FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Bonzi Wells: Comes Off The Bench on Saturday
Update: Wells was held scoreless in 16 minutes of play in Saturday's loss to Phoenix.
Analysis: It looked like Wells would benefit from extra playing time due to Tracy McGrady's injury, but that obviously isn't the case. He's only scored a total of four points in his last two games
Josh Smith: Season-High 38 Points on Saturday
Update: Smith (quadriceps) showed no ill effects from his injury scoring 38 points and grabbing seven rebounds in a loss to Milwaukee.
Analysis: Smith, who missed the Hawks last game with a strained left quad, also had three blocks and two steals and shot 12-for-16 from the line. It looks safe to put him back in your lineup.
Luis Scola: Scores 20 Points in Back-To-Back Games
Update: Scola scored 20 points (10-for-19 from the field) and pulled down nine rebounds in Saturday's loss to Phoenix.
Analysis: Scola seems to be getting on track after a slow start to the season. He played 34 minutes on Saturday and had a team-high 19 shot attempts.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Perfect From the Field and the Line on Saturday
Update: Stoudemire recorded 18 points and 11 rebounds on Saturday's win over Houston.
Analysis: Stoudemire shot 7-for-7 from the field and 4-for-4 from the line in 26 minutes of play.
Leandro Barbosa: Another Start at Shooting Guard
Update: Barbosa started at shooting guard for Raja Bell (ankle) on Saturday and scored 21 points in a win over Houston.
Analysis: Barbosa, who started for Raja Bell (ankle), has scored 20 or more points in his last four games and has made 18 3-pointers during that stretch.
Corey Maggette: Out of Saturday's Action
Update: Maggette (strained right hamstring) missed Saturday's game against Chicago.
Analysis: He was injured in Friday's loss at Golden State. Ruben Patterson took his place in the starting lineup.
Jason Kidd: 15 Assists on Saturday
Update: Kidd scored 16 points, handed out 15 assists and pulled down seven rebounds in Saturday's loss to Miami.
Analysis: The only negative to Kidd's performance were his seven turnovers. He entered the night averaging 11.2 points, 10.0 assists and 9.4 rebounds.
Sean Williams: Starts at Power Forward on Saturday
Update: Williams got the start at power forward and responded with 22 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks in a loss to Miami.
Analysis: Williams played 35 minutes on Saturday and has blocked 13 shots over his last four games. He could be a good source for rebounds and blocks if he continues to play starter's minutes.
Dwyane Wade: 20 Free Throw Attempts on Saturday
Update: Wade struggled from the field (4-for-17 shooting) on Saturday but still recorded 23 points, nine assists, six rebounds, four steals and a block in a win over New Jersey.
Analysis: Wade, who went to the line 20 times on Saturday, looks to be recovered from his injuries as he showed no fear getting to the rim and absorbing contact.
Kevin Durant: Shooting Woes Continue
Update: Durant was held to 16 points (3-for-12 from the field) in Saturday's loss to Charlotte.
Analysis: Durant, who entered the night averaging 20.1 points per game, is shooting 32% from the field (38-for-117) over his last seven games.
Gerald Wallace: Stuffs The Stat Sheet on Saturday
Update: Wallace had 27 points (10-for-18 from the field), seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals in Saturday's win over Seattle.
Analysis: Wallace continues to struggle from the line (6-for-10 from the line on Saturday), but has now scored 27 points in back-to-back games and continues to contribute in multiple categories.
Andrei Kirilenko: Five More Blocks on Saturday
Update: Kirilenko scored 12 points (5-for-9 shooting) and blocked five shots in Saturday's loss to Indiana.
Analysis: Kirilenko, who entered the night averaging 2.6 blocks per game, has blocked 14 shots in his last four games.
Antonio Daniels: Gets Start at Point Guard
Update: Daniels start at point guard for the injured Gilbert Arenas (knee) and responded with ten points and ten assists in Saturday's win over Portland.
Analysis: Arenas isn't expected to miss much time, but Daniels (40 minutes on Saturday) could be a good short-term play while Arenas is out.
Antawn Jamison: More Assertive with Arenas Out
Update: Jamison scored 30 points (11-for-23 from the field) in Saturday's win over Portland.
Analysis: Jamison, who also had 11 rebounds and four 3-pointers, should be the focal point of the Wizards offense as long as Gilbert Arenas (knee) is out.
