FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
LeBron James: MRI Confirms Sprained Finger
Update: James underwent an MRI that confirmed he has a sprained left index finger, the team announced Thursday.
Analysis: James suffered the injury in a 109-74 loss to Detroit on Wednesday, and is listed as day-to-day. He will be a game-time decision for Friday's game against Toronto. James is leading the league in scoring with 30.7 points per game and is also chipping in with 8.1 assists and 7.6 rebounds to be the early season leader for the MVP. The injury does not look to be too serious, so James should be back on the floor soon.
Jermaine O'Neal: Sits Out Again
Update: O'Neal sat out his fifth consecutive game on Wednesday against Portland, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: O'Neal underwent an intense workout before the game, so he's not too far from being ready.
Marquis Daniels: Sits Out Second Half
Update: Daniels (knee) sat out the second half of the Pacers' win over Portland on Wednesday night, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Daniels has been picking up additional playing time at the point and has played well lately, but the knee injury flared up again on Wednesday night. This is why the Pacers have had him sit out half of their back-to-back games.
Ricky Davis: Enjoying Reserve Role
Update: Davis is pleased with his new role coming off the bench for the Heat, the Palm Beach Post reports.
Analysis: The Heat are deploying Dwyane Wade and Chris Quinn at the two guard spots, while Penny Hardaway gets the starts at small forward. As far as playing time goes, Davis should still see 25-30 minutes per game, while his scoring won't be too adversely affected given that he's the primary offensive option with the reserves instead of the third option behind Wade and Shaquille O'Neal with the starters.
Smush Parker: Out Indefinitely
Update: Parker is out indefinitely while the Heat conducts an investigation regarding an incident involving the point guard and a parking attendant earlier this week, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Aside from this being an embarrassing off-court incident for Parker, it's clearly not helping his cause in any effort to get more playing time. Look for him to be waived or traded in the coming weeks.
Jameer Nelson: Playing with Sore Hand
Update: Nelson apparently bruised his left hand on Monday night against Portland, an injury which may be contributing to his poor play the last two games, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Nelson is right-handed, so the injury is to his off-hand, but the injury won't last long and hopefully Nelson's poor play won't either.
Kenny Thomas: Misses Second Straight Game
Update: Thomas (illness) missed Wednesday's night against the Warriors.
Analysis: Thomas should be back at full strength in a few days, but he was not seeing much time on the court even when he was healthy.
Francisco Garcia: Fighting for Minutes
Update: Garcia played 18 minutes, scored seven points and grabbed four rebounds in Sacramento's loss to Golden State Wednesday night.
Analysis: Although talented, Garcia is in a logjam for playing time in Sacramento. He needs to work on unforced errors when he's handling the basketball. Too often he gets caught in the air with nowhere to go, forcing him to turn the ball over or charge into his defender. He's strictly a fantasy reserve with room to develop into a serviceable player.
Raja Bell: Back Injury Still An Issue
Update: Bell's back problem flared up again and he ended up sitting for the final 17 minutes of Wednesday's loss to the Rockets, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: "It never really gets loose," Bell said of his back. "It just limits what I can do. As long as they feel what I can give helps, I'll continue to give them what I can." It doesn't sound like Bell is going to be 100% any time soon, so if you have good bench depth you may want to sit him down even though he's back in the Suns lineup.
Quincy Douby: His Role is Shrinking
Update: Douby has seen very little action for the Kings recently.
Analysis: Sacramento's playing rotation has taken shape in the past eight games, and Douby's role is diminishing as a consequence. Barring injuries, he is the third option at point guard behind starter Beno Udrih and reserve Francisco Garcia. In the last three games, he is averaging four minutes of floor time.
Chris Bosh: Expects To Play Friday
Update: Bosh, who left Wednesday's game after aggravating a slight groin injury he suffered in practice Tuesday, is optimistic he'll be able to play against Cleveland on Friday, the Toronto Star reports.
Analysis: "I was able to go a little bit but in the end it was a little painful and there's no reason to risk further injury," Bosh said. "I'm just taking it day by day now, I know for sure I'll get some good stretching in tomorrow and treatment and take care of it. I thought when you get warm, you really don't feel it but it was a little painful making certain cuts so we decided just to take it easy. I'm sure after a good rest (Thursday), good treatment, I'll be ready to go."
Tim Thomas: Misses Wednesday's Practice
Update: Thomas is nursing a sore lower back and did not practice on Wednesday.
Analysis: It appears to be a precautionary move by Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy. Los Angeles has been beset by injuries, so Thomas will be needed at power forward on Friday against Denver.
Cuttino Mobley: Skips Practice to Rest
Update: Mobley (groin) did not practice on Wednesday.
