FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Darrell Armstrong: Starts in Place of Jason Kidd
Update: Armstrong (foot) started at point guard Thursday night in place of the injured Jason Kidd (back) in New Jersey's preseason victory over New York.
Analysis: Armstrong had eight assists, five turnovers and four steals in 19 minutes, while making 1-of-3 shots for two points. He will be first in line should Kidd's injury linger into the regular season.
Nenad Krstic: Starts and Plays 15 Minutes
Update: Krstic (knee) started at center and scored 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting in 15 minutes Thursday night in New Jersey's victory over New York," the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Krstic, who underwent ACL surgery last year, has been doing more and more during the week and was a game-time decision Thursday night. "He did much better than I thought he would do," Nets coach Lawrence Frank said. "He made shots and moved well in his first outing. I don't think he could have asked for a better taste than what he got tonight. He was very active out there." If Krstic is limited when the season starts, Jamaal Magloire would likely be the first beneficiary of more playing time.
DeSagana Diop: Will Miss Preseason Game With Flu
Update: Diop missed Thursday's preseason game against Houston with the flu, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: Mavs coach Avery Johnson noted that "We'll just let him rest. He's been having this bug for a while. If he's feeling better, hopefully, he'll be able to play a few minutes on Friday [against Detroit]."
Jason Kidd: Will Return to Practice Next Week
Update: Kidd (back) underwent an MRI on Thursday and is expected to return to practice next week, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Kidd was also given an epidural to reduce the inflammation in his back. Darrel Armstrong is expected to start in Kidd's place during exhibition games.
Mike Wilks: Signs with Denver
Update: The Nuggets signed Wilks to a contract on Thursday.
Analysis: He averaged 3.6 points and 1.7 assists in 47 games with Seattle last season. He is just a stop-gap for Denver until Chucky Atkins and Anthony Carter are ready to play.
Jared Dudley: Still On The Shelf
Update: Dudley has yet to play in the preseason due to a sprained left big toe and probably won't play this weekend, either, the Gaston Gazette reports.
Analysis: Dudley has a chance to earn some playing time this season because of the Bobcats' numerous frontcourt injuries, but this lingering injury is holding him back.
Nene Hilario: No Starter Named
Update: Nene (knee) is still uncertain on whether or not he will be able to start the season at power forward, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
Analysis: Head coach George Karl has not named a starter for the beginning of the season because Nene hasn't been able play this preseason. If Nene can't go, Eduardo Najera and Kenyon Martin are two options to take the starting job. Martin would be limited to 15-20 minutes a game, which limits his starting chances and Najera is also in the mix to start at small forward. This is a very muddled situation in Denver, so check back for more updates as the preseason moves on.
Allen Iverson: Will Start at Point Guard
Update: Iverson will start the season at point guard for the Nuggets due to extensive injuries at the position, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
Analysis: Iverson played point for Denver right after he was traded to the team last December, but was then shifted to shooting guard. Chucky Atkins has only seen 10 minutes of action this preseason and Anthony Carter isn't expected back until Nov. 10 so Iverson will get the nod at point guard. "That's where I'm leaning," said head coach George Karl.
Marquis Daniels: Monster Game
Update: Daniels (knee) not only played on Wednesday night against Memphis, but excelled, tallying 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists, four steals and a blocked shot.
Analysis: This is the all-around type of game the Pacers had hoped to see more of last year when they acquired Daniels. It looks like the knee problem that kept him out earlier in the preseason and for much of last year is fully healed.
Gerald Wallace: Fills Up Stat Sheet
Update: Wallace dominated in the Bobcats' loss to the Hawks on Thursday, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Wallace filled up the box score with 34 points (11-of-18), 10 boards, two steals, two blocks, and one assist in the game. "We want to be up-tempo, but if we need all five guys boxing out (to get a rebound) that's going to be tough," said Wallace. After returning from his injury last season it took him a month or two to return to his high-flying form, but by the end of the season he was regularly scoring 24 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Wallace should be a high-round pick in your draft because he gets numbers in every category.