Gilbert Arenas: Sidelined by Sore Knee
Update: Arenas missed Saturday's game against Portland with a sore left knee, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Arenas, who participated in the shootaround before the game, was a late scratch and should be considered day-to-day. Antonio Daniels started at point guard for the Wizards.
Stephen Jackson: Expected to Start on Sunday
Update: Jackson (suspension) should be in the Warriors starting lineup on Sunday against Toronto, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: "He's going from no minutes to 38, if he can do it," Warriors coach Don Nelson said. "He's going to be screaming to get out of the game." It's still unclear if Jackson will replace Kelenna Azubuike or Matt Barnes in the starting lineup.
Marquis Daniels: Should Play on Saturday
Update: Daniels (knee) should play on Saturday night against Utah after sitting out on Friday, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: The Pacers right now are having him avoid the front-end of back-to-back games.
Kenny Thomas: Shin Still Bothering Him
Update: Thomas (shin) missed his second consecutive game on Friday in the Kings' win over New York.
Analysis: At this point, the power forward is day-to-day. Unless his minutes elevate substantially, Thomas has no fantasy value. He is averaging 17.6 minutes per game.
Michael Doleac: May Get Chance With Ratliff Hurt
Update: Doleac did not play in Friday's loss to Washington due to a coach's decision, but he could play Saturday with Theo Ratliff likely out with a sore knee.
Analysis: Doleac has been stuck on the bench, but could get an opportunity to win more playing time with Ratliff out.
Antoine Walker: Getting More Minutes
Update: Walker scored 14 points with five rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes in Friday's loss to Washington
Analysis: Walker is starting to get more playing time off the bench with a few players hurt. While he may not be in the team's long-term plans, this trend could continue in the short term.
Theo Ratliff: Out With Sore Knee
Update: Ratliff left Friday's loss to Washington with a sore right knee and will not play Saturday against New Orleans. "It's been sore the last couple of days," Ratliff said. "I went out there in the second half and it was popping a little bit. I was running down the court and I felt it popping and popping, so I pulled myself out of the game."
Analysis: Ratliff will get an MRI in the next few days and it sounds like he could be sidelined awhile. Craig Smith will likely get more playing time as a result.
Antonio Daniels: Just 3.3 PPG Off the Bench So Far
Update: Daniels scored three points (on 0-of-2 shooting) and added three assists in 18 minutes of action in Friday's win over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Daniels is definitely part of the Wizards' rotation (19.1 MPG), but he has yet to score in double figures this season and has limited fantasy upside as long as he is coming off the bench.
Darius Songaila: Scores 10 Friday
Update: Songaila scored 10 points (on 5-of-8 shooting) and added five rebounds in 19 minutes of action in Friday's win over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Songaila has averaged 10 points over the Wizards' last three games -- all wins -- as he continues to cement his spot in the team's rotation.
Andray Blatche: Cementing Spot in Rotation
Update: Blatche scored seven points (on 3-of-4 shooting) and added four rebounds in 21 minutes of action in Friday's win over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Blatche may not be ready for fantasy prime-time, but he is cementing his spot in the Wizards' rotation and is a Brendan Haywood injury away from an expanded role.
DeShawn Stevenson: Not Getting Many Shots
Update: Stevenson scored seven points (on 2-of-4 shooting) and added three assists and three rebounds in 25 minutes of action in Friday's win over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Stevenson remains in the starting lineup, but he is the team's number five option on offense and has seen only 22.5 minutes of action per game. He is better than the 4.4 PPG game guy that he is now, but Stevenson is not worth a lineup spot until he gets an opportunity to take some more shots. He's attempted just 42 shots through eight games.
Antawn Jamison: Scoring Slows Down, but Wizards Win Again
Update: Jamison scored 14 points (on 6-of-16 shooting) and added five rebounds in 35 minutes of action in Friday's win over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Jamison has sputtered over the past two games, but there's no need to panic here, as his playing time with the Wizards (39.3 MPG) remains stable and he is healthy.
Brendan Haywood: May be Finding Consistency
Update: Haywood scored eight points (on 4-of-7 shooting) and added 11 rebounds in 33 minutes of action in Friday's win over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Haywood, never known for his consistency, seems to be settling into a nice groove where his current averages -- 9.4 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.1 BPG -- could be numbers he can sustain, as long as he gets his 30 minutes or so of court time. About the only downer with Haywood so far is his .517 FT%, but he's always been shaky at the line.
Gilbert Arenas: Scores 27 in Wizards' Third Straight Win
Update: Arenas (knee) scored 27 points (on 9-of-19 shooting) and added eight assists and four steals in 38 minutes of action in Friday's win over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Arenas, who made 3-of-8 from downtown for the second straight game, was a bit sloppy with the ball (seven turnovers), but his knee seems to be holding up. We'll see how things go Saturday, when the Wizards play for the second consecutive night.
Steve Nash: Bothersome Right Shoulder
Update: Nash, who has shot just 5-for-17 from the floor the last two games, has been bothered by a sore right shoulder, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: "I'm struggling a bit but I'll be fine," Nash said. "I've just got some ribs out of place. It's other areas causing the shoulder soreness." Expect Nash to stay in the lineup despite the nagging injuries, but his early season offensive explosion is likely over.
Caron Butler: Nice Numbers Out of the Gate
Update: Butler scored a season-high 29 points (on 11-of-16 shooting) along with eight rebounds in 46 minutes of action in Friday's win over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Butler has scored 21 or more points in each of his last six games, averaging 22.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG and 2.2 SPG, while shooting a nifty .508 from the field and .843 from the line. Aside from his FG%, which is bound to dip, those numbers should remain fairly stable for the fantasy-friendly Butler.
Raja Bell: Will Not Play Saturday
Update: Bell will miss Saturday's game due to further soreness in his right ankle, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Leandrinho Barbosa will get another start at off guard as a result.
Corey Maggette: Doubtful Versus Chicago
Update: Maggette (strained right hamstring) is doubtful for Saturday's game against Chicago.
Analysis: The small forward was injured in Friday night's loss at Golden State. Ruben Patterson should take his place in the starting lineup if he is unable to play. His absence will be a big blow to the Clippers. Maggette is enjoying his finest season as a pro.
Al Thornton: Doubtful for Saturday
Update: Thornton (sprained right ankle) is doubtful for Saturday's game against Chicago.
Analysis: The reserve small forward was injured Friday night at Golden State. He has seen limited playing time early in the season and his minutes will likely be absorbed by Ruben Patterson and Quinton Ross.
Rafer Alston: Logs Big Minutes Friday
Update: With Tracy McGrady out, Alston played 43 minutes and scored nine points on 4-of-10 shooting. He also had seven assists and two steals.
Analysis: McGrady often initiates the offense for the Rockets, so with him missing, it's not all that surprising that extra minutes went to the team's main distributor at point guard (Mike James is more of a shoot-first type). When McGrady returns expect a fairly even playing-time split between Alston and James.
Bonzi Wells: Poor Shooting Night
Update: Wells had just four points on 1-of-9 shooting in 23 minutes Friday night.
Analysis: It was particularly disappointing because he was expected to do more with Tracy McGrady out. Consider it an off night and expect Wells to bounce back.
Luis Scola: Breakout Game for Scola
Update: Scola had 20 points on 10-of-11 shooting and four rebounds in 29 minutes Friday night.
Analysis: It was Scola's first big game of the season and perhaps a hint of things to come. That said, the Rockets still love Chuck Hayes' defense, and Scola probably saw extra minutes in part because Tracy McGrady was out. Still, expect Scola to have a bigger role as the season goes on.
Stephen Jackson: Suspension Over
Update: Jackson served the final game of his seven-game suspension Friday night.
Analysis: Jackson will make his season debut on Sunday in Toronto, where the Warriors begin a five-game Eastern swing.
Stephon Marbury: Accepts Backup Role
Update: Marbury told the New York Daily News that he will accept the backup point guard job without a fuss.
Analysis: "I'm willing to take on that role," Marbury said. "I'm not happy and comfortable with it but that's something I have to do. It's definitely lighting a fire under me to play at a higher level." Marbury scored 15 points with four assists, two turnovers and a steal in 43 minutes in New York's double-overtime loss to Sacramento on Friday. Since he left the team on Tuesday, Marbury has played 76 minutes in the two games since. That suggests his playing time won't be drastically cut even in a reserve role.
