FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Devin Brown: Solid Game ofthe Bench
Update: Brown with a nice all-around game, scored 11 points, pulled down nine rebounds and had six assists.
Analysis: We all know Brown has the skill to put up decent numbers, but ever since he has been in Cleveland consistency has been his problem. After posting a DNP Saturday, combining with the terrible play of Sasha Pavlovic lately, Brown may crack the rotation on a consistant basis. As for now his value is still low at this point until he put together a string of solid performances.
Anderson Varejao: Plays 38 Minutes is Victory
Update: Varejao, played 38 minutes in a victory over the Bucks and scored nine points and grabbed six rebounds.
Analysis: Look for Varejao to continue to improve in all categories playing his way back in shape from a long holdout. Varejao is still a little rusty, however the way he contributes, through hustle plays, getting rebounds, blocks and steals, not to mention solid FG% will make him valuable to a team especially if you lack depth at the center position.
LeBron James: Goes Over 30 in Victory Monday Night
Update: James poured in 31 points, collected eight rebounds, and had five assists Monday night.
Analysis: James scored 31 points in a double overtime victory against the Bucks. James did take 25 shots to get those 31 points. The brace may be affecting his shot a little, but it looks like it will take more than that to hault his career year averages of 29.4-points/7.2-rebounds/7.8-assists prior to Mondays contest.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: 14th Double-Double in 2OT Win
Update: Ilgauskas scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a double overtime victory against the Bucks.
Analysis: Ilgauskas recording his 14th double-double of the season is back to playing solid now that Lebron James is back from injury. Ilgauskas also managed three blocks and two steals while shooting 50% from the field. You should now feel more secure if Ilgauskas is your main staple at center.
Sam Cassell: Ruled Out of Tuesday's Game
Update: Cassell (calf) will miss his 11th consecutive game Tuesday against Toronto.
Analysis: The earliest Cassell will return is Friday at Dallas. The Clippers only have six games left the rest of December, so don't expect to use him until 2008.
Stephon Marbury: Will Return Monday
Update: Marbury will return to action Monday against the Pacers.
Analysis: Marbury has missed five of the Knicks' last seven games following the death of his father. He will not start, but should log extensive minutes off the bench.
Rashard Lewis: Will Try to Play Monday
Update: Lewis (neck) expected to try and play Monday night against Dallas, Florida Today reports.
Analysis: Lewis is still feeling pain in his neck and did not participate in Monday morning's shootaround. "I still can't turn to the right, but, hey, my left is pretty good," Lewis said with his head cocked sideways. "I woke up the day before the Atlanta game (last Monday) and thought I just had a crick in my neck. I played that night, but it just kept getting worse." Lewis went to see a chiropractor when the Magic arrived in Dallas -- he did the same thing last Wednesday in Milwaukee and it allowed him to play.
Othella Harrington: Goes to NY for Second Opinion
Update: Harrington will have a second opinion for his knee, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: The knee has been an issue since February, when he underwent surgery. He is averaging just 2 points and 1.8 rebounds a game this season, and the knee is probably a big reason why.
LaMarcus Aldridge: Out Monday
Update: Aldridge (foot) will not play Monday against the Hornets, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Coach Nate McMillan said he would evaluate Aldridge during pre-game workouts and shootaround, and try to come up with a date for Aldridge's return.
Darko Milicic: Losing Self-Confidence
Update: Milicic told the Orlando Sentinel that his confidence has been shaken this season.
Analysis: "My confidence level right now is really low. It's horrible," Milicic said. "It's weird. I'm with a team now that needs me, and has given me every opportunity to play. I've got a nice contract, but for some reason I can't even do the things I used to do." The lack of confidence could have something to do with his thumb and ankle injuries and the team's losing habit. There has been added pressure on him this season, especially with Pau Gasol now out, and that may be the ultimate cause of his shaky confidence.
Chris Bosh: Double-Double in Losing Effort Sunday
Update: Bosh scored 17 points with 13 rebounds and five assists in Sunday's loss to the Celtics.
Analysis: He also added two steals. Bosh shot just 4-for-12 from the field but went 9-for-12 from the free throw line, and was one of the few Raptors to be even slightly effective against Boston's defense.
Andrea Bargnani: Struggles Continue on Sunday
Update: Bargnani (knee) played just 12 minutes off the bench Sunday and failed to score a point, shooting 0-for-3 from the field.
Analysis: He did pull down one rebound, but also committed two turnovers and two fouls. His knee would appear to still be bothering him, but if he's going to be this ineffective the Raptors might be better off putting him on the inactive list.
