FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Corey Maggette: Struggles Early, Delivers Late
Update: Maggette had 18 points (4-of-15 FG, 8-of-10 FT), 10 rebounds and five assists in the Clippers' win at Chicago on Tuesday night.
Analysis: He returned to his hometown and struggled in the first three quarters, coming alive down the stretch, hitting a key three-pointer and throwing down a dunk in the last three minutes of the game. He will excel in Los Angeles' up-tempo offense since it is tailor-made for his speed and aggressive athleticism. After three games, Maggette has 28 free throw attempts, reflecting his ability to get to the basket and draw contact.
Manu Ginobili: Continues To Play Well
Update: Ginobili scored 23 points (8-of-17 FG) and recorded five steals and two blocks during the Spurs' loss Tuesday.
Analysis: Ginobili added two boards and three assists in 29 minutes off the bench. He's off to a terrific start to the season.
Chris Bosh: Held To Just One Point
Update: Bosh (knee) was held to just one point and didn't hit a field goal (0-of-4) during the Raptors' loss Tuesday.
Analysis: Bosh was limited to just 10 minutes of first half action after committing two early fouls, so it doesn't sound like an injury led to the poor line. Still, it's clear he's not quite 100 percent right now. Expect a much better performance from the big man when Toronto faces Orlando Wednesday.
Cuttino Mobley: Pours in 33 on Tuesday
Update: Mobley started and had 33 points (13-of-17 FG, 2-of-3 3-PT, 5-of-7 FT), three rebounds and two assists in the Clippers' win over the Bulls on Tuesday.
Analysis: Los Angeles coach Mike Dunleavy said he would determine his starting lineups based on each opponent and he wasn't kidding. Mobley came off the bench in the first two games, but started instead of Quinton Ross and lit up the United Center. The Clips took advantage of his matchup with point guard Kirk Hinrich all night long, feeding Mobley as he spotted up all over the floor.
Dwight Howard: Another Big Game
Update: Howard had another huge game Tuesday, scoring 28 points (8-of-12 FG) and grabbing 16 rebounds during the Magic's victory.
Analysis: Howard went 12-of-16 from the charity stripe, bringing his season free throw percentage to 67.5. It's not good, but it is an improvement. He's probably the favorite to lead the NBA in rebounding this season.
Corey Brewer: Plays 29 Minutes Off Bench
Update: Brewer had 10 points, six rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes off the bench Tuesday.
Analysis: Rashad McCants left Tuesday's game with an ankle injury, and if it proves serious, Brewer should see a big increase in court time.
Carlos Arroyo: Starts at Point Guard
Update: Arroyo got the start at point guard Tuesday and responded with 18 points and six assist during the Magic's win.
Analysis: Replacing an injured Jameer Nelson (concussion) in the lineup, Arroyo went 6-of-12 from the floor and added two steals as well. Still, his fantasy relevance should be short-lived, as Nelson is expected to return to the lineup shortly.
Chris Kaman: Another Double-Double
Update: Kaman, who posted his third consecutive double-double, had 16 points (8-of-10 FG), 11 rebounds and two blocks in the Clippers' 97-91 win over the Bulls on Tuesday.
Analysis: The 7-footer had another solid game statistically despite picking up his third foul with 5:04 left in the second quarter. He battled down in the blocks against Ben Wallace and provided the only low post presence for Los Angeles. His block on a driving Ben Gordon with 3:02 left sparked a 10-2 Clipper run to end the game. Kaman is a worthy start in any fantasy league.
Marko Jaric: Surprise Double-Double
Update: Jaric was a surprise contributor Tuesday, scoring 10 points with five rebounds and 10 assists in 29 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Jaric has put up some nice assist and steal numbers when given ample minutes in the past with the Clippers, so he's someone to keep your eye on in deeper leagues. With Randy Foye (knee) out indefinitely, Jaric only has a mediocre Sebastian Telfair standing in his way for major playing time.
Al Jefferson: Another Double-Double
Update: Jefferson had 25 points (11-of-20 FG) and 10 rebounds in the Timberwolves' loss to the Magic Tuesday.
Analysis: With Theo Ratliff out with the flu, Jefferson slid over to start the game at center and matched up against Dwight Howard in a battle between two of the game's younger stars in the front court. Howard got the better of him Tuesday.
Theo Ratliff: Sits Out Tuesday's Game
Update: Ratliff missed Tuesday's contest with the flu.
