FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Calvin Booth: Starts in Place of Samuel Dalembert Friday Night
Update: Booth started in place of Samuel Dalembert (stress fracture in left foot) Friday night in a loss to New Jersey.
Analysis: Booth missed his first four shots, scored just two points and may not be a realistic option to play heavy minutes if Dalembert isn't ready to go by the season opener. The 76ers are thin at the position so Booth should at least be given a chance to prove his value.
Shavlik Randolph: Returns from Broken Left Ankle Friday Night
Update: Randolph, who played for the first time since he broke his left ankle in a practice last November, went scoreless in 13 minutes of Friday night's loss to New Jersey.
Analysis: Randolph admitted he was nervous before the game and it showed. He couldn't find his shot but just returning to the court is a big step for Randolph. He shouldn't have any fantasy value early in the season.
Louis Williams: Scores 33 in a Loss to New Jersey Friday Night
Update: Williams scored all 33 of his points in the second half and overtime of Friday night's loss to New Jersey.
Analysis: Williams sank nine straight shots at one point and likely played his way into the backup point guard spot behind Andre Miller or even possibly at shooting guard. Either way, he is gaining minutes and will have fantasy value at some point this season.
Mehmet Okur: Bothered by Foot
Update: Due to cartilage damage in his right foot suffered over the summer, Okur is considering reducing his playing time in order to heal faster, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: A prudent move on Okur's part. Okur should once again be a big part of Utah's offense. His 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game last season were solid. Utah's core remains unchanged from last season, so expect similar numbers from Okur.
Baron Davis: Sore Knee
Update: Davis had some knee soreness after the Warriors' first pre-season game and could miss several more games as a precaution, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Analysis: In an effort to keep Davis fresh and injury free, Warriors coach Don Nelson has set a target of 28 to 30 minutes a night for Davis when the regular season begins. The emergence of Monta Ellis and the off-season acquisition of Troy Hudson gives the Warriors two viable options to back up Davis at the point guard position.
Etan Thomas: Successful Surgery to Repair Valve Leakage in Heart
Update: Thomas had successful surgery Thursday to repair a valve leakage in his heart, the Washington Times reports. He should be able to resume his playing career, but it's uncertain at the moment if he has a shot at playing this season.
Analysis: "For most patients, recovery from surgery takes approximately four to six weeks," according to Dr. Hartzell Schaff, the cardiovascular surgeon who performed the surgery. "But for someone like Etan, it is going to take at least two months for him to recover from the healing of the sternum. The heart and lungs will return to normal and it is possible that he can get back to playing professional-level basketball." When asked whether Thomas could return in time for the 2007-08 season, Schaff said: "That's a tough one. I think we'll just have to see how his rehab goes. I wouldn't say we are ruling it out or ruling it in." One thing that we do know, is that the Wizards won't rush the center back, so he remains out indefinitely.
Kenyon Martin: Could Play Wednesday Against Pistons
Update: Martin said he might play Wednesday against the Pistons, and that he'll probably play one of three games next week, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: The last thing Martin needs is to rush his return, and he knows that. Any action Martin sees will likely be limited out of precaution.
Paul Pierce: Left Thigh Bruise Suffered in Practice Isn't Serious
Update: Pierce bruised his thigh in practice Friday, but the injury is not supposed to be serious, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett have played well together in exhibition despite having to share shots. All are vital pieces of the Celtics' puzzle, so a potential injury to any of the three is obviously greeted with trepidation.
Dorell Wright: Injury Not Serious
Update: Wright was took a knee to the thigh in Wednesday's exhibition loss to Atlanta but it is not believe to be serious, the
Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Pat Riley offered no sympathy for Wright, saying, "He's got to be tougher than that." Wright is competing for the starting small forward spot with Antoine Walker. Wright's athleticism on both ends of the floor makes him valuable to the Heat, especially if he can refine his perimeter game.
Dwyane Wade: Riley on ESPN Report,
Update: Heat coach Pat Riley called an ESPN report saying Wade could be out until January "ridiculous," the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Wade, who spent his offseason rehabbing offseason shoulder and knee surgeries, said a "realistic" return could come in "November, late November. At worst case, early December." With Miami's quiet offseason in the free agent market, Wade will be relied on to carry the Heat offensively.
Erick Dampier: Could be Ready for Contact Soon
Update: Dampier (shoulder) has been in practice and could be ready for contact work within a week according to coach Avery Johnson, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Dampier's return could come anywhere from mid-November to mid-December. DeSagana Diop will hold down the center spot in Dampier's stead.
