FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Brad Miller: Misses Utah Game
Update: Miller missed the Kings' game at Utah on Monday with a bruised right quadriceps, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Mikki Moore, who has been opening games at power forward, took Miller's starting spot at center. Kenny Thomas started at four with Moore changing positions.
Justin Williams: Investigation Concludes
Update: Sacramento police have finished their investigation into allegations that Williams sexually assaulted a woman and have sent their findings to prosecutors, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: It will be determined by the Sacramento County district attorney's office if any charges should be filed. The second-year player has not been cut from the Kings, but is currently on leave from the team until the case concludes.
Calvin Booth: Removed from the 76ers 12-Man Game-Day Roster
Update: Booth was removed from the 76ers 12-man game-day roster before Sunday night's game, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Booth has struggled in limited playing time, having appeared in four of the first five games. He has scored just one point and is averaging just under six minutes a game. Needless to say, he should not be on fantasy rosters.
Shavlik Randolph: Has Been Deactivated For Each Game This Season
Update: Randolph (left ankle) has been deactivated for each game so far this season.
Analysis: Randolph is supposed to be healthy but the team hasn't said whether he is being deactivated on gameday because of the injury or other reasons. Either way, he has no fantasy value.
Herbert Hill: Return From Surgery On Schedule
Update: Hill, who had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee, said his rehabilitation was going well and that his timetable for returning remains four to six weeks after surgery, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: "Every couple of days, I do more stuff, riding a bike and running on a treadmill," Hill said. "I'm not sure when I will be back, but the key for me is watching these guys and to learn as much as I can." Hill will have no fantasy value when he returns from the injury because he'll play minimum minutes for the first few weeks.
Mickael Pietrus: Could Miss A Few More Games
Update: Pietrus, who missed the Warriors last game with the flu, could miss some more games to deal with a personal matter, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Analysis: Pietrus is averaging 10.3 points and 3.8 rebounds this year and should continue to back up the power forward and small forward positions when he returns.
Larry Hughes: Still Bothered by Knee
Update: Hughes, who returned to action Sunday after missing three games due to a knee injury, was still bothered by the knee and was limping on it during the second half of Cleveland's victory over the Clippers, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: There's no word on his status for Monday night's game against the Nuggets.
Anderson Varejao: Refutes Reports
Update: Varejao, in an interview with the Spanish-language Web site Marca.com, says reports about his contract demands and physical condition are inaccurate, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: There have been various reports, claiming Varejao's agent asking for a deal averaging $10 million per season. Another report said Varejao was not working out. "The details, the amounts of my contract, the suppositions, they are not correct. I have been training here in Brazil twice a day during the pre-Olympic tournament, the preseason and now the regular season. I desire for my fans and the team to know that I want to play and that I want an agreement that's fair for both parties," Varejao said, via a computer translation.
Michaela Pavlickova: Questionable Monday
Update: Pavlovic is questionable for Monday's game against Denver because of back spasms, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: Pavlovic, who was limited to just six minutes Sunday night, is listed as day-to-day.
Matt Harpring: Plans to Play Monday
Update: Harpring (knee) expects to play Monday night against the Kings, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Harping, who is on a minutes-restriction after undergoing offseason knee surgery, missed his first game of the season on Saturday. Apparently, Utah's schedule will play a role in determining whether Harpring will be available. Saturday's game was the second in back-to-back games and the medical staff wanted him to take it easy. "The trainer, (Gary Briggs), and Dr. (Lyle) Mason (the Jazz's orthopedic specialist), we sat down... and said, 'Let's take this next one off,' because we've got a lot of games coming up," Harpring said. The Jazz will enter a three-games-in-four-nights stretch that opens Wednesday in Toronto.
Bostjan Nachbar: Playing the Four
Update: In order to get Nachbar minutes, Nets coach Lawrence Frank has been using him at power forward in New Jersey's smaller lineups, the New York Post reports. The problem with that is the 230-pound Nachbar, not a defensive savant to begin with, is getting worked by some of the widebodies, like Toronto's Rasho Nesterovic and Boston's Glen Davis.
