FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Craig Smith: Doubtful For Wednesday's Game
Update: Smith (ankle) missed Tuesday's practice and is almost certain to miss Wednesday's game, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: It's the same ankle he sprained during the preseason, so he may need a few games before he's ready to return.
Greg Buckner: Questionable With Illness
Update: Buckner (illness) missed the last two days of practice and is questionable for Wednesday's game against Sacramento, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: It looks like Buckner and Craig Smith (ankle) may not play, which could mean more time for Antoine Walker and Gerald Green.
Mardy Collins: Collins Starts But Doesn't Finish
Update: With Stephon Marbury unavailable Collins started Tuesday's game against the Suns, but left the game in the first quarter due to a foot injury and did not return.
Analysis: The MSG Network is reporting that x-rays on Collins' foot don't show any serious injury. It's unclear at this point when Collins will play again, or if he'll continue to start.
Eddie House: Leaves Game With Ankle Injury
Update: House left Tuesday's game against the Pacers with an apparent ankle injury.
Analysis: There is no word on the extent of House's injury, but he did not return after twisting it late in the game.
Paul Pierce: Has 31 Points, 11 Rebounds Against Pacers
Update: Pierce had 31 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals in the C's 101-86 win over the Pacers on Tuesday.
Analysis: Another huge game from Pierce, who seems completely rejuvenated with the arrival of Garnett and Allen.
Ray Allen: Struggles From Field Against Pacers
Update: Allen scored 17 points on 6-18 shooting in the C's 101-86 win over the Pacers on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Allen's struggles included a 2-7 performance from behind the three-point stripe. Expect the streaky Allen to find his stroke again soon.
Kevin Garnett: Has Double-Double Against Pacers
Update: Garnett had 18 points, 11 rebounds and three steals in the Celtics' 101-86 win over the Pacers on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Garnett struggled from the field on Tuesday, shooting only 6-14. Expect his scoring numbers to increase.
Justin Williams: Won't be Charged
Update: Police will not file charges against Williams after allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Sacramento police investigators decided there was not enough evidence to justify charges against Williams. He has been on leave from the team since the case began, and should be expected to return to the team soon barring any new developments.
Erick Dampier: Returns to Mavs Lineup
Update: Dampier (shoulder) returned to the Mavs' lineup for Tuesday's game against Philadelphia.
Analysis: This return was earlier than expected, but Dampier has impressed the last few days in practice, and the Mavs have had rebounding problems so far this season.
Luke Ridnour: Leaves Game with Quad Injury
Update: Ridnour left Tuesday's game with a left quad strain and will not play in the second half, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Ridnour had quad trouble a week ago, but looked to be fine in the last few games. Delonte West replaced him, but Earl Watson will get some extra minutes too. Ridnour had two points and three assists in 15 minutes.
Quentin Richardson: Questionable Tuesday
Update: Richardson (elbow) is questionable for Tuesday night's game against Phoenix, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Richardson left Sunday night's game with a hyperextended left elbow. Renaldo Balkman and Fred Jones should get some playing time, if Q-Rich can't play.
Zach Randolph: Not With Team Tuesday
Update: Randolph (personal) is not with the Knicks for Tuesday night's game against Phoenix, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Randolph is with family following the passing of his grandmother. We expect David Lee to start in his place at power forward.
Raja Bell: Will Not Play Tuesday
Update: Bell (ankle) will not play Tuesday night against the Knicks, the East Valley Tribune reports.
Analysis: Bell tested his sprained right ankle during Tuesday morning's shootaround, but reports there is still some soreness. "We're going to hold him out. There's no need to push something like that, they need some time," Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni said. "We'd like to get him back for Thursday (at home against the Bulls) but you don't want to be in a position where he hurts it again and is out for an extended period."
Devin Harris: Will Play Tuesday
Update: Harris (thigh, personal) will play Tuesday night against Philadelphia, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Harris, who missed Saturday's game because of a death in the family, said the thigh feels fine and expects no complications.
Dwyane Wade: Will Miss Tuesday's Game in Charlotte
Update: Wade will miss Tuesday night's game against the Bobcats, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Wade worked out Tuesday but coach Pat Riley said he is still not ready. Riley also said, "From what I understand today, I didn't stay for it, he had a great workout with some of the other younger players... I think he's getting close."
Erick Dampier: Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Update: Dampier (shoulder) will be a game-time decision Tuesday night against Philadelphia, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Mavericks coach Avery Johnson liked what he saw from Dampier in Monday's extensive practice and Tuesday's shootaround and walk-through.
