FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Kevin Garnett: Post Double-Double Against Raptors
Update: Garnett had 23 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals in the Celtics' 98-95 win over the Raptors on Sunday.
Analysis: Garnett's points and rebounds were seemingly a given, but his increased assists and steals so far this season are a pleasant surprise for all fantasy owners of this potential MVP.
Ray Allen: Scores 33 in Win Over Raptors
Update: Allen had 33 points, including the game-winning shot, in the Celtics' 98-95 win over the Raptors on Sunday.
Analysis: Allen's production was due mostly to his 7-11 shooting from three-point range, and we expect a large chunk of Allen's shots this year to be threes.
Boris Diaw: Gets Start At Center
Update: Diaw, starting at center in place of Amare Stoudemire, played almost 38 minutes on Sunday and scored 16 points with eight rebounds.
Analysis: A nice effort from Diaw, who shot 6-for-12 from the floor and added three assists, two steals and two blocks. It could be a while before Stoudemire's knee is 100%, and if the Suns decide to rest him completely for a few games Diaw will have a lot of short term value.
Rajon Rondo: Shoots 0-4 in Win Over Raptors
Update: Rondo had two points on 0-4 shooting in the Celtics' 98-95 win over Toronto on Sunday. He also had two assists, two rebounds and two steals in the win.
Analysis: Rondo's lack of assists is still surprising, as he only had four in the Celtics' first two games. Rondo has never been a great shooter, and poor shooting games like this one may be common.
Nene Hilario: Good Production in Limited Minutes
Update: Nene (knee/calf) scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds in 20 minutes Sunday night in Denver's loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: Nene was bothered by calf and knee injuries during the preseason, but has played in all three regular season games, splitting playing time with Kenyon Martin at the power forward spot.
Mike Wilks: Leaves Sunday's Game With Right Hamstring Injury
Update: Wilks strained his right hamstring and was forced to leave Sunday's game against New Orleans in the second quarter and did not return, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Wilks was the Nuggets' third point guard to fall to an injury. He'll have a day off Monday before Denver's next game on Tuesday at New York.
Acie Law: Elevated to Second String Sunday
Update: Law got more playing time (22 minutes) Sunday due to Anthony Johnson leaving the team for the birth of his son, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
Analysis: As long as Johnson is gone, Atlanta coach Mike Woodson said he'll split the point-guard minutes between Law and Tyronn Lue. Law had 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting, five turnovers, two steals and no assists.
Tyronn Lue: Starts Sunday in Place of Anthony Johnson
Update: Lue started at point guard for the Hawks on Sunday in Atlanta's loss to Detroit.
Analysis: Anthony Johnson, who started Atlanta's season opener, left the team to return home for the birth of his son. Lue was limited during the preseason while recovering from knee surgery and may not be pushed right now. He played 25 minutes Sunday while reserve Acie Law got 22 minutes. "We don't want to burn Lue up, so we'll monitor his minutes," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. "And with Acie, we've got to keep him out of foul trouble in order for him to stay on the floor."
Anthony Johnson: Not With Team Sunday
Update: Johnson returned home to Atlanta for the birth of his son Sunday, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
Analysis: Tyronn Lue entered the starting lineup in place of Johnson.
Richard Hamilton: Season Debut Sunday
Update: Hamilton (ankle, personal) made his season debut, scoring 21 points in 33 minutes Sunday in Detroit's victory over Atlanta.
Analysis: Hamilton missed the first two games to attend the birth of his first child. Hamilton was 10-of-15 from the field with five assists, four rebounds, two turnovers and one steal before fouling out. The ankle injury was something that cropped up during the final week of preseason, but does not appear to be a factory anymore.
Nate Robinson: (Hamstring) Does Not Expect To Miss Time
Update: Robinson, who left Sunday's game in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury, said he does not expect to miss any time, the New York Times reports.
Analysis: Robinson was available to return Sunday, so the injury does not appear to be serious. He scored 10 points on 3-of-7 shooting with two 3-pointers and is off to a nice start (14.5 ppg, six 3s) in a season where he needs to establish himself as a consistent option off the bench.
Renaldo Balkman: More Playing Time Sunday
Update: Balkman (ankle) played 17 minutes off the bench Sunday in New York's victory over Minnesota.
Analysis: Balkman, who played under a minute in the season opener and left after picking up three quick fouls while guarding LeBron James, appears to be over the stress reaction in his right ankle. There were no LeBrons on the Timberwolves' roster, so Balkman was on the court longer Sunday. He had three points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. Knicks coach Isiah Thomas cut is rotation down to eight with Balkman being one of the chosen few largely due to his defense.
