FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Luke Ridnour: Returns to Action Sunday
Update: Ridnour returned to action Sunday after missing 12 games with a quadriceps injury.
Analysis: Ridnour played 12 minutes off the bench, scoring three points with one assist and one steal in Seattle's loss to New Orleans. Between a nose injury and this quadriceps, Ridnour has played a total of 88 minutes this season. He'll need some more game action before we'd recommend him for a spot on your fantasy team.
Ramon Sessions: Assigned to D-League
Update: The Bucks assigned Sessions to the D-League on Saturday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Sessions has not appeared in a game for Milwaukee this season.
Charlie Villanueva: Season High 19 Points
Update: Villanueva scored a season-high 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting with nine rebounds in 31 minutes Sunday in Milwaukee's overtime loss to Portland.
Analysis: The minutes were also a season high for Villanueva, who is averaging a little under 20 minutes per night. There's just not enough games like this to warrant having Villanueva on your fantasy team.
Bobby Simmons: Misses Sunday's Game
Update: Simmons missed his second straight game on Sunday because of personal reasons.
Analysis: There's no word on when he will return.
Chris Quinn: Starts Sunday
Update: Quinn started at point guard in place of the injured Jason Williams (ankle) in Sunday's victory over the Clippers.
Analysis: Williams is expected to miss at least a couple more games, so Quinn will get some run this week. Quinn scored 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting with three rebounds, three assists and two steals in 44 minutes.
Jason Williams: (Ankle) Will Miss a Couple More Games
Update: Williams, who missed Sunday's victory over the Clippers because of an ankle injury, is expected to miss at least a couple more games this week, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Chris Quinn started in place of Williams, playing 44 minutes and scoring 13 points with three assists and two steals.
Steve Francis: Starts Sunday
Update: Francis started in place of the injured Rafer Alston (groin) in Sunday's loss to Toronto.
Analysis: Francis had seven points, four rebounds, three assists, two turnovers and a blocked shot in 31 minutes. Francis' playing time has been spotty, so unless Alston misses a lot of time, we wouldn't suggest claiming Francis.
Rafer Alston: Strained Groin
Update: Alston sat out Sunday's loss to Toronto with a strained groin, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: It was the first game all season he's missed. Steve Francis started at point guard for the Rockets and had seven points, four rebounds and three assists in 13 minutes. The Rockets come right back on Monday when they travel to Philadelphia.
Chris Bosh: Returns to Action Sunday
Update: Bosh (groin) returned to action Sunday after missing five games.
Analysis: Bosh struggled at the start, but finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds in 41 minutes in Toronto's victory over Houston.
Darius Songaila: Injures Leg Sunday
Update: Songaila injured his left leg with under two minutes left in Sunday's win over the Nets, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: He limped to the locker room with the help of an trainer and did not return. More on Songaila's status in the coming days.
Brandon Roy: Monster Game
Update: Roy had 26 points (11-of-13 shooting) including eight rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and one block in Sunday night's win over Milwaukee.
Analysis: Roy had one of the best statistical games of his career. This is his third straight 25+ scoring night and he has really been on a tear of late.
Steve Blake: Big Night
Update: Blake scored a season-high 19 points (6-of-12 shooting) including four three-pointers and chipped in five assists and one steal in Sunday night's win over Milwaukee.
Analysis: Blake's numbers have been up and down thus far in the season. This being said, he continues to be a good source of three-pointers and assists and should continue to log in 30+ minutes.
LaMarcus Aldridge: Efficient Game
Update: Aldridge scored 24 points (10-of-15 shooting) while contributing three rebounds, two steals, and three blocks in Sunday night's win over Milwaukee.
Analysis: Aldridge has been a model of consistency thus far this season. Once in a while, he'll have an eight point outing, mainly because the team is getting blown out, or a 30 point and 10 rebound game. It's nice to know that you can pencil him in for 18 points and eight rebounds practically every game.
Taurean Green: Headed to NBDL
Update: Green will be sent to the NBA Development League, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: He has had no fantasy impact this year at all and has played behind three other point guards, so this is not a huge surprise.