Analysis: Nachbar will not get much of the small-forward minutes, because Richard Jefferson needs to play. He'll just have to learn how to play bigger guys, and perhaps take advantage of the mismatch on the other end. "It was a little more difficult than I expected because I'm not sharing the minutes at three and four which would be being at three and kind of getting me going and then going to four and staying aggressive," Nachbar explained. "I think it's shown that's it's been a little bit of a problem for me to get it going as a four to find my spots, either offensively or defensively."
Antoine Wright: Will Start in Place of Carter
Update: Wright will start at shooting guard in place of Vince Carter (sprained ankle) Monday night against New Orleans, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Carter's MRI on Monday told us he has a grade-one sprain, which is good news for the Nets. His status for Wednesday's game in Boston is not known. Wright has been the Nets' best player off the bench this season. He's been very comfortable on the court and will likely benefit from playing alongside Jason Kidd.
Luke Ridnour: Makes Starting Debut
Update: Ridnour made his starting debut Sunday, displacing Earl Watson, and finished with seven assists.
Analysis: Ridnour wasn't any better than Watson, though. He was 1-for-5 from the field and finished with four points, one steal and two turnovers in 30 minutes. Watson, meanwhile, didn't play. Ridnour rode the pine in the season's first week, now it's Watson's turn to sit while coach P.J. Carlesimo tinkers with his lineup. Delonte West played 19 minutes but had just four points.
Vince Carter: Sidelined by Ankle Injury
Update: Carter will be sidelined indefinitely with a right ankle sprain, the Nets announced Monday.
Analysis: A MRI on Monday revealed a grade-one sprain and the team has not set a timetable for Carter's return at this point.
Kyle Korver: Has An Off-Night Shooting
Update: Korver had 13 points (5-14 FG, 1-8 3PT) and four assists Sunday night in a loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: Korver had a terrible night shooting but kept firing away as the 76ers were down big. He'll have a night like this every so often but will still help your fantasy team in three point field goals and scoring.
Reggie Evans: Another Game of 10 Rebounds
Update: Evans had two points (1-3 FG), 10 rebounds and two steals in 33 minutes Sunday night in a loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: Evans is averaging five points and 10 rebounds for the season so he is usable for rebounding purposes in fantasy leagues. Don't expect too much from him offensively though because he probably won't average double digits in scoring.
Louis Amundson: Returns to the Lineup Sunday Night
Update: Amundson (hip) returned to the lineup Sunday night in a loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: Amundson played just three minutes after missing the first five games of the season and didn't attempt a field goal. He has no fantasy value.
Samuel Dalembert: Picks Up Second Double-Double of the Season
Update: Dalembert picked up his second double-double of the season with 15 points (5-9 FG,5-6 FT) and 10 rebounds Sunday night in a loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: Dalembert played 34 minutes after being held to just 19 minutes in the previous game because of foul trouble. He added two blocked shots to his double-double.
Eric Snow: Will Return Slowly
Update: Snow (knee) said he is healthy enough to play, but wants to take it slow after missing all of training camp, the Akron Beacon-Journal reports.
Analysis: Snow will have to take it slowly even if he did not want to, as the Cavs' depth at the guard positions will limit his playing time.
Earl Watson: From Starter to Third Option
Update: Watson was benched Sunday, losing his starting point guard job to Luke Ridnour, and didn't see the court.
Analysis: Ridnour rode the pine in the season's first week, now it's Watson's turn to sit while coach P.J. Carlesimo tinkers with his lineup. Delonte West, who will continue to be the primary backup, played 19 minutes but had just four points. At some point, Carlesimo likely find a rotation where all three get minutes, but no one likely will dominate the minutes every night.
