2017 Power Rankings (Week 5)

Who took a leap forward this week?

Hi everyone and welcome to the fifth week of Power Rankings. Skip ahead to the rankings if you want but in case you are curious, here's how the scoring works...

Each team was ranked in six categories for the week:
-Total fantasy points scored.
-Fantasy points averaged per game by starters.
-Total amount of points produced by the bench.
-Games missed due to injuries (doubled for starters).
-Fantasy points per game gained or lost through transactions (using last 30 averages)
-The standings.

Then, each team was given points depending on where they were in the rankings. The better a team performed in the rankings, the less points I gave them.

I doubled the scores in the weekly total and per game categories as a final touch because this game is ultimately about scoring fantasy points.

From there, I totaled each team's score across the six categories and used those final scores to sort my power rankings. 52 points would be average with the lower scores being above average.

I also added everyone's season average (and ranking) beneath their week's score. Just another way to consider how things are shaking out.

Here are my results:

12. Draymond Green Tornado Kick - Nathaniel (0-5)
Week Total: 12
Per Game: 12
Bench Scoring: 9
Injuries: 1
Transactions: 4
Standings: 11
Week 5 Total: 73
Season Average: 58.6 (10th)


Falling two spots this week, the newly named Draymond Green Tornando Kick debuted with 700 points at a league low rate of 22.6 points per game in a rough loss to Team Nipple. Nathaniel's bench added in 158 of their own while the team missed a league high 22 games due to injuries. No transactions were made this week.

Draymond Green Tornado Kick has certainly been going through some injury woes and the numbers will certainly go up if those injuries ever clear up. However, with league low scoring numbers and a below average bench to boot, the losses are beginning to pile up.

11. MAMA Said Knock You Out - Rich (0-5)
Week Total: 11
Per Game: 10
Bench Scoring: 7
Injuries: 9
Transactions: 4
Standings: 11
Week 5 Total: 73
Season Average: 72.2 (12th)


In the same spot as last week, MAMA Said Knock You Out scored 736 points on 23 points per game in a loss to Make It Nashty. Rich's bench put up 194 and the team missed 5 games due to injuries. No transactions were made this week.

The numbers are getting warmer and the bench seems to be both serviceable and consistent. However, the lack of injuries implies that this team just is not producing a strong starting lineup at the moment. As we enter the second quarter of the season, it may be time to see a change of plans for MAMA Said Knock You Out.

10. TimAint Duncan - Nick (1-4)
Week Total: 10
Per Game: 11
Bench Scoring: 12
Injuries: 3
Transactions: 4
Standings: 10
Week 5 Total: 71
Season Average: 69.8 (11th)


Rising two spots, TimAint Duncan posted 775 points at a pace of 22.8 points per game in a close loss to Balls to the Wall. Nick's bench could only muster 59 points though 18 games were missed due to injuries. Like seven other franchises, no transactions were made this week.

TimAint Duncan put up flat numbers across the board but there are a good amount of injuries to point to. It will be interesting to see what this team can produce if the injuries ever clear up. If this team hopes of making the playoffs, that needs to happen sooner rather than later.

9. All-NBA 5th Team - Matt (3-2)
Week Total: 8
Per Game: 7
Bench Scoring: 4
Injuries: 9
Transactions: 4
Standings: 3
Week 5 Total: 50
Season Average: 39.6 (3rd)


Dropping six spots this week, All-NBA 5th Team racked up 818 points on a 25.6 per game basis in tough loss to Blow Me. Matt's bench contributed 261 points of their own while the team missed 5 games due to injuries. No transactions were made this week.

A rather dramatic drop for a team that performed only slightly below average. The fact that All-NBA 5th Team could fall this far is more of a testament to how competitive the middle of our league is. I'm sure this squad will bounce back quickly.

8. Pippen Aint Eazy - Freddy (2-3)
Week Total: 9
Per Game: 5
Bench Scoring: 8
Injuries: 1
Transactions: 4
Standings: 8
Week 5 Total: 49
Season Average: 51.4 (8th)


Down one spot from last week, Pippen Aint Eazy scored 817 points at a brisk pace of 26.4 points per game in a big loss to RIM JOBS. Freddy's bench chipped in 181 points even though the team lead the league with 22 missed games due to injuries. No transactions were made.

Pippen Aint Eazy scored a low total but had a strong per game average. The bench is still not great but that is probably related to the high amount of injuries. This is a dangerous team, especially if the injuries clear up.

7. Balls to the Wall - Brett (3-2)
Week Total: 7
Per Game: 6
Bench Scoring: 11
Injuries: 5
Transactions: 1
Standings: 3
Week 5 Total: 46
Season Average: 48 (7th)


Falling two spots, Balls to the Wall tallied 853 points on 25.8 per game scoring in a win over TimAint Duncan. Brett's bench scraped together 116 points while the team missed 15 games due to injuries. No transactions were made.

Balls to the Wall did not produce quite like weeks past but the team was still able to get the win on decent scoring. The bench did not have a good week but a slew of injuries could explain both that as well as the down numbers by the starters.

6. Admiral Kryptonite - Gus (2-3)
Week Total: 3
Per Game: 7
Bench Scoring: 2
Injuries: 11
Transactions: 4
Standings: 8
Week 5 Total: 45
Season Average: 45 (5th)


Holding the same spot as last week, Admiral Kryptonite racked up 999 points at 25.6 points per game in a tough loss to Team Penetration. My bench posted 338 points with my team missing only 4 games due to injuries. No transactions were made.

A strong scoring week was overshadowed by a stronger opponent but the bench and starting lineup produced nice numbers. The per game rate continues to be a weak point for my team and the lack of injuries implies that my numbers could be a bit inflated.

5. Blow Me - Tyler (3-2)
Week Total: 5
Per Game: 7
Bench Scoring: 5
Injuries: 8
Transactions: 4
Standings: 3
Week 5 Total: 44
Season Average: 43.8 (4th)


Dropping one spot from last week, Blow Me posted 971 points at a rate of 25.6 points per game in a nice win over All-NBA 5th Team. Tyler's bench contributed 207 points of their own while the team missed 10 games due to injuries. No transactions were made.

Another strong showing from a team that has consistently put up playoff stats. Good numbers across the board and a quality win are what we can come to expect from Tyler's squad.

4. Make It Nashty - Danny (3-2)
Week Total: 4
Per Game: 4
Bench Scoring: 10
Injuries: 6
Transactions: 3
Standings: 3
Week 5 Total: 38
Season Average: 45 (5th)


Up four spots from last week, Make It Nashty dropped 989 on a 26.7 per game basis in a win over MAMA Said Knock You Out. Danny's bench added in 126 points while the team missed 14 games due to injuries. This squad added 2.3 points per game by adding Bismack Biyombo to replace Amir Johnson.

A bounce back week for the bounce back team. The bench is still a concern which may contribute to the Make It Nashty's inconsistency but that should clear up a little with Reggie Jackson set to return soon.

3. RIM JOBS - Monty (3-2)
Week Total: 6
Per Game: 3
Bench Scoring: 6
Injuries: 4
Transactions: 4
Standings: 3
Week 5 Total: 35
Season Average: 53.2 (9th)

Jumping six spots this week, RIM JOBS erupted for 947 points at a hot pace of 29.6 points per game in a good win over Pippen Aint Eazy. Monty's bench scored 202 points of their own while the team missed 17 games due to injuries. No transactions were made this week.

This was a big week for RIM JOBS. Monty's entire team put up good numbers despite a significant amount of injuries. It is the per game average that is truly impressive. If these numbers continue, the playoffs will be an inevitability.

2. Team Nipple - Chris (5-0)
Week Total: 2
Per Game: 1
Bench Scoring: 3
Injuries: 7
Transactions: 12
Standings: 1
Week 5 Total: 29
Season Average: 26.6 (2nd)


In the same spot as the last two weeks, the defending chamions scored a cool 1211 points at an insane rate of 37.8 points per game in a win over Draymond Green Tornado Kick. Chris' bench posted 283 points with the team missing 13 games due to injuries. Alec Burks was brought on to replace Matthew Dellavedova, which is currently a net loss of 17.1 points per game.

