FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Al Horford: Cleans up the Glass
Update: Horford scored eight points and grabbed 10 rebounds during the Hawks' loss Tuesday.
Analysis: While most of his teammates sat out the fourth quarter during a lopsided score, Horford saw 38 minutes of run Tuesday. He's averaging 11.6 rebounds per game over the last five contests.
Richard Hamilton: Plays Well in Victory
Update: Hamilton had 14 points, five rebounds and seven assists during the Pistons' win over the Hawks Tuesday.
Analysis: Hamilton also played terrific defense while guarding Joe Johnson, limiting him to just five points on 2-of-10 shooting. Hamilton is averaging a career-best 4.8 assists per game this season.
Jamaal Tinsley: Continues to Impress
Update: Tinsley had 19 points, 12 assists, two steals and two 3-pointers during the Pacers' loss Tuesday.
Analysis: Unbelievable. If Tinsley can avoid injury, he's going to go down as one of the biggest steals from fantasy drafts. He has posted 10 or more assists in eight of his last 10 games.
Jermaine O'Neal: Scores 30 in Loss
Update: O'Neal had a big game while playing through a shoulder injury, posting 30 points (14-of-20 FG) while pulling down 11 rebounds Tuesday.
Analysis: O'Neal is averaging 20.7 points and 12 rebounds in three games since he came back from knee and shoulder injuries.
Steve Nash: Drops 17 Dimes
Update: Nash scored 18 points (6-of-9 FG) and handed out 17 assists in the Suns' win Tuesday.
Analysis: His elbow injury certainly doesn't seem to be affecting his passing numbers much. Nash made two free throws with 1:11 left to cut Indiana's lead to 117-115, then made a 3-pointer with 42 seconds left to give the Suns a 118-117 lead.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Huge Game in Win
Update: Stoudemire was terrific Tuesday, scoring 42 points and grabbing 13 rebounds during the Suns' victory over the Pacers.
Analysis: Stoudemire went 15-of-24 from the field, 12-of-13 from the line and also added four assists, one steal and one block. The outing marked his third consecutive double-double.
Richard Jefferson: Scores Season-High
Update: Jefferson scored a season-high 36 points on 11-of-18 shooting during the Nets' win over the Cavs.
Analysis: Jefferson went 13-of-15 from the line and added one 3-pointer, two rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes of action. After injuries derailed his season last year, Jefferson is averaging a career-best 24.8 points per game this year.
Daniel Gibson: Bounces Back from Poor Game
Update: Gibson scored 17 points, grabbed six rebounds, and connected on four 3-pointers Tuesday against the Nets.
Analysis: Gibson, bouncing back from an eight-point performance against the Celtics played well in a losing effort scoring 17 against New Jersey, that included shooting 50% from behind the arc with four made. Gibson is trying to show offensively, that he can be the second option in Cleveland.
Shannon Brown: Makes First Start
Update: Brown made his first start Tuesday night and scored 20 points, to go along with four assists and four rebounds.
Analysis: After Devin Brown showed he could not help fill the void left by Lebron James, Brown was inserted into the starting line-up. Brown was very effective in his new role. Brown shot 50% from the field and also connected on four 3-pointers. Brown still has little fantasy value, however with his latest performance he may have worked his way into the Cavaliers rotation.
Andrew Bynum: Out with Stomach Flu
Update: Bynum came down with the stomach flu Tuesday and did not dress for the Lakers' game at Minnesota.
Analysis: Kobe Bryant also was sick, but Bynum seemed to get the worst of it. Bynum spent some time during the day at a Minneapolis hospital to receive IV fluids.
Kobe Bryant: Hit with Case of Stomach Flu
Update: Bryant came down with the stomach flu Tuesday but started at Minnesota anyway, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Andruw Bynum also was sick, but he sat out the game.
LeBron James: Out for Tuesday's Game
Update: James was held out of Tuesday night's game against the Nets, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Devin Brown, Shannon Brown, or Eric Snow will get the start in James' place, according to coach Mike Brown. Devin Brown has averaged only five points in about 24 minutes per game in two starts for James. James is still considered day-to-day.
Antoine Wright: Misses Tuesday's Shootaround
Update: Wright received treatment for his sore left shoulder and did not participate in Tuesday's shootaround, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Wright was injured during the second quarter of Sunday's loss to Detroit. An MRI came back negative, but he is probably not going to play Tuesday night against Cleveland.
