FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Dirk Nowitzki: Fills Up Scoresheet in Season Opener
Update: Nowitzki had 15 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two blocked shots in Wednesday's season-opening 92-74 win over Cleveland.
Analysis: Dirk's point production was lower due to 6-15 shooting from the field, a percentage we expect to increase as the season continues. This increase in assists is intriguing however, and could bear watching.
John Salmons: Fills-in and Fills-it-up
Update: Salmons played 44 minutes and had 22 points (10-of-19 FG, 2-of-3 FT), nine assists and three steals in the Kings' opening night loss to the Hornets on Wednesday.
Analysis: He started at small forward for Ron Artest (suspension) and was one of the few bright spots in a double-digit loss. Salmons can play point guard as well, so with Mike Bibby (thumb) injured he should be playing substantial minutes through December.
Jamaal Magloire: Limited Minutes off Bench
Update: Magloire played just 11 minutes Wednesday night in New Jersey's overtime victory over Chicago.
Analysis: Nets coach Lawrence Frank went with a smaller lineup when subbing for his starting five against the smaller and quicker Bulls' lineup. Magloire will get his playing time when a larger lineup suits the Nets.
Richard Jefferson: Double-Double
Update: Jefferson scored a team-high 29 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the field (3-of-4 3pt) and 12-of-12 from the free-throw line Wednesday night in New Jersey's overtime victory over Chicago.
Analysis: The new-look movement offense in New Jersey is designed to spread the shots around, with Jefferson playing second fiddle to Vince Carter (24 points). Jefferson, who struggled with an ankle injury last season, is healthy this year and will share the offensive load with Carter.
Tim Duncan: Tough Night Against Memphis
Update: Duncan had 17 points (7-of-15 FG, 3-of-6 FT), nine rebounds, three blocks and a steal in the Spurs' win over the Grizzlies on Wednesday.
Analysis: Duncan hit a big shot near the end of the fourth but overall did not have one of his better games. The Grizzlies did a good job of making Duncan take difficult shots, and Duncan could not take advantage at the foul line.
Antoine Wright: Twenty-One Points off Bench
Update: Wright scored 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including four 3-pointers in 27 minutes Wednesday night in New Jersey's season opening overtime victory over Chicago.
Analysis: Days after having the club not pick up his fourth year option, Wright goes off in a big way for the Nets. He was part of the Nets' small lineup during crunch time and into overtime, bitting big shots from outside, which is what he can do. We weren't expecting him to get this much run, but when he started hitting shots, coach Lawrence Frank went with the hot shooter.
Tony Parker: Scores 17 in Win
Update: Parker had 17 points (8-of-20 FG, 1-of-3 3-PT), four rebounds and seven assists in the Spurs' win over the Grizzlies on Wednesday.
Analysis: Parker was unable to get a lot of the easy layups that he normally gets in transition and was forced to take more jumpers. The seven assists are encouraging, but don't expect that number every night.
Manu Ginobili: Clutch Free Throws Seal Win
Update: Ginobili had 30 points (6-of-14 FG, 5-of-9 3-PT, 13-of-14 FT), five rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block in the Spurs' win over the Grizzlies on Wednesday.
Analysis: A great fantasy game by Ginobili highlighted by several clutch free throws that sealed the win against what appears to be a much improved Grizzlies team.
Jason Kidd: Thirteen Assists in Season Opener
Update: Kidd (back) had 13 assists, eight rebounds, seven points and five steals Wednesday night in New Jersey's season opening victory over Chicago.
Analysis: Kidd, who missed two weeks during training camp because of a back injury, played 40 minutes in the overtime win.
Nenad Krstic: Starts in Opener
Update: Krstic (knee) started and played 19 minutes Wednesday night in New Jersey's season opening victory over Chicago.
Analysis: Krstic will likely be limited early on as he only got into game action during the final week of the preseason after recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. He scored 10 points with four rebounds, three turnovers and a block.
Ron Artest: Surfacing in Kobe Rumors
Update: According to sources close to the Kings, there were recent trade talks between Chicago and Sacramento regarding a three-team deal that would send the Lakers' Kobe Bryant to the Bulls and Artest to Los Angeles, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Similar rumors emanated from a Chicago radio station recently, endorsing the Kings information. The deal discussed would send Artest to the Lakers and bring either Ben Gordon or possibly Joakim Noah to the Kings. Of course, it is all conjecture at this point, but most of the players involved aren't very stable in their current situations.