While Team Nipple has come in second in the overall scoring for three weeks in a row, their per game average has been in a league of their own all season. That coupled with the fact that Chris' bench has gotten better each week and it is looking like the defending chamions are priming to retake the top spot.

1. Team Penetration - Michael (5-0)
Week Total: 1
Per Game: 2
Bench Scoring: 1
Injuries: 12
Transactions: 2
Standings: 1
Week 5 Total: 22
Season Average: 25.6 (1st)


On top for the third week in a row, Team Penetration lead the scoreboard with 1258 points on 34.9 points per game, continuing the undefeated season with a victory over Admiral Kryptonite. Michael's bench posted 415 points of their own while the team did not miss a game due to injury. This squad added 4.9 points per game by replacing Matt Barnes with Jeremy Lamb.

The point total and per game average are head and shoulders above a majority of the league. The bench came in first for a third week in a row. The waiver moves continue to inch this team even further forward. It will be interesting to see what happens if injuries ever set in but, even then, Team Penetration should produce elite numbers.

2017 Power Rankings (Week 4)

Which teams are coming together as contenders?

 Hi everyone and welcome to the fourth week of Power Rankings. Skip ahead to the rankings if you want but in case you are curious, here's how the scoring works...

Each team was ranked in six categories for the week:
-Total fantasy points scored.
-Fantasy points averaged per game by starters.
-Total amount of points produced by the bench.
-Games missed due to injuries (doubled for starters).
-Fantasy points per game gained or lost through transactions (using last 30 averages)
-Their place in the standings.

Then, each team was given points depending on where they were in the rankings. The better a team performed in the rankings, the less points I gave them.

I doubled the scores in the weekly total and per game categories as a final touch because this game is ultimately about scoring fantasy points.

From there, I totaled each team's score across the six categories and used those final scores to sort my power rankings. 52 points would be average with the lower scores being above average.

I also added everyone's cumulative season score (and ranking) beneath their week's score. Just another way to consider how things are shaking out.

Here are my results:

12. TimAint Duncan - Nick (1-3)

Week Total: 12

Per Game: 12

Bench Scoring: 7

Injuries: 3

Transactions: 7

Standings: 10

Week 4 Total: 75

Season Total: 278 (11th)

Dropping to the bottom this week, TimAint Duncan scored a league low 616 points at a rate of 20.5 points per game in a loss to Pippen Aint Eazy. Nick's bench contributed a solid 229 points despite the team missing 20 games due to injury. No transactions were completed this week.

The lowest score at the lowest rate is concerning but there are silver linings here. For one, the bench is still looking solid. Meanwhile, the numbers are probably skewed by the high amounts of injuries that this team is facing. If the injuries clear up and the necessary transactions are taken, this team can rise.

11. MAMA Said Knock You Out - Rich (0-4)

Week Total: 11

Per Game: 11

Bench Scoring: 9

Injuries: 7

Transactions: 2

Standings: 11

Week 4 Total: 73

Season Total: 288 (12th)

Rising one spot from last week, MAMA Said Knock You Out posted 679 points on an average of 21.2 points per game in a loss to Balls to the Wall. The bench added in 170 points while Rich's squad missed 11 games. Rich made a big acquisition this week, adding 14.9 points per game by bringing on Tony Parker to replace Dejounte Murray.

The numbers here are still not what you want to see but the skies are looking clearer. Horford has come back from a tough early injury and Parker will bring more immediate help to a team that is in need of more starters and less projects. It would be foolish to count this team out this early.

10. Por Favors - Nathaniel (0-4)

Week Total: 10

Per Game: 8

Bench Scoring: 12

Injuries: 1

Transactions: 3

Standings: 11

Week 4 Total: 63

Season Total: 220 (9th)

In the same spot as last week, the team formerly known as Por Favors scored 720 points at 24 points per game in a loss to Blow Me. Uncharacteristically, Nate's bench could only produce 104 points, which was the league low this week. Missing a season record of 28 games due to injury could explain these low numbers. 9.6 points per game were added to the roster by switching out Jakob Poeltl for Jon Leuer.

For the second week in a row, Nathaniel's squad put up a lower week total than their per game average would suggest. Meaning the guys are putting up good stats but they are not playing very often. The bonanza of injuries that this team is facing has battered both the bench and the starting lineup early on in the season.

9. RIM JOBS - Montgomery (2-2)

Week Total: 8

Per Game: 9

Bench Scoring: 11

Injuries: 5

Transactions: 7

Standings: 4

Week 4 Total: 61

Season Total: 231 (10th)

Dropping one spot from last week, RIM JOBS totaled 741 points at a clip of 23.9 points per game in a tough loss to Team Penetration. After three strong weeks, Monty's bench came up short with 105 points. This squad missed 12 games due to injury and no transactions were made this week.

The main reason this team dropped is because of something that is usually a strength for RIM JOBS, the bench. Kris Dunn, JR Smith and Willie Cauley-Stein did not provide much. Luckily, it didn't seem to negatively effect the starting lineup much, as this team continues to put up playoff contending numbers. I expect this was just a product of variance and that RIM JOBS will bounce back quickly.

8. Make It Nashty - Danny (2-2)

Week Total: 9

Per Game: 10

Bench Scoring: 8

Injuries: 2

Transactions: 4

Standings: 4

Week 4 Total: 56

Season Total: 187 (6th)

Falling three spots this week, Make It Nashty scored 729 points at a rate of 22.1 per game in a rough loss to Team Nipple. Danny's bench added in 176 points of their own while missing 21 games due to injuries. The team was able to add 4.5 points per game this week with the arrival of Trevor Ariza in exchange for Deron Williams.

This season has been a tail of two teams thus far for Make It Nashty. Danny's squad has ranked as high as third in these ranking but also been as low as eighth earlier in the season. After two straight weeks of scoring 900+ points, DeRozan and the crew posted a score in the low 700s. Still injuries have been a season-long deterrent here and the early season trade for Ariza is a good fit for a team that had too many point guards. 

7. Pippen Aint Eazy - Freddy (2-2)

Week Total: 7

Per Game: 7

Bench Scoring: 10

Injuries: 4

Transactions: 1

Standings: 4

Week 4 Total: 47

Season Total: 208 (8th)

Jumping two spots this week, Pippen Aint Eazy posted 790 points on 25.5 points per game in a win over TimAint Duncan. Freddy's bench mustered 179 points while the squad missed 18 total games due to injury. The addition of E'Twaun Moore through waiver wire brings 18 points per game.

After starting off the season strong, Pippen Aint Eazy has struggled to bounce back to where the team started. Fortunately, progress has been made for another week in a row. The starting lineup is getting better, even with more missed games than any other week. The addition of Moore will also be an improvement over an empty bench spot. Freddy is on the rise.

6. Admiral Kryptonite - Gus (2-2)

Week Total: 6

Per Game: 6

Bench Scoring: 3

Injuries: 9

Transactions: 7

Standings: 4

Week 4 Total: 47

Season Total: 180 (5th)

Dropping three spots this week, Admiral Kryptonite tallied 944 points on 26.2 points per game in a tough loss to All-NBA 5th Team. My bench scored 308 points and my squad missed only 5 games due to injury. No transactions were made this week.

An uncomfortable fall back to earth after blasting onto the scene last week, my team is far from the most consistent. Though, I am happy to see another strong showing from my bench. Hopefully that will bring enough stability to Admiral Kryptonite to compete with the top half of the league. I am also fortunate to be one of only four owners to miss single digit games due to injuries.

5. Balls to the Wall - Brett (2-2)

Week Total: 4

Per Game: 4

Bench Scoring: 5

Injuries: 9

Transactions: 11

Standings: 4

Week 4 Total: 45

Season Total: 194 (7th)

Rising one spot, Balls to the Wall finished the week with 972 points on a lofty 28.6 per game average, resulting in a dominate win over MAMA Said Knock You Out. Brett's bench added in 250 points of their own while missing 5 games due to injuries. The release of Joakim Noah for Alan Williams this week brings Balls to the Wall a net loss of 2.1 fantasy points per game.

Last week, this team posted above average stats for the bench and starting lineup alike. This week, all of those stats improved. The injuries were low and the waiver move was risky, but Brett's crew is undeniably one of the better ones around at the moment.