Jeff McInnis: Another 24 Minutes on Sunday
Update: McInnis scored four points with five assists in 24 minutes Sunday in Charlotte's victory over Miami.
Analysis: McInnis is getting a lot of playing time off the bench in the first two games, though it hasn't translated into anything much from a fantasy perspective. Coach Sam Vincent is using him and Raymond Felton on the court at the same time, sliding Felton to shooting guard and letting McInnis (eight assists in two games) distribute the ball.
Robert Swift: Season Debut Sunday
Update: Swift (knee) made his regular season debut on Sunday in Seattle's loss to the Clippers.
Analysis: Swift played just 15 minutes off the bench with two points, two rebounds, two steals, a block and an assist. Swift is still feeling some soreness in the knee and may be limited for a bit.
Joey Graham: Strained Left Quad
Update: Graham was placed on the inactive list Sunday because of a strained left quadriceps, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Graham was replaced on the roster by forward Jamario Moon. The Raptors are off Monday and return to action Tuesday at Milwaukee.
Ruben Patterson: Short Stint, Six Steals
Update: Patterson came off the bench and had 13 points (4-of-7 FG, 5-of-8 FT), six steals, three rebounds and two assists in the Clippers' win over Seattle on Sunday afternoon.
Analysis: He was back on the bench at tip-off after starting opening-night at power forward against Golden State on Friday. Since the Warriors' lineup consists of smaller, more active players, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy decided to start Patterson instead of Tim Thomas to help neutralize the opposition's speed. Things were back to normal on Sunday as Thomas started. Even though he played just 20 minutes, Patterson's active hands produced six steals.
Nate Robinson: Leaves Game with Leg Injury
Update: Robinson left Sunday's game against the Timberwolves in the fourth quarter due to an apparent leg injury.
Analysis: He was escorted to the locker room by one of the Knicks' trainers and seemed to be favoring his hamstring. We'll post details on the severity of the injury when they become available.
Amar'e Stoudemire: (Knee) Sits Out Sunday's Game
Update: Stoudemire will sit out Sunday's game against Cleveland because of stiffness and swelling in his right knee, the East Valley Tribune reports. It will be the first game Stoudemire has missed due to injury since undergoing microfracture surgery on the same knee in November of 2005.
Analysis: Stoudemire played only 24 minutes in Friday's loss to the Lakers and complained about not being able to get the knee (which underwent arthroscopic surgery a little more than a month ago) loose during the game. He did not take part in a light practice on Saturday -- except for some light shooting -- and didn't feel any better Sunday. More on his status as we know it.
Cuttino Mobley: Productive as a Sub
Update: Mobley, who came off the bench, had 17 points (8-of-16 FG, 1-of-3 3-PT) and six rebounds in the Clippers' win over Seattle on Sunday.
Analysis: He's one of those players who blips off the radar at the beginning of each season, but Mobley is a sneaky scorer who has value even when he doesn't start. Last season, he shot 44.1 percent from three-point range and 83.7 percent at the free-throw line. Numbers like those would boost any fantasy team in the charity and long-range columns.
Chris Kaman: Another High Rebound Total
Update: Kaman had 10 points (4-of-9 FG, 2-of-2 FT), 15 rebounds, three blocks and a steal in the Clippers' win over the SuperSonics on Sunday.
Analysis: He wasn't needed much on the offensive end after scoring a career-high 26 points on Friday. However, he was very useful cleaning the glass against the youthful Seattle frontline. After two games, he is averaging 18.0 points and 16.5 rebounds per game.
Corey Maggette: Leads Clippers to Victory
Update: Maggette had 27 points (7-of-13 FG, 13-of-14 FT), six rebounds, three assists and two steals in the Clippers' win over Seattle on Sunday afternoon.
Analysis: The 6-foot-6 guard-forward was a busy man. In addition to driving and creating contact, frustrating the inexperienced SuperSonics the whole game, Maggette was often guarding rookie Kevin Durant on the perimeter. Look for similar offensive performances from Maggette all season long. His ability to attack the basket rivals the best in the NBA.
Tim Thomas: Three Treys in a Minute
Update: Thomas had 20 points (8-of-15 FG, 4-of-7 3-PT), five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal in the Clippers' win over Seattle on Sunday afternoon.
Analysis: He was back starting at power forward for the Clippers after Ruben Patterson received the opening-night nod against a smaller, faster Golden State team. Thomas was shooting it from downtown, making three 3-pointers during a one-minute span late in the fourth quarter.