John Salmons: Fined for His Actions
Update: According to a source close to the team, Salmons was fined $5,000 for leaving the locker room early after Wednesday's loss at Minnesota, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The swingman was visibly upset with comments Kings coach Reggie Theus directed at his players regarding the team's performance and Salmons walked the hallways of the Target Center before Theus was finished speaking. Although he did not start on Friday, Salmons lost no playing time as a result of the incident, logging 39 minutes against New York.
Deron Williams: Low Output
Update: Williams scored 11 points on 4-of-17 shooting with four assists, two steals, two rebounds and two turnovers Friday night in Utah's loss to Cleveland.
Analysis: "I let the refs get in my head a little bit in that first half," the Jazz point guard told the Deseret News. "From there, I just never got a rhythm. I was second-guessing myself with everything I'm doing - and I'm not good when I'm playing like that." Look for Williams to rebound Saturday night against the Pacers.
Anthony Carter: Eyes Nov. 27 Return
Update: Carter (broken hand) is targeting a return to the lineup on Nov. 27, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
Analysis: Carter's been doing some basketball work and is nearing a return. What we need to find out is if Carter will enter the starting lineup at point guard and allow Allen Iverson to slide to shooting guard.
Amir Johnson: Getting Extending Action
Update: With Antonio McDyess out of the game and Jason Maxiell in foul trouble, Johnson saw 18 minutes on the floor Friday night.
Analysis: Johnson only scored one point, but he added four blocks, seven rebounds and two assists. Johnson has only played 51 minutes this season, but has 19 rebounds and seven blocks.
Matt Barnes: Filling In Again
Update: Barnes started at small forward in place of Mickael Pietrus (personal) for the second consecutive game on Friday.
Analysis: Barnes did his usual high-energy thing, scoring 17 points (7-for-15 FG, 3-for-5 3pt) with six rebounds, eight assists, one steal and one blocked shot in 43 minutes. If he can ever get consistent minutes in coach Don Nelson's rotation, Barnes can do a little bit of everything for a fantasy team.
Baron Davis: Double-Double Friday
Update: Davis (knee) scored 21 points and had 12 assists Friday night in Golden State's victory over the Clippers.
Analysis: Davis rounded out a huge fantasy night with five blocked shots, four rebounds and three steals. The knee injury he suffered never caused him to miss any games, while continuing to play big minutes (42.5 mpg in last two games).
Cheikh Samb: Big Lift in Season Debut
Update: Samb made his season debut Friday night, scoring two points with four rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 14 minutes in the Pistons' loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: With Antonio McDyess out because of a shoulder injury, minutes were available. The playing time normally allotted to Nazr Mohammed went to Samb, who gave Detroit a lift in the second quarter and helped close a first-quarter deficit. We expect Samb to be plying his trade in the D-League at some point, so don't get caught up in wild speculation here.
Jason Maxiell: Starts at Center Friday
Update: Maxiell started at center in place of the injured Antonio McDyess (shoulder) on Friday.
Analysis: Maxiell had nine points on 1-of-2 shooting from the field and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line with four rebounds and a blocked shot in 22 minutes. An MRI on McDyess' shoulder came back negative, so expect Maxiell to resume his normal role off the bench soon.
Ronald Murray: Second Consecutive Start
Update: Murray started at point guard in place of the injured Chauncey Billups (knee) Friday night in Detroit's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: Billups is expected to return soon, so Murray's days of 40-plus minutes will come to an end. On Friday, Murray had 15 points, six rebounds and six assists in 41 minutes, which was the same amount of playing time he got in the Pistons' previous game.
Chauncey Billups: Sits Out Friday
Update: Billups (knee) sat out Friday night's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: Billups has missed two straight games after hurting his knee and hip Tuesday night. Flip Murray made his second consecutive start at point guard in Billups' place.
Antonio McDyess: Sits Out Friday
Update: McDyess (shoulder) did not play Friday night in Detroit's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: This was expected after McDyess underwent an MRI that was negative. Jason Maxiell started at center and had nine points and four rebounds in 22 minutes.
Kwame Brown: Back in Starting Lineup
Update: Brown (heel) made his second consecutive start on Friday in the Lakers' victory over the Pistons.
Analysis: Brown's doing very little with the starting assignment, scoring just four points with 11 rebounds in 55 minutes over the two starts.
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