FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Quentin Richardson: Sore Left Knee
Update: Richardson missed Wednesday night's preseason game with a sore left knee, the New York Times reports.
Analysis: Richardson, who is expected to begin the season as the starting small forward, was hurt in New York's previous game on Monday against Boston. Jared Jeffries replaced him in the starting lineup.
Matt Harpring: Still No Timetable
Update: Harpring (knee) refuses to give himself a timetable for his return to action, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: "I'm just going to keep coming in and see what happens," Harpring said. "It's still an ongoing thing. It is frustrating. But if I look at where I was two weeks ago and where I am now, it's gotten better. So that's encouraging." Harpring has missed all seven preseason games and looks very iffy entering the regular season. Expect Gordan Giricek to be the primary backup to Andrei Kirilenko, if Harpring can't start the season.
Rodney Stuckey: Breaks Left Hand
Update: Stuckey broke his left hand Wednesday night in Detroit's preseason victory over Washington, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: There was no further word on the injury.
Gerald Green: Playing Time Changes Increase After Davis Deal
Update: Green could be in line for more minutes after the trade of Ricky Davis as he'll compete with Rashad McCants for time at shooting guard.
Analysis: The T-Wolves' roster is wide open right now after the trade of Davis with McCants and Green likely to get time at shooting guard. But Randy Foye could play more shooting guard and Craig Smith, Corey Brewer and Ryan Gomes could get more time as well. The T-Wolves also have 18 players, so another move is likely in the works. Green appeared to be behind in the competition for playing time, but the Davis trade could make it easier for him to win significant minutes.
JJ Redick: Sore Right Hand
Update: Redick will not participate in Orlando's final preseason game on Thursday against San Antonio, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Redick, who missed his second straight practice on Wednesday, underwent an MRI, which showed no damage.
Rashard Lewis: Game-Time Decision
Update: Lewis (ankle) said he'll be a game-time decision for Orlando's final preseason game on Thursday, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Lewis tried to practice Tuesday but shut it down early. In all, he's missed four preseason games because of the injury. "If I get up tomorrow (Thursday) and it's bothering me, I don't know," said Lewis, who returned late Tuesday night to RDV to receive treatment.
Rashad McCants: Could Benefit From Davis Trade
Update: McCants (bruised left knee) could begin the season as the starting shooting guard if healthy after Ricky Davis was traded to Miami.
Analysis: McCants has missed the last two preseason games with the injury, but it's thought he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. The T-Wolves have 18 players on their roster after the trade, so it's likely more moves will be made. But right now McCants and Gerald Green are the most likely candidates to get more minutes at shooting guard.
Nenad Krstic: Okay After Bumping Knee
Update: Krstic took a hit on his surgically repaired knee Tuesday night, but says he feels okay, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: "I got hit there in the first quarter, and I was a little concerned, but I felt fine," Krstic said. Krstic started and played 20:18, up five minutes from his debut last week, in New Jersey's preseason victory over Boston.
Primoz Brezec: Penciled in as Starting Center
Update: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent is penciling in Brezec as Charlotte's starting center, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: If you'd seen Ryan Hollins' audition during training camp, you'd know why Vincent had to make this move. This may not be the last we hear on this, but for now Brezec is Charlotte's starter.
Jermaine O'Neal: Uncertain for Friday
Update: O'Neal (knee) is uncertain whether he'll be able to play in Friday's preseason finale, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Pacers coach Jim O'Brien had planned on giving his starters significant playing time this week to give them more experience in his system. Unfortunately, the Pacers' top big men (O'Neal, Troy Murphy and David Harrison) have all been out.
David Harrison: Bulging Disc in Back
Update: Harrison sat out Tuesday's preseason game with a bulging disc in his back, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: This latest injury was the result of Harrison falling to the ground when getting flagrantly fouled by Ben Wallace on Saturday.
Danny Granger: Finding His Shot
Update: Granger had his best game of the preseason on Tuesday, scoring 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting.
Analysis: Granger had struggled with his shot earlier in the preseason. "It took me awhile to get going," Granger said. "Sometimes I try to force things to get my shot. . . . We run a random offense and shots come from anywhere. You have to be ready to take them, and I finally realized that and I had a pretty good night."
