FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Kirk Hinrich: BREAKS OUT of ROTO SLUMP WITH BIG ASSISTS
Update: Hinrich dished a season-high 14 assists Thursday night, his first signs of life in what had thus far been a poor start to the season.
Analysis: Hinrich still struggled with his shot (3-for-11 FG), but he also added five boards to go with his dominant assist totals. Hinrich needed a night like this to show his roto owners that it is too early in the season to give up on him.
Rasheed Wallace: OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION AGAINST the BULLS
Update: Wallace exploded for 36 points Thursday night on excellent shooting (12-for-24 FG, 9-for-11 FT) to go along with nine rebounds and three treys.
Analysis: This was the best performance of the season for Wallace, who has regained his place in the roto upper echelon since moving back to the center position this year.
Vince Carter: FINDING HIS SHOT
Update: Carter (thumb) finally found his shooting stroke Thursday night, scoring 24 points on 6-for-13 shooting from the field and 12-for-14 from the line. He also added five assists, fibe boards, two steals and two blocks.
Analysis: This was Carter's best roto performance in the month of November, and his best shooting performance of the season thus far.
Brendan Haywood: FIRST POOR GAME of the YEAR
Update: Haywood turned in his first poor performance of the season Thursday night, totaling only two points with three boards and an assist in 30 minutes of action.
Analysis: Haywood has been one of the early success stories this season, and even on this off night he still contributed with three blocks. He remains a solid play going forward, but nights like this help to show that Haywood is still not an elite center.
Caron Butler: STEALS MAKE FOR ELITE NIGHT
Update: Butler grabbed seven steals Thursday night to go along with 21 points (8-for-18 FG, 5-for-5 FT) and seven boards.
Analysis: Butler's ability to pile up steals is part of what makes him one of the better roto forwards in the NBA.
Josh McRoberts: Returns to Practice
Update: McRoberts (ankle) returned to practice this week for the first time since early in training camp, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Once McRoberts gets comfortable with the offense and defensive rotations, he'll be activated.
James Jones: Out Indefinitely
Update: Jones (left knee) will be out for an indefinite amount of time, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Jones will remain active and dress for games, but coach Nate McMillan will use him only in an emergency. "We want to see if we can get him better," McMillan said after Thursday's practice. "We tried to give him rest, and right now, that's not working. He's not getting any better." Eventually, rookie Josh McRoberts will work his way back from a left ankle injury and replace Jones on the active roster.
Bostjan Nachbar: Season-High 14 Points
Update: Nachbar scored a season-high 14 points (5-for-11 FG, 2-for-6 FG, 2-for-2 FT) in 19 minutes Thursday night in New Jersey's victory over Washington.
Analysis: Nachbar is starting to get his shots down after beginning the season 6-for-20. Nachbar can hit the 3-pointer and has at least one in all five of the Nets' games, so there's some value even at 20 minutes a night.
Nene Hilario: Will Miss Six Weeks
Update: Nene is expected to miss up to six weeks because of a torn ligament in his left thumb, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Nene injured the thumb in Wednesday night's loss to Boston and will undergo surgery Friday. Expect more playing time for Kenyon Martin and Eduardo Najera as a result.
James Posey: Day-to-Day With Back Spasms
Update: Posey was being treated for lower back spasms Thursday, a day after he was injured in Boston's win over Denver.
Analysis: Posey, who was diagnosed with a lumbar disk herniation after an MRI, is listed as day-to-day.
Nenad Krstic: Left Knee is 75-to-80 Percent
Update: Krstic said his surgically repaired left knee is getting better each day, but he estimates it's about "75-80 percent," the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Krstic has not played over 20 minutes (18:11 per game) in any of the Nets' first four games and that looks like it will be the case for a little while longer. He's averaging 10 shots per game, so there's opportunities for him to score, but he's shot poorly (37.5 percent) early on.
Theo Ratliff: Returns to Practice
Update: Ratliff (illness) returned to practice on Thursday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: It looks like he'll return to the starting lineup Friday against the Lakers.
Gerald Green: Returns to Practice
Update: Green (infected toe) returned to practice on Thursday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Green isn't getting much playing time even when healthy, so don't expect much the next few games.
Josh Boone: Game-Time Decision
Update: Boone is a game-time decision Thursday night because of a sore right ankle, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Boone hurt the ankle in Wednesday's practice. This is not a big deal for fantasy players as Boone has played little in the Nets' first four games.
Rashad McCants: Misses Thursday's Practice
Update: McCants (sprained ankle) didn't practice Thursday and was walking with a slight limp, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: He'll travel with the T-Wolves on their two-game road trip this weekend, but don't expect him to play. Greg Buckner is likely to start at shooting guard in his place.
