FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Kobe Bryant: Misses Practice Saturday
Update: Bryant (wrist) missed practice on Saturday, but he's still expected to be ready for the season opener on Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Barring some additional news regarding the severity of Bryant's injury, we fully expect to see him on the court and ready to go Tuesday.
Samuel Dalembert: Returns to Practice
Update: Dalembert (stress fracture, left foot) returned to practice on Saturday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Dalembert didn't participate in the contact portion of Saturday's practice, so we'll get a better gauge on him Sunday when he will take part in the entire practice. If Dalembert's limited to the start the season, the Sixers will use a combination of rookie Jason Smith and veteran Calvin Booth to fill in at center.
Herbert Hill: Will Undergo Surgery
Update: Hill will undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Hill will have the surgery on Tuesday when the Sixers will have a better idea about his recovery timetable. With Hill's injury and Samuel Dalembert (left foot) just now getting back to action, the Sixers are relatively thin at the center position.
Oleksiy Pecherov: Returns to Action
Update: Pecherov (right quadriceps contusion) returned to action Friday night after missing two games.
Analysis: Pecherov missed all six of his shots and had three rebounds in just under 17 minutes.
Juwan Howard: Contract Bought Out
Update: The Timberwolves are working to buy out the final two years of Howard's contract, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: This day was coming ever since Minnesota traded Kevin Garnett. Howard didn't want to be with the team, and the team wasn't going to give him a big role because of the youthful direction in which they were heading. Once the buyout is finalized, Howard will become a free agent.
Mike Bibby: Surgery a Success
Update: Bibby underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb on Saturday, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Team officials expect the point guard to miss 10-12 weeks. His rehabilitation begins immediately.
Jorge Garbajosa: No Defined Role?
Update: Garbajosa hasn't yet proven to Raptors coach Sam Mitchell that he's regained his confidence on the court, and as a result may be squeezed for minutes when the regular season begins, the Toronto Star reports.
Analysis: Garbajosa played 18 minutes on Friday but did very little with them, prompting Mitchell to say he "just (has) to get his confidence back and his timing back." Garbajosa was an important part of the Raptors' rotation last season, but it looks right now as though he'll have to earn his minutes all over again.
Chris Bosh: Bosh Shakes Off Preseason Rust
Update: Bosh (knee) played 17 minutes on Friday, going 4-for-5 from the field.
Analysis: Although he didn't play starter's minutes, the fact that Bosh was able to play in back-to-back games is an excellent sign the knee won't be hampering him in the regular season.
Kevin Durant: Ankle Should be Ready for Opener
Update: Durant, who sprained his left ankle Tuesday, should be able to start Wednesday's season opener, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Durant walked on a treadmill and shot Friday. Definitive word on his status for the opener is expected to come Sunday.
Kurt Thomas: Big Night Against Former Team
Update: Thomas scored 19 points Friday in his best performance of the preseason.
Analysis: Thomas was a little extra motivated because the game was against his former team, the Suns. Thomas likely will see decent minutes this year. Seattle's trio of 7-footers has not impressed thus far. That likely will leave the center spot to Thomas and Nick Collison. Thomas will also spell Chris Wilcox at power forward.
Kyrylo Fesenko: Sprained Right Wrist
Update: Fesenko sprained his right wrist and missed practice on Thursday, the Deseret News reports.
Analysis: An MRI exam showed no structural damage, but Fesenko will be required to wear a brace on the wrist for now.
Matt Harpring: Availability for Season Opener Uncertain
Update: Jazz coach Jerry Sloan does not know if Harpring (knee) will be available for Tuesday's season-opening game, the Deseret News reports.
Analysis: Recovery from what was considered minor knee surgery at the time has been slow for Harpring, who has not played in a preseason game. Look for Gordan Giricek to get more minutes as the backup small forward for as long as Harpring is unavailable.
Paul Millsap: Sits Out Practice
Update: Millsap (knee) missed his second straight practice on Thursday, the Deseret News reports.
Analysis: Millsap sustained the injury during Tuesday's preseason game.
Jason Hart: Unable to Practice
Update: Hart, who is already dogged by a bruised right elbow and tailbone, can add a case of turf toe to his list of injuries, the Deseret News reports.
Analysis: Hart missed his second straight practice on Thursday because of the injuries. He is listed as day-to-day.