Martell Webster: Scores 28 but Little Else
Update: After scoring 28 points Wednesday night, Webster came back to score 19 in Friday's loss to Denver, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Webster has been on a nice shooting streak the last couple games but the box score shows more to be desired. Other then scoring and shooting threes, he did little else. He needs to develop more of an overall game so he can contribute on games when his shot is off.
James Jones: Done for the Preseason
Update: Jones (sore left knee) will not play until the season opener Oct. 30 at San Antonio, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: This is a minor setback at this point. He is still in the running to be in the rotation at the small forward position.
Rodney Stuckey: All-Around Game
Update: Although Stuckey did not shoot well Friday, he finished with 11 points, seven assists, two steals, two rebounds, and a block.
Analysis: He also turned the ball over four times and committed five fouls. It's a big step for Stuckey that he proved he could do more than score, but the turnovers continue to be a problem for him.
Bostjan Nachbar: Drops 35 on Friday
Update: Nachbar scored 35 points on 10-of-22 shooting from the field (3-of-9 3pt) and 12-of-14 from the line in New Jersey's preseason-opening victory over Philadelphia on Friday.
Analysis: Before we get too excited, realize that Nets coach Lawrence Frank rested four of his projected starters as well as prominent rotation player Jamaal Magloire. Jason Collins was the only projected starter playing on Friday. Nachbar is coming off his best season and enters the final year of his current contract. He should be a good scorer off the bench and the main guy on the team's second unit.
Rasheed Wallace: Another Ejection
Update: Wallace was ejected Friday night after picking up two technical fouls.
Analysis: Wallace already appears to be in midseason form. Fortunately for Wallace and the Pistons, these technicals won't count toward the 16 technicals needed to earn a one-game suspension.
Sammy Mejia: Played Entire Fourth Quarter
Update: Mejia, who only played three minutes in the first two exhbition games, played the entire fourth quarter Friday night.
Analysis: Mejia has been hobbled by ankle and heel injuries during training camp and he wasn't too productive in extended action, finishing with just one assist and one rebound. He's on the bubble to make the team, and with other better young guards already on the roster, he'll need to step up soon.
Cheikh Samb: First Extended Action
Update: Samb fouled out in 18 minutes of play Friday, finishing with six points and five rebounds.
Analysis: With Amir Johnson and Nazr Mohammed on the bench with injuries and Rasheed Wallace ejected, the Pistons got an unexpected extended look at Samb. Detroit plans to develop Samb slowly, and it would be a surprise to see him play in the NBDL for the entire season.
Nazr Mohammed: Out With Sore Calf
Update: Mohammed missed Friday's exhibition game with a sore calf, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: With Amir Johnson out with a sore ankle and Rasheed Wallace ejected, the Pistons could have used Mohammed in the middle Friday. He's day-to-day.
Kevin Durant: Tough Night From the Field
Update: Durant was 5-of-22 Friday, finishing with 15 points and seven rebounds.
Analysis: On the plus side, Durant's shot selection wasn't bad. He's still learning the NBA game, so poor shooting nights are to be expected.
Nick Collison: Big Rebounding Night Bodes Well
Update: Collison pulled down 11 rebounds Friday to go with nine points in Seattle's second preseason game.
Analysis: Eight of Collison's 11 boards came on the offensive end. This is how Collison will earn his time this season. He's going to have to do the dirty work underneath to earn minutes, as there won't be too many offensive sets geared toward him. He figures to come off the bench, but he could see decent minutes and be a good source of rebounds.
Chris Wilcox: Solid Game Friday on Both Ends
Update: Wilcox scored a team-high 20 points in an impressive start Friday in Seattle's preseason game at Cleveland.
Analysis: Wilcox was 8-of-9 from the field with eight rebounds. Wilcox played good defense, too, and that likely will be the key point when it comes to who plays for defensive-minded coach P.J. Carlesimo.
Dwight Howard: Near Triple-Double
Update: Howard nearly recorded a triple-double in the Magic's preseason game Friday night, scoring 13 points while grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking eight shots.
Analysis: Howard has had a couple of monster games already this preseason. He's giving his owners a small preview of both his versatility and his dominance.
Sean Williams: Benched Friday Night
Update: Williams was benched for Friday night's preseason opener after showing up late to the team's afternoon shootaround, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Williams, who was kicked off his Boston College team last year because of marijuana use, is not getting off to a good start with his professional team.