John Salmons: Still Starting and Producing
Update: Salmons is scheduled to start his seventh consecutive game at shooting guard on Tuesday night at New Jersey.
Analysis: Since Kevin Martin (groin) was injured on Dec. 4 against Utah, Salmons has capably taken his place in the starting lineup. In the six games Martin has been absent, Salmons has averaged 37.5 minutes, 16.0 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 50.7% from the field. He needs to take care of the ball better, however. In that same span, Salmons is averaging 3.7 turnovers per game. Regardless, his rebounding and field-goal percentage make him an attractive player at the guard position. Sacramento plays three games in Week 8.
Andre Miller: Trade Rumors Circulating Again
Update: Miller's name has circulated in trade rumors and the latest has him heading to the Cavaliers, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Miller will constantly be mentioned in trade rumors but he will continue to focus on playing basketball and helping the Sixers win. If he went to Cleveland, his fantasy value could possibly increase but not by much.
Herbert Hill: Rehabbing From Knee Surgery
Update: Hill, rehabbing from knee surgery, is getting closer to participating in a full practice, possibly as soon as the end of the week, the Philadelphia Daily News reports.
Analysis: Hill has been playing in three-on-three and four-on-four half-court scrimmages. "He's getting there," 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks said. "We haven't had a whole lot of time to go up and down the court, to see where he is in those areas." Hill should not have any fantasy value when he does return.
JamesOn Curry: Recalled from NBDL
Update: The Bulls recalled Curry from their Development League affiliate, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: In eight games with the Iowa Energy, Curry averaged 22 points and 5.9 assists on 46 percent shooting. Despite his fine showing, Curry probably won't see much action for Chicago.
Aaron Brooks: Getting a Chance?
Update: Rockets coach Rick Adelman openly discussed the possibility of throwing Brooks into the fray on Saturday night against the Mavericks, a move that would have signaled Adelman's latest attempt to ignite his team's sluggish backcourt, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis: With starting point guard Rafer Alston, who has had his own issues shifting the Rockets' offense out of neutral, set to miss his third game with a sore groin, perhaps the quicksilver Brooks could provide some sizzle to a lethargic offense. Brooks produced the Rockets' lone fast-break basket of the second half after being summoned from the bench during garbage time. Brooks is still a long shot to have a significant role, but at this point, anything's possible.
Ben Wallace: Misses Practice Sunday with Sore Back, Expected to Play Tuesday
Update: Wallace, who sat out Thursday's practice for precautionary reasons for his sore back, played 33 minutes Friday but missed Sunday's practice for a similar reason, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: This seems to be a pattern with Wallace, where he sits out practice to save wear and tear on his back so that he can play in games. He is expected to suit up Tuesday, but given his recent production, you know not to rely on him for more than rebounds and blocks.
Carlos Arroyo: Should Play Monday Night
Update: Arroyo (foot) is questionable for Monday night's game against Dallas but is expected to play, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Arroyo has missed the last three games with the injury, so owners should see how he performs on Monday before putting him back in the lineup.
Rashard Lewis: Expected to Play Monday Night
Update: Lewis (neck) traveled with the team to Dallas on Sunday, and though questionable, is expected to suit up for Monday night's game against the Mavericks, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Lewis missed his first game of the season on Saturday. If he is in the lineup tonight, fantasy owners should feel free to use Lewis as they normally would.
Joakim Noah: Big Game Friday, Still Needs Work on the Defensive Glass
Update: Noah had 10 points Friday and three of the Bulls' United Center-record 15 blocks -- also an NBA season high -- in the team's win over the Knicks, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: ''His game is getting to the front of the rim, picking up balls and putting them in the basket,'' coach Scott Skiles said. ''His activity helped us. When he is making shots, he is very helpful. He has to become a better defensive rebounder.'' That quote by Skiles sums up Noah's potential impact, and reason why for now, his playing time will continue to be limited to mostly the 12-18 minute range until he becomes more consistent.
Kirk Hinrich: Quicker Decisions Has Led to Four Solid Games in a Row
Update: Hinrich, who had a triple-double against the Knicks Friday with 15 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds, has averaged 14.3 points and nine assists while shooting 50 percent in his last four games, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: Hinrich struggled more than any other player during the Bulls' slow start, averaging 10.8 points on 37 percent shooting, well off his career averages of 14.8 points and 41.1 percent. However, the past four games, he has made a conscious effort to make quicker decisions and not dribble as much, which has led to easier baskets and less turnovers. If you were looking for a sign to trade for Hinrich, here it is, so take advantage of it while you have the chance.
