FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Acie Law: Scores Eight Points in Debut
Update: Law had eight points (3-of-4 FG, 2-of-2 FT) and three assists in the Hawks' win over the Mavericks on Friday.
Analysis: Law is clearly the point guard of the future and may be the starter before the end of the season. For now, while Speedy Claxton is out, he looks to be the number two guy in regards to total minutes behind Tyronn Lue. If Law can avoid foul problems, look for him to get around 20 minutes a night.
Tyronn Lue: Plays 26 Minutes in the Opener
Update: Lue came off the bench to score 14 points (5-of-10 FG, 3-of-4 3-PT, 1-of-2 FT), three rebounds and four assists in the Hawks' win over the Mavericks on Friday.
Analysis: While Lue did not start, he clearly appears to be the number one point guard until Speedy Claxton returns, as he got 26 minutes while starter Anthony Johnson played eight minutes and rookie Acie Law played 14.
Kenny Thomas: Benched Very Early
Update: Thomas, who started, had no points, one assist, three rebounds and two turnovers in 11 minutes Friday night.
Analysis: He played tentatively from the opening tip, at one point blowing an easy layup with no one around him, prompting Kings coach Reggie Theus to bench him with 8:20 left in the first quarter in favor of Mikki Moore. Although Moore played slightly better, it appears Theus will be tweaking playing time at the power forward spot all season.
Anthony Johnson: Starts for Hawks
Update: Johnson got the start but only played about eight minutes and failed to score in the Hawks' win over the Mavericks on Friday.
Analysis: While Johnson started, Tyronn Lue came off the bench to score 14 points and rookie Acie Law had eight points. Johnson clearly appears to be the third point guard for the Hawks now and will be fourth once Speedy Claxton returns.
Marvin Williams: Has 16 in Opening Night Win
Update: Williams had 16 points (5-of-10 FG, 6-of-8 FT), five rebounds, three assists and a block in the Hawks' win over Dallas on Friday.
Analysis: Williams looked very comfortable with Josh Smith and Joe Johnson. Expect him to be the number three scorer on the Hawks. One thing that may hurt his fantasy value slightly is his ability to get rebounds. Smith and Al Horford dominate the boards for the Hawks limiting Williams' chances.
Al Horford: Almost Has Double-Double in Debut
Update: Horford had nine points (3-of-4 FG, 3-of-4 FT), 10 rebounds and a block in the Hawks' win over Dallas on Friday.
Analysis: Horford's numbers would have been even better had he not gotten into foul trouble. Even when Zaza Pachulia returns, expect Horford to get at least 20 minutes a night and perhaps much more, as he can play several positions on the front line.
Josh Smith: Struggles From Field in Win
Update: Smith scored 18 points (5-of-16 FG, 0-of-4 3-PT, 8-of-8 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks in the Hawks' win over Dallas on Friday.
Analysis: Smith struggled from the floor, but fantasy owners have to be pleased with his all-around game. Smith struggled from the floor during the preseason, but we see him working himself out of this slump. Expect Smith to get 35-40 minutes per night.
Joe Johnson: Leads Hawks to Victory
Update: Johnson had 28 points (12-of-22 FG, 1-of-7 3-PT, 3-of-3 FT), seven rebounds, four assists and a steal in the Hawks' win over Dallas on Friday.
Analysis: Johnson is the best scorer for the Hawks, and he showed it on Friday. Johnson is a player who will get plenty of minutes for the Hawks, as they have no real viable backups at the shooting guard position.
Jose Calderon: Leads Raptors Second Unit in Blowout
Update: Calderon scored 10 points and added eight assists and four rebounds without committing a turnover in under 20 minutes of court time Friday as the Raptors routed the Nets 106-69.
Analysis: If you pay attention to the new-fangled plus-minus stat, Calderon was a +36 on the night. The Raptors' bench has looked very impressive two games into the season, and Calderon's effective floor generalship has been a big reason why.
Gerald Wallace: Nice All-Around Game
Update: Wallace scored 22 points (on 10-of-16 shooting) to go along with 10 rebounds, four steals, four assists and five turnovers on Friday against Milwaukee.
