FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Shareef Abdur-Rahim: Sees First Action
Update: Abdur-Rahim (knee) playing in his first preseason game, grabbed two rebounds and missed his only two shots during three minutes of action on Wednesday against the Clippers.
Analysis: The forward practiced for the first time in fall training camp on Monday. His recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery in June was delayed by a setback in the beginning of October.
Jason Hart: Bruised Tailbone and Elbow
Update: Hart did not practice on Wednesday because of a bruised tailbone and bruised left elbow, the Deseret News reports.
Analysis: Hart is expected to begin the season as the primary backup to Deron Williams at point guard.
Paul Millsap: Bruised Left Knee
Update: Millsap didn't practice Wednesday because of a bruised left knee, the Deseret News reports.
Analysis: There's no word on the severity of the injury, while the Jazz's final preseason game against the Lakers in San Diego on Thursday was postponed due to the situation in Southern California.
Tony Battie: Successful Surgery
Update: Battie underwent successful surgery to repair a tear in the rotator cuff of his left shoulder on Wednesday, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Battie will miss the entire season, but could take as long as a year to rehab the injury.
Pau Gasol: At Thursday's Practice
Update: Gasol (ankle) was back at practice on Thursday, participating in drills and light contact, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: Gasol has missed the past week because of a sprained left ankle and will be a game-time decision Thursday night against the Pacers.
Jason Kidd: To Play Friday
Update: Kidd (back) is expected to play Friday night's preseason finale against the Knicks, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Kidd returned to practice on Wednesday after missing 10 days because of torn tissue around a disk in his lower back.
John Edwards: Waived by Timberwolves
Update: Edwards was waived by the T-Wolves on Thursday.
Analysis: The 7-0, 275-pound Edwards appeared in one preseason game for Minnesota after signing with the club on September 26. The free agent out of Kent State played in in 25 games with Indiana during the 2004-05 season before appearing in 40 contests - including four starts - for Atlanta in 2005-06. This move was made because the Wolves still have over the maximum amount of players. They stand at 17 and the limit is 15.
Ricky Davis: Will be Instant Starter After Trade
Update: Davis will be an instant starter for the Heat head coach Pat Riley said.
Analysis: Davis will slide into the injured Dwyane Wade's spot at starting shooting guard when the Heat open the regular season next week, Riley said on Thursday, one day after the Heat pulled off a five-player trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves. "The securing of a perimeter player who could score, who could shoot, who had experience as a starter transcended all other needs. And that's why we did it," Riley said. "The preseason showed we didn't have what we needed presently at that position, even though I think we have players who can help us." Davis averaged 17 points and 4.8 assists last season for Minnesota, plus hit 40 percent of his shots from 3-point range.
Luol Deng: Returning to Action Thursday
Update: Deng, who missed two games with a bruised right wrist, is expected to play Thursday against Milwaukee, the Arlington Daily Herald reports.
Analysis: Good news for Chicago, who will have all their regulars available for the first time Thursday. Deng, who was named team captain along with Kirk Hinrich Wednesday, will probably see decent playing time as the Bulls plan on treating the contest as a dress rehearsal for the regular season.
Keith Bogans: Wins Starting Job
Update: Bogans has apparently won the starting shooting guard job for Orlando, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Bogans' main competition this preseason has been J.J. Redick, but Redick hurt his chances when he hurt his hand earlier this preseason. Bogans is not a sure thing to be starting all season, so keep an eye out for Redick once he returns from his injury.
Kobe Bryant: Injured Wrist in Exhibition Game
Update: Bryant (wrist) injured himself in Tuesday's loss to Utah, the Whittier Daily News reports.
Analysis: Bryant has been battling tendinitis in his knee this preseason, but now his wrist is his top concern. "My knee is OK, but my wrist isn't too good," Bryant said. This injury comes on the heels of multiple other players being shelved with their own maladies (Kwame Brown, Chris Mihm, Lamar Odom and Luke Walton) and leaves the Lakers fairly thin on the court. Bryant should be ready to go come opening night, but keep an eye on this situation.
Allen Iverson: Injured in Practice
Update: Iverson (quadriceps) was injured during practice on Wednesday, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
Analysis: "He got kneed in the thigh," coach George Karl said. "Doesn't seem to be anything long term. They said his range of motion was fine." The Nuggets have been bit hard by the injury bug this preseason and Iverson is just another name on the list. This also means that Denver does not have a completely healthy point guard on the roster with Chucky Atkins and Anthony Carter already on the injured list. The good news is that Iverson's injury is listed as day-to-day, but he probably will miss Denver's last preseason game against Phoenix on Thursday night. Despite this, Iverson is allergic to missing regular season games so expect to see him in the starting lineup come opening night.