Analysis: He needs to rest his injury so that he can play Friday night at Denver.
T.J. Ford: Returns To Practice
Update: Ford (arm stinger) returned to practice on Wednesday, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: He didn't play Wednesday night, but is hopeful he'll be able to suit up Friday against the Cavs and/or Saturday against the Wizards. "It's getting better and better. I have my strength back. (Wednesday) I was able to shoot and dribble a little bit. So I feel a lot better than I did the other day," Ford said. "We'll see how it goes (Thursday) at practice."
Al Thornton: Dunleavy Assures Him
Update: Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy says Thornton's recent lack of playing time at small forward is no cause for concern, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: "The way we played it (Monday), Corey (Maggette) came back and we were getting a good game out of him and then times where that's going on, I use (Thornton) at the power forward slot some and the opportunity just didn't present itself," Dunleavy said. "We stayed with the veteran guys." The rookie was a DNP on Monday against the Rockets, but Dunleavy assured Thornton it was a matchup-based decision on the coach's part. Nevertheless, Thornton is a backup to Maggette (hamstring) and his playing time will be limited.
Antawn Jamison: Slowed by Spurs
Update: Jamison scored 12 points (on 4-of-15 shooting) and added 13 rebounds in 40 minutes of action in Wednesday's loss to the Spurs.
Analysis: Just an off night shooting-wise for Jamison, who checks in at a very solid 21.9 ppg and 9.9 rpg overall.
Keyon Dooling: Sits Out Second Straight Game
Update: Dooling (illness) missed his second straight game Wednesday night, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Dooling is still too weak to see game action but should return to the rotation sooner rather than later.
JJ Redick: Finally Sees Some Minutes
Update: Redick (back) saw his first real action of the season on Wednesday, playing 16 minutes and scoring 11 points in Orlando's victory over Seattle.
Analysis: Redick's back must have felt good enough to finally get into some game action. Keyon Dooling missed his second straight game and Redick responded with two three-pointers. He probably won't play as much once Dooling returns but it's good to know that Redick still has a pulse.
Nick Collison: Out Two Games with Broken Nose
Update: Collison will miss the next two games with a broken nose, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Collison got smacked in the nose Tuesday and missed Wednesday's game. Pretty much everyone in the Seattle frontcourt is dinged up. Expect Kurt Thomas to get more minutes at center than usual in the next couple games. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that Collison will miss three games, so keep tabs on the situation.
Brad Miller: Pulls Down 18 Rebounds
Update: Miller had 10 points (1-of-9 FG, 8-of-8 FT), 18 rebounds, three blocks and two assists in Sacramento's loss to the Warriors on Wednesday.
Analysis: Despite a rough shooting night, Miller contributed in other ways, especially hitting the glass. Miller has five double-digit rebound games already this season. Last year, he didn't reach his fifth until January 27. In fantasy leagues, the 7-footer has become a valuable commodity again.
DeShawn Stevenson: Scores 10 in Wednesday's Loss
Update: Stevenson scored 10 points (on 4-of-8 shooting) and added three rebounds in 32 minutes of action in Wednesday's loss to the Spurs.
Analysis: After a slow start, Stevenson's production seems to have stabilized and with fellow guard Gilbert Arenas out for a few months, his minutes (along with those of Antonio Daniels) figure to remain steady.
Jameer Nelson: Two Sub-Par Games in a Row
Update: Nelson struggled again Wednesday night, only scoring six points and dishing out three assists in Orlando's victory over Seattle.
Analysis: Nelson and Carlos Arroyo each played equal minutes in Wednesday night's game and Arroyo responded with 14 assists. This was likely just a poor game for Nelson and a good one for Arroyo, but Nelson must continue playing like he did before the last two games or he will risk losing minutes to Arroyo.
Keith Bogans: Deep Shots Falling
Update: Bogans scored 14 points in Orlando's victory over Seattle on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Bogans knocked down three more three-pointers and also grabbed four rebounds in the game. With Rashard Lewis struggling, the Magic are counting on Bogans' perimeter game and he's responded with 12 threes in the last five games.
Sebastian Telfair: Playing Time Upswing
Update: Telfair scored six points with two assists and two steals in 26 minutes in Wednesday's loss to Dallas.
Analysis: It looks like the 20-point game he put up in his last outing is going to get him more playing time, but don't count on a lot of production while Marko Jaric is still hot and getting the bulk of minutes at point guard.
Rashard Lewis: Struggles in First Game Against Old Team
Update: Lewis returned to Seattle for the first time since signing with the Magic this past off-season and only managed to score nine points in Orlando's victory over the Sonics.