Analysis: He played more than 41 minutes, just a few seconds less than Ramond Felton, who led the team. This was a failry average night -- he'll continue to rack up heavy minutes and fill up a box score like few in the NBA can do.
Anthony Parker: Quiet Start To Season
Update: Parker scored 10 points with two rebounds and two three-pointers in just under 20 minutes of action in Friday's 106-69 blowout of the Nets.
Analysis: The Raptors' starters got plenty of rest in the second half with the game well in hand, which limited Parker's production. As opposition defenses begin to focus on Andrea Bargnani scoring opportunities will open up for Parker, so his owners should be as patient as Parker himself and wait for the bigger numbers to come.
Jason Richardson: Multi-Category Producer
Update: Richardson scored 21 points with six rebounds, three steals, three 3-pointers and one assist in 36:04 Friday night in Charlotte's season-opening victory over Milwaukee.
Analysis: The Bobcats have their own version of the big three with Richardson, Raymond Felton (26 points, 12 assist) and Gerald Wallace (22 points, 10 rebounds). Richardson led the Bobcats in field goal attempts with 19, making eight of those.
Raymond Felton: Double-Double
Update: Felton scored 26 points and dished 12 assists (four turnovers) in 41:57 Friday night in Charlotte's season-opening victory over Milwaukee.
Analysis: This is Felton's first season without Brevin Knight around to eat into his minutes, so we expect big things from him. He nailed three 3-pointers and was 11-of-15 from the free throw line.
Joey Graham: Nearly Invisible on Friday
Update: Despite the fact that the Raptors ran away with Friday's game in the second half, Graham only played about 12 minutes and scored only two points.
Analysis: More of the same for Graham, who still has yet to establish himself as a regular part of the Raptors' rotation heading into his third season. There's little reason to have Graham on your fantasy roster right now.
Juan Dixon: Leads Raptors Bench in Scoring Friday
Update: Dixon scored 14 points on Friday and added four rebounds, three assists, two three-pointers and two steals.
Analysis: He ended up playing over 23 minutes in the blowout win over the Nets as the Raptors rested their starters in the second half. Dixon will have occasionally productive nights, but isn't consistent enough to use regularly in most fantasy formats.
Carlos Delfino: Getting Plenty of Court Time
Update: Delfino played over 34 minutes in Friday's 106-69 blowout of the Nets, scoring 10 points with six rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Analysis: The Raptors' second unit played big minutes in the second half with the game well in hand, but Delfino also played big minutes on Wednesday in a much closer contest. Owners in deep leagues should take a look at Delfino, who's proving capable of contributing in multiple categories in the Raptors' system.
Jared Dudley: Plays Friday Night
Update: Dudley (toe) played 1:25 Friday night in Charlotte's victory over Milwaukee.
Analysis: Dudley has been bothered by the toe for about three weeks now. It's way too early to know what to expect from Dudley this season, but as a backup to the oft-banged up Gerald Wallace, he could get some playing time.
Danny Granger: Lead Pacers Friday
Update: Granger followed up opening-night's 20-point effort by scoring 25 points on 10-of-13 shooting with nine rebounds in 33:55 Friday night in Indiana's victory over Miami.
Analysis: Granger drained four 3-pointers, giving him nine 3s made in the season's first two games. He quietly averaged 13.9 points per game last season and looks like a bigger scoring threat in 2007-08.
Chris Bosh: Another Light Workload For Bosh
Update: Bosh (knee) played just under 27 minutes on Friday in the Raptors' blowout win over the Nets, scoring 15 points with five rebounds and two blocks.
Analysis: His knee doesn't appear to be bothering him on the court, and shouldn't be an issue going forward. Unlike on Wednesday, Bosh got lots of rest in this one because Toronto didn't need him, not because he was gassed. In the short term Bosh may not get the usual double-doubles you're expecting from him, but in the long run the kid gloves should keep him healthier. Bosh owners will simply have wait a few games for him to start shouldering his normal workload.