Corey Maggette: One Point from Team Record
Update: Maggette (ankle) had 27 points, seven rebounds and six steals in the Clippers' loss to the Lakers on Sunday.
Analysis: Maggette tweaked his ankle during the first half, hampering his performance for a brief time. But he came out of the locker room after intermission and lit it up, scoring 21 points in the third quarter, one short of Los Angeles' team record. It doesn't appear Maggette will miss any games. We'll keep an eye on his health, just in case.
Tim Thomas: Sits Sunday Versus Lakers
Update: Thomas (ankle) did not play Sunday night against the Lakers.
Analysis: Paul Davis replaced Thomas in the starting lineup and scored 10 points in 19 minutes. The Clippers are horrible right now, so it's not out of the realm that Thomas may need to fight for minutes if Davis or Al Thornton plays at a high level in his absence. Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy has not been thrilled with Thomas' propensity to hover around the three-point line, sacrificing rebounds for low percentage field-goal attempts. Reserve him in all leagues during Week 8 based on his injury.
Kenyon Martin: Returns from Suspension, Plays 36 Minutes
Update: Martin returned from his one game suspension and posted 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and four blocks Sunday against Portland.
Analysis: Martin isn't going to lead your team to a fantasy championship but he's an excellent pick-up as a role player and spot filler. The one thing to keep in mind is that Nene will be returning in the next couple weeks and the amount of court time each player sees in any particular game will most likely be dictated by match-ups.
Carmelo Anthony: Shooting Struggles Continue
Update: Anthony was just 6-of-17 from the field (2-of-6 3pt) and 5-of-8 from the line during the Nuggets' loss to Portland on Sunday night.
Analysis: Anthony played 42 minutes and also added four rebounds, three assists and two steals to his 19 points. He has slowly given way to Allen Iverson this year as the club's top scorer and with Marcus Camby filling stat sheets Anthony is at best the club's 3rd best fantasy option.
Elton Brand: February Date Too Optimistic?
Update: Brand (Achilles) believes he may be too optimistic setting his return date as February, but he will continue to be aggressive in his rehabilitation, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Brand said February was the earliest he could return, although the reality is the power forward will need to be in basketball-shape before that happens. Despite the Clippers' poor record, Brand wants to play this season. Team officials may have other ideas.
Allen Iverson: Scores 38 Against Blazers
Update: Iverson posted 38 points, six assists, three steals and two rebounds during Denver's loss to Portland on Sunday night.
Analysis: It was another 40+ minute night for Iverson who has been spectacular so far this year. We'd have to say it's official now that he has become the Nuggets' No. 1 offensive option and he is also the leading assist man on the team. Just keep in mind that Chucky Atkins is about a week away from returning and when he does Iverson's minutes will likely fall to around 35 a night.
Antonio McDyess: Double-Double
Update: McDyess had his third double-double of the season Sunday, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Analysis: McDyess was reluctant to rejoin the starting lineup after coming off the bench for most of his Detroit career, but it's obvious that the move to the starting five has agreed with him. He's having his best season since 2000-2001.
Arron Afflalo: Career-high 11 Points
Update: Afflalo reached double digits in scoring for the first time in his career, finishing with 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists Sunday.
Analysis: Afflalo played 24 minutes, the most he's played since the second game of the season. The Pistons had a big lead however, so it's unlikely there will be many 20-minute games for Afflalo in the near future.
Amir Johnson: Puts on Fourth Quarter Show
Update: Johnson had six points, seven rebounds, and three blocks in the fourth quarter Sunday.
Analysis: With Detroit comfortably ahead, Johnson took advantage of the opportunity to put on a show. His playing time has been sporadic this season, but it's clear that he can play well if given the opportunity.
Luke Walton: Scores Season-High 15 Against Clippers
Update: Walton scored a season-high 15 points and added four rebounds in the Lakers' 113-92 win over the Clippers on Sunday.
Analysis: A return to the starting lineup has agreed with Walton, who shot 6-6 from the field on Sunday.
Sasha Vujacic: Scores All 14 Points in Fourth Quarter
Update: Vujacic scored all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 113-92 win over the Clippers on Sunday.
Analysis: Vujacic's production came in garbage time of a blowout, and he should not be counted on as a regular fantasy play.
Kobe Bryant: Scores 32 On Sore Groin
Update: Bryant (groin) had 32 points and eight rebounds in the Lakers' 113-92 win over the Clippers on Sunday.
Analysis: Bryant was noticeably affected by the groin injury, but soldiered on for one of his best games of the season. Fantasy owners should be confident that Bryant will continue to produce through injury.