Al Thornton: Limited Minutes on Sunday
Update: Thornton (foot, ankle) played just eleven minutes and had four points and two rebounds in the Clippers' win over the SuperSonics on Sunday.
Analysis: Surprisingly, not much action for the rookie. His limited time may stem from an injury that started bothering him last week. We'll keep an eye on the situation and report any findings. Thornton looked very good in the preseason, prompting many to mention his name as a darkhorse Rookie of the Year candidate.
Andrea Bargnani: Struggles With Shot on Sunday
Update: Bargnani shot just 2-for-13 from the floor in Sunday's 98-95 OT loss to the Celtics.
Analysis: He finished with nine points and eight rebounds. Bargnani looked good in the Raptors' first two games, but is still very young and inexperienced and will have bouts of inconsistency.
T.J. Ford: Hot Shooting Hand on Sunday
Update: Ford led the Raptors with 32 points on 12-for-21 shooting in Sunday's 98-95 OT loss to the Celtics.
Analysis: He was 3-for-4 from three-point range and 5-for-6 from the free-throw line, and hit two huge baskets to tie the game both at the end of regulation and inside the last five seconds of overtime. He also chipped in five assists.
Chris Bosh: First Double-Double of the Season
Update: Bosh (knee) played 44 minutes, scoring 19 points with 10 rebounds and five blocks, in Sunday's 98-95 OT loss to the Celtics.
Analysis: It looks as though Raptors' coach Sam Mitchell's comments that Bosh wouldn't be able to handle a full workload for another 20 games or so was just a bit of pre-game subterfuge. Bosh did shoot just 5-for-15 from the field, but was a perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line.
Kelenna Azubuike: Solid Play Continues
Update: Azubuike scored 17 points (6-for-10 from the field and 2-for-4 from 3-point range) in Saturday's loss to Utah.
Analysis: Azubuike continues to be a great short-term play while Stephen Jackson (suspension)is out. If his strong play continues, Azubuike could slide over and start at shooting guard when Jackson returns.
Caron Butler: Holds on to Ball Better Saturday
Update: Butler scored 23 points (on 9-of-19 shooting) and added nine rebounds in 40 minutes of action in Saturday's loss to the Magic.
Analysis: Butler was also able to take care of the ball better, with two turnovers Saturday after combining for 15 in the Wizards' first two games.
Antawn Jamison: Shot Not Quite There
Update: Jamison scored 20 points (on 6-of-21 shooting) and added five rebounds in 36 minutes of action in Saturday's loss to the Magic.
Analysis: Jamison's shooting stroke (29.5 FG% through three games) is still not all the way back, but he was at least able to drain 3-of-8 treys after going 0-for-6 in that department Friday.
Boris Diaw: More Court Time on Sunday?
Update: After a lackluster team effort on Friday, Suns coach Mike D'Antoni pledged to get 'energy' players like Diaw more court time in the first half on Sunday, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Diaw played just six minutes in the first half Friday, and 22 minutes in total with eight points and six rebounds, in the 21 point loss. He won't be a really useful fantasy player unless he can start averaging closer to 30 minutes, but that would probably require an injury above him on the depth chart.
Trevor Ariza: Not Seeing Much Playing Time
Update: After being mentioned as a possible starter in training camp, Ariza (foot) has barely seen the floor through Orlando's first three games.
Analysis: Ariza is still recovering from an injury but has yet to play more than nine minutes in a game yet this season. If he isn't on the court, Ariza doesn't have much fantasy value, but look for him to see more playing time when he is completely healthy.
Darryl Watkins: Playing Time Grows
Update: Watkins had six points on 2-of-6 shooting and five rebounds in 26 minutes Saturday.
Analysis: Of all the frontcourt players in Sacramento, he appears to be the most willing to mix it up inside, pull down rebounds and generate some offense. As a result, his playing time has increased to 10, 16 and 25 minutes, respectively, in the first three games.
JJ Redick: Not Seeing Many Minutes
Update: Redick (hand) has barely seen any minutes through Orlando's first three games and recorded a DNP on Saturday night against Washington.
Analysis: Redick has been bothered by injuries lately and head coach Stan Van Gundy is giving Keith Bogans the majority of the minutes at the shooting guard position. Redick has very little value right now, but his minutes, as well as his production, should increase as the season progresses.
Jameer Nelson: Extreme Percentages
Update: Nelson continued to struggle from the field, only making four of 14 field goal attempts, but he did score 17 points in Orlando's victory over Washington on Saturday night.