Analysis: Lewis just can't seem to find his jump shot right now. He shot a dreadful 3-of-19 from the field, including only 1-of-8 from behind the three point line. Lewis grabbed a season-high 10 rebounds in Wednesday's game, but his broken jump shot is severly cutting into his fantasy production right now.
Nazr Mohammed: Nineteen Minutes off the Bench Wednesday
Update: Even with Rasheed Wallace back, Mohammed played 19 minutes Wednesday.
Analysis: The game was a blow-out, sot it was curious that the veteran Mohammed was on the floor more than the youngsters Jason Maxiell (15 minutes) and Amir Johnson (nine minutes). In his last four games, Mohammed has played about 20 minutes a night, averaging 8.5 rpg.
Jason Maxiell: Only Played 15 Minutes Wednesday
Update: With the Pistons back at full strength, Maxiell only played 15 minutes Wednesday.
Analysis: Maxiell nearly had a double-double, finishing with nine points, and 10 rebounds, but he's slowly ceding time in the middle to Nazr Mohammed. Mohammed played 19 minutes in the blow-out win over Cleveland.
Rodney Stuckey: Behind Schedule in Rehab
Update: Stuckey has his broken left hand examined Wednesday and was not cleared for contact, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: The Pistons were hopeful he'd make it back in the six-week time frame, but it'll be at least two more weeks before he'll be able to get back on the floor to practice, and probably at least a week after that before he makes his regular-season debut.
Hedo Turkoglu: No Signs of Slowing Down
Update: Turkoglu scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Orlando's victory over Seattle on Wednesday night.
Analysis: He also made 5-of-6 free throws and two three-pointers in the game. Turkoglu, who has scored in double figures in every game this season and is averaging 18.5 points per game, continues to be one of the season's early surprises.
Wally Szczerbiak: Another Solid Scoring Night
Update: Szczerbiak scored 20 points with four treys and two steals in 34 minutes of action off the bench Wednesday night.
Analysis: Szczerbiak's minutes and role in Seattle are inconsistent, but he has now scored 20 or more points in two of the last three games and is worth keeping an eye on to see if this trend continues.
Kurt Thomas: Big Night on the Boards
Update: Thomas got the start again on Wednesday night, and grabbed a season-high 14 rebounds to go along with six points, two steals, two assists and a blocked shot in 32 minutes of action.
Analysis: Thomas got a few extra minutes since Nick Collison missed the game with a nose injury, so take it with a grain of salt. But Thomas was fantasy relevant a few years ago, and even though he is getting old the fact that he can still do this on any given night is worth putting him on your radar.
Carlos Arroyo: Surprise Assists Surge on Wednesday
Update: Arroyo came out of nowhere to dish out 14 assists in 24 minutes Wednesday night against the Sonics.
Analysis: This was more assists than Arroyo had in his previous four games combined, and since his other numbers were still low and he was playing against a poor Sonics defense we'll consider this a fluke for now. Nevertheless, anytime a relatively young player puts up huge numbers you have to at least notice it and keep it in your memory banks just in case he follows up on it.
Dwight Howard: Monster Bounce-Back Game
Update: Howard scored a career-high 39 points on 12-for-17 shooting from the field to go with 16 boards and five blocked shots on Wednesday night.
Analysis: This came a day after Howard scored a season-low nine points, so apparently Howard was determined to show that he is still the most dominant big man in the NBA today.
Marcus Williams: Still Sore
Update: Williams, who had surgery on his broken right foot on Oct. 3, still feels soreness that has prevented him from practicing, the Newark Star Ledger reports.
Analysis: Coach Lawrence Frank said the recent X-rays were "clean" but that doesn't mean the guard will be back very soon. He has been running and shooting, but is unable to do these activities two days in a row, preventing him from practicing.
Jeff Foster: Huge Boards withO'Neal Out
Update: Foster grabbed 17 rebounds to go along with 11 points and a blocked shot on Wednesday against the Trailblazers.
Analysis: Foster is always a rebounding threat if he gets minutes, and with Jermaine O'Neal injured he has been taking advantage of those minutes on a nightly basis to the tune of 12 boards per in his last five games. O'Neal's knee could allow him to return for the next game or he could end up being out for months, nobody knows right now, so in the meantime enjoy Foster's rebounding ride for as long as it lasts.
Louis Williams: Continues to Make an Impact
Update: Williams had 13 points (4-8 FG, 5-7 FT), six rebounds, six assists and just one turnover Wednesday night in a loss to Utah.
Analysis: Even with Kyle Korver back in the lineup, Williams continues to shine for the 76ers. He led the team in assists in limited minutes and made some big shots in the fourth quarter keeping the 76ers close for a short time.
