FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Al Harrington: Could Be Sixth Man
Update: Warriors head coach Don Nelson is considering bringing Harrington off the bench, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Analysis: "That'd be like a perfect position for him," Nelson said. "Bring him off the bench where he can just be the gunslinger. He has the ability to stretch defenses and he's really aggressive." Nelson is notoriously fickle, so we're not putting this in the book just yet. He's been known to adjust his lineups to fit his team's needs on that particular night. If Harrington were to come off the bench, Matt Barnes, Mickael Pietrus and Austin Croshere are candidates to start at power forward.
Al Harrington: Might Be Sixth Man
Update: Warriors coach Don Nelson is considering using Harrington as a sixth man to give Golden State added scoring punch off the bench, the Oakland Tribune reports.
Analysis: "I'm going to try that out and see how that works, bring him off the bench where he can just be the gunslinger," Nelson said. "If he's really aggressive, he can be a really great sixth man." It was widely thought that Harrington would be the Warriors starting power forward and a move to sixth man could mean less minutes and lower his fantasy value. Matt Barnes, Mickael Pietrus and Austin Croshere could be in line to start at power forward if Harrington doesn't.
Ike Diogu: Perfect in Preseason Win
Update: Diogu was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field and 5-for-5 from the line in the Pacers' preseason win over the Hornets on Monday.
Analysis: Diogu has been a feast-or-famine player in the NBA so far, and one of the bigger "swing" players on the Pacers headed into this season. The coaching staff is working with him on better recognizing when the double-team is on him and how to pass out of it.
Johan Petro: Misses Practice
Update: Petro (heart palpitations) missed practice Monday, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Petro, who missed a game last season with an irregular heartbeat, visited a cardiologist during the team's practice Monday.
Salim Stoudamire: Misses Game
Update: Stoudamire (hamstring) will miss Tuesday's game with a sore hammy, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: He should be ready for opening night, but the injury has been bothering him all preseason.
Eddy Curry: Back at Practice
Update: Curry (shoulder) returned to full-contact practice on Monday, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: He tore his labrum just one week ago, but was already back in practice with the Knicks on Monday. "We were just playing. I didn't try to avoid any contact. I went out there and played. I'm sure those guys were conscious of it, but we just played," Curry said. Despite being listed as probable officially, Curry fully expects to play on Wednesday and when the season starts.
Jorge Garbajosa: In the Mix at Small Forward
Update: Garbajosa's name has been thrown into the mix for the Raptors' starting small forward spot, the Toronto Star reports.
Analysis: The other three players battling for the job are Jason Kapono, Carlos Delfino, and Joey Graham. "Garbo's always my dark horse, so you can say three plus," coach Sam Mitchell said. Garbajosa does not blind you with his athletic talents, but he has a high basketball IQ which is why Mitchell loves him. "I'm going to be honest with you, you look at him and you don't know exactly how he gets stuff done," said Mitchell. "You say he shouldn't be able to guard certain guys, but he does. He makes timely shots, he makes timely passes, he's where he's supposed to be in our team defense all the time. He just figures out a way to get it done." The position is still up in the air and Mitchell won't say who will start in their last four preseason games.
Leandro Barbosa: Shoots Well
Update: Barbosa lit up the Jazz in Monday's preseason victory scoring 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting.
Analysis: He also chipped in two steals and a block to go along with his scoring outburst. Right now it is unclear as to what Barbosa's role will be with the team because Grant Hill is going to start at shooting guard and Steve Nash at point guard. Barbosa is too talented offensively to stay on the bench, so you should still expect him to see plenty of minutes this season.
Fred Jones: Good Shot To Make Team
Update: Isiah Thomas, who drafted Jones while head coach of the Indiana Pacers, continues to be impressed with the tough defense and veteran leadership the guard provides, the New York Times reports.
Analysis: "He's a tough defender, and in this league you've got to be able to stop people," Thomas said, according to the New York Times. "And as we're making our transition from a good offensive team to becoming, hopefully, one day, a great defensive team, you need defenders. And he's one of the better defenders in the league." It looks like Jones is a near lock to make the team.
Louis Amundson: Currently Dealing With a Hip Pointer
Update: Amundson sat out the second half of Sunday night's game with a hip pointer and will not travel with the team to Utah Wednesday night, the Philadelphia Daily News reports.
Analysis: Amundson will sit out Wednesday's game as a precaution but should be fine for the regular season.
Anfernee Hardaway: Heat Hopeful Hardaway Will Play
Update: Heat coach Pat Riley is hopeful that Hardaway (strained quadriceps) will be healthy enough to play Friday, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Hardaway has missed all four preseason games so far with the injury. They are hoping he will be able to provide solid minutes while Dwayne Wade is out recovering from knee and shoulder surgeries.
Michael Doleac: Could Play Friday
Update: Doleac (hip, knee) is expected to practice this week and could possible play Friday, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Doleac had missed the past two games and is looking to get back in action Friday. He is not considered a very good option and is third on the depth chart behind Shaquille O'neal and Alonzo Mourning.
