FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Jamario Moon: Second Straight Start
Update: Moon made his second consecutive start on Friday, scoring 10 points with four rebounds, one turnover and one steal in 27 minutes in Toronto's victory over Atlanta.
Analysis: Moon has been in the starting lineup with Jermaine O'Neal sidelined by an ankle injury. O'Neal is expected back Sunday, so Moon will be back to the bench where he's been averaging 14.9 minutes per game.
Joe Johnson: (Toe) Plays 44 Minutes Friday
Update: Johnson (sprained toe) scored 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting (1-of-9 3pt) with three rebounds, seven assists, three turnovers, one steal and one blocked shot in 44 minutes Friday night in Atlanta's loss to Toronto.
Analysis: Johnson has been bothered by a toe injury of late and seems to have affected his shooting. He's made 12-of-42 from the field (3-of-16 3pt) in the last three games.
Josh Smith: (Ankle) Targeting Dec. 3 for Return
Update: Smith is targeting next Wednesday, Dec. 3, for his return from an ankle injury, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Smith is traveling and practicing with the Hawks.
Jermaine O'Neal: (Ankle) Expects to Play Sunday
Update: O'Neal (ankle) said he expects to play Sunday when the Raptors play the Lakers, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: O'Neal missed his second straight game on Friday because of a sore left ankle.
Michael Redd: Could Return on Saturday
Update: Head coach Scott Skiles said that Redd (ankle) is "probable" to play on Saturday night against Cleveland, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Analysis: Redd has missed almost a month with an ankle sprain. He may get eased back into the lineup so you may want to wait until he plays a game before getting him into your lineup.
Steve Nash: Thigh Injury
Update: Nash will sit out Friday's game against the Miami Heat with a thigh contusion.
Analysis: Nash took a knee to the thigh late in Wednesday's 110-102 win at Minnesota, and is listed as day-to-day. Leandro Barbosa should see extended minutes while Nash is out. Check back on his status for Sunday's game against the Nets.
Tony Parker: Suits Up
Update: Parker (ankle) is suiting up for Friday night's game against Memphis, the San Antonio Express News reports.
Analysis: Even though Parker is suiting up, he will likely see limited minutes in his first few games back in action. You may want to see how his first couple of games go before you choose to place him back in your fantasy lineup. Parker's return will cut into the minutes of George Hill and Roger Mason, who have put up respectable numbers in Parker's absence.
Jermaine O'Neal: (Ankle) No-Go on Friday
Update: O'Neal (ankle) will not play Friday night against Atlanta, the Toronto Star reports.
Analysis: Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell said O'Neal is moving around better, but the sore left ankle is not well enough for him to play Friday. We suspect this means Andrea Bargnani will start at center with Jamario Moon at small forward.
Vince Carter: Hamstring Still Sore
Update: Carter said his hamstring is still a little sore, but says he'll play Saturday night against Utah, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Carter suffered the injury in Wednesday's victory over Sacramento. "Just a little sore today (Friday). It feels good. It's sore. If I touch it, it's just a little tender as if I got elbowed or something," Carter said. "Once the blood gets flowing, I'll be fine."
Josh Howard: (Ankle) Attends Shootaround
Update: Howard (ankle) participated in shootaround prior to the Friday evening's game against the Lakers, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Howard, who has missed three games because of the injury, is a game-time decision.
Francisco Garcia: (Calf) Minutes at Point Guard when Healthy
Update: Kings coach Reggie Theus is considering Garcia for point-guard minutes when he returns from his calf injury, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Garcia has been slow to recover from a calf injury that's sidelined him for the start of the regular season. He could return to action Friday night against Utah.
Allen Iverson: Apologizes for Missing Practice
Update: Iverson apologized on Friday for missing Thanksgiving practice, but his status is still up in the air for Friday's game against the Bucks, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: "First of all, I have no excuses. I apologize to my teammates, first and foremost, the coaching staff, the organization and definitely our fans," Iverson said Friday. "It's something that shouldn't have happened and it won't happen again. It was a personal matter, but I just handled it the wrong way. I didn't call and let them know what was going on." Rodney Stuckey will get the start in his place. Head coach Michael Curry hasn't yet decided if Iverson will play, but he will be in uniform.
Mike Conley: Deal to Portland?
