FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Pau Gasol: Grabs 15 Boards
Update: Gasol had 14 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and two blocks during the Grizzlies' loss Monday.
Analysis: Gasol shot just 4-of-14 from the field, but the 14 boards easily marked a season-high, as he entered Monday averaging a career-worst 6.7 rebounds per game.
Brandon Roy: Big Game in Win
Update: Roy came through with 26 points, nine rebounds and seven assists during the Trail Blazers' win Monday.
Analysis: Roy went 11-of-21 from the floor in 41 minutes of action. This qualifies as one of the best games of the year for the otherwise disappointing Roy. However, the good news is that his heel injury hasn't been a problem at all, so expect continued improvement form the second year pro as the season progresses.
Darko Milicic: Sprains Ankle
Update: Milicic, who was playing only his second game after missing seven games with a sprained left thumb, left the game Monday midway through the first quarter favoring his left ankle, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The injury was classified as a sprain. He did not return, but X-rays were negative. Consider Milicic, who is currently in the midst of his best season as a pro, as day-to-day.
Josh Smith: Contributes Everywhere
Update: Smith continued to fill up the stat sheet Monday, scoring 22 points with seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and four blocks.
Analysis: Smith also went 9-of-17 from the field and committed four turnovers in 37 minutes of action. Despite struggling with his shot this season, Smith is currently averaging career-bests in assists (3.6), steals (1.9), blocks (3.6) and points (16.9) this year.
Andre Miller: Playing Better
Update: Miller had 18 points, four rebounds and six assists during the 76ers' loss to the Hawks Monday.
Analysis: Miller has scored at least 14 points in seven straight games now and is averaging 6.8 assists per game over the past five contests after seeing his passing numbers drop drastically during the beginning of the year. He's starting to get back on track.
Jose Calderon: Continues to Impress
Update: Calderon was again impressive filling in for T.J. Ford (arm) Monday, scoring 12 points with nine assists and seven rebounds during the Raptors' win.
Analysis: Calderon made 6-of-11 shots from the floor and added three steals with just two turnovers. Over the last six games, he has 67 assists to just 9 turnovers. He's simply one of the best point guards in the league right now and will have to see at least 30 minutes per game even with a healthy T.J. Ford in the lineup. Because he's the rare point guard who also shoots well (49 percent FG), ample playing time would turn Calderon into a truly elite fantasy option.
Jason Richardson: Off The Mark
Update: Richardson was ice cold Monday, shooting 3-of-17 from the field en route to 12 points during the Bobcats' 98-79 loss to the Raptors.
Analysis: All three of Richardson's field goal makes came from downtown, as he went 0-of-8 inside the arc. He's now shooting just 16-of-48 (33 percent) over the last three games.
Primoz Brezec: Taken Out of Starting Lineup
Update: Brezec was removed from the starting lineup Monday night in favor of rookie Jared Dudley.
Analysis: With the Bobcats losing five straight, coach Sam Vincent had to do something and this was the most logical move. Brezec is averaging just 2.1 points and 2.2 rebounds and was scoreless in four of the last six games. The move really says something about Vincent's confidence in Brezec, because the team is really thin in the frontcourt.
Othella Harrington: (Knee) Returns Earlier Than Expected
Update: Harrington (knee) played six minutes Monday night in Charlotte's loss to Toronto.
Analysis: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent said last week that Harrington might miss four to six more weeks because of the injury. Charlotte could use another big body, but Harrington's knee just isn't strong enough to keep him on the court.
Jared Dudley: Starts in Place of Primoz Brezec
Update: Dudley started in place of Primoz Brezec Monday night and had 16 points, 10 rebounds (five offensive) and three steals in Charlotte's loss to Toronto.
Analysis: Brezec has given the Bobcats next to nothing this season, so coach Sam Vincent finally took the inevitable action. Dudley is a smart player who does all the little things to help a team. Of his 55 total rebounds this season, 30 have come off the offensive glass.
Marko Jaric: Questionable For Tuesday
Update: Jaric (right foot) worked out on Monday but did not participate in practice and is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Lakers, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: He missed Saturday's game with the injury, so it may be best to keep him on reserve until he gets on the court again. Sebastian Telfair will get the bulk of playing time at point guard if Jaric can't play.
Al Jefferson: Limited In Practice With Bruised Knee
Update: Jefferson (bruised knee) was limited in practice on Monday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: He was held to a season-low nine points in Saturday's game due to a sore left knee. It sounds like he could be limited again for Tuesday's game against the Lakers.