Analysis: Nelson is only 28.6 percent through his team's first three games. Fortunately, his impressive 93.8 percent shooting at the free throw line has helped offset his poor field goal percentage.
Dwight Howard: Double-Double Machine
Update: Howard recorded his third double-double in three games this season, scoring 17 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in Orlando's victory over Washington on Saturday.
Analysis: Howard also contributed three blocks but did have three turnovers. After shooting 80 percent from the free throw line in Orlando's first game, Howard has returned to Earth, only connecting on seven of 14 throws since then. Still, he is showing early that he will again be a dominant force in the paint this season.
Gilbert Arenas: Knee Flares Up
Update: Arenas, whose surgically repaired left knee felt "stiff" and had a fluid buildup in it after back-to-back games (Friday and Saturday), said he will be fine by the Wizards' next game (Thursday), the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: It sounds like Arenas will be out there, whether his knee is drained or not, on Thursday. How he handles another game the next day though will be telling.
Rashard Lewis: Making a Good Impression With New Team
Update: Lewis scored 18 and recorded eight rebounds and four assists in Orlando's victory over Washington on Saturday night.
Analysis: Lewis also had two steals and didn't commit a turnover. He has already contributed a lot to his new team's early 2-1 start.
Brandon Bass: Scores 11 Against Kings
Update: Bass had 11 points, three rebounds and two blocked shots in the Mavs' 123-103 win over the Kings on Saturday night.
Analysis: Bass is currently the backup at both power forward and center, and could be a decent pickup in the deepest of leagues.
Michaela Pavlickova: Practices Saturday, Ready to Play Sunday
Update: Pavlovic had his first workout with the Cavaliers on Saturday and pronounced himself ready to play 30 minutes on Sunday at Phoenix, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Cavaliers coach Mike Brown has made no guarantees about Pavlovic's playing time on Sunday or at any point during the Cavs' six-game West Coast road trip.
Jason Terry: Scores 16 Against Kings
Update: Terry scored 16 points and had five assists in the Mavs' 123-103 win over the Kings on Saturday night.
Analysis: Terry's production does not seem to have fallen off at all since becoming sixth man, and he still played nearly 30 minutes Friday night coming off the bench.
Dirk Nowitzki: Scores 24 in Win Over Kings
Update: Nowitzki had 24 points, seven assists and four rebounds in the Mavs' 123-103 win over the Kings on Saturday night.
Analysis: Nowitzki took only 11 shots Saturday, but converted nine of them. Still, Dirk's shots will probably increase in coming games.
Jason Collins: Starter With No Fantasy Value
Update: Collins, who is New Jersey's starter at power forward, has not scored in the season's first three games, extending his regular-season scoreless streak going back to last season to 10 games.
Analysis: Needless to say, Collins is useless on a fantasy team.
Donyell Marshall: To Miss Several Games
Update: Marshall (sprained right wrist) will likely miss several games, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: Though he didn't practice with the Cavaliers on Saturday, Marshall joined the team on its six-game road trip. His absence means more playing time for Cedric Simmons, who is still getting over an ankle injury.
Bonzi Wells: Plays 26 Minutes
Update: Wells had six points on 3-of-8 shooting and four rebounds in 26 minutes Saturday.
Analysis: Not a huge output for Wells, but he saw more minutes. If Wells can see 25 minutes per game, he's a good bet to score in double-figures and get at least five rebounds. With the Rockets' crowded backcourt, it remains to be seen whether he'll get those minutes.
Mike James: Scoring Off the Bench
Update: James had 17 points on 5-of-14 shooting, including three three-pointers and three rebounds in 23 minutes Saturday.
Analysis: James continues to be a source of instant offense off the bench while splitting the point guard minutes with Rafer Alston (24 minutes) evenly.
Jason Kidd: Thigh Bruise
Update: Kidd suffered a thigh bruise in New Jersey's season opener against Chicago on Wednesday, but managed to play through the pain in the Nets' previous two games, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Kidd made it through a back-to-back set on Friday and Saturday after getting treatment from Nets trainer Tim Walsh. "Timmy has been working on it to try to get as much swelling out of it as he can," Kidd said. "We gave it a go tonight. He asked me if I wanted to sit, and I just said I'll try and see what happens. But it's something that we have a couple days to hopefully get all the swelling out of it." Kidd's got a few days before the Nets' next game on Tuesday against the Hawks.
Rudy Gay: In Foul Trouble
Update: Gay played only 19 minutes in Saturday's game against the Pacers because of his five fouls.
Analysis: He still managed to score 13 points (5-9 FG), but had no peripheral stats.
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