FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Othella Harrington: Season Debut
Update: Harrington (knee) was activated and made his season debut Friday in Charlotte's victory over Seattle.
Analysis: Harrington was scoreless in one minute of play. The Bobcats are desperate for frontline help, so Harrington could find his way into the rotation.
Paul Pierce: (Back) Plays 42 Minutes Sunday
Update: Pierce, who was almost scratched from Boston's previous game because of a back strain, started and played 42 minutes Sunday night in Boston's loss to Orlando.
Analysis: Pierce led the Celtics with 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting with six assists, five rebounds, two steals and three turnovers.
T.J. Ford: Team-High 29 Points
Update: Ford had 29 points on 12-of-22 shooting with nine assists (three turnovers), six rebounds and two steals in 33 minutes Sunday in Toronto's loss to Golden State.
Analysis: Ford was not on the floor during the fourth quarter of Friday's victory over Indiana, but things change quickly with Toronto coach Sam Mitchell. Ford should continue to get the bulk of the playing time at point guard, but Jose Calderon is a capable backup, who can steal minutes at any time.
Andrea Bargnani: Back in Rotation
Update: Bargnani, who played just four minutes in the Raptors' previous game, scored 12 points in 19 minutes Sunday in Toronto's loss to Golden State.
Analysis: Bargnani, who hasn't played more than 23 minutes in any of the last five games, entered Sunday on a 1-for-12 run over the last two games, but appeared to find his stroke against the Warriors, hitting 5-of-10 from the field. Bargnani, Chris Bosh and Maceo Baston are sharing the center position with Rasho Nesterovic (ankle) expected to miss a week or two.
Rasho Nesterovic: Will Miss Two Weeks
Update: Nesterovic will miss up to two weeks because of a sprained right ankle, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: We have somewhat conflicting reports on his eventual return to the lineup. Whether it's this coming week or next week, look for Maceo Baston to start games while Andrea Bargnani finishes them.
Austin Croshere: Season-High 16 Minutes
Update: Croshere (back) scored nine points (4-for-6 FG, one 3-pointer) and grabbed six rebounds in 16 minutes Sunday in Golden State's victory over Toronto.
Analysis: Croshere returned to action Friday night, making a token appearance (1:15, no points) in the Warriors' victory over the Clippers. The playing time he received on Sunday happened because the Warriors were playing without Matt Barnes, who was away from the team to be with his ill mother.
Stephen Jackson: Season Debut Sunday
Update: Jackson made his season debut Sunday after serving a seven-game suspension to open the season.
Analysis: Jackson was in the starting lineup at small forward and scored 17 points on 4-of-9 shooting (1-of-5 3pt) from the field and 8-of-11 from the free-throw line in 41 minutes in Golden State's victory over Toronto. Jackson joins a team with several players (Kelenna Azubuike, Mickael Pietrus, Matt Barnes) who play his position, but he should get plenty of minutes despite the less-than-consistent playing rotation of coach Don Nelson.
Mickael Pietrus: Returns Sunday
Update: Pietrus returned to action Sunday after missing three games for personal reasons.
Analysis: Pietrus scored 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting (0-for-3 3pt) with four rebounds, two turnovers and one steal in 17 minutes in Golden State's victory over Toronto.
Brandon Roy: Struggles in Lose to Washington
Update: Roy scored just 12 points (2-of-8 shooting) with five rebounds and two assists in Saturday night's loss to Washington.
Analysis: Roy took a season-low eight shots. Portland's game against Washington was a blow-out so there is no need for concern. He is still the go-to-guy on this team and will remain that way for the considerable future.
Greg Oden: Oden Gaining Substantial Muscle
Update: Oden has gained 30 pounds of muscle this season bringing him near 280 pounds, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: He has maintained his 7.8 percent body fat so all that additional weight is all upper-body muscle. He hasn't been able to do any lower body weight training because of his knee surgery. He should be a force to be reckoned with next season.