Jason Richardson: Returns to Action
Update: Richardson returned to the Bobcats after missing two days for the birth of his son, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: He scored 17 points on 8-of-18 from the field in the Bobcats' loss on Wednesday. Richardson is Charlotte's number one option on offense and should be a valuable player for your fantasy team due to his superior rebounding skills as a guard.
Adam Morrison: Foucsed on Defense
Update: Morrison spent the offseason working on his conditioning and defense in his quest to become a complete player, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: After allowing the media and fans to bother him last season, Morrison said that this year he is focused on having fun playing basketball again. He also wants his defensive intensity and conditioning to improve so that he won't wear down at the end of games and can play a more crucial role for the Bobcats. "Adam has been hitting the weight room," head coach Sam Vincent says. "His body is stronger, and you can see it in how he plays. ... He's really working hard to defend. As a natural scorer, which Adam is, to get him to turn that full circle and become a better defender is something that's really important to us."
Scot Pollard: Return is Uncertain
Update: Pollard's (ankle) return to the lineup could take longer than the Celtics originally expected, the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis: With Pollard out of the lineup, Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett will get more minutes at center for the rest of the preseason. However, after those two players depth is pretty thin for the Celtics at center. Especially with the recent release of Esteban Batista. "Obviously we need Scot to get healthy," said head coach Doc Rivers. "Then our big problem will go away."
Greg Buckner: Could be Bought Out
Update: Buckner could be the victim of a contract buyout by the T-Wolves, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Analysis: Minnesota has 16 guaranteed contracts on their roster, and the NBA maximum is 15, so they are going to have to get rid of one player before the start of the season and Buckner seems the most likely option since the Wolves are trying to get younger. Buckner's agent seemed confident that the Wolves would keep him because a buyout would be expensive for Minnesota. "I'm here right now as a part of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and I want to win. If they don't want to do that, and they want to send me somewhere else and buy me out or whatever, that's their prerogative," Buckner said.
Delonte West: Out with Lower Back Strain
Update: West did not travel for Seattle's preseason game Thursday and will undergo an MRI on his lower back, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: West has had a few small injuries cut into his camp time. The lower back strain might be the most serious if it lingers.
T.J. Ford: Played Well in Preseason
Update: Ford put up a double-double (13 points and 11 assists) against Lithuanian team Zalgiris Kaunas on Wednesday, the Canadian Press reports.
Analysis: This is great news for the injury-prone Ford, who along with Jose Calderon make a for a solid point-guard tandem. Although these impressive numbers came in a preseason game against a foreign team, he collected them in only 24 minutes. Another good sign for the Raptors is that Ford only had two turnovers in the game.
Johan Petro: Heart is Fine
Update: Petro (heart palpitations) has been cleared by a cardiologist to resume playing with the Sonics, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: He was examined by the cardiologist on Monday and was allowed to practice Tuesday, which means he may see some time in Thursday night's preseason game against the Lakers. "It went back (to normal) on its own, like it did last year," Petro said. "(The cardiologist) just said it was an irregular heartbeat and it would go back on its own. People have it and people live with it." Petro has been solid this preseason, averaging 6.3 points and 6.7 boards, and looks to gain an increased role in the Sonics' rotation.
Jerome James: Could Miss Season
Update: James' (knee) injury could force him to miss the entire 2007-08 season, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: James had ACL surgery in 1999, and it looks like complications from the surgery could cause him to miss the season. He said that "hardware" in his knee is acting up and causing his body to reject it which is resulting in massive swelling and fluid build-up. He hopes that he can play in a limited role this season by postponing surgery until the summer, but it does not look good for him. James' fantasy value before this news was about zero, and this potential injury drops it to exactly zero.
Justin Williams: Accused of Assault
Update: According to a source, Williams has been accused by a Sacramento woman of sexual assault, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The woman told police last week that she met Williams and another woman at a party and went with the couple to Williams' home near Sacramento. She did not consume alcohol before arriving at his residence, but felt woozy after having a drink there. "What's really important to understand is that we're literally right in the middle of this investigation," Sacramento Police spokesman Sgt. Matt Young said. "It's important that we don't jump to any conclusions and the public doesn't jump to any conclusions in this case." We will update this situation as more details emerge.
