NBL Fantasy | Finals.
This weekly column is produced by Dean Zardo and Steve Chalmers.
The header is simple, because this week is simple. It's finals time and it's serious.
Round 18 may have thrown up a dozen or so curveballs, but when doesn't NBL Fantasy throw up a curveball or two?
Now it's go time. There's no room for error and put quite simply, no excuses.
It's put up or shut up time. A time where you have either set your season up for success, or you haven't made it all together.
As they say: if you ain't first, you're last. So how will your #NBL20 fantasy season end?
The Trap
Curveball no.1 from last week and it hit everyone right in the Plums.
Was Miles Plumlee your number one trade option last week? Me too. It wasn't to be for the Perth Wildcats big man, which included a home contest without the hassle of Andrew Bogut in opposition colours.
Coming off a monster 82 fpoints in just his third game in red, Plumlee managed to muster up just 20 over the two games he played last week. Disappointed owners would be explaining the situation kindly.
Where do you go with him now? He's probably not on owners' radars to trade out immediately and we'd suggest giving him another go anyway; there's other areas in which you can continue to find extra points.
Owners left wanting more?
There were many fantasy owners left seething when points were left out to dry (no pun intended) when the Wollongong Entertainment Centre was the talk of the town thanks to a leaking roof.
The Illawarra vs. New Zealand game was called short, with owners with players in the respective teams missing out on the fantasy goldmine.
None more so than Scotty Hopson who sat on nine assists and dominating the contest, some of whom would have made him captain for the week!
Over 1800 owners held Hopson, while more than 1600 owners still held Sunday Dech - those who held both players were caught worse for wear.
The Stars
Nick Kay (Perth Wildcats)
Kay was a little bit of the forgotten man this past week, with the Wildcats playing twice all eyes were on the new toy in Plumlee. However, Nick Kay performed to the best of his ability, showing fans that he's still going to be a force come finals time. 114 fpoints to the big fella puts him right back in form.
The Value
Jo Lual-Acuil (Melbourne United)
It's been a little bit of an odd season for Acuil, however the mid-season dip in form is probably to be expected considering he's in his first year. The shake up to the United line-up this past week however has re-energised his season as a monster 82 fpoints, including a double double against Perth put him right back into the picture.
Pressure Cooker
Anyone?
Is there anyone left to throw into the pressure cooker over the next two weeks? We've worked out who has succeeded and who has failed this season. We don't think it's necessary to put the spotlight on someone who probably doesn't deserve it this time of year.
Injury List
AdelaideRamone MooreShoulder - SeasonCairnsKouat NoiAnkle - Really, who knows now?Illawarra Aaron BrooksAchilles - SeasonLaMelo BallFoot - SeasonMelbourneCasey PratherHamstring - SeasonNew ZealandGlen Rice Jr.Contract TerminatedCorey WebsterReturning? RJ HamptonHip - SeasonPerthDamian MartinHeel - 2 weeksTerrico WhiteSoreness - ProbableSydneyCraig MollerAnkle - DoubtfulAndrew BogutBack - QuestionableDidi LouzadaKnee - Questionable
The Tweets
We see you! Anything that catches our eye, we'll attempt to share with all of our readers.
https://twitter.com/tomhersz/status/1222439674242682880
https://twitter.com/NBL_DT/status/1223559961290010624
https://twitter.com/BBall_Blokes/status/1223560440971550720
https://twitter.com/MattM_78/status/1223619828885291009
https://twitter.com/Watto_PJ/status/1223159391597129730
https://twitter.com/Julian_OBrien/status/1224993446131195904
The Summary
So, you've come here for a reason haven't you? Who do you bring in for the next round? Let's make it simple, below are a few names (at different levels) who you can target:
Doubles in Round 19: BRIS (Keep in mind R20: CNS, MELB, SEM)
PG: Melo Trimble (Melbourne) $1.28m
PG: John Roberson (South East Melbourne) $1.57m
SG: Lamar Patterson (Brisbane) $1.77m
SG: DJ Newbill (Cairns) $1.59m
C: Will Magnay (Brisbane) $1.44m
C: Matt Hodgson (Brisbane) $1.24m
For those you should be keen to oppose
This is an interesting section for owners now - anyone not producing how you want them to? Upgrade them. Now is the time you should have the cash to upgrade to who you want, not just who you need. Find someone you're trusting enough to put your team in the best position over the next two weeks. Good Luck!