So I assume you’re reading this because you made it into the playoffs. Or you’re a big Will Shakespeare fan, drawn in by my plagiarized title. If you’re looking for Willy Shakespeare, boy, have you stumbled into the wrong part of town, so turn about, post haste, and don’t look back, anon!
If you’ve made the playoffs, however, congratulations are in order, but as the title suggests, you have a long way to go, and things can go to poop in a split second. We need to make sure none of the players on your fantasy team don’t go pulling a Brutus on you, and stab you in the back in your moment of glory! There’s got to be a guy who has been underperforming on your roster, so let’s focus on whom to watch out for, shall we?
Buy:
Kosta Koufos PF/C
Eager to prove that not all Greeks are lazy, and take it in the, um, you know, my man went off! 22 points, 10 boards, 1 dime, a steal and a block. It was against the lowly Suns, but he has been a one of the best in the league for field goal percentage all year, and he will give you good big man stats: boards, blocks, and percentage. And Greek food is delicious, and good for you. What’s not to love about going Greek?
Spencer Hawes PF/C
Maybe I’m a victim of 80’s B-movies, but I think Spencer isn’t an intimidating name, like Flash, or Spike. But Hawes is single-handedly trying to change that popular opinion. In his last 4 games, he has averaged 15 points, 9.5 boards, 3.75 assists, and a block per. As of Monday, he’s available in 40% of leagues, so give Spence a chance.
Tiago Splitter PF/C
I don’t know what Pop puts in the Gatorade, but even his mediocre players produce. Splitter is being slept on, including me at times this season, and he’s only taken in 45% of leagues. March averages of 11 points, 8 boards, and shooting 60%. To Tiago I say: “Assombroso!” And “Onde esta a biblioteca?” Which means: Awesome bro! (actually means “amazing”, and “where is the library?” Two essential phrases one needs in Brazil.)
Jodie Meeks SG
So recommending Meeks is less about the player himself, and more about the Black Mamba spraining his foot. (Ask a biologist to explain that!) If you have Bryant in a non-keeper league, drop him, ‘cause he ain’t coming back. But, that said, Meeks has been productive in the last five games, averaging 11 points and 2.5 3Pts per. With Kobe out, that can only go up, right? He’s owned in less than 10% of leagues, so if you need 3 pointers, he’s a good start.
Ed Davis PF/C
If you bothered to read the comment section of my last article, I had recommended Ed to a reader, because with Randolph and Darrell Arthur both out, he got a shot to prove he has something to offer, averaging 10.2 points, 8.6 boards, an impressive 2.4 blocks, and a steal per. Randolph has come back, and he has become the first big off the bench, so I expect similar stats going forward.
Sell:
Andrea Bargnani PF/C
I only include him on this list because I said to keep an eye on him last week, and he’s been shut down for the remainder of the season. I was blinded by my love for tall, leggy Italians, and long balls. If you have the misfortune to have stashed him on the bench, trash that stash like you’ve been pulled over, he’s as useless as a soggy ball of Buffalo Mozzerell…
Kyrie Irving PG
I hate to say it, but this dynamic guard won’t help you this playoff run, and you have to cut him loose ONLY if you’re not in a keeper league. Hey Cleveland, chin up. As they say, at least you’re not Detroit…
Carl Landry PF
I feel obligated to put a player up that isn’t out due to injury, so with heavy heart I throw Landry under the proverbial bus. Or off the bridge… (get it, get it.???) He has been a non-factor in 5 of his last 6 games, and that one was when he started for David Lee. Well, Lee is back, and Landry is out. Sorry, pal, I love your blue collar, lunchbox, dig in the trenches, take no prisoners, win one for the Gipper style game, when it’s on. But it’s not.