Mike Dunleavy: Split Lip
Update: Dunleavy split his lip during the first quarter of Friday night's game, but returned to play a full game, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Dunleavy got eight stitches, then scored 15 points with seven rebounds, three assists and two steals in 38 minutes in Indiana's victory over Miami.
Troy Murphy: Misses Second Consecutive
Update: Murphy (strained Achilles' tendon) sat out Friday night's game against Miami.
Analysis: Murphy is on the verge of returning to the lineup, perhaps Saturday in Memphis. Jeff Foster got the start for Indiana, while Jermaine O'Neal and David Harrison also got minutes at center.
Andrea Bargnani: Il Mago Rolling
Update: For the second straight game Bargnani led the Raptors in scoring, ringing up 21 points with six rebounds and four three-pointers in Friday's 106-69 dismantling over the Nets.
Analysis: He again shot extremely well, going 7-for-11 from the field and 4-for-6 from three point range. If there was one downside to Bargnani's performance Friday it was the four personal fouls he picked up, a problem that plagued him as a rookie, but so far the 7' 0" sophomore is proving to be a huge matchup problems for opposition defenses.
Devin Harris: Leaves Game with Thigh Bruise
Update: Harris left Friday's game against the Hawks in the third quarter due to a thigh contusion.
Analysis: Harris, who was inserted into the starting lineup in place of Jason Terry this season, is considered a key cog for Dallas. We'll keep you updated on his status.
Amir Johnson: Makes Season Debut
Update: Johnson (heel) played four minutes Friday night in Detroit's 116-92 victory over Orlando.
Analysis: Johnson was expected to miss the first two games of the season, but given the blowout nature of the game, Pistons coach Flip Saunders could get Johnson some easy work. It was a pretty active four minutes for Johnson, who had two points (1-for-2) with four rebounds (two offensive), one blocked shot and one turnover. The Pistons next play Sunday at home against Atlanta. The club stepped up early and re-signed Johnson in the offseason, raising interest in him as a fantasy prospect.
Kareem Rush: Contributes to Win
Update: Rush played just 9:31 Friday night, but hit two key 3-pointers in Indiana's victory over Miami.
Analysis: Rush had been bothered by an ankle injury during the preseason, but moved well during crunch time on a night when Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels and Travis Diener shot a combined 2-for-21. Counting Mike Dunleavy, too, there a lot of bodies looking for backcourt minutes, but there's always room for a 3-point shooter on a Jim O'Brien team.
Jermaine O'Neal: Makes Debut on Friday
Update: O'Neal (knee) made his season debut on Friday, playing 24:19 in Indiana's victory over Miami.
Analysis: O'Neal fouled out, had six turnovers and shot just 2-of-9 from the field on his way to 10 points, but had nine rebounds, seven assists and three blocked shots. He sat out the season opener on Wednesday, saying he needed a bit more conditioning, and probably still does.
Daequan Cook: Team-High 17 Points
Update: Cook led Miami with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including three 3-pointers in 28:56 Friday night in Miami's loss to Indiana.
Analysis: Cook was a DNP in the season opener, but Heat coach Pat Riley needed a shooter in the game to take the double teams off Shaquille O'Neal in the low post. A cold O'Neal (4-for-13) eventually fouled out and Cook kept the Heat in the game. Considering the Heat are averaging just 83.5 points in their first two games, look for Cook to continue to get playing time.
Michaela Pavlickova: Signs With Cleveland
Update: The Cavaliers signed Pavlovic on Friday, the Sports Network reports.
Analysis: There was no word whether Pavlovic will join the team on Friday against New York. Earlier in the day, Pavlovic had to clear up some visa paperwork.
Dwyane Wade: Wade Cleared for Contact
Update: Wade (left knee, left shoulder) has been cleared for contact by team doctors after recovering from surgeries on both his knee and his shoulder, the Associated Press reports. There is no timetable set for his first NBA start.
