FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Rafer Alston: Second Consecutive Strong Game
Update: Alston scored 15 points (6-for-11 FG) with four assists, four boards, three treys and two steals in 30 minutes Wednesday night.
Analysis: This was Alston's second consecutive strong game, and if he can continue this he has a chance to put some distance between himself and the other Rockets point guards in the battle for backcourt minutes.
Yao Ming: Wins Match-up with Stoudemire
Update: Ming scored 31 points (12-for-19 FG, 7-for-7 FT) with 13 boards and two blocks in 40 minutes of action to lead the Rockets to a win over the Suns.
Analysis: Ming got the better of his head-to-head matchup with Amare Stoudemire, showing for this night that his size and skill can trump Stoudemire's explosiveness.
Tony Parker: Near Triple-Double as Breaks Shooting Slump
Update: Parker flirted with a triple-double Wednesday night, scoring 29 points with 11 assists and eight boards on the night.
Analysis: Parker knocked down an excellent 12-of-18 from the field to break out of the 13-for-33 shooting slump he had been mired in for the last two games.
Brendan Haywood: Fending Off Blatche
Update: Haywood scored 19 points (8-for-12 FG) with five boards, two blocks, two assists and a steal in 29 minutes of action Wednesday night.
Analysis: Meanwhile, Blatche only produced six points and five boards with three blocks in 21 minutes. Now that his ankle is getting healthy it appears that Haywood has regained the upper hand in their competition for minutes.
Devin Harris: In the Midst of a Breakout Campaign?
Update: Harris scored 22 points on excellent 9-for-10 shooting from the field, and also added six assists and two boards in Wednesday's victory over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Harris has scored more than 20 points in three of the last five games, and seems to be really growing into his expanded role as the floor leader for the Mavericks.
Craig Smith: Season Highs
Update: Smith registered season highs with 17 points (8-for-9 FG) and seven boards in only 20 minutes of action Wednesday night.
Analysis: This was a nice follow-up to his double-digit scoring effort Tuesday night, as Smith may finally be healthy enough to play himself back into the rotation for the Wolves.
Marko Jaric: Returning to Fantasy Relevance?
Update: Jaric scored 12 points with seven assists, seven boards, two steals, a trey and a blocked shot in 40 minutes of action Wednesday night.
Analysis: This was Jaric's fourth consecutive strong game, despite his six turnovers and five fouls on the night. Three years ago Jaric had some roto value in his last season as a Clipper, and it appears that he is attempting to renew that value now after a long hiatus from fantasy relevance.
Rashad McCants: Breaks Out of Scoring Slump
Update: McCants scored 21 points on solid shooting (7-for-17 FG, 7-for-7 FT) with a steal Wednesday night.
Analysis: This was McCants' first 20-point effort in the last seven games, and since his entire roto value is tied into his scoring and long-range shooting this was an important performance for him.
Al Jefferson: Big Scoring Night with Double-Double
Update: Jefferson exploded for a season-high 31 points (11-for-19 FG) and 14 rebounds Wednesday night against the Mavericks.
Analysis: Jefferson continues to produce double-doubles on pretty much a nightly basis, having only failed to record a DD only three times this season.
Richard Hamilton: Hyperextended Elbow
Update: Hamilton hyperextended his elbow in the fourth quarter of Wednesday night's game, but the injury does not seem to be serious.
Analysis: The Pistons have two days off before they play again so Hamilton will likely be fine, but nevertheless we will keep an eye on the situation.
Rasheed Wallace: Return to the Line-up
Update: Wallace (knee) returned to the Pistons line-up Wednesday night, and scored nine points with eight boards, three assists and two steals in 25 minutes of a blowout victory.
Analysis: The game was so lopsided that Wallace was able to ease back into the starting role without playing a lot of minutes. But it appears safe to get him back into your line-ups.
Anthony Parker: Another Good Game with Bargnani on Bench
Update: Parker posted season highs in boards (eight) and assists (six) on Wednesday night while also scoring 19 points (8-for-14 FG) with three treys in 36 minutes of action.
Analysis: Not coincidentally, this strong effort came in a game when Andrea Bargnani was not in the starting five. With Bargnani in the starting line-up for the past three games Parker had averaged less than nine ppg, but just like earlier in the month, when Bargnani went back to the bench Parker thrived.
Jose Calderon: Another Double-Double
Update: Calderon started in place of T.J. Ford again on Wednesday night, and once again he produced a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists. He shot 6-for-12 from the field, and also grabbed five boards in 34 minutes of action.