Kevin Martin: Envisions More Shots
Update: Martin believes he will receive more shot attempts this year under new Kings coach Reggie Theus, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "I think Reggie is going to put me in a lot more situations where I have the opportunity to score. And I'm not going to the back seat this year. I'm going to be aggressive from the start," Martin said. The 6-foot-7 shooting guard said he should have had more plays called for him last season under departed coach Eric Musselman. He averaged 20.2 points on an average of 13.3 field-goal attempts per game last season.
Joe Smith: No Longer the Bulls' Starting Power Forward?
Update: The recent play of Aaron Gray might relegate Smith (swollen right knee) to a reserve role off the bench, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Coach Scott Skiles has been impressed with the play of Gray, placing him in the starting lineup Tuesday at center with Ben Wallace sliding over to the four-spot. Even if Gray does not start, he, Tim Thomas and Joakim Noah should see minutes off the bench, cutting into Smith's value.
Scot Pollard: Could Be Ready For Season Opener
Update: Pollard (ankle) should be ready for the season opener, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Celtics Coach Doc Rivers noted that "I think Scot will be ready to give us something like 10 minutes on opening night."
Kendrick Perkins: Has Tightness in Hamstring
Update: Perkins was held out of Tuesday night's preseason game with tightness in his hamstring, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Perkins is the C's only healthy servicable center, so losing him would be a massive blow. Celtics coach Doc Rivers noted that "I'm concerned. It's in the hamstring area, so we're not taking any chances. It's clear from the (Knicks) game that having Perk would have made a big difference. But I won't allow him to practice until I think it's perfect." Perkins however noted that "it's nothing serious."
Paul Pierce: May Face Disciplinary Action
Update: Pierce may face disciplinary action from the league related to his grab of Jamal Crawford in Monday's preseason game, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Pierce grabbed Crawford under the chin, and given the league's recent crackdown on on-court altercations, could face a short suspension.
Devean George: Hopes To Be Ready In November
Update: George (foot) is out of a walking boot and hopes to be ready "sometime in November," according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: George is up to running 30 minutes per session on the injured foot, but will not make much of a fantasy impact, even when healthy.
Mark Blount: Headed to Miami
Update: Blount was traded to the Heat as part of a five-player trade between Miami and Minnesota Wednesday, according to the Timberwolves' official site.
Analysis: Blount will head to Miami along with Ricky Davis, and the Timberwolves will receive Antoine Walker, Michael Doleac, Wayne Simien, a first round pick and cash considerations. Blount was likely not going to start for the Timberwolves, as he was beat out for the job by Theo Ratliff. He'll have to fight for playing time on the Heat roster.
Wayne Simien: Traded to Timberwolves
Update: Simien was sent to Minnesota as part of a five-player deal Wednesday, the Timberwolves' official site reports.
Analysis: Minnesota also received Antoine Walker and Michael Doleac in the trade, and sent Ricky Davis and Mark Blount to Miami. Simien has only started two games since coming to the league, averaging 3.3 points and 1.9 rebounds per game.
Michael Doleac: Headed to Minnesota
Update: Doleac was traded to Minnesota Wednesday as part of a five-player deal, according to the Timberwolves' official site.
Analysis: Along with Doleac, the Wolves also received Antoine Walker, Dwayne Simien, a first round pick, and cash considerations. Doleac has averaged 5.0 points per game in his career, and will likely see a limited role off the bench for Minnesota.
Ricky Davis: Traded to Heat
Update: Davis was sent to Miami Wednesday as part of a five player trade between the Heat and Timberwolves, according to the Timberwolves' official site.
Analysis: Miami received Davis and Mark Blount from Minnesota in exchange for Antoine Walker, Michael Doleac, Wayne Simien and a first round draft pick. Davis was in line to be the Wolves' top scoring option, now that Kevin Garnett is gone and the rest of the roster is relatively inexperienced. He will likely start for Miami and should see decent numbers, but will have to share the ball with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal when they are healthy.
Antoine Walker: Traded to Minnesota
Update: Walker was traded to Minnesota Wednesday in part of a five player deal, the Timberwolves' official site reports.