Stephen Jackson: Will Try to Be a Leader
Update: Jackson, who will return from a seven-game suspension Nov. 18, said he will try to stay out of trouble and live up to the responsibilities his captain position entails, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Analysis: "I'm going to be smarter about what I say," Jackson said. "I'm not just going to get tech fouls for the hell of it. When I'm focused and not screamin' at the refs and taking all the energy to the negative, I play better. The Warriors are counting on Jackson to right their winless team, and he should thrive in coach Don Nelson's system.
Maurice Evans: Returns to Practice
Update: Evans (back) returned to Lakers practice Sunday after missing the past two games, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
Analysis: He's averaging just over 15 minutes a game thus far, and his statistics have suffered accordingly (3.3 points, 2 assists per game). That should not change much once he returns to the Lakers' lineup.
Jason Maxiell: Losing Playing Time to McDyess
Update: Maxiell played just 13 minutes Sunday, finishing with three points and three rebounds.
Analysis: Maxiell was a popular sleeper pick going into the season, as he was expected to overtake Antonio McDyess eventually. However, McDyess has been playing very well so far and had 15 points and 15 rebounds in 33 minutes Sunday. Maxiell should stay in the rotation, but as long as McDyess continues his strong play, 10-20 minutes is about as much as Maxiell can expect right now.
Antonio McDyess: Fifteen Rebounds
Update: McDyess had 15 points and 15 rebounds in 33 minutes against the Sonics Sunday.
Analysis: McDyess hadn't reached 15 rebounds since March of 2006. He's playing as well as he's ever played in his four seasons with Detroit. Meanwhile Jason Maxiell played just 13 minutes and finished with three points and three rebounds.
Grant Hill: Workload a Concern For Suns
Update: Suns coach Mike D'Antoni wants to start trimming back Hill's minutes, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Given their front court injuries the Suns can ill afford to have Hill get hurt as well. Hill's averaging over 34 minutes a game so far, and 38.3 minutes over the Suns' last three games with both Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw at less than 100%. Stoudemire is back in the lineup though, which should give D'Antoni a chance to ease up on Hill, but look for Brian Skinner to get some of his minutes as well.
Cuttino Mobley: May Return Friday
Update: Mobley (groin) missed his second consecutive game Sunday night against Cleveland, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: He is receiving treatment twice a day for his injury, and team officials are hoping he'll be ready for this Friday's game at Golden State. Since Mobley was hurt last Wednesday against Indiana, Quinton Ross has played the majority of minutes at shooting guard. Mobley is off to a great start, averaging 19.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and shooting 62% from the field.
LeBron James: James With Another All-Around Performance
Update: In a win over the Clippers, James scored 22 points, collected eight assists, five rebounds, six steals and a blocked shot.
Analysis: James continues his strong play on the defensive end. With six steals on Sunday night, to go along with a solid offensive night, James seems driven to be Mr. Do-it-all for the Cavaliers.
Drew Gooden: Strong Night for Gooden
Update: Gooden scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in a victory over the Clippers on Sunday.
Analysis: Gooden came up with a huge double-double Sunday night. Scoring 18 points and pulling down 17 rebounds, Gooden is taking advantage of his increased minutes. You can expect Gooden's 15point/10rebound average to hold steady if not go up, especially with the injury of Donyell Marshall and the holdout of Anderson Varejao.
Anfernee Hardaway: Opportunity to Start
Update: Hardaway started for the second straight game and played 36 minutes in Sunday's win over the Knicks.
Analysis: Dorell Wright played all of five minutes on Sunday, so it appears that Hardaway is head coach Pat Riley's current choice for the starting rotation at small forward. Hardaway is averaging 4.3 assists and 2.7 steals over the last three games, but he's scoring just 5.3 points per game during that stretch so he's nothing more than a categorical specialist right now despite the expanded role.
Dorell Wright: No Longer Starting -- Minutes Slashed
Update: Wright played just five minutes in Sunday's win over the Knicks.
