FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Brandon Roy: Picking Up the Slack
Update: Roy scored 29 points (11-of-21 shooting) while contributing four rebounds, four assists, and one steal in Friday night's victory over Utah.
Analysis: Roy has bumped up his shots to about 21 per game while LaMarcus Aldridge has been out with a foot injury. Expect his shots and scoring to increase until Aldridge is back in the lineup.
LaMarcus Aldridge: Hoping to Return Monday
Update: Aldridge said he hopes to return to the court on Monday, when the Blazers play at home against New Orleans, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Aldridge said he can already measure the progress his foot is making, saying "it is less sore", but still not good enough to play in Friday's home game against Utah or Sunday's game at Denver. This is a good sign for Aldridge owners. It seems likely that he will play Monday, the only question is how many minutes his foot will allow.
Josh Boone: Another Solid Game Off The Bench
Update: Boone played 31 minutes on Saturday and contributed ten points, six rebounds and two blocks in a loss to New York.
Analysis: Another solid game for Boone who is averaging 9.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks over his last four games.
Samuel Dalembert: Big Double Double On Saturday
Update: Dalembert exploded for 16 points, 19 rebounds and three blocks in Saturday's win over Cleveland.
Analysis: Dalembert's scoring has been inconsistent but his boards and blocks have been steady. He's averaging 13.0 boards and 4.0 blocks over his last four games.
Beno Udrih: Ties a Career-High in Assists
Update: Udrih scored 12 points and dished out 10 assists in the Kings' loss to Washington on Saturday night.
Analysis: Udrih tied his career-high in assists a day after registering six in a win over Philadelphia. His assist totals have been low for a point guard, but they may begin to rise. Kings coach Reggie Theus has been ruling with a iron hand the past two games, imploring his players to pass more and play less one-on-one basketball. Udrih's recent assist counts are a direct reflection of Theus' decree. Whether the team continues to listen to its coach remains to be seen.
Brad Miller: Has a Sweet Stroke Going
Update: Miller scored a team-high 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds in Sacramento's loss to Washington on Saturday night.
Analysis: The 7-footer was 9-of-14 from the floor, hitting most of his shots from well outside the key. In the last four games, Miller is averaging 19.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 66.7% from the field. Lately, his shot has been better than ever.
Nick Young: Gets The Start At Point Guard But Only Plays 14 Minutes
Update: Young started at point guard on Saturday for Antonio Daniels (knee) but was pulled in the 1st quarter in favor of Roger Mason, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Young ended up with seven points but only played 14 minutes to Roger Mason's 35 minutes. The point guard situation in Washington could become a time-share between Young and Mason with whomever is hot or not turning the ball over getting the bulk of the minutes.
DeShawn Stevenson: Five More Threes on Saturday
Update: Stevenson made five 3-pointers on Saturday en route to a team-high 19 points in a win over Sacramento.
Analysis: Stevenson has been a tear of late from deep and has made 15 3-pointers in his three games.
Nazr Mohammed: Plays 19 Minutes In First Game With Bobcats
Update: Mohammed came off the bench on Saturday and scored six points in 19 minutes in a loss to Atlanta, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: "He's (Mohammed) still getting up to speed," Bobcats coach Vincent said before the game. "We've heard nothing but great things about him. He's a solid veteran. It's one more piece to get us where we're trying to go." Mohammed should eventually become the Bobcats starting and could be a decent source for rebounds and blocks if he gets 25-30 minutes a night.
Shelden Williams: Carjacked Outside Barber Shop
Update: Williams was carjacked at gunpoint Saturday before the Hawks' game against Charlotte, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Williams was carjacked outside a barber shop by two assailants, both of whom were later arrested. Williams was not injured and later was in uniform for Saturday's game.
Elton Brand: Taking the Next Step
Update: Brand, who ruptured his Achilles tendon this summer, was cleared to begin dribbling and taking stationary shots, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: The power forward was approved to enter the next phase of his rehabilitation by the same Delaware facility that surgically repaired his injury.
Corey Brewer: Getting More Minutes
Update: Brewer had 11 points with seven rebounds and three blocks in 32 minutes in Friday's loss to Seattle.
Analysis: Brewer has now played 28 or more minutes in six of his last eight games and is averaging 7.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game over that stretch. It looks like he finally has the confidence of the coaching staff and is going to get playing time.
Kenyon Martin: Suspended for One Game
Update: The NBA has suspended Martin for one game following a flagrant foul he committed on Melvin Ely of the Hornets on Wednesday.
Analysis: Martin will sit out Saturday's game against the Spurs.
