FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Andrei Kirilenko: Flirts With A Triple-Double on Saturday
Update: Kirilenko stuffed the stat sheet on Saturday with 15 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, four steals and a block in a win over Memphis.
Analysis: Kirilenko entered the night averaging 10.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 6.0 apg, 2.7 bpg, 1.2 spg over first six games.
Andres Nocioni: NIce Game Off the Bench On Saturday
Update: Nocioni was the lone bright spot for the Bulls on Saturday, scoring 20 points in a blowout loss to Toronto.
Analysis: Nocioni also had two 3-pointers and five rebounds in 29 minutes of play.
Richard Jefferson: Fourteen Free Throws Made on Saturday
Update: Jefferson scored a team-high 28 points on Saturday (14-for-15 from the line) in a loss to Boston.
Analysis: Jefferson entered the night shooting 97.9% from the line and averaging 9.4 attempts a game. His production could increase even more if Vince Carter (sprained ankle) misses any time.
Vince Carter: Sprained Ankle
Update: Carter sprained his ankle in the third quarter of Saturday's game against Boston and is not expected to return, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: We will keep you updated on his status.
Marcus Camby: Stuffs The Stat Sheet on Saturday
Update: Camby, who didn't record a block on Friday, had five blocks, four steals, ten points and ten rebounds in Saturday's win over Indiana.
Analysis: Camby continues to show that, when healthy, he is a top five fantasy center. He recorded his third double-double of the year on Saturday and entered the night averaging 10.8 points, 15.0 boards, 3.7 assists and 2.8 blocks per game.
Troy Murphy: Back In the Starting Lineup
Update: Murphy (Achilles) started at center on Saturday and posted an 18 point/10 rebound double-double in a loss to Denver.
Analysis: Murphy should be a nightly double-double threat and can provide owners the luxury of getting three pointers from the center position.
Carmelo Anthony: Over 30 Points for Second Straight Night
Update: Anthony scored 32 points for the second consecutive night in Saturday's win over Indiana.
Analysis: Anthony, who shot 10-for-23 from the field and 10-for-12 from the line, also had ten rebounds and five assists.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Foul Trouble Limits Production
Update: Stoudemire (knee) had 13 points, six rebounds and one blocked shot in 25 minutes of action on Saturday.
Analysis: Stoudemire's production was limited on Saturday due to foul trouble, but it is a good sign that he was able to play in back-to-back games.
Dwight Howard: Huge Back-to-back Games
Update: Howard followed up his 22 point/20 rebound performance on Friday with 33 points (13-for-24 from the field) and 18 rebounds in Saturday's loss to Phoenix.
Analysis: The only negative to Howard's night was his awful free throw shooting. Howard entered the night shooting 67% from the line but shot 7-for-16 (44%) on Saturday.
Raja Bell: Misses Game Wtih Sprained Ankle
Update: Bell (ankle) did not dress for Saturday's game against Orlando, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Bell is listed as day-to-day. Leandro Barbosa started at shooting guard for Bell and scored a career-high 39 points.
Leandro Barbosa: Career High 39 Points on Saturday
Update: Barbosa erupted for 39 points, seven rebounds and two steals in Saturday's win over Orlando.
Analysis: Barbosa, who started at shooting guard in place of Raja Bell (sprained ankle), shot 15-for-26 from the field and made eight 3-pointers. Barbosa had been off to a slow start this year (15.2 ppg and only 1.7 3's per game) so this could be the start of good things to come.
Brian Scalabrine: Not With Team Saturday
Update: Scalabrine (concussion) is not with the team Saturday and will not play in Boston's meeting with New Jersey, the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis: Scalabrine remained at New England Baptist Hospital overnight after suffering a concussion in the fourth quarter Friday night against the Hawks. He was discharged Saturday after undergoing further tests and will be re-examined Monday.
JJ Redick: Back is Progressing
Update: Magic general manager Otis Smith said Redick's back is progressing, but was not sure if Redick will play Saturday night against Phoenix, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: With Orlando coming off four straight wins on the road, we don't expect the rotation to change too much against the Suns. Even if Redick is good enough to play, don't expect him to get too much action.
Allen Iverson: Another Strong Assist Night
Update: Iverson led the Nuggets with eight assists to go along with 15 points, two rebounds and two steals, Friday night at Washington.