Antoine Walker: Limited In Practice With Ankle Injury
Update: Walker was limited in practice on Monday due to an ankle injury, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: He'll be evaluated again on Tuesday and is day to day.
Zaza Pachulia: Leaves Game With Head Injury
Update: Pachulia left Monday's game against the 76ers in the first quarter after being inadvertently elbowed in the face by Samuel Dalembert. He was taken to the locker room as a precaution and the team announced he would not return due to headaches.
Analysis: It does not sound like an injury that will keep Pachulia out of action for long, but we will keep you updated.
Al Horford: Named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month
Update: Horford has been named the Eastern Coference's Rookie of the Month for November, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Horford is averaging 8.7 points and 10.2 rebounds a game. Horford was considered one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft and his production early on has done nothing to disprove that assessment.
Kevin Durant: Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month
Update: Durant was named the Western Conference's Rookie of the Month for November, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Durant is averaging 19.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Durant wasted no time in proving why he was one of the most-hyped players to enter the draft in the last decade.
Chris Bosh: Will Miss Game on Monday Night
Update: Bosh (groin) will not play on Monday night against Charlotte, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Bosh has already missed three straight games, but be sure to check his status before the Raptors' next contest on Wednesday.
Andrea Bargnani: Will Miss Game on Monday Night
Update: Bargnani (knee) will not play Monday night against Charlotte, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Joey Graham started the game in Bargnani's place. Check on Bargnani's status before the Raptors' next game on Wednesday.
T.J. Ford: Will Miss Game on Monday Night
Update: Ford (arm) will not play in Monday night's game against the Bobcats, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Jose Calderon will resume point-guard duties for Monday night's game. Check Ford's status again before the Raptors' next game on Wednesday.
Tim Duncan: MRI Results Negative
Update: Duncan (bruised right knee, sprained right ankle) will only miss a few games after MRI results came back negative Monday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The Spurs were relieved to hear the results of Duncan's MRI. Duncan's injury Sunday appeared much more severe, as he grabbed his knee in pain after getting tangled with Portland's James Jones. He will be reassessed later this week, but will likely return in the next few games.
Jamaal Tinsley: Rallies the Pacers Late
Update: Tinsley scored 10 of his 29 points in the final four minutes of the Pacers' win over the Clippers on Sunday night.
Analysis: Tinsley had a nice road trip, where the Pacers went 3-1 on their West Coast swing. "He's our quarterback," Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said about Tinsley. "We expect a lot out of him. We expect him to make good decisions down the stretch. He's a man with a lot of confidence in his ability to pass the basketball and score the basketball. He's come through a couple of times on this road trip and it's been key for us."
Ben Wallace: Best Game of Year Comes After Sitting Out Practice Friday
Update: It's no coincidence that Wallace's best games have come when he has been on the floor longer, evidenced in him posting monster numbers while looking extremely active in four of the last five games as in all but one, he played at least 35 minutes, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Wallace stuffed the stat sheet on Saturday with 10 points, 19 rebounds, five steals and four blocks while playing 41 minutes and has grabbed 60 boards while blocking 10 shots in his last five games. The Arlington Daily Herald reports that Wallace had his best game of the year after sitting out Friday's practice due to a stiff back but he does not expect to make missing practice a usual occurrence.
Jared Dudley: Will Start Over Brezec
Update: Bobcats head coach Sam Vincent said Monday that Dudley will start over the struggling Primoz Brezec, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Brezec has averaged just 2.1 points and 2.2 boards in 15 games as a starter, prompting the lineup change. Dudley, who is averaging 4.7 points per game, will start at small forward. Gerald Wallace will play at power forward and Emeka Okafor at center.
Mehmet Okur: Expects to Play Monday
Update: Okur (back) said he will play Monday after taking part in the team's Monday morning shootaround, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: "I'll be out there," Okur said. He missed Utah's game Friday against the Lakers with back spasms. Carlos Boozer, who missed Friday's game as well, is also expected to return Monday.
Steve Nash: Bothered By Elbow Injury
Update: Nash, who aggrevated an old hyperextension of his right elbow on Friday, shot just 3-for-10 from the field in Sunday's win over the Knicks, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: He did pick up 15 assists though, so it wasn't a completely lost night for Nash. His shooting will likely remain off in the short term, but his assists are probably too valuable for you to consider benching him.