Eddy Curry: Shoots at Friday's Practice
Update: Curry (shoulder) did some shooting at Friday's practice, Newsday reports.
Analysis: Curry is shooting to play in next Wednesday's exhibition game against Boston. "I feel fine," Curry said, referring to the labrum tear he suffered last Saturday in practice. "I feel like it never happened."
Brian Skinner: Returns to Practice
Update: Skinner (knee) returned to practice Friday, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Skinner could be available for Saturday's exhibition game against New Orleans.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Practices Friday
Update: Stoudemire (knee) worked out on the court Friday, doing some shooting and agility exercises, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: "I did a lot more stuff today, a little physical," Stoudemire said. "I feel fantastic. I want to still take my time with it. The training staff is doing a great job to make sure I maintain my strength. That's what counts." Stoudemire is hoping to play in a couple of exhibition games before the start of the regular season.
Jared Dudley: Practices Friday
Update: Dudley (toe) practiced on Friday after missing two exhibition games, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: We expect Dudley to play Saturday against the Heat.
Primoz Brezec: Returns to Camp
Update: Brezec is back with the Bobcats after missing two weeks to attend to a family matter, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: The Bobcats can really use an experienced big with injuries to Sean May (season-ending knee surgery) and Othella Harrington (arthroscopic knee surgery) leaving the team light in the front court. Brezec will not play Saturday night against the Heat and still needs to get some practices in before playing in game action.
Paul Davis: Competing for Spot in Rotation
Update: Davis has the opportunity to earn a regular spot in the Clippers' rotation, as a backup at center and power forward, the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: The injury to Elton Brand means available minutes for several players, so Davis will have to show an improvement in his low-post game. "This summer he addressed the weakness of his game, which is low-post moves," Clippers assistant coach Kim Hughes said. "He's not a finished product yet. But he's continuing to work. His jump shot is much better now because of better arc. He's able to make pick-and-pops off the pick-and-roll." Davis was hardly used in his rookie season and still needs to work on rebounding.
Corey Maggette: Limited in Friday's Practice
Update: Maggette (bruised left thigh) did some shooting in Friday's practice, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Maggette missed the Clippers' previous preseason game because of the injury. His status for Sunday's game against Golden State is now known.
Chris Kaman: Practices Friday
Update: Kaman (sore lower back) participated in a full practice Friday and is expected to play in Sunday's preseason game against Golden State, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Kaman has yet to play in a preseason game.
Cuttino Mobley: To Come Off Bench?
Update: Mobley (strained left calf) volunteered to come off the bench for the Clippers, if it makes the team better, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy may take him up on the offer. Dunleavy needs to pair up a defensive stopper with starting point guard Sam Cassell, and that could mean Quinton Ross starting at point guard. "It shows he has a high IQ for the game and a lack of ego," Dunleavy said of Mobley's team-first attitude. Bringing Mobley off the bench might actually increase his scoring opportunities as he becomes the main offensive threat on the second unit. In related news, Mobley (strained left calf) told the Orange County Register that he's at least a week away from being able to practice.
Shannon Brown: Leads Cavs With 19 Points
Update: Brown scored 19 points in 21:10 Friday night in Cleveland's loss to Seattle.
Analysis: Brown continues to show coaches that he wants more playing time. He attacked the basket religiously Friday night, resulting in 14 free throw attempts. As long as Sasha Pavlovic wants to sit out, Brown will be more than happy to showcase his skills.
Kenyon Martin: Misses Second Striaght Preseason Game
Update: Martin (groin) missed Friday night's preseason game against the Trail Blazers, NBA.com reports.
Analysis: Martin dressed but did not play. He missed Denver's previous exhibition game with the injury.
Thabo Sefolosha: Hamstring Injury
Update: Sefolosha sat out Friday night's preseason game with a sore hamstring, NBA.com reports.
Analysis: The injury is not considered serious but Sefolosha remains day-to-day.
Ben Gordon: Missed Friday Night's Preseason Game
Update: Gordon sat out Friday night's preseason game with a sprained left ankle, NBA.com reports.
Analysis: Gordon has missed two straight preseason games.
Joe Smith: Missed Friday Night's Preseason Game
Update: Smith (sore right knee) sat out Friday night's preseason victory over Dallas, NBA.com reports.
Analysis: This was the second straight game he's missed because of the injury.
Trevor Ariza: Foot Tendinitis
Update: Ariza sat out Friday night's exhibition game with left foot tendinitis, NBA.com reports.