Acie Law: Returns to Score 10
Update: Law (wrist) had 10 points (3-of-10 FG, 0-of-2 3-PT, 4-of-6 FT), two rebounds and five assists in the Hawks' exhibition win over Charlotte on Thursday.
Analysis: Law played 32 minutes with the injury to Speedy Claxton. If Law gets enough minutes, he could average double figures in points with around six assists per night. The challenge will be whether Law can shoot well enough from the floor and be good enough in another category (3-point shooting, steals) to be a solid fantasy option.
Josh Smith: Shooting is Still Off
Update: Smith had 17 points (6-of-17 FG, 0-of-2 3-PT, 5-of-7 FT), four rebounds, two steals and two blocks in the Hawks' exhibition win over Charlotte on Thursday.
Analysis: Smith's shooting should eventually come around, and fantasy owners should not be overly concerned heading into drafts. What makes Smith special is the steals and blocks from his position, and these numbers have been solid in the preseason.
Josh Childress: Scores 19 in Win
Update: Childress had 19 points (7-of-12 FG, 5-of 5 FT), six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block in the Hawks' exhibition win over Charlotte on Thursday.
Analysis: Childress had a nice game coming back from an arm injury. Childress should be able to get the minutes to provide decent scoring and rebounding for a fantasy roster.
Al Horford: Another Double-Double
Update: Horford had 22 points (7-10 FG, 8-of-11 FT), 12 rebounds, a steal and four blocks in the Hawks' exhibition win over Charlotte on Thursday.
Analysis: Horford is getting better and better with each game and is moving up fantasy draft boards. He should be one of the top-5 rookies taken in any fantasy draft.
Reggie Evans: Grabs 12 Rebounds in 25 Minutes Wednesday
Update: Evans had five points (0-2 FG, 5-6 FT) and 12 rebounds in 25 minutes of Wednesday's loss to Utah.
Analysis: Evans has yet to make a field goal as a 76er but occasionally gets to the free throw line and will usually provide enough rebounds to keep fantasy owners happy.
Andre Miller: Led the 76ers with 18 Points Wednesday Night
Update: Miller led the 76ers with 18 points on 8-of-15 shooting in Wednesday night's loss to Utah but had just one assist in 29 minutes.
Analysis: Miller has been the only consistent performer on the team throughout the preseason and fantasy owners know the assists will come once the season gets underway.
Ben Gordon: Sprained Left Ankle May Sideline Him Till Regular Season Opener
Update: Gordon is still sidelined by his sprained left ankle and may not see any action until the season-opener October 31 against New Jersey, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Gordon is being extra-cautious so that he is 100 percent when the season starts. He said, "It's feeling a lot better, but it's still kind of weak. I was driving out there [in individual workouts]. But for me to go full speed, I need a little more time. Then I think it will be fine."
Dorell Wright: Committee at Small Forward
Update: Wright has not earned the starting spot at small forward despite having started all four exhibition games, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: When referring to the small forward position coach Pat Riley said, "Three might be by committee. There isn't anybody that's grabbed hold of it."
Adrian Griffin: Cleared to Run Sprints
Update: Griffin has been cleared to run sprints but still has yet to practice because of his sore back, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Griffin's back bothered him late last season, and even when he is 100 percent healthy, his minutes will be limited due to the depth in front of him.
Joe Smith: No Setback in Knee After First Preseason Action Tuesday
Update: Smith practiced Wednesday and coach Scott Skiles said Smith "moved around well" on his swollen right knee, showing no setback after making his Bulls' debut in Tuesday's exhibition, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Despite having no setback with the knee, look for Smith to only play one game this weekend.
Jason Williams: Starting Point Guard
Update: Coach Pat Riley said that Williams will be the opening-night starter at point guard, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: "Obviously if J-Will is healthy, he'll start for us," Riley said. "He's in great shape." The position had been declared an open competition between Williams and free-agent acquisition Smush Parker, but Williams was able to win the job despite being slowed by a bruised shin.
Allan Houston: Rough Debut
Update: Houston had a rough start to his comeback attempt Wednesday night against the revamped Celtics. He missed his only shot attempt and had trouble on defense. "What was encouraging was my body felt good. You can't really overreact to your first game in almost three years," Houston told the New York Times.