Greg Buckner: Remains Sideilned With Calf Injury
Update: Buckner (calf) is still several days away from returning to practice, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Analysis: He missed his fourth consecutive game with the injury on Friday and it sounds like he's at least a week away from returning.
Keyon Dooling: Consistent Scoring off the Bench
Update: Dooling scored 13 points in 25 minutes of action off the bench in Orlando's victory over Charlotte on Friday night.
Analysis: Dooling continues playing well off the bench while Keith Bogans is slowed with a quad injury. He has now scored in double figures in four of his last five games.
Rashard Lewis: First Double-Double of the Season
Update: It took him remarkably long, but Lewis (neck) finally recorded his first double-double of the season by scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in Orlando's victory over Charlotte on Friday night.
Analysis: Lewis already had four double-doubles at this point last season and he has a long ways to go to match the 13 he put up all last year. Still, he's on pace to shatter his career high of 173 three-pointers made this season.
Dahntay Jones: His First Action as a King
Update: Jones played in his first game for the Kings and scored two points in seven minutes on Friday night.
Analysis: Jones, who signed with Sacramento on Monday, entered the fray and immediately made two key steals and drew a charge from guard Andre Iguodala. He is strictly an end-of-the-bench option for coach Reggie Theus.
Hedo Turkoglu: Another Big Game for Early Season Surprise
Update: Turkoglu scored 22 points to go along with four rebounds and five assists in Orlando's victory over Charlotte on Friday night.
Analysis: Turkoglu also had two steals and hit three three-pointers. Turkoglu continues to do everything asked of him and more; fantasy owners who took him in the late rounds are probably still smiling.
Luke Ridnour: 25 Minutes Off the Bench Friday
Update: Ridnour (quadriceps) played 25 minutes Friday -- the most action he's seen in a month -- and totaled 13 points and seven assists.
Analysis: Ridnour, who also had four turnovers, came off the bench but actually played more minutes than starter Earl Watson. This likely will be the arrangement for at least the near term. When Delonte West returns from injury, the playing situation likely will change once again.
Dwight Howard: Big Game for Dominant Big Man
Update: Howard had 33 points, 18 rebounds, and four blocks in Orlando's victory over Charlotte on Friday night.
Analysis: Howard shot 11-of-16 from the field and despite making only 11 of his 20 attempts from the free throw line, made 10 of his last 11 from the chartiy stripe. Howard is now shooting a superb 61.1 percent from the field and is third in the league with 68 blocked shots.
Ron Artest: Just Seven Field-Goal Attempts
Update: Artest had nine points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals in the Kings' victory at Philadelphia Friday night.
Analysis: As a team, Sacramento's players have admitted guilt in taking early shots during offensive possessions, while resorting to one-on-one play. Artest is the primary problem, but at Memphis, he was back to working in the paint and effectively passing out of double-teams. The result was a season-low seven shots. Open looks will come, he just needs to be patient.
Damien Wilkins: Opportunities Not as Plentiful These Days
Update: Wilkins, who scored 10 points Friday, has scored more than 14 points just twice in 14 games since post a career-high 41 points Nov. 16.
Analysis: Whereas early in the season Wilkins played about 30-35 minutes a game, he's seen his playing time drop to 25-30 minutes a game in the last month. Wilkins is usually no better than the third option in the offense, and his playing time might suffer as the Sonics seek to get rookie Jeff Green more involved.
Keith Bogans: Rough Shooting Night
Update: Bogans (quad) shot 3-of-10, including only 1-of-6 from behind the three point line, and scored seven points in Orlando's victory over Charlotte on Friday night.
Analysis: Bogans also had five rebounds and two assists in the game. He is still being limited by his injury and is playing less minutes lately. His playing time should increase again once he recovers.
Jameer Nelson: Solid Numbers
Update: Nelson made all six of his shots from the field en route to scoring 13 points in Orlando's victory over Charlotte on Friday night.
Analysis: Nelson also had six assists and only had two turnovers in the game. Nelson has been up and down this season, so hopefully this is the beginning of another good streak.
Oleksiy Pecherov: Still Sidelined With Ankle Injury
Update: Pecherov, who suffered a hairline fracture in his right ankle in late October, is expected to miss at least two to three more weeks, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: That's exactly what we heard about three weeks ago, so obviously Pecherov's healing process is coming along slowly.
Chris Wilcox: Fourth Double-Double in Last Seven Games
Update: Wilcox (ankle) posted 19 points and 11 rebounds Friday for his fourth double-double in his last seven games.
Analysis: Wilcox, who also has three steals, still has a lingering ankle injury, so his minutes might be limited from time to time, as they were in the previous two games. But when he gets solid minutes, he should produce.
