FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Spencer Hawes: May Miss Significant Time
Update: Hawes, who was Sacramento's first-round draft choice in June, will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Wednesday, possibly putting an end to his season, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: The minimum Hawes will miss is two to four weeks. But given his history with knee problems, Sacramento officials are unsure if he can play at all this season. The 7-foot center has had at least four procedures, including at least two scopes on the left knee. There wasn't much expected of Hawes in 2007-08, but his season might have ended before his career even began.
Kareem Rush: Ankle and Achilles' Tendon Injuries
Update: Rush's status for the Pacers' preseason opener on Wednesday is in doubt due to ankle and Achilles' tendon injuries, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Rush has been bothered by the issues in practice for the last week. The Pacers are hoping he can add a dimension of outside shooting to their offense.
Chris Bosh: Battling a Sore Knee
Update: Bosh, already having to manage through plantar fascitis, missed practice Tuesday morning with a sore knee, the Toronto Star reports.
Analysis: He'll be shut down for a bit, and may not play in Thursday's exhibition game against Real Madrid as a result. "I have to rest it," Bosh said. "I would like to practice but I have to think about the big picture." Bosh is officially listed as day-to-day, but as yet there's no indication this will still be a problem into the regular season.
Marcus Slaughter: Played Well in Preseason
Update: On a night when Dwayne Wade, Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning and others didn't play for the Heat, Slaughter picked up the scoring slack by dropping 17 in only 19 minutes, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Slaughter also chipped in five rebounds and one steal. The rookie also shot 7-of-10 from the field and 3-of-3 from the charity stripe. "I was as surprised as everybody else to be out there in the starting lineup," said Slaughter, who spent last season in Turkey. More performances like this, and Slaughter may see himself on the team (but definitely not starting anymore).
Jason Maxiell: Double-Double in Exhibition Opener
Update: Maxiell overcame early foul trouble Monday to finish with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Analysis: More importantly, six of the rebounds were on the defensive end, which matched his season-high from last year. If Maxiell continues to show improvement cleaning the defensive glass, he'll be rewarded with much more playing time.
Amir Johnson: Missed Exhibition Opener
Update: Johnson (ankle) dressed for Monday's exhibition opener against Miami, but he did not play.
Analysis: The injury is not considered serious, but there's no reason to push things so early in camp.
Arron Afflalo: Nice Exhibition Debut
Update: Afflalo scored nine points in 20 minutes in his debut, adding two steals, two assists, and three rebounds.
Analysis: Rodney Stuckey is the hyped rookie in camp, but Afflalo has quietly gone about his business of impressing the Detroit coaches. He's playing for a spot in the rotation, so expect him to see heavy minutes in the preseason.
Jarvis Hayes: The New Microwave?
Update: Hayes had 11 points, three assists, and six rebounds in 23 minutes in his Detroit debut.
Analysis: Despite coming off the bench, Hayes had a game-high 13 field goal attempts. Hayes has impressed Detroit coaches with his attitude during camp, so expect them to continue to give him the green light to score with the second unit.
Rodney Stuckey: 15 Points in Debut
Update: Stuckey's first game as a Piston was a success, as his aggressive nature led to 15 points in 19 minutes.
Analysis: Most of Stuckey's points came as a result of drives to the basket, as he took advantage of the Miami foul situation. The Pistons will be happy to get 15 points a night from Stuckey, but if Monday's game was any indication, he may have trouble filling the box score. Zero assists, one rebound, and two turnovers is not going to make him a viable fantasy option any time soon.
Gordan Giricek: May Be in Starting Lineup for Jazz
Update: The Salt Lake Tribune predicts Giricek will be the starting shooting guard for the Jazz on opening night, Oct. 30. However, coach Jerry Sloan still has not provided a definitive answer.
Analysis: Sloan still has several options at the shooting guard position, including Ronnie Brewer, C.J. Miles and Morris Almond. Even if Giricek is penciled in as the starter, this does not guarantee he'll get the majority of the minutes.