4. Blow Me - Tyler (2-2)

Week Total: 5

Per Game: 5

Bench Scoring: 2

Injuries: 5

Transactions: 12

Standings: 4

Week 4 Total: 43

Season Total: 175 (4th)

Jumping three spots this week, Blow Me scored 965 points at a pace of 26.8 per game in a big win over the team formerly known as Por Favors. Tyler's bench posted 338 points of their own while missing 12 games due to injuries. The acquisition of Deron Williams for Trevor Ariza brings a current loss of 4.5 points per game.

After a flat third week, Blow Me bounced back in a big way in week four. An above average starting lineup paired with an elite bench has this team in the mix for contender consideration. The numbers suggest that moves may still need to be made to reach the top of the standings but I think Tyler's squad is well equipped to do so. Already, Deron Williams may end up being a lucrative investment.

3. All-NBA 5th Team - Matt (3-1)

Week Total: 3

Per Game: 3

Bench Scoring: 6

Injuries: 9

Transactions: 6

Standings: 3

Week 4 Total: 36

Season Total: 148 (3rd)

Rising one spot, All-NBA 5th Team erupted this week with 1108 points at a rate of 29.9 points per game in a big win over Admiral Kryptonite. Matt's bench scored 237 points while the team missed 5 games due to injuries. Matt also gained 1.7 points per game by replacing Al Jefferson with Timofey Mozgov.

It looks like All-NBA 5th Team is beginning to make their case as the third titan of this league. 1100+ on nearly 30 points per game are both very rare marks to hit. If Matt's squad can keep those numbers up, this team won't drop much further than this and may even rise. This has been an extremely promising first month of the season for All-NBA 5th Team.

2. Team Nipple - Chris (4-0)

Week Total: 2

Per Game: 1

Bench Scoring: 4

Injuries: 8

Transactions: 10

Standings: 1

Week 4 Total: 29

Season Total: 104 (1st)

In the same spot as last week, The Defending Chamion threw down 1147 points on a league high 33.7 points per game as Team Nipple claimed another victim in Make It Nashty. Chris' bench scored 257 points and the team missed 10 games due to injuries. The triple swap of dropping Domantas Sabonis, Sergio Rodriguez and Andrew Bogut for the combination of Jerami Grant, Patrick Beverly and Seth Curry resulted in a net loss of 0.7 points per game for Team Nipple.

Much like last week, Team Nipple continues to have the best starting lineup in the league while the bench actually took a step forward. The constant waiver moves show that Chris is not quite happy while the end of his bench but it seems like he is pulling that together piece by piece. These top two teams are neck and neck.

1. Team Penetration - Michael (4-0)

Week Total: 1

Per Game: 2

Bench Scoring: 1

Injuries: 12

Transactions: 5

Standings: 1

Week 4 Total: 25

Season Total: 106 (2nd)

Holding the top spot for the second week in a row, Team Penetration scored a league high 1189 points at a rate of 33 points per game in a big victory over RIM JOBS. Michael's bench also lead the league with 404 points of their own. This team missed 2 games due to injuries and gained 2.9 point per game with Matt Barnes taking Arron Afflalo's spot.

Team Penetration pulled off the combo of highest bench score and highest starting lineup score for the second week in a row and, because of that, it is hard to argue for anyone else being in this spot. That being said, Michael's squad has yet to top the league in points per game while also experiencing the lowest amount of injuries so far this season. For these reasons, I believe this top spot is not locked down.

2017 Power Rankings (Week 3)

 

Who is this week's fantasy king?

 Hi everyone and welcome to a third week of Power Rankings. Skip ahead to the rankings if you want but in case you are curious, here's how the scoring works...

Each team was ranked in six categories for the week:
-Total fantasy points scored.
-Fantasy points averaged per game by starters.
-Total amount of points produced by the bench.
-Games missed due to injuries (doubled for starters).
-Fantasy points per game gained in the wavier wire.
-Their place in the standings.

Then, each team was given points depending on where they were in the rankings. The better a team performed in the rankings, the less points I gave them.

I doubled the scores in the weekly total and per game categories as a final touch because this game is ultimately about scoring fantasy points.

From there, I totaled each team's score across the six categories and used those final scores to sort my power rankings. 52 points would be average with the lower scores being above average.

I also added everyone's cumulative score (and ranking) beneath their week's score. Just another way to consider how things are shaking out.

Here are my results:

12. MAMA Said Knock You Out - Rich (0-3)

Week Total: 12

Per Game: 11

Bench Scoring: 5

Injuries: 6

Waiver Additions: 4

Standings: 11

Week 3 Total: 72

Season Total: 215 (12th)

In the same spot for three weeks in a row, MAMA Said Knock You Out finished with 738 points on a 23.1 per game average in a tough loss to an emerging Pippen Aint Eazy squad. The bench chipped in a solid 234 points and the team missed 10 games, including Al Horford in the starting lineup. Like eight other owners, Rich did not complete a waiver move this week.

The starting lineup simply has not produced so far this season. Still, I remain optimistic that this team will turn things around. MAMA Said Knock You Out actually has a strong bench despite all the missed games and young guns, Klay Thompson seems to be rounding into form and, above all else, this is exactly how this team started last year and Rich ended up in the playoffs.

11. TimAint Duncan - Nick (1-2)

Week Total: 11

Per Game: 12

Bench Scoring: 7

Injuries: 6

Waiver Additions: 4

Standings: 7

Week 3 Total: 70

Season Total: 203 (11th)

In the same spot as last week, TimAint Duncan put up 750 points at a 21.4 per game rate in a close loss to RIM JOBS. The bench gave 211 points and the team missed 10 games. No waiver moves were completed.

The lowest rated team with a win because the numbers produced by the starters were well below average. However, with a solid bench and a high amount of missed games, there is plenty of hope that this team's numbers can improve sooner rather than later.

10. Por Favors - Nathaniel (0-3)

Week Total: 10

Per Game: 7

Bench Scoring: 11

Injuries: 1

Waiver Additions: 4

Standings: 11

Week 3 Total: 61

Season Total: 157 (8th)

Dropping one spot from last week, Por Favors put up 782 points on a surprisingly high clip of 26.1 points per game in a tough loss to Admiral Kryptonite. Nathaniel's bench was uncharacteristically below average with 158 points. This may be because his team suffered a season high, 17 missed games. No wavier moves were completed.

The high per game rate and amount of missed games say a lot about the low week total. Nathaniel's squad got smacked with injuries and it took a toll on a good team. I am absolutely positive that this team is better than their record shows.

9. Pippen Aint Eazy - Freddy (1-2)

Week Total: 7

Per Game: 8

Bench Scoring: 12

Injuries: 2

Waiver Additions: 4

Standings: 7

Week 3 Total: 55

Season Total: 161 (9th)

Rising one spot from last week, Pippen Aint Eazy put up a solid 825 points on 25 points per game in a solid win over MAMA Said Knock You Out. The bench added in a league low 95 points, though Freddy's squad did miss 16 games due to injuries. For a third week in a row, Freddy did not make a waiver move.

This team seems like it could be rounding into form though the injuries and the bench are a still concerns. But a good win on solid numbers is certainly a sight for sore eyes. I expect this team to be much more intimidating once the bench is addressed and both Paul George and Steph Curry reach their season peaks.

8. RIM JOBS - Monty (2-1)

Week Total: 9

Per Game: 10

Bench Scoring: 3

Injuries: 4

Waiver Additions: 4

Standings: 3

Week 3 Total: 52

Season Total: 170 (10th)

In the same spot as last week, RIM JOBS won a close one over TimAint Duncan with a score of 791 points on a 24 per game average. The bench was strong once again with 266 points even with 13 missed games due to injuries. No waiver moves were completed.

There is a lot to like about this team. The slightly below average output by the starters brings RIM JOBS down in the rankings but the good bench and high win total have this team in the early season playoff discussion.

7. Blow Me - Tyler (1-2)

Week Total: 8

Per Game: 9

Bench Scoring: 2

Injuries: 5

Waiver Additions: 3

Standings: 7

Week 3 Total: 51

Season Total: 132 (5th)

Dropping one spot from last week, Blow Me put up 823 points on a 24.9 per game average in a tough loss to Make It Nashty. Tyler's bench continued their strong play with 287 points, all while missing 12 games due to injuries. Being one of the few teams to complete a waiver move this week, Blow Me gained 3.1 points per game with the addition of Nick Young for Larry Nance Jr.