Brevin Knight: Dishes Out Nine Assists
Update: Knight played 35 minutes, scored 10 points and dished nine assists in the Clippers' loss to Miami Sunday.
Analysis: The 11-year point guard has started the past six games in place of Sam Cassell, who continues to recover from a strained left calf muscle suffered Nov. 26. In those six starts, Knight is averaging 9.3 points, 6.3 assists and one turnover. It's risky, because he's injury-prone, but Knight is worth plugging into a fantasy lineup during Week 7 if assists and steals are desperately needed.
Chris Kaman: Impresses D-Wade
Update: Kaman scored 14 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked three shots in the Clippers' loss to the Heat Sunday afternoon.
Analysis: "We came into the league in the same draft class. I knew he (Kaman) was good then, but he's even better now," Miami guard Dwayne Wade said. "Every year he's getting better and better, and this year he's having a career year. He's got a bright future." Entering the Miami game, Kaman was third in the NBA in rebounding and blocked shots. Wade's comments reflect what most players and coaches around the league are saying about the 7-footer.
Paul Davis: A Season-High 10 Points
Update: Davis scored a season-high 10 points in the Clippers' loss to Miami Sunday afternoon.
Analysis: Davis put in his best work of the season, shooting 5-of-6 from the floor and grabbing three rebounds. The forward-center also kept the officials busy as he was whistled for five fouls in just 17 minutes. His fantasy value is very low at this point.
Corey Maggette: Records a Double-Double
Update: Maggette had 24 points (7-of-15 FG, 10-of-11 FT), 12 rebounds and six assists in the Clippers' loss to Miami on Sunday.
Analysis: It was the kind of game Maggette owners will relish with the exception of his six turnovers. He has 34 free-throw attempts in the past three games.
Sam Cassell: Scratching Next Road Trip
Update: Cassell (calf) will not play during the upcoming three-game road trip, the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: Cassell has missed six consecutive games, including Sunday's loss to Miami. The Clippers travel to New Jersey, Charlotte and Memphis in Week 7.
Jamaal Tinsley: Unhurt After Shooting Incident
Update: Tinsley escaped uninjured in a shooting outside a downtown Indianapolis hotel Sunday.
Analysis: Police said the shooting targeted Tinsley and several of his companions following a confrontation as they were leaving the Cloud 9 club. While Tinsley was not harmed, Joey Qatato (the Pacers' equipment manager) was struck on both elbows. He was later treated and released from the hospital.
Andrew Bynum: Has Regressed According to Coach
Update: Bynum has "gone backward since the season started," in regards to his fitness, Lakers coach Phil Jackson told the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: It should be noted that Bynum's per-48 numbers have dropped since being inserted into the starting lineup. We expect Jackson's motivational ploy to work on the young center, as similar tactics have worked in the past.
Luke Walton: Suffers Ankle Sprain
Update: Walton suffered an ankle sprain in practice and is questionable for Sunday's game against the Warriors, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Walton's injury reportedly involves sprained ligaments, so we expect him to be very limited Sunday, if he even plays at all.
Luke Walton: Suffers Ankle Sprain
Update: Walton suffered an ankle sprain in practice and is questionable for Sunday's game against the Warriors, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Walton's injury reportedly involves sprained ligaments, so we expect him to be very limited Sunday, if he even plays at all.
Chris Bosh: Back to Lineup Sunday
Update: Bosh (groin) will return to the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockets, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Bosh was getting very hot before injuring his groin in a Nov. 28 game against Memphis. Look for him to pick up right where he left off, leading the Raptors' in scoring and rebounding.
Andrea Bargnani: Could Return To Practice Monday
Update: Bargnani (knee) may begin practicing on Monday, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: He was able to do some sprints after Saturday's practice. Bargnani will miss his fourth straight game Sunday.
Francisco Garcia: Scores 21 in Loss at Denver
Update: Garcia had 21 points (7-of-16 FG, 6-of-6 FT, 1-of-5 3-PT), four steals and three rebounds in the Kings' loss to Denver on Saturday.