Nick Young: Should See More Minutes With Daniels Out
Update: With Antonio Daniels expected to miss two to four weeks,Young figures to see added playing time in the Wizards' coming games, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: It's uncertain if Young or Roger Mason Jr. will start in Daniels' place, but both players should see added minutes. Saturday's box score should provide an idea as to who the better pickup for the next couple of weeks or so will be.
Kurt Thomas: 18 Points, 8 Rebounds, 5 Stitches
Update: Thomas needed five stitches Friday to close a re-opened lip wound but played through the injury to total 18 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
Analysis: Thomas was initially injured Sunday, requiring three stitches. Friday he played 28 minutes, near his usual time, but attempted a season-high 12 field goals. Don't expect as many shots on most nights. Thomas, though, will continue to get about 25 minutes and 10 rebounds a game. Also, his troublesome hamstring appears healed.
Antonio Daniels: Out With MCL Sprain
Update: Daniels is expected to miss two-to-four weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Look for either Roger Mason Jr. or Nick Young to start in his place in the meantime, starting Saturday against the Kings.
Kevin Durant: Cold Night Follows Big Outing
Update: Durant, who scored 30 points in his last game, was 4-of-17 from the field Friday for 13 points and committed a season-high eight turnovers.
Analysis: Inconsistency is par for the course for any rookie, but lately Durant has been all or nothing. In eight of his last 15 games, Durant has shot a combined 27.5 percent (32-of-116), never higher than 33.3 percent in any game. In the other seven games, he's shot 53.2 percent (66-of-124), never lower than 44.4 percent. He also needs to improve in the non-scoring categories to be a better fantasy player. He averages 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 turnovers per game.
Cuttino Mobley: Suffering a Cold December
Update: Mobley (groin, elbow) scored 17 points with six assists and five turnovers in the Clippers' win over the Grizzlies on Friday night.
Analysis: In December, Mobley is shooting 36.1% from the floor and averaging 11.0 points and 3.3 assists per game. His three-point shooting hasn't suffered due to his injuries, however. Mobley is nailing 45.8% from downtown. Keep him reserved until most of his numbers trend into positive ranges.
Paul Davis: Sparks Los Angeles on Friday
Update: Davis played 16 minutes, scored four points and grabbed eight rebounds in the Clippers' win over Memphis Friday night.
Analysis: When Tim Thomas left with a sprained ankle in the second quarter, Davis came in to rally Los Angeles, grabbing half of his rebounds on the offensive end. The forward-center may see an increase in floor time while Thomas recuperates, but he doesn't warrant fantasy attention.
Sean Williams: First Action in Three Games
Update: Williams got off the bench for 22 minutes Friday night, playing for the first time in three games.
Analysis: Williams (nine points, four rebounds, one block) formed with Josh Boone (15 points, eight rebounds) to give the Nets their best front court production of the season in Friday's win over the Cavaliers. "Josh and Sean haven't had a lot of success together, they've had independent success. For those guys to play well together, hopefully it's something we can build on," Nets coach Lawrence Frank said, according to the New York Post.
Josh Boone: Significant Contribution
Update: Boone scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds Friday night in New Jersey's victory over Cleveland.
Analysis: Boone is gaining confidence in his game -- something he didn't have last season -- and is averaging 9.3 points and 10.0 rebounds in 25.7 minutes per game over the last three contests. The Nets' power forward rotation has been a mess this season, so there's an opportunity for Boone to turn this into something more substantial for fantasy players. If you're thinking about claiming him, beware, Boone is a terrible free-throw shooter, having made just 7-of-27 attempts from the line this season.
Bostjan Nachbar: Rolls Right Ankle
Update: Nachbar rolled his right ankle in Friday night's victory over Cleveland, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: X-rays of the ankle were negative, but Nachbar is questionable for Saturday night's game against the Knicks. He had 13 points in 23 minutes against the Cavs and helped key a Nets' rally in the first half to overcome a 12-point deficit.
Jason Terry: Scores 25 Against Hornets
Update: Terry had 25 points and three rebounds in the Mavs' 89-80 win over the Hornets on Friday night.
Analysis: Terry picked up the scoring slack for Dirk Nowitzki (only seven points), but should return to his 15-20 ppg pace in coming games.
Josh Howard: Posts Double-Double Against Hornets
Update: Howard had 15 points and 10 rebounds in the Mavs' 89-80 win over the Hornets on Friday night.
Analysis: Howard seems to be assuming much of the team's scoring mantle as Dirk Nowitzki has faded. Expect Howard to only get better.