This was a somewhat weak showing for a team that should be much better than this as the season progresses. The combination of playing a good team and having a down week resulted in another slip in the rankings but I believe it is the season total ranking that is the better indication of where this team stands.

6. Balls to the Wall - Brett (1-2)

Week Total: 5

Per Game: 4

Bench Scoring: 6

Injuries: 9

Waiver Additions: 4

Standings: 7

Week 3 Total: 44

Season Total: 149 (7th)

Sliding one spot from last week, Balls to the Wall posted 923 points on a strong 27.1 per game average in a loss to Team Nipple. Brett's bench added in 220 while the squad missed 7 games. No waiver moves were completed.

Balls to the Wall becomes the highest ranked team with one win because the starters and bench are both above average in production. Despite the record, Brett's squad is putting up playoff numbers and this is beginning to look like a playoff team.

5. Make It Nashty - Danny (2-1)

Week Total: 6

Per Game: 5

Bench Scoring: 8

Injuries: 3

Waiver Additions: 4

Standings: 3

Week 3 Total: 40

Season Total: 131 (4th)

Sliding one spot from last week, Make It Nashty finished the week with 910 points at a rate of 26.8 points per game in a strong win over Blow Me. Danny's bench could only muster 185 points but the 14 missed games is a ready explanation. No waiver moves were completed.

 A two win team with above average production, all while battling a fair amount of injuries. Danny has put together a good team that is not even at full capacity yet. It will be interesting to see how high this team can climb.

4. All-NBA 5th Team  - Matt (2-1)

Week Total: 4

Per Game: 3

Bench Scoring: 9

Injuries: 12

Waiver Additions: 2

Standings: 3

Week 3 Total: 40

Season Total: 112 (3rd)

Dropping one spot from last week, All-NBA 5th Team had another strong week with 943 total points on a gaudy 28.6 per game average in a tough loss to Team Penetration. The bench contributed 159 points and the team missed 3 games due to injuries. Matt netted 3.8 points per game off of the waiver wire by adding Cody Zeller and Al Jefferson for DeMarre Carroll and Patrick Patterson.

That per game average has been consistently high for Matt's squad. Through trade or waiver wire, I think this team is one good acquisition away from being on the same level as Team Penetration and Team Nipple. I am putting All-NBA 5th Team on contender alert.

3. Admiral Kryptonite - Gus (2-1)

Week Total: 3

Per Game: 6

Bench Scoring: 4

Injuries: 10

Waiver Additions: 4

Standings: 3

Week 3 Total: 39

Season Total: 133 (6th)

Jumping four spots from last week, Admiral Kryptonite put up 1057 points on a 26.4 per game average in a big win over Por Favors. My bench contributed a solid 246 points while missing 6 games. I did not complete any waiver moves.

Definitely a promising week for my team and it feels good to be the third team to break a thousand points but this is probably more an indication of my ceiling than a standard to expect. The per game average was actually pretty middling. The season total is probably a better indicator of where this team is in relation to its peers.

2. Team Nipple - Chris (3-0)

Week Total: 2

Per Game: 1

Bench Scoring: 9

Injuries: 8

Waiver Additions: 1

Standings: 1

Week 3 Total: 25

Season Total: 75 (1st)

Dropping one spot this week, Team Nipple posted 1125 points on a league high 33.1 per game average in another smooth victory over a good team. The bench chipped in 159 points while missing 8 games due to injury. Chris added 14.6 points per game by picking up Domantas Sabonis off of the waiver wire.

Another dominate showing for the team with the best starting lineup and most active waiver wire owner. Chris' weakness still seems to be his bench but that can change very quickly as he is clearly very skilled on the wire.

1. Team Penetration - Michael (3-0)

Week Total: 1

Per Game: 2

Bench Scoring: 1

Injuries: 11

Waiver Additions: 4

Standings: 1

Week 3 Total: 23

Season Total: 81 (2nd)

Rising to the top this week, Team Penetration dropped a league high 1138 points at a beastly rate of 31.6 points per game in a easy win over the third best team in the league. Michael's bench also got the league high point total with 331, though he only missed 4 games due to injuries. No waiver moves were made.

Looking at these numbers, Team Penetration might be the best team in the league if you are considering all fifteen spots. For that reason, this team has to take the top spot in the rankings.

2017 Power Rankings (Week 2)

 

Who elevated in the rankings this week?

Hi everyone and welcome to a second week of Power Rankings. 

Each team was ranked in six categories for the week:
-Total fantasy points scored.
-Fantasy points averaged per game by starters.
-Total amount of points produced by the bench.
-Games missed due to injuries (doubled for starters).
-Fantasy points per game gained in the wavier wire.
-Their place in the standings.

Then, each team was given points depending on where they were in the rankings. The better a team performed in the rankings, the less points I gave them.

I doubled the scores in the weekly total and per game categories as a final touch because this game is ultimately about scoring fantasy points.

From there, I totaled each team's score across the six categories and used those final scores to sort my power rankings. 52 points would be average with the lower scores being above average.


I also added everyone's cumulative score (and ranking) beneath their week's score. Just another way to consider how things are shaking out.


Here is week two's results:


12. MAMA Said Knock You Out - Rich (0-2)
Week Total: 11
Per Game: 11
Bench Scoring: 8
Injuries: 5
Wavier Additions: 6
Standings: 10
Week 2 Total: 73
Season  Total: 143 (12th)

At the bottom once again, MAMA Said Knock You Out lost this week with a score of 712 for the week on 22.3 points per game. Rich's bench put up a much more promising 200 points and he did not add anyone off of the wavier wire. This squad missed 9 games due to injuries.

While the scoring categories all saw encouraging increases, Rich was hindered in this week's ranking by being boxed out of the wavier wire and losing a tough one to RIM JOBS. This week, MAMA Said Knock You Out will be looking for their first victory against another team with some early season struggles: Pippen Aint Eazy.

11. TimAint Duncan - Nick (1-1)
Week Total: 12
Per Game: 12
Bench Scoring: 11
Injuries: 2
Wavier Additions: 7
Standings: 4
Week 2 Total: 72
Season  Total: 133 (11th)

Dropping two spots this week, TimAint Duncan scored 686 points on a 22.1 per game average in a loss to Team Penetration. Nick's bench posted 160 points and the team lost 0.3 fantasy points per game with the drop of Terrence Ross for Andre Roberson.

These numbers may be misleading as TimAint Duncan suffered through 14 missed games due to injuries, including several in the starting lineup. That will certainly cause a significant dent into any team's numbers. As the injuries clear up, Nick's numbers are likely to rise.

10. Pippen Aint Eazy - Freddy (0-2)
Week Total: 8
Per Game: 8
Bench Scoring: 12
Injuries: 2
Wavier Additions: 6
Standings: 10
Week 2 Total: 62
Season  Total: 106 (9th)

Dropping four spots in the rankings this week, Pippen Aint Eazy posted 794 points on a 24.8 per game average in their second loss of the season. Freddy's bench mustered a league low 129 points and, once again, no waiver moves were made this week.

All of these pedestrian numbers can be explained by the same thing: 14 missed games due to injuries. Evans, Barton, Rubio, Valenciunas and Harris are all missing games. On top of all this, Freddy has yet to fill a vacant spot on his bench, which will certainly be a boost whenever he finds the perfect apple to pick. I doubt Pippen Aint Eazy will remain this low much longer.

9. Por Favors - Nathaniel (0-2)
Week Total: 9
Per Game: 9
Bench Scoring: 2
Injuries: 5
Wavier Additions: 6
Standings: 10
Week 2 Total: 59
Season  Total: 96 (7th)

Dropping five spots this week, Por Favors put up 794 fantasy points on a 24.2 per game average in a loss to the hot All-NBA 5th Team. Nathaniel's squad missed 9 games due to injuries and his bench dropped another bomb with 322. No wavier moves were made.

A very interesting week for this team as the starting lineup was weak while the bench remained strong. It seems to me that this team may have some positional issues as Dragic, Schroder, George Hill, and Kyrie all battle for two point guard spots while all outperforming any shooting guard this squad has. Regardless of how that situation resolves, I'm certain Por Favors will make a bounce back.