T.J. Ford: Status For Monday in Question
Update: There's no guarantee Ford (arm stinger) will be able to play on Monday, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: He's come off the bench the last two games, but hasn't played much. "It depends how he feels," coach Sam Mitchell said. Ford, for his part, insists he'll be playing no matter what. "I play with pain," Ford said. Even if he does play, however, he probably won't see many minutes or produce much. Keep him benched for now.
Ronny Turiaf: Suffers Concussion in Collision
Update: Turiaf suffered a concussion in Sunday's game against the Magic after a collision with Magic center Dwight Howard, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
Analysis: He did not return to the game, we'll check back on his status before Tuesday's game against Minnesota. Vladimir Radmanovic should step up if Turiaf is unable to play.
Chris Bosh: Won't Play Monday
Update: Bosh (groin) is expected to miss his third straight game on Monday, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: No word yet on when Bosh might be able to return, but the Raptors are going to take no chances with their star player. You should play it safe as well and keep Bosh benched this week.
Joakim Noah: Practices Sunday
Update: Noah (ankle) participated in a short practice Sunday, the Arlington Heights Daily Herald reports.
Analysis: He sprained his ankle in Saturday's win over the Bobcats and did not play in the second half, but should play Monday night against Dallas.
Andrea Bargnani: Not Expected to Play Monday
Update: Bargnani suffered a hyper-extended knee in Saturday's loss and he is not expected to play Monday against Charlotte, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: He wore braces on both knees Saturday, but did not practice Sunday. The Raptors may elect to go with a small lineup of Carlos Delfino, Anthony Parker, Jason Kapono, Jamario Moon and Jose Calderon against the similarly undersized Bobcats on Monday now that both Bargnani and Chris Bosh are out.
Chris Bosh: May Miss Monday's Game
Update: Bosh (groin) may miss his third consecutive game Monday, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: We'll re-check on his status before Wednesday's game against Phoenix.
JJ Redick: Seeing Some Minutes
Update: After seeing almost no action at the beginning of the season, Redick has played at least 11 minutes in each of Orlando's last three games.
Analysis: Redick still isn't playing enough right now to be a solid fantasy option, but at least he's showing that he can still put the ball in the hole. If his minutes increase, his value will do the same, and he could become a good source of three-pointers and percentages as the season progresses.
Manu Ginobili: Strains Ligaments in Shooting Hand
Update: Ginobili stretched some ligaments in his left index finger during the first quarter of Sunday's game against Portland, but he did not leave the game, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: He had just 11 points following the injury after putting up 31 the night before. He said the finger was still sore, and he may have to wear a bandage on it.
Keyon Dooling: Appears to be at Full Strength Again
Update: Dooling appeared to be back at full strength on Sunday, scoring 14 points to go with four rebounds and four assists in Orlando's victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Analysis: While Jameer Nelson had almost no impact on the game, Dooling played one his better games of the season. Dooling's minutes, and his fantasy value, should increase if Nelson's struggles continue.
Jameer Nelson: Struggles Continue
Update: Nelson finished Sunday's victory over the Lakers with only two points and five assists.
Analysis: Nelson shot 1-of-9 from the field and didn't attempt a free throw. Just when it looked like Nelson was beginning to play consistent basketball a few weeks ago, he has responded with four woeful games. It can't get much worse for Nelson, who hasn't scored more than eight points in a game since November 23, and he may be better off on your fantasy bench until his play improves.
Keith Bogans: Doing His Job
Update: Bogans scored 11 points and made three three-pointers in Orlando's victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
Analysis: This was just another typical game for Bogans, but he also had a season-high three steals in the game.
Dwight Howard: Keeping the Lane Clear
Update: Howard scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds in Orlando's victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
Analysis: Howard also had five blocks in the game, the second time in three games in which he's had that many, and only committed one turnover in the game, his second-lowest total of the season. There are few flaws in Howard's game, but he still has to improve his free throw percentage and cut down on his turnovers. If and when those two things happen, Howard will complete his ascension into fantasy stardom.
Dirk Nowitzki: Minutes Monitored
Update: Mavs coach Avery Johnson said he wanted to limit Nowitzki's minutes to keep him fresh later in the season, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
Analysis: He's played 35, 32, 34, 34 and 33 minutes in the past five games, and he's averaging 21.6 points over that period, but has just two 3's. There's no reason to believe his production will be diminished if he gets 34 minutes a game.