Derrick Byars: DNP-CD for Monday's Exhibition Loss to the Knicks
Update: Byars was a DNP-CD for Monday's exhibition loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: He was not held out because of a previous back injury. 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks decided to sit Byars because he has so many players he needs to evaluate but plans on playing him in the next game or two. He has no fantasy value at this time.
Keith Bogans: Benched for Lack of Hustle
Update: Bogans started Monday's game at shooting guard but only played 13 minutes after being benched for not getting back on defense, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Bogans only took one shot and didn't score in the game. Head coach Stan Van Gundy sent an early message to Bogans and the other players that a lack of hustle will not be tolerated. Bogans is still in a battle with several other players for the starting shooting guard position, but Monday's benching won't do him any favors.
Dwight Howard: Dominates Hawks
Update: Howard showed off some new offensive moves and was virtually unstoppable in the Magic's first preseason game on Monday, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Howard scored 30 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and had four blocks in the game. He unveiled bank shots and hook shots that had previously been non-existent in his repetoire. With an improved offensive game, Howard's numbers only figure to improve from last season. Expect a lot of games similar to this one from Howard in the upcoming season.
Willie Green: Started at Shooting Guard Monday Night
Update: Green started and had 10 points and three assists in just under 25 minutes of Monday's exhibition loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: Green started at shooting guard and 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks will likely stick with Green until he falters. There are many players fighting for playing time on the team so Green will have to step up early in the season to have fantasy value.
Rashard Lewis: Injury Not Serious
Update: Lewis left Monday's game with a calf cramp, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Lewis informed head coach Stan Van Gundy that he was ready to play in the fourth quarter, but he was not re-inserted into the game. After seeing Grant Hill on the sidelines too much in the past several seasons, the Magic weren't going to take any chances with Lewis' injury in their first preseason game. Lewis finished with eight points and four rebounds in only 21 minutes. The injury isn't likely to linger and Lewis should be ready to go for the Magic's next game on Wednesday.
Acie Law: Three Steals in First Game
Update: Law had seven points (2-of-4 FG, 0-of-1 3-PT, 3-of-6 FT), five assists and three steals in the Hawks' win over the Magic on Monday.
Analysis: Law is battling Speedy Claxton for the starting point guard position. While it appears that Claxton will get the first crack at it, Law's first game performance did not hurt his chances. At this point, Law is probably a late round or waiver wire pick up for fantasy players.
Louis Williams: Returns from Lacerated Upper Left Eyelid
Update: Williams (lacerated eyelid) returned Monday night in a loss to the Knicks and had 16 points (4-of-10 FG) in just over 23 minutes of the exhibition.
Analysis: Williams suffered a lacerated upper left eyelid during Saturday's scrimmage but it turned out to be minor and he shouldn't miss any additional time as a result of it.
Al Horford: Solid Contribution Off the Bench
Update: Horford had nine points (4-of-9 FG, 1-of-2 FT), seven rebounds, an assist and a block in the Hawks' win over the Magic on Monday.
Analysis: Horford provided solid rebounding and scoring off the bench. Horford is expected to back up Josh Smith at power forward but could also get time behind center Zaza Pachulia. Horford could be worth a late round selection in a deep fantasy league. His greatest contributions should come from rebounding and shot blocking.
Joe Johnson: Johnson Plays 26 MInutes in Win
Update: Johnson played 26 minutes and scored 12 points (4-of-7 FG, 2-of-2 3-PT, 2-of-4 FT), two rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks in the Hawks' win over the Magic on Monday.
Analysis: Johnson missed 22 consecutive games last season with a calf injury but had a great year averaging 25 points, 4.4 assists and 4.2 rebounds and over two 3-pointers made per game for the Hawks. Look for Johnson to go near the end of the third or early fourth round in most fantasy drafts.
