FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Thabo Sefolosha: Thabo Sefolosha: Option Exercised through 2008-09 Season
Update: Sefolosha will be with the Bulls through the 2008-09 season after they picked up his option Friday.
Analysis: He is expected to play in his first preseason game Friday after being hampered by a strained right hamstring. Sefolosha averaged 3.6 points and 2.2 boards in 71 games last year.
Josh Howard: Suspended Two Regular Season Games
Update: Howard (right leg) has been suspended for the first two games of the regular season due to for a fight with Sacramento center Brad Miller in Tuesday's preseason game, the Associated Press
Analysis: Keep him reserved the first week as a result. Howard had missed Thursday's preseason game with a leg injury, so at least this will allow him to get back to full strength.
Allan Houston: Houston Stuck On Bench
Update: Houston, who's attempting a comeback, was on the bench for the Knicks' 110-94 preseason loss to the Nets. "I'm not angry. After sitting out [two] years I don't really look at back-to-back, practice days or what we're doing," Houston told the New York Post.
Analysis: When coach Isiah Thomas was asked by the Post whether "slim" would be a good way to describe Houston's chances of making the team, Thomas responded, "I would say that's accurate." It's looking like Houston's comeback mission might be permanently grounded.
Ryan Gomes: Returns to Practice
Update: Gomes (foot/ankle) fully participated in Thursday's practice and could play in one of two preseason games this weekend, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Gomes may sit out one or both games as a precaution, but it doesn't look like this is going to keep him out when the regular season begins.
Sebastian Telfair: Still Sidelined With Ankle Injury
Update: Telfair (sprained ankle) missed practice on Thursday and will not play in preseason games on Friday or Saturday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: He could return for the final two preseason games next week, but there's a risk this injury carries over into the regular season.
Randy Foye: Out Until Final Two Preseason Games
Update: Foye (knee tendinitis) missed practice on Thursday, but worked out on his own and is expected to play in Minnesota's final two preseason games next week, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: He'll miss games on Friday and Saturday as a result. This shouldn't impact his role with the T-Wolves, as he'll begin the season as the starting point guard, But check his status next week to make sure this doesn't linger into the regular season.
John Salmons: Starts in Artest's Place
Update: Salmons, who Kings coach Reggie Theus declared the likely starter to open the season at small forward, started and scored 11 points with two assists and no turnovers in Sacramento's win over Utah on Thursday.
Analysis: "I've just got to get him (Salmons) minutes," Theus said. "Ron (Artest) knows I've got to get John ready to play. I think John's played very well. As of right now, he's the guy (to start the season)." Artest will miss the first seven regular season games due to a league-imposed suspension, requiring Theus to find a temporary starter.
Sammy Mejia: Battling for Final Spot on Roster
Update: Mejia and Ronald Dupree are battling for the last spot on the roster, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: In experience and flexibility, Dupree would seem to have the advantage, but Mejia would likely come cheaper. Either way, neither is expected to make much of an impact this season.
Ronald Dupree: Battling for Last Spot on Roster
Update: Dupree and rookie Sammy Mejia are battling for the last spot on the roster, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: In experience and flexibility, Dupree would seem to have the advantage, but Mejia would likely come cheaper. Either way, neither is expected to make much of an impact this season.
Amir Johnson: Still Not Practicing
Update: Johnson hasn't practiced since he sprained his ankle October 5, and it's unlikely he'll play this weekend, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Johnson's injury has to be the biggest disappointment for Detroit fans this preseason, as they've had no chance to watch what he can do with extended minutes. Johnson will make the team this year, but it's unlikely he'll make much of an impact if he misses the entire training camp.
Kevin Martin: Enjoying an Impressive Preseason
Update: Martin scored 12 of his 25 points (9-of-14 FG, 6-of-6 FT), in the third quarter of Thursday night's win over Utah.
Analysis: He made all five of his field goal attempts in the period, continuing an impressive preseason. In four exhibition games, he is averaging 21.5 points per game in 24.5 minutes.
Rashard Lewis: Likely to Miss Another Game
Update: Orlando head coach Stan Van Gundy said that Lewis (ankle) is "probably out" for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers in China, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Lewis hasn't played since spraining his right ankle on October 10. He's been out awhile, but the Magic are probably just being safe because preseason games are basically irrelevant.
Justin Williams: Leaves Sacramento for Now
Update: Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said Williams has been given an indefinite leave of absence from the team while the sexual assault case against him continues, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The second-year player has not been cut, but Petrie called the allegations "a really serious, serious type of situation." With Williams absent, Mikki Moore will be the primary backup at center behind Brad Miller.
Spencer Hawes: Back with the Kings
Update: Hawes will rejoin the Kings on Friday after recuperating in his hometown of Seattle following arthroscopic knee surgery on October 10, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The Kings' 2007 first-round draft choice is rehabilitating his left knee and team officials believe he'll be at full strength by mid-November.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim: Might Play Wednesday
Update: Abdur-Rahim (knee) was expected to sit out the preseason but may play against the Clippers Wednesday, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: He is recovering slowly from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in mid-June.
Chucky Atkins: Back on Court
Update: Atkins (groin) participated in practice on Thursday, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: It was the first time Atkins had been on the hardwood since he re-aggravated his pulled groin last Sunday at Detroit. The practice was short but it was a good sign to see Denver's newest addition and key backcourt cog back in the mix.
Nene Hilario: Participates in First Practice
Update: Nene (knee/calf) participated in his first practice of the preseason on Thursday, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: There was no word on exactly how he felt but it's still a good sign that he felt good enough to give it a go. With Kenyon Martin seemingly fully healthy and guys like Eduardo Najera and Linus Kleiza also ready to go, the club isn't likely to rush Nene back onto the court.
