located near the bottom-right of your team page if you haven't in a while. You are more than likely in single digits in the "Remaining" column for at least a few positions, as player rotations for various reasons throughout the season have left you a bit ahead of the pace. Including today (Thursday), there are 14 calendar days left in the NBA regular season. Take stock of what you have left to use and what players you have to use them – if executed correctly, you can maximize those remaining games by using only your best players where possible. For instance, if you have Yao Ming (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3599/) on your roster and only four games remaining at center, you will want Yao to use all four of those games and bench what is likely an inferior player currently manning the second center position. If you find yourself well behind the games played pace, however, then start rotating in your bench players to get as close to the maximums as possible by the end of the season.
Also, regardless of how you stand in games played, take note of your league's complete standings and note your place in specific categories. If you are so far out in front in 3PTM that it is certain no one will catch you, you don't have to take that category into account when deciding your player rotations. Conversely, if you are six rebounds away from adding two points in that category, you will want to make sure you rotate in your high-rebound players (and perhaps make an add/drop to pick up more rebounds). With the end of the season so close, now is the time to get the most out of the squad that has brought you this far.
Let's take a look at how many games teams have yet to be played this week, including today (Thursday), and in the championship week for head-to-head leagues. It's something certainly worth noting if you are still competing and planning to participate in the finals of the league championship, which runs from April 10 through April 19. Keep in mind that quantity can sometimes trump quality when it comes to head-to-head matchups.
Team games remaining this week (Week 23, April 3 – April 9):
3 – Detroit, LA Lakers, Miami, New Jersey
2 – Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Golden State, Houston, Indiana, LA Clippers, Memphis, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, Seattle, Toronto, Utah, Washington
1 – Chicago, Cleveland
Team games in Championship Week (Week 24, April 10 – April 19)
6 – Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Golden State, Indiana, LA Clippers, New Jersey, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle, Utah, Washington
5 – Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minnesota, San Antonio
4 – LA Lakers, Sacramento
Injury Report
Al Harrington (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3268/) (F, Atlanta) – Harrington missed Wednesday's game with a strained pectoral muscle. "It's been bothering me for a while but it's worse now," said Harrington, adding that he didn't want to be on the court if he wasn't full strength. Wednesday was the second of back-to-back games, so that may have also contributed. He is day-to-day at this point, so look for a game-time decision on his status for Friday's game.

Chris Duhon (PG, Chicago) – Duhon is struggling with a disc problem in his lower back, going as far as to say that back-to-back games like the Bulls had the last two nights "kill him" according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He's averaged 7.3 points and 6.0 assists over the past three games. The Bulls play one game over the next five days, however, which could give Duhon time to rest up for the season's final games.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3121/) (C, Cleveland) – Big Z missed Wednesday's game thanks to a left ankle sprain. The injury is not considered serious, however, and Ilgauskas could be available for the Cavs next game on Saturday. Anderson Varejeo started at center in his place, scoring four points and grabbing 12 boards in 27 minutes. Varejeo has averaged 8.0 points and 10.3 boards over his past four games and could be a decent source of boards if you need them.

Larry Hughes (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3251/) (SG, Cleveland) – Hughes returned to the Cavaliers' lineup on Tuesday and has totaled 17 points and 45 minutes in two games. He's also made six of 18 field goals (33 percent). Flip Murray (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3639/) owners should take note, because the Cavs will likely do their best to get Hughes back in the starting lineup as soon as he is able – his minutes will also come at the expense of Damon Jones (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3322/) and Eric Snow (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3045/), but Murray's playing time is likely to suffer. Hughes won't be fantastic by any stretch considering he missed just over three months, but he may be available in your league and is likely better than your current worst player.

Rasheed Wallace (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3006/) (FC, Detroit) – Wallace missed Tuesday's game due to a mandatory one-game suspension for receiving his 16th technical foul of the season. He should be back in the Pistons' and your lineup for Thursday's action.

Baron Davis (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3326/) (PG, Golden State) – There have been no updates regarding Davis coming out of Golden State recently, a sure sign that he still isn't anywhere close to returning. If you've been waiting to cut him for some reason, you should wait no longer.

Tracy McGrady (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3179/) (SG, Houston) – McGrady joined the Rockets on their current road trip, but said that he will not play again this season according to the Houston Chronicle. Fantasy owners that mortgaged a first-round pick on him will be thrilled to know that he is currently pain-free and is really looking forward to getting going again … in June.

