FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Jarrett Jack: Gets the Start
Update: Jack started at point guard on Wednesday in Portland season-opening loss to San Antonio.
Analysis: Although he got the start over Steve Blake, the two guards played together at times and pretty much split the minutes at point guard.
Joel Przybilla: Double-Double
Update: Przybilla scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds Tuesday night in Portland's loss to San Antonio.
Analysis: Przybilla doesn't have the upside of Greg Oden, but he can be a defensive presence and get some points near the basket. He added an assist and a blocked shot in 31 minutes.
Martell Webster: Good Start
Update: Webster scored 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range Wednesday night in Portland's loss to San Antonio.
Analysis: Webster gave Blazers coach Nate McMillan exactly what the coach was looking for when he made his decision to start Webster at small forward. All night long, Webster was hitting the long distance shot, creating the room for LaMarcus Aldridge (27 points) to operate down low.
Manu Ginobili: Five Steals and Eight Assists in Win
Update: Ginobili had 16 points (4-of-11 FG, 1-of-5 3-PT, 7-of-8 FT), eight assists, five steals, three rebounds and a block in the Spurs' win over the Blazers on Tuesday.
Analysis: While Ginobili did not have his best shooting night, his eight assists, five steals and block certainly make fantasy owners happy.
LaMarcus Aldridge: Leads Blazers in Scoring
Update: Aldridge scored a game-high 27 points on 12-of-19 shooting Tuesday night in Portland's loss to San Antonio.
Analysis: Aldridge brought out the whole package on offense, scoring near the basket and showing range outside the low post. He was clearly the first option when he was on the court and could be poised for a huge year. He added three rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 36 minutes.
Tony Parker: Scores 19 in Win
Update: Parker had 19 points (7-of-14 FG, 0-of-1 3-PT, 5-of-6 FT), five rebounds, two assists and a steal in the Spurs' win over the Blazers on Tuesday.
Analysis: Parker did what he does best, he scored and had a high shooting percentage from the floor. The low number of assists and 3-pointers made are the biggest areas that limit Parker's fantasy value.
Tim Duncan: Double-Double in Win
Update: Duncan had 24 points (10-of-15 FG, 4-of-7 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists and a block in the Spurs' win over the Blazers on Tuesday.
Analysis: Duncan looked in mid-season form. Free throw shooting will be the only thing that hurts fantasy players.
Kevin Durant: Durant Ready to Make NBA Debut Wednesday
Update: Durant (ankle) practiced without limitations Tuesday, and should be ready to make his NBA debut against Denver on Wednesday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo said that unless Durant's ankle swells on the flight to Denver he will make his first start. The number two pick from Texas enters the league amid massive amounts of hype, and, with the season-ending injury to Greg Oden, is the head-and-shoulders pre-season favorite for Rookie of the Year.
Mikki Moore: Moore Misses Practice With
Update: Moore missed practice on Monday with what was called a "tooth problem," according to the Sacramento Bee.
Analysis: There was no more elaboration from coach Reggie Theus other than "I know it is something that has to get done right now." Its unclear if Moore, who led the NBA in field goal percentage last season, will be available for the Kings' opener Wednesday.
Michaela Pavlickova: Pavlovic and Cleveland Agree to Three Year Deal
Update: Pavlovic and Cleveland have reached a three year deal, according to ESPN.com. The numbers on the contract were not disclosed.
Analysis: Pavlovic is currently in Serbia, but hopes to be back in the U.S. by Wednesday, though it is unlikely he will play in Cleveland's opener against Dallas. Last season Pavlovic averaged nine points, 2.4 boards, and 1.6 assists. He could be an option in deeper leagues off the waiver wire because he does shoot a decent percentage from the floor and from the line.
Shaquille O'Neal: Quad Injury No Longer an Issue
Update: O'Neal's quad injury is no longer an issue as he practiced with the starters on Tuesday, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Shaq will be relied upon for more offense than usual while Dwyane Wade is on the mend, so he could shape up to be a nice sell-high candidate if he posts impressive numbers through the first few weeks of the season.
Alexander Johnson: Makes Opening Night Roster
Update: Johnson has survived the final cuts and will be on the Heat's opening night roster.
Analysis: Look for Johnson to see a few minutes at power forward and small forward, but he doesn't appear to be in line for a significant role at the present time.
Joel Anthony: Sticks with Heat
Update: Anthony was not among Miami's final cuts and is on track to make the opening night roster.
Analysis: The Heat have five centers on their roster, so don't expect Anthony to see much playing time unless the deck is shuffled in the coming weeks to free up some minutes.
