FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Eddy Curry: Injures Shoulder
Update: Curry suffered a shoulder injury and is likely to miss Monday's preseason opener against the Sixers, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Curry will undergo an MRI Sunday night, so we expect a full diagnosis sometime on Monday. He injured the shoulder in practice on Friday and felt a sharp pain Saturday night.
Robert Swift: (Knee) Participates in Saturday's Scrimmage
Update: Swift (knee) participated in Saturday's scrimmage, the Seattle Post Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: Swift, who underwent knee surgery last year, said the knee is not causing him pain, but the team doctors caution him not to overexert himself. "It feels good to have something good happen to me," Swift said. "It's been no pain or swelling, just post-surgery stuff. It felt good to be able to do things in a game situation and get the timing back. It's what I have been working for."
Delonte West: (Ankle) Plays in Saturday's Scrimmage
Update: West participated in Saturday's scrimmage after spraining his ankle and having a toenail removed this week, the Seattle Post Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: West is part of the triad competing for minutes at point guard along with Luke Ridnour and Earl Watson, but he can also play shooting guard. He has a solid work ethic and will find a spot in Seattle head coach P.J. Carlesimo's rotation.
Bruce Bowen: Spurs Extend Contract
Update: The Spurs extended Bowen's contract Sunday.
Analysis: Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Eddy Curry: Acknowledges Randolph is Team's No. 1 Option
Update: Curry said he no longer considers himself the Knicks' primary option on offense, the New York Post reports. The biggest on-court issue facing the Knicks is whether Curry and Zach Randolph can co-exist on the low blocks. And Curry's acceptance of Randolph will help make it all work.
Analysis: "I'm not here to get the most shot attempts on the team," Curry said. "We can share the first-option rights. I think he's a threat down there. I think I'm a threat down there. I think it depends on where the ball goes down first. We'll touch the ball equally. We're both equally important out there." Ultimately, it all depends on the play of point guard Stephon Marbury. "He's better than what I thought," Marbury said of Randolph. "With Eddy, it's definitely going to make it so much easier for everybody. [Zach] causes double teams. Whenever you put him on the block, it causes a double team and the perimeter [players do not] have to work as hard."
Al Harrington: More Rebounds
Update: Harrington says his work over the summer on his body was designed to make him become a better rebounder, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Analysis: "Last year, physically, I wasn't able to do it," Harrington said. "Trying to lose weight, trying to do so many different things. My body just wasn't right. This summer, I was able to get healthy and lose weight. I think I'm more agile, a lot quicker off my feet, and I definitely should be a better rebounder." Harrington has been impressive during training camp, playing both power forward and small forward, though he'll make his living at power forward when the regular season begins.
Mark Madsen: To Return in Five or Six Weeks
Update: Madsen (right shoulder) estimated his return from surgery in "probably five or six weeks," the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Analysis: "It's tough to not be out there with the guys, but I'm doing my best to learn the plays, the new plays that (coach) Randy Wittman's putting in, and staying in shape running on the side," Madsen said. Madsen faces a pretty crowded front court once he gets back.
Eduardo Najera: Expected to Return Monday
Update: Najera (back) is expected to return to practice on Monday, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: This is purely FYI as Najera has virtually zero fantasy value unless hard work and hustle are statistics in your league.
Nene Hilario: Expected to Return Monday
Update: Nene is expected to practice for the first time on Monday, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Nene has been nursing a calf injury while also continuing rehab on his surgically repaired knee. The chances are good that the club will take it slow with him and gradually get him up to full speed over the next four weeks.
Kenyon Martin: Strains Groin
Update: Martin suffered a groin strain during the morning session on Saturday which kept him out of practice, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: The good news is Martin wasn't sidelined because his surgically repaired knee acted up. The bad news is this guy can't stay on the court longer than five minutes without suffering some kind of injury.
Chris Bosh: Looks Rusty in Preseason Opener
Update: Bosh (plantar fascitis) looked rusty, but still managed to score 13 points and add nine rebounds, in the Raptors' preseason loss to the Celtics in Rome Saturday, the Toronto Star reports.
Analysis: The ongoing foot problem forced him to rest for most of the offseason and limited his ability to practice last season, but Bosh is committed to hitting the court every day this season. "I didn't get a chance to play a lot this summer but I'm trying to play now, making sure I practice every day, making sure I play in the preseason games so when the season comes, I'm in full swing," Bosh said. Unless he has a setback with his foot Bosh should be a near-elite fantasy performer, but he will carry slightly more risk than other players around his draft position.
Chucky Atkins: Tweaks Groin
Update: Atkins suffered a minor groin strain during Saturday's morning session, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Atkins had been in a heated competition with Anthony Carter for the starting PG spot but Carter broke a bone in his hand and is most likely out six weeks meaning the job should be Chucky's when he gets back from the groin strain.
Bernard Robinson: Hurts Knee
Update: Robinson injured his left knee at Saturday's practice, the Bergen Record reports.
Analysis: Robinson is not a big part of the Nets' rotation, so this news has little fantasy impact.
