FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Pau Gasol: Sprains Ankle in First Quarter
Update: Gasol sprained his ankle in the first quarter of Wednesday's game against Indiana, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: He played just four minutes in the game, and did not return. It's being labeled as a "mild sprain", and we'll have more as we know it.
Bostjan Nachbar: Took a Charge Too Hard
Update: Nachbar is suffering from a stiff neck that resulted from a Gerald Wallace charge in Monday's game, the Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: He'll be Richard Jefferson's backup once the season starts, but should put up some points from the bench (evidenced by his 19- and 35-point efforts in the Nets' two preseason games).
Brandon Roy: Should Debut Friday
Update: Roy (heel) should make his preseason debut in Friday's game against Sacramento, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Roy has been practicing with the team despite not playing in the team's first three exhibition games. Coach Nate McMillan said he would yank Roy off the court if the pain flares up to try to ensure his health for the regular season.
Alonzo Mourning: Does Not Practice
Update: Mourning sat out of practice Wednesday with a bruised foot, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: No word on how long he'll be out with this, but it just looks like a day-to-day type of injury.
Shaquille O'Neal: Misses Practice
Update: O'Neal (quadriceps) sat out of practice Wednesday, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: He said he'll play again once he doesn't feel any pain in his leg. Whoever drafts Shaq does so knowing he won't play a full season (he's played just 99 regular season games combined in the past two years).
Speedy Claxton: Won't Play Thursday
Update: Claxton (knee) was in Vancouver Wednesday getting consultation on his sore knee and will miss the team's Thursday preseason game, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution reports.
Analysis: An MRI on the knee came back negative, so the severity of this injury is still unknown. Anthony Johnson should get the start in Claxton's place, and Acie Law should get some time when he recovers from a wrist injury.
Kosta Perovic: Headed for the Developmental League?
Update: Perovic has looked over matched thus far in the preseason, and he is probably headed to the D-League, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: In 15 minutes against Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania, Perovic had just two points, one board, two blocks and a steal. He clearly isn't ready for NBA play yet, but should be one day.
Tony Allen: Has an Eye Injury
Update: Allen did not practice Tuesday after taking an elbow to the eye in practice Monday, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: He was listed as doubtful for Wednesday's preseason game against the Knicks, and had not played on the court through the first half. Allen thinks he may be able to practice Thursday.
Jermaine O'Neal: Returns to Action
Update: O'Neal (knee) returned to action for Wednesday's preseason game against Memphis.
Analysis: Don't be surprised if he misses further preseason games as he works back into game shape.
David Harrison: Still Out
Update: Harrison (ankle) will miss another game on Wednesday against Memphis, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Harrison's ankle injury will still cause him a little pain even after he returns to action.
Kobe Bryant: Practices, Will Probaby Play Thursday
Update: Bryant (knee) practiced Wednesday after sitting out the previous three days, the Associated Press reports. Lakers' coach Phil Jackson said Bryant would probably play in Thursday's preseason game against Seattle.
Analysis: "He was extremely helpful with young players today, helping them with the offense," Jackson said. The trade rumors are still swirling, but at least this proves that Kobe is willing to "strap it up" for the Lakers.
Nenad Krstic: Could Play Thursday
Update: Krstic (knee) could play against the Knicks Thursday night, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Nets head coach Lawrence Frank said he'll see how Krstic feels in the morning and will make a game-time decision. It's looking more and more like Krstic will be ready for the start of the season, even under limited minutes.
Jason Kidd: Sees Chiropractor Every Day Since Injury
Update: Kidd has been in a chiropractor's office every day this week since experiencing back tightness on Sunday, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Kidd will not play Thursday or Friday night. To make matters worse, news broke that Kidd allegedly groped a woman in a Manhattan nightclub last week.
Leon Powe: Will Temporarily Serve As Celtics' Backup Center
Update: Powe will serve as the Celtics' backup center until Scot Pollard (ankle) returns from injury, the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis: Powe has been an occasional DNP-CD in exhibition games this year, so Pollard's injury could open up some playing time.
Brandon Wallace: Should Earn Roster Spot
Update: Wallace's roster spot with the Celtics is "safe" according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: This means that Jackie Manuel and Dahntay Jones are battling for the team's final roster spot.
Derek Fisher: Misses Practice Tuesday to Care For Daughter
Update: Fisher missed Tuesday's practice while visiting New York as part of the medical care being given to his cancer-stricken daughter, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Fisher may miss the occasional practice or game due to his daughter's condition, and fantasy owners should be aware of Fisher's family situation before considering drafting him.
Lamar Odom: Misses Tuesday's Practice With Stomach Ailment
Update: Odom missed Tuesday's practice with a stomach ailment, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Odom is also recovering from shoulder surgery, and those thinking of drafting him should be aware of his propensity toward injury and ailments.