Stephon Marbury: Returns to New York
Update: After skipping Tuesday morning's shootaround, Marbury flew back to New York and does not plan to join the Knicks for Wednesday's game against the Clippers, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Marbury contacted the New York Post and WNBC New York, saying that he had permission from head coach Isiah Thomas to leave the team. When asked about Marbury's absence, Thomas said "That is an in-house matter, and we'll continue to keep it in-house. However, he is welcome back, and we want him as a member of this team."
Pau Gasol: Coach Wants Offense to Run Through Him
Update: Grizzlies coach Marc Iavaroni wants to get the ball in Gasol's hands more, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: The problem being that Gasol hasn't scored in the second half of Memphis' previous two games and is averaging just 10.6 field goal attempts this season. "We need to go through him more often," Iavaroni said, referring to Gasol. "I find that we get bogged down when he gets double and triple-teamed. But I need to stay with Pau, maybe put in a couple of plays where he's got the ball on the move. We'll figure that out"
Nick Collison: Starting at Center Tuesday
Update: Collison will start at center Tuesday night against Orlando, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Robert Swift, who started the past few games, is still hobbled by a sore right knee. Kurt Thomas is expected to get a lot of the backup minutes.
Robert Swift: Not Starting Tuesday
Update: Swift (knee) will not start Tuesday night against Orlando, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Nick Collison will start at center in place of Swift, who started Saturday night but played just 12 minutes. Swift may not even play Tuesday and is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game in Miami.
JJ Redick: Out Until At Least Friday
Update: Redick will miss games on Tuesday (Seattle) and Wednesday (Cleveland) because of a sore back, Florida Today reports.
Analysis: Redick has been limited to just six minutes in two games because of the injury. This all coming after it was widely speculated that he would compete for a starting job or a major role in coach Stan Van Gundy's rotation.
Trevor Ariza: More Minutes on the Way
Update: Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said Ariza, who has been bothered by a foot injury, will see more minutes beginning Tuesday night against Seattle, Florida Today reports.
Analysis: Ariza failed to crack double-digits in minutes in the first five games and had a DNP last Friday, before playing a season-high 20 minutes in Saturday's blowout loss to Phoenix. With Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis playing so well at the forward spots, Ariza has not had the opportunity. "I've never felt for a minute that he wouldn't have a big role on this team. But sometimes you start with one rotation and a team gets on a pretty good roll and it's not the time you're going to make a lot of adjustments. But his time will come because he's a good player and he gives us an element that we don't have with anybody else. His approach (Saturday) night was fabulous," said Van Gundy.
Michael Ruffin: Could Miss Six Weeks
Update: Ruffin has a fractured wrist and will miss up to six weeks.
Analysis: He's averaging less than one point per game in very limited action, so other than the Bucks losing some of his energy at practice, this doesn't impact any fantasy plans.
Brandon Wallace: Assigned to D-League
Update: The Celtics assigned Wallace to their NBA Development League affiliate in Utah, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: Wallace did not appear in a regular season game for Boston.
Stephon Marbury: Missed Tuesday Morning's Shootaround, Starting Job and Spot on Team in Jeopardy
Update: Marbury did not participate in Tuesday morning's shoot-around in Phoenix, where the Knicks play the Suns. Coach Isiah Thomas acknowledged that Marbury was not with the team but said that he would be welcomed back if he showed up in time for the game, the NY Newsday's Knicks blog reports.
Analysis: Right now, it appears Mardy Collins will start at the point against Phoenix and Nate Robinson, who says his hamstring is fine, will come off the bench. This event comes on the heels of the Daily News report that Marbury might be in danger of being traded or losing his starting job. The problem is trying to find someone to take the $42 million left on his deal or would Knicks chairman James Dolan be willing to eat that much money just to rid himself of the Marbury headache?
Daequan Cook: Not Seeing the Floor
Update: Cook -- who has averaged more than 10 points in the two games in which he has played -- has been a "DNP (coach's decision)" for the last three games.
Analysis: Welcome to the Pat Riley Playing-Time Pain Train. Cook can provide some scoring off the bench for a team that has struggled offensively, so it doesn't make a great deal of sense for him to not be playing at all. Sit him down until Riley shows him the floor on a consistent basis.
Matt Barnes: Will Play Through the Pain
Update: Barnes (sprained finger) was able to participate in his first full practice on Monday since last Thursday, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: Despite the injury being on his shooting hand and bothering him every time he puts up a shot, Barnes said that he will be ready to play in Wednesday's game. He may even get the start if Mickael Pietrus isn't back from his leave of absence (the Warriors gave him permission).
Brent Barry: Game-time decision on Tuesday
Update: Barry (sprained ankle) was able to practice on Monday with the team, San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: After practice he reported no problems and he will be a game-time decision against the Lakers on Tuesday night. Barry's only value is his three point shooting so he probably doesn't have much value for your fantasy team due to his limited minutes.
