FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Bonzi Wells: Shoulder is Okay, Shot Isn't
Update: Wells (shoulder) returned to action Saturday with 13 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block in 33 minutes. He shot just 4-for-17 from the field, however.
Analysis: With Tracy McGrady out, coach Rick Adelman has opted for Wells in the starting lineup over Luther Head, who had 25 minutes off the bench. Wells' shoulder, injured Friday night, seemed fine.
Andre Owens: Starts for Tinsley on Saturday
Update: Owens started at point guard for the injured Jamaal Tinsley (hamstring) and scored ten points in a loss to Detroit.
Analysis: Owens played 23 minutes, but only recorded two assists. Tinsley is day-to-day so Owens will return to his reserve role soon.
Jamaal Tinsley: Sits Out On Saturday
Update: Tinsley (hamstring) was inactive for Saturday's game against Detroit.
Analysis: Tinsley is listed as day-to-day. Andre Owens took his place in the starting lineup.
Dwyane Wade: Fatigue Shows on Saturday
Update: Wade only scored 12 points and turned the ball over seven times in Saturday's loss to Washington.
Analysis: It looks the energy required to carry the depleted Heat finally got to Wade on Saturday. He only played 27 minutes and shot 5-for-12 from the field and 2-for-4 from the line. The Heat don't play again until Wednesday so look for Wade to return to form against Milwaukee.
Dorell Wright: Injures Ankle on Saturday
Update: Wright only played 13 minutes on Saturday before leaving the game with an ankle injury, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: More on Wright's status as we get it. Daequan Cook and Luke Jackson could see some extra minutes if Wright is forced to miss some time.
Carlos Arroyo: Gets Start at Point Guard
Update: Arroyo started for Jameer Nelson (strained back) on Saturday and scored 16 points in 39 minutes of action.
Analysis: Nelson is listed as day-to-day so Arroyo will most likely return to the bench when Nelson is healthy. Nelson has struggled lately, though, so Arroyo could be in line for more minutes if his strong play continues.
Jason Richardson: Season-High 34 Points on Saturday
Update: Richardson scored a season-high 34 points in Saturday's loss to Orlando.
Analysis: Richardson, who shot 11-for-21 from the field and 8-for-8 from the line, has made 18 3-pointers over his last four games and is averaging 29.0 points during this stretch.
Jameer Nelson: Misses Game With Strained Back
Update: Nelson was inactive for Saturday's game against Charlotte due to a strained back.
Analysis: Nelson is listed as day-to-day. Carlos Arroyo started in his place on Saturday.
Erick Dampier: First Double-Double Of The Year
Update: Dampier recorded his first double-double of the year on Saturday, scoring 12 points (6-for-6 shooting from the field) and grabbing ten rebounds in a win over Atlanta.
Analysis: Dampier continues to be inconsistent, but he has taken over the starting center position from DeSagana Diop and could be a decent source for rebounds (averaging 6.3) and blocks (averaging 1.4) going forward.
Dwyane Wade: Feeling The Effects of Playing Major Minutes
Update: Wade is averaging 43.8 minutes over his last five games and is continuing to battle soreness in his shoulder and knee, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: "He's going to be sore tonight (Saturday), Heat coach Pat Riley said on Saturday before Miami's game against Washington. We've just got to get him loose, and we've got to be conscious of it. I think he's going to go through that for probably most of the year, until his body just totally comes back. His shoulder and his knee -- and the fact that he didn't play for nine months."
Wade is averaging 31.6 points, 8.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds over his last five games so his production continues to be solid.
Stephen Jackson: 32 Points On 27 Shots on Friday
Update: Jackson matched his season-high in points on Friday with 32 but only shot 9-for-27 in a loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: Jackson attempted 15 threes (made five) on Friday and played a team-high 46 minutes. He is averaging a career-best 21.5 point this year but is only shooting 40.5% from the field .
Al Horford: Double-Double in Loss
Update: Horford had 11 points and 10 rebounds in the Hawks' loss to the Mavericks on Saturday.