Jamaal Magloire: Returns to Practice
Update: Magliore (ankle) was back at practice Saturday after sitting out the end of Friday's session, the Bergen Record reports.
Analysis: Jason Collins may retain the starting power forward spot, but Magloire will not doubt have a big role in New Jersey's front court. He won't be needed as a big scorer, and he says he's aware of that. "I just want to try and dominate and show a presence down low," Magloire said. "When given the opportunity to score, I feel comfortable scoring, [as well as] banging down low, wearing our opponent out, being a defensive presence, clogging up the floor, just being as big as I can and taking up a lot of space."
Andrei Kirilenko: Active In Saturday's Scrimmage
Update: Kirilenko was very active during Utah's intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, bringing the ball up the court, delivering a couple of assists and knocking down a three-pointer, the Deseret News reports.
Analysis: Everyone on the Jazz is working hard to put Kirilenko's offseason comments behind them, but we won't really know how things are until games start this week.
Matt Harpring: Sits Out Saturday's Scrimmage
Update: Harpring (knee) sat out Saturday's scrimmage, the Deseret News reports.
Analysis: This is not considered a big deal. Harpring had minor knee surgery in August to clean out some scar tissue and he's working to strengthen the knee.
Ronnie Brewer: Gets Praise
Update: Utah head coach Jerry Sloan has been impressed with Brewer's work during training camp, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: Sloan commended Brewer, a lottery pick last season who played in just 56 games, for having a "completely different attitude" now when it comes to working. "Ronnie's played extremely well. He's in terrific shape. He's gotten stronger, he's gotten a little bit bigger. He's playing with a great deal of confidence," said Sloan. Brewer is in competition for the starting point guard job and could give himself an advantage if his confidence leads to better shooting.
Jarron Collins: Sore Left Quadriceps
Update: Collins has suffered a sore left quadriceps, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: He is listed as day-to-day.
Chris Kaman: Could Play Tuesday
Update: Kaman (back) was held out of an intrasquad scrimmage Saturday, but could be ready for the club's exhibition opener Tuesday, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
Analysis: Kaman is a big part of the answer to the question, "How will the Clippers replace Elton Brand's offense?" Kaman hurt the back during last Tuesday's workout.
Cuttino Mobley: Out Another Week
Update: Mobley (strained left calf) was not available for an intrasquad scrimmage Saturday and could be out another week, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
Analysis: Mobley is expected to start at shooting guard for the Clippers, but could used off the bench if head coach Mike Dunleavy deems Quinton Ross a better fit with Sam Cassell.
Amir Johnson: X-rays Negative
Update: X-rays on Johnson's sprained ankle were negative for fractures, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: Johnson is day-to-day.
Al Thornton: Will Be in Clippers' Rotation
Update: Clippers head coach Mike Dunleavy said Thornton will be part of the team's rotation, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
Analysis: We don't know how big a role he'll have, but Dunleavy said, "He won't be the 11th guy. I can tell you that." The minutes are obviously there with the injury to Elton Brand. And while there are plenty of veterans around to grab those minutes, if the Clippers are bringing up the bottom of the Western Conference come January 1st, giving Thornton playing time is the wise long-term decision.
Nazr Mohammed: 20-25 Minutes a Night?
Update: Coach Flip Saunders is projecting Mohammed to play 20-25 minutes a game this season, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: Those projections may just be noise this early in camp, but it's clear that the Pistons are impressed with Mohammed's work ethic and attitude. If Detroit can get a solid 25 minutes a night from Mohammed this year, it would certainly ease the burden on the rest of the front court.
Drew Gooden: More Minutes
Update: Anderson Varejao's holdout situation means more minutes for Gooden at power forward and as a backup to Zydrunas Ilgauskas at center, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: The question becomes whether or not Gooden can handle the extra playing time. He's averaged 28.1 minutes per game over his career, though he's been in situations where coaches didn't know best how to use him. "I'll have to condition myself so I can be prepared to do it night in and night out," Gooden said. "The minutes I've played before seemed like I was playing only half a season. But I'm in condition and I want more minutes if Andy's here or not here."
Antawn Jamison: Mild Ankle Sprain
Update: Jamison sat out Saturday's scrimmage after suffering a mild left ankle sprain in practice Friday, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Jamison is expected to be available when the Wizards open their preseason schedule Tuesday night at Cleveland.
Gilbert Arenas: Sits Out Scrimmage
Update: Arenas, who participated in every practice throughout this past week, rested his surgically repaired left knee as the Wizards held an intrasquad scrimmage Saturday, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: This was a precautionary move and Arenas will be available when the Wizards open their preseason schedule Tuesday night at Cleveland.