Ronnie Brewer: Contract Option Picked Up
Update: The Jazz have picked up Brewer's 2008-09 option on his rookie contract, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: This is the second piece of good news that Brewer has received recently, the other being that he will begin the season as Utah's starting shooting guard. "If we had to start today, we'd start Ronnie and go from there," head coach Jerry Sloan said. "He's worked hard, and he's had his moments." Brewer has started most of the games this preseason and had one of his better outings on Tuesday night against the Lakers. He shot 8-of-12 for 18 points and swiped three steals all while guarding Kobe Bryant. Brewer is a player to keep an eye on this season and could be a valuable early season pickup for your team if one of your stars goes down with an injury.
Speedy Claxton: Still Out With a Sore Knee
Update: Claxton (knee) is still out of the lineup with a sore right knee and only played in two preseason games this year, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Claxton missed 36 games last season after signing a four-year, $25.5 million deal and then had offseason surgery on his left knee. The new injury comes as rookie point guard Acie Law IV has missed time in the preseason with a wrist injury. Despite going 7-1 this preseason, the Hawks still have questions at the point guard position heading into the season.
Rodney Stuckey: Broken Hand Will Cost Rookie Six Weeks
Update: Stuckey (hand) will miss about six weeks after breaking his hand in Wednesday night's preseason game against the Wizards, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: Stuckey underwent successful surgery on Thursday and now has his hand in a splint. Stuckey, the team's first-round pick this past June, had an impressive reseason and was likely the team's primary reserve at either guard spot. He will now have to wait until December to make his NBA debut.
Andrew Bogut: MRI Reveals No Serious Damage.
Update: An MRI on Bogut's wrist showed no serious damage, but he will miss the final two preseason games, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Analysis: Bogut's status for the season opener is still uncertain, but at least he has no serious damage to his wrist. We'll know more next week, but taking the next few days off to rest should help him be ready when the season starts.
Randy Foye: Returns to Practice
Update: Foye (knee tendinitis) returned to practice on Wednesday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Foye will probably sit out Friday's preseason game as a precaution but it looks like he'll be ready for the start of the regular season.
Sebastian Telfair: Returns to Practice
Update: Telfair (sprained ankle) returned to practice on Wednesday but still may not play in Friday's preseason game, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: It looks like he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. Despite missing much of the preseason, Telfair could benefit from the Ricky Davis trade. Head coach Randy Wittman has talked about playing Randy Foye at shooting guard, so Telfair could emerge with significant minutes at point guard if healthy. He's a deep sleeper as a result.
Rashad McCants: Returns to Practice
Update: McCants (bruised left knee) fully participated in practice on Wednesday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: He may not play in Friday's preseason game as a precaution. After the trade of Ricky Davis, he may be the leading candidate to start at shooting guard if healthy.
Jared Jordan: Released by Knicks
Update: Jordan was released by the Knicks on Thursday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Jordan was acquired by the Knicks only three weeks ago, but the team will begin the regular season with the more-versatile Mardy Collins instead of the rookie Jordan.
Calvin Booth: Started at Center Wednesday Night
Update: Booth, who did not play Saturday in a win over Boston, started at center Wednesday night in place of Samuel Dalembert (foot) and had four points and two rebounds in nearly 17 minutes of action.
Analysis: Booth has not stepped up with Dalembert out of the lineup and will likely only see limited minutes whether Dalembert returns in time for the regular season or not.
Oleksiy Pecherov: (Quad) Misses Another Game
Update: Pecherov (right quadriceps contusion) missed his second straight game on Wednesday, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Consider Pecherov, who has likely played his way into the Wizards' regular season big man rotation, day-to-day.
Herbert Hill: Strains Left Knee in Tuesday's Practice
Update: Hill sat out Wednesday night's game with a strained left knee, the Philadelphia Daily News reports.
Analysis: 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks said Hill suffered the injury in Tuesday's practice and should have an update on his status for us later in the week.
Reggie Evans: Scores 20 points in Wednesday Night's Loss
Update: Evans, who came into Wednesday night's game 0-for-16 from the floor, shot 8-for-10 from the field and scored 20 points in a loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: Evans had not been shooting well before Wednesday's game but is not known for his scoring anyway. He could compete for the rebounding title this season if he plays enough minutes.
Andre Iguodala: Negotiating with the Team on a Contract Extension
Update: The 76ers and Iguodala continue to work on getting a contract extension done by Oct. 31 but nothing is imminent, the Philadelphia Daily News reports.
Analysis: The two sides have until Oct. 31 to finalize the extension of up to 5 years on Iguodala's rookie deal. If they can't work it out by then, they must wait until July 1 to resume talks. At that point, the Sixers would hold a right of first refusal on any offer Iguodala might receive from another team. Iguodala says he won't let the contract negotiations distract him if it doesn't get done soon but it would certainly ease his mind for the coming season.