Analysis: Horford has been steady in his rookie season with the Hawks. He shoots the ball relatively well and is a consistent rebounder and can get some steals/blocks.
Marvin Williams: Steady Scoring Continues
Update: Williams had 18 points (6-of-12 Fg, 6-of-7 FT) and six rebounds in the Hawks' loss to the Mavericks on Saturday.
Analysis: This is what you can expect from Williams. Williams has solid numbers but nothing spectacular. Fantasy owners would love to see Williams improve in at least one other category, but with Atlanta's current roster this may be hard to do.
Josh Smith: Six Blocks in Loss
Update: Smith scored 13 points (4-of-11 FG, 5-of-8 FT) with eight rebounds, three steals and six blocks in the Hawks' loss to the Mavericks on Satruday.
Analysis: Smith had been shooting better from the floor prior to this game. Still, with all the blocks, steals and rebounds that Smith gets, he is very helpful to a fantasy roster.
Joe Johnson: Struggles in Loss
Update: Johnson was just 6-of-18 from the floor scoring 17 points and dishing out five assists in the Hawks' loss to the Mavericks on Saturday.
Analysis: Johnson had eight straight games of 20+ points prior to this game. Johnson has been a very consistent scorer this season, and we expect him to bounce back.
Shawn Marion: Solid Effort on Friday
Update: Marion scored 18 points with seven rebounds and two three-pointers in Friday's win over the Clippers.
Analysis: He's been fairly quiet in the last half of December, averaging 13.9 points and 7.6 rebounds with just 0.9 blocks and 0.9 threes over his last seven games. Expect an eruption in the new year, as Marion's production can't stay that low forever.
Boris Diaw: Still Struggling
Update: Diaw played over 28 minutes on Friday but scored just eight points on 4-for-9 shooting, although he did add five rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
Analysis: It was a rare glimpse of the player Diaw was in '05-'06. Diaw has scored in double digits just once in his last 11 games, averaging 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting just .372 (29-for-78) over that stretch.
Rasho Nesterovic: DNP Again on Friday
Update: Nesterovic was a DNP - Coach's Decision again on Friday.
Analysis: He lost not just his starting spot to Andrea Bargnani but apparently his spot in the entire rotation. Nesterovic will get some minutes again when the matchup is more favorable, but given his salary he could also be a trade candidate.
Marcus Williams: Waived by the Spurs
Update: Three days after signing Williams to an NBA contract, the Spurs waived Williams on Saturday.
Analysis: Williams appeared in only one game with the Spurs, playing only two minutes with no points or assists.
Jason Kapono: Big Minutes on Friday
Update: Kapono played over 31 minutes on Friday, scoring 15 points with three rebounds and two three-pointers.
Analysis: His production remains too inconsistent for him to be useful in anything but a deep fantasy league, but if you need threes that's the one category Kapono can really help you with.
DerMarr Johnson: Joins a Banged Up Backcourt
Update: Johnson signed an undisclosed contract with the Spurs on Saturday.
Analysis: Johnson posted 15.8 points with 6.0 boards and 1.4 assists as a member of the Spurs' D-League affiliate Austin Toros. He'll be playing in reserve for the injured Manu Ginobili (finger) and Brent Barry (torn calf).
Anthony Parker: Minutes Hard To Find Friday
Update: Parker played under 19 minutes in Friday's road win over the Spurs, scoring just three points.
Analysis: Raptors coach Sam Mitchell went with a tougher, more physical lineup down the stretch, which meant more Jason Kapono and Carlos Delfino and less Parker and Jamario Moon. Parker has seen less than 20 minutes of court time in two straight games, and has only scored in double digits twice in his last eight games. His playing time and production should bounce back, but you may want to consider sitting him down until they do.
Troy Hudson: Hip Surgery in January
Update: Hudson will undergo surgery to repair a small tear in the labrum of his left hip, Inside Bay Area reports.
Analysis: The typical recovery time from such a procedure is four months, putting the rest of the season in doubt for Hudson.