Analysis: This makes three consecutive games with double-digit assist for Calderon, who is an elite-guard waiting to happen whenever Ford gets injured.
Juan Carlos Navarro: Consistent Points and Treys
Update: Navarro scored 15 points with three treys in 37 minutes Wednesday night.
Analysis: Navarro has at least 15 points and three treys in three consecutive games, and is settling in as a consistent long-distance scorer for the Grizzlies.
Josh Smith: Flirting With Roto Quadruple Double
Update: Smith flirted with a roto quadruple-double Wednesday night, scoring 10 points with eight boards, seven assists, and eight combined blocks/steals in 41 minutes of action.
Analysis: Smith continues to struggle with his shot (4-for-14 FG), but he is firmly in Andrei Kirilenko territory with strong contributions in every category on the stat sheet.
Mo Williams: Perfect Nines
Update: Williams (ankle) was a perfect 9-for-9 from the field and 4-for-4 from the line Wednesday night. He also dished nine assists and grabbed two steals in 39 minutes of play.
Analysis: Clearly his ankle injury is not hindering him, as Williams continues to put up surprisingly strong assists numbers (9.7 apg over last seven games).
Andrew Bogut: Fourth Double-Double in Last Seven Games
Update: Bogut produced an 18-point/11-rebound double-double Wednesday night, shooting 7-for-12 from the field and 4-for-5 from the line while also blocking four shots in 35 minutes of action.
Analysis: Bogut is still more up-and-down than you would like in an impact starter, but he is starting to have more good days than bad. And most importantly, he has added consistent shot-blocking to his stat line (3.2 bpg in last seven games).
Andrea Bargnani: Leaves Game with Knee Injury
Update: Bargnani left in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's game with a right knee injury and did not return.
Analysis: He had 10 points and seven rebounds in 20 minutes before exiting. We'll check in with more information as we know it.
LeBron James: LeBron James: Exits With Sprained Finger
Update: James left Tuesday's game against Detroit with a sprained left index finger and did not return. X-Rayson the injury were negative, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: James has been on fire the past few games, so hopefully this injury doesn't keep him sidelined or limit his shooting.
Darko Milicic: May Play Saturday
Update: Milicic (thumb) may play in Saturday's contest against the Timberwolves, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: The Memphis coaches are concerned that this injury may nag Milicic all season, which doesn't bode well for rebounds and blocked shots.
Alando Tucker: Sent to NBADL
Update: Tucker was sent to Albuquerque of the NBA developmental league Wednesday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: "It's the best thing for him," D'Antoni said of Tucker's demotion. "He needs to improve his shooting ... to have a chance. He wants to show he can play." This probably works out for the best for Tucker, as he had little chance of getting minutes and improving his game while on Phoenix's roster.
Smush Parker: Dispute with Parking Attendant
Update: Parker missed Tuesday night's game because of a dispute with a valet parking attendant, the Palm Beach Post reports.
Analysis: The team has declined comment thus far, but Parker allegedly grabbed the arm of a female attendant and pushed down a podium during an incident earlier this week. Regardless of any potential disciplinary action from the team or the league, Parker clearly isn't a good fit for the Heat.
Chris Bosh: Leaves Game With Strained Groin
Update: Bosh was forced out of Wednesday's game by a strained right groin, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: We'll check back after the game to see if he is expected to miss a lot of time.
Marvin Williams: Out of Wednesday's Game With Hip Injury
Update: Williams will miss Wednesday's game because of a strained right hip.
Analysis: No word yet on when he suffered this injury, but we'll let you know if he'll be ready to go Friday against New Orleans.
Mike Wilks: Let Go By Nuggets
Update: Wilks was released by Denver Wednesday, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Wilks had no fantasy value, averaging just 3.0 points and 1.5 rebounds per game with the Nuggets.
Tony Allen: Hopes to Return Thursday
Update: Allen (bruised thigh) missed Tuesday's game against Cleveland, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: Allen is still recovering from a bruise he suffered when he took a Primoz Brezec knee to the thigh Saturday. Allen is expected to return Thursday, which means Gabe Pruitt, who was called up from the D-League when Allen was out, could get sent back down.
Rasho Nesterovic: Could Start Wednesday
Update: Nesterovic (ankle) will likely return to the Raptors' starting lineup Wednesday against the Grizzlies, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: Nesterovic has been out with a sprained ankle since Nov. 14. Andrea Bargnani has started in his absence, but Bargnani will now come off the bench with Nesterovic back in the lineup.
Luke Ridnour: Close to Returning From Injury
Update: Ridnour is close to returning from a partially torn left quadriceps, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Ridnour is doing some work on the court, but the Sonics haven't determined when he will return to practice.