Marvin Williams: Solid Opening for Williams
Update: Williams had 19 points (3-of-6 FG, 13-of-17 FT), three rebounds and a steal in the Hawks' win over the Magic on Monday.
Analysis: A nice scoring start for Williams who averaged 13.2 points per game last season. Williams was a big fantasy sleeper pick last season and had a decent but not outstanding season. This season Williams will have to fight for time at the forward position with stud Josh Smith, veteran Josh Childress, former first round draft pick Shelden Williams and current first round draft pick Al Horford. We'll keep you posted on how the playing time is going to pan out at this position.
Josh Smith: Good Night for Smith
Update: Smith had 22 points (8-of-15 FG, 1-of-2 3-PT, 5-of-7 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks in the Hawks' win over the Magic on Monday.
Analysis: These are the types of all-around performances that fantasy players love out of Smith. Look for Smith to go somewhere in the second round in most fantasy drafts.
Spencer Hawes: Will Receive News on Knee
Update: Hawes will meet with his personal physician on Tuesday to get a second opinion on his ailing right knee, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The Kings' first-round draft choice missed all of training camp after hurting the knee during conditioning drills in late September. His return is indefinite at this point.
Ron Artest: Requests MRI on Knee
Update: Artest requested an MRI on his right knee after leaving Monday's practice early, but he is expected to play in Tuesday night's preseason opener against Seattle, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: First-year coach Reggie Theus said it was "definitely nothing serious," mentioning the small forward had not complained of pain. With Artest already asking for an MRI, it's doubtful Theus will push him too much in the preseason after the Kings endured a rigorous training camp.
Zach Randolph: Nice First Impression
Update: Randolph showed excellent range and accuracy in his Knicks debut last night. He made his first six shots in the preseason victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, hitting from 19, 12, 22, and 20 feet before finally scoring in the lane on a layup, the New York Times reports.
Analysis: A nice start for the scoring machine. Even with Eddy Curry (shoulder) out of action, Randolph showed what he could do from the outside. Perhaps this is a sign that even if Curry is camped out in the lane, Randolph will still find ways to score.
Francisco Garcia: May Sit Preseason Opener
Update: Garcia is questionable for Tuesday night's preseason opener against Seattle with a sprained right ankle, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: He turned it during a scrimmage on Sunday, then missed Monday's practice session. The 6-foot-7 swingman played for coach Reggie Theus while he was an assistant at Louisville so he may elect to sit Garcia as a precaution since he is familiar with his skills.
Eddy Curry: Expected Back For the Opener
Update: Curry's torn labrum is only expected to keep him out of action for two weeks, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: "I think it's definitely good news," Curry told the Post at the morning shoot-around. "Going in, we were just hoping the rotator cuff was healthy. It was. It was unharmed, so it's definitely good news." While this should put the big man back in the lineup in time for the Knicks' season opener, there is still some concern that the shoulder could be an ongoing issue for Curry. Temper your expectations, especially early in the season.
Samuel Dalembert: Six Points in Monday's Loss to the Knicks
Update: Dalembert (stress fracture in left foot) moved well and looked comfortable offensively with six points, four rebounds and a block Monday night, but he could not physically handle Zach Randolph (17 points, five rebounds) in the loss.
Analysis: Dalembert still needs time to get back to full health but playing in these games is a good sign that he is close and should be 100 percent for opening night.
Reggie Evans: Had Six Rebounds in Monday's Loss
Update: Evans (sprained right thumb) had two points and six rebounds in Monday's loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: Evans had been day-to-day with the thumb injury but should be fine from here on out. He is a player fantasy owners should keep an eye on because he could provide nice value as a reserve.
Herbert Hill: Had Four Rebounds in Nine Minutes Monday Night
Update: Hill had four rebounds in nine minutes of Monday's loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: Hill may have trouble staying on the roster after training camp but has a chance to stick if he has a good showing throughout. He will likely have no fantasy value.