Analysis: "His conditioning is not to the level that he needs it to be for the kind of game we need from him," head coach Pat Riley said, adding that this news is still a big step for the team. Wade is still not traveling with the team, and it will probably be a slow process for him to get his endurance up and get back to the hardwood. We'll keep you updated as more of the Wade-saga unfolds, but for now, things are progressing just fine. During the summer, Wade said that he would like at least one full week of practices before returning to game action.
Eddie Jones: Will Remain A Starter When Howard Returns
Update: Jones, who started Dallas' season opener at shooting guard, will remain in the starting lineup when Josh Howard returns Saturday from a two-game suspension, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Howard's return will move Jerry Stackhouse to the bench. Stackhouse and Jones will share the load at shooting guard and likely play on the court at the same time as well.
Jerry Stackhouse: Will Start Friday, but Not Saturday
Update: Stackhouse will start Friday night, but move to the bench Saturday when Josh Howard returns from a two-game suspension, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Howard was suspended for a preseason fight, but has used the time to heal a sprained wrist. Eddie Jones will remain the club's starting shooting guard, but Stackhouse will get ample playing time off the bench.
Richard Hamilton: To Miss Friday's Game
Update: Hamilton (ankle) will not rejoin the Pistons until Sunday due to the birth of his son, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Hamilton missed Thursday's season opener for the same reason.
DeShawn Stevenson: (Knee) Ready to Play Friday
Update: Stevenson, who bruised his knee in Washington's season opener Wednesday, said he will play Friday night against Boston, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Stevenson played through the injury, but said the knee got stiff as the night wore on.
Brian Scalabrine: Will Play Friday
Update: Scalabrine (toe) said he expects to play in Boston's season opener Friday night, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: Scalabrine, who has been hampered by a strained right big toe, showed up at practice Friday morning wearing a protective boot. Despite that, Scalabrine proclaimed that he was ready to play.
Darryl Watkins: Provides a Big Body
Update: Watkins has intrigued Kings coach Reggie Theus and may receive more playing time since Justin Williams (sexual misconduct) remains on a leave of absence from the team, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Initially eyeballing Watkins, one would definitely conclude he has the requisite girth for a career in the NBA. A 6-11, 258-pound rookie free agent from Syracuse, he offers Theus a big body capable of banging with larger frontcourt players, but skills polished enough to step out and hit an occasional jumper. In the Kings' season-opener at New Orleans, Watkins played 10 minutes and had four rebounds, while clearly establishing a post presence.
Ron Artest: Suspension is Upheld
Update: Artest will not have his seven-game suspension reduced, according to his agent, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The small forward met with an arbitrator on Thursday in New York and came to a "confidential settlement with the league" which recovered some of the salary he lost as a result of the suspension. With Artest out, John Salmons has replaced him in the starting lineup for the duration, and may have been the best player on the court for the Kings in a season-opening loss to New Orleans on Wednesday. Regardless, the Kings need Artest back in action desperately as it is shaping up to be a long season in Sacramento.
Gilbert Arenas: Knee Feels Fine So Far
Update: Arenas, who scored 34 points in Wednesday's opener, woke up feeling no soreness in his left knee Thursday morning and will be at full speed for Friday's game against the Celtics, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: So far so good for Arenas and his surgically repaired knee. About the only health issue he faced Wednesday night was fighting off cramps in both legs during the fourth quarter.
Austin Croshere: Sore Lower Back
Update: Croshere (lower back soreness) did not practice on Thursday and is questionable for Friday's game against the Clippers, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: Croshere only played six minutes in Tuesday's opener so his fantasy value is non-existent right now. If he can't go, rookie Brandan Wright will most likely be activated.
Scot Pollard: Expects to Play in Season Opener
Update: Pollard (ankle) expects to play in the Celtics' season opener against the Wizards, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Pollard will serve as the C's backup center, behind Kendrick Perkins.
James Posey: Suspended For Season Opener
Update: Posey will miss Friday's season opener while serving a one-game suspension.
Analysis: Expect backup forwards Leon Powe and Glen Davis to receive playing time in Posey's place, especially if Brian Scalabrine (toe) does not play.