Analysis: The deal sends Walker, Michael Doleac, and Wayne Simien to Minnesota along with a first round pick, while the Timberwolves send Ricky Davis and Mark Blount to Miami. Walker has averaged 18.0 points per game in his 12 seasons in the league. Davis was slated to be Minnesota's top scoring option in the absence of Kevin Garnett, but that role will now fall on the veteran Walker.
Josh Howard: MRI Reveals Moderate Wrist Sprain
Update: An MRI on Howard's wrist Wednesday revealed a moderate sprain, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Howard suffered the injury in Tuesday's game against the Bulls. A return date has not been set, and he will be re-evaluated in a week. Stay tuned for further updates on the wrist.
Ricky Davis: Heading to Miami?
Update: It has been reported that Davis may be part of a deal that would send him to the Heat, according to ESPN.com.
Analysis: The reported deal would send Davis and Mark Blount to Miami, and Minnesota would receive Antoine Walker, Michael Doleac and Wayne Simien. Davis was expected to carry the offensive load for Minnesota in the absence of Kevin Garnett, and should get decent numbers for Miami and could likely start.
Antoine Walker: Reportedly Heading to Minnesota
Update: It is being reported by ESPN.com that Walker is involved in a potential trade that would send him to the Timberwolves.
Analysis: If the deal is completed, Miami will likely receive Ricky Davis and Mark Blount from Minnesota, while the Timberwolves will get Walker, Michael Doleac, and Wayne Simien. If Davis is indeed dealt, the bulk of the scoring will need to be picked up by Walker or one of the team's young stars, as Davis was primed to carry the load for Minnesota. Continue to check back on the trade as we receive more information.
Nick Young: Impresses Coach
Update: Young has impressed coach Eddie Jordan with his offensive skills, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: In six preseason games, Young is averaging 9.8 points on 44 percent shooting. He is also finding ways to get to the free throw line, where he has made 13-of-14 attempts. "Nick really showed some stuff [Monday night], he really did," Jordan said. "He's going to be a pretty good NBA player. He's got escape moves. He's got moves to finish at the rim. He's got range. He's off the dribble. He's off the catch and he's a pretty good dribbler." Young figures to be worked into the Wizards' rotation gradually, but he'll be a player to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Gilbert Arenas: Knee Holding Up
Update: A day after playing a preseason-high 29 minutes, Arenas (left knee) practiced at full speed Tuesday, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Good news, in light of the fact that Arenas had his knee drained of excess fluid last Wednesday. It looks like Arenas is good to go for the regular season, in what is essentially a contract year for him, as he plans to opt out of his deal with the Wizards.
Andres Nocioni: Started Tuesday with Luol Deng Sidelined
Update: Nocioni (right calf tightness) started in place of the injured Luol Deng Tuesday, scoring six points with five fouls in just 18 minutes of action in the Bulls' 96-88 loss to Dallas.
Analysis: The good news is that Nocioni wasn't inhibited by the calf but his performance left a lot to be desired. Despite the poor outing, look for Nocioni to see 25-30 minutes of action nightly and be a source of three-pointers and he could start at small forward if Deng's right wrist contusion for some reason keeps him out.
Ben Gordon: Makes Preseason Debut Tuesday
Update: Gordon, who had been out since October 8 with a sprained left ankle, made his preseason debut Tuesday in the Bulls' 96-88 loss to Dallas.
Analysis: Gordon played 15 minutes and did not report any additional soreness right after the game. The key will be to see how his ankle reacts Wednesday, but for now, all signs point to him being 100 percent for the season-opener October 31 against New Jersey.
Aaron Gray: Bulls' 5th Starter?
Update: Coach Scott Skiles started Gray alongside Ben Wallace Tuesday in a lineup that worked well in Chicago's victory over the Pacers Saturday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Gray, a second-round pick this year out of Pittsburgh, has impressed many with his fundamentally sound play and steady development. Despite fouling out against Indiana, most infractions coming from poor or slow defensive rotations, he's averaging 10.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.8 fouls in 18 minutes per exhibition heading into Tuesday. He's also shooting 61.3 percent in five games but his lack of mobility is noticeable, especially defensively. Gray had seven points and four rebounds in 15 minutes of action Tuesday and if he starts Thursday, could open the year as the starting center with Wallace at the four-spot.