Jamaal Magloire: Not Getting Minutes
Update: Nets coach Lawrence Frank said it's been hard to give Magloire minutes (12:05 per game) because the Nets have opened up against some pretty quick teams, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: The Nets already have Jason Collins on the floor and he gives Frank a better perimeter defender, which is needed against the up-tempo athletic teams like Toronto, Chicago and Atlanta. "Jamaal and Twin obviously are different," Frank said. "Both are bigger post players. Twin is a little better guard on the perimeter. Jamaal can bang in the post. It's hard to have them both on the floor together. With the teams that we've played the last four games, they all bring a lot of athleticism so that's unfortunately how the league is going. As a coach you have to weigh what's more effective."
Gilbert Arenas: Doing Shooting Drills Before Thursday's Game
Update: Arenas (knee) was on the floor at the Izod Center in New Jersey doing some shooting drills, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Arenas, who is listed as probable for Thursday night's game against the Nets, was wearing game shorts, suggesting he will play.
Larry Hughes: Will be Re-evaluated on Friday
Update: Hughes (bruised knee) will have his injury re-evaluated on Friday, the Akron Beacon-Journal reports.
Analysis: Hughes has missed two straight games and will have his knee looked at before Friday's game against Sacramento. Keep Hughes on your bench until the weekend.
Al Harrington: Should Remain In Starting Lineup
Update: Harrington will most likely retain his starting job even when Stephen Jackson (suspension) returns to the lineup, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: Harrington came off the bench for the Warriors' first two games (averaged 11.5 pts and 6.0 boards), but has started the last two games and averaged 28.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. "It's looking that he's a better starter than a sixth man," Warriors coach Don Nelson said. Harrington has averaged 37 minutes in his last two games and should continue to thrive in the Warriors' fast break system.
Corey Maggette: Hits the Floor, Stays in Game
Update: Maggette (bruised tailbone) charged into the Pacers' Jermaine O'Neal on a drive to the basket and crashed to floor in the Clippers' win on Wednesday.
Analysis: He shook off the fall and remained in the game, finishing with 18 points and 36 minutes played. It is unlikely that the injury will result in any lost time.
Derek Anderson: Gets 25 Minutes Wednesday Night
Update: Anderson played a season-high 25 minutes and dished out eight assists in Wednesday's loss to Philadelphia.
Analysis: He was 0-for-5 from the field and finished with just three points, but if you're in a deeper league and looking for some help with assists, Anderson might be an option as a categorical-specialist with Raymond Felton (knee) out of action. Although the Bobcats are saying that Felton will be ready to return to the lineup on Friday against Indiana, so Anderson could be back into the DNP column very soon.
Tony Allen: Currently in Limited Role
Update: Allen has played an average of 12 minutes over the Celtics' first three games of the season.
Analysis: This isn't the same club that Allen was having a breakout campaign for last season, so even once he's shown that he's fully recovered from the torn ACL he suffered last year, it's hard to envision him seeing anything near the quality minutes he was getting prior to the injury.
Mark Blount: Role Still Unclear with Heat
Update: Blount has played in three of Miami's first four games, averaging 6.3 points and 2.7 boards thus far.
Analysis: If he gets consistent minutes and the green light to shoot from the outside, Blount has the ability to deliver treys -- which is a nice bonus for a guy who is center-eligible. That said, that opportunity may not present itself unless something happens to Shaquille O'Neal or Alonzo Mourning down the road this season.
Dorell Wright: Starts Fourth Straight Game
Update: Wright started his fourth straight game on Wednesday night, while he's averaged just 9.3 points and 5.0 boards in over 28 minutes per game this season.
Analysis: Heat coach Pat Riley is still tinkering with the rotation, so it's not necessarily time to race for the panic button just yet, but Wright hasn't done much offensively to solidify his place in the starting lineup once the team needs to accommodate the return of Dwyane Wade.
Shaquille O'Neal: Grabs Just Three Boards Wednesday
Update: O'Neal scored 17 points but managed to pull down just three rebounds in Wednesday's loss to San Antonio.
Analysis: If you're looking for good news, O'Neal followed instructions from head coach Pat Riley to stay out of foul trouble, as he played 30 minutes and finished up with just two of them -- he's also turned the ball over just twice over his last 60-plus minutes of action. Without Dwyane Wade in the lineup, Miami needs O'Neal to be a 20-and-10 guy each night, but he's only come close to making that happen once which reflected in the team's 0-4 record through the first week.
Anfernee Hardaway: Getting Increased Minutes
Update: Hardaway played a season-high 29 minutes in Wednesday's loss to the Spurs, scoring eight points (3-for-6 FG) and dishing out five assists while grabbing three steals.