Brad Miller: Should Return to Lineup this Week
Update: Miller (leg) missed Monday's game with the quad injury but he is expected to play in Wednesday's game against the T-Wolves, the Sacremento Bee reports.
Analysis: Miller has been the lone bright spot on the Kings' front line this season, collecting 37 boards in the last three games, and the Kings have already had injury problems this year so his return is important to their success. "It's unfortunate because Brad had been playing really hard the last couple games," Kings' coach Reggie Theus said. "He really has stepped up his intensity level.
Viktor Khryapa: Extended Playing Time in Blowout
Update: Khryapa played 22 minutes, scoring seven points while grabbing five boards, in the Bulls' 101-71 loss to Toronto Saturday.
Analysis: This was Khryapa's first action of the year as he was either inactive or rode the pine the first five games of the season. He saw extended playing time due to the score and probably won't see that many minutes again the balance of the year.
Raja Bell: Game Time Decision on Tuesday
Update: Bell was limited to set shooting and riding a stationary bike during Monday's practice, and won't know until he tests his ankle on Tuesday whether he'll be able to play against the Knicks, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: If he can't play, Leandrinho Barbosa will get another start.
Willie Green: Misses Practice with Hip Injury
Update: Green (strained hip) missed practice on Monday with a strained hip, PhillyBurbs.com reports.
Analysis: He will be a game-time decision on Tuesday, but even if he doesn't play the injury does not appear to be serious and he should not miss an extended amount of time. Rodney Carney and Louis Williams will get Green's minutes if he can't go Tuesday against Dallas.
Ben Wallace: Numbers Way Down Compared to Years Past
Update: Slowed through the first four games of the year by a sore left ankle, Wallace hasn't come close to resembling the dominant rebounder and defender he can be. Already, he has sat for three entire fourth quarters, although the other four starters joined him in Saturday's 101-71 blowout loss to the Raptors, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: In the two games since Wallace has said his ankle is better, he has just 12 rebounds. However, part of that may be due to him playing just 43 minutes in those two games. Whatever the cause for this slump, Chicago needs the Wallace of old to help them recover from this 1-5 start.
Randy Foye: Begins Rehabbing Knee
Update: Foye (knee) began running in a pool this past weekend, which is one of the steps on his way to recovery, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
Analysis: He was injured two weeks ago with a stress reaction in the knee and will be out until late November. Over the next week he will test the knee out and have it re-evaluated after he sees what he can do.
Anthony Carter: Could Return Next Week
Update: Carter (hand) is on target to return to the Nuggets sometime next week, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: On Monday, Carter was able to dribble a basketball for the first time since his surgery on his broken hand. "It's doing great," Carter said. "It wasn't fatigued. It didn't feel pain." He has been cleared for more on-court work but isn't fully ready to return to the floor. "I can start dribbling and dummy stuff, just no contact," Carter said. "Can't beat that."
Eddie Jones: Practiced with Team on Monday
Update: Jones (right leg) has missed the Mavs' last two games but he wants to try and play Tuesday night, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Jones practiced with the team on Monday but was told to take a seat at the end of practice by coaches. "I wanted to see if I could deal with the pain," Jones said. "I'm going to try again tomorrow and hopefully give it a go in the game." While Jones would like to play in the game Tuesday night, the nagging injury and poor conditioning might keep him out until later in the week.
Baron Davis: Swelling in Left Knee
Update: Davis hasn't practiced for three consecutive days after experience some swelling in his left knee after taking a hard fall in Thursday's game, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: "If it hadn't have been for these five days off, I don't think he (Davis) could have played probably until maybe (Tuesday) anyway," Warriors coach Nelson said. The Warriors hope that Davis can practice on Tuesday and be ready for Wednesday's game against Detroit.
Devin Harris: Returns to Practice on Monday
Update: Harris (left thigh/personal) returned to practice on Monday after missing a few days due to a death in the family, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Harris is a good option at a guard position for your team, and he should be back in the starting lineup this week so it is safe to insert him back into your lineup. "He got banged up really hard in that Atlanta game and then had a death in the family, which he had to deal with, and that's pretty emotional," head coach Avery Johnson said. "It'll be good to have him back and playing consistently."
Michael Redd: Not Finding the Range from Downtown
Update: Redd was 0-for-2 from the three point line in Monday's loss to the Spurs.
Analysis: Redd is shooting just 21% (6-for-28) from three point range so far this season, well below his career average of 39%. This is probably just due to the small sample size and we expect him to break out of his shooting slump soon.
