FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Marcus Camby: Removed From Starting Lineup
Update: Camby (back) was removed from the starting lineup Tuesday night.
Analysis: Camby first suffered the spasms during practice on Monday.
Elton Brand: Has Walking Boot Removed
Update: Brand (Achilles) was cleared to start advanced cardiovascular work and no longer needs to wear a walking boot, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Brand was in the walking boot since September 18. He will continue upper body workouts along with localized rehabilitation of his Achilles' tendon. Brand is still expected to miss the first few months of the season.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim: Back at Practice on Monday
Update: Abdur-Rahim, who has spent nearly four months recovering from knee surgery, participated in his first practice of fall training camp on Monday, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "It (knee) felt pretty good," Abdur-Rahim said. "I think you can do all the stuff you do when you rehab, but it's different when you actually play. That's the real test. And I really hadn't played since the end of last season."
The power forward underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in June and has been unable to practice since. He hopes to play in the Kings' preseason game on Wednesday against the Clippers.
Marco Belinelli: Needs to Improve Defensively
Update: Belinelli has had trouble adjusting to the size and speed of NBA players and continues to struggle on the defensive side of the ball, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: "I probably did him an injustice by evaluating him too highly his first year," Warriors coach Don Nelson said. "He's going to be a sensational player, but he's got a lot of work to do." Belinelli has been a popular sleeper pick this year, but he might not earn the minutes to produce if he doesn't improve defensively.
Renaldo Balkman: Recovering Nicely
Update: Balkman (ankle) will be reevaluated after Tuesday's practice and likely will be 100% for practice on Wednesday, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Balkman, a key contributor off of the Knicks' bench last season, will be counted on to fill this role again for New York. He is determined to be ready for the start of the season, which is on Nov. 2 against the Cavs, but if he is still sore he may miss the first few games of the season. Could provide value in deep leagues, but probably should be avoided unless a Knick forward gets hurt.
Eduardo Najera: Injures Foot at Home
Update: Najera (foot) sprained his left foot when he slipped on some stairs at his home this past weekend, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
Analysis: He was unable to practice on Monday, but x-rays were negative. He is questionable for the Nuggets' preseason game on Tuesday against the Bucks.
Randy Foye: Bumps Injured Knee
Update: Foye bumped his right knee, which has kept him out due to tendinitis, in Monday's practice and is doubtful for Tuesday's preseason game against Indiana, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Analysis: While this looks like a mild setback, he may not play in the last two preseason games. It's still thought he'll be ready for the start of the regular season, but this setback increases the risk he could miss a game or two or be limited the first week.
Sebastian Telfair: Tweaks Sprained Ankle
Update: Telfair tweaked his sprained left ankle in practice on Monday and is doubtful for Tuesday's preseason game against Indiana, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Analysis: He may not play in the final two preseason games as a result and his status for the start of the regular season is somewhat in doubt.
Oleksiy Pecherov: Misses Monday's Game
Update: Pecherov (thigh bruise) did not play in Monday's preseason game and is day-to-day, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: The absence of Etan Thomas has given Pecherov an opportunity to contribute in his first season with the Wizards, as he projects as a member of the team's C/PF backup committee.
Gilbert Arenas: Knee Shaping Up
Update: Arenas turned in his best performance of the preseason (19 points) while playing 29 minutes in Monday's loss to the Hawks, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Arenas had some excess fluid drained from his knee this past Wednesday, and that appears to have done wonders for his surgically repaired wheel. "It was like having a five-pound weight taken off my leg," Arenas said. "I'm moving way better than I was before. It was kind of stiff in there but now I'm loose." Aside from his point total, the most encouraging aspect of Arenas' Monday effort, was that he displayed the explosiveness and body control that he had prior to his injury. Barring a setback, he looks good to go for the regular season.
Tony Battie: Surgery Scheduled for Wednesday
Update: Battie (shoulder) will undergo season-ending surgery on Wednesday to repair his torn rotator cuff, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Battie will be out the entire season, so don't worry about him as a sleeper over the season's final months. His focus now shifts to getting ready to play next season.
Trevor Ariza: Returns to Practice
Update: Ariza (inflamed left foot) returned to practice on Monday after sitting out the Magic's entire trip to China, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Ariza has played in only two of Orlando's six preseason games so far. He was supposed to challenge for the starting shooting guard position, but the foot injury cost him valuable court time in both practices and games in front of new coach Stan Van Gundy. Even if he doesn't begin the year as a starter, Ariza has the opportunity to break into the starting lineup and is worth a pick in the later rounds.