Mickael Gelabale: Leaves Game with Injured Wrist
Update: Gelabale left Wednesday's preseason game with a jammed his left wrist.
Analysis: X-rays were negative. He'll probably sit out a game, but the injury doesn't appear overly serious. Gelabale likely will find his minutes hard to come by on most nights. He had 15 points in 21 minutes Wednesday in his best game of the preseason, but he probably won't top 20 minutes too often.
Mike Conley: Bottom of the Point Guard Depth Chart
Update: Conley has been named the Grizzlies' third point guard, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: Coach Marc Iavaroni preferred Damon Stoudamire's experience and Kyle Lowry's scrappy energy forced Conley to the bottom of the depth chart. He should see some, but not a lot of minutes initially, and don't be surprised if he's seeing a significant amount of playing time by the season's halfway point.
Ron Artest: Appealing His Suspension
Update: Artest (domestic abuse) will appeal his seven-game suspension to start the season, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: He said his agent, Mark Stevens, and "a couple other people" whom he wouldn't name asked him to appeal. It is likely Artest was influenced by representatives from the National Basketball Players Association. If Commissioner David Stern sympathizes with Artest and reduces the suspension, it would be a major surprise.
Kyle Lowry: Number Two at Point Guard
Update: Coach Marc Iavaroni said Lowry will be starting point guard Damon Stoudamire's primary backup, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: In addition to triple-doubling the other night, Lowry has played solid defense all preseason. He'll be the first one off the bench at point, but Mike Conley should see minutes too.
Amir Johnson: Back in Action
Update: Johnson saw his first action of the preseason Wednesday, scoring seven points in 15 minutes.
Analysis: Johnson shook off the rust by making all three of his field goal attempts, but he will probably not make much of a contribution early in the season due to his inactivity this month.
Damon Stoudamire: Number One at One
Update: Stoudamire has been named the Grizzlies' starting point guard, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: This comes right after Stoudamire had 11 points, eight boards and seven assists in a preseason victory over the Rockets. While Stoudamire will start, it's unclear how many minutes he'll log, as backups Kyle Lowry and Mike Conley should see their fair share of the court.
Jeff Green: Solid if Unspectacular in Preseason Start
Update: Green started at small forward Wednesday and finished with nine points, five rebounds and three assists in 31 minutes.
Analysis: Green's played about 25-30 minutes this preseason, but has only started a couple of games. That'll probably be close to his role during the season. If Kevin Durant's ankle injury keeps him out longer than expected, Green could see more time as he can play multiple positions. In any event, expect a stat line similar to Wednesday's.
Ronald Murray: Likely First Guard Off the Bench
Update: Rodney Stuckey's broken hand likely moves Murray into the position of first guard off the bench when the regular season starts next week.
Analysis: The Pistons expected big things from Stuckey, but Murray has played well in October and could see 20-25 minutes a game in the early going, especially with Richard Hamilton not yet at 100%.
Arron Afflalo: Will Be Part of the Rotation
Update: Rodney Stuckey's broken hand could mean that Afflalo will see more action earlier in the season.
Analysis: Afflalo played well during the preseason, but was probably going to be the fourth of fifth guard on the floor once the games started counting. Although it's unknown how long Stuckey will be out of action, Afflalo and Ronald Murray should both see a slight bump in their minutes over the next few weeks.
Mikki Moore: Opens at Power Forward
Update: Moore, who started, played 32 minutes and had six points (1-of-6 FG, 4-of-4 FT) and five rebounds in Sacramento's exhibition loss to the Clippers on Wednesday.
Analysis: The seven-footer is bidding with Kenny Thomas and Shareef Abdur-Rahim to open the season as the starter at four.
Kevin Durant: Ankle Not Broken; Questionable for Opener
Update: Durant's status for the season opener is questionable because of a sprained left ankle, though an MRI revealed no fractures, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Durant will miss Friday's exhibition finale against Phoenix and will be evaluated next week. Durant finished the preseason averaging 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and nearly 40 percent shooting.
Mike Bibby: Loads Up the Box Score
Update: Bibby had 28 points (11-of-19 FG, 6-of-10 3-PT), four rebounds and four assists in the Kings' exhibition loss to the Clippers on Wednesday.
Analysis: He made eight of 12 shots in the first three quarters, four of them from 3-point range. It was by far Bibby's best performance of the preseason.
John Salmons: Starts at Small Forward
Update: Salmons, who started, scored 13 points (6-of-10 FG, 0-of-2 3-PT, 1-of-4 FT), four rebounds, three assists and two steals in the Kings' exhibition loss to the Clippers on Wednesday.