Analysis: Iverson has led the Nuggets in assists in five of six games this season and is currently averaging 7.8 a game to go along with his 23.5 points and 3.2 rebounds. With Anthony Carter due to come back next week it will be interesting to see if he simply backs Iverson up or if Iverson is shifted back to SG. If Iverson ends up starting at SG it will have a significant impact on his assist numbers for the rest of the year, or until he gets moved back to PG.
J.R. Smith: Finally Makes Substantial Contribution
Update: Smith had 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal, while only turning the ball over once, during Denver's 118-92 rout of Washington Friday night.
Analysis: It was easily Smith's best game of the year since returning from a team mandated three game suspension to start the year. He came off the bench to spell Yakouba Diawara at SG and played 24 minutes while shooting 4-of-8 from the field, including 2-of-4 from downtown. If he continues to give head coach George Karl contributions like this across the board on a regular basis we don't see why he won't reclaim the starting job but that's a big if!
Carmelo Anthony: Bounces Back vs Washington
Update: Anthony posted a game-high 32 points on 14-of-24 FGs (2-of-3 3pt) and 2-of-2 FTs while adding five rebounds, five assists and three steals Friday night at Washington.
Analysis: It was a solid rebound game for Anthony who was completely bottled up two nights earlier in Boston. While there is some concern he was still not being aggressive enough (only two free-throw attempts on Friday) it's hard to argue with the rest of his output during his 34 minutes of court time.
Marcus Camby: Stuffs Stat Sheet in Win Over Washington
Update: Camby had 13 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and four steals during Denver's 118-92 win at Washington on Friday night.
Analysis: The most interesting thing about Camby's stats was that he did not register one block. That aside, it was a very solid night for the Nuggets' starting center who played 31 minutes and finished 6-of-10 from the field including one 3-pointer!
Adam Morrison: Undergoes ACL Surgery
Update: Morrison (torn ACL) underwent surgery Saturday.
Analysis: Thus begins a year's worth of rehab for Morrison.
Jose Juan Barea: Should Start Against Portland
Update: Barea should start on Saturday against Portland in place of Devin Harris, who is missing the game for personal reasons, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: Saturday would be Barea's fourth straight start, thoug hhe seems to have tailed off since his 25-point explosion last Saturday.
Devin Harris: Will Miss Game For Personal Reasons
Update: Harris will miss Saturday's game against Portland for personal reasons, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: Harris is expected to return for Tuesday's game, and J.J. Barea will likely start in his place.
Andrew Bynum: Has Double-Double Against Timberwolves
Update: Bynum had 10 points and 10 rebounds in the Lakers' 107-93 win over Minnesota on Friday night.
Analysis: Bynum (25 minutes) played more minutes than starter Chris Mihm (21 minutes), though it remains to be seen how both players' minutes are changed when Kwame Brown (heel) returns.
Chris Mihm: Posts Double-Double Against T-Wolves
Update: Mihm (ankle) started in Friday's 107-93 win over Minnesota and had 10 points and 10 rebounds in 21 minutes of play.
Analysis: Mihm played four less minutes than backup center Andrew Bynum, though it seems that both will earn between 20-25 minutes per game until Kwame Brown (heel) returns.
Ronny Turiaf: Retains Starting Spot
Update: Turiaf (knee) started at power forward on Friday, despite the return of Lamar Odom (shoulder) from injury.
Analysis: Turiaf had 11 points, three steals, three assists and two blocks in 22 minutes of play in Friday's win over Minnesota, and the team seems set to give him the starting PF nod for the forseeable future.
Kobe Bryant: Scores 30 Against T-Wolves
Update: Bryant had 30 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals in the Lakers' 107-93 win over the Timberwolves on Friday.
Analysis: Bryant's scoring did not seem to be affected by the return of Lamar Odom (shoulder), and his 2.8 steals per game this season are nearly double his career average.
Shaquille O'Neal: Makes Season-High's in Two Categories
Update: O'Neal had 25 points and 10 boards in a losing effort against the Suns on Friday.
Analysis: The Heat as a whole played their best game against the Suns, putting together a really close game against a marginally better team in Phoenix.
Rajon Rondo: Picks up Three Steals Against Hawks
Update: Rondo had six points, seven assists and three steals in the C's 106-83 win over the Hawks on Friday.
Analysis: Rondo's scoring is extremely streaky, but he's been consistently picking up steals this season, with at least two in every game. He currently ranks second in the league in that statistic.
Eddie House: Scores 19 Against Hawks
Update: House had 19 points and five assists in the C's 106-83 win over the Hawks on Friday night.