Dirk Nowitzki: Scores Only Seven Against Hornets
Update: Nowitzki had seven points, nine rebounds and six assists in the Mavs' 89-80 win over the Hornets. He shot only 2-8 in the win.
Analysis: Nowitzki, who is shooting only 30% from three this year, didn't even attempt a three-pointer on Friday night. While he has posted the occasional big game, Dirk seems a shell of his MVP self this season.
Andrew Bynum: Has Huge Game Against Warriors
Update: Bynum had 17 points and 16 rebounds in the Lakers' 108-106 loss to the Warriors on Friday night.
Analysis: The Warriors are the worst defensive team in the league, and Bynum shot 8-10 on Friday night. While Bynum is a regular double-double threat every night, you shouldn't expect 17-16 games on a consistent basis.
Josh Smith: Shooting Struggles Continue
Update: Smith was just 4-of-15 from the floor in scoring 14 points and grabbing nine rebounds in the Hawks' loss to the Pistons on Friday.
Analysis: The only complaint that fantasy owners can have about Smith is his shooting, as he is connecting on just 39.8 percent of his attempts.
Lamar Odom: Posts Double-Double Against Warriors
Update: Odom had 18 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in the Lakers' 108-106 loss to the Warriors on Friday.
Analysis: The Warriors give up big stats to everyone, so Thursday's 15-8 should be much closer to what you should expect from Odom, rather than Friday's 18-15.
Joe Johnson: Scores 23 in Loss
Update: Johnson had 23 points (9-of-20 FG, 0-of-3 3-PT, 5-of-7 FT), five rebounds and three steals in the Hawks' loss to the Pistons on Friday.
Analysis: Johnson was one of the few Hawks who shot well, as the team struggled to just 35.5 percent shooting.
Rajon Rondo: Nears Double-Double Against Bucks
Update: Rondo had 17 points, eight assists and four rebounds in the Celtics' 104-82 win over the Bucks on Friday.
Analysis: Rondo's shot is wildly inconsistent, but he's averaging nearly six assists per game this year.
Kevin Garnett: Solid Performance Against Bucks
Update: Garnett had 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in the Celtics' 104-82 win over the Bucks on Friday.
Analysis: Garnett took only 10 shots Friday night, and may see increased scoring as the season continues and the Celtics play more challenging opponents.
Paul Pierce: Scores 32 Against Bucks
Update: Pierce had 32 points and three rebounds in the Celtics' 104-82 win over the Bucks on Friday night.
Analysis: Another strong game from Pierce, who is averaging 29 ppg over his last two games.
Mehmet Okur: May Not Play Saturday
Update: Okur (shoulder) suggested he may not be available to play Saturday night against Seattle, the Deseret Morning News reports. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that he will undergo an MRI on Saturday.
Analysis: Okur sat out Friday night's game because of the injury. "It depends how I feel (Saturday)," Okur said. "I want to be out there. Even tonight (Friday). But I can't reach, I can't move up and down. I can't imagine myself with contact inside, pushing each other." The team is calling the injury a strained trapezius, and we'll know more after the MRI.
Jason Williams: Will Continue to Start
Update: Heat coach Pat Riley said Williams will continue to start despite recent struggles and the improved play of backup Chris Quinn, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: The Heat are 3-1 when Quinn starts and he clearly outplayed Williams, who was returning from an ankle injury, in Thursday's loss to Washington.
Larry Hughes: Cooled off a Little
Update: Hughes scored nine points in his third game back with the Cavaliers.
Analysis: After scoring a combined 58 points in his first two games back, Hughes shot only 4-15 from the field Friday night in a loss to the Nets. Even with his cold shooting night, Hughes has a great chance regaining his old form (22 points/game) that made him valuable before he arrived in Cleveland. Hughes may not eclipse the 22-point average coming off the bench, however his offensive production will rise due to being back at his normal position of shooting guard.
Daniel Gibson: Back from One Game Absense
Update: Gibson scored 12 points, while going 3-4 from behind the arc in Friday's loss to New Jersey.
Analysis: Gibson, after missing a game due to a tooth issue, played 32 minutes Friday night. Besides making three 3-pointers, Gibson did nothing else fantasy wise. Look for Gibson to dish out more assists now that Larry Hughes is finally playing back at his natural position, shooting guard.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: Back to Normal with James in Line-Up
Update: Ilgauskas scored 21 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out six assists against the Nets on Friday.
Analysis: With LeBron James back in the line-up, Ilgauskas played his part and put up the numbers (13th double-double) he posted prior to James' injury. The six assists is a season high. Ilgauskas also managed to get two steals and a block.
|
   |
||||||
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use.
NBA.com is part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network