Keyon Dooling: Returns to Practice
Update: Dooling (abdominal strain) returned to practice on Monday after sitting out the Magic's entire trip to China, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Dooling is expected to see his first action in Orlando's preseason finale on Thursday against San Antonio. After missing out on nearly the entire preseason, Dooling will almost surely be coming off the bench for Orlando's season opener in Milwaukee next Wednesday.
Marcus Camby: Suffers Back Spasm
Update: Camby suffered a back spasm during practice on Monday and is listed as day-to-day, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: It was a footnote to the practice so we don't think it's anything to get overly concerned about. We'll continue to update his status as the week progresses.
Scot Pollard: Recovering From Ankle Injury
Update: Pollard (ankle) is able to do light running on his left ankle, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: The Celtics need Pollard, as Kendrick Perkins is currently their only healthy center.
Kendrick Perkins: Kept Out Of Preseason Game
Update: Perkins was given a rest for Monday's preseason game against the Knicks, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: This should not serve as a sign of injury to Perkins, but rather an opportunity to keep Perkins fresh and ready for the regular season.
Nazr Mohammed: Returned to Practice
Update: Mohammed (calf) returned to practice Monday, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: Mohammed worked on his post moves, which he'll need if he wants to crack Detroit's rotation. With Rasheed Wallace, Antonio McDyess, and even Jason Maxiell logging time in the middle this season, Mohammed could see his playing time dwindle to nothing.
Jamal Sampson: Waived By Mavericks
Update: Sampson was waived by the Mavericks on Monday.
Analysis: Sampson simply couldn't stay healthy while in Mavericks camp, and now will hope to catch on with another team.
Luke Walton: Has Strained Right Hip
Update: Walton sat out Monday's practice with a strained right hip, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Walton has had a few nagging injuries this preseason, and fantasy owners should be wary of his injury history.
Kobe Bryant: Having Trouble Adjusting to New Role
Update: Bryant has committed 26 turnovers in exhibition play, or 12.2 per 48 minutes, according to the Los Angeles Times. He is also averaging 10.4 assists per 48 minutes in his new "facilitator" role.
Analysis: We expect the trend of both increased turnovers and assists to continue, as Bryant's new role in the offense asks him to be more of a distributor, and less of a scorer.
Amir Johnson: Returns to Practice
Update: Johnson (ankle) returned to practice Monday, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: If Johnson, who had been out since rolling his ankle on October 5, is cleared to play in Wednesday's exhibition finale, he's expected to play major minutes. It may not be enough to earn him a spot in the regular-season rotation yet, but the fact that he's playing at all is a good sign.
Jason Smith: Has a Chance to Start in Place of Samuel Dalembert if Needed
Update: If Samuel Dalembert (foot) cannot start on opening night, all signs point toward Smith as his replacement, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Smith has played well in the preseason and shown he can handle the offensive duties of the center position. Even though there are many NBA centers who would overpower Smith, he is an offensive threat with a solid medium-range game, and can outrun many power forwards or centers down the court. He would likely split time with Calvin Booth, Shavlik Randolph and Reggie Evans.
Herbert Hill: Likely Has Made the Team
Update: Hill, barring a trade, likely has made the 76ers, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: The 76ers got down to the NBA maximum of 15 players by waiving rookie Derrick Byars on Sunday. The move bodes well for Hill, who has the ability to play center where the 76ers lack the most depth. With the status of Samuel Dalembert (foot) unknown, the decision was easy for the team.
Samuel Dalembert: Leg Placed Back in a Boot Sunday
Update: Dalembert (stress fracture, left foot) had a boot put back on his injured leg Sunday, and 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks said the veteran would not be available to practice until Saturday at the earliest, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Dalembert has been sidelined since leaving practice Oct. 11 with pain from a stress fracture in his left foot. "I had an MRI, and the foot is no better or no worse," Dalembert said. "Basically, there hasn't been a lot of progress, and I am frustrated." If Dalembert cannot start on opening night, all signs point toward rookie Jason Smith as his replacement.
Nick Collison: Could Start at Center
Update: Collison could win the starting center job as none of Seattle's three 7-footers has locked up the position, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Johan Petro and Mouhamed Sene were never truly in the running to start. Robert Swift was the presumed starter, but he's been slowed by his knee injury and hasn't stood out to boot. Collison started 56 games at the position last season, but at 6-10, he's better suited for power forward.