Analysis: With Ariza and Keyon Dooling (pelvis) sitting out, it was a night for J.J. Redick to shine at shooting guard, scoring 19 points in Orlando's victory over Miami.
Keyon Dooling: Pelvis Injury
Update: Dooling did not play in Friday night's exhibition game because of a sore pelvis, NBA.com reports.
Analysis: Dooling has been battling injuries all training camp, which could eliminate him from being considered a candidate for the starting shooting guard spot.
Jason Williams: Shin Injury
Update: Williams sat out Friday night's exhibition game with a shin injury, NBA.com reports.
Analysis: Williams joined Heat starters Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal on the sidelines for an exhibition loss to Orlando.
Anfernee Hardaway: Misses Third Preseason Game
Update: Hardaway (quadriceps) sat out his third straight preseason game on Friday, NBA.com reports.
Analysis: Miami head coach Pat Riley said he'd like to get Hardaway on the court when other injured starters return to action. "I'd like to get him next week if we can get some more guys back, or at least Shaquille," Riley said.
Kyle Korver: Sits Out Friday
Update: Korver (groin) sat out Friday night's exhibition game against the Nets, NBA.com reports.
Analysis: Philadelphia coach Maurice Cheeks said he's being overly cautious with Korver, who has missed two preseason games.
Samuel Dalembert: Sits Out Friday; Might Miss Sunday
Update: Dalembert (foot) sat out Friday night's exhibition game against the Nets, NBA.com reports.
Analysis: Dalembert suffered a setback in his recovery from a stress fracture and missed practice on Thursday. "We'll monitor the injury and make sure it's cleared up," Philadelphia coach Maurice Cheeks said. "We'll give it a few days and go from there." With Dalembert out, Calvin Booth is expected to pick up a bunch of minutes.
LeBron James: Right Shoulder Contusion; Not Serious
Update: James left Friday night's exhibition game with a right shoulder contusion that's not considered serious, NBA.com reports.
Analysis: James scored 14 points in Cleveland's loss to Seattle. "It's a stinger, I had one of those before playing football so I know exactly what it felt like," James told the Akron Beacon Journal. "I was trying to fight through a screen, and I got caught on the wrong spot on the shoulder."
Anthony Johnson: Crowded Backcourt in Atlanta
Update: Johnson is working to secure playing time in Atlanta, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: "I'd like to have the opportunity to play, whether that's to start or coming off the bench," said Johnson, who started 17 games last season after being acquired in a trade with Dallas for a second-round pick. At this time, it appears that Johnson may be the odd-man out. Speedy Claxton is most likely going to be the starter, Acie Law has played well in the preseason and is the highly touted rookie and Tyron Lue is the locker-room favorite. In fantasy terms, none of the four project to be fantasy starters, although Law may be worth a late round flyer, as he has the most long term upside.
Jacque Vaughn: Not Playing on Saturday
Update: Vaughn (pulled calf muscle) will not play in Saturday's exhibition game against Panathinaikos, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Emmanuel Ginobili will likely start at point guard for the Spurs. The Spurs are taking the exhibition season easy so don't expect Vaughn to be rushed back. He is a valuable member of the second-unit but doesn't do enough statistically to warrant fantasy consideration at this time.
Tony Parker: Out Against Panathinaikos
Update: Parker (sprained ankle, rest) will not play in Saturday's exhibition game against Panathinaikos, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Coach Gregg Popovich wants to give Parker plenty of rest, so he has limited him in practice. Parker will mostly likely not play in the next several exhibition games but will be fine for the regular season.
Mike Bibby: In Bed by Midnight
Update: Former Sacramento forward Bonzi Wells believes a midnight curfew instituted by new Kings coach Reggie Theus will upset Bibby and Ron Artest, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis: "I know Reg, and Reggie is a great guy," Wells said. "This is his first NBA coaching job. Maybe he's just trying to send a message of how it's going to be. If I know Mike (Bibby) and Ron (Artest), it's not sitting too well with them. If might be a rift, or guys might just be a professional and roll with it. Time will tell." Theus has made it known that he expects extreme dedication from his point guard this season. The Rockets forward probably didn't help Bibby and Artest's cause by going public with his comments. There have been widespread rumors all summer that one or both will be traded by the time the NBA season starts. So far, both players appear happy in Sacramento.
Luther Head: Returns to Practice
Update: Head (Achilles' tendon) returned to practice Friday.
Analysis: The injury isn't serious. Head is competing with Mike James, Rafer Alston, Steve Francis and Aaron Brooks for backcourt minutes.
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