Analysis: Houston needs to improve quickly as the Knicks already have 15 players under contract. He is looking like a long shot to make the opening-day roster.
Thabo Sefolosha: Strained Right Hamstring Better, Practiced Wednesday For First Time in Nine Days
Update: Sefolosha practiced Wednesday after being sidelined eight days due to a strained right hamstring and barring a setback Thursday, he plans to make his preseason debut Friday in Toronto, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: It's an important preseason for Sefolosha, who played well in both summer-league action and for the Swiss national team. But Chris Duhon always seems to find a way into the rotation, and Sefolosha's potential still outweighs his experience. Sefolosha, who averaged 12.2 minutes in 71 games as a rookie, should see an uptick in playing time this year due to his improved ball-handling and offensive game.
Eddy Curry: Plays With Brace
Update: Curry played with a brace on his injured shoulder Wednesday night against Boston. He scored only seven points on six shots and collected five fouls. Curry felt that the brace inhibited his movement and may have affected his shot, according to the New York Times.
Analysis: "I hate playing with it," Curry told the Times. "I don't feel any pain or discomfort. I feel like I'm always working against something." Curry is expected to wear the brace for another week and a half. Fantasy owners can only hope that the injury doesn't linger into the regular season.
Kenny Thomas: Leading the Race to Start at Four
Update: Thomas will make his second preseason start in four games at power forward Thursday night against Utah, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: In the first three exhibition dates, the 6-foot-7 Thomas has outplayed Mikki Moore, his main competition for the starting job. "When it's all said and done, I think it will be clear who's better for us, not necessarily who has the better numbers, but who's the best for other guys," Kings coach Reggie Theus said. "Right now, I think Kenny is playing closer to what I expect out of him than Mikki is. ... I think he's playing hard." Theus is primarily emphasizing rebounding and defense at the four position after Sacramento finished second-worst in 2006-07 in the NBA in rebounding differential (negative 4.4). Offensively, Thomas is much better than Moore.
Jason Smith: Starts at Center Wednesday Night
Update: Smith started at center in place of Calvin Booth in Wednesday night's loss to Utah.
Analysis: 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks said trying Smith at the center spot wasn't an indictment of Booth's play, but another way to experiment. If Smith can get some playing time at center, it can only increase his fantasy value so keep an eye on the rookie once the season starts. He finished the game with seven points and three rebounds in 25 minutes.
Dwight Howard: Free Throw Shooting Improving
Update: Howard scored 31 points in Wednesday's victory over the Cavaliers and went 13-for-16 from the free throw line.
Analysis: One of the big knocks on Howard's game has been his dreadful free throw shooting percentage. However, he spent the offseason working with a specialist and the early results can be seen in the statistics. If Howard can make at least 70 percent of his free throws this year, compared to the 58.6 percent that he made last season, his value will increase even further.
Justin Williams: Has Home Searched
Update: Williams is being investigated in a case by Sacramento police. More details will be released Thursday, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Investigators found evidence at his house but wouldn't comment on the situation. "We can't be specific about it at this time," Sacramento Police Department spokesman Sgt. Matt Young said. "It's still way too early for us to come out with any type of definitive conclusions." Williams played nine minutes in the Kings' preseason loss to Dallas on Tuesday night in Las Cruces, New Mexico, finishing with no points and three rebounds. He practiced with the team Wednesday morning in Albuquerque, preparing for an exhibition with Utah on Thursday. Currently, he has a one-year contract that does not include any guaranteed money.
Ronald Murray: Replaces Hamilton in Lineup
Update: With Richard Hamilton injured and Chauncey Billups taking the night off, Murray got a rare start Wednesday.
Analysis: Murray finished with 21 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, which is about what you can expect from him when he's the top guard on the floor. He'll be a regular part of the rotation if he keeps this up.
Rodney Stuckey: Plays Game-High 40 Minutes
Update: With Chauncey Billups getting the night off, Stuckey got the start and played a game-high 40 minutes Wednesday
Analysis: Stuckey had a nice all-around game with 17 points, six assists, and seven rebounds, but he continues to be plagued by turnovers and poor shooting. With Flip Murray and Aaron Afflalo also playing well, there could be a logjam in the Detroit backcourt this season.