Mehmet Okur: Scoreless in Opener
Update: Okur was scoreless in 15 minutes Wednesday night in Utah's season opening victory over Golden State.
Analysis: Okur picked up some early fouls, then was on the bench when reserve players like Gordan Giricek, C.J. Miles and Paul Millsap helped Utah extend its lead. We wouldn't worry about Okur, he'll get his playing time.
Willie Green: Named Starter at Shooting Guard
Update: Green has been named the starter at shooting guard, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Sixers coach Mo Cheeks waited until the last minute to identify his starter at the two, but we'd seen Green working with the first team during the preseason. "I thought both of those guys had been great throughout the preseason and up to this point, but I liked Willie Green and liked the progression he has made, the things he was doing," Cheeks said following Wednesday morning's shootaround at the Air Canada Centre, where the Sixers will play Toronto to open the season.
Randy Foye: Option Exercised
Update: The Timberwolves exercised the fourth year contract option for Foye (knee), the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Foye, who is expected to start at point guard when healthy, will be paid $2.81 million next season.
Rashad McCants: Option Exercised
Update: The Timberwolves exercised McCants' (knee) contract option for next season, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: McCants will be paid $2.62 million in his fourth NBA season.
Luke Ridnour: Not the First Guard off Bench
Update: Sonics head coach P.J. Carlesimo said Delonte West, not Ridnour (nose), will be the first guard off the bench Wednesday night, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: Ridnour has had trouble during the preseason adjusting to life wearing a protective mask for his nose, and that's primarily the reason he's not starting at point guard to open the season. Earl Watson is the starter for the time being, but we expect Ridnour to get in there at some point. "I don't even have a number in mind," Carlesimo said when asked how many games Watson would start. "It's going to be more than a few games."
Delonte West: First Guard off Bench
Update: West will be the first guard off the bench Wednesday night against Denver, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: That means Luke Ridnour has been pushed down to fourth on the depth chart.
Kurt Thomas: Inactive Wednesday
Update: Thomas (hamstring) will be inactive for Wednesday's night opener against Denver, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: Thomas sustained the injury during Tuesday's practice.
Robert Swift: Inactive
Update: Swift (knee) will be inactive Wednesday night against Denver, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: With Kurt Thomas (hamstring) also inactive, there will be potential playing time for Mouhamed Sene and Johan Petro.
Kevin Durant: Takes Part in Shootaround
Update: Durant (ankle) took part in Wednesday morning's shootaround and will start Wednesday night against Denver, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: Durant looked comfortable shooting baskets and walked without a limp. "He looks fine, he's practiced the last two days," Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo said. "He's not quite 100 percent but he's not limping or showing anything. It might be different when he gets on the floor and we'll see tonight. But he's going to start and hopefully he will be fine."
Steve Francis: DNP
Update: Francis was a DNP-CD in Wednesday's season opening victory over the Lakers.
Analysis: Houston coach Rick Adelman wasn't kidding when he said Francis would not be part of the rotation. The Rockets got positive contributions from Mike James and Bonzi Wells, so it doesn't look like Francis will be getting off the bench anytime soon.
Rodney Stuckey: Performing Drills Without Cast
Update: Stuckey (broken left hand) was doing drills without a protective cast on Tuesday, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: The Pistons are still saying he's due back in early December.
Jason Terry: Knee Sore, but Playing
Update: Terry said his knee is still a little sore, but it won't keep him out of the lineup Wednesday night against Cleveland, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: "It's the regular season and nothing's keeping me out now," said Terry at Wednesday morning's shootaround. He is not expected to start, but should see ample minutes off the bench behind Jerry Stackhouse and Devin Harris.
Juwan Howard: Will Join Dallas on Thursday
Update: Howard will join the Mavericks on Thursday in preparation for Friday's game in Atlanta, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Howard still has to clear waivers on Wednesday, sign his one-year deal with Dallas, then get a physical before hooking up with the club.
Ronnie Brewer: Shines in Start
Update: Brewer scored 18 points (8-for-14) and four steals Wednesday night in Utah's season opening victory over Golden State.
Analysis: Brewer was rewarded for the hard work he did during the offseason and summer league with the starting assignment at shooting guard. Playing alongside a quality point guard like Deron Williams should give Brewer ample opportunities to score.