Rashard Lewis: Did Not Play Against Cleveland
Update: Lewis (sprained ankle) did not see action in Orlando's preseason game against Cleveland in China
Wednesday, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Analysis: Lewis has been battling numerous injuries already in the preseason. They have all been minor, so don't anticpate him being out for any extended period of time.
Kobe Bryant: Says He'll Play For Lakers If Still On Roster
Update: Bryant (knee), who hasn't practiced since Saturday, noted that he'd "strap it up" and play for the Lakers, assuming he's on the roster come the start of the season, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Bryant's missed practice time has less to do with his knee and more to do with his hurt feelings in the wake of owner Jerry Buss stating that he's open to trading Kobe. Another week of drama in Laker-land, and we don't expect Kobe's uniform or production to change come time for the start of the season.
Ronald Murray: Could Start in Preseason
Update: Murray could start over the next week with Richard Hamilton expected to be out with a sprained ankle, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: This is a great opportunity for Murray to show he belongs in the rotation. He's in line to lose minutes to rookies Rodney Stuckey and Aaron Afflalo this season, so if he plays well during Hamilton's absence, he might force the Pistons to reconsider.
Anfernee Hardaway: Returns to Practice
Update: Hardaway returned to practice Tuesday after missing all four exhibition games with a quadriceps injury sustained a couple of days into training camp, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Hardaway said he participated in scrimmage drills without any discomfort. If there is no overnight swelling or significant stiffness, he says he will play in Friday's exhibition game against the Hornets.
Nick Young: Scores 16 Against Bulls
Update: Young scored a preseason-high 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting in 25 minutes of action in Tuesday's loss to the Bulls.
Analysis: Young took advantage of a De Shawn Stevenson day off to make a case for a role in the Wizards' rotation to start the season. We suspect that Young will be gradually worked in, but he will be a player worth keeping an eye because once injuries hit the Wizards, he'll have a chance to emerge in-season.
Andray Blatche: Seeking Role Behind Haywood
Update: Blatche scored 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting and added four rebounds in 27 minutes of action in Tuesday's preseason loss to the Bulls.
Analysis: Blatche along with Oleksiy Pecherov is battling for backup center minutes behind starter Brendan Haywood. While Haywood has the obvious advantage in terms of experience, he has been a frustrating player for coach Eddie Jordan. With Haywood's status with the team hardly rock solid, Blatche makes a sneaky upside play, albeit one you'd likely have to exercise some patience with once the season starts.
Oleksiy Pecherov: In Center Mix for Wizards
Update: Pecherov scored 12 points on 3-of-7 shooting and added eight rebounds in 25 minutes of action in Tuesday's preseason loss to the Bulls.
Analysis: With Etan Thomas out indefinitely following heart surgery, there is an opportunity for the likes of Pecherov and Andray Blatche to carve out a role behind (and then possibly along with) starting center Brendan Haywood. Before you get too fired up though, the Wizards tend not to look for a ton of offense down the middle. Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and DeShawn Stevenson are the team's 1-4 looks when it comes to scoring.
Kevin Durant: Needs Three Stitches to Close Cut Above Eye
Update: Durant received three stitches to close a laceration above his right eye, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: The injury occurred during a Tuesday scrimmage, and Durant missed the final portion of practice. Coach P.J. Carlesimo did not immediately know Durant's status for Thursday's game against the Lakers.
Carlos Delfino: Dropping on Depth Chart
Update: Delfino has fallen behind Jason Kapono and Joey Graham in the battle to win the Raptors' starting small forward job, the Toronto Star reports.
Analysis: "(Delfino) has to pick it up," coach Sam Mitchell said Tuesday. "I thought Jason and Joey have really been working harder. (I) just want him to be more aggressive. At that three spot, you have to be aggressive. You don't have to be great." As Mitchell's comments indicate whoever gets the job won't have a large role in the Toronto offense anyway, but Delfino will need to win that job if he's going to have any fantasy value at all.
Gilbert Arenas: Shot Not There Yet
Update: Arenas (toe/knee) finished with eight points in 22 minutes of action in Tuesday's preseason loss to the Bulls.
Analysis: Arenas was 1-for-5 from the field and is shooting just 4-for-24 in the preseason. He's coming back from a knee injury, but you can be sure Arenas will be focused this season once he shakes off the rust, as he plans to opt out of his contract with the Wizards.
Chris Bosh: Raptors Not Taking Chances With Knee
Update: Bosh (knee) will not only miss Wednesday's preseason game, he'll probably now sit out Friday's preseason game as well, the Toronto Star reports.