Nick Collison: Possible Broken Nose After Hard Foul
Update: Collison left Monday's game against the Lakers with a possible broken nose after being fouled by Kobe Bryant, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Collison will be re-examined in Seattle. The Sonics are already thin in the frontcourt with injuries to Robert Swift, Johan Petro and Kurt Thomas.
Delonte West: First Start a Dud
Update: West started at point guard Tuesday but had no assists and a technical foul before being benched for the fourth quarter, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: The Sonics are going to rotate the point-guard job between West, Luke Ridnour and Earl Watson. After going with the latter two as starters, the Sonics finally gave West his shot. He didn't make the most of it, though, finishing with six points, no assists and two turnovers. He'll likely get more starting opportunities.
Richard Hamilton: All Clear to Play Wednesday
Update: Hamilton (flu) practiced Tuesday and will play Wednesday, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Hamlton didn't miss any games while he was sick, but he was clearly not at 100 percent.
Rasheed Wallace: Will Play Wednesday
Update: Wallace (knee) practiced Tuesday and will play Wednesday, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Wallace missed the last two games.
Caron Butler: Adds Three-Pointers To Arsenal
Update: After making only 18 three-pointers all of last season, Butler is already 14-of-30 from downtown this year, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Not only is Butler -- who is averaging 31.8 points over the last four games -- picking up the slack scoring-wise for the injured Gilbert Arenas, but he is also providing his fantasy owners with one more reason to be glad they have him, by averaging a trey per game thus far.
Antonio Daniels: Sees Steady Minutes With Arenas Out
Update: In six games as a starter, Daniels is averaging 12.3 points, 7.5 assists and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 45.5 percent from the field.
Analysis: Not surprisingly, his offensive numbers are a downgrade from Gilbert Arenas', but Daniels is seeing consistent minutes, playing 45, 37, 37 and 41 minutes in his last four games. That's a trend that figures to continue in the next few months, while Arenas is sidelined with a knee injury.
Cedric Simmons: Likely Out for Rest of Week
Update: Simmons missed his fifth game with a sprained ankle Tuesday and likely is out for the rest of this week the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: Simmons who has little fantasy value right now is still considered day-to-day. When he does come back, don't expect much offensive production at all if any.
Samuel Dalembert: Had a Season-High in Points Tuesday Night
Update: Dalembert had 22 points (7-11 FG, 8-10 FT), eight rebounds and three blocks in Tuesday night's win over Milwaukee.
Analysis: Dalembert had a season-high in points and is starting to get his legs back on the defensive end blocking shots and grabbing every rebound in sight. Continue to start him with confidence.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim: Persisting Knee Problem
Update: Abdur-Rahim had his ailing right knee inspected again on Tuesday in Los Angeles, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: It's obvious he hasn't fully recovered from arthroscopic surgery performed on him in mid-June. Abdur-Rahim hasn't seen action since Nov. 12 and has played just six games this season, averaging 8.5 minutes.
Andre Iguodala: Had His Fourth Double-Double of the Season Tuesday
Update: Iguodala had his fourth double-double of the season Tuesday night in a win over Milwaukee and finished with 20 points (9-15 FG, 1-4 3PT), 11 assists and four rebounds.
Analysis: Iguodala has been playing well over the past week or so with his second double-double in that span and limiting his turnovers to a minimum. He committed just two turnovers Tuesday.
Willie Green: Seems to be Over His Hip Injury
Update: Green had 15 points (6-12 FG, 2-5 3PT), four rebounds, two assists and three steals in 27 minutes Tuesday night in a win over Milwaukee.
Analysis: The competition between Green and Rodney Carney is all but dead as Carney played just one minute in the win. Green seems to be over the hip injury that was bugging him and has become a borderline option in fantasy leagues.
Andres Nocioni: Move Back to Bench Has Resulted in Production Decrease
Update: Nocioni, who was moved back to the bench Sunday following the return of Luol Deng from a sore back, has scored 22 points in 52 minutes of action in the past two games.
Analysis: Nocioni's value took a big hit with his move to the bench as he increased his production with the additional minutes he saw as a starter. If coach Scott Skiles can figure a way out for Nocioni to see 30+ minutes nightly, his production would probably be where it was when he was starting. One good note is that Nocioni has grabbed 16 boards the past two games despite the drop in minutes.