Chris Quinn: Makes Opening Night Roster
Update: Quinn will begin the season as Miami's third point guard.
Analysis: With the addition of Smush Parker, Quinn will struggle to see the floor unless Parker or starter Jason Williams succumbs to an injury.
Udonis Haslem: Business as Usual
Update: Haslem was on the floor as one of Miami's five starters during practice on Tuesday, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Not much surprise here, as he'll begin the season as the starter at power forward. Expect the usual numbers -- close to a double-double each night -- from Haslem again this season unless Miami is secretly enamored with some of the younger big men they kept on the roster.
Smush Parker: Set to Back Up Jason Williams
Update: Parker (ankle) will begin the season as Miami's backup point guard, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Jason Williams was on the floor donning a white practice jersey as one of the team's five starters on Tuesday, so Parker will be in a reserve role until Williams either falters or suffers an injury. Parker may provide some value for owners looking deep for steals if he's able to log enough minutes.
Anfernee Hardaway: Survives Final Cuts
Update: Hardaway has survived the final cuts and will begin the season backing up Dorell Wright at small forward, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: It's hard to imagine Hardaway playing more than about 20 minutes each night, but he was able to shake off a quad strain and do enough to stick on the opening night roster.
Herbert Hill: Out Four to Six Weeks
Update: Hill underwent a successful surgery Tuesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.
Analysis: Team doctors expect Hill to be out four to six weeks. If healthy, Hill would have backed up Sam Dalembert at center. Now, Dalembert will be backed up by Shavlik Randolph, who played in only 13 games last season.
Dorell Wright: Appears to Have Won Starting Gig
Update: Wright was in a white jersey as a part of Miami's starting five during Tuesday's practice, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: He shot 23.8 percent from the field during the preseason, but with Dwyane Wade out of action, Ricky Davis will start at the two-guard, while Wright gets a crack at sticking in the small forward spot. If Wright continues to struggle, he'll probably be relegated to a hustle-reserve role once Wade is able to return to action.
Jason Williams: Ready for Start of Season
Update: Williams was on the floor with the starting five during practice on Tuesday and is ready for the start of the season, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: He outperformed Smush Parker for the job this fall and barring health issues, Williams will slot in as Miami's starting point guard this season. While Dwyane Wade is out of commission, look for Williams to help Shaquille O'Neal and Ricky Davis pick up some of the slack on offense.
Maurice Ager: Mavericks Exercise 2008-09 Option
Update: The Mavericks exercised their contract option on Ager for the 2008-09 season.
Analysis: He will earn just over one million in the third-year of his deal. Ager played in 32 games last year, averaging 2.2 points.
Rajon Rondo: Celtics Exercise 2008-09 Option
Update: The Celtics exercised their contract option on Rondo for the 2008-09 season.
Analysis: He will earn $1.65 million in the third-year of his deal. Rondo played in 78 games last year, making 25 starts and averaging 6.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
Juwan Howard: Signs With Mavs
Update: Howard has signed a contract with Dallas, ESPNews reports.
Analysis: He'll add depth off the bench, especially with Erick Dampier and Devean George hurt, but he may not get many minutes.
Sebastian Telfair: Starting With Foye Sidelined
Update: Telfair will take over as the starting point guard with Randy Foye out at least three weeks due to a stress reaction in his left knee cap, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Foye could be out even longer as he'll be evaluated in three weeks, so Telfair's time at point guard could be significant. He's someone to grab in most fantasy leagues as a result.
Randy Foye: Out Three Weeks With Knee Injury
Update: Foye has a stress reaction in his left knee cap and will be out at least three weeks, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: He'll be re-evaluated in three weeks, so he could be out much longer. Sebastian Telfair will start at point guard while Foye is out.
Joe Smith: No Soreness in Right Knee
Update: Smith was bothered by a swollen right knee during most of the preseason but he felt no effects after Saturday's 2-hour-45-minute practice, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: It looks like Smith will open the year as the Bulls' starting power forward but his minutes may depend on how quickly Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah progress.
Joakim Noah: Out of Season Opener Due to Sprained Right Ankle
Update: Noah shot individually after practice Monday, but he's out for the season opener because of his sprained right ankle, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Noah was injured last Thursday and no specific time table has been provided for his return.