Sergio Rodriguez: Demoted Out of Second Unit
Update: Coach Nate McMillan said he will use rookie Taurean Green as the point guard for the second unit, a move that results in a demotion for Rodriguez, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: This move won't really affect much. Neither Rodriguez nor Green will get enough playing time to make a significant fantasy impact.
LaMarcus Aldridge: Consistency Continues
Update: Aldridge scored 18 points (8-of-17 shooting) including 10 rebounds, two assists, and one block in Friday night's game against Washington.
Analysis: Aldridge has scored 18 or more points a game in seven of the first 10 games. He has also grabbed eight or more boards in eight of the first 10 games. From night to night, you can pretty much pencil in at least 18 points and eight rebounds every time he plays.
Nick Young: Scores 17 Points Saturday
Update: After not scoring more than five points heading into Saturday's game, Young had 17 points and two assists in 15 minutes in the Wizards' win over the Blazers.
Analysis: Young, who made 6-of-9 shots, took advantage of Gilbert Arenas' absence Saturday to give the Wizards a glimpse of his scoring potential. He's worth keeping an eye on, but production like that isn't something Young can be counted on for at this stage of his career.
Andray Blatche: Contributes Off Bench
Update: Blatche scored 10 points (on 5-of-11 shooting) and added four rebounds, three assists and three blocks in 26 minutes of action in Saturday's win over the Blazers.
Analysis: Blatche seems to be earning the trust of coach Eddie Jordan and is an injury away from an expanded role with the Wizards.
Brendan Haywood: Another Strong Effort
Update: Haywood scored 17 points (on 4-of-8 shooting) and added 10 rebounds in 24 minutes of action in Saturday's win over the Blazers.
Analysis: As a bonus, Haywood (a lifetime .596 FT shooter) was 9-for-9 from the free throw line.
Gilbert Arenas: Knee Sore, But Should Play Tuesday
Update: Arenas (left knee) likely will play against Philadelphia on Tuesday, the Washington Times reports.
Analysis: The Wizards will have two back-to-back sets of games in five nights this coming week, beginning Tuesday. "He's not close to being the real Gil," coach Eddie Jordan said of Arenas, who continues to experience discomfort in his surgically repaired knee. "Even when he has the days off. He needs more time to get there." We'll check back on Arenas once the Wizards resume practicing on Monday, but it's starting to look like back-to-back games could pose a problem for the Wizards' star in the near future.
Taurean Green: WIll be Used in Second Unit
Update: Coach Nate McMillan said he will use Green as the point guard for the second unit, a move that results in a demotion for Sergio Rodriguez, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: This move won't really affect much. Neither Rodriguez nor Green will get enough playing time to make a significant fantasy impact.
Al Thornton: Likely to Miss Some Time
Update: Thornton (ankle) is expected to miss at least a couple of games, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: The rookie could have helped the undermanned Clippers during Saturday night's loss to Chicago. With Corey Maggette (hamstring) out of action, Thornton may have been given a chance to see major floor time. In eight games, he is averaging 16.4 minutes, 5.4 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting a frigid 31.9% from the field.
Corey Maggette: Shelved With Bad Hammy
Update: Maggette (hamstring) is expected to miss at least a couple of games, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: He did not play in Saturday's 92-73 loss to Chicago. In eight games, Maggette is averaging 19.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 42.9% from the field. Ruben Patterson started in his place against the Bulls and should continue to do so.
Shawn Marion: Double-Double on Saturday
Update: Marion scored 18 points with 11 rebounds and four blocks in Saturday's win over the Rockets.
Analysis: That's seven double-doubles in 10 games for Marion. Despite his quick start he's actually shooting below his career averages from both three-point range and the free-throw line, so Marion has hardly maxed out his production.
Ruben Patterson: Starts for Maggette
Update: Patterson started at small forward and scored five points with five rebounds and four turnovers in Saturday's loss to Chicago.
Analysis: He engaged in a skirmish with Andres Nocioni in the second quarter and was nearly ejected for the incident. Corey Maggette, who normally starts at small forward, is out for possibly a week or longer with a hamstring tear. As a free-agent pickup, the volatile Patterson is a small Band-Aid for any Maggette owners left with few options in deep leagues.