Analysis: "I want to be overly cautious," coach Sam Mitchell said Tuesday afternoon. "We want to get him past this and hopefully not have to deal with it any more." While the Raptors have still given no indication that Bosh's knee injury is truly serious, it's just one more sign that he's not a player you can count on to play 82 games.
Antawn Jamison: Rolls Ankle
Update: Jamison rolled his left ankle in the first quarter of Tuesday's preseason game and did not return, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: For now, consider Jamison day-to-day.
Luol Deng: Seeing playing time at shooting guard; no resolution yet on long-term contract
Update: Deng had another completely efficient offensive game, including some post-up moves as he again received some playing time at shooting guard in the Bulls' 97-76 win over the Wizards Tuesday,
the Chicago Tribune's Bulls blog reports. "We're making an effort to go to him on the box," coach Scott Skiles said. "So our offense changes a bit from predominately a pick-and-roll team to a post-up team. He has made some nice decisions down there."
Analysis: Deng could see a rise in his scoring average this year as he will be relied on to produce even more as Chicago did not add a proven low-post scorer in the offseason. On the contract front, there are rumors that Chicago may be more inclined to give Deng and not Ben Gordon a long-term deal but that deal would be closer to $50 million over five-years rather than the $75 million a maximum contract would bring. Deng would only be a restricted free agent if he does not sign a long-term contract, providing the Bulls make the mandatory one-year qualifying offer of $3.3 million, which would give Chicago the right to match any offer he receives.
Joe Smith: Made Bulls' debut Tuesday, right knee still not 100 percent
Update: Smith (sore right knee) who played 13 minutes, scoring seven points, in his Bulls' debut Tuesday, will be monitored closely and probably won't play one of the team's back-to-back contests this weekend, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Smith said before Tuesday's contest that his knee wasn't 100 percent but that he was playing to get acclimated to his teammates. Because Smith is a veteran player, coach Scott Skiles knows what to expect from him and will make sure he is fully healthy for the start of the season rather than pushing him in the preseason.
Daniel Gibson: Strained Hamstring
Update: Gibson missed Wednesday's preseason game against the Magic due to a strained right hamstring.
Analysis: Gibson is listed as day-to-day and is expected to be back in uniform for a preseason rematch with the Magic (in Macao, China) on Saturday.
Al Jefferson: Starts at Center
Update: Jefferson started at center and scored 20 points with 15 rebounds in 33 minutes in Tuesday's preseason loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: Jefferson should start at power forward for Minnesota after getting starts at center for Boston last season, but it's still possible he could start frequently at center if Craig Smith or Ryan Gomes earn more playing time and push Mark Blount to the bench.
Kevin Martin: Receiving Lots of Charity
Update: Martin had 17 points (5-of-9 FG, 7-of-10 FT), two rebounds, three turnovers and a steal in Tuesday's preseason loss to Dallas.
Analysis: Martin's ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line will help pad his scoring average this season. Martin, a career 83.2 percent foul shooter, is averaging eight free throw attempts per game in three exhibition dates.
Zaza Pachulia: Best Game of the Exhibition Season
Update: Pachulia had 16 points (5-of-6 FG, 6-of-7 FT), four rebounds, three steals and a block in the Hawks' exhibition win over Minnesota on Tuesday.
Analysis: This was by far Pachulia's best performance of the exhibition season. For fantasy owners, Pachulia may be the guy who loses the most minutes to rookie Al Horford, who has played well in the exhibition season.
Al Horford: One Point Short of Second Double-Double
Update: Horford had nine points (3-of-9 FG, 3-of-4 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block in the Hawks' exhibition win over Minnesota on Tuesday.
Analysis: Horford didn't have his best shooting night from the floor, but fantasy owners have to like the potential for assists, steals and blocks from Horford.
Marvin Williams: Scores 15 in Win
Update: Williams had 15 points (5-of-10 FG, 5-of-5 FT), two rebounds and two steals in the Hawks' exhibition win over Minnesota on Tuesday.
Analysis: Williams continues to do a good job of scoring in the exhibition season. The rebouding numbers are going to have to improve, if Williams is to reach his fantasy potential.
Joe Johnson: Eight Assists in Win
Update: Johnson had 13 points (5-of-13 FG, 3-of-5 3-PT), two rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in the Hawks' exhibition win over Minnesota on Tuesday.
Analysis: Johnson played a lot of point guard due to the injuries to Speedy Claxton, Acie Law and Tyronn Lue. Don't expect Johnson's assists total to be this high in the regular season.
Josh Howard: Flagrant 2 Foul
Update: Howard drew a Flagrant 2 foul resulting in an automatic ejection from Dallas' preseason game against Sacramento on Tuesday, the Fort Worth Star Telegram reports.