Analysis: The swingman is a pivotal player on the Kings right now. Kevin Martin (groin) is out and Ron Artest may need to miss an occasional game to be with his daughter, who is battling kidney cancer. Garcia is averaging 30.0 minutes, 15.0 points and 3.0 steals since Martin went down. In Week 7, he's a solid fantasy option because Sacramento plays four games.
Erick Dampier: Scores 21 Against Jazz
Update: Dampier had 21 points and five rebounds in the Mavs' 125-117 win over the Jazz on Saturday.
Analysis: We suspected that Dampier might become a bigger part of the offense after his scoreless game Thursday, but, conversely, don't expect him to put up 21 every night either. Expect between 8-12 points a night from Dampier.
Devin Harris: Posts Double-Double Against Jazz
Update: Harris had 10 points and 12 assists in the Mavs' 125-117 win over the Jazz on Saturday. He also had three steals in the win.
Analysis: A neck injury suffered earlier in the week didn't seem to bother Harris on Saturday.
Dirk Nowitzki: Scores 16 Against Jazz
Update: Nowitzki had 16 points and eight rebounds in the Mavs' 125-117 win over the Jazz on Saturday.
Analysis: Nowitzki often deferred to Josh Howard (47 points) Saturday, but we expect Dirk's recent scoring boost to continue in coming games.
Paul Pierce: Struggles Against Bulls
Update: Pierce struggled mightily in the Celtics' 92-81 win over the Bulls Saturday night, scoring 10 points on 1-8 shooting from the field. He also had six rebounds and seven assists in the win.
Analysis: Pierce has really slowed recently, averaging only 13.5 points per game over his last four games. Pierce's struggles may lead to more rest, as he's currently averaging more than 37 minutes per game, and may be suffering from tired legs.
Kevin Garnett: Blocks Seven Shots Against Bulls
Update: Garnett had 16 points, nine rebounds, seven blocks and three assists in the Celtics' 92-81 win over the Bulls on Saturday.
Analysis: Garnett took only 11 shots on Saturday, and has seen much less in the way of offensive opportunities with the Celtics as he did last year with the Timberwolves. Garnett seems fully dedicated to winning at all costs this year, no matter what the statistical impact.
Rajon Rondo: Picks Up Scoring Slack Against Bulls
Update: Rondo had 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the Celtics' 92-81 win over the Bulls on Saturday.
Analysis: Despite his performance Saturday, Rondo hasn't shown the consistency we'd like on the offensive end. Saturday was only Rondo's third double-digit scoring game in the last 10 contests.
Quincy Douby: Barely Plays in Denver
Update: Douby didn't score and played only seven minutes in Sacramento's loss to the Nuggets on Saturday night.
Analysis: In the two games since Kevin Martin went down with a groin injury, Douby has played 22 minutes and scored just seven points. He may see more action while Martin's shelved, but it's unlikely to be a substantial increase.
Beno Udrih: Registers a Season-High
Update: Udrih had 24 points (11-of-23 FG, 2-of-4 3-PT), seven assists and three steals in the Kings' loss to Denver on Saturday.
Analysis: It was Udrih's season-high in assists, but he might have registered more had the Kings not resorted to one-on-one basketball in the Mile High City. In the last six games, the point guard is averaging 17.5 points, 4.0 assists and 1.8 steals while shooting 48.8% from the field and 85.0% from the free-throw line. He's a must-start until Mike Bibby (thumb) comes back.
Brad Miller: Fouls Out in 26 Minutes
Update: Miller scored seven points and grabbed just three rebounds in Sacramento's loss to the Nuggets on Saturday.
Analysis: Miller was ragged throughout the game and fouled out in 26 minutes. He managed just two assists and turned the ball over three times. Despite his troubles in Denver, Miller is worthy of starting in all fantasy leagues. The Kings play four games in Week 7.
Anthony Carter: Comes Up Big vs Kings
Update: Carter posted 17 points, nine assists, four steals, three rebounds and two blocks during the Nuggets' comeback win over Sacramento on Saturday night.