Analysis: If you're in need of blocks, Ratliff isn't a bad guy to stash at the end of your bench.
Josh Smith: Fills Up Stat Sheet
Update: Smith filled up the stat sheet Tuesday, scoring 18 points with seven rebounds, six assists, five steals and four blocks in the Hawks' loss to the Nets.
Analysis: Smith only went 6-of-14 from the field, but he did make both of his three-point attempts in 35 minutes of court time. He's a legitimate top-10 fantasy player.
Allen Iverson: Pours in 32 Points
Update: Iverson poured in 32 points with four rebounds and five assists in the Nuggets' loss Tuesday.
Analysis: Iverson is off to a fantastic start to the season and hit 13-of-22 shots Tuesday, also adding one 3-pointer and four steals. However, Denver was outscored 37-20 during the fourth quarter Tuesday, blowing multiple double-digit leads in the defeat.
Zach Randolph: Third Straight Double-Double
Update: Randolph recorded his third straight double-double to start the season Tuesday, scoring 22 points with 17 rebounds in the Knicks' victory.
Analysis: As usual, Randolph didn't contribute anything else on the stat sheet, but he shot 9-of-15 from the floor and eased concerns of whether he and Eddy Curry (24 points) can coexist.
Jamal Crawford: Terrific Start to Season Continues
Update: Crawford led the Knicks with 25 points and had eight assists in the team's 119-112 win over the Nuggets Tuesday.
Analysis: Crawford played a team-high 44 minutes, also adding five rebounds, three 3-pointers and a steal on the night as well. Crawford is currently playing the best basketball of his career and is looking like a steal in most fantasy leagues.
Jason Collins: Breaks Into Scoring Column
Update: Collins scored his first points of the season Tuesday night in New Jersey's victory over Atlanta.
Analysis: Collins was scoreless through the first three games before connecting on a put back. He finished with two points and four rebounds in 25 minutes.
Jamaal Magloire: Little Playing Time Off Bench
Update: Magloire had seven rebounds, two blocks and two points in 13 minutes Tuesday night in New Jersey's victory over Atlanta.
Analysis: There was talk during the preseason of Magloire possibly starting and at the very least having a big role off the bench. That hasn't materialized and Magloire's averaging just under 12 minutes a game. He was able to do some damage in limited minutes Tuesday, but Magliore has been a mild disappointment overall.
Boris Diaw: Double-Double in Win
Update: Diaw (ankles) had 15 points, 11 assists and five rebounds during the Suns' victory over the Bobcats Tuesday.
Analysis: Diaw saw 38 minutes of action with Amare Stoudemire (knee) out and shot 6-of-12 from the field and added an assist in his second straight solid outing. His sore ankles didn't appear to be a problem Tuesday.
Darrell Armstrong: Playing for Now
Update: Armstrong played 13 minutes Tuesday night, backing up Jason Kidd at point guard for the Nets.
Analysis: Armstrong is getting the backup minutes at the point because Marcus Williams is still sidelined with a foot injury. Williams has begun on-court training and is expected back by mid-November. Once he's healthy, Armstrong will be a little-used third point guard while practicing his future coaching skills from the bench.
Antoine Wright: Getting Good Minutes
Update: Wright played more than 30 minutes for the second consecutive game on Tuesday, scoring 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting (1-of-4 3pt) with seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and a blocked shot in New Jersey's victory over Atlanta.
Analysis: He's filled in nicely for the Nets, giving them some scoring punch off the bench and making up for Vince Carter's cold start to the season. Wright's playing with a lot of confidence and making the right decisions on the court, knowing when to shoot and when to drive. The playing time is there right now as Nenad Krstic (knee) remains an under-20 minute guy, and Wright is using the opportunity to make himself a valuable member of the rotation.
Vince Carter: Shooting Woes Continue
Update: Carter (thumb) scored 12 points on 6-of-16 shooting (0-for-3 3pt) in 36 minutes Tuesday night in New Jersey's victory over Atlanta.
Analysis: As bad as 6-for-16 (37.5 percent) sounds, it's the best shooting night Carter's had this season. He says the thumb is fine, and in fact was struggling prior to the injury. He'll keep at it and will eventually start hitting his shots. In the meantime, Carter has been contributing with assists, dishing five more on Tuesday and now has 19 through four games.
Richard Jefferson: Team-High Again
Update: Jefferson led the Nets in scoring for the fourth straight game, dropping 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting (9-for-10 FT) in 36 minutes Tuesday night in New Jersey's victory over Atlanta.