Kyle Korver: Missed Monday's Loss to the Knicks
Update: Korver (groin) did not play in Monday's loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: Korver has a strained groin and 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks said he didn't want to risk further injury. The team will likely play it safe with Korver all preseason in order to have him fresh for the regular season.
Andre Miller: Scored 17 Points in Monday's Loss
Update: Miller scored 17 points in Monday's loss to the Knicks and has been praised by 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks throughout the preseason for his strong play.
Analysis: Miller has looked strong throughout the summer and has shown his ability to lead the team on and off the court according to coach Cheeks. Miller was solid last season for fantasy owners and should remain a top option again this season.
Kevin Ollie: Missed Monday's Loss to the Knicks
Update: Ollie missed Monday's loss to the Knicks with a groin strain, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Ollie remains day-to-day and the coaching staff knows they can rest him throughout the preseason without having to constantly evaluate him. They know what they will get out of the veteran guard.
Shavlik Randolph: Says He is 80% Recovered from Ankle Fracture
Update: Randolph, who was in uniform for Monday's loss to the Knicks, said he is 80 percent recovered from a dislocated and fractured left ankle suffered last November, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: It sounds as if Randolph is close to playing in a game, which would be a big step for him. He has practiced hard for some time now but really needs to test his recovery in live action.
Jason Smith: Showed Plenty of Energy in Debut
Update: Smith had seven points and seven rebounds in Monday's loss to the Knicks and showed plenty of energy in his debut.
Analysis: "He played great," 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks said. Smith had been bothered by a left-ankle sprain but should be fine and play more and more minutes as we get closer to the regular season.
Thaddeus Young: Returns from Ankle Injury
Update: Young continually created his own shot in Monday's loss to the Knicks, but often was rushed and hit just 2 of 7 shots on the night.
Analysis: Young had been bothered by a sprained ankle but looks to be in good shape heading into training camp.
Ruben Patterson: Returns to Practice
Update: Patterson (hip flexor) returned to practice Monday, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Patterson, who missed one practice because of the injury, is expected to play in Tuesday's preseason opener.
Sam Cassell: Returns to Practice
Update: Cassell (sore left knee) returned to practice Monday, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: There's no word on whether Cassell, whose been on and off the practice floor, will be ready to play in the club's preseason opener Tuesday.
Cuttino Mobley: Will Sit Out Preseason Opener
Update: Mobley (strained left calf) will sit out the Clippers' preseason opener on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
Analysis: Mobley has been hampered by the injury since training camp broke last week.
Chris Kaman: Will Not Play in Preseason Opener
Update: Kaman (sore lower back) will not suit up for the Clippers' preseason opener Tuesday night against the Nuggets, the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: Kaman, who returned to practice Sunday after missing several days last week, is expected to sit out Wednesday's game at Portland as well. We wouldn't be too concerned at this point.
Tony Parker: Unlikely to Play on Tuesday
Update: Parker (ankle sprain) is unlikely to play on Tuesday against Dallas, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Coach Gregg Popovich has limited Parker's on-court duty so he can rest his ankle. Parker sufffered the ankle injury playing for the French national team last month.
Jacque Vaughn: Pulled Calf Muscle
Update: Vaughn (pulled calf muscle) is not expected to play against Dallas on Tuesday, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: The starters are expected to get limited minutes, as the Spurs want to audition undrafted rookies Darius Washington and Anthony Lever-Pedroza in the backcourt.
Luke Walton: Will Miss Preseason Opener
Update: Walton (hamstring) will miss Tuesday's preseason opener, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: This is merely a precautionary measure, and Walton should be good to go for the start of the regular season.
Ronny Turiaf: Has a Bruised Knee
Update: Turiaf has only a bruised knee according to an MRI examination, and returned to practice on Monday, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: A sigh of relief for Turiaf, who is now penciled in as the Lakers' starting power forward.
Jamal Sampson: Returns to Practice
Update: Sampson (ankle) returned to practice on Monday, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: Sampson is battling for a roster spot, and his health is therefore essential.
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