Smush Parker: Ankle Improving
Update: Parker (ankle) has been improving his conditioning throughout Miami's practices this preseason, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Parker, who came over from the Lakers this offseason, had been struggling with a minor ankle injury but is finally returning to full strength and looks to play a major reserve role for the Heat this season. Parker said that his ankle is "about 100 percent right now" and head coach Pat Riley said that his conditioning is almost up to snuff too.
Shaquille O'Neal: Day-to-Day
Update: O'Neal is listed as day-to-day after injuring his thigh early in Saturday's game against Charlotte, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: O'Neal had the injury treated Sunday but did not need any X-rays or tests performed.
Jason Williams: Return Soon
Update: Williams (shin) is hopeful of returning to the Heat's lineup this week, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: "I guess it's frustrating," Williams said. "But, at the same time, we've got to take care of our bodies first. If we're hurt, we can't go, so there's no need to go out there and jeopardize our season." The next preseason game for the Heat is on Friday and Williams should be available for that game.
Antonio McDyess: Comfortable Starting
Update: McDyess is getting more comfortable as a starter as the preseason has progressed, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: McDyess enjoyed coming off the bench for the Pistons the last few years, but he'll be starting at center or power forward (depending on matchups) during the regular season if all goes well this month.
Stromile Swift: A Starter for Now
Update: Swift has started at center for all three of the Grizzlies' preseason games, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: Coach Marc Iavaroni likes the defense and shot-blocking ability Swift brings initially. But Darko Milicic isn't making somewhere near $20 million to sit on the bench all season. So far in the preseason, Swift is averaging 7.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Rudy Gay: Game-High Point Total
Update: Gay tied for the game-high point total with 22 (9-18 FG) in Monday night's win over Minnesota. He also chipped in nine rebounds, five blocked shots and two steals.
Analysis: He was also the only Grizzly player to be on the court for more than 40 minutes, and he earned it with his stellar play. Coach Marc Iavaroni said after the game that he may use Gay more at PF, so keep an eye on that for fantasy position eligibility.
Navarro Navarro: Explosive off the Bench
Update: Navarro had 22 points (8-15 FG, 5-9 3PT) off the bench in Monday's preseason win over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Grizzlies' head coach Marc Iavaroni envisions Navarro being the team's sixth-man heading into the season, coming off the bench and igniting the team like he did Monday night.
Monta Ellis: Cleared To Play
Update: Ellis (neck) has received medical clearance to start playing again, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Analysis: It is up to Ellis to decide when he is ready to resume playing in games, but it looks like he will be 100 percent when the regular season begins.
Gilbert Arenas: Dealing with Sore Toe
Update: Arenas didn't play in Sunday's preseason game because of a sore toe, the Washington Times reports.
Analysis: "It has nothing to do with the knee," coach Eddie Jordan said of Arenas, who underwent offseason knee surgery. Arenas is expected to be able to play Tuesday, the Washington Post reports.
DeSagana Diop: Has Impressed In Training Camp
Update: Diop has impressed greatly in training camp, according to the Dallas Morning News. Mavs coach Avery Johnson noted that Diop has been "been finishing a little better around the basket, and he's making really good passes."
Analysis: Diop will play the vast majority of minutes at center while Erick Dampier (shoulder) is out until at least December, and we would not be surprised to see his offensive numbers increase. Diop will still primarily be a rebounder and shot-blocker, but look for him to convert the occasional basket when defenses leave him alone.
Jason Terry: May Not Start at Shooting Guard
Update: Terry may not be the starter at shooting guard come the start of the regular season, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: Mavs coach Avery Johnson cryptically noted that "I have an idea of who I want" to start at the 2, but that "it's just a matter of whether it's going to work or not. I have my No. 1 option that I hope can work. If it doesn't, then we have a plan B." We suspect that this is merely motivational speak directed at Terry, and that he will play the bulk of shooting guard minutes this year. Still, keep an eye on this situation.
Carmelo Anthony: Will Return Tuesday
Update: Anthony said he will play on Tuesday after taking one game off to get some rest, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
Analysis: Evidently 48 minutes is all Anthony needed to feel refreshed. This could be the year that Anthony starts being mentioned in the same breath as the Kobe Bryants and Dwayne Wades. He was clearly the best player on the floor most nights during the FIBA Tournament of the Americas and has looked awfully good during the preseason.
Linas Kleiza: Suffers Sprained Ankle
Update: Kleiza sprained his right ankle on Sunday night against Detroit and will sit out Tuesday's game against Milwaukee, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
Analysis: Kleiza did return to Sunday's game which tells us it's not a significant injury but it's obviously sore enough for the club to take no chances. Kleiza was the primary back-up to Carmelo Anthony last year and can also play some power forward if the club goes small.
Eduardo Najera: Expected to Return Tuesday
Update: Najera (back strain) went through a full practice on Monday and declared himself ready to play, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
Analysis: Najera has been bothered by a lower-back strain all preseason and has yet to play. He's expected to be a bit player at most this year, however, if Nene and/or Kenyon Martin go down for an extended period it could open up significant playing time for the veteran.
