NBA.com Fantasy Games guru Jon Loomer is back to answer your fantasy basketball questions.

Jon Loomer manages fantasy content and games for NBA.com. His extensive history in the fantasy industry dates back to 2000 when he began writing for sites prior to starting up his own. Jon is best known for his innovative stat tools, and led the development of the Ultimate Fantasy Commissioner, Pick One Challenge and other games on NBA.com.

A fantasy expert will hit the keyboards every once a week to handle your fantasy hoops questions! Check in to find out the next date!

Here's what you missed during Loomer's April 2 chat:

Jehan (Toronto): Hey any word on Redd's status for the remainder of the season? And any possibly guys to fill the void that might be available?

Jon Loomer: Unfortunately, I have not, Jehan. Other than knowing that it's a knee injury, the Bucks have been quiet about this. I will say that the Bucks have little motivation to use him if he isn't 100% healthy. Not knowing who your options are, Ersan Ilyasova emerges as fantasy worthy in most leagues.

Thabo Sefelosha (Switzerland): Do you think Scott Skiles will continue to give minutes to my teammate Tyrus Thomas, and do you think he will produce enough to warrant a pick up? He's looked ridiculous on the court with his dunks and athleticism.

Jon Loomer: I own Ty in a deep league, and have for quite a while. I've finally been able to play him lately. Depending on your league size, he is likely worthy of at least a pick-up.

MoBSTa (Corbin,KY): Jon, I am in the Celtics D-League can you explain why a team with more wins than the #3 seed got a #4 seed in the playoff's?

Jon Loomer: It's not about wins, Mobsta -- it's about winning percentage. (Wins+(.5XTies))/(Wins+Losses+Ties).

Jop (Paris): Should I drop C-Webb and go for someone on Wizards since Butler's injury? Would DeShawn Stevenson be the biggest beneficiary?

Jon Loomer: Always depends on options, but -- BINGO. DeShawn put up nice numbers without Butler in the lineup. And if you don't need a C and Stevenson fills a need, go for it.

Jim(NC): do u see Ike Diogu to hav some real value for the remainder of the season? And can u tell if those NBA players are "real" or not

Jon Loomer: Hey, Jim. If JO sits and the Pacers fall out of the Playoffs race, Diogu could indeed have value. The second appears to be true, which could affect the return of JO. He's worth a shot if you need a big man and/or own O'Neal. "Real" or not depends on several factors: how he fits on the roster, team perception, and in-person observation. Diogu is definitely raw, but he is a good fit for that team and the Pacers love him (was an important piece to the trade that brought him there). The Pacers would have every reason to play him more minutes and see what the future could bring down the stretch.

jon (Denver): what's the news on jermaine o'neal, is he playing tomorrow

Jon Loomer: He is questionable. Unless your options are terrible, I'd sit him in daily leagues.

Yo(Dynasty Street): YO YO YO Jon My boy What's poppin wit u? Ok I was just wondering bout Joe Johnson. Is he worth keeping? I mean is he coming back before the season is over? I'm thinking about dropping him. What are your thoughts? Thanks and appreciate it if u could answer this bro...

Jon Loomer: Yo yo.... Yo. There has been very little said about Johnson's status lately, but Atlanta has no reason to rush him. I'd drop him in roto and points-based leagues with a good option, but would be hesitant in H2H given the fact it can bite you if he makes a late season return.

Stevo (ATL): Hey Jon- What can I expect from Tarrence Kinsey and Walter Herrmann for the rest of the year? They were both recent wire pickups for me due to injuries to Mike Miller & Caron Butler.

Jon Loomer: Both are contingent on teammate health, although Herrmann has played well with Okafor in the lineup. I still think that he is a tad risky because Okafor should only get stronger (assuming he stays healthy), but Sean May is done for the year, which helps. Kinsey depends entirely on Miller, and to a lesser extent Stoudamire. I'm a broken record, but Memphis has no reason to rush back Miller. Kinsey would benefit.

mo (memphis): hi jon! out these guys i have to keep five. who would you keep? nash, jason terry, gerald wallace, barbosa, josh howard, dwight howard, kobe, rudy gay, tyson chandler, and brandon roy. the keepers are preasigned before the draft. eight team h2h thanks!

Jon Loomer: Hey, Mo. Automatics are Nash, Dwight Howard and Kobe. Next would be Josh Howard. Final pick would be between Wallace and Roy, in my opinion. Not an easy decision for me, but I'd roll with Wallace.

joe (calgary): dropped ridnour for jason hart and dropped dunleavy for stevenson- i need to improve FG % and need threes, points and steals- your thoughts? thx

Jon Loomer: I guess so, Joe. Cassell is probably done, so Hart has little to compete with and has played well lately. Ridnour will continue to battle with Earl Watson. Hart isn't a bright new star by any means, but he's getting minutes which leads to production, as we've seen lately.

Scott (Kansas): Hey Jon, someone dropped wade and i was wondering if i should drop luke walton, david lee, or mike miller to pick him up. Thanks for your help.