Analysis: For the second straight game, Wright's minutes dropped and he did not get the start, while Penny Hardaway's role has continued to grow. It looks like Wright is going to be on the outside looking in regarding the starting lineup for the foreseeable future, so reserve him (or cut him loose) until he's seeing decent minutes off the bench.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim: Sitting Most of the Time
Update: Abdur-Rahim has played one minute in the past two games and according to Kings coach Reggie Theus his recent performance plays a part, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "We're a team trying to find combinations that are going to get it done, and I'm playing the guys who I think are playing the best," Theus said. Abdur-Rahim played a combined 32 minutes in the first two games but has played a combined 12 minutes in the four games since.
Dwyane Wade: Unsure About Return Date
Update: Wade (knee/shoulder) is still unsure as to when he'll be back in the lineup, as he's currently battling stiffness in his knee, the Palm Beach Post reports.
Analysis: The team's upcoming schedule isn't favorable for Wade's health issues, considering that Miami will play four games in the next five days starting with Tuesday's contest against the Bobcats. "When I come back, everyone is going to expect me to be in All-Star form, which is not going to happen," Wade said. "They're going to expect it to be a miracle to happen. But it's not going to happen." No date has been set for his return, but it looks like Wade will be returning no sooner than this weekend. Stay tuned.
Kyle Lowry: Will See More Time at Two
Update: Lowry may see some time at shooting guard, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: Coach Marc Iavaroni wants to see rookie Mike Conley on the court at point more and is confident in Lowry's ability to guard shooting guards. At least this means Lowry's playing time may not be affected that much by Conley's inevitable rise. Lowry has averages of 10.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
Beno Udrih: An Expanded Role
Update: Udrih is expected to play an expanded role for Sacramento even after Mike Bibby returns from his thumb injury, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Kings coach Reggie Theus, who said the point guard is in his long-term plans, including playing extended minutes, has been impressed with Udrih's ability to understand the intricacies of Sacramento's offense. Presently, it appears he will come off bench with Francisco Garcia maintaining his position in the starting lineup.
Ron Artest: May Start at Power Forward
Update: Artest (domestic abuse) may be the Kings' starting power forward when he returns from his seven-game suspension Wednesday at Minnesota, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Despite his obvious lack of height for the position, Artest will fair no worse than the current cast of power forwards on the roster. Sacramento has experienced the most success using a combination of smaller players on the floor. The frontcourt unit, including Mikki Moore, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Kenny Thomas, has been the least productive element of the team. Moore, the current starter, will move to the bench if Artest gets the opening nod.
Mike Conley: Coach May Play Him More
Update: Grizzlies coach Marc Iavaroni said he liked what he saw in Conley over the past two games, and the rookie guard should see more time on the court, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: He is contemplating using Conley at one, and fellow point guard Kyle Lowry at two in some situations. Obviously this would be part of some smaller lineup, but Iavaroni is seeking some kind of chemistry in his rotation after a 1-4 start. Conley has averages of 6.7 points and 4.7 assists in limited time thus far. Conley owners/prospective owners can start getting a little excited. Damon Stoudamire owners should get a little less excited.
Mike Wilks: Remains Questionable
Update: Wilks (hamstring), who missed all four games of the club's recent road trip, remains questionable for Denver's game on Monday night vs Cleveland, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Wilks suffered the injury on November 4th against New Orleans and has been limited in practice. If he does play he'll likely back-up Allen Iverson at the point but will not see enough significant minutes to make a fantasy impact.
Kwame Brown: Returns to Practice
Update: Brown (heel) returned to practice on Sunday, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: In the two games Brown has missed, Chris Mihm and Andrew Bynum have shared center minutes very ably, so it remains to be seen how Brown will be thrown back into the mix.
Tony Parker: Gets Some Rest Due to Rout
Update: Parker played just 24 minutes scoring 12 points (4-of-9 FG, 0-of-1 3-PT, 4-of-6 FT), five assists, a steal and a block in the Spurs' win over the Bucks on Sunday.
Analysis: Parker had been playing heavy minutes with the injury to Jacque Vaughn but got some rest as the Spurs led by 27 at the half. Parker continues to score and shoot the ball well for fantasy owners.