Analysis: This effort comes on the heels of his 18-minute performance on Sunday, and it's beginning to look like he will be a viable contributor at times for the Heat this season after playing 7:30 in the opener and not even getting on the floor the following night.
Smush Parker: Plays 29 Minutes Wednesday
Update: Parker played 29 minutes and finished 2-of-9 from the field with four points, three rebounds and two steals in Wednesday's loss to San Antonio.
Analysis: He's been all over the map with playing time thus far, as it appears that the team is unsure just how they want to work him in with Chris Quinn also available to play point guard. Heat head coach Pat Riley has said the Parker is more of a two-guard in their system, which doesn't bode well for his playing time upon Dwyane Wade's upcoming return.
Joel Przybilla: Off the Bench But Effective
Update: Przybilla came off the bench to score nine points while chipping in 11 rebounds and one assist Wednesday night against New Orleans.
Analysis: It seems Przybilla will be coming off the bench for the time being, especially after this lineup change gave the Trail Blazers their first win of the season. He will probably split minutes with Channing Frye pretty evenly though and should still give enough production to stay in your lineup.
Luke Walton: Could be Moved to Bench
Update: With Lamar Odom's impending Friday return, Walton will likely be shifted out of the starting lineup and onto the bench, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
Analysis: Ronny Turiaf will remain in the starting lineup at the power forward position. Walton is versatile and could provide some good production off the bench, so keep him on your roster and see how is playing time is affected by Odom's return.
Lamar Odom: Expected to Play on Friday
Update: Odom (shoulder) is expected to play and start on Friday night barring any last-minute setbacks, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
Analysis: Odom's return will likely send Luke Walton to the bench and allow Ronny Turiaf to remain in the starting lineup. When healthy, Odom is one of the most versatile players in the league, so put him in your lineup on Friday and watch him fill the stat sheet.
Devin Harris: Probable for Thursday Night's Game
Update: Harris (thigh) is listed as probable for Thursday night's contest against the Warriors, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
Analysis: Harris has missed the last two games but Dallas could really use him on Thursday against Baron Davis. If he in fact starts, go ahead and put him in your lineup.
Josh Howard: Likely Out on Thursday Night
Update: Howard (ankle) won't play on Thursday against Golden State unless his injured ankle improves significantly, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
Analysis: Howard has only played in two games this season after serving a two-game suspension to begin the season. He played very well in the two games he's seen action in, so his absence from the lineup will really hurt the Mavericks on Thursday night in their revenge match with the Warriors.
Andray Blatche: Charges Dropped
Update: Solicitation charges against Blatche, stemming from an incident this summer, have been dropped following his completion of a daylong seminar, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Blatche wasn't required to report to court and he is in New Jersey with the team for Thursday night's game against the Nets.
Cuttino Mobley: Could Miss a Week
Update: Mobley, who left Wednesday night's game early, could miss a week because of a strained right abductor muscle, the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: He left five minutes into the first quarter at Indiana after feeling a tweak in his groin. Keep an eye on rookie Al Thornton while Mobley is out. Despite being a small forward, the rookie played 25 minutes after Mobley left. He offers much more offensively than Quinton Ross, Mobley's backup at shooting guard, and may see an increased role in the playing rotation as a result.
Jermaine O'Neal: Playing Time Still Limited
Update: O'Neal (knee) is still on a minute-limit while he gets back into game-conditioning, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: O'Neal played 28 minutes on Wednesday night and is limited to about 30 minutes per game right now, although those shackles could come off soon. "It's a minute count that should be coming off pretty soon," O'Neal said. "It's kind of like the end of my preseason. . . . I didn't really have a chance to test it in the preseason."
Troy Murphy: Limited Action in Return
Update: Murphy (Achilles' tendon) came off the bench and saw limited action in his season debut for the Pacers on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Murphy played 22 minutes, tallying 10 points and four rebounds in the loss. He should be back in the starting lineup in the near future.
Andrea Bargnani: Solid Production on Wednesday
Update: Bargnani scored 16 points with eight rebounds and two three-pointers in Wednesday's loss to the Magic.
Analysis: He flirted with foul trouble once again however, committing four PFs on the night. Bargnani is averaging 27 minutes a night so far through five games, and may have difficulty seeing more time on the court (with an accompanying increase in his per-game averages) until he learns to play with more control.
Chris Bosh: Double-Double on Wednesday
Update: Bosh (knee) bounced back from his sub-par effort on Tuesday, playing 38 minutes and leading the Raptors with 26 points and 10 rebounds in Wednesday's loss to the Magic.
Analysis: He shot just 6-for-15 from the floor, but was a perfect 14-for-14 from the free throw line. Bosh's knee still isn't 100%, but he's getting closer to supplying his usual consistent production.