T.J. Ford: Vows to Play Again This Season
Update: Ford (arm/neck stingers) promised to be back on the court this season, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Ford has visited with specialists since suffering this most recent injury Dec. 11, and results of tests and conversations with the specialists have restored his confidence that he will play again for the Raptors this season.
Kyle Korver: Traded to Utah
Update: The 76ers traded Korver to the Jazz for Gordan Giricek and a protected first-round draft pick on Saturday, the Sports Network reports.
Analysis: Korver is a scorer, whose specialty is the 3-point shot, though his accuracy (35.2 percent) from that distance this season is the worst of his career (40.9 percent career). Though the Jazz are among the bottom half of the league in terms of 3-point shooting, Korver was not really targeted by them. The trade was simply a mechanism to get Giricek away from coach Jerry Sloan, whose rocky relationship with the shooting guard is well known. Giricek and Sloan most recently got into a verbal exchange during Utah's four-game road trip last week, resulting in the coach sending him home. Giricek was reinstated to the team on Friday after a meeting with Sloan and Utah general manager Kevin O'Connor.
Kris Humphries: Big Game At Both Ends of the Court Friday
Update: Humphries played over 25 minutes on Friday, including the entire fourth quarter, and scored 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting with 11 rebounds in an 83-73 win in San Antonio.
Analysis: Humphries was doing such a good job defensively on Tim Duncan (who finished with just 16 points and 12 rebounds of his own) that Raptors coach Sam Mitchell elected to leave Chris Bosh on the bench for the fourth quarter. That won't happen every night, of course, but Humphries has developed into a solid NBA player this season, and is averaging career highs in minutes (16.0), points (7.1), rebounds (4.5) and shooting percentage (51.3%) so far.
Gordan Giricek: Traded to Philadelphia
Update: The Jazz traded Giricek and a protected first-round draft pick to Philadelphia for Kyle Korver, the Sports Network reports.
Analysis: The move comes a day after Giricek was reinstated to the Jazz after he was banished from the team during a road trip following a verbal exchange with Utah coach Jerry Sloan. Giricek is in the final year of his current deal, making his contract attractive to the 76ers, a team that will have some money under the salary cap to spend this coming summer. We'd be shocked if Giricek plays a big role in Philadelphia.
Marko Jaric: Comes Off Bench
Update: Jaric scored just three points while playing 17 minutes and coming off the bench in Friday's loss to Portland.
Analysis: He may still not be at full strength after a recent bout of the flu, but his playing time was declining even before he got sick. Watch his playing time the next few games.
Ryan Gomes: Scores 16 While Starting at Small Forward
Update: Gomes scored 16 points with seven rebounds while starting at small forward in Friday's loss to Portland.
Analysis: It's a good sign he got this much playing time with Marko Jaric, Rashad McCants and Craig Smith all healthy after recent bouts with the flu.
Keyon Dooling: Good Production off the Bench
Update: Dooling scored 10 points in Orlando's victory over Miami on Friday night.
Analysis: Dooling is averaging 10.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game during the last month.
Jordan Farmar: Scores 14 Against Jazz
Update: Farmar had 14 points and three rebounds in 25 minutes of play during the Lakers' 123-109 win over the Jazz on Friday.
Analysis: Farmar's extra playing time came due to the fact that Friday's game was a blowout early, and fantasy owners shouldn't expect Farmar to get this type of burn consistently. Derek Fisher seems to have a stranglehold on the starting point guard spot for now, though that fact may change later in the season.
Lamar Odom: Nears Triple-Double Againts JAzz
Update: Odom had 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in the Lakers' 123-109 win over the Jazz on Friday. He also had two blocks in the win.
Analysis: Odom has been absolutely on fire the last few weeks, and should continue to be an every-night fantasy starter for his across-the-board contributions.
Maurice Evans: Double Digits Off the Bench
Update: Evans scored 10 points off the bench in Orlando's victory over Miami on Friday night.
Analysis: Evans has scored 10 points in two of the last three games, but his playing time fluctuates too much game-to-game for him to be a consistent fantasy option.
Andrