FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Kyle Korver: Out up to 10 Days With Groin Injury
Update: Korver will miss a week to 10 days with a strained groin, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Korver first injured his groin in Tuesday's game at Dallas and played only five minutes in Wednesday's loss at New Orleans. He had an MRI on Thursday which revealed the strained groin muscle.
Orien Greene: Waived on Thursday
Update: Greene was waived on Thursday by the Kings, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: He was the starting point guard on opening night for Sacramento, but was ineffective, and lost his spot a game later. Greene played in seven games and totaled six points and three assists.
Steven Hunter: Will Undergo Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Update: The Nuggets announced on Thursday that Hunter will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Friday.
Analysis: Hunter will be sidelined indefinitely, but a timetable for his return will be set after the surgery. Hunter hasn't seen much playing time this season, averaging less than five minutes in four games this season.
Andres Nocioni: Starting at Power Forward Thursday
Update: Nocioni is being inserted into the Bulls' starting lineup, replacing Tyrus Thomas at power forward, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: Nocioni will bring some energy to the starting five and his three-point shooting ability might open the floor for others to allow for some creativity, open spacing and drives all the way to the hoop, not just the drive-and-dish game Chicago has been playing lately, which opponents have started to stop. Thomas has played well alongside Joe Smith and may provide a boost to the second unit. We'll have to see how long this change in general - and specifically for Thomas - lasts as Chicago can get away with an undersized four versus Phoenix due to the Suns' style of play, but may struggle with this arrangement against bigger teams.
Anthony Parker: Leads Raptors in Scoring Wednesday
Update: Parker scored 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting Wednesday, with three rebounds, three assists and three three-pointers.
Analysis: In the three games since Andrea Bargnani moved to the bench, Parker is averaging 17.7 points while shooting 57.1% (20-for-35) from the floor and a stellar 69.2% (9-for-13) from three point range. Obviously he's going to cool down from long range, but with Bargnani on the bench Parker should remain the Raptors' top shooting threat.
Kris Humphries: Solid Effort on Wednesday
Update: Humphries played over 27 minutes on Wednesday, scoring four points with 14 rebounds.
Analysis: Humphries stayed on the floor during crunch time in the four point loss to the Jazz due to Rasho Nesterovic's ankle injury, and will likely see additional playing time and possibly even some starts if Nesterovic remains on the shelf.
Andrea Bargnani: Miserable Shooting Night Wednesday
Update: Bargnani shot just 1-for-11 from the field in Wednesday's 92-88 loss to the Jazz.
Analysis: He ended up playing less than 16 minutes, despite the fact that Rasho Nesterovic left the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury. At this point in his career Bargnani doesn't bring much to the table other than scoring, so depending on the game situation if his shot isn't falling his minutes are going to suffer.
Rasho Nesterovic: Injured Ankle in Wednesday's Loss
Update: Nesterovic left Wednesday's game midway through the third quarter with a sprained right ankle.
Analysis: No word yet on how long he might be out of action. Look for Kris Humphries to get more minutes in his place.
Darrell Armstrong: Out With Thigh Injury
Update: Armstrong is expected to miss up to four weeks with a severe contusion of his right thigh, the Sports Network reports.
Analysis: Armstrong is averaging just 3.4 points and 1.5 assists while backing up Jason Kidd, so this news should not impact your lineup plans.
Kenyon Martin: Full Speed Ahead
Update: Martin (knee) has been cleared to play in all games as long as his knee holds up, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Up to this point of the season, Martin hasn't been allowed to play in back-to-back games. However, he's shown sufficient mobility and the knee hasn't restricted him at all. When healthy, Martin brings a presence that few in the league can match, so look for Denver to get even better in the next few weeks if Martin can play in all games.
Shaquille O'Neal: Dismal Effort Wednesday
Update: O'Neal played just 16 minutes and finished with 10 points, three boards and three turnovers in Wednesday's loss to Seattle.
Analysis: You would be hard pressed to find a time in O'Neal's career where he's played this poorly on a regular basis. Heat coach Pat Riley is talking about a major shake up for his starting lineup and rotation, which could impact O'Neal at least in the short term if Riley resorts to the desperate measure of bringing him off the bench for motivational purposes.
Aaron Williams: Contributes Against Knicks
Update: Williams played 12 minutes and scored six points with a steal and two rebounds in the Clippers' win over New York Wednesday.
Analysis: He normally plays behind second-year center Paul Davis in the Clippers' playing rotation, but Los Angeles coach Mike Dunleavy needed a more physical player to compete with the Knicks' rugged frontline. He merits no fantasy consideration at this time.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim: Odd Man Out?
Update: Abdur-Rahim (right sore knee) was active but did not play Wednesday night at Minnesota.
Analysis: With the instability of his surgically-repaired knee and a glut of players in the frontcourt, Abdur-Rahim might be the odd man out in Sacramento. Justin Williams (sexual misconduct) and Ron Artest (suspension) have recently returned to action and Kings coach Reggie Theus will need to configure his frontline playing rotations to accommodate them. Abdur-Rahim averages 8.5 minutes per game this season.
Acie Law: Game-Time Decision on Friday
Update: Law will be a game-time decision on Friday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: The Hawks are already thin at point guard with Speedy Claxton still out. Look for Tyronn Lue to get the majority of minutes with Anthony Johnson serving in a backup capacity.
Josh Smith: Game-Time Decision on Friday
Update: Smith (strained left quad) will be a game-time decision on Friday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: If Smith is unable to go, look for rookie Al Horford to start at power forward and Zaza Pachulia to start at center. Josh Childress may also get more time on the floor.
Kenny Thomas: Sits Out Wednesday
Update: Thomas (shin) did not play in Wednesday's game at Minnesota.
Analysis: Mikki Moore has been drawing most of the starting assignments at power forward, with Thomas substituting for him. Thomas is averaging 17.6 minutes, 2.6 points and 4.3 rebounds. Although an injury kept him out of action, his value seems to diminish daily in the fantasy world.
Caron Butler: Sees Time at Guard
Update: Butler scored 25 points (on 9-of-15 shooting) and added seven rebounds, four steals and three assists in 40 minutes of action in Wednesday's win over the Pacers.
Analysis: Butler played guard for long stretches Wednesday in a new-look lineup, the Washington Post reports. Regardless of whether he is deployed as a SF or SG, Butler is a must-start. Where this could help is if coach Eddie Jordan's lineup tinkering ends up helping Butler gain F/G eligibility.
Antawn Jamison: Quiet Effort Wednesday
Update: Jamison scored seven points (on 3-of-11 shooting) and added five rebounds in 39 minutes of action in Wednesday's win over the Pacers.
Analysis: Just one of those games for Jamison, who checks in at 18.3 PPG and 10.3 RPG overall through seven games.
Darius Songaila: Scores a Dozen Wednesday
Update: Songaila scored 12 points (on 5-of-9 shooting) in 22 minutes of action in Wednesday's win over the Pacers.
Analysis: On Wednesday, the Wizards used Caron Butler as a guard for periods of time, something that could free up some forward minutes for the likes of Songaila and Andray Blatche if that trend continues.
Andray Blatche: Getting More Consistent Minutes
Update: Blatche scored six points (on 3-of-4 shooting) and added five rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes of action in Wednesday's win over the Pacers.
Analysis: After a quiet start, Blatche has seen at least 20 minute of court time in the Wizards' last three games, the last two being wins. On Wednesday, the team used Caron Butler as a guard for periods of time, something that could free up some forward minutes (for the likes of Blatche and Darius Songaila) if that trend continues.
Justin Williams: Rejoins the Kings
Update: Williams (sexual misconduct) will rejoin the Kings on Thursday, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "We need his athleticism, his rebounding," Kings coach Reggie Theus said. "It's a very positive thing." He missed a month while police investigated allegations he sexually abused a female acquaintance at a party in October. All the charges in the case were dropped on Tuesday by prosecutors.
Brendan Haywood: Off to Good Start
Update: Haywood scored 16 points (on 5-of-10 shooting) and added 11 rebounds and two blocks in 36 minutes of action in Wednesday's win over the Pacers.
Analysis: Haywood has had a double-double in five of the Wizards' first seven games and overall is averaging 9.6 PPG and 10.3 RPG. Consistency hasn't been his forte in the past, but he's certainly taken advantage of the added opportunity created by the absence of Etan Thomas thus far.
Gilbert Arenas: Pre-Game Prep Pays Off
Update: Arenas (knee) scored 30 points (on 9-of-18 shooting) and added a season-high 11 assists and six rebounds in 36 high-energy minutes in Wednesday's win over the Pacers.
Analysis: Arenas had been taking it easy on days off and before games, admitting that "coming to games cold turkey" his "handle wasn't as crisp." This time around, he went to the gym to shoot Tuesday night, then attempted 100 three-pointers before Wednesday's game, the Baltimore Sun reports. We'll see if Arenas' knee allows him to do more work before games going forward, but obviously he's sharper with the additional preparation.
Navarro Navarro: Coach Wants To See More
Update: Coach Marc Iavaroni said he wants to see Navarro on the floor more, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: Thus far, Navarro hasn't played a whole lot, but Iavaroni said that will change once he starts doing a better job on defense. Iavaroni likes his defensive speed, but often gets off his man. Once he does that he should be on the court more, and should shoot some more 3's.
Keith Bogans: Simply Doing his Job
Update: Bogans was 3-of-6 from behind the three point arc and scored 11 points in Orlando's victory over Cleveland on Wednesday.
Analysis: Bogans is the last option in Orlando's starting lineup, but he is playing his role well. He is taking the shots that are open and knocking them down; and fortunately for fantasy owners, he's making a lot of threes and is averaging almsost five rebounds a game. Bogans remains a viable fantasy option as long as he continues playing like this.
Rashard Lewis: Another Solid Game
Update: Lewis scored 20 points in Orlando's victory over Cleveland on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Lewis also had four rebounds and two assists and was 3-of-9 from behind the arc. His scoring average and rebounds per game are down from last year's numbers, but it is still early and Lewis has plenty of season left to increase those numbers.
Hedo Turkoglu: Not Scoring as Much
Update: Turkoglu scored 13 points in Orlando's victory over Cleveland on Wednesday.
Analysis: Turkoglu also chipped in four rebounds and five assists. After scoring 20 points or more in four of Orlando's first six games, Turkoglu hasn't broken that mark in his last three games.
Kurt Thomas: Aggravates Hamstring Injury in Starting Debut
Update: Thomas, who made his starting debut Wednesday, might miss Friday's game after aggravating a right hamstring injury, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: "I didn't want to tear it or pull it again, so they got me out of there," said Thomas, who played just 14 minutes overall and just two in the fourth quarter. He had nine rebounds, two assists and two points. If Thomas is healthy, he'll continue to start. If not, Nick Collison likely will take his starting center spot.
John Salmons: Not Pleased With Benching
Update: Salmons is not happy about moving to the bench in favor of Ron Artest, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "He's got to make an adjustment," Kings coach Reggie Theus said. "That's his role, and he's got to make an adjustment. There's really nothing more you can say about it." Salmons, who averaged 20.7 points and 4.0 assists while starting at small forward during Artest's seven-game absence, stormed past reporters after Sacramento's loss to the Timberwolves Wednesday. He scored four points with four assists in 26 minutes.
Delonte West: Likely to See More Playing Time with Ridnour Out
Update: West, who played 29 minutes Wednesday, likely will continue to get good minutes while Luke Ridnour is out with a quadriceps injury.
Analysis: Earl Watson, who started the first six games, started Wednesday, though West played 29 minutes to Watson's 26. Expect that scenario to continue while Ridnour is out. West had 16 points, six assists, four rebounds and three turnovers Wednesday.
Earl Watson: Likely to Start with Ridnour Out
Update: Watson likely will continue to start as Luke Ridnour is expected to be out two to four weeks with quadriceps injury.
Analysis: Watson, who started the first six games before losing the job to Ridnour, started Wednesday, though Delonte West played 29 minutes to Watson's 26. Expect that scenario to continue while Ridnour is out. Watson had eight points, six assists and three turnovers Wednesday.
Luke Ridnour: Out with Quad Tear
Update: Ridnour will miss two to four weeks after an MRI on Wednesday revealed a partially torn left-thigh muscle, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Earl Watson, who started the first six games, started Wednesday, though Delonte West played 29 minutes to Watson's 26. Expect that scenario to continue while Ridnour is out.
Antonio McDyess: Misses Game With Sore Shoulder
Update: McDyess missed Wednesday's game with a sore shoulder and had trouble even lifting his arm before it was determined that he couldn't play.
Analysis: McDyess is off to a nice start, but this injury is the kind that could linger for awhile, especially if he doesn't get adequate time to recuperate. Don't be surprised to see him miss at least a few weeks with this injury, giving Jason Maxiell a nice bump in short-term value.
Lindsey Hunter: First Action of the Season
Update: With Chauncey Billups out with a sore knee, Hunter saw his first action of the season Wednesday night.
Analysis: Hunter scored three points in seven minutes. He'll play a little if Billups misses any time, but Hunter is not expected to make much of a contribution on the floor this season.
Chauncey Billups: MRI on Knee
Update: Billups will have an MRI on his knee on Thursday, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Billups sat out Wednesday night's game with a sore hip and knee. The hip injury is not serious, but the knee, which he twisted Tuesday night, could give him problems for awhile. Ronald Murray would become the starting point guard if Billups were forced to miss any time.
Larry Hughes: Hughes Complains of Sore Knee
Update: Hughes left the game late with sore left knee, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Hughes still bother by his sore left knee, removed himself from the game late in the Cavaliers loss to the Magic. It looks like this injury may bother him for a majority of the season. Shooting an abysmal 2-12 and committing three turnovers, it looks like Hughes is on track for his worse season ever as a pro.
Damon Jones: Back Strain for Jones
Update: Jones left midway in the fourth quarter with a back sprain the Clevelan Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Shooting only 1-4 from behind the arc, Jones left the game for good in the fourth quarter. It looked minor, however with back injuries you may never know how bad it really is. He will be evaluated today to see if there is anything serious. For now he is day-to-day.
Stephon Marbury: Returns to Knicks Off the Bench
Update: Marbury returned to the Knicks Wednesday night after his much publicized absences earlier in the week and scored 13 points with four assists in 34 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Marbury is in such a volatile situation right now that fantasy owners should just stay away from him if possible. If you already own him, you don't have much choice but to ride it out and hope things get better.
Zach Randolph: Cleans the Glass in Return
Update: Randolph returned to the Knicks Wednesday after taking some time to deal with the death of his grandmother.
Analysis: Randolph returned with a 19-rebound/16-point double-double, and if he showed some signs of rust (5-for-18 FG, five TOs) that is certainly understandable.
Craig Smith: Misses Practice With Sprained Ankle
Update: Smith (ankle) missed Wednesday's win over Sacramento.
Analysis: Smith may need to sit out another game or two as this is the same ankle he hurt in the preseason.
Greg Buckner: Few Minutes After Illness
Update: Buckner (illness) scored just three points with three rebounds in 14 minutes in Wednesday's win over Sacramento.
Analysis: Buckner had missed the previous two days of practice due to an illness, so his low playing time was likely due to him being under the weather. He should see a bigger role again when back to full strength.
Kobe Bryant: Fills Up Stat Sheet Against Rockets
Update: Bryant had a huge game in Wednesday's 93-90 win over the Rockets, with 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Analysis: Bryant seems unaffected by trade rumors swirling about, and in fact seems to play better when things about him are chaotic.
Matt Barnes: Solid game in Place of Pietrus
Update: Barnes started Wednesday night in the place of Mickael Pietrus (personal matters) and responded with a solid 12 points, seven boards, six assists and two treys in 31 minutes.
Analysis: Both Pietrus and Stephen Jackson are expected to return to the Warriors on Friday, so Barnes could once again be relegated to the bench.
Kelenna Azubuike: Another Solid Game Before Jackson's Return
Update: Azubuike scored 16 points with six boards, four assists, three treys and a steal while playing all 48 minutes on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Azubuike has been a breakout player thus far this season, but Stephen Jackson will be reinstated from his suspension on Friday and could cut into Azubuike's production. We will keep an eye on how the minutes and numbers shake out once Jackson is back.
Andrew Bynum: Grabs Nine Rebounds Against Rockets
Update: Bynum had six points, nine rebounds and two assists in the Lakers' 93-90 win over the Rockets on Wednesday.
Analysis: Bynum's production came in only 18 minutes of play Wednesday, while starter Kwame Brown got 29 minutes of run. Bynum has been greatly outproducing Brown on the offensive end, so we expect that he'll eventually have more playing time.
Kwame Brown: Plays 29 Minutes Against Rockets
Update: Brown (heel) had two points and five rebounds in 29 minutes of play during the Lakers' 93-90 win over the Rockets.
Analysis: Why Brown is receiving significantly more minutes than Andrew Bynum is beyond us, but it seems that Brown, at least for the time being, will be earning starter's minutes at center while producing very little.
Luke Walton: Plays 15 Minutes Against Rockets
Update: Walton had two points and three assists in 15 minutes of play during the Lakers' 93-90 win over the Rockets on Wednesday.
Analysis: Unless someone ahead of him gets hurt, expect this to be the rule rather than the exception with Walton, who has fallen out of the starting lineup.
Jordan Farmar: Has Eight Points, Nine Rebounds in Win
Update: Farmar had eight points and nine rebounds in the Lakers' 93-90 win over the Rockets on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Farmar's play lately has been some of the best of his young career, and we expect him to get more minutes in coming games.
Lamar Odom: Scores 10 Against Rockets
Update: Odom (finger) had 10 points, seven rebounds and two steals in the Lakers' 93-90 win over the Rockets on Wednesday.
Analysis: Odom shot the ball only 10 times Wednesday night (converting four), and his finger injury may limit his shot selection in coming weeks.
Ronald Murray: Big Night Filling in for Billups
Update: Murray dished out 12 assists to go along with 15 points (6-for-12 FG), six boards and two treys in 41 minutes of action Wednesday night.
Analysis: Murray was in the starting line-up replacing Chauncey Billups (thigh, knee). Billups is not expected to miss much time, so Murray should be back to his normal role in the near future.
|
   |
||||||
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use.
NBA.com is part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network