Update: The Grizzlies are in serious talks with the Trail Blazers about sending Conley to Portland for Travis Outlaw, according to a Yahoo! Sports report.
Analysis: The potential deal would reunite Conley with childhood friend and Ohio State teammate Greg Oden, and could increase the value of both players. Talks have reportedly been ongoing for weeks, but there will likely need to be other pieces involved for this trade to go through.
Keyon Dooling: Strong Bench Effort
Update: Dooling came off the bench and scored 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting, going 3-for-6 from downtown with four assists, three rebounds, and two steals in Wednesday's win against the Kings.
Analysis: Dooling played just over 30 minutes and put up some nice fantasy numbers, but his recent outburst against the Kings shouldn't cause you to consider him for a roster spot.
Elton Brand: Low Field Goal Precentage Will Not Stick
Update: Brand is averaging a career-low 44.5 field goal percentage.
Analysis: The Sixers are committed to Brand as the focal point of their offense. Despite his career-low field goal percentage, Brand is still getting his career-average of 15.3 shot attempts per game. When he starts sinking 50% his shots, his scoring average will improve. Now is the time to trade for him, as 16.9 points per game he is currently averaging is significantly different than 20 points per game he will finish the season averaging.
Louis Williams: Produces in Limited Time
Update: Williams scored 13 points Wednesday night to go with three rebounds, three assists, and only one turnover.
Analysis: Williams was productive in his last two games, and fantasy owners are hoping this production will continue. Coach Maurice Cheeks is willing to give Williams between 20 and 30 minutes a game, but Williams hasn't produce well enough this season to justify those minutes. He should be on managers watch lists. Williams can score in bunches and contribute moderately in assists and steals.
Theo Ratliff: Minutes Off Bench Against Dwight Howard
Update: Ratliff saw a season-high 18 minutes Wednesday night against Dwight Howard and the Magic.
Analysis: Ratliff is on the team to be a veteran leader, but Coach Maurice Cheeks played him Wednesday night to try and throw an extra big on Howard. Ratliff collected five rebounds, to go with two points, two assists, and a turnover in the loss. Managers in 30 team leagues could possibly use Ratliff on a spot start basis. Cheeks should continue to use him against the league's true centers.
Jason Smith: Off Crutches
Update: Smith is off crutches three months after having surgery to repair a torn ACL, the PhillyBurbs reports.
Analysis: Smith will miss the entire 2008-2009 season but should be ready for training camp next year.
Rodney Stuckey: Will Start in Iverson's Place
Update: Stuckey, fresh off the first double-double of his career, will get the start Friday in place of Allen Iverson.
Analysis: Iverson missed Thursday's practice, so he's been fined and could be suspended for Friday's game. He might still play, but he definitely won't start.
Stephon Marbury: Suspended One Game, Pay Docked
Update: The Knicks have suspended Marbury for one game for "refusing to play when called upon" Wednesday against Detroit, the Daily News reports.
Analysis: In addition, he will be docked a game's pay, which amounts to approximately $400,000 of his $21.9 million salary. While nothing is imminent, this could speed up the process of resolving the details of Marbury's inevitable divorce from the Knicks.
Stephon Marbury: One Game Suspension
Update: Marbury has been suspended without pay for Saturday's game against the Warriors, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The Knicks have alleged that Marbury refused to play in Wednesday's loss to Detroit, an allegation that Marbury has denied. "If you say I got to play, I'm going to play," Marbury said. "If he said I have to play, guess what, I'm going to get on the court and play, period. If I refuse to play, I'm getting suspended. I never told him I'm not going to play. Those words never came out of my mouth. That's insubordination." If the team's penalty sticks, he'll lose nearly $200,000 in salary, although Marbury plans to fight the fine.
Jason Richardson: (Knee) Could Play Friday
Update: Richardson (knee) could return to action Friday night against the Pacers, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Richardson, who has missed the last seven games, has resumed practicing this week. There was talk of him coming back Wednesday, but coach Larry Brown wanted him to get another practice in. We're assuming a return to the starting lineup for Richardson, which means D.J. Augustin will move back to the bench.
Jermaine O'Neal: Game-Time Decision Again on Friday
Update: O'Neal (ankle) didn't practice Thursday and will be a game-time decision Friday night, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: Even if he plays he won't be 100%, so run with a different option Friday if you have one.