Analysis: Jefferson's been telling everyone that he's finally healthy and that's the reason for the heightened production. He's also benefited from changes to New Jersey's offense and touches the ball more often. With Vince Carter struggling to start the season, Jefferson has become the go-to man.
Jason Kidd: Near Triple-Double
Update: Kidd (bruised right thigh) had nine points, 12 assists and nine rebounds in 34 minutes Tuesday night in the Nets' victory over the Hawks.
Analysis: Kidd has been dealing with the injury since last Wednesday, but played through it over the weekend. Kidd added six turnovers, three steals, one 3-pointer and one blocked shot.
Jermareo Davidson: First Action of Season
Update: Davidson saw his first action of the season on Tuesday and scored six points, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked a couple of shots on Tuesday.
Analysis: Of course, he played in the second half of a blowout. But with Primoz Brezec hurting (and ineffective), Davidson and Ryan Hollins could see more minutes as the season progresses.
Emeka Okafor: A Big, Fat Zero
Update: Okafor failed to score (0-for-6 shooting) and grabbed seven rebounds in 22 minutes on Tuesday.
Analysis: The Bobcats were getting smoked and the starters hardly played in the second half.
Primoz Brezec: A Long Night
Update: Brezec started but played only five minutes on Tuesday, registering a single rebound in the box score.
Analysis: The combination of a tender wrist and a big early deficit sent him to the bench to stay.
Jared Dudley: Best Game So Far
Update: Dudley led the Bobcats with 16 points and 11 rebounds on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Don't get too excited -- the Bobcats lost to the Suns, 115-83, and most of Dudley's production came in garbage time. Still, it was encouraging that he made five of eight shots and was a force on the boards.
Brevin Knight: Knight over Cassell on Tuesday
Update: Knight, who was backing up Sam Cassell, started at point guard on Tuesday in Chicago.
Analysis: A little bit of a shocker. Although Knight and Cassell split time, the roles had been reversed prior to the Bulls game.
Cuttino Mobley: Gets the Nod in Chicago
Update: Mobley started at shooting guard on Tuesday against Chicago.
Analysis: In the first two games, Mobley came off the bench, substituting for defensive specialist Quinton Ross.
Rashad McCants: Leaves Game with Ankle Sprain
Update: McCants left Tuesday's game against the Magic with a sprained left ankle.
Analysis: He will not return to the game and his future status is unknown.
Raymond Felton: Leaves Game With Injury
Update: Felton had to be helped off the court during Tuesday night's game against Phoenix with an apparent left knee injury.
Analysis: Felton initially hurt the knee driving to the basket but made it to the free throw line. He then collapsed to the floor in pain after going for the rebound on a miss. He left the arena for an MRI at a nearby hospital. We'll know more on Wednesday.
Dwyane Wade: Travels With Heat to San Antonio
Update: Wade (shoulder/knee) traveled with the team to San Antonio on Tuesday afternoon, but Heat coach Pat Riley said that Wade will not play against the Spurs, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: As it stands now, Wade probably will miss the games against the Spurs and Suns, while it's possible that he'll be back when the Heat are set to take on the Knicks on Sunday, as that will be nearly a full week after he resumed practicing. Stay tuned.
Jameer Nelson: Misses Game with Concussion
Update: Nelson was held out of the lineup against Minnesota Tuesday night with concussion symptoms, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: He took an elbow to the head during practice Monday and had lingering headaches on Tuesday. Nelson is listed as day to day and Carlos Arroyo took his spot in the lineup against the Timberwolves.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: More minutes produces huge numbers
Update: Ilgauskas is averaging 15.7 points and 14.3 rebounds through the first three games.
Analysis: Expect Ilgauskas to continue to post solid double - doubles, due to his increasing minutes. Seeing that the contract holdout of Anderson Varejao may go a bit longer, Ilgauskas will continue to be a solid go-to option for the Cavaliers.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Misses Second Game with Knee Pain
Update: Stoudemire will miss Tuesday night's game against Charlotte due to right knee pain, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Stoudemire also sat out Sunday's win against Cleveland. He said that "I feel better and that's definitely a plus, but I think I need at least one more day to make sure I feel better consistently." Stoudemire said he may return for Wednesday's game against Atlanta.
Nate Robinson: Questionable Tuesday
Update: The Knicks are listing Robinson as questionable for Tuesday night's game against Denver because of a strained hamstring, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Despite the injury designation, Robinson is not expected to miss Tuesday's game.