Brad Miller: Comfy in Sacramento
Update: Miller appears more comfortable with the Kings' new offensive system this season, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Compared to last year, the center's production has elevated in key categories. Kings coach Reggie Theus has utilized Miller's passing skills recently, and the 7-footer's production has gone up as a result. His average of 1.3 blocks per game is more than twice his pace of 2006-07. His rebounding average has risen (6.4 to 7.8), as has his scoring (9.0 points per game to 11.2).
Ben Wallace: No Issues With Right Foot
Update: Wallace, who had his right foot stepped on in the Bulls' loss to the Knicks Saturday, played 37 minutes in the team's 90-78 win over Atlanta Tuesday.
Analysis: Wallace was not inhibited by the minor injury, grabbing 12 boards for the third time in four games. After a slow start, Wallace appears to be getting healthy and rounding into form, which should mean plenty of rebounds going forward.
Ben Gordon: 21 Points Tuesday But Still Struggling with Shot
Update: Gordon scored 21 points while grabbing six rebounds and dishing out three assists in the Bulls' 90-78 win over the Hawks Tuesday.
Analysis: Gordon is still struggling from the floor, shooting just 36.7 percent on the year, but has still scored 20 or more points in six of his 13 contests this year. When he finally does get in a groove, look for him to see a spike in production.
Joakim Noah: Solid Stat Line in 17 Minutes of Action Tuesday
Update: Noah had five points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block in 17 minutes of action in the Bulls' 90-78 win over the Hawks Tuesday.
Analysis: Noah is a high energy player whose minutes will fluctuate wildly during year. His possible upside warrants a spot on your team, but until he starts to see consistent minutes or provide consistent production, he should be on your bench.
Chris Duhon: Solid Game Tuesday, Short-Term Spike in Minutes Coming?
Update: Duhon relieved an ineffective and foul-troubled Kirk Hinrich one minute into the second half Tuesday and played the remainder of the game in the Bulls' 90-78 win over Atlanta Tuesday.
Analysis: Duhon finished with 11 points and seven assists in 26 minutes and with him and his teammates playing so well in scoring 56 points, Hinrich never made it off the bench. Duhon could see a short-term spike in minutes with Hinrich struggling but is probably not a long-term fantasy option.
Kirk Hinrich: Spent Second Half of Tuesday's Win on the Bench
Update: Hinrich was on the bench during nearly all of the Bulls' second half, 56-point explosion in their 90-78 win over Atlanta Tuesday, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: Hinrich, who picked up his fourth foul one minute into the second half, headed to the bench in favor of Chris Duhon. With Duhon and his teammates playing so well, Hinrich, who scored four points on 2-for-7 shooting, never returned. There is no point guard controversy yet in Chicago, but if Hinrich continues his season-long struggles and Duhon has a few more strong games off the bench, Hinrich could find himself riding the pine a bit more often than usual.
JamesOn Curry: Playing Well in NBDL
Update: Curry has made quite an impression since being assigned to the Iowa Energy of the Developmental League, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: In three games, all Energy wins, Curry has 23 points and five assists while shooting 41.8 percent from the field, including 46.7 percent on three-pointers. If Chicago continues to struggle offensively and Curry remains hot for the Energy, he could get a look see by the Bulls to try and provide a spark off the bench.
Aaron Gray: In Line For More Playing Time?
Update: Among the many suggestions offered to jump-start the Bulls, one of the most popular ones expressed by fans on the radio or online is to play Gray more, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: Including Tuesday's game against the Hawks, Gray has played 43 minutes in seven games, scoring 16 points on 6-for-15 shooting. Coach Scott Skiles indicated he may play Gray a bit more saying, ''We may start playing Aaron a little bit more just to take a look at his size and see if he can score a little bit around the basket.'' Gray is the closest thing the Bulls have to a low-post-scoring big man on the roster, and he must be respected down low, but that being said, he probably won't see enough minutes to have a fantasy impact.
Devean George: Could Play Saturday
Update: George (foot) could play as early as Saturday, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: George practiced, albeit in a limited capacity, on Tuesday, and is expected to test his foot again Thursday. If he plays Saturday against the Hornets, expect it to be minimally.
Linas Kleiza: Starts as Small Forward
Update: Kleiza (ankle) started at small forward against Indiana on Tuesday and posted 14 points on 5-of-13 FGs (0-of-3 3pt) and 4-of-4 FTs.
Analysis: With Nene and Kenyon Martin both sidelined Carmelo Anthony was moved to PF and Kleiza was inserted into the starting line-up. He wasn't particularly impressive as he shot poorly and added only three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. Kleiza has always been a better player off the bench so it should be interesting to see if head coach George Karl stays with this line-up until Martin returns or if he goes with someone like Eduardo Najera at PF with Kleiza coming off the bench.
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