Analysis: With James Posey battling a back injury, House is currently the C's top minutes-earner off the bench. While House won't score 19 every game, we do expect him to see a decent number of shots, and could be a decent pickup for those in deeper leagues looking for scoring.
Ray Allen: Scores 14 Against Hawks
Update: Allen had 14 points and three assists in the Celtics' 106-83 win over the Hawks on Friday night.
Analysis: Allen is getting the least amount of looks among the Celtics' Big Three, taking only 11.8 shots per game, compared to KG's 16.3 and Paul Pierce's 16.5. While Allen is shooting a blistering 64% from the field, his scoring numbers are still down, and probably will be throughout the season.
Dwyane Wade: Shoulder Fine, but Knee Still a Problem
Update: Wade (shoulder/knee) was quoted saying the shoulder is fine, but that he still experience a fair amount of pain in his knee to this day, the Star Telegram reports.
Analysis: Where it stands right now, it would be a shock to all of us if Wade suited up for Sunday's game against the Knicks. However, Tuesday against the Bobcats is not entirely out of the question. We'll keep you posted.
Paul Pierce: Scores 23 Against Hawks
Update: Pierce had 23 points, four assists and three rebounds in the Celtics' 106-83 win over the Hawks on Friday.
Analysis: Pierce is taking less shots this season (16.5 per game, down from last year's 18.1), but they're much better shots, as he's shooting nearly 49% from the field, up from last year's 44%.
Kevin Garnett: Dominates Hawks
Update: Garnett had another huge game in Friday's 106-83 win over the Hawks with 27 points, 19 rebounds, six assists and three blocked shots in the win.
Analysis: No one in the league is playing better than Garnett right now, and we see no sign of KG slowing down anytime soon.
Samuel Dalembert: Plays Just 19 Minutes Friday
Update: Dalembert had just six points (2-5 FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds and two blocks in 19 minutes Friday night.
Analysis: Dalembert was in foul trouble early and never stayed on the court for more than five minutes at once. Fantasy owners will occasionally have to deal with a game like this from Dalembert but you should still be glad he's not feeling discomfort in his foot any longer.
Rodney Carney: Plays Just 12 Minutes Friday Night
Update: Carney played 12 minutes in Friday's loss to Toronto and finished with just four points (1-5 FG, 2-2 FT).
Analysis: Carney is falling behind Willie Green in the battle for minutes at shooting guard and is not helping himself with this type of performance. He is not yet roster worthy in fantasy leagues.
Andre Iguodala: Fills the Stat Sheet Friday Night
Update: Iguodala scored 26 points (11-21 FG, 2-5 3PT, 2-4 FT), grabbed eight rebounds, dished out seven assists and had three steals in 44 minutes Friday night in a loss to Toronto.
Analysis: Iguodala continues to fill the stat sheet early in the season and committed just two turnovers in a close loss. He should continue to play over 40 minutes a game and must be in all fantasy lineups.
Quinton Ross: Starts for the Clippers
Update: Ross started at shooting guard and played 25 minutes Friday night in the Clippers' loss at Detroit.
Analysis: Generally, his stats are a small blip in the fantasy world, and such was the case at the Palace of Auburn Hills as he scored two points and grabbed three rebounds. He's strictly a defensive specialist whose minutes may increase with Cuttino Mobley (groin) expected to miss at least a week. No one should be swayed to add him to a fantasy roster for that reason.
Chris Kaman: Double-Double Streak Ends
Update: Kaman had 25 points (9-of-14 FG, 7-of-8 FT), seven rebounds and five turnovers in the Clippers' loss at Detroit on Friday night.
Analysis: He entered the game leading the league in rebounding with a 16.5-a-game average, but grabbed only one in the first half. It was the first time this season he did not have a double-double. After making 9-of-14 field goals for the night, Kaman is shooting 52.9 percent for the season.
Martell Webster: Three-Pointers Falling
Update: Webster drained three more 3-pointers Friday night, giving him 12 on the season through the first five games.
Analysis: Webster is hitting 42.9 percent (12-for-28) from behind the line, is averaging 17.2 points per game, and has become a reliable third option after Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. If you watched Webster closely last season, you would see a good game followed by several no-show games. The big question remaining after this fine start is can he be consistent.
Kyrylo Fesenko: Headed to D-League
Update: Fesenko is expected to join the NBA Development League's Utah Flash on Saturday, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: This move was expected. The Jazz can assign Fesenko to the Flash up to three times this season. The Flash play their games in nearby Orem (Utah), so Fesenko may continue to work with Jazz coaches.