Steve Nash: Double-Double on Saturday
Update: Nash (shoulder, back) scored 19 points with 15 assists in Saturday's win over the Rockets.
Analysis: Despite his nagging injuries Nash still played over 36 minutes, and shot 6-for-11 from the floor and 3-for-3 from three-point range. He's not going to be 100% any time soon, but even 90% of Nash is capable of filling up the scoresheet.
Quinton Ross: Early Exit on Saturday
Update: Ross banged his right knee in the first half of Saturday's loss to Chicago and did not return.
Analysis: The Clippers can't afford to lose any more forwards. Along with Ruben Patterson, Ross was filling the roles of Al Thornton (ankle) and Corey Maggette (hamstring), both of whom were out with injuries. Regardless, his fantasy value is minimal, even temporarily.
Rasho Nesterovic: Should Return Within a Week
Update: Nesterovic (ankle), who was seen jogging along the sideline at practice Thursday, should be able to return to the lineup within a week, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: Maceo Baston will get at least one more start at center on Sunday. Nesterovic doesn't have a lot of fantasy value even when healthy, but he solidifies the Raptors' first unit with his rebounding and paint-clogging.
Joey Graham: Out For Another Week
Update: Graham (strained quad) is still about a week away from returning, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: It's unlikely he'll have a regular spot in the Raptors rotation even when he does get healthy, however, especially with the emergence of Jamario Moon.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim: Swelling in Right Knee
Update: Abdur-Rahim experienced swelling in his right knee before Wednesday's game at Minnesota and missed the last two games, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "We're just trying to wait and see, to give it a couple more days of rest," Abdur-Rahim said. "I'll probably get back in the swing of things maybe on Monday or Tuesday." Make the assumption that he will battle knee problems the remainder of the season. The 12-year veteran appears uncomfortable running and cutting after having knee surgery in mid-June.
Spencer Hawes: A Start on the Horizon?
Update: Kings coach Reggie Theus has not ruled out starting Hawes along with center Brad Miller in the future, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "I wasn't sure that Spencer and Brad would be able to play together, but I am now. It could be a dangerous thing," Theus said. The 7-foot rookie has averaged more than 12 minutes in the past three games. Sacramento desperately needs scoring in the blocks, and Hawes' offensive development is further along than coaches imagined. Reserve any transactions for now, but keep an eye on Hawes.
Luol Deng: Out One Week With Back Injury
Update: Deng expects to be sidelined for at least one week after aggravating a back injury during Saturday's win over the Clippers, ESPN reports. "Everything felt good in the first quarter but then I went up and twisted when I scored that basket and felt it 'go' straight away," he said. "I can hardly walk right now. I've never had back pain like it."
Analysis: He may undergo an MRI on Sunday, but an initial diagnosis says he jammed a ligament in his lower back.
Mickael Pietrus: May Return Sunday
Update: Pietrus, who is in France for the birth of his son, may return to the Warriors' lineup Sunday, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Analysis: The Warriors will also welcome back Stephen Jackson from a seven-game suspension Sunday, just as the team learned that Matt Barnes is leaving to be with his ill mother.
Mehmet Okur: Reduced Numbers Resulting From Other's Production
Update: Okur, who is down in several categories to start the 2007-08 season, said the biggest reason for his struggles is the emergence and production of other starters, the Deseret News reports.
Analysis: Okur, who had eight points and two rebounds in Saturday's loss to Indiana, is averaging six less points, two less rebounds, three less shots while shooting for a lower percentage this season, when compared to 2006-07. "(Carlos) Boozer, Deron (Williams), Ronnie (Brewer) - those guys, they step up their game, especially on offensive end. So I just want to try to shoot open shots... I'm gonna do what I'm doing out there," Okur said after Saturday's game, "because Boozer is doing a great job on the block, and Deron creates open shots for us. ... If I'm open, I'm gonna shoot it. If not, I'm gonna pass to whoever's open."