8. RIM JOBS - Monty (1-1)
Week Total: 10
Per Game: 10
Bench Scoring: 1
Injuries: 8
Wavier Additions: 4
Standings: 4
Week 2 Total: 57
Season  Total: 118 (10th)

Rising two spots in the rankings, RIM JOBS scored 739 points on a 22.4 per game average in a big time win over MAMA Said Knock You Out. Even more encouraging is the league leading 331 points scored by Monty's bench this week. RIM JOBS missed 5 games this week and added 8.7 fantasy points per game with the exchange of Domantas Sabonis for Tyson Chandler in the wavier wire.

Monty's squad is already proving to be a team that can build quickly. With a strong wavier presence and rising numbers, I suspect this team may finish the season much higher than I initially expected. Look out for RIM JOBS.

7. Admiral Kryptonite - Gus (1-1)
Week Total: 7
Per Game: 6
Bench Scoring: 9
Injuries: 4
Wavier Additions: 6
Standings: 4
Week 2 Total: 49
Season  Total: 94 (6th)

In the same spot as last week, Admiral Kryptonite posted 805 fantasy points on a 25.2 per game average in a tough loss to Make It Nashty. My bench scored a disappointing 180 points though my squad did miss 10 games due to injuries. I made no wavier wire moves this week.

My team continues to put up middling numbers while my bench heals from injuries. I think this team will hover around this spot in the rankings for awhile.

6. Blow Me - Tyler (1-1)
Week Total: 6
Per Game: 6
Bench Scoring: 3
Injuries: 8
Wavier Additions: 5
Standings: 4
Week 2 Total: 44
Season  Total: 81 (4th)

Dropping three spots this week, Blow Me threw up 807 fantasy points on a 25.2 per game average in a narrow loss to Balls to the Wall. Tyler's bench was elite, scoring 320 points. Blow Me missed 5 games due to injuries and added 3.3 fantasy points per game on the wavier wire this week.

An unfortunate loss after a fortunate victory, Tyler's squad has been involved in the closest matches of each week so far. Though his starting lineup was not as strong as last week, it was still above average. Meanwhile, the bench is top notch and ever-improving in the wavier wire. Because of this, I imagine that this is about the lowest Blow Me will ever drop in the rankings.

5. Balls to the Wall - Brett (1-1)
Week Total: 5
Per Game: 4
Bench Scoring: 6
Injuries: 8
Wavier Additions: 2
Standings: 4
Week 2 Total: 38
Season  Total: 105 (8th)

Rising six spots as our Jump of the Week, Balls to the Wall bounced back in a big way. Scoring 812 points on a 27.1 per game average, Brett's squad got a big win over a good team this week. Brett's bench also chipped in 250 points while missing 5 games due to injuries. Balls to the Wall added 13.8 points per game with J.J. Barea replacing Tony Parker.

After a flat first week, guys like Lowry and Harrison Barnes took steps forward while John Wall and LaMarcus Aldridge continued to play strong. These to numbers should be a better indicator of what to expect from Brett's squad going forward.

4. Make It Nashty - Danny (1-1)
Week Total: 4
Per Game: 5
Bench Scoring: 10
Injuries: 1
Wavier Additions: 1
Standings: 4
Week 2 Total: 34
Season  Total: 91 (5th)

Rising four spots this week, Make It Nashty put up some big numbers. Posting 925 points on a 26.4 average, Danny's squad is looked strong in a win over Admiral Kryptonite. The bench put together 174 points though this could be explained by a league leading 15 games missed this week due to injury. In addition, Danny made this biggest wavier wire addition by bringing on 21.2 points per game in C.J. Miles to fill an empty bench spot.

All of this is to say that Danny had a very good week. As the injuries clear up and the bench shapes out, the numbers are primed to improve. Dwight Howard and Rudy Gay have been great additions to this team. Make It Nashty is showing that they may have had the best Auction Draft this year.

3. All-NBA 5th Team - Matt (2-0)
Week Total: 3
Per Game: 3
Bench Scoring: 4
Injuries: 11
Wavier Additions: 6
Standings: 1
Week 2 Total: 34
Season  Total: 72 (3rd)

Rising two spots this week, All-NBA 5th Team notched 932 fantasy points on a 27.4 average in a strong win over Por Favors. Matt's bench also did well with 267 points this week. This squad missed 2 games due to injuries and no wavier moves were made.

Two strong weeks in a row is a very good sign for Matt's squad. All-NBA 5th Team will be facing a big test against Team Penetration this week. Regardless of the outcome, I expect Matt's numbers to remain strong.

2. Team Penetration - Michael (2-0)
Week Total: 2
Per Game: 2
Bench Scoring: 5
Injuries: 12
Wavier Additions: 3
Standings: 1
Week 2 Total: 29
Season  Total: 58 (2nd)

In the same spot as last week, Team Penetration continued their dominance with 1093 points on a 29.5 average, numbers significantly ahead of the majority of the league. Michael's bench provided 260 points in his second victory of the season. No games were missed due to injury and 10.3 points per game were added with the addition of Terrence Jones in the place of Mario Hezonja.

The only knock that can really be said about this team is their luxury of no missed games due to injury thus far. Though, I doubt that is even much of a knock  since it is possible that Michael has build his team with injury histories in mind. I think Team Penetration will be tough to knock from this spot.

1. Team Nipple - Chris (2-0)
Week Total: 1
Per Game: 1
Bench Scoring: 7
Injuries: 7
Wavier Additions: 8
Standings: 1
Week 2 Total: 27
Season  Total: 50 (1st)

Remaining on top, Team Nipple dropped 1114 fantasy points on the week with a 32.8 per game average as Chris got his second win of the season. The bench added 225 points and the team missed 7 games due to injuries. Team Nipple lost 2.8 points per game in the wavier wire this week, mainly because the addition of Jared Sullinger has yet to play a game this season.

T.J. Warren and Joel Embiid have been top notch surprise starters thus far and have filled some holes nicely. Despite this, Chris's bench is still pretty mundane and could be the only weakness this team really has. It will be interesting to see how Chris continues to handle that. That is, while he continues to stake victories.

2017 Power Rankings (Week 1)

Who is the spookiest fantasy monster?

Hey everyone. Happy Halloween and cheers to an exciting first week of JBL basketball. We saw superstar performances, major surprises, and narrow victories. A lot of crazy stuff went down and I am here in an attempt to make sense of all of it. Before I go into my power rankings, I would like to explain my scoring system.

Each team was ranked in six categories for the week:
-Total fantasy points scored.
-Fantasy points averaged per game by starters.
-Total amount of points produced by the bench.
-Games missed due to injuries (doubled for starters).
-Fantasy points per game gained in the wavier wire.
-Their place in the standings.

Then, each team was given points depending on where they were in the rankings. The better a team was in the rankings, the less points I gave them.

I doubled the scores in the weekly total and per game categories as a final touch because this game is ultimately about scoring fantasy points.

From there, I totaled each team's score across the six categories and used those final scores to sort my power rankings. 52 points would be average with the lower scores being above average.

Here are my results:

12. MAMA Said Knock You Out - Rich (0-1)
Week Total: 12
Per Game: 12
Bench Scoring: 11
Injuries: 3
Wavier Additions: 1
Standings: 7
Total: 70

MAMA Said Knock You Out lost while posting a league low 575 fantasy points on a 21.3 average. Meanwhile, the bench produced a paltry 66 points. Rich had a tough week as his players missed 8 games due to injuries. Fortunately for him, Rich has the saving grace of adding 31.3 fantasy points per game off of the wavier wire when he picked up Matt Barnes and Justin Hamilton to replace the unproductive Al Jefferson and Jared Sullinger

MAMA Said Knock You Out started slow last year as well and Klay Thompson seems to play his best basketball later in the year. Also, Rich's bench is full of project guys, which would explain their low production. I have a hunch MAMA Said Knock You Out will soon turn things around.

11. Balls to the Wall - Brett (0-1)
Week Total: 10
Per Game: 10
Bench Scoring: 8
Injuries: 5
Wavier Additions: 7
Standings: 7
Total: 67

Balls to the Wall lost a middling match, scoring 611 points on 22.6 fantasy points per game. Fortunately, the Faried-led bench showed some strength with 152 fantasy points. 6 games were missed and Brett did not make a move on the waiver wire. This strikes me as an outlier performance.