Luol Deng: Night to Forget Monday
Update: Deng missed his first nine shots, was outscored by Josh Howard 21-0 by halftime and didn't score until four minutes and 50 seconds remained in the third quarter of the Bulls' 103-98 loss to Dallas Monday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Deng finished 3-for-13 and failed to reach double figures for the third time this season after failing to do so just four times all of last season. All in all, a night to forget for Deng who will try and rebound Wednesday against Charlotte.
Chris Duhon: Started Second Half Over Benched Kirk Hinrich Monday
Update: Duhon relieved an ineffective Kirk Hinrich for the second time in a week, scoring 12 points while grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out five assists in 27 minutes in the Bulls' 103-98 loss to Dallas Monday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Coach Scott Skiles was non-committal as to whether Hinrich will continue to come off the bench, but even if Duhon doesn't start, look for him to at worst see a short-term increase in minutes.
Joe Smith: First Did Not Play - Coach's Decision of Season Monday
Update: Smith was again passed by Joakim Noah in coach Scott Skiles' rotation Monday and failed to play for the first time this year, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Smith's minutes have dropped each of the past six games from 18 on November 18 to zero Monday. If for some reason you still own him, drop him and look elsewhere for rebounding help.
Joakim Noah: Replaced Tyrus Thomas to Open Second Half Monday
Update: Noah, showing no effects from his sprained left ankle, replaced Tyrus Thomas to open the second half of the Bulls' 103-98 loss to Dallas Monday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Noah, who again passed Joe Smith in the rotation, matched up against Dirk Nowitzki, finishing with seven points and seven rebounds in 14 minutes. With Chicago still looking for consistency and energy on the floor, look for Noah to play 15-20 minutes nightly.
Antoine Wright: Day-to-Day with a Sore Shoulder
Update: Wright (sore shoulder) is listed as day-to-day with a sore left shoulder.
Analysis: It is unknown when Wright was injured, but it seems like it is not very serious. If Wright sits out, Malik Allen will see his minutes rise.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim: Knee Problem Still a Hindrance
Update: Abdur-Rahim (knee soreness) is questionable Tuesday against Utah.
Analysis: He hasn't played since Nov. 12. Abdur-Rahim is averaging 1.7 points in six games.
Carlos Delfino: Scores in Double Digits For Fifth Straight Game Monday
Update: Delfino played 34 minutes off the bench Monday, scoring 17 points with four rebounds and four three-pointers.
Analysis: He's thriving in the Raptors' system, and his multi-category production makes him very useful from a fantasy perspective.
Kris Humphries: Big Game Off Bench
Update: Humphries played 21 minutes on Monday and scored 17 points with six rebounds.
Analysis: Injuries to Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani opened up some front court minutes for Humphries, and he capitalized. His playing time is too erratic to make him a useful fantasy player though, even while Bosh and Bargnani are out.
Joey Graham: Gets Surprise Start on Monday
Update: With both Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani out of the lineup, Graham got the start on Monday and responded with 13 points and four rebounds in almost 27 minutes of court time.
Analysis: Graham could have some short-term value while Bosh and Bargnani are limping, but he's not a player you want to rely on by any means.
Jameer Nelson: Best Game of the Season
Update: After hitting rock bottom with only two points on Sunday night, Nelson responded by almost posting a triple-double on Monday night in Orlando's victory over Golden State.
Analysis: Nelson scored 22 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out 11 assists in the contest. He also shot 50 percent from the field and only had one turnover in the game, the two areas of the game where Nelson needs the most improvement. Hopefully Monday night's game will be the start of a nice fantasy run for Nelson.
Keith Bogans: Scores Season High
Update: Bogans scored a season-high 22 points in Orlando's victory over Golden State on Monday night.
Analysis: Bogans shot 9-of-12 from the field and made four three-pointers in the game. Per usual, Bogans didn't contribute in every category, but he stood out in the scoring column on Monday night.
Dwight Howard: Unbelievable Rebound Totals
Update: For the second time in three games, Howard grabbed 23 rebounds as Orlando knocked off Golden State on Monday night.
Analysis: Howard also had 18 points and tied a season high with seven blocks in the game. Unfortunately, Howard also had a staggering nine turnovers in the game, but his ridiculous numbers in other areas make it a fair trade-off.
Rashard Lewis: Best Shooting Percentage in Two Weeks
Update: Lewis was 7-of-14 from the field and scored 20 points in Orlando's victory over Golden State on Monday night.