Tim Duncan: Another Short Night
Update: Duncan had 16 points (5-of-7 FG, 6-of-6 FT), 10 rebounds and four blocks in the Spurs' win over the Bucks on Sunday.
Analysis: Duncan played just 26 minutes as the Spurs led by 27 at the half and never looked back. Duncan's fantasy production has been hurt by the Spurs' stellar play of late.
Jeff McInnis: Team-High Seven Assists
Update: McInnis led Charlotte with seven assists on Sunday, but did not score and grabbed just one rebound in more than 20 minutes on Sunday.
Analysis: The experiment with playing McInnis with Raymond Felton in the same backcourt isn't working, as Felton just doesn't have the shot-making ability to play the off-guard spot. The team is doing everything they can to get Primoz Brezec off the floor, including playing Emeka Okafor at the center spot and playing three guards for the majority of the game.
Kurt Thomas: Makes Debut on Sunday
Update: Thomas (hamstring) made his season debut for Seattle in Sunday's loss to the Pistons.
Analysis: Thomas came off the bench to score 10 points with seven rebounds and two assists in 19 minutes. As Robert Swift (knee) struggles to stay on the court, Thomas should get decent backup minutes and could be of some use for fantasy teams in deeper leagues, if he can get 20 minutes a night.
Robert Swift: Starts Sunday, Leaves With Knee Tendinitis
Update: Swift (knee) started Sunday's game against the Pistons, but left in the second half with knee tendinitis, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Swift played 12 scoreless minutes in the first half and continues to struggle as he attempts to come back from knee surgery.
Michaela Pavlickova: Leaves Sunday's Game With Back Spsams
Update: Pavlovic left Sunday's victory over the Clippers with back spasms, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Pavlovic played just seven minutes before leaving. The Cavs got Larry Hughes (knee) back from a three-game absence, so they didn't feel Pavlovic's injury as much as they could have.
Larry Hughes: Returns to Action Sunday
Update: Hughes (bruised knee) returned to action Sunday after missing three games.
Analysis: Hughes was back in the starting lineup and scored 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 27 minutes in Cleveland's victory over the Clippers. His return moves Sasha Pavlovic to the bench.
Primoz Brezec: Assists, Little Else
Update: McInnis led Charlotte with seven assists on Sunday, but did not score and grabbed just one rebound in more than 20 minutes on Sunday.
Analysis: The experiment with playing McInnis with Raymond Felton in the same backcourt isn't working, as Felton just doesn't have the shot-making ability to play the off-guard spot. The team is doing everything they can to get Primoz Brezec off the floor, including playing Emeka Okafor at the center spot and playing three guards for the majority of the game.
Primoz Brezec: Completely Ineffective
Update: Brezec played 14 minutes, but contributed only two points, one rebound and one assist on Sunday.
Analysis: His backup, Ryan Hollins, played roughly the same number of minutes and had seven points and five rebounds. Brezec is not a fantasy option.
Gerald Wallace: Searching For Consistency
Update: Coming off a 28-point night, Wallace had just 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting, grabbed five rebounds and dished out two assists on Sunday.
Analysis: Of course it's very early, but Wallace's averages are down across the boards this year: scoring (18.1 to 15.8), rebounds (7.2 to 5.2), FG percentage (.502 to .393) and blocks (1.0 to 0.2). He's also averaging 3.67 turnovers, compared to 2.22 last season.
Emeka Okafor: Another Double-Double
Update: Okafor scored 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds before fouling out late in Sunday's loss.
Analysis: He also had three steals and blocked two shots, but didn't do much to stop Yao Ming, who scored 34 points.
Raymond Felton: Not Very Efficient
Update: Felton scored 16 points but was only 6-of-15 from the floor and had just four assists against Houston on Sunday night.
Analysis: On the bright side, he made two of four 3-pointers and turned the ball over only once. Until he learns to better force the tempo, he won't fully reach his potential, and neither will the Bobcats.
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