Reggie Evans: Continues to Rebound the Ball Well
Update: Evans had six points ((3-4 FG), seven rebounds and three steals Wednesday night in a loss to Utah.
Analysis: Evans continues to rebound the ball but rarely finds himself on the score sheet in double digits. He is averaging 4.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game with the 76ers.
Andre Iguodala: Led the Sixers With 20 Points Wednesday
Update: Iguodala led the 76ers with 20 points (8-12 FG, 2-4 3PT, 2-4 FT) Wednesday night in a loss to Utah and added six rebounds and four assists in 40 minutes.
Analysis: Iguodala also committed five turnovers in the loss, as he controls the play for the 76ers throughout the game. If the turnovers are hurting your fantasy team, you may have to seek a trade but we would stick with the young guard for now.
Marvin Williams: Might Return Friday
Update: Williams (strained right hip) might return on Friday according to coach Mike Woodson, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: Coach Woodson said Williams Thursday practice would determine if he will play Friday. We'll keep you posted.
Francisco Elson: Strong Off the Bench
Update: Elson had 10 points (5-of-8 FG) and seven rebounds in the Spurs' win over the Wizards on Wednesday.
Analysis: Elson has played well recently. He and Fabricio Oberto combined for 14 rebounds, which cut into Tim Duncan's boards. Elson continues to be a valuable member of the Spurs bench but like all the Spurs' bench players, other than Emmanuel Ginobili, he doesn't get the consistent minutes to help a fantasy roster.
Tim Duncan: Numbers Down This Season
Update: Duncan had 16 points (8-of-13 FG), seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in the Spurs' win over the Wizards on Wednesday.
Analysis: All of Duncan's numbers this season except his shooting stats are down. The Spurs appears to be doing more team rebounding and at times the offense is not running through Duncan like it has in the past. With the emergence of Tony Parker and Emmanuel Ginobili, Duncan is not needed for his stats as much as he has been in the past.
Manu Ginobili: Rest Helps Stats
Update: Ginobili had 19 points (6-of-11 FG, 3-of-5 3-PT, 4-of-6 FT), three assists and two steals in the Spurs' win over the Wizards on Wednesday.
Analysis: Ginobili's shot looked much better than it did on Monday against the Kings. The rest appears to have helped Ginobili as the Spurs had played five games in seven days.
Tony Allen: Questionable for Thursday's Game
Update: Allen (thigh) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Knicks, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Healthy or injured, Allen hasn't yet returned to form this season, and fantasy owners should hold off until he starts to earn regular playing time.
Al Horford: Solid Again
Update: Horford started at center and scored 12 points (6-of-10 FG, 0-of-2 FT), six rebounds and two steals in the Hawks' win over the Bucks on Wednesday.
Analysis: Horford's offense is starting to come around. He had an off night on the boards but you can expect around double figures on a nightly basis. Horford continues to contribute in the blocks/steals categories where he is averaging a combined 2.4 per night.
Joe Johnson: Leads Hawks to Win
Update: Johnson had 21 points (7-of-13 FG, 2-of-4 3-PT, 5-of-7 FT) in the Hawks' win over the Bucks on Wednesday.
Analysis: Johnson had a better shooting night than on Tuesday but only had two rebounds, two assists and a steal. Johnson continues to be the Hawks' best scorer but will need to do more in order to become an elite fantasy player.
Coby Karl: Assigned to D-League
Update: Karl was assigned to the Lakers' NBDL affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders.
Analysis: Karl had two points in two games this season.
Jason Terry: Returns to Starting Role
Update: Terry returned to a starting role in Tuesday's 109-103 win over Minnesota and had 12 points and four assists in the win.
Analysis: Mavs coach Avery Johnson told the Dallas Morning News that Terry's sixth man experiment isn't over, but that Terry will be the starter for the next few weeks until the team's other starting SG candidates (Eddie Jones, Devean George, Trenton Hassell) get healthy.
Erick Dampier: Starts Against T-Wolves
Update: Dampier (shoulder), in his first start of the season, had eight points and 10 rebounds in 27 minutes on the court during Wednesday's 109-103 win over the T-Wolves.
Analysis: Wednesday was the first time all season that Dampier truly looked fully healthy, and he should resume his role as a decent source of depth in expanded fantasy leagues.
Josh Howard: Struggles From Field Against T-Wolves
Update: Howard had 12 points on 5-17 shooting in Wednesday's 109-103 win over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Howard also had three rebounds and two assists in the loss, and seems to be in a bit of a lull, which we fully expect him to recover from.
Dirk Nowitzki: Posts Double-Double Against T-Wolves
Update: Nowitzki had 27 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in the Mavs' 109-103 win over the Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Nowitzki seems to be getting his scoring back, averaging 29.0 points over his last two games.
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