Key guys like Lowry and Aldridge gave flat weeks and this team will most certainly be better. The lack of waiver activity may have been a misstep but the patience could pan out. Either way, next week should be an improvement as Brett's guys get in rhythm.

10. RIM JOBS - Monty (0-1)
Week Total: 8
Per Game: 10
Bench Scoring: 5
Injuries: 10
Wavier Additions: 3
Standings: 7
Total: 61

RIM JOBS posted a decent score of 633 fantasy points on 22.6 fantasy points per game in their loss to the Defending Champions. The bench showed a lot of strength, scoring 173 fantasy points and should get even better with the 14 fantasy points per game addition in Ilyasova. Monty's squad missed 2 games due to injuries this week.

Promise continues to blossom for this team, specifically in Russell who put up 73 fantasy points on the bench. Among other moves, if Monty can capitalize on his monopoly of point guards, this team make a jump in these rankings. The trend up could be sooner rather than later.

9. TimAint Duncan - Nick (1-0)
Week Total: 11
Per Game: 9
Bench Scoring: 12
Injuries: 1
Wavier Additions: 7
Standings: 1
Total: 61

TimAint Duncan got a big time win but was only able to produce 594 fantasy points on a 22.8 per game average. The bench probably won't help anytime soon as they posted the lowest total for the week in 65. Despite all this, no moves were made on the wavier wire.

This is possibly because Nick's team experienced the most missed games this week with 13, including Chandler Parsons in the starting lineup. That would explain why the overall point total is low yet nobody has been cut from the team. Parsons, Noel and Smart were noteably missed this week. Getting a victory under those conditions makes it a quality win.

8. Make It Nashty - Danny (0-1)
Week Total: 9
Per Game: 6
Bench Scoring: 10
Injuries: 3
Wavier Additions: 7
Standings: 7
Total: 57

Make It Nashty had a tough loss this week when his team scored 621 points on a rather high clip of 25.9 points per game. Meanwhile, the bench put up a weaker but passable number of 122.

This was all done while missing 8 games this week. Danny's number should only get better with the return of Dirk, Reggie Jackson and Darren Collison. Missing out on this week's wavier wire may
come back to haunt this team but there is always next week. This team has a lot of potential to put up some bigger numbers.

7. Admiral Kryptonite - Gus (1-0)
Week Total: 6
Per Game: 8
Bench Scoring: 7
Injuries: 2
Wavier Additions: 7
Standings: 1
Total: 45

My team got a win (yay!), scoring 688 points on a 25.5 per game average. My bench was middle of the pack with 156 total points. My team missed 9 games and I didn't make a move on the wavier wire.

Overall, a very average performance from a team that I was pretty hyped about. Injuries played a major role in my week so these numbers may change. I am looking forward to the return of Middleton, Richardson and Holiday.

6. Pippin Aint Eazy - Freddy (0-1)
Week Total: 4
Per Game: 3
Bench Scoring: 9
Injuries: 7
Wavier Additions: 7
Standings: 7
Total: 44

Pippen Aint Eazy had a very strong score of 749 fantasy points for the week on a 26.8 per game average. Despite the above average scoring numbers, Freddy's team was hurt by a below-average 149 score off the bench and only 5 missed games to explain the mundane bench total. No waiver wire moves were made and, above all else, Pippen Aint Eazy suffered a heart-breaking loss to Blow Me.

The loss, as I'm sure Freddy knows, is the biggest issue here. This team's numbers show that they can hang with the best around. I expect Freddy to rise in these ranks as he makes moves, shapes his bench, and stacks up some wins.

5. ALl-NBA 5th Team - Matt (1-0)
Week Total: 7
Per Game: 5
Bench Scoring: 6
Injuries: 5
Wavier Additions: 2
Standings: 1
Total: 38

All-NBA 5th Team put out a strong performance this week. Matt's team scored 686 fantasy points on a 26.4 average while his bench posted 157 in a big win over Make It Nashty. Even more impressive is that all of this was done with 6 games missed. Matt also added 21.5 fantasy points per game off of the waiver wire when he exchanged Ivica Zubac for James Ennis.

With strong numbers all around, this was a very promising first week for All-NBA 5th Team. This team has made promising strides to start the season and is showing a lot of potential to go further up the ranks. Matt on the rise!

4. Por Favors - Nathaniel (0-1)
Week Total: 5
Per Game: 3
Bench Scoring: 1
Injuries: 7
Wavier Additions: 6
Standings: 7
Total: 37

Por Favors is the highest ranking team with a loss not only because they put up 724 points on a 26.8 average but also because Nathaniel's bench exploded for 269 points. All these points to go around despite the team missing 5 games due to injury, including Derrick Favors in the starting lineup.

Nathaniel also made a 1.6 fantasy point per game gain in the waiver wire this week. His biggest fault was that he had to play Team Penetration this week but at least that is out of the way now. The deepest team in the league seems to be Por Favors once again.

3. Blow Me - Tyler (1-0)
Week Total: 3
Per Game: 6
Bench Scoring: 2
Injuries: 9
Wavier Additions: 7
Standings: 1
Total: 37

Team Blow Me had the most exciting win of the week, scoring 750 fantasy points on a 25.9 per game average and escaping with a one point victory. Tyler is also armed with a strong bench that hit an extremely high mark of 256 point. This team missed 3 games and no moves were successfully made on the wavier wire.

Tyler seemed to have turned this team around even quicker than expected. The third best starters and the second best bench were on the same team this week. The high quality win and strong numbers all around has this team looking like a contender.

2. Team Penetration - Michael (1-0)
Week Total: 2
Per Game: 2
Bench Scoring: 4
Injuries: 11
Wavier Additions: 5
Standings: 1
Total: 29

Team Penetration put up absurd numbers this week with 890 fantasy points and a 33.0 per game average as they cruised to a comfortable win against a good team. The bench was good, but not elite at 196 fantasy points for the week. Michael also netted 6.3 fantasy points per game through the waiver wire for the week and did not miss any games.

It is clear that the top of this league is between Michael and Chris with contenders trying to emerge around them. Last year, Chris was in a league of his own. This week, it looks like Michael closed that gap. Team Penetration's numbers are very close to the top.

1. Team Nipple - Chris (1-0)
Week Total: 1
Per Game: 1
Bench Scoring: 3
Injuries: 11
Wavier Additions: 4
Standings: 1
Total: 23

Team Nipple sure exerted its this week. 943 points scored on a 33.7 per game average are high bars set by Chris. Even more alarming, his bench was one of the best with 251 total points for the week. Trading in Ty Lawson for TJ Warren gained Team Nipple 11.3 fantasy points per game. In fact, the only thing counting against Chris is that his team didn't miss a game.

This team is scary. Possibly less scary than last year, but scary all the same. The defending champs still look like the team to beat.

2017 Juicy Basketballs League Season Preview (Part 4)

Without further ado, the three spookiest JBL teams of 2017:

What will be the peak of Steph Curry's career?

Pippen Aint Easy (Freddy)

2016 Fantasy Total: 14,671 (3rd)

2016 Regular Season: 8-8 (7th)

2016 Playoffs: First Round

Extended Contracts: Ricky Rubio (1yr, $27), Damien Lillard (3yrs, $27), Stephen Curry (3yrs, $56), Paul George (3yrs, $48), Zach Randolph (1yr, $19), Jonas Valanciunas (2yrs, $19)

Expiring Contracts: Tyreke Evans (FA, $29), Rudy Gay (FA, $48)

Intriguing Players: Wesley Matthews (2yrs, $9), Will Barton (2yrs, $16), Zaza Pachuila (1yr, $17), Dragon Bender (2yrs, $10)

NBA Comparison: San Antonio Spurs

This year, it will be very interesting to see just how important Duncan was to San Antonio's success. Although his fantasy production took a hit during his final season, The Big Fundamental was still the starting center of a 67 win Spurs club. Upon retirement, Tim Duncan has the highest winning percentage of any player across four major sports in last 19 years. No surprise, this coincides with the Spurs being the most dominate regular season team over the same stretch. 

Despite this, Duncan and the Spurs seem to never get the credit they justly deserve. Every year they are counted out and ever year they contend. Despite the blow of Duncan's retirement, This year will be no different. 