Andrew Bynum: Another Huge Game Against Clippers
Update: Bynum had 14 points, nine rebounds and six blocks in the Lakers' 113-92 win over the Clippers on Sunday.
Analysis: Bynum's lease on life was extended when it was reported that Kwame Brown wouldn't be making the Lakers' upcoming four-game road trip. Bynum's minutes and production will probably decrease when Brown returns.
Kwame Brown: Won't Make Four-Game Road Trip
Update: Brown (knee, ankle) won't travel with the Lakers on their four-game road trip, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Andrew Bynum has emerged as a double-double machine in Brown's absence, so the team is more apt to let Kwame fully heal.
Francisco Elson: Likely Out on Monday
Update: Elson rolled his left ankle in the final minutes of Saturday's victory over the Denver Nuggets at the AT&T Center and is likely out against Phoenix on Monday, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: "I think he'll probably be out tomorrow (Monday), the way it looks," coach Gregg Popovich said. "It's still pretty swollen. It just happened and it's very sore, so he'll probably be out." Look for Fabricio Oberto, Matt Bonner and possibly Robert Horry to get more minutes.
Jacque Vaughn: Expects to Start Against Phoenix
Update: With Tony Parker (sprained ankles) doubtful, expect Vaughn to get the start at point guard.
Analysis: Vaugn had 10 points and six assists in his start on Saturday against Denver.
Tony Parker: Doubtful Against Phoenix
Update: Parker (sprained ankle) probably won't play in Monday's game against Phoenix, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: "I'd say he's doubtful," coach Gregg Popovich said. "We'll see how his foot handles it (Monday) morning. If he feels wonderful, that's another story, but chances are he's doubtful." Expect Jacque Vaughn to get the start at point guard.
Nenad Krstic: Full-Court Drills
Update: Krstic (knee) is expected to begin full-court drills this week, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: The medical staff, however, does not think he's ready for contact scrimmages. His return is not expected until January.
Josh Boone: Lineup Changes?
Update: Among the lineup changes being considered by Nets coach Lawrence Frank is giving more minutes to Boone and possibly putting him in the starting lineup, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Boone has given the Nets a huge lift in the last four games, averaging 9.5 points (17-for-27, 63 percent), 9.0 rebounds and 1.25 blocks per game. "You have to consider a change, based on the production Josh has given," Frank said. "It's no secret: His play has warranted consideration for more time." With Malik Allen doing very little the past two games, we could see a change as early as Tuesday against Sacramento.
Malik Rose: No-Show at Practice
Update: Rose did not attend Sunday's practice because his vehicle was blocked by snow, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: All the other players were able to attend the practice, so there is some thought that the disgruntled Rose did not make much of an effort to attend. Rose is seeking a trade and the Knicks may negotiate a buyout.
Gordan Giricek: Benched in Second Half
Update: Giricek was benched for the second half of Saturday night's victory over Seattle, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Giricek began the season as the primary backup at shooting guard, then watched Sloan try Ronnie Price and C.J. Miles before getting it back. "Guys ... go to the newspaper, and talk to the newspaper, (saying), 'I want minutes, I have to have minutes to play.' They got out there, and they're not ready to play - then what am I supposed to do? I'm gonna play the guys that are gonna put effort in. You can't talk about 'em until your ears fall off. If they're not gonna put the effort in, hard to play 'em." For once, Sloan wasn't talking about Giricek's effort on the defensive end of the floor. Giricek threw two passes away and lined up incorrectly on a play.
Paul Millsap: Sloan Likes Defense Off Bench
Update: Utah coach Jerry Sloan is fine with Jarron Collins starting in place of Mehmet Okur (shoulder) and likes Millsap's defense off the bench, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Millsap filled in for Okur three games ago against the Suns and produced 20-point, 13-rebound double-double. Collins started the two games since, with Millsap cumulatively scoring 16 points, grabbing nine rebounds, stealing five passes and blocking two shots in 48 minutes. "Jarron's fine," Sloan said of the fifth-year veteran who is averaging 1.8 rebounds and a team-low 2.0 points per game this season. "We execute pretty well when he's out there, and he passes the ball and tries to play the game the right way." Expect Millsap to continue to come off the bench, but he'll get more minutes than Collins and out-produce him.
Daequan Cook: Increase in Minutes
Update: Heat coach Pat Riley plans to increase Cook's minutes, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Other than getting his players to do better defensively, Riley is at a loss as to how to turn things around for his 6-17 team. "He's got courage and he played extremely well defensively," Riley said. Cook scored 14 points with six rebounds in 19 minutes in Miami's previous game.
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