Jason Maxiell: Impressive Again
Update: Maxiell led Detroit with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks Wednesday.
Analysis: Maxiell, who added four assists and a steal, got six rebounds on the offensive end and six on the defensive end. He's been arguably Detroit's best player during the exhibition season, and could be one of the top sixth men in the league this year.
Matt Harpring: Additional Tests Performed on Injured Knee
Update: On Wednesday, Harpring (knee) left the Jazz for additional tests on his injured right knee, the Salt Lake Tribune reports. In August, Harpring underwent arthroscopic surgery to clean out scar tissue in his surgically repaired right knee. At the time, Harpring was expected back for the beginning of training camp.
Analysis: Unfortunately, Harpring's return has been slow and the backup forward has not played in any of the Jazz's preseason games. It's still unknown how long Harpring will be out. As the start of the regular season approaches, there's been a steady stream of negative reports regarding Harpring's right knee.
J.R. Smith: Finally Has Big Game
Update: Smith led the Nuggets with 33 points on 10-of-19 FGs (4-of-9 3-PT) and 10-of-15 FTs during the Nuggets' 119-110 loss to Detroit on Wednesday.
Analysis: It was the first solid game Smith has had in a long time. He did not start, despite all the regulars taking the night off, but came off the bench and made his mark in 30 minutes worth of work. He'll most likely end up getting the back-up SG job but he'll need more solid performances like this one to assure a consistent dose of minutes every night on this club.
Anthony Roberson: Making a Point in Denver
Update: Roberson posted 12 points, 11 assists and only two turnovers during the Nuggets' preseason loss at Detroit on Wednesday.
Analysis: Roberson has played great, filling in for the injured Anthony Carter. The third year PG out of Florida is making a strong case for head coach George Karl to keep him on the roster, at least until Carter returns.
Bobby Jones: Makes Case for Roster Spot
Update: Jones had 26 points on 9-of-13 FGs (4-of-5 3-PT) and 4-of-9 FTs during the Nuggets' 119-110 loss to Detroit on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Jones got a chance to start with Carmelo Anthony and Linas Kleiza both taking the night off and he certainly came to play. He didn't do much else besides score (2 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal) but he definitely showcased his scoring ability and increased his chances of ending up on a different club if the Nuggets decide not to keep him at preseason's end.
Eduardo Najera: Makes Case for Minutes
Update: Najera started at power forward and posted 12 points, 11 rebounds and six assists Wednesday night against Detroit.
Analysis: With Marcus Camby, Carmelo Anthony, Linas Kleiza and Kenyon Martin all getting the night off, Najera had a chance to play extended minutes and he didn't disappoint. While his chances at regular minutes remains thin on this club, he still remains one of the hardest working players in the league and can post decent numbers when given the chance.
Kenyon Martin: Takes Night Off as Expected
Update: Martin (knee) was held out of Wednesday night's loss to Detroit for precautionary reasons.
Analysis: The club didn't want him to play back-to-back games after returning from his surgery. The good news is his knee seemed fine during Tuesday's game and Wednesday morning.
Marcus Camby: Continues to Rest
Update: Camby took the night off for the second game in a row when the Nuggets took on Detroit Wednesday.
Analysis: Camby seems to be in mid-season form already so head coach George Karl isn't going to take any chances.
Carmelo Anthony: Gets More Needed Rest
Update: Anthony got the night off when the Nuggets took on Detroit Wednesday night.
Analysis: Just an FYI for his fans and owners.
Acie Law: Could Be the Guy at Point Guard
Update: With Speedy Claxton having knee problems, the Hawks could look to Law (sore left wrist) at point guard, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: "I won't lie to you and tell you my goal isn't to be the starter because it is," said Law, who will play Thursday. "I just want to play. I want an opportunity to be out there on the floor helping my team win ball games. It doesn't matter which role it is, so long as I'm doing that."
Darrell Armstrong: Practices Wednesday
Update: Armstrong, who missed New Jersey's previous game with a sore left foot, practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play Thursday night against the Knicks, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Armstrong may even start at point guard Thursday with Jason Kidd out because of a back injury.
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