Ben Wallace: Looking Like Game-Time Decision for Season Opener
Update: Since he's still having trouble starting and stopping on his sprained left ankle, Wallace's starting status for the Bulls' opener Wednesday in New Jersey is unclear, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Like most NBA coaches, Scott Skiles typically likes players to practice the day before a game if they intend to play. But given Wallace's veteran savvy, not to mention his status, that would be waived if he is ready Wednesday regardless of what happens. Unfortunately, this is looking like a dreaded game-time decision, so if you need to set your lineup before that, play Wallace - given his pain tolerance - unless you have a decent back up option.
Ben Gordon: "Productive" Contract Talks with GM John Paxson
Update: Gordon labeled as "productive" the discussion he had with GM John Paxson about the contract extension he has until Wednesday to sign and speculation is that Gordon is seeking more that the five-year,$50 million offer the team has made him, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: The Bulls own the rights to Gordon through the 2008-09 season - making him a restricted free agent - regardless if an extension is reached. Paxson is in similar conversations with Luol Deng, though it appears as if those two sides are closer to getting a deal done than Gordon is. Gordon has until Wednesday to sign a deal, which is a similar scenario that Kirk Hinrich was in last year, when he signed a contract extension just prior to the season-opener.
Luol Deng: Contract Talks On-going
Update: There were indications Monday that the Bulls were considering increasing slightly their five-year offer to Deng (bruised right wrist), which previously had been near $50 million, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: The Bulls own the rights to Deng through the 2008-09 season - making him a restricted free agent - regardless if an extension is reached and talks between the two sides have reportedly been productive. Deng has until Wednesday to sign a deal, which is a similar scenario that Kirk Hinrich was in last year, when he signed a contract extension just prior to the season-opener.
Brad Miller: Thinks He's Ready
Update: Miller (back) has missed recent practices, but believes he will play in the regular season-opener against New Orleans on Wednesday, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "It (back) felt better," Miller said. "I didn't have any spasms today, so I was able to do some cardio, some running. Hopefully I'll get to practice tomorrow and be ready Wednesday." It's a risky decision to put Miller in a fantasy lineup the first week of the season. Use caution and a healthy option at center if one is available.
Mark Madsen: Returns to Practice
Update: Madsen (right shoulder) returned to full-contact practice on Monday and could return in two weeks, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Madsen won't get much playing time when he does return as he'll mostly serve as a veteran leader in the locker room for Minnesota's rebuilding effort.
Rodney Carney: Now Under Contract Through the 2008-09 Season
Update: The 76ers on Tuesday exercised their third-year contract option on Carney.
Analysis: The Sixers' first-round draft selection in 2006, Carney is under contract with the team through the 2008-09 season. He will make nearly $1.55 million this season and $1.66 million next season. Carney averaged 6.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in 67 games last season. He saw limited playing time as a rookie but is expected to see an increased role with the rebuilding Sixers this season.
Ronald Dupree: Made Team
Update: The Pistons cut Sammy Mejia Monday, ensuring that Dupree will make the team, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: On the rare occasions that Dupree is active, he's expected to be the last man on the bench.
Jamario Moon: Survives Final Roster Cut
Update: Moon has earned a spot on the Raptors' 15-man roster, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: The 27-year-old rookie has amazing athleticism and upside, but will be a regular resident of the Raptors' inactive list to begin the season. If Moon continues to improve he could eventually bump someone like Joey Graham or Kris Humphries from their spot in the rotation, but there's no reason right now to use a fantasy roster spot on Moon unless you have an extrememly deep bench.
Oleksiy Pecherov: Will Miss a Week or Two
Update: Pecherov is expected to miss one-to-two weeks with a sprained right ankle, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Pecherov, who wasn't likely to be a major factor in the team's regular rotation early on, will need some injuries (to others) to occur to enable him to get back into the mix, that is once he is ready to return.
Renaldo Balkman: Ready for Opener?
Update: Balkman, who missed the entire preseason with an injured ankle is expected to play in Friday's season opener, Newsday reports.
Analysis: Balkman, who went through a full practice Monday, should provide a spark off the bench for the Knicks.
Gilbert Arenas: Not Being Offered for Kobe
Update: Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld shot down speculation that the team is considering trading Arenas (knee) to the Lakers for Kobe Bryant, the Washington Post reports. "I don't normally comment on rumors but there is no truth to this rumor," Grunfeld said. "We've never had any conversations with the Lakers or with anyone else about Gilbert."
