If you’re still reading this column, congrats. It most likely means you’re officially in the stretch run in your league. If it’s a roto league, you’re probably looking for that last push in one or two categories. If it’s head-to-head with playoffs, it’s time to start maneuvering your roster to make sure you are ready for the final few weeks of the season. What do I mean by that? Hopefully your league doesn’t play into the final week of the season, but even the second to last week of the season, playoff-bound players begin to rest a bit and non-playoff teams are in full development mode. You need to prepare. You need to have one legit back up at each position. If you’re in it, now is the time to overpay, especially if you’re in a keeper league where you can trade draft picks.

If you think you can win it, you go for one of two strategies: 1. You go get that missing player, which bumps you’re current starter to a decent back up. Go get Camby and move Darko or Perkins to the bench. 2. Make the small deal to sure up the bench. Go get a Mike Bibby, a Rafer Alston, or even an Earl Watson to try and solidify the 4th guard spot or your bench. And be very stubborn on the throw-ins. You’re dealing with teams that are out of it, so there are probably draft picks and/or a keeper from your team involved. You’re willing to overpay but get the throw ins. You’re trading for Antwan Jamison? You’re giving up a first rounder next year? Get Darko and Calderon back also. He doesn’t need them and you might. Here are a few guys from last night that caught my eye as free agents who could help down the stretch…

Mutombo/Landry - Any way these two centers stats can be combined? Big Mo blocked 3 more shots but only scored 2 points and grabbed 5 boards. Landry scored 12 points and grabbed 5 boards but didn’t block a shot. They both played 24 minutes. For my money, I’d continue to use Dikembe over Landry just because of the blocks. You can get the other categories elsewhere.

Joakim Noah - I still really like him down the stretch. In 33 minutes yesterday, Noah has 11 points, 8 boards, and 2 blocks. He’d make a good back up center for head-to-head teams.

Jared Dudley - Dudley played Gerald Wallace-like minutes last night and had 17 and 10. He might play a lot the rest of the way, but he isn’t worth owning right now.

Randy Foye - Foye needs to play and I’ve been saying for months that now is the time when he will have the most value. I’d bet his lines are more consistent over the last month. Watch him. Foye had 13 and 5 last night in 33 minutes.

Earl Watson - The perfect back up point guard for the playoffs. Watson is still available in some leagues and has solidified himself as the minutes man in Seattle. 15 and 9 last night is a nice line from Watson.