Rashard Lewis: Solid All-Around Game
Update: Lewis scored 18 points had four rebounds and seven assists in Orlando's victory over the Los Angels Lakers on Sunday night.
Analysis: Lewis was 5-for-5 at the free throw line and also made three of his six three-pointers. Lewis is still struggling from the field, but at least he made 50 percent of his threes in a game for the first time since November 21. Lewis is still putting up good numbers despite the slump, so keep putting him in the lineup and hope he breaks out of his funk sooner rather than later.
Hedo Turkoglu: Just Misses Triple-Double
Update: Turkoglu nearly recorded a triple-double on Sunday night, scoring 14 points to go along with 10 rebounds and seven assists in Orlando's victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Analysis: Turkoglu only shot 4-of-12 from the field but did make two three-pointers and all four of his free throws. Turkoglu is playing arguably the best basketball of his career, so those owners who took him late in the draft should just sit back and enjoy this production while it lasts.
Kevin Durant: Held Career-Low Six Points
Update: Durant, a game after scoring a career-high 35 points, scored a career-low six Sunday on 2-of-12 shooting.
Analysis: Durant had been taking better shots lately, but everything broke down Sunday. It was the first game this season in which he failed to score in double-figures.
Tony Allen: Returns to lineup
Update: Allen (thigh) returned to the Celtics' lineup for Sunday's 80-70 win over the Cavs.
Analysis: Allen scored three points on 1-7 shooting in 18 minutes of play. He still seems a bit rusty, so hold off until he starts hitting his shots.
Andrew Bynum: Blocks Seven Shots Against Magic
Update: Bynum had ten points, seven blocks and six rebounds in the Lakers' 104-97 loss to the Magic on Sunday.
Analysis: Bynum was facing tough competition in Dwight Howard on Sunday, so we expect his scoring and rebounds to improve against lesser competition.
Kobe Bryant: Scores 28 Against Magic
Update: Bryant had 28 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals in the Lakers' 104-97 loss to the Magic on Sunday.
Analysis: Bryant has really picked it up of late, averaging 29.2 points and 5.6 assists over his last five games.
Lamar Odom: Nearly Posts 20/20 Against Magic
Update: Odom had 19 points and 17 rebounds in the Lakers' 104-97 loss to the Magic on Sunday night.
Analysis: Odom finally looked like the Lamar Odom of old on Sunday night, though it remains to be seen whether he can keep this performance up. Odom had a similar explosion against Detroit two weeks ago, and proceeded to score less than 13 points for six of the next eight games.
Sam Cassell: Won't be Rushed Back by Coach
Update: Cassell (calf) sat out his second consecutive game on Sunday, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: "I don't think Sam will be ready for another three or four games," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "A pulled calf muscle typically is a 10-day to two-week injury. That's why every opportunity I have to not have him on the floor, I pull him. Take him off, sit him down because (he's) 38. You just don't know. Something could happen." Those comments say it all. Don't put Cassell in a fantasy lineup any time soon.
Marcus Camby: Another 20+ Rebound Game
Update: Camby grabbed 21 boards to go along with seven points, six assists, two blocks and a steal during Denver's 115-89 blowout win over Miami on Sunday.
Analysis: It was the fifth time this year Camby has pulled down 20 or more rebounds and he did it in only 30 minutes of court time. He continues to struggle shooting the ball (1-of-7 FGs on Sunday) but he's certainly not disappointing his owners in other areas.
Kenyon Martin: Has Solid Night Against Miami
Update: Martin posted 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block in just 24 minutes Sunday night against Miami.
Analysis: Easily his best game of the year and an indication that his knee is feeling very good. With Nene sidelined until late December Martin might be a decent pick-up, especially in deep leagues.
Carmelo Anthony: Scores Big vs Miami
Update: Anthony posted 30 points on 12-of-19 FGs (2-of-2 3pt) and 4-of-5 FTs during Denver's 115-89 blowout of the Heat on Sunday.
Analysis: Anthony added six boards, three assists and one steal with only one turnover in just 26 minutes of action.
Aaron Williams: Role Has Changed
Update: Williams has recently become the first post player off the bench, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: "He's been solid," Los Angeles Coach Mike Dunleavy said. "He's come into our rotation, and he's helped us. He's been good defensively, chipped in offensively, made plays." Williams doesn't accumulate enough statistics to be deemed fantasy relevant at this point. In Sunday's loss to Indiana, he had four points, two steals and a block in 12 minutes.
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