Analysis: Meanwhile, back on the court, coach Eddie Jordan said that after allowing Arenas to set his own pace during the preseason, he would take a similar approach when the regular season opens. "It's about how he feels, and we'll go from there," Jordan said. "He's ready -- he's not the real Gil yet -- but he's ready. I see him out there really quick with his moves, driving and things like that. He may fatigue a little bit quicker but that doesn't mean a whole lot because he plays a lot. Already, I see a little bit of fatigue but that's human nature." The team's November schedule begins with three games in four nights, includes five pairs of back-to-back games and closes with a four-game road trip. There has been no talk in advance of occasionally sitting him, but obviously that would be an option if his knee acts up at all early on.
Brian Cardinal: Should Have Gotten a Flu Shot
Update: Cardinal missed Monday's practice with the flu, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: No word yet on whether he'll play yet in Wednesday's season opener against San Antonio.
Josh Howard: Has Been Cleared to Resume Practicing
Update: Howard (wrist) has been cleared to resume practicing and should be healthy enough to play on Saturday against Sacramento, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should keep in mind that Howard is suspended for the first two games of the season, but should be good to go after then.
J.R. Smith: Still Waiting for Contract Extension
Update: The Nuggets have not picked up the option on Smith's contract meaning he'll become a free agent at years end, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: The club couldn't have made a louder statement to the troubled SG when they picked up the option on Linus Kleiza's contract on Monday but not Smith's. While the team still has until Wednesday to do so, it doesn't seem likely. It could end up being a situation where Smith is looking over his shoulder all year wondering when the other shoe is going to drop. Of course, he might also realize his spot, not only on the Nuggets but within the NBA as a whole, is on the line.
Kenyon Martin: May Start in Opener
Update: Martin may start at power forward in the club's opening game on Wednesday against Seattle, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: With Nene still battling through his calf injury Martin seems the obvious choice to start in his place. However, head coach George Karl has made it clear that he will not play Martin more than 20 minutes a night until team doctors and trainers determine his knee is ready for a full workload. Linus Kleiza and/or Eduardo Najera will be the main beneficiaries of all those extra minutes when Martin is not in the game.
Rodney Carney: May Start the Season Coming Off the Bench
Update: 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks said he was leaning toward having Willie Green as his starting shooting guard over Carney but has yet to make a final decision, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Whether the starter is Green or Carney, both are likely to see significant playing time. The player that has the hot hand will likely see the most playing time so you can expect the two players to rotate in and out of the lineup hurting the fantasy value of both guys.
Willie Green: Not Yet Named the Starter at Shooting Guard
Update: 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks said he was leaning toward having Green as his starting shooting guard over Rodney Carney but would likely make his decision on Tuesday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Whether the starter is Green or Carney, both are likely to see significant playing time. The player that has the hot hand will likely see the most playing time so you can expect the two players to rotate in and out of the lineup hurting the fantasy value of both guys.
Calvin Booth: Sat Out Practice Monday with Back Pain
Update: Booth sat out the second half of practice Monday because of lower back pain, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: There is no word on his status for the season opener on Wednesday but he would likely play limited minutes if he was healthy.
Samuel Dalembert: Practiced for the Third Straight Day
Update: Dalembert practiced for the third straight day Monday after missing more than two weeks because of soreness from a stress fracture in his left foot, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: It was the second day he took part in contact drills. Dalembert said he was expecting to make an impact in the season opener even though his foot felt tender. The team says they expect him to play over 30 minutes but his health is unknown considering he hasn't played in over three weeks.
Robert Horry: Out for Season Opener
Update: Horry (personal reasons) is out for the season opener against Portland, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Matt Bonner should get the bulk of minutes that Horry usually gets backing up Tim Duncan.
Tim Duncan: Agrees to Contract Extension
Update: Duncan is expected to remain a Spur at least through 2012, as he agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $40 million, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: The deal is less than the $51 million that Duncan could have received, but it allows the Spurs flexiblity to rebuild around him after the 2009-2010 season. The deal is expected to be signed later in the week.
Matt Harpring: Full Practice Monday
Update: Harpring (right knee) went through a full practice Monday, but will wait until after Tuesday's shootaround to determine whether he can play Tuesday night against Golden State, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: Harpring did not play in a preseason game, but has scrimmaged and made progress over the past week. "We're going to wait 'til after practice and then we're going to have to talk [today]," Harpring said. "It's going to be a great day. That's all I can give you guys. I don't know."
Brian Skinner: Should Practice Tuesday
Update: Skinner (sprained right ankle) should be able to practice Tuesday, the East Valley Tribune reports.
Analysis: Of the injured Suns -- Skinner, Leandro Barbosa and Boris Diaw -- Skinner is the most likely to be ready to go Thursday when the team opens up against Seattle.
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