Analysis: Lewis hadn't shot at least 50 percent in a game since November 21. He also had five rebounds and made two three-pointers in the game. It looks like Lewis is starting to break out of his slump.
Hedo Turkoglu: Solid Numbers Again
Update: Turkoglu scored 17 points on a team-high 21 shots in Orlando's overtime victory over Golden State on Monday night.
Analysis: Turkoglu also had eight rebounds and six assists in the game. Turkoglu now has 36 rebounds in the last four games and his 6.4 rebounds per game is the highest average of his career.
Anderson Varejao: Varejao Signs 3-Year Offer Sheet with Bobcats
Update: The Bobcats signed Varejao to a three-year offer sheet Tuesday, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The Cavaliers are now on the clock. They have a week to match Charlotte's offer sheet signed by Varejao. The reported offer is for three years and worth $17.4 million. It's safe to say that Varejao will be suiting up soon after all. This could be a major acquisition for the Bobcats and a major blow for the Cavaliers.
Spencer Hawes: Better Defense = Increased Minutes
Update: According to Kings coach Reggie Theus, Hawes needs to focus on defense to earn more playing time, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "He has to continue concentrating on the defensive end; on the offensive end, he's just naturally good," Theus said. "He has to understand that (30-plus minutes per night) is not going to happen. But that eagerness, that hunger, is what he needs to have on the floor." The rookie center wants to play more and has approached his coach on the subject. Hawes is averaging 10.6 minutes, 4.3 points and 2.7 rebounds.
Ron Artest: Happy in Sacramento
Update: Artest says he would like to stay in Sacramento beyond this season, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "I'm definitely trying to stay," Artest said. "I like playing with these guys. We've got a good team. But just because I want to stay here doesn't mean it's my call. It's not my call." He can become a free agent after the season ends due to an early-termination option in his contract. His salary for next season will pay him $8.45 million. Considering his past transgressions, Artest may not receive a better offer if he decides to test the market.
Elton Brand: Meets With Surgeon Soon
Update: Brand may develop a return date when he meets with his surgeon on Dec. 10, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: "I'm not trying to target any particular date," Brand said. "But (February) would be the six-month time table and this is a 6-8 month injury, so I was trying to target the closest date.'' He is recovering from a ruptured Achilles he sustained during the summer. While he's been inactive playing basketball, Brand has lifted weights, packing on 10-12 pounds of muscle.
Mike Miller: Scores Season-High 30
Update: Miller scored a season-high 30 points (11-19 FG, 6-11 3pt, 2-3 FT) to go with seven rebounds and two assists in Monday's loss to Portland.
Analysis: This was actually the first time he had 20 or more points since Nov. 17. He had four turnovers, but when you hit three pointers at a 54.6% clip, we'll take it.
Kyle Lowry: Makes One Basket Monday
Update: Lowry had just three points (1-8 FG, 1-2 FT) in 20 minutes off the bench Monday.
Analysis: He also had two rebounds, three assists and two steals. He has failed to hit double-digits in points in three of his past six games, and has had more than five assists just once in his past eight.
Samuel Dalembert: Scores Just Five Points Monday
Update: Dalembert had just five points (2-5 FG, 1-4 FT) in Monday's loss to the Hawks but added 10 rebounds and two blocks in 39 minutes.
Analysis: Dalembert wasn't in foul trouble, finishing the game with just two personal fouls, but didn't attempt enough shots to make a difference offensively.
Juan Carlos Navarro: Still Scores off Bench
Update: Navarro scored 16 (6-11 FG, 4-7 3pt) points in 27 minutes off the bench in Monday's loss to the Blazers.
Analysis: He scored the same amount in 27 minutes Monday as he did in 38 minutes when he was starting, so perhaps the demotion to sixth-man won't hurt him as much as we thought. He still is able to drain 3's, and does not turn the ball over much (one on Monday).
Willie Green: Scores a Season-High Monday Night
Update: Green scored a season-high 23 points (10-14 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-3 FT) and added three rebounds and two steals in Monday's loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: Green did everything he could to help the Sixers get a win but it wasn't enough. He may be worth adding to fantasy rosters for depth if you have the space but his up and down season will likely continue.
Sam Cassell: Won't Play the Bucks
Update: Cassell (calf) will not play on Tuesday against Milwaukee.
Analysis: Cassell will miss his third consecutive game, and Los Angeles coach Mike Dunleavy realistically expects his veteran point guard to be unavailable for at least another week.