Stephon Marbury: Refuses to Play
Update: Marbury refused to play in the Knicks' loss to Detroit on Wednesday, Newsday reports. This is the second game in the last week that Marbury has refused to play for a shorthanded Knicks team, having said no last week against Milwaukee.
Analysis: Newsday is also reporting that the Knicks plan to practice without Marbury on Friday and will exile him with pay while the team mulls its options on how to part ways with him, according to a source.
Al Harrington: Coach Says He's Not in Shape
Update: Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said Harrington is not in the kind of shape needed to play his run-and-gun offense, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Prior to coming to the Knicks in a trade from Golden State, Harrington was buried on the Warriors' bench after a public feud with coach Don Nelson. He'll need a few games and practices to get back into full shape, and he'll also need to stop taking so many ill-advised shots. Harrington is 13-of-40 from the field in his two games with the Knicks.
Tim Thomas: Coach Says He's Not in Shape
Update: Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni said Thomas is not is in shape enough for his run-and-gun offense, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Thomas did not dispute the coach's assertion. "I have to continue to get in shape for this system. It's up and down, and in L.A., it was run when you have the opportunity. The last couple of years, it's been that way. I know how to get myself right. I've played it before. It will take me a week and I'll be ready," said Thomas, who played for D'Antoni during the 2005-06 season in Phoenix.
Quentin Richardson: Bruised Forearm
Update: Richardson suffered a bruised forearm in Wednesday's loss to Detroit that required x-rays, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Richardson eventually checked back into the game in the fourth quarter, but told coach Mike D'Antoni he might not be able to shoot. Richardson was needed at shooting guard against the Pistons because of an injury to Nate Robinson (groin) and shot just 2-of-10 from the field. With Robinson questionable for Saturday's game against Golden State, Cuttino Mobley (heart) still not cleared to play, and Stephon Marbury unwilling to play for D'Antoni, Richardson will likely play no matter what.
Nate Robinson: (Groin) Uncertain for Saturday
Update: Robinson (groin) said he will try to give it a go on Saturday against Golden State, but Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni doubts the guard will able to play, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Without Robinson on Wednesday, D'Antoni went with Quentin Richardson at shooting guard. However, he suffered a bruised forearm Wednesday night that required x-rays. The back court situation for Saturday's game is a little murky at this point.
Cuttino Mobley: Will Miss Saturday's Game
Update: Mobley, who has not been cleared to play because of a heart condition, will miss Saturday's game against Golden State, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: The Knicks discovered a heart defect when giving Mobley a physical earlier this week, but have not been able to get follow up testing done due to a paucity of specialists on duty over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Chauncey Billups: Has Off Night Against New Orleans
Update: Billups made only 4-of-12 FGs and missed all four of his 3-point attempts during Thursday's loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: Billups finished with 12 points, five assists, one steal, and one turnover during his 34 minutes of court time. His shooting has been off lately and the Nuggets, and his fantasy owners, are hoping this is just a little slump that Billups will work his way out of soon.
Anthony Carter: Posts Team-High Eight Assists in Reserve Role
Update: Carter came of the bench to post eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals in 20 minutes Thursday against New Orleans.
Analysis: Chauncey Billups primary back-up at PG didn't score any points on Thursday but Carter still offers fantasy owners in deep leagues some quality numbers. If you're in desperate need of assists and steals Carter may fit the bill.
J.R. Smith: Has Huge Night Against Hornets
Update: Smith rebounded from a one game benching to post 32 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals Thursday night against New Orleans.
Analysis: Smith did not play at all on Wednesday because he was reportedly "very late" to practice and George Karl decided to punish him. On Thursday Smith saw his most action of the season (33 minutes) and played his best basketball of the year. Smith finished 13-of-21 from the field (5-of-9 3pt) and 1-of-2 from the line. While it was certainly a good game for Smith we wouldn't go running out to claim him unless he plays 30+ minutes in multiple games. Something tells us this was a one-time thing and Smith will go back to getting his 20 minutes a night and delivering very inconsistent statistics.
Andris Biedrins: Getting More Attention From Opposing Defenses
Update: Biedrins has only posted one double-double in his last five games and has been receiving extra attention from opposing defenses after his hot start to the season, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: Biedrins, who is averaging 16.1 points and 12.9 boards this year, is only averaging 14.6 points and 9.0 rebounds over his last five games. "People are really starting to block me off and really paying a lot of attention, especially to the rebounds," Biedrins said. "Now I have to work even more than I worked before because they are really scouting me.