Lorenzen Wright: Injures Foot in Practice
Update: Wright injured his left foot during Monday's practice, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
Analysis: Look for Wright to be inactive come Friday's season opener against Dallas.
Speedy Claxton: Will not Dress Wednesday
Update: Claxton (knee) will not dress Friday night in Atlanta's opener against Dallas, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
Analysis: We expect Anthony Johnson to start at point guard with Acie Law coming off the bench despite sprained ligaments in his left wrist.
Jermaine O'Neal: Misses Season Opener
Update: O'Neal (knee) practiced in the afternoon, but will miss Wednesday night's season opener against Washington, the Associated Press reports. O'Neal said he was ready to play, but was told to sit out so he could get back into form from a conditioning standpoint, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Pacers' coach Jim O'Brien said O'Neal should be able to go in Friday's game against the Heat. If you can change your lineup before tip-off, get him out of there. Ike Diogu got the start in O'Neal's place.
Ben Wallace: Expected to Play in Wednesday's Opener
Update: Bulls coach Scott Skiles said after Wednesday morning's shootaround that Wallace (ankle) is expected to play against New Jersey Wednesday night, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: "Unless something happens while he's warming up tonight," Skiles added. "He moved around pretty well. He's still guarding it a little bit because there's no reason to do anything silly this morning. But I'm 90 percent sure he's playing." Wallace may not get a full complement of minutes, but if you need him, start him.
Awvee Storey: Left Hip Injury
Update: Storey injured his left hip taking a fall in practice recently, the Racine Journal Times reports.
Analysis: Storey worked out with the team on Tuesday and said the doctors are waiting to see how he feels before scheduling another MRI. The Bucks don't know when he'll be ready for game action.
Joel Przybilla: More Minutes Coming
Update: Coach Nate McMillan will try to find more minutes for Przybilla in the future, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Przybilla played only five minutes in the final period mainly due to his deficiencies in free throw shooting even though he converted on five of six attempts. He played 31 minutes Tuesday night so any additional minutes are just icing on the cake.
Jameer Nelson: Nelson Signs Multi-Year Contract With Magic
Update: Nelson signed a multi-year contract with Orlando on Wednesday. Terms were not disclosed.
Analysis: Nelson, who is in his fourth year, has averaged 11.9 points, 4.0 assists and 2.8 assists over his career.
Lamar Odom: Odom Suffers Concussion in Car Accident
Update: Odom suffered a slight concussion after he was involved in a two-car accident on his way to the team's shootaround prior to Tuesday night's opener, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports.
Analysis: Odom was inactive for Tuesday night's game as his surgically repaired shoulder heals. He was taken to the hospital in an ambulance, but was released, and attended the Lakers' game. It doesn't seem like the accident will inhibit his return to the court after the shoulder is ready to go.
Luther Head: Contract Extended Through 2008-09
Update: Houston extended Head's contract through 2008-09 Wednesday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Head averaged 9.8 points per game with the Rockets last season. He did not score in Houston's 95-93 season opener Tuesday against the Lakers.
Pau Gasol: Will Not Start Wednesday
Update: Gasol (ankle) will not be in the team's starting lineup Wednesday against the Spurs, according to the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Gasol's ankle has bothered him for most of the preseason, and he will see limited time in the season opener Wednesday. Darko Milicic will get the start at power forward in Gasol's absence.
Zaza Pachulia: Will Not Start Season Opener
Update: Pachulia (knee) will not start in Atlanta's game against Dallas Friday, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
Analysis: Pachulia has been limited in practice since injuring both his knee and ankle two weeks ago. Rookie Al Horford will start at center in his place.
Al Horford: Will Start Friday
Update: Horford get the start at center Friday in the Hawks' opening night game against the Mavericks, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
Analysis: Horford will be starting in place of the injured Zaza Pachulia, who is out with knee and ankle injuries.
Shavlik Randolph: Expected to Be Available for the Season Opener Wednesday
Update: Randolph (broken left ankle) is expected to be available for the season opener Wednesday night in Toronto, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Randolph spent the entire offseason rehabbing the ankle after suffering the injury early last season. He only played in 13 games and did not spend much time on the court during the offseason. He does not have any fantasy value at this point of the season.