Jon Loomer: I'd drop David Lee for him, Scott. If it's H2H, it's a great add. A nice temporary add in roto, but it won't make a huge difference in your standings.

cory, rockville: do you think tim duncan is worth keeping for next year, he would end up taking my 2nd rounder. also what are your thoughts on keeping foye for next year? he'd just be my 10th rounder so not to much risk. thanks

Jon Loomer: hey, Cory. Duncan is still the #1 center this year, so he is worth a second rounder, even if a late 2. Foye in the 10th could be a nice bargain. It will be interesting to see where he goes in drafts next year since he's done little in his rookie year.

wayne (SACTOWN): What's the status on D.wayne Wade? Is he coming back soon; the league is way boring w/o him. Thanks. you the man!

Jon Loomer: He's resumed full-contact practice. Has to be a good sign...

http://www.nba.com/fantasy/fantasy_playernews.jsp?date=04/02/07&type=news#dwyane_wade

cole (la): hey jon, i'm digging the new pic, your looking like a cooler steve kerr. what's your take on josh boone? legit? and would you rather have him or mikki moore. thanks bro

Jon Loomer: Thanks, Cole. I do indeed look studly. Josh Boone is a legit talent, but his minutes aren't consistent yet. I see no reason to steal away Moore's minutes if the Nets make the playoffs. If they somehow fall out soon, he should gain more time. I still prefer Moore from here on out, but Boone for next season.

Chris, Denver: Is JR gonna get any minutes again? I really need 3's and he had a big week last week.

Jon Loomer: Well, the good news is that JR doesn't need big minutes to help you in threes. He just won't help you elsewhere. If you need the threes and don't need him to do anything else, he's still worth starting for two to three treys per game. Otherwise, he has little fantasy value.

Duker (Camden, NJ): Hey Jon, how do you see Oden and Durant performing next year? (Notice I leave it open-ended should they choose to go back to school...which they won't...if they're not idiots)

Jon Loomer: Hey, Duker. Thanks for the open-ended question. As with any player, it will depend quite a bit on the team that drafts them. Big men typically take longer to develop -- especially at Oden's age. I wouldn't expect big things out of him his rookie year. I wouldn't be surprised to see Rudy Gay-like numbers from Durant. Not everyone is LeBron, putting up big numbers at a very young age.

Dave ( Denver): Is Michael Redd a safe start this week. He miss yesterday's game.

Jon Loomer: I wouldn't call him a safe start, no. His benching was a complete surprise to everyone, including his teammates. Until we know more about the nature of the injury, we can only expect him to keep sitting.

Brooklyn: Dropped Caron Butler for Ruben Patterson.. Nene for Walter Herrmann thoughts

Jon Loomer: I like the adds, BK, but not big on dropping Nene. If you need the threes and don't need the rebounds, Herrmann over Nene is an ok add, otherwise they are pretty close value-wise.

Riverside: Who would you rather play tomorrow Herrmann, Ridnour or Webber..

Jon Loomer: The Big Pretty.

Al (Rio): Hi Jon, playoff semifinals H2H: I have to replace Butler and I have 3 options: Pavlovic, Posey or David West I don't need any category in particular, I just need to know who'll be the best performer this week. Who would you pick of the above 3?

Jon Loomer: Without games being an issue, I'd go with West. Given that West has three games vs. four for the other two, I'd start Sasha.

Dave (denver): Is Hakim Warrick a start this week against golden state, phoenix, and orlando?

Jon Loomer: Love that schedule, Dave. Yes, he is.

Jeremy (Indianapolis): Who makes a better keeper, Gerald Wallace or Josh Smith?

Jon Loomer: Definitely Josh Smith, Jeremy. Wallace was all or nothing this year. He was nothing early. Smith got better and better and was reasonably healthy. He is a top-20 player, and his versatility makes him all the more valuable.

Eric (Raleigh): Webber was my savior for the stretch run, but now that the playoffs are here, should he be dropped for someone like Ilyasova or Magloire? Thanks!

Jon Loomer: I'd wait a game or so, Eric. You're probably right, but Webber could still be coming back slowly from the flu and your options aren't exceptional.

Delonte West (the love doc): I only play 3 games this week, should I sit this one out in favor of someone else who plays four? I'm owned in a deep H2H league and the waiver wire includes Kinsey, Hermann and few others. I think I should be kept, what do you think?

Jon Loomer: I wouldn't drop West. If you have someone else to dump and West is playing util, I'd start Herrmann and his four games.

Ed (Fond du Lac, WI): You were the manager for the Ripon Tigers, weren't you.

Jon Loomer: Come on, Ed. It's been a while, but I played ball. Not hoops, but baseball. I "managed" dominating opposing pitchers.

Cedric (Oklahoma City): With Caron Butler out, my options are very slim. Who would you recommend for the upcoming week, Diaw, Posey, or Herrmann??

Jon Loomer: I like Diaw's four-game week, Cedric, but he's burned me too much this season. Go with the hot hand -- Herrm.

dave (denver): So in a h2h league is J.O. a start?

Jon Loomer: If you have a decent option, I would not start him in a weekly league. The Pacers only playe three games, and it's quite possible O'neal won't play all of them.

Jim Clancy (Exhibition Stadium): At this point in the year, how much can you really expect to gain in roto standings? Assuming you're not over or under on games played and you've been active all year (your team is solid).

Jon Loomer: Hey, Jim. You can gain in two ways this time of the year. First, if you are slightly under the games limit, you gain by rotating players in. Second, you catch the teams who are hitting their games limit early. Be well aware of the categories you can catch due to these phenomenons.

Jon Loomer: Gotta head out, my friends. Matt or I will be back again next Monday. Good luck this week!

Fantasy Expert Chat Archive