Anderson Varejao: Cavs Not Interested in One-Year Deal
Update: The Cavaliers are not interested in re-signing Varejao to a one-year deal, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: A published report says the Varejao would be willing to return for one season at the mid-level exception of about $5.3 million. However, the Cavs aren't interested in the one-year deal that will make Varejao an unrestricted free agent next summer. They want him signed long-term or get value for him in a trade.
Larry Hughes: Out Tuesday
Update: Hughes (lower leg contusion) is not expected to play Tuesday night against Golden State, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Hughes did not practice Monday nor did he participate in Tuesday's shootaround at the University of San Francisco. Cavs coach Mike Brown will start Sasha Pavlovic, Damon Jones or Devin Brown in Hughes' place.
Luke Ridnour: Backup Minutes at Point Guard
Update: Ridnour will play Tuesday night after straining his quadriceps, the Seattle Post Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: Ridnour, who has played a total of 13 minutes in two games this season, will get the backup minutes at point guard while Delonte West spells Kevin Durant at the two.
Kurt Thomas: Will Undergo MRI
Update: Thomas (right hamstring) will not play Tuesday night and is scheduled for an MRI Wednesday, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: Thomas has not yet played this season because of the hamstring and doesn't appear close to seeing action.
Robert Swift: Will Start Tuesday
Update: Swift (knee) will start Tuesday night against Sacramento, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: Swift will be making his first start of the season, while Nick Collison will come off the bench. Seattle head coach P.J. Carlesimo figures it's better to get Swift on the court and moving instead of leaving him cold on the bench.
Gerald Green: Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Update: Green (toe) will be a game-time decision Tuesday night against Orlando, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Green has been playing little for the Timberwolves to start the season.
Theo Ratliff: Will Start Tuesday
Update: Ratliff (illness) is expected to start Tuesday night against Orlando, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
Analysis: Ratliff missed Monday's practice because of flu-like symptoms.
Pat Garrity: Will Play Tuesday
Update: Garrity (ankle) will play Tuesday night, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: The injury to Tony Battie has resulted in Garrity getting more minutes than we anticipated when training camp began, but he's unlikely to offer much in the way of fantasy value while averaging a little over 14 minutes a night.
JJ Redick: Out Tuesday
Update: Redick will miss Tuesday night's game against Minnesota because of back spasms, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Redick may be sent home from Orlando's four-game road trip.
J.R. Smith: Will Play Tuesday
Update: Smith, who is coming back from a three-game suspension, could play significant minutes Tuesday night at New York, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: "He will have minutes tonight. They might be short, they might be long. He makes four 3-pointers, they'll probably be long," said Denver coach George Karl. The opportunity is there for Smith. The Nuggets will be missing Chucky Atkins (groin), Anthony Carter (hand) and Mike Wilks (hamstring).
Mike Wilks: Out Tuesday; Doubtful Wednesday
Update: Wilks (hamstring) will not play Tuesday night against New York and is doubtful for Wednesday's meeting in Boston, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Wilks suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss to the Hornets.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Still Iffy for Tuesday
Update: Stoudemire tested his sore right knee at Tuesday morning's shootaround in Charlotte and remains a game-time decision, the East Valley Tribune reports.
Analysis: "I'll know when I do my pregame stuff, when I test it and see how it feels," Stoudemire said. "It's feeling better, better today than yesterday. But I don't want to be on and off from one day to the other. I want to get it right, I want to create some consistency. If that's tonight, I'll go." Stoudemire sat out Sunday's win over Cleveland and said the knee "wasn't right" in a loss to the Lakers on Friday. With the Bobcats suffering some injuries in the front court, Tuesday night might be a good night for Phoenix to let Stoudemire rest the knee.
Primoz Brezec: Sprained Right Wrist
Update: Brezec may not play Tuesday night against Phoenix because of a sprained right wrist, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: If Brezec can't play, Bobcats coach Sam Vincent will start Ryan Hollins at center, or slide Emeka Okafor to the five and insert Jeff McInnis in a three-guard starting five.
JJ Redick: Injures Back in Practice
Update: Redick injured his back while coming down after a lay-up attempt, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: The injury is believed to be back spasms, but head coach Stan Van Gundy is staying quiet on the details. He was walking gingerly around the Magic practice facility and will likely miss Tuesday night's game against Minnesota.
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