Kenyon Martin: Martin to Return Tuesday, May Start
Update: Martin (knee/groin) is expected to play Tuesday night against Milwaukee and may start, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
Analysis: The last game Martin played in was November 3rd, 2006, at Minnesota before he underwent another microfracture operation on his left knee. Martin went through a full practice Monday and was cleared to play. Head coach George Karl liked what he saw, "He was aggressive, offensively and defensively," Karl said. With Nene sidelined, Martin will likely start but don't expect to see more than 20 minutes out of him, and he will not play the second game of the back-to-back on Wednesday.
Devean George: May Not Be Ready for Start of Season
Update: George (foot) may not be ready for the season opener on October 31st, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: George. who has a stress reaction in his left foot, is scheduled to start jogging on a treadmill Thursday. Those sessions will go a long way in determining whether he can be ready for the regular season, though even if he's healthy, we don't expect him to be a fantasy contributor this year.
Allen Iverson: Expected to Return Tuesday
Update: Iverson (elbow) is expected to return to the court after missing Sunday's game against Detroit, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
Analysis: Obviously the elbow bruise wasn't that serious and his game off was more precautionary than anything.
Eddie House: Will See Time at Point Guard This Season
Update: House has been playing point guard in practice and will see significant time at the point during the season, according to the Boston Globe.
Analysis: Celtics coach Doc Rivers noted that House has "been very good for us running the team," a vast departure from House's usual role of designated scorer. We still expect House to get his points, but his assist numbers should increase this season as well.
Dahntay Jones: Is On Roster Bubble
Update: Jones is one of four players on the bubble for the Celtics' last roster spot, according to the Boston Globe. Celtics coach Doc Rivers noted that Jones "is close to making the team. He's right on the line."
Analysis: Jones is competing with Jackie Manuel, Esteban Batista and Brandon Wallace for the last spot on the Celtics, though whoever emerges does not figure to play much, barring injury.
Lamar Odom: Hopes to Play Season Opener
Update: Odom (shoulder) has not practiced once this training camp, and Lakers coach Phil Jackson is reportedly "hopeful" that Odom will be ready for the season opener October 30th against Houston, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Jackson noted that Odom "may not be in the optimal 100% spot" for the season opener, which should provide some concern for fantasy owners. Odom's health has always been an issue, and it continues to be going into this season.
Kwame Brown: Could Play This Weekend
Update: Brown (shoulder, ankle) practiced for the first time on Monday and could play in this weekend's exhibition games, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Brown will face significant competition for center minutes when he returns, as both Andrew Bynum and Chris Mihm have impressed so far in camp.
Jamaal Tinsley: Returns From Shoulder Injury
Update: Tinsley (shoulder) returned to action Monday night after missing one exhibition game.
Analysis: Tinsley scored 10 points with four assists and three steals in 18:54. You'll want to monitor his status heading up to the regular season.
Ryan Hollins: Still Starting at Center
Update: Hollins started and scored five points with eight rebounds and two blocked shots Monday night in Charlotte's preseason victory over New Jersey.
Analysis: True to his word, Bobcats head coach Sam Vincent is sticking with Hollins in the starting lineup. We'll have to see if Vincent sticks with him once the regular season starts and Primoz Brezec is ready to play.
Vince Carter: Makes Preseason Debut
Update: Carter scored 13 points on 6-of-12 shooting Monday night in New Jersey's exhibition loss to Charlotte.
Analysis: Nets head coach Lawrence Frank is implementing a motion-offense this season, trying to make his team less predictable. In theory, Carter, who has averaged about 20 shots per game while with the Nets, may not get as many shots this season. Still, he's the team's premier scoring option and should not disappoint fantasy players.
Bostjan Nachbar: Leads Nets in Scoring Again
Update: Nachbar scored a team-high 19 points Monday night in New Jersey's exhibition loss to Charlotte.
Analysis: Nachbar made just 4-of-14 from the field, but he was aggressive in getting to the basket, going 10-of-10 from the free-throw line. He's not going fill up a bunch of categories, but Nachbar can score and is in a position to get a lot of minutes off the bench this season.
Carlos Boozer: Makes Preseason Debut
Update: Boozer made his preseason debut on Monday, scoring 10 points (5-for-7) and grabbing five rebounds in 13 minutes in Utah's loss to Phoenix.
Analysis: Boozer missed much of training camp while tending to his son, who was receiving medical treatment.
Tony Parker: Should Begin Full-Speed Workouts at the End of the Week
Update: Parker (sprained ankle) should begin full-speed workouts by the end of the week, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Parker has been resting his sprained ankle after a busy summer. With Parker returning to the lineup, expect Manu Ginobili to come off the bench as the Spurs' super-sub.
Manu Ginobili: Solid as Interim Point Guard
Update: Ginobili has been solid as the interim point guard while Tony Parker recovers from injury but admits he won't be taking Parker's job anytime soon, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: "I'm not going to get used to it in two or three games after playing my whole career at shooting guard," Ginobili said. "There is a lot more to worry about as a point guard." Ginobili has been the Spurs' most consistent player so far in the preseason, averaging 14.5 points and 5.5 assists while logging most of his 25 minutes a night at the point. Ginobili is one of the better all-around players in the NBA and is a solid addition to any fantasy roster.
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