Ronnie Brewer: Starting at Shooting Guard
Update: Utah coach Jerry Sloan has named Brewer his starting shooting guard when the season opens next week, the Deseret News reports.
Analysis: This was something that was obvious from watching the Jazz closely this preseason. Gordan Giricek will be the primary backup at shooting guard.
Gordan Giricek: Okay With Coming off Bench
Update: Giricek said he's fine with Utah coach Jerry Sloan's decision to start Ronnie Brewer at shooting guard, the Deseret News reports.
Analysis: Giricek began his career in Utah starting 80 of his 118 games with the team, but was primarily a backup last season. With Matt Harpring still coming back from knee surgery, Giricek could get plenty of minutes as the backup wing man at the two and the three. "It's always nice to start, but I really never insisted that I have to start. Because it doesn't have to be that way," said Giricek. "The only thing I need is to play normal and to be involved in something on the court. That's fine with me." If Giricek is being honest here, he could thrive in a bench role, being the scorer the second unit needs while creating room for Carlos Boozer and Andrei Kirilenko when subbing on the first unit.
Mardy Collins: Contract Option Purchased
Update: The Knicks exercised a third-year contract option on Collins that will pay him nearly $1 million next season.
Analysis: Collins may make a move up in the depth chart by the start of the 2007-08 season, but he has little fantasy value presently.
Jamal Crawford: Another Cold Night
Update: Knicks coach Isiah Thomas expressed disappointment in the play of his backcourt Friday night, which included Crawford making just 2-of-10 shots in New York's preseason loss to New Jersey, the Newsday reports.
Analysis: Alongside Crawford in the backcourt, Stephon Marbury made 2-of-9 field goal attempts, prompting the coach to react. "I know they are better players than what we have seen in the exhibition," Thomas said. "A lot of the focus has been putting the ball inside, but we definitely need a healthy complement from our guards to be considered a dangerous team." Crawford finished the preseason shooting 27.9 percent (19-for-68) from the field, including 29.2 percent (7-for-24) from 3-point range.
Renaldo Balkman: Contract Option Picked Up
Update: The Knicks exercised a third-year option on Balkman Saturday.
Analysis: The option will pay Balkman $1.3 million next season. Balkman is a good option off the bench when the Knicks need to give Quentin Richardson a blow. For fantasy purposes however, Balkman really does not bring much to the table.
Justin Williams: Investigation Carries On
Update: The investigation continues into the allegations of sexual misconduct against Williams, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Sacramento Police Sgt. Matt Young said officers are still interviewing witnesses and following the same guidelines that would be used in any similar probe.
Nate Robinson: Contract Option Picked Up
Update: The Knicks picked up Robinson's contract option and will pay him a shade over $3 million for the next two seasons.
Analysis: Robinson has had a great preseason so far, and is poised to play a much bigger role with the Knicks than in years past. Stephon Marbury already said he would not be returning to the Knicks when his contract expires in two years, so look for Robinson to get plenty of looks this upcoming season in preparation for a potential starting job down the line.
David Lee: Knicks Pick Up Contract Option
Update: The Knicks picked up Lee's 2008-09 contract option Saturday that will earn him over $3 million in the next two seasons.
Analysis: Lee should see a good deal more playing time this season, but is currently listed as the backup to Zach Randolph on the depth chart at power forward. Lee is very injury prone however, and has yet to play a full season in the NBA. As a result, his fantasy value is on the low end to begin the 2007-08 season.
Quentin Richardson: Stis Out Friday
Update: Richardson sat out his second straight preseason game on Friday because of a mild ankle sprain, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: The injury, which was originally reported to be to his knee, is not considered serious and Richardson is expected to play in the season opener next Friday against Cleveland.
Jared Jeffries: Sprains Left Knee; Will Miss Three Weeks
Update: Jeffries sprained his left knee in Friday night's preseason finale and could miss at least three weeks, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: An MRI exam revealed a sprained anterior cruciate ligament, which is the same ligament that underwent surgery in 2002. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Nenad Krstic: Plays Friday Night
Update: As expected, Krstic (knee) started and played Friday night in New Jersey's preseason finale.
Analysis: Krstic, who is coming back from knee surgery, sat out Thursday night's game because coach Lawrence Frank didn't want him playing in back-to-back games. We'll have to see if he has those kinds of restrictions to start the season, but it looks like Krstic will be ready for opening night.