Analysis: Carter certainly has potential when given 37 minutes of court time but he's still a risky play. Head coach George Karl said he kept Carter in the game on Saturday because he liked his energy but clearly his energy on Thursday was only enough to get him 22 minutes. Until Karl settles on a solid rotation we'd personally stay away from Carter who you just can't count on.
Allen Iverson: Leads Nuggets in Scoring Again
Update: Iverson led the Nuggets with 23 points on 7-of-16 FGs (1-of-3 3pt) and 8-of-8 FTs during the team's 101-97 win over Sacramento on Saturday night.
Analysis: Iverson also added 10 assists and four rebounds in his 45 minutes of court time. At this point it appears that he's taken over as the primary scoring threat on the Nuggets. The only major issue is the number of minutes he's been playing. If Iverson is forced to keep playing 40+ minutes a night he may fade down the stretch. He's played 40+ in 10-of-21 games this season already and is averaging 39:36 for the year.
Marcus Camby: Fills Stat Sheet
Update: Camby posted eight points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals in 38 minutes Saturday night against Sacramento.
Analysis: Camby took just four shots, making three of them, but he's been so consistent at providing his owners solid numbers across the board that his scoring, or lack thereof, can be ignored for now.
Eduardo Najera: Leaves Game with Knee Injury
Update: Najera suffered a left knee contusion in the first quarter of Saturday's game against Sacramento and did not return.
Analysis: There's no word on the severity but it was clearly hurting Eduardo as he left the court. He's been the Nuggets' primary back-up at PF behind Kenyon Martin and his absence will probably mean more minutes for Linus Kleiza.
Carmelo Anthony: Another Tough Shooting Night
Update: Anthony was just 5-of-16 including 0-of-4 from 3pt range during Denver's win over Sacramento on Saturday night.
Analysis: Anthony finished with just 14 points, only the third time in 21 games this year he's failed to post at least 20. The Nuggets' starting small forward did add seven rebounds, three assists and three blocks to his totals but he's clearly struggling with his shot and must regain his touch if he's going to be the consistent fantasy stud most of his owners thought he'd be this year.
Fred Jones: First Guard off Bench
Update: Jones has become the Knicks' primary backup to Jamal Crawford and Stephon Marbury, the New York Times reports.
Analysis: Jones is averaging 35.7 minutes in the last three games, though that can be misleading because he was filling in for Marbury in two of the games and Saturday's loss to Philadelphia was a blowout. Still, Jones has moved ahead of Mardy Collins and Nate Robinson.
Mardy Collins: (Ankle) Returns to Action
Update: Collins (ankle) returned to action Saturday night after missing seven games.
Analysis: Collins did not register a stat in two minutes of action in a blowout loss to Philadelphia. He's fallen out of the rotation and whether healthy or not, will not see much playing time.
Jason Williams: Will Miss Sunday's Game
Update: Williams will miss Sunday's game against the Clippers with a sprained right ankle, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Williams sustained the injury Friday night when he stepped on the foot of one of the Golden State players. X-ray results on the ankle did not reveal more extensive damage, but the ankle is still too sore for him to compete Sunday. Chris Quinn may start in his place, but it was Dwyane Wade who got all the point-guard minutes after Williams left Friday's loss to the Warriors.
Josh Childress: Plans to Play Monday
Update: Childress (groin) doesn't expect to miss much time and, in fact, plans to play Monday night against Orlando, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
Analysis: "That's my plan," Childress said before Saturday's game. "There's no real timetable, medically. You're going by feel. And I'm fine jumping off my left leg. It's my right leg that's the problem. So we'll just have to see how it feels over the next couple of days." By now, fantasy players should be aware of the rosy outlooks players give themselves when coming back from an injury. Don't plan on Childress playing Monday, but it sounds like he'll be back at some point this coming week.
Primoz Brezec: Returns to Starting Lineup
Update: Brezec was back in the starting lineup Saturday night in Charlotte's victory over Cleveland.
Analysis: Brezec replaced Jared Dudley in the starting five to better match up against Cleveland's big front line of Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Drew Gooden. He scored two points with three rebounds in 15 minutes. With Detroit coming up on Sunday, Brezec is likely to start again.
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