Kirk Hinrich: Playing with Sprained Ligament in a Knuckle on Non-Shooting Hand
Update: Hinrich, who revealed late Saturday after the Bulls' 101-71 loss to Toronto that he has a sprained ligament in a knuckle on his non-shooting hand, is firing away at 31.8 percent through the first six games of the year, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: The minor injury may be playing a factor in Hinrich's poor shooting but doesn't excuse his weak 2-to-1 assist to turnover ratio. He also has battled foul trouble - a long time bug-a-boo for him - which has forced Ben Gordon to act as the primary ballhandler, which has hurt both players' numbers.
Al Horford: Will Play Some Power Forward With Pachulia Back
Update: Horford will play both center and power forward now that Zaza Pachulia has returned to the lineup, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: Coach Mike Woodson sees Horford's natural position at power forward. "I think he can play center, I think he's proven that," Woodson said. "[But] I think he's a natural forward. He'll play both spots, but [Pachulia's return] will free him up to go back to the 4-spot." We see Horford continuing to get big minutes, regardless of what position he plays. He is currently averaging 8.5 points, 10 rebounds and 1.3 blcoks per game.
Brian Scalabrine: Will Return to Play Against Pacers
Update: Scalabrine (concussion) will play in Tuesday's game against the Pacers, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Healthy or injured, Scalabrine should not hold much fantasy value.
James Posey: Will Play Against Pacers
Update: Posey (back) is expected to return for the Celtics' game against the Pacers on Tuesday night, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Posey should return to his sixth-man role, and help give the C's star forwards a breather.
Kwame Brown: Will Play Tuesday Night
Update: Brown (heel) will play in Tuesday's game against the Spurs, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: We expect Brown to get the start against the Spurs, as he is the team's best low-post defender, and will be needed against Tim Duncan.
Zaza Pachulia: Declares Himself 100 Percent
Update: After practice on Monday, Pachulia (knee, high ankle sprain) declared himself 100 percent, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "Everything is good," Pachulia said. "I don't feel any soreness anymore. I feel 100 percent. The only problem is my timing because I've been out two, three weeks."
Analysis: Coach Mike Woodson bristles at the idea that rookie Al Horford's success could cost Pachulia minutes or starts. "Everybody's caught up in who starts," said Woodson, who said he is evaluating who he wants in the lineup against Charlotte. "I'm not into that. I'm interested in winning. Whatever combination happens to start the game... it's who finishes the game and who helps you win. That's what it boils down to." Expect Pachulia to get minutes at center with Horford playing both center and power forward. We'll keep you posted on how this will affect both players long-term fantasy outlooks.
Josh Smith: Denies Shouting Match
Update: Smith denies a shouting match reported by the Detroit News involving coach Mike Woodson and veteran guard Tyronn Lue during the Hawks' 92-91 loss to the Pistons on November 4th, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "It's a lie," Smith said of the report that had him yelling at Lue to pass him the ball and then yelling at Woodson to "get Lue out of the game" and later having to be "restrained by coaches and teammates."
Analysis: Smith is currently averaging 17 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.67 steals and 3.67 blocks per game but has struggled from the floor early in the season shooting just 36.3 percent.
Adrian Griffin: Could See First Action of Season Thursday
Update: Griffin, who has yet to see any action after missing all of the preseason with a back injury, is expected to see some playing time Thursday as coach Scott Skiles looks to shake up the team's lineup following a 1-5 start, the Arlington Daily Herald reports.
Analysis: Griffin was signed to a three-year deal by Chicago in July 2006 to provide some veteran leadership to a young team and he showed that quality by calling a players only meeting following Monday's practice. Griffin may be out on the floor to help settle the team down and make sure they run their sets with the proper spacing to get good shots, something that has been lacking early in the season.
Pau Gasol: Takes Blame For Poor Play
Update: Gasol, who has been suffering from back and ankle ailments, refused to blame his string of two bad games on those injuries, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: "Maybe I'm not playing at 100 percent," he said, "but I've never been a guy to make excuses and I'm not going to start now." We're not sure if the "100 percent" refers to his effort or his physical capacity, but neither are good. Once he gets back to "100 percent" - either by getting some rest or by re-focusing - he should return to the almost-elite player that he is.
Nate Robinson: To Get Starting Job?
Update: Robinson might be in line to become the new starting point guard for the Knicks in the event that Stephon Marbury is benched or traded, the Daily News reports.
Analysis: Inside sources are reporting that Knicks chairman James Dolan and coach Isiah Thomas have been in discussions about Marbury's role on the team. If Robinson, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, gets a shot at the starting job, he might never give it back.
Stephon Marbury: On the Way Out?
Update: Marbury, who has struggled this season, might be in danger of being traded or losing his starting job, the Daily News reports.
Analysis: According to inside sources, Knicks chairman James Dolan has been in conversations with coach Isiah Thomas regarding Marbury's role on the team. Stephon's large contract makes a trade unlikely, but Nate Robinson claiming the starting job is a distinct possibility.
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