Kawhi Leonard is the best wing player in the NBA. LeMarcus Aldridge is likely to grow into the role left behind by Duncan. Danny Green, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili are great supporting cast members that know how to do the most with what they got.

Most importantly, the team has a well-established system and culture of winning that runs from the front office to the court. San Antonio is the best run NBA franchise of the last 20 years and I doubt their stretch of consistency will end any time soon.

Luckily for Freddy, Pippen Aint Easy will not be losing any core pieces this off-season. In fact, Lillard, Curry, and George may just now be hitting their collective peak. Last year, they provided a total of 115.9 fantasy points per game on only $131. It is amazing that Freddy has had these three franchise players since 2013. That is probably why Pippen Aint Easy has more regular season wins than any other JBL franchise, averaging over 11 wins a season. Like the Spurs, Freddy has the most well-established core and culture of winning out of anyone in the game.

Furthermore, similar to San Antonio, Freddy has done a great job of using his cap space to consistently put out a strong supporting cast around his Big Three. Guys like Rubio, Valanciunas, Evans, and Rudy Gay certainly give Pippen Aint Easy a lot of extra pop. 

It was unfortunate luck that this team finished third in fantasy points on the season while only winning eight regular season matches last year. That peculiarity will likely not be repeated next season. I believe this is the team that has the best shot of crashing the Michael/Chris rematch party and sending someone home earlier than they expected.

This team should definitely average over 900 fantasy points per week once again. Following that, Pippen Aint Easy should have their eyes set on the JBL finals.

Team Penetration (Michael)

Is Anthony Davis a generational player?

2016 Fantasy Total: 15,545 (2nd)

2016 Regular Season: 12-4 (2nd)

2016 Playoffs: Finals

Extended Contracts: James Harden (3yrs, $88), Anthony Davis (3yrs, $68), DeMarcus Cousins (3yrs, $85)

Expiring Contracts: Thaddeus Young (E, $12)

Intriguing Players: CJ McMollum (1yr, $0), Jordan Clarkson (1yr, $14), Justice Winslow (2yrs, $11), Dion Waiters (2yrs, $0), Nikola Jokic (2yrs, $3), Alex Len (2yrs, $7), Jae Crowder (2yrs, $12),

NBA Comparison: Cleveland Cavaliers

Last June, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off possibly the most incredible finals performance in last decade. LeBron displayed that he still has a level of play higher than anybody else on the planet and the Cavs proved themselves to be the best team in the NBA. They also proved that NBA is much more competitive than many may expect. 

Yes, there are some superfluous franchises but there is much more unpredictability than our collective memory gives credit for. Every year it seems like it is all so obvious. Every year we are surprised. LeBron James is the embodiment of that truth. His most recent championship surprised us all yet also reminded us of something we already knew: It ain't over until its over.

Down 3-1 and going against the best regular season team of all time, LeBron James cemented himself as one of the greats by doing the impossible. Somehow he was David going against Goliath and he showed the entire world that he was Goliath all along. Oddly enough, he has another opportunity to prove that point again this year. 

Armed with LBJ and his current Big Three, the Cavs are likely to dominate the Eastern Conference once again and strike fear into whoever they face in the NBA finals. In fact, as overpowered as the Warriors look, it is the Cavs who are most likely team to be in the finals next year. Not only because they are in the weaker conference but because they will be dealing with less significant turnover and the chemistry issues that usually come with it.

LeBron James' finals sreak is the only of its kind in the last 50 years. At this point, it is as predictable as spring itself to see LeBron playing through it. 

Much like LeBron, Michael has been to the finals for the last three years. Because of that, Team Penetration now stands alone as JBL leader of finals appearances. Michael has a good chance of building on that record as Team Penetration's elite core and reliable supporting cast continue to grow. Winslow, Jokic and Len are all likely to take steps forward this year while Harden, Davis and Cousins continue to be the best fantasy contributors for their respective positions and provide top five fantasy value apiece. 

With strong moves made every year, the work for this team has already been done. Though I doubt Michael is ready to take any breaks. He has been able to add value to his team every year, there is no reason to think that will stop now. Adding guys like McCollum and Jokic last year are the kinds of things we can come to expect from Team Penetration.

The backbone of any fantasy team is their core of extended players. Because you cannot drop them, they are what your team is about. For Michael, that core is his Big Three. This gives Team Penetration just about the best backbone any franchise could ask for.

With additions like McCollum and Clarkson and few tough decisions to make, Michael's squad is only getting better and has more than a punchers chance at adding to the ring collection.

I believe Michael has built a perennial contender and 950 fantasy points per week is basically inevitable. A finals appearance is more than likely with plenty of possibility for more. 

What history will be made this year?

Team Nipple (Chris)

2016 Fantasy Total: 17,216 (1st)

2016 Regular Season: 15-1 (1st)

2016 Playoffs: Champions

Extended Contracts: Jimmy Butler (2yrs, $19), Andre Drummond (2yrs, $23)

Expiring Contracts: Russell Westbrook (FA, $60), Giannis Antetokounmpo (FA, $3), Paul Millsap (FA, $36), Jeff Teague (E, $15), Tobias Harris (E, $18)

Intriguing Players: Kevin Durant (1yr, $85), Mike Conely (2yrs, $11), Marcin Gortat (1yr, $23)

NBA Comparison: Golden State Warriors

With Kevin Durant joining Golden State, the Warriors display the largest NBA talent disparity in decades. Despite losing in the finals, the Warriors are the odds on favorite to win the championship come 2017. Last year, they were the greatest regular season team ever and now have a new top three NBA talent on their roster. 60 wins and a finals appearance are almost guaranteed at this point.

However, there are more than a few pitfalls surrounding Golden State. History has shown that chemistry is more than just a buzzword in the NBA. LeBron's first year in Miami and Dwight's time with the Lakers have proven that. Growing pains should be expected.

Steph Curry and Kevin Durant will have to answer the alpha male question that Dwyane Wade understood and Dwight Howard did not. In addition to this, there will be the difficult puzzles of maximizing Klay Thompson and Draymond Green as well as knowing who gets the ball when the game is close. Furthermore, with their struggles in the playoffs, Golden State was exposed as fallible. Their weaknesses are now public knowledge.

Ultimately, Steve Kerr's squad in Oakland is in the driver seat to take the crown this year but I'm not so sure I'd take them over the field. Although Durant is an obvious upgrade in Golden State, I suspect the record-breaking days of the Warriors to be behind them.

Chris dominated the JBL last year. During the regular season he averaged 1,076 fantasy points a week, breaking the previous JBL regular season record of 1,046 fantasy points per week. Dropping over a thousand points in a week of JBL basketball is very uncommon and usually marks the highest score of the week. Last year, Team Nipple topped that score 13 out of the 16 regular season weeks, leading to the best regular season record in JBL history. 

The postseason was no different, as Chris put up 2,322 fantasy points per playoff series on his way to a title.

Despite this, to assume that Team Nipple is going to have an easy road to another championship is jumping conclusions. Like with any team, there are weaknesses if you are willing to look. 

The advantages are obvious: Butler, Drummond and Giannis are all on ridiculous contracts and entering their primes, Durant and Westbrook are top five fantasy contributors and Conely is the steal of the late season wavier wire at $11.

However, with a plethora of expiring contracts this off-season, money has gotten tight. Chris will have to make some tough decisions and he is most likely going to see more than one good contract go. Already, Julius Randle has been lost in Restricted Free Agency. On top of that, Team Nipple has less cap space than most of the league, meaning the upcoming Auction Draft will not be Chris' to win.

Last year, Chris separated himself from the heard in a big way. This year, I think that separation diminishes as team around him get better. Ultimately, I think Chris has a potential dynasty on his hands but I suspect that even if he does, his most dominate year is behind him.

I expect Team Nipple to average over 1,000 fantasy points per week once again this season, though this time I think it will be closer to 1,000 than 1,100 like it was last year. Odds are that Team Nipple will win the regular season and return to the finals. The defending champions are the still the team to beat.

2017 Juicy Basketballs League Season Preview (Part 3)

MAMA Said Knock You Out (Rich Mamaradlo)

Can Chris Paul lead a team to the finals?