Jason Kidd: Makes Preseason Debut
Update: Kidd (back) made his preseason debut Friday night, scoring 10 points (4-for-9) with six rebounds, five assists and a blocked shot in 30 minutes.
Analysis: Kidd looked like his old self Friday night and the 30 minutes of playing time is an encouraging sign.
Jeff Green: Sprained Left Ankle
Update: Green sprained his left ankle early in the second half of Friday night's preseason game against Phoenix, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Green went to the locker room for treatment and returned to play, finishing with 13 points before leaving for good in the third quarter. "I felt a little tweak. I just didn't want to go out there and re-aggravate it," Green said, without ice or even a wrap under his left shoe as he prepared to board the team bus. "This is nothing right now."
Amar'e Stoudemire: Plays In Back-to-Back Games
Update: One day after returning to game action, Stoudemire (knee) was back at it Friday night in Phoenix' preseason loss to Seattle.
Analysis: Stoudemire was more impressive Friday, scoring 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting with 11 rebounds and two blocks. "Oh, yeah, I'm back at it," Stoudemire told Arizona Republic, adding he has no restrictions entering the season. "It felt great to go back-to-back and not have any problems."
Leandro Barbosa: Expected to Play in Season Opener
Update: Barbosa (ribs) is expected to be ready for Thursday's season opener at Seattle, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Barbosa sat out the Suns' final preseason game on Friday.
Steve Nash: Plays Friday Night
Update: Nash (hamstring) played Friday night in Phoenix' preseason finale.
Analysis: Nash hurt his hammy in the Suns' previous game, but showed up for Friday night's game in his home region of British Columbia. He scored 10 points and had 12 assists in 28 minutes.
Mike Bibby: Officials Mull His Fate
Update: The Sacramento medical staff has not reached a decision regarding the route to take with Bibby's injured left thumb, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Kings coach Reggie Theus said if doctors decided to let Bibby's thumb heal naturally it would likely put him out six weeks, but surgery could prolong his recovery up to 10 weeks.
Cuttino Mobley: Coming off Bench?
Update: Mobley came off the bench Friday night in the Clippers' preseason finale.
Analysis: It looks like Los Angeles coach Mike Dunleavy will go with Quinton Ross as the starter at shooting guard, but Mobley will still have a big role off the bench as the Clippers' go-to scorer on the second unit. Mobley scored 11 points on 5-of-12 shooting with two rebounds, two assists and one steal in the Clippers' loss to the Warriors. If he can get 12 field-goal attempts off the bench every night, there's no reason to shy away from Mobley because he's not a starter.
Quinton Ross: Starting Shooting Guard?
Update: Ross started at shooting guard Friday night in the Clippers' preseason finale.
Analysis: Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy is talking about starting Ross and bringing Cuttino Mobley off the bench this year. If Ross does start, he won't have a lot of fantasy value, but he is a better defender than Mobley.
Corey Maggette: Back In Action
Update: Maggette (bruised tailbone) returned to action Friday night after missing one game.
Analysis: Maggette scored a team-high 23 points with five rebounds, three assists, two steals and a blocked shot in 33 minutes.
Brevin Knight: Strained Hip Flexor
Update: Knight sat out the Clippers' final preseason game on Friday because of strained hip flexor, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Knight is expected to be ready for the Clippers' regular season opener next Friday against the Warriors.
Ruben Patterson: Will Play in Season Opener
Update: Patterson (dislocated right pinkie finger) is expected to be ready for the Clippers' season opener next Friday against the Warriors, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Patterson sat out the Clippers' final preseason game on Friday.
Damon Jones: Starting Point Guard?
Update: Jones started at point guard Friday night, scoring 12 points on 3-of-3 shooting (all threes) from the field and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line in Cleveland's preseason loss to Boston.
Analysis: With Daniel Gibson sitting out again because of a hamstring injury, Cavaliers coach Mike Brown went with Jones as the starter. Jones loves to score and with LeBron James and Larry Hughes touching the ball so much, the Cavs do not need a true pass-first type at the point. Jones made 47.6 percent of shots from the field, including 45.8 percent from 3-point range, during the preseason. If Gibson is not ready to start the season next Wednesday, we're looking at Jones as Cleveland's starting point guard.