Deron Williams: Second Straight Poor Night
Update: Williams had eight points on 3-of-8 shooting to go along with six assists and six turnovers in Utah's blowout loss in Indiana on Saturday.
Analysis: Williams, who made 4-of-17 shots in Friday's loss to Cleveland, was particularly hard on himself. "I've been playing terrible for the last week and a half," Williams told the Salt Lake Tribune. "Turning the ball over every time down the court. I've got to do a better job of taking care of the ball and hit shots. I've got to get that confidence back myself." The young point guard is too good to be locked in a funk for a long stretch of time. Be patient.
Jason Hart: Will Miss Monday's Game
Update: Hart will miss Monday's game against the Nets to attend the funeral of his grandmother, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: Without Hart, the Jazz will rely on Ronnie Price to back up Deron Williams at point guard.
Quentin Richardson: Headed to Bench?
Update: Knicks coach Isiah Thomas is considering moving David Lee into the starting lineup at small forward, replacing Richardson, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: The move is more about Lee being one of Thomas' better producers than it is about any dissatisfaction with Richardson. However, the move makes the Knicks awfully slow defensively. A move to the bench may not be such a bad thing for Richardson's production, though. He could be a featured shooter on the second unit. He's averaging three less shots and six less points per game this season as a starter on the floor with Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry.
Marcus Camby: Grabs 20 Boards for the Third Time
Update: Camby pulled down 20 rebounds to go along with six points, six assists and five blocks in the Nuggets' 115-83 win over New York on Saturday night.
Analysis: It was the third time in 10 games that Camby grabbed 20 or more rebounds this season and he did it in only 28 minutes as head coach George Karl pulled all his starters late in the third quarter.
Carmelo Anthony: Scores 24 in Limited Minutes
Update: Anthony led all scorers with 24 points on 11-of-18 FGs (2-of-2 3pt) in just 29 minutes during Denver's blowout win over New York on Saturday night.
Analysis: Anthony also added six assists, three rebounds and two blocks in what turned out to be the Nuggets' fifth straight win. The only downside was Anthony missed all four of his FTs but we don't expect that to become a trend.
Greg Buckner: Comes Off Bench
Update: Buckner scored just five points in 21 minutes while coming off the bench in Saturday's loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: Perhaps he's still not at full strength after a recent illness, but Buckner didn't get more playing time when a forward spot opened up after Theo Ratliff hurt his knee. The T-Wolves may need to go with a bigger lineup with Ratliff out, so Buckner's run of recent playing time may ease a bit.
David Lee: Could be Starting
Update: Knicks coach Isiah Thomas is considering changes to his starting lineup, including Lee at small forward in place of Quentin Richardson, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: The move is a nod to one of Thomas' better producers and would certainly make the Knicks bigger and a better rebounding team, but really doesn't make sense defensively. Lee can't guard quicker small forwards at the perimeter, which was very evident Saturday night when he matched up against Carmelo Anthony. And Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry aren't the kind of big men on defense that would consistently support Lee on the inside, picking up players blowing by Lee. Playing Lee at small forward may also result in a hit to his stats, because he's a much better producer on the low blocks and around rim, areas where Curry and Randolph already occupy.
Michael Doleac: Few Minutes Despite Ratliff Injury
Update: Doleac did not score or have a rebound while playing two minutes in Saturday's loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: It doesn't look like Theo Ratliff's knee injury is going to open significant minutes for Doleac, but at least it will stop him from being a frequent healthy scratch.
Mike Conley: Strained Right Shoulder
Update: Conley left Saturday night's game against the Mavericks with a strained right shoulder.
Analysis: Conley did not return to the game, after playing four minutes and scoring two points with one rebound and one assist. The Grizzlies are off until Monday (Seattle).