Samuel Dalembert: Expected to Be In the Lineup Wednesday Night
Update: Dalembert (stress fracture left foot) is expected to be in the lineup for the season opener Wednesday night against Toronto, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Dalembert had foot surgery after averaging career highs of 10.7 points and 8.9 rebounds last season but has hardly played over the last month or so. If he surprisingly plays over 25 minutes, he may be rusty from sitting out for so long.
Jameer Nelson: Signs Contract Extension
Update: Nelson signed a two-year contract extension with the Magic Tuesday, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Nelson has looked good in the preseason, averaging 9.9 points and 5.0 assists per game, and should be the starting point guard to begin the season for Orlando.
Ben Wallace: Expected to Play Wednesday
Update: Wallace did some running during the Bulls' light workout Tuesday and coach Scott Skiles expects him to play Wednesday at New Jersey, six days after Wallace suffered a sprained left ankle, the Arlington Daily Herald reports.
Analysis: Wallace might be limited during the contest but he plans on suiting up and trying to play.
Ben Gordon: To Become a Restricted Free Agent After the Season?
Update: Gordon's camp and Bulls management have agreed on little in their negotiations, including whether Gordon (sprained right ankle) even received an offer similar to Luol Deng's. That makes it virtually certain the deadline will pass and Gordon will become a restricted free agent again next summer, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Deng has received a five-year, $50 million offer and there are rumors that if the Bulls go to $55 million over that length, a deal will get done. The Bulls own both players' rights through the 2008-09 season if extensions aren't reached. Either player could sign an offer sheet with another team next summer. But as restricted free agents, the Bulls could match the offers.
Luol Deng: Contract Extension Doubtful
Update: Deng (bruised right wrist) expressed doubt Tuesday that he would agree to a contract extension before Wednesday's deadline, the Arlington Daily Herald reports.
Analysis: There were indications Monday that the Bulls were considering increasing slightly their five-year offer to Deng, which previously had been near $50 million, but talks Tuesday went nowhere. Both sides will meet on Wednesday, but if Deng doesn't sign a new contract on that day, he will become a restricted free agent next summer, which means the Bulls would have the right to match any offer.
Amir Johnson: Sore Left Achilles
Update: Although Johnson's ankle is fully healed, his left Achilles' tendon is a bit sore, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Johnson is not likely to play in either of Detroit's first two games. Considering he missed most of the summer league and exhibition season due to contract issues and injuries, Johnson is probably not going to see significant minutes over the first month of the season.
Andris Biedrins: Foul Trouble Limits Production
Update: Biedrins had four points, nine rebounds and two blocks in 26 foul-plagued minutes on Tuesday.
Analysis: Don't expect much scoring from Biedrins, but it's good to see him hitting the boards and blocking shots. If he can stay out of foul trouble, Biedrins should be a great source for rebounds and blocks this year.
Al Harrington: Thirty Minutes Off the Bench In Opener
Update: Harrington played 30 minutes and scored ten points (4-for-10 shooting) in Tuesday's loss to Utah.
Analysis: Harrington had six rebounds, but didn't contribute much else. He did play more minutes than starter Mickeal Pietrus but will remain the Warriors sixth man for now.
Wally Szczerbiak: Expect Good Minutes in Reserve Role
Update: Szczerbiak will come off the bench in Wednesday's season opener but likely will get good minutes.
Analysis: Szczerbiak is the lone All-Star on the Seattle roster and one of the few players with proven offensive skills. He might not start, but as the sixth man he'll likely be on the floor in crunch time.
Jeff Green: Slowed by Ankle Injruy
Update: Green practiced Tuesday after suffering a sprained left ankle in Friday's exhibition finale and is expected to play in Wednesday's season opener, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Green won't start, but he will be part of the small-forward rotation. Damien Wilkins will start at small forward Wednesday.
Kurt Thomas: Questionable with Hamstring Injury
Update: Thomas suffered a strained right hamstring in practice Tuesday and is questionable for Wednesday's season opener, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Thomas might take it easy Wednesday, but he'll probably get decent minutes this season. Nick Collison will start at center with Thomas coming off the bench to spell him and Chris Wilcox at power forward.
Jason Kapono: Wins Starting Job
Update: Kapono has won the starting small forward spot with the Raptors, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: No real surprise here. Kapono won't have a primary role in the Raptors offense, but should be open for plenty of jumpers while the other team focuses on stopping Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani.
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