Gilbert Arenas: (Knee) Feels Ready for Season
Update: Arenas (left knee) did not play in Friday's preseason finale against the Raptors, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Arenas, who underwent surgery on the knee last April and had it drained of excess fluid last week, played in five of preseason eight games overall. He said he will be at full speed against the Pacers when the regular season opens Wednesday. "Physically, I'm right where I want to be," Arenas said. "I just need to go in there and get some more shots up and tweak some things a little bit. I need to sharpen up my game these next three days."
Shannon Brown: Out of Rotation
Update: Cavaliers coach Mike Brown replaced Brown in the rotation on Friday with Ira Newble, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: Brown led the Cavs in turnovers during the preseason, averaging 2.86 per game in 18.1 minutes. That's not a good sign for someone who isn't a point guard and isn't counted on to initiate offense.
Sammy Mejia: Should Make Team
Update: The last cut this offseason will likely be Ronald Dupree, meaning Mejia will make the team, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Even with Rodney Stuckey hurt and Lindsey Hunter one foot out of the league, Mejia will not see much action in Detroit this year.
Ronald Dupree: Will Probably be Last Man Cut
Update: The Pistons will likely cut Dupree before they set their final roster Monday, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Rookie Sammy Mejia should make the team instead. Dupree will try to catch on with another team, but it could be the end of the road for him.
Arron Afflalo: Could Fight For Minutes
Update: The Pistons plan to use Ronald Murray as the backup to both guard positions, meaning Afflalo might not see the minutes he expected, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: The Pistons go into the season with a three-guard rotation, with the possibility of moving Tayshaun Prince or Jarvis Hayes to the 2 when Murray is running the point. Speculation was that Afflalo would get more playing time when Rodney Stuckey went down with a broken hand, but he may have to fight for minutes behind the veterans.
Paul Pierce: Won't Be Punished By League
Update: Pierce won't be punished by the NBA for his preseason foul of Knicks guard Jamal Crawford, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Pierce has been adjusting well to the Celtics' revamped roster, and we expect a big year from him.
Ronald Murray: Will Be Top Reserve Guard
Update: Murray will be the top backup at both backcourt positions, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Rookies Rodney Stuckey and Aaron Afflalo will see a lot of action this year, though with Stuckey out at least six weeks with a broken hand, Detroit would rather see the veteran Murray on the floor with the second unit.
Kevin Garnett: Posts Triple-Double in Preseason Finale
Update: Garnett had a triple-double in the Celtics' preseason finale win over the Cavs, with 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
Analysis: Any who questioned Garnett's adjustment to a new team should look at this performance, as KG is expected to thrive in Boston.
Lindsey Hunter: Could Play More Than Expected
Update: Rodney Stuckey's broken hand could force the Pistons to keep Hunter on the active roster, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Hunter wasn't expected to spend much time on the active roster this year, especially with rookies Aaron Afflalo and Rodney Stuckey playing well in the preseason. However, with Stuckey out at least six weeks, Detroit may need a veteran presence in the backcourt. Needless to say, it's unlikely he'll be a regular part of the rotation.
Coby Karl: Is Expected To Make Team's Final Roster
Update: Karl is expected to make the Lakers' final roster, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Karl has beaten the odds to make the Lakers, though we don't expect him to receive enough playing time to become fantasy relevant.
Richard Hamilton: Back to Practice and Looking Good
Update: After missing four exhibition games with a sprained ankle, Hamilton was back in practice Friday hitting one jumper after another, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Hamilton says the ankle is still a little sore, but he's feeling good and assured the assembled media he'll be ready for the regular-season opener Wednesday.
Michael Finley: Leads Spurs to Preseason Win Over Rockets
Update: Finley had 16 points (7-of-12 FG, 2-of-5 3-PT) and four rebounds in the Spurs' exhibition win over the Rockets on Friday.
Analysis: Finley began last season in a terrible shooting slump. To this point, he has shot the ball extremely well, which will make the Spurs even more dangerous.
Tim Duncan: Finds Touch From the Floor
Update: Duncan had 11 points (4-of-7 FG, 3-of-4 FT), six rebounds, four assists and two blocks in the Spurs' exhibition win over the Rockets on Friday.
Analysis: This was Duncan's best shooting night in a while, but his overall game has been pretty good in the exhibition season, especially his free throw shooting.
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