Analysis: It is likely he'll be the starter at small forward while Ron Artest (domestic abuse) serves a seven game suspension at the start of the season. Salmons entered Wednesday averaging 11.5 points and 25.3 minutes in six games, limiting his turnovers to 1.2 per game. Artest is appealing the suspension but it is doubtful the ruling will change.
Chucky Atkins: Hasn't Suffered any Setbacks
Update: Atkins groin injury appears to be a thing of the past as he's been practicing and playing in preseason games without any setbacks, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: "It felt good," Atkins said of playing Tuesday. "I was excited to be out there, getting to play and have a little fun like everybody else. In the fourth quarter I felt it, but I was glad I was able to stay out there because I needed to push through it. I didn't rehurt it, so that let's me know I'm getting better." Atkins says he's still not 100% but everyday he's getting closer. He's still expected to start alongside Allen Iverson in the Nuggets' backcourt when the season starts next week.
Brandon Roy: Strong game on healed heel
Update: Roy (heel) scored 22 points in preseason action Wednesday night, 14 of which were in the fourth quarter.
Analysis: This was Roy's most impressive game of the preseason, and suggests that his heel is better as the season approaches.
LaMarcus Aldridge: Dominant game quiets toe fears
Update: Aldridge (toe) scored 31 points with 13 rebounds in preseason action against the Sonics Wednesday night.
Analysis: It appears that Aldridge's toe injury was not an issue, as he dominated the game.
Eddy Curry: As Many Turnovers as Points
Update: Curry struggled against the 76ers last night, managing only six points on five shots. He also turned the ball over six times in 17 minutes.
Analysis: Even though Curry is working through a shoulder injury and still learning to play beside Zach Randolph, his recent struggles in the pre-season have to be a concern.
Tony Allen: Struggles in Preseason Loss
Update: Allen shot 2-15 from the field in Tuesday's preseason loss to the Nets.
Analysis: Allen did have nine assists, but he did not seem to be the same player he was before tearing his ACL last year. Fantasy owners should be somewhat concerned, especially with Allen's undefined role on the Celtics.
Chris Mihm: May Be Losing Minutes Battle
Update: Mihm seems to be the odd man out in the Lakers' center position battle, according to the Los Angeles Times. Lakers coach Phil Jackson noted that only "Kwame (Brown) and 'Drew (Bynum) are pushing each other" for center minutes.
Analysis: Those considering Mihm should downgrade him at this point, though he could get back into the mix when the inevitable Kwame Brown injury hits.
Josh Howard: Says Wrist Injury Isn't Serious
Update: Howard stated that his wrist sprain isn't serious and that he'll be good to go when his two-game season-opening suspension ends on November 3rd, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: Howard owners should keep in mind that he is suspended for the season's first two games, but he should be firing on all cylinders after that.
Zach Randolph: Double-Double
Update: Randolph scored 16 points on 7-11 shooting and picked up 10 rebounds in only 26 minutes last night against Philadelphia.
Analysis: This should be the first of many double-doubles the big man has this year for the Knicks. Robinson is looking like a solid option for fantasy owners in search of points and rebounds.
Beno Udrih: Out for Season Opener
Update: Udrih (fractured left index finger) will not play in the season opener against Portland and will likely miss several more games, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Udrih's cast is expected to come off after the Spurs have played two regular season games. With both he and Jacque Vaughn expected to miss some regular season games, expect Emmanuel Ginobili and Brent Barry to handle backup point guard duties.
Jacque Vaughn: Unlikely for Season Opener
Update: Vaughn (strained calf) will likely miss the season opener against Portland and possibly more games, the San Antonio Express-News reports. Coach Gregg Popovich said he is hopeful Vaughn could return at some point next week, but the Spurs are hesitant to rush him.
Analysis: "This is something where, if he hurts it again, he might be out a month," Popovich said. "It's early enough that we get to make sure that he's healed." With both Vaughn and Beno Udrih injured, expect Emmanuel Ginobili and Brent Barry to play backup point guard when Tony Parker is not on the floor.
Josh Smith: Scores 18 in Win
Update: Smith had 18 points (4-of-11 FG, 1-of-1 3-PT, 9-of-10 FT), four rebounds and three steals in the Hawks' exhibition win over the Hornets on Wednesday.
Analysis: Smith did not have the greatest percentage from the floor during the preseason, but we feel he will snap out of this and be a top-15 fantasy player.
Andrew Bogut: Has MRI on Injured Wrist.
Update: Bogut (wrist) underwent an MRI on Wednesday, but the results were not yet available, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Analysis: Bogut shot some free throws, but did not practice with the team. It's likely that the Bucks will rest him until the season starts and see how he feels at that point.
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