Analysis: Harris retaliated against the Kings' Brad Miller, who had shoved Devin Harris to the floor. Flagrant 2 fouls typically result in a one-game suspension. If that were the case, the suspension would take effect on opening night. "I don't think it's a suspension," Mavs coach Avery Johnson said. "We'll see what happens."
Marcus Williams: Future Uncertain
Update: While Williams is likely to end up in Austin in the developmental league, it may not be as the property of the Spurs, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: With the Spurs overstocked on the wing and lacking healthy bodies at point guard, they could opt to waive Williams to keep their final roster spot flexible. If that happens, Williams might still wind up in Austin -- but as the property of the Toros and not the Spurs.
Allen Iverson: Starting to Post Solid Numbers
Update: Iverson saw his most extensive action of the preseason Tuesday and he responded with a team-high 22 points and six assists.
Analysis: Iverson has never been a preseason standout so you shouldn't read too much into his slow start. The most important thing is that his sore elbow seems to be coming along nicely and he looks as explosive as ever.
Ian Mahinmi: Will Likely be Sent to Austin
Update: Mahinmi will likely be playing for the Spurs' developmental league team in Austin, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: The Spurs returned a dozen players from their NBA championship squad and added another semi-prized free agent, swingman Ime Udoka, in the offseason. The Spurs believe that Mahinmi will get more out of being a player in the developmental league than being a spectator in the NBA.
Marcus Camby: Takes a Night Off
Update: Camby was given the night off for rest when the Nuggets took on Milwaukee Tuesday night, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: This is just an FYI in case you own Camby and thought the worst might have happened. He's looked awfully good so far in the preseason but he also hasn't played alongside Kenyon Martin and/or Nene yet, two guys capable of stealing away a lot of rebounds and points.
Tony Parker: Practices With Team for First Time
Update: Parker (sprained ankle) participated in his first full practice since training camp opened, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: "Definitely, it felt good to be back out there and be with the guys," Parker said. "It felt good to get back in a rhythm and get some shots up and just get ready for the season. My last game was not too long ago, so I still felt I was in good shape." Parker looks to return Saturday against Detroit.
Andre Iguodala: Starting Off Slow in the Preseason
Update: Iguodala has averaged eight points, 3.5 rebounds, an assist, and two turnovers in 22 minutes this preseason.
Analysis: Iguodala has started slowly but he is simply getting used to his new teammates and working on certain parts of his game while he has the chance. Once the regular season begins, expect him to focus on winning and really turn things up a notch.
Rodney Carney: Competing for Starting Spot but Shot Has Been Off
Update: Carney, competing for the starting shooting-guard spot, has hit 12 of 30 shots from the field but is just 1 of 9 from beyond the arc in the preseason.
Analysis: Thaddeus Young has not shot well in the preseason either and Willie Green hasn't seen much action so the competition is wide open but one of the players needs to step up or they will be battling for minutes far into the regular season. That would be the worst situation for fantasy owners.
Brad Miller: Gets Feisty with the Mavs
Update: Miller, who got in an altercation with three Dallas players, was 6-of-7 from the floor, scoring 17 points in Tuesday's preseason loss to the Mavericks. He received a flagrant foul for the incident.
Analysis: A problem flared-up in the first quarter when Miller became infuriated by Dallas rookie Nick Fazekas' behavior as the two became entangled. In the process, the Kings center threw his arms up toward the Mavericks Devin Harris, knocking the point guard to the floor. Harris took exception and as a result the two went toe-to-toe. Seeing the skirmish, Howard sprinted at Miller and gave him a shot to the back of the head. For his part Miller received a Flagrant One, while Howard was tagged with a Flagrant Two and could face a suspension.
Kenyon Martin: Makes Preseason Debut
Update: Martin (knee/groin) made his preseason debut Tuesday, finishing with 11 points and five rebounds in 14:35 in Denver's victory over Milwaukee, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: This was Martin's first game since November 2006. "It just felt good to be back out there on the court with the team, man. Just get back out there, and when you get up and down the court you try not to be too excited because it's still the preseason," Martin said. "But you still feel good. Those guys know what I can do. I played with those guys before so they know I can do. It just feels good to be a part of it." We expect he'll see more and more action as the regular season approaches.
Jason Collins: Sprains Right Wrist
Update: Collins sat out Tuesday's practice with a sprained right wrist, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Collins sprained the wrist in Monday's preseason game. At this stage, Collins appears to have retained his hold on the starting power forward spot, though he's got very little in the way of offensive game.
Jason Kidd: Will Miss Thursday's Preseason Game
Update: Kidd (back) missed his third consecutive day of practice and will not play in Thursday's exhibition game against the Knicks, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Nets head coach Lawrence Frank said Kidd is still "very sore" and also admitted he was "worried" about Kidd's back. We'll continue to track this situation heading up to the start of the regular season. At this point, there's no reason to think he won't begin the season on the floor.
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