Mike Conley: Rehab Working
Update: Conley (shoulder) has begun working out with five-pound weights and doing hand exercises, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: He suffered the injury Nov. 17 and remains out indefinitely. It's unknown as to how his return will affect Juan Navarro's newfound playing time.
Al Thornton: Doubtful on Tuesday
Update: Thornton (ankle) is doubtful for Tuesday and his injury could cause him to miss future games, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: The rookie small forward aggravated the injury after landing on Corey Maggette's foot in the second quarter of Sunday's loss to Indiana. Since Maggette (hamstring) is battling an injury as well, Thornton's playing time would likely increase if he were able to play. He admits he's beginning to develop a rhythm on the court, so his owners should take note.
Corey Maggette: Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Update: Maggette, who reinjured his strained right hamstring on Sunday, is a game-time decision on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: He had to go to the trainer's room during the second half of Sunday's game against Indiana, after he aggravated his injury. Maggette returned but was limping badly afterward. His hamstring problem forced him to miss four games earlier this season.
LeBron James: LeBron's Injury More Than a Bruise
Update: The extent of James' injury is more than a mere bruise according to coach Mike Brown, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: For now James is still considered day-to-day. He will be a game time decision for Tuesday's game. We will keep you posted if James plays on Tuesday night.
Tyronn Lue: Misses Game With Injury
Update: Lue (strained calf) did not play against the 76ers on Monday.
Analysis: Consider Lue day-to-day. We'll keep you posted on when he is going to be back in the lineup. Acie Law returned on Monday, so expect Lue to be fighting for minutes when he returns.
Acie Law: Returns From Ankle Injury
Update: Law (sore left ankle) played 23 minutes on Monday after missing eight games.
Analysis: Law was clearly rusty as he was 0-of-8 from the floor but did have five rebounds and five assists. Law is clearly the Hawks' point guard of the future but in the short term he will not produce enough to help a fantasy roster.
Josh Childress: Scores 16 Off Bench In Win
Update: Childress had 16 points (5-of-8 FG, 1-of-2 3-PT, 5-of-5 FT) and six rebounds in the Hawks' win over the 76ers on Monday.
Analysis: Childress continues to provide the Hawks with scoring and high percentage shooting off the bench. Expect Childress to continue to get about 30 minutes off the bench and score in the 12-15 point range.
Al Horford: Double-Double in Win
Update: Horford had 12 points (6-of-9 FG, 0-of-1 3-PT) and 13 rebounds in the Hawks' win over the 76ers on Monday.
Analysis: Horford's offense is coming along. He hit several 15-17 foot jumpers in this win. When Horford can learn how to use his body to get to the foul line consistently, look for his scoring to easily move into the 12-15 point a game range.
Joe Johnson: Struggles From 3-Point Line
Update: Johnson had 15 points (6-of-15 FG, 1-of-6 3-PT, 2-of-3 FT), four rebounds and seven assists in the Hawks' win over the 76ers on Monday.
Analysis: Johnson struggled with his 3-point shot in large part because many of his threes were rushed as the shot clock was winding down. The Hawks are young and sometimes struggle with clock management and this continues to hurt Johnson's field goal percentage. Johnson continues to lead the Hawks in assists, and with the revolving door at point guard, we don't see that changing anytime soon.
Devin Harris: Suffers Neck Strain Against Bulls
Update: Harris suffered a neck strain during the Mavs' 103-98 win over the Bulls on Monday, and is questionable for Wednesday's game against San Antonio, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: The team is "optimistic" that Harris will return on Wednesday. Harris had four points in 27 minutes before suffering the neck strain.
Jason Terry: Scores 18 Against Bulls
Update: Terry had 18 points and five assists in the Mavs' 103-98 win over the Bulls on Monday.
Analysis: Another solid game from Terry, who played 40 minutes Monday, eight minutes more than his season average.
Dirk Nowitzki: Scores 25 Against Bulls
Update: Nowitzki had 25 points and six rebounds in the Mavs' 103-98 win over the Bulls on Monday.
Analysis: Nowitzki played 34 minutes Monday night, about on par with what the team wants him to play.
Stephon Marbury: To Miss A Week At Least
Update: Marbury will miss a week while with family after the passing of his father Sunday, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: The Knicks have games on Wednesday (at New Jersey), Friday (at Philadelphia) and Saturday (Philadelphia) in the coming week.
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