Cuttino Mobley (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3284/) (SG, LA Clippers) – Mobley came off of the bench on Wednesday and had his best offensive game since returning from a right ankle sprain. His 12 points was offset, however, by zero threes, assists, and steals in 29 minutes against the Suns. Mobley has been slow to round back into form, but the potential is there – unless you've got a clearly better option, get him back in the lineup.

Jake Tsakalidis (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3424/) (C, Memphis) – Tsakalidis returned Tuesday after missing two weeks with a sprained left thumb. He came off the bench, scoring 11 points, grabbing 11 boards, and blocking two shots in 23 minutes. Lorenzen Wright (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3116/) has been the starter recently and the two will likely be in a platoon situation for the rest of the season, with the hot hand seeing the most minutes and leaving both as marginal fantasy contributors.

Jason Williams (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3250/) (PG, Miami) – Williams has been shut down for the remainder of the regular season with tendonitis in his right knee. Heat coach Pat Riley wants Williams to rest and return for the first round of the playoffs. Gary Payton (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/259/) will start for the Heat, and should make his way onto fantasy rosters – he has averaged 11.8 points, 1.3 threes, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 18 starts so far this season.

P.J. Brown (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/814/) (FC, New Orleans/Oklahoma City) – Brown has missed the past four games with a left ankle sprain – the plan is for Brown to be back in the lineup on Friday, but nothing definitive will be known until game-time.

Stephon Marbury (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3099/) (PG, New York) – Marbury was evaluated by team doctors on Wednesday to determine if he will play again this season, according to the New York Post. The results are expected to be released today – Knicks coach Larry Brown has said that Steve Francis (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3325/) will finish the season as the team's point guard if Marbury does not return. Jamal Crawford (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3407/) could be the big winner, however, if Marbury is out – he scored a season-high 37 on Wednesday and has averaged 24.6 points and 43 minutes in the past three games.

Jalen Rose (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/2636/) (GF, New York) – An MRI on Monday revealed tendonitis in Rose's right knee and a case of plantar fasciitis, making it safe to consider his season over. The jumbled rotation that still exists this late in the season in New York makes it practically impossible to name or recommend his replacement.

Amare Stoudemire (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3607/) (FC, Phoenix) – All together now … Amare Stoudemire won't play again this season. The suspense is over, but hopefully you dropped him well before this definitive information (finally) came out on Wednesday. Stoudemire had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to clean out debris, but there is nothing structurally wrong with the knee according to Suns coach Mike D'Antoni.

Zach Randolph (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3531/) (PF, Portland) – Be prepared for sporadic production and uncertainty from Randolph over the season's final few weeks due to his sore right knee. He played just 14 minutes and asked not to return in the second half on Sunday, but played 44 minutes on Wednesday, scoring 17 points and grabbing eight boards. His positives were offset by 32 percent shooting and five turnovers, however.

Chris Bosh (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3707/) (FC, Toronto) – Bosh's season is over – his left thumb sprain was re-evaluated by team doctors on Wednesday, and their recommendation was to sit out the rest of the season instead of risking further injury. While it isn't likely that any Raptors outside of Charlie Villanueva (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3933/), Mike James (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3577/), and Morris Peterson (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3420/) will be a consistent help to your fantasy team, Matt Bonner (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3748/) would be worth a look if you are hurting for a center-eligible player. He has averaged 13.3 points, 2.7 threes, and 8.7 boards in 27 minutes over the past three games.

Motown Bonus Section:

News:
W. Szczerbiak is out for the rest of the season

Mo's Advice:
Pick up Tony Allen immediately! He has been a terror lately and the lost of Wally will likely spring board him into the starting lineup.

News:
Ilgauskas will be out another game (Saturday) with an ankle sprain.

Mo's Advice:
This is still not percieved to be a serious injury. Il-Nasty still has 6 games left during championship week. Worth standing pat. In the short term, look for Gooden to have a string of outstanding games.

News:
Collison set to come back to Seattle today (Friday)

Mo's Advice:
Don't expect much. There is room for some backup minutes spelling Swift and Wilcox, but I expect Collison to be eased into the lineup. Besides, it is very difficult to keep Wilcox off the floor. He has been outstanding!

News:
Rashard Lewis will serve a supsension today (Friday) for reckless driving

Mo's Advice:
Lewis is definitely healthy, just stupid. Don't drop him. The extra day of rest will do him so good for the playoff push.

Have fun and good luck!!!!