Boris Diaw: Left Ankle Bothering Him Wednesday
Update: Diaw's left ankle appeared to be bothering him in Wednesday's loss to the Hawks, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: The workload Diaw's had to shoulder with Amare Stoudemire on the shelf (he played almost 37 minutes on Wednesday) appears to be catching up with him. Don't be surprised if Diaw gets a day off himself once Stoudemire is ready to return.
Amir Johnson: Pain is Nearly Gone
Update: Johnson said the pain in his ankle and heel are nearly gone and feels like he's at about "95%", the
Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: Johnson could play a little against the Bulls Thursday, but he's more likely to get extended playing time during the upcoming trip to the west.
Carlos Arroyo: Returns to Reserve Role
Update: After scoring 17 points as a starter on Tuesday, Arroyo returned to the bench on Wednesday and only scored four points in Orlando's victory over Toronto.
Analysis: Jameer Nelson, who missed Tuesday's game with a concussion, returned on Wednesday and was in the starting lineup. As long as Nelson is healthy, he will be the starting point guard; so don't expect games like Tuesday's from Arroyo very often.
Dwight Howard: Double-Double Streak Ends
Update: Howard had 17 points and 9 rebounds against Toronto on Tuesday night, marking the first game this season in which he hasn't recorded a double-double.
Analysis: Howard has been so good that games like this are considered below average for him. He's not going to explode every night, but even his below average games are better than many players' good games.
Gilbert Arenas: Listed as Probable After Having Knee Drained
Update: Arenas, who had his left knee drained of excess fluid for the second time in three weeks Wednesday morning, is listed as probable for Thursday's game at New Jersey, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: "He seemed to be fine this morning," Coach Eddie Jordan said of Arenas on Wednesday. "I didn't see him on the floor, but I did see him in the locker room and he felt that he will be ready to play (Thursday)." Jordan added that he is not worried about Arenas having missed three straight days of practice. "If he was a rookie that we were counting on and he had to learn a lot of things and get some experience, that would be one thing," Jordan said. "But for him, no. It's not a hurdle at all."
Rashard Lewis: Continues Hot Shooting
Update: Lewis scored 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting in Orlando's victory over Toronto on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Lewis made three three-pointers and also had two rebounds and four assists in the game. He is now shooting 58.3 percent from the field and an even better 58.6 from behind the arc.
Eric Snow: Excused from Team for Personal Reasons
Update: Snow (knee) was excused from the team on Wednesday to attend to a personal matter in Atlanta, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Snow will continue rehabbing his injured knee while in Atlanta. There has been no timetable set for his return to the Cavaliers.
Chris Wilcox: Expect Nightly Production
Update: Wilcox totaled 21 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks Wednesday in 34 minutes.
Analysis: Wilcox has been more consistent this season, through five games at least. He's averaging 16.4 points and 9.2 rebounds a game. In Tuesday's game, he was held to seven points because he got only six shots. As long as he Seattle offense doesn't drag him down, he should produce on a nightly basis.
Robert Swift: Starts Consecutive Nights
Update: Swift started back-to-back nights Wednesday and didn't suffer any problems with his surgically repaired right knee, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: The Sonics speculated they might not start Swift on consecutive nights, but the tendinitis in Swift's knee isn't giving him major problems. Swift still doesn't contribute much, though. In 16 minutes Wednesday, he had more fouls (five) than points (four). He also totaled five rebounds, a steal and two blocks.
Kurt Thomas: Still Waiting on Strained Hamstring
Update: Thomas' MRI on Wednesday showed no damage beyond a strained right hamstring, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Thomas hasn't played yet, and beyond listing him as day-to-day, the Sonics haven't given a timetable for Thomas' return. The Sonics could certainly use Thomas in the paint where they were gave up 21 offensive rebounds to Memphis on Wednesday.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: Ilgauskas Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
Update: Ilgauskas scored 18 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked four shots in a loss to the Jazz.
Analysis: Ilgauskas, who is shooting 53% from the field and 77% at the line, continues to add to an impressive 17-point/14-rebound average. When you also factor in solid block totals, Ilgauskas is a top tier center. With limited healthy front court help on the Cavaliers roster, Ilgauskas should continue to post good numbers as long as he stays healthy and Anderson Varejao continues to hold out.
Drew Gooden: Gooden Continues To Play High Minutes
Update: Gooden played 38 minutes against the Jazz in a 103-101 loss.
Analysis: Although statistically Gooden did not have a great night with nine points and eight rebounds, he did manage to get get two steals and one block. Flirting with 40 minutes per game will only solidify his double-double potential on a nightly basis.
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