Brad Miller: Cleaning up the Garbage
Update: Miller had six points (2-of-9 FG, 2-of-2 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in Sacramento's loss to Cleveland on Friday night.
Analysis: Despite grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking three shots, he looks flat on the offensive end. Miller is scoring the brunt of his points off put-backs and garbage buckets from errant shots by Sacramento's young backcourt, which is suited more to one-on-one basketball. Presently, he is the fourth scoring option when he is on the floor and his lack of production may stem from missing Mike Bibby (thumb) more than it does eroding offensive skills.
Steve Nash: Another 30 Point Performance Friday
Update: Nash scored 30 points on 11-for-16 shooting, with eight assists and six three pointers, in Friday's win over the Heat.
Analysis: It's the third time in four games that Nash has scored at least 30 points. He's had to shoulder a bigger offensive load than normal with the Suns a little banged up, and his fantasy owners are reaping the benefits.
Antawn Jamison: 17 Points, 12 Boards Friday
Update: Jamison scored 17 points (on 6-of-17 shooting) with 12 rebounds in 38 minutes of action in Friday's loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: Other than a 34.4 FG percentage, which is bound to go up, Jamison is off to a fairly typical start, averaging 19.6 PPG and 10.4 RPG through five games.
Deron Williams: Eleven Assists Friday
Update: Williams had 14 points and 11 assists (one turnover) in 40 minutes Friday night in Utah's victory over Seattle.
Analysis: Williams, who mildly complained earlier this week about getting pulled from games, played over 40 minutes for the second straight game. This was his fourth double-digit assist game of the season.
Shawn Marion: Career-Best Rebounding Performance Friday
Update: Marion tied his career high with 24 rebounds, and added 17 points and five steals, in Friday's win over the Heat.
Analysis: The Suns only had 43 total rebounds in the game, meaning that Marion accounted for an astounding 55.8% of them. With Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw both hobbling, the Suns will have to continue leaning heavily on Marion on the glass.
Andrei Kirilenko: Multi-Category Production Friday
Update: Kirilenko scored 10 points with 11 assists, eight rebounds, four steals and four blocked shots in 34 minutes Friday night in Utah's victory over Seattle.
Analysis: Well, he's definitely touching the ball more this season. Kirilenko's averaging 6.0 assists per game through the first six games while continuing to show up in other categories.
Antonio Daniels: Seeing More Minutes
Update: Daniels scored eight points (on 3-of-8 shooting) with four rebounds and three assists in 28 minutes of action in Friday's loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: Daniels, who saw 26 minutes of playing time Thursday, is seeing more court time with DeShawn Stevenson struggling with his shot, but he's still a marginal fantasy option as long as the Wizards scoring is so top-heavy.
Luke Walton: Moves to Bench
Update: With Lamar Odom (shoulder) returning to action Friday, Walton came off the bench in the Lakers' victory over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Walton had four points (1-of-6 FG), five rebounds, three asssists, a steal and six turnovers in 29 minutes.
Marcus Banks: Misses Game With Shoulder Strain
Update: Banks did not play on Friday due to a strain in his right shoulder, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: The Suns are having a hard time staying healthy to begin the season. Banks' minutes have been inconsistent even when he is 100%, however.
DeShawn Stevenson: Shooting Slump
Update: Stevenson was held scoreless (on 0-of-6 shooting) in 18 minutes of action in Friday's loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: That's two straight games without a point for Stevenson, who is shooting a paltry .172 thus far. He's obviously not that bad, so expect him to head in the direction of his .430 career average, sooner rather than later.
Emeka Okafor: Dominates the Paint
Update: Okafor dominated the Pacers in the middle on Friday night, scoring 25 points while pulling down 23 rebounds.
Analysis: This is the second game in a row that an opposing big man piled up huge rebound numbers against the Pacers - Chris Kaman had 22 rebounds against them earlier in the week.
Andray Blatche: More Involved Friday
Update: Blatche scored 11 points (on 5-of-8 shooting) with eight rebounds and three blocks in 22 minutes of action in Friday's loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: It was the most extensive action of the season for Blatche who saw some additional time with Brendan Haywood in foul trouble and the Wizards down big. He's probably a break away from steady playing time, but Blatche is definitely worth keeping on the radar, especially if/when the 0-5 Wizards start looking to shake things up.
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