Chris Andersen: (Ribs) Returns to Action
Update: Andersen returned to action on Thursday after missing nine games because of injured ribs.
Analysis: Andersen, it was reported earlier this week, was going to come back on Saturday against Minnesota, but was good to go on Thanksgiving. He had six points, eight rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in 23 minutes. He'll resume his role as backup center to Nene, and could provide a source of blocked shots while playing reserve minutes.
Dee Brown: Remains Starter
Update: Brown remained the Wizards' starting point guard on Thursday on a night that the injured Antonio Daniels (knee) returned to action.
Analysis: Daniels had missed the last two games and six of the previous eight with swelling in his knee. Brown, who has started the past five games, had two points, four rebounds, two assists, two turnovers and a steal in 22 minutes Thursday night in Washington's loss to Orlando. As a starter this season, Brown is averaging 3.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 turnovers and 1.0 steals in 20 minutes per game. Typically, those aren't the types of numbers that will keep a player in the starting lineup, but we're talking about a new head coach -- Ed Tapscott replaced Eddie Jordan this week -- and it's not like Daniels was doing much before his injury. Brown could continue to hold down the fort until Gilbert Arenas returns.
Andray Blatche: What a Difference a Game Makes
Update: Blatche had five points and five rebounds before fouling out in a little over 12 minutes Thursday night in the Wizards' loss to the Magic.
Analysis: The Wizards, who smoked Golden State in the first game under interim coach Ed Tapscott, came down off that emotional high against a much better Orlando team. Blatche, who went for 25 points and 12 rebounds on Tuesday, got into quick foul trouble against Orlando's Dwight Howard and was unable to contribute much. One positive for Blatche is that he led Washington with a plus-9 in the +/- category.
Anthony Johnson: Twelve Assists
Update: Johnson, starting in place of the injured Jameer Nelson (hip) for the second consecutive game, had seven points and 12 assists in 38 minutes Thursday night in Orlando's victory over Washington.
Analysis: Johnson will be sharing the ball-distribution duties with Hedo Turkoglu while Nelson is out (at least another week), but on Thursday things were rolling with Johnson as the initiator on offense. He has 16 assists and one turnover in the two starts and will continue to get playing time until Nelson returns.
Jameer Nelson: Injury to Hip, Not Groin
Update: Nelson's injury is now being labeled a strained right hip flexor, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: It had been first reported to be a groin injury. Whatever the injury, Nelson is expected to miss another week after sitting out the Magic's previous two games. Anthony Johnson is starting in his place.
Jarron Collins: Out Six Weeks
Update: The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Collins has decided to rest instead of getting surgery, hoping to heal his right elbow injury.
Analysis: The Jazz have set a timetable for Collins if the rest works as planned. The expect him to be out for another six weeks while performing strengthening exercises.
Josh Smith: Will Return Soon
Update: Smith could be back as early as Wednesday against Memphis, the Atlanta Journal- Constitution reports.
Analysis: "It just takes time," he said. "I understand that. And I feel as though I could probably play before [Wednesday] but I want to be able to get a few more practices in and get my wind up before I throw myself back out there. Because you want to be as close to 100 percent as possible when you get back on the floor after being injured."
Jamaal Magloire: Could Play Friday
Update: Magloire could make his season debut Friday against Shaquille O'Neal and the Suns. Coach Erik Spoelstra said a decision would be made before the game, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Spoelstra said Magloire made it through practice on Thursday at US Airways Center and ``had his moments; he looked good.'' Spoelstra had said Magloire needed to practice before playing, so is the 6-11 veteran ready? ''It's hard to say,'' Magloire said Thursday. ``I know [Spoelstra] wanted to get a couple more practices in but that being said it's a game-to-game [decision].''
Andrew Bynum: Suffers Foot Injury, Is Day to Day
Update: Bynum is suffering from a small bone spur in his right foot and is being regarded as day-to-day, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Bynum suffered the injury Tuesday against New Jersey, and even if he does play on Friday against Dallas, expect the Lakers to be careful with him, given that he's a young center with a foot problem.
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