Kenny Thomas: Likes Theus' Structure
Update: Thomas, who struggled with his reliable mid-range jump shot last season, may be rejuvenated with former head coach Eric Musselman gone, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "I'm not going to say his (Musselman) name anymore -- that guy," Thomas said. "It just wasn't a fair situation for all of us. I think everybody's numbers dropped last year, from Brad (Miller) to Shareef (Abdur-Rahim) to Mike (Bibby)." The 6-foot-7 power forward is enjoying the structure of new coach Reggie Theus much more. Although Theus has laid down strict rules early on, including the ban of cell phones on the team bus, Thomas believes it is a welcome change to the chaos that reigned under Musselman's regime. With the exception of shooting guard Kevin Martin, most Kings suffered statistically in the one season they played for the departed coach.
Chris Mihm: May Be the Lakers Starting Center
Update: Mihm (ankle) may be the Lakers starting center, partially due to how his ankle is weakening without extended warmup time, according to the Orange County Register.
Analysis: Starter or not, we expect Mihm's minutes to be very limited in the beginning of the season due to his ankle woes, and we would suggest waiting on his health before inserting Mihm as a fantasy play.
Luke Walton: Will Start Season Coming Off Bench
Update: Walton (hamstring) will start the season coming off the bench, according to the Orange County Register. He will also be limited to about 30 minutes per game, due to his injury history.
Analysis: This is surprising, especially due to the fact that Ronny Turiaf of all people is picking up the starting assignment vacated by Walton. Expect Walton's production to decrease with less minutes.
Ronny Turiaf: Will Start at Power Forward
Update: Turiaf will be the Lakers' starter at power forward, Coach Phil Jackson told the Orange County Register.
Analysis: Jackson noted that Turiaf is "a guy who can bring energy to the game and the kind of start we need to have in kind of a physical front," noting that he was also impressed with Turiaf's performance this summer for the French national team. Turiaf's starting role pushes Luke Walton to the bench.
Jamal Sampson: Sprains Ankle in Practice
Update: Sampson sprained his ankle on Friday and was forced to sit out Saturday's practice, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: Sampson's injury gives the team one healthy center in DeSagana Diiop entering the preseason. Erick Dampier is out until at least December with shoulder surgery and DJ Mbenga is still recovering from an ACL tear, so Sampson's injury couldn't come at a worse time.
Eddie House: Scores 14 in Preseason Opener
Update: House had 14 points in the Celtics' preseason opening 89-85 win over Toronto on Saturday.
Analysis: House can score in bunches, something that will give this Celtics team a shot in the arm. He doesn't bring much else to the table however, and he has not shown enough consistency in the past to be a reliable fantasy play.
Kendrick Perkins: Has Eight Points in Preseason Debut
Update: Perkins scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds in the Celtics' 89-85 preseason opening win over Toronto on Saturday.
Analysis: Perkins converted both of his field goals on Saturday, and we don't expect him to get many offensive looks throughout the season. The rebounding numbers are encouraging however, and he will at the very least play major minutes inside with the C's lack of frontcourt depth.
Rajon Rondo: Hands Out Six Assists in Preseason Opener
Update: Rondo had four points and six assists in the Celtics' 89-85 preseason win over Toronto.
Analysis: We expect Rondo's assist numbers to go way up this year, as he is mainly being asked to distribute the basketball. His scoring numbers may suffer though, especially due to his poor jump shot.
Ray Allen: Scores 10 in Preseason Opener
Update: Allen scored 10 points on 4-13 shooting during the Celtics' 89-85 preseason win over Toronto.
Analysis: Allen converted only one of his six three pointers on Saturday, a ratio we expect to improve in a hurry. He took less shots (13) than fellow superstars Kevin Garnett (16 shots) and Paul Pierce (14), but all three players seemed to coexist well on the floor together.
Paul Pierce: Scores 21 in preseason debut
Update: Pierce had 21 points, three rebounds and three assists in the Celtics preseason opening 89-85 win over Toronto on Saturday.
Analysis: Pierce took 14 shots on Saturday, only two less than Kevin Garnett's 16 and one more than Ray Allen's 13, and all three players seemed to coexist well on the court with each other. Pierce may lose some shots this season to Garnett and Allen, but he will see higher quality shots with two other superstars on board.
Kevin Garnett: Has Big Preseason Opener
Update: Garnett had 19 points and 16 rebounds in the Celtics 89-85 preseason opening win over Toronto on Saturday.
Analysis: Garnett seemed to coexist well with fellow stars Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, with each player seeing a similar number of offensive looks. Also, as expected, Garnett was the C's only reliable offensive post threat, something we don't expect to change unless Glen "Big Baby" Davis grows up in a hurry.
Steve Novak: Playing More Small Forward
Update: After playing almost entirely at power forward last season in Rockets practices and in his 35 games as a rookie, Novak has worked as much as a small forward in training camp this week, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis: "I've played more three than before," Novak said. "This year, it's more interchangeable. The way we play in this offense, there is still a lot of screening at the three, and the way our splits are, you split high and pop, and that's a three-man spot... I've played three and four about equally. I'm very comfortable with this offense." Coach Rick Adelman said the key to determining which position better fits the 6-10, 220-pound Novak, and to earning playing time, will be the way he defends at each position. Either way, Novak isn't likely to see regular playing time.
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