2016 Fantasy Total: 13,065 (9th)

2016 Regular Season: 9-7 (T-4th)

2016 Playoffs: First Round

Extended Contracts: Klay Thompson (3yrs, $34)

Expiring Contracts: Gordon Hayward (FA, $40), Aaron Afflalo (FA, $4)

Intriguing Players: Al Horford (2yrs, $40), Stanley Johnson (1yr, $10), Zach LaVine (1yr, $1), Chris Paul (1yr, $78), Jared Sullinger (2yrs, $8), Jaylen Brown (2yrs, $10), Jamaal Murray (2yrs, $10)

NBA Comparison: Toronto Raptors

The Raptors made franchise history last year by making it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time ever. That may come as a surprise considering the franchise once had Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady near their primes at the same time. All this goes to show how much the DeRozan-Lowry era has accomplished. The franchise has made so much ground lately that their GM, Masai Ujiri got a large contract extension this off-season. 

The east is still run by Lebron and the Cavs but Toronto remains their top contender in an ever-strengthening Eastern Conference. Toronto was able to take Cleveland to six games last year but it is the longevity of the Raptors that make them so compelling. Lowry and Carroll are the eldest at 30 while their teammates are still hitting their primes. LeBron's most dominate years are likely behind him but the Raptors are trending up. A currently good squad with promise to get better is just about all anyone can hope for from their franchise.

In the Juicy Basketball League, there is a lot to like about the squad that Rich has assembled. Stanley Johnson is expected to take a step forward and may even overtake the starting small forward position in Detroit. Zach LaVine has become a NBA starter on what many believe to be a playoff contender. Klay Thompson is, at the very least, a premium shooting guard on one of the best contracts around. Gordon Hayward, Al Horford, and Chris Paul are all top-tier fantasy contributors for their positions. MAMA Said Knock You Out has a great blend of value, youth, and elite talent. All the money has been spent efficiently giving plenty of opportunity for further growth.

This off-season, Rich could go a lot of different ways with his team. I am interested to see how he handles Hayward's extension. Keeping Chris Paul at such a large price may be just as difficult a decision to make. These are the choices that define a franchise.

Maybe Rich decides to run it back with what he's got. There would still be enough money to gather more quality guys in the auction draft if he did. Maybe he decides to let the expensive guys go and build around all his value players and his exciting new rookies. Either way, this team is sure to perform and I expect to see Rich MAMA in the playoffs once again. This team should put out over 825 fantasy points per week this coming fantasy season.

Is Derrick Favors about to hit his prime?

Por Favors (Nathaniel Coromelas)

2016 Fantasy Total: 14,399 (5th)

2016 Regular Season: 9-7 (T-4th)

2016 Playoffs: Second Round

Extended Contracts: Derrick Favors (3yrs, $25)

Expiring Contracts: Isaiah Thomas (FA, $7), Aaron Gordon (R, $10), Dante Exum (R, $10)

Intriguing Players: Draymond Green (1yr, $1), Kyrie Irving (2yrs, $60), Kristaps Porzingis (1yr, $10), Carmelo Anthony (2yrs, $69), Rudy Gobert (1yr, $12)

NBA Comparison: Boston Celtics

Boston's first world problem right now seems to be that they have more good pieces than they know what to do with. They have been hoarding assets as much as possible and now have enough quality role players to start a second D-league team. The unfortunate issue is that even with all this apparent value, they are missing that next-level superstar to elevate the team to contend with the league's best. Horford certainly helps in that regard but he and Isaiah Thomas still feel like good second and third options for Boston's next great Big Three. The Celtics have assembled all they can but are still missing that final puzzle piece, a franchise player.

One of the most commons trades that occur in both fantasy sports and the NBA is when one great player is given up for several quality assets. Like exchanging a dollar for four quarters, the former provides consolidated value while the latter gives increased flexibility. Two example from the NBA are when Pau Gasol went from Memphis to the Lakers for Marc Gasol and the cap space to sign Zach Randolph and when the Nuggets got the Knicks' starting lineup for Carmelo Anthony. Often, these types of trades can be mutually beneficial depending of the needs or directions of the teams involved. 

 

The Celtics have put themselves in prime position to receive a superstar in a similar kind of trade. Had this Boston team existed when OKC traded James Harden, they could have offered much more than the Rockets gave up. Instead, the Celtic must continue to wait patiently until a star becomes available.

Much like the Celtics, Por Favors is a team that has plenty of quarters and Nathaniel is simply waiting for his chance to land a few more bills. If that happens, I see Por Favors blossoming into an electric title contender. And with only Derrick Favors on the extended books, Nate Dogg has the flexibility to mold his team around any good move that presents itself.

Gordon and Porzingis are two very intriguing young players with All-Star potential. Irving and Carmelo are both top fantasy contributors. The ever-mysterious Dante Exum still has upside on a value contract. Meanwhile, Favors, Green, and Gorbert are all of the above. 

All of this leads me to believe that even if no exciting roster changes are made, Por Favors should be expected to take a step forward from last season. Much like the Celtics, Por Favors is prime to contend with out without a move.

Nathaniel has done a great job of developing this team in a truly healthy way. He has done this by collecting several value contracts. It will be exciting to see what he has in store this upcoming season.

Last year was Nathaniel's first trip to the second round, I suspect that was only the beginning. This campaign, I expect 900+ fantasy points per week during the regular season and another playoff berth.

Blow Me (Tyler Lopez)

How many stars does a true contender need?

2016 Fantasy Total: 12,274 (11th)

2016 Regular Season: 3-13 (12th)

2016 Playoffs: None

Extended Contracts: Blake Griffin (3yrs, $74), Kawhi Leonard (3yrs, $29)

Expiring Contracts: Bradley Beal (FA, $1), DeAndre Jordan (FA, $5), Marc Gasol (FA, $56)

Intriguing Players: Marcus Morris (2yrs, $2), Jeremy Lin (2yrs, $15), Chris Bosh (2yrs, $39), Ben Simmons (2yrs, $10), Eric Gordon (2yrs, $0)

NBA Comparison: Los Angeles Clippers

For the last few years the Clippers have been elite contenders in the Western Conference. The product of basketball that they put on the floor is top of the line. They sport the best pure point guard, the best rim protector, and one of the top offensive big men in the league. This core is only highlighted with veteran depth and an experienced coach. Unfortunately, their promising season was dashed by a slew of injuries.

  

With the Thunder presumably out of their way, the Clippers are one of the top contenders to Golden State's western throne. We are about to have a long season ahead of us. A lot of things can happen but one thing is certain, Chris Paul and the Clippers can only be fueled by Durant's move to Oakland.

If last June has taught us anything it is that the unexpected can happen even on the NBA's biggest stage. 

That truth is only magnified in fantasy sports.

The team delightfully known as Blow Me went through the worst year of injury luck any team has ever suffered in this league. Chris Bosh, Marc Gasol, and Blake Griffin missed a combined 106 games causing Brett Hoxie's team to lose about 160 fantasy points per week. 

That's the difference between ending up eleventh and third in fantasy production for the year. It is safe to say that those injuries cost Brett about seven wins last year.

Clearly, this squad is far better than what last year's record shows. The franchise had been in decent shape for the past few years and Michael drafted really well for the team last auction draft. 

Brett inherited a good team and made strong decisions all seasons. The unfortunate truth is sometimes you just get unlucky.

Oddly enough, all of Brett's misfortune developed into Tyler's fortune when Blow Me landed the top overall pick in this year's rookie draft.

I am confident that Ben Simmons will be a fantasy difference maker. Getting a top tier rookie like him is one of the best ways to kick a fantasy team into a higher gear. Tyler's situation gives me flashbacks to how the Spurs got to draft Tim Duncan the one year that David Robinson happened to miss a lot of games the prior season. The Spurs followed that with a twenty year dynasty of winning.

With quality superstars like Griffin, Leonard, and the newly arrived DeAndre Jordan, Tyler already had everything he needed to contend for a playoff spot. With Simmons and an excess of cap room, he could win multiple playoff games this year.

Tyler is a proven owner and I expect him to bring a stability to this team that the franchise has always been missing. He is a good craftsmen with good tools at his disposal. At the very least, I expect team Blow Me to post around 900 points a week in the regular season and follow that with a playoff win.