Brian Scalabrine: Has Strained Right Big Toe
Update: Scalabrine is a gametime decision for Friday's season opener with a strained right big toe, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: With James Posey already serving a one-game suspension Friday night, backup forwards such as Leon Powe and Glen Davis may see more playing time if Scalabrine is out.
Lamar Odom: Works Out After Sustaining Concussion
Update: Odom (shoulder, concussion) worked out on Thursday, two days after sustaining a concussion in an automobile accident, according to the Los Angeles Times. He is still "week-to-week" though with soreness from off-season shoulder surgery.
Analysis: At least Odom owners can sleep easy knowing that they need to worry about only one injury right now, though Odom seems at least a couple of weeks away from his shoulder being at full strength.
Anfernee Hardaway: Limited Minutes Thursday
Update: Hardaway played just over seven minutes in the Heat's season opener on Thursday.
Analysis: He contributed an assist and two boards, while missing the only field goat that he attempted. Hardaway's minutes will probably be limited in the first few games of the season, as he gets his legs caught up from missed time during the postseason. He'll have a chance at playing more off the bench at least until Dorell Wright takes advantage of starter's minutes or Dwyane Wade comes back from injury.
Joakim Noah: Exercising on Treadmill, No Time Frame for Return
Update: Noah was exercising Thursday on a treadmill that minimizes impact but was still out with his sprained right ankle, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: No time frame has been provided as to when Noah is expected back from the injury.
Thabo Sefolosha: First Guard Off the Bench Wednesday, Not Likely to Occur Friday
Update: Sefolosha, who was the first guard off the bench in the Bulls' 112-103 loss to New Jersey Wednesday when Kirk Hinrich picked up two early fouls, committed a pair of costly turnovers late in the second quarter and didn't play again until the final minute of overtime, the Arlington Daily Herald reports.
Analysis: Coach Scott Skiles praised the performance of Chris Duhon in the loss and will probably make Duhon the first guard off the bench Friday against Philadelphia.
Hakim Warrick: Tagged as a "Role" Player
Update: The Grizzlies plan on using Warrick as a low-post scoring role player this season, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: Coach Marc Iavaroni likes Warrick's ability to score, but doesn't like his ability (or lack thereof) of keeping the opponent from scoring. He should be a decent fantasy player if he gets minutes, which will come when the defense comes.
Chris Duhon: Solid Performance in Season Opener
Update: Coach Scott Skiles praised Duhon's (sore left elbow) performance (30 minutes, 10 points, 6 assists, no turnovers) in the Bulls' 112-103 season-opening loss to the Nets, the Arlington Daily Herald reports. "I thought he was the best player on the floor for us last (Wednesday) night," Skiles said. "Defensively, he was sharp. Offensively, he was good. He had nice composure."
Analysis: Duhon, who was forced to play so many minutes due to Kirk Hinrich's foul trouble, most likely will be the first guard off the bench in Friday's home opener against Philadelphia after Thabo Sefolosha was first against New Jersey. Duhon left Wednesday's game briefly after he slipped and fell on his left elbow while chasing Antoine Wright around a screen with 7:30 left in the fourth quarter but was able to return to action and only reported some soreness Thursday.
Arron Afflalo: Not a Great Start
Update: Although Afflalo got the start in his first NBA game, he only played 14 unproductive minutes, finishing with three points, one assist, and one rebound.
Analysis: Afflalo earned two quick fouls and had his first NBA shot blocked. Flip Murray played 21 minutes off the bench. Richard Hamilton is expected to return Friday, and Murray is expected to be ahead of Afflalo in the rotation when the Pistons are at full strength.
Richard Hamilton: A New Father
Update: Hamilton, who missed the opener to be with his family when his daughter was born, should be back for the Orlando game Friday.
Analysis: Hamilton is already a little sore from a sprained ankle from a few weeks ago, but now he'll be sleepy too. Expect a little rust when he returns.
Jacque Vaughn: Still Not Able to Play
Update: Vaughn (strained left calf) is expected to be out on Friday against Sacramento, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Look for Darius Washington to continue to get the backup minutes behind Tony Parker. No timetable has been set for Vaughn's return.
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