Delonte West: Sidelined by Another Injury
Update: West is questionable for Tuesday's game because of a right thigh bruise, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: This is becoming an annoying habit. West has played well when he's seen the floor, but he's only played in two preseason games because he can't stay healthy. None of the injuries appears serious, but its enough to sideline him when he needs to be playing.
Tony Parker: Feels Great After Debut
Update: Parker says he feels great after his preseason debut, the San Antonio Express-News reports. "I feel great," Parker said. "I don't feel out of shape at all. I played a lot of basketball over the summer, so I thought it was a great idea to go back in the weight room and try to build a base for the season, so I felt great."
Analysis: Parker didn't practice for the first two weeks with his teammates but played for the French national team in the protracted European championships in August and September. Parker should see a good bit of action in the final three preseason games.
Al Horford: Starts at Center for Hawks
Update: With the injury to Zaza Pachulia, Horford scored 10 points (3-of-5 FG, 4-of-4 FT), six rebounds, two blocks and a steal in the Hawks' exhibition win over the Wizards on Monday.
Analysis: While the scoring and rebounding wasn't overwhelming, Horford shot a good percentage, and the three combined blocks/steals will make any fantasy owner happy.
Joe Johnson: Almost Has Triple-Double Despite Tough Shooting NIght
Update: Johnson had nine points (3-of-14 FG, 2-of-9 3-PT, 1-of-1 FT), eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals in the Hawks' exhibition win over the Wizards on Monday.
Analysis: Johnson appeared a little rusty after missing Thursday's game against Charlotte. However, fantasy owners have to love the potential for rebounds and assists, in addition to the expected scoring, 3-pointers and steals.
Josh Childress: Scores 22 Off the Bench
Update: Childress scored 22 points (8-of-11 FG, 6-of-7 FT), four rebounds, five assists and a steal in the Hawks' exhibition win over the Wizards on Monday.
Analysis: Childress has had some big scoring games off the bench during the preseason. A healthy Chidlress should produce around 15 points and eight combined rebounds/assists a game. He is defintely worth a late-round selection in a fantasy draft.
Marvin Williams: Continues to Score Consistently
Update: Williams had 24 points (8-of-13 FG, 8-of-11 FT) and six rebounds in the Hawks' exhibition win over the Wizards on Monday.
Analysis: If Williams can stay healthy, he will give fantasy owners mid-round value at a late-round price. Williams should definitely be near the top of any sleeper list.
Josh Smith: Big Game for Hawks
Update: Smith had 24 points (9-of-20 FG, 1-of-2 3-PT, 5-of-7 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists and four blocks in the Hawks' exhibition win over the Wizards on Monday.
Analysis: These are the types of performances that fantasy owners love out of Smith. He is one of the few players that can consistently contribute in five or six categories nightly.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Full Practice on Tuesday
Update: Stoudemire (knee) will participate in a full practice Tuesday for the first time since undergoing minor knee surgery Oct. 2, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Stoudemire's work has been limited to non-contact stuff and one-on-one play with contact in recent practices. The Suns have an open practice Tuesday night when fans can come and watch Stoudemire participate in an intrasquad scrimmage.
Tim Thomas: Returns to Practice
Update: Thomas, who was expected to be back with the Clippers after missing two games due to family business, missed Monday's practice, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy would like Thomas, projected to be Los Angeles' starter at power forward, to play in Wednesday's exhibition game against Sacramento.
Devin Brown: Practices Monday
Update: Brown (toe) participated in Monday's practice, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: Brown hurt his toe when the Cavs were in China, but looks like he'll be ready for the final exhibition games.
Cedric Simmons: Ankle Improving
Update: Simmons' ankle is improving and he took part in a light workout Monday, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: In a perfect world, Simmons is healthy to start the season and the main backup to Drew Gooden at power forward. However, the second-year player from North Carolina State has played just four preseason minutes and is coming off a disappointing rookie season with New Orleans. In other words, there is no guarantee of playing time.
Dwayne Jones: Lock to Make Roster
Update: Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said he's been impressed with Jones, who appears to have made the team's roster, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: Jones, who is averaging 8.6 rebounds per game in the preseason, could be part of the big-man rotation with Anderson Varejao holding out and Cedric Simmons still hobbled by an ankle.
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