Ryan Gomes: Comes Off Bench
Update: Gomes scored 12 points with four rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes, but came off the bench, in Saturday's loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: Gomes had been the primary starter at small forward, but the T-Wolves tried a new lineup with Antoine Walker and Corey Brewer at forward with Theo Ratliff out with a knee injury (Al Jefferson moving to center). Despite coming off the bench, Gomes got about the same minutes and production, so we wouldn't get too worried as the T-Wolves are spreading around the minutes at both forward spots.
Sebastian Telfair: Productive Off Bench
Update: Telfair scored 15 points with three assists in 26 minutes while coming off the bench in Saturday's loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: Since losing the starting point guard job to Marko Jaric, Telfair is averaging 7.5 points and 4.0 assists per game, down from 8.8 points and 4.2 assists per game in his seven games as a starter. While he hasn't seen a big drop in production with the demotion, he doesn't have the upside to significantly improve those stats in his reserve role.
Corey Brewer: Starts at Small Forward
Update: Brewer started at small forward in Saturday's loss to New Orleans. He did not score (0-for-5 from the field), but had six rebounds and three assists in 22 minutes.
Analysis: Brewer may get more playing time with Theo Ratliff hurt (as another forward spot opens up with Al Jefferson moving to center), but expect his playing time and production to be inconsistent as he learns the NBA game.
Ray Allen: May Have Minutes Cut Back
Update: Allen, who is averaging 40.6 minutes per game, may see his playing time cut back to preserve him for the entire season, according to the Boston Globe.
Analysis: This move makes sense to us, as Allen, playing on two reconstructed ankles, should not be playing 40 minutes per game this early in the season. Look for Tony Allen and Eddie House to get more run in Allen's stead, and for Allen to move down to the 30-35 minute mark.
Lamar Odom: Feels That Timing is Still Off
Update: Odom, despite a 25-point, 15-rebound game Friday against Detroit, feels that, "My timing is still a little bit off and I am not taking care of the ball like I usually do." He also told the Los Angeles Times that "I still have a ways to go."
Analysis: Odom has played in four games since his shoulder surgery, and his timing looks fine to us. Continue to start him now, before another injury creeps up.
Jason Terry: Scores 10 Against Grizzlies
Update: Terry had 10 points and five assists in the Mavs' 108-105 win over the Grizzlies on Saturday.
Analysis: Saturday was the first time all year that Terry hadn't scored at least 16 points, though we expect his scoring to pick right back up in coming games.
Dirk Nowitzki: Nears Double-Double Against Grizzlies
Update: Nowitzki had 21 points and nine rebounds in the Mavs' 108-105 win over the Grizzlies.
Analysis: Another relatively ho-hum night by Dirk standards, and he remains the team's third-leading scorer so far this season. The last time Nowitzki went seven games without leading the team in scoring, it was the 2001-2002 season.
Devin Harris: Scores 19, Grabs Five Steals Against Grizzlies
Update: Harris had 19 points, eight assists and five steals in the Mavs' 108-105 win over the Grizzlies on Saturday.
Analysis: Harris is finally starting to play like the point guard the team envisioned this offseason, and should be an every-night starter from here on out.
Josh Howard: Scores 27 Against Grizzlies
Update: Howard had 27 points and seven rebounds in the Mavs' 108-105 win over the Grizzlies Saturday night.
Analysis: Howard, and not MVP Dirk Nowitzki, is leading the Mavs in scoring this season, and is showing no sign of slowing down.
Matt Barnes: Out For Sunday - Could Miss Warriors Five Game Road Trip
Update: Barnes will miss Sunday's game against Toronto and is expected to miss the Warriors' next five games to be with his mother who has cancer, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: Barnes had started the last two games at power forward, but with Stephen Jackson back, will most likely come off the bench when returns to the team.
Marvin Williams: Tough Shooting Night
Update: Williams had just 10 points (5-of-16 FG, 0-of-1 FT), eight rebounds and a steal in the Hawks' loss to the Bucks on Saturday.
Analysis: An off-night for Williams, who is averaging 16.9 points and 6.4 rebounds on 51.8 percent from the floor and 76.1 percent from the line.
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