Kenyon Martin: Declares He's Free of Pain
Update: Martin told reporters on Thursday that even after playing 14 minutes on Tuesday he has had "No side effects, no pain, no nothing.", the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: "To be able to get up and walk around with no pain, that was more exciting than the game," Martin went on to say. The plan remains to keep him on a slow, steady pace to prevent setbacks but if he's playing well it might be hard to keep him off the court.
Joe Johnson: Does Not Play in Win
Update: Johnson (rest) did not play in Atlanta's exhibition win over Charlotte on Thursday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: Coach Mike Woodson said he simply wanted to allow Johnson a little rest with the Hawks not taking the floor again for a game until Monday's home tilt with Washington.
Zaza Pachulia: Sprains Knee in Win
Update: Pachulia left Thursday's game against Charlotte in the third quarter after spraining his left knee, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: Pachulia had his best game of the preseason scoring 16 points. We'll keep you posted on Pachulia's condition. If this is a lingering injury, look for rookie Al Horford, who has been very good, to get the bulk of Pachulia's minutes.
Brian Skinner: Making Bid For Backup Big
Update: Skinner (bruised knee) saw his most extensive action of the preseason Thursday night, scoring eight points to go along with nine rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots in Phoenix' victory over the Clippers.
Analysis: Skinner also had four fouls and five turnovers, so it wasn't all good for him. He's making a bid to become the primary backup big man in Phoenix' rotation, but is locked in a battle with Sean Marks, who has the benefit of playing a year in the Suns' system. The job mainly requires someone who can play defense, which favors Skinner.
Francisco Elson: Plays Well in Win
Update: Elson had 15 points (7-of-11 FG, 1-of-1 FT), eight rebounds, two assists and a block in the Spurs' win over Golden State on Thursday.
Analysis: Elson took advantage of the Spurs' regulars not playing. Do not expect this type of offensive production on a consistent basis during the regular season.
Scot Pollard: Will Miss Remainder of Preseason
Update: Pollard (ankle) will miss the remainder of the Celtics' preseason, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Expect Leon Powe to receive more minutes in Pollard's stead.
Tim Duncan: Does Not Play Against Golden State
Update: Duncan (rest) did not play as the Spurs defeated Golden State on Thursday.
Analysis: Coach Gregg Popovich rested most of the starters, as he wants to keep the team fresh for the long regular season.
Manu Ginobili: Scores 16 in Win
Update: Ginobili had 16 points (5-of-10 FG, 0-of-2 3-PT, 6-of-6 FT), five rebounds and two assists in the Spurs' exhibition win over the Warriors on Thursday.
Analysis: Ginobili was the only regular to get big minutes, as most of the starters did not play. Ginobili looks to be in mid-season form.
Kwame Brown: Plays For First Time Since Surgeries
Update: Brown played for the first time since shoulder and ankle surgeries, and had one point and four rebounds in nine minutes.
Analysis: Brown still looked a bit tentative, and his minutes could be limited come the start of the regular season.
Lamar Odom: Misses Preseason Game
Update: Odom (shoulder) missed Thursday's preseason game against Seattle.
Analysis: Odom remained noncommital about his return date when asked by the Los Angeles Times. "Hopefully I can play the next game," he said. "If not, then the next game after that. If not, the next one after that. And so on."
Kobe Bryant: Scores 20 In Preseason Win
Update: Bryant scored 20 points in the Lakers' preseason win over Seattle.
Analysis: Bryant sounded content (for now) after the game, noting to the Los Angeles Times that "when I'm here, wherever I'm at, I'm ready to go." Wherever Kobe ends up (and we suspect he'll stay with the Lakers), expect him to be the same dynamic player.
Josh Howard: Misses Preseason Game
Update: Howard (right leg) missed Thursday's preseason game against Houston.
Analysis: Most of the Mavs' regulars sat out on Thursday, and we suspect that Howard, barring a suspension related to his fight with Brad Miller, will be ready for opening night.
Mike James: Strong Game for James
Update: James had 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including two three pointers, two rebounds, two assists and three steals in 27 minutes off the bench Thursday.
Analysis: A nice showing for James who's locked in a battle for playing time with Rafer Alston, Steve Francis and Luther Head.
Tracy McGrady: Plays Well in Limited Minutes
Update: McGrady played only the game's first 10 minutes Thursday, making three of four shots and scoring eight points.
Analysis: The key for McGrady is simply to stay healthy, and so far, his back hasn't been a problem this preseason.
Bonzi Wells: Wells Playing Solidly
Update: Wells had a strong second half Thursday, finishing with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Analysis: Wells is having a nice preseason so far and should carve out regular minutes in coach Rick Adelman's rotation.
Yao Ming: Yao Dominates Mavs' Reserves
Update: Yao had 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting in 20 minutes Thursday, impressing the Mavericks in the process, the Houston Chronicle reports. "It's been a while since I've seen that much meat on anybody on the basketball court," said Mavericks center Darvin Ham, who sat out the last two seasons. "What impresses me the most is he is not passive anymore. He takes it right at you and punishes you. He is bringing the fight to the post. If Houston continues to play through him, they will be a very tough team to beat. I was thoroughly impressed by how much he has improved."
Analysis: Of course, he was going against the Mavericks' reserves as most of their starters didn't play. Yao feels comfortable in coach Rick Adelman's system and should deliver first-round value in eight-category leagues if he stays healthy.
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