LaMarcus Aldridge: Returning to Practice
Update: Aldridge returned to practice on Tuesday to test out his sore pinky toe on his right foot, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Aldridge said the injury was painful enough that he wouldn't have played even if it had been in the regular season. It seems to be fine now and if practice goes well, he may play in Wednesday's home exhibition against Seattle.
Bonzi Wells: Looking Sharp
Update: Wells has continued to impress coach Rick Adelman and looks destined for good minutes early on, the Houston Chronicle reports. "He's been playing very well," coach Rick Adelman said of Wells. "He's really in good shape. He's been very active. I'm really, really pleased with the way he's performed. He's a little ahead of the other guys because he's been through this offense already... He's so tough around the basket. He's moving with a lot of quickness right now. He's a real handful on the boards, the offensive boards... He's too quick and too strong for most guys."
Analysis: Wells dropped between 25 and 30 pounds to get ready to play this season and needed only a few days of training camp to rehabilitate the lingering effects of a groin injury. At this point, he's healthy and should be an excellent source of boards from the backcourt.
Rashard Lewis: Leaves Practice Early
Update: Lewis (ankle) started Tuesday's practice but couldn't finish after experiencing more pain in his ankle, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Lewis was expected to take part in Thursday's final preseason game, but his inability to make it through practice might put his status for the finale in doubt. The regular season doesn't start for another seven days, so Lewis still has a week to recover, but this supposedly "minor injury" that occurred a few weeks ago has yet to go away.
Jamal Crawford: Streaky Shooter
Update: Crawford, a notoriously streaky shooter, went 1-10 from the floor in Monday night's exhibition victory over the Celtics.
Analysis: Not a good start. The Knicks are going to need someone to hit outside shots to loosen up the inside for their two big men, Eddie Curry and Zach Randolph. Coach Isiah Thomas is counting on Crawford, a career 40.1 percent shooter, to be more consistent with his shot this year.
Nate Robinson: Looking Good
Update: Robinson continues to shine in the pre-season. Monday night, the diminutive guard scored 20 points, snagged nine rebounds and had four assists in just 28 minutes against the Celtics. It is looking more and more likely that the 5-foot-7 fan favorite "might have sewn up the role of first guard off coach Isiah Thomas' bench," the New York Post reports.
Analysis: "I'm way better than where I was this time last season," Robinson told the Post, "I'm more focused. Everything is just coming so much easier for me." Mr. Robinson is becoming someone to keep an eye on as the Knicks figure out their rotation.
Louis Amundson: Will Miss His Third Straight Game
Update: Admunson (hip pointer) will sit out his third straight exhibition game Wednesday night, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Admunson will need to get back for at least the final exhibition game if he wants to see minutes during the regular season. He is not expected to contribute to a fantasy roster.
Chris Wilcox: Knee Poses No Problems in OT Loss
Update: Wilcox totaled 22 points and 12 rebounds Tuesday in a preseason overtime loss.
Analysis: Wilcox injured his knee last week, but it doesn't seem to be a problem now. Wilcox is all but assured the starting power forward assignment.
Dan Gadzuric: Out With Strained Knee.
Update: Gadzuric did not play in Tuesday's loss to the Nuggets due to a knee strain.
Analysis: Gadzuric was seeing more playing time in the preseason than he saw during last year. It's not known how serious the knee strain is, but he'll get enough rest so that he's ready to go when the season starts.
Charlie Villanueva: Big Game Against the Nuggets.
Update: Villanueva came off of the bench to score 21 points, grab 11 rebounds and hand out five assists in Tuesday's loss to Denver.
Analysis: Villanueva will likely start the season coming off of the bench, but could work his way into the starting lineup. He'll share the power forward job with Yi Jianlian and possibly play some small forward when Milwaukee goes big.
Nene Hilario: Finally Plays in the Preseason
Update: Nene (knee/calf) saw his first preseason action on Tuesday scoring six points and adding four rebounds in 13 minutes, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Nene reported no pain in his calf and didn't even mention his knee so that's a good sign for both the Nuggets and his fantasy owners. However, Nene admitted his conditioning is not where it needs to be so don't expect him to start playing 30 minutes from Day 1 of the regular season.
Willie Green: Continues to Fight for the Starting Spot
Update: 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks will use the final two exhibition games to determine who will start at shooting guard in the regular season. The battle is ongoing between Green and Rodney Carney.
Analysis: Green has averaged 10.3 points in 22 minutes, but has committed eight turnovers in 88 minutes. Carney has averaged 10.8 points in 24.8 minutes and has committed two turnovers in 124 minutes; he also has hit only one of 11 three-point attempts and nine of 18 free throws. Both have improved defensively from last season, Green as he has come back from knee surgery and Carney as he has allowed the game to slow down in front of him. Both are likely to split time in the regular season no matter who starts. Coach Cheeks will likely play the hot hand during the season.
Rodney Carney: Continues to Fight for the Starting Spot
Update: 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks has yet to name a starter at shooting guard. The battle is ongoing between Carney and Willie Green.
Analysis: Green has averaged 10.3 points in 22 minutes, but has committed eight turnovers in 88 minutes. Carney has averaged 10.8 points in 24.8 minutes and has committed two turnovers in 124 minutes; he also has hit only one of 11 three-point attempts and nine of 18 free throws. Both have improved defensively from last season, Green as he has come back from knee surgery and Carney as he has allowed the game to slow down in front of him. Both are likely to split time in the regular season no matter who starts.
Josh Smith: Hold Off on Contract Extension
Update: Smith's long-term future with the Hawks is being tabled until next summer, when the fourth-year forward will be a restricted free agent, according to his agents, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: "We've decided it's best to play this year out and see what transpires next summer," Smith's agent Brian Dyke said. "There are several issues that come into play when you're making a long term decision like this. We have to weigh all those things before we do anything." Smith will most certainly be one of the most coveted free agents on the market, if he continues to have the type of production he had last season.
Samuel Dalembert: Will Sit Out the Final Two Exhibition Games
Update: Dalembert will sit out the final two exhibition games recovering from a stress fracture in his left foot, the Philadelphia Daily News reports.
Analysis: Dalembert, limited to shooting free throws in the final minutes of Tuesday's practice, was scheduled to see a foot specialist Thursday in New York. But president/general manager Billy King said he wouldn't be concerned about Dalembert's availability to start the season Oct. 31 in Toronto until the team's medical staff shows that concern. Have other options ready if you own Dalembert because his situation is becoming more uncertain by the day.
Nick Collison: Center Start Likely A Season Preview
Update: Collison started at center Tuesday and had nine rebounds in an overtime loss.
Analysis: Collison likely will begin the year at center. The Sonics were pretty much forced into the move as their trio of 7-footers has not impressed. Collison only scored five points, but he was 2-of-8 from the field. If he gets eight shots a night and a handful of foul shots, he could average a double-double with his rebounding.
Wally Szczerbiak: Throws Down 24 in OT Loss
Update: Szczerbiak scored 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting in a preseason overtime loss Tuesday.
Analysis: Szczerbiak added eight rebounds and two assists. He's been used sparingly thus far in the preseason. That is partly due to the Sonics wanting to test their youngsters before the season starts. Once the games count, Szczerbiak might find himself in a bigger role as one of the few Sonics with proven scoring skills.
Matt Bonner: Good Game off the Bench
Update: Bonner had 13 points (5-of-10 FG, 2-of-5 3-PT, 1-of-1 FT) and three rebounds in the Spurs' exhibition win over the Heat on Tuesday.
Analysis: Bonner is trying to get more minutes, and we think he will get into a regular part of the rotation. Bonner is a good 3-point shooter, but this is the only value he would have in fantasy terms, and he would only be on a roster in a very deep league.
Michael Finley: Good Shooting Night
Update: Finley had 14 points (5-of-8 FG, 2-of 4 3-PT, 2-of-2 FT) in the Spurs' exhibition win over the Heat on Tuesday.
Analysis: Finley can have nights where he can be effective, but even then, other than scoring and 3-pointers, he will not do enough to be a viable option as a starter on a fantasy roster.
Richard Hamilton: Will Be Ready
Update: Although Hamilton (ankle) will not play in the exhibition finale Wednesday, he'll be ready for the opener on November 1, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Hamilton has been running drills and is still a little sore, but the injury is considered minor. He's been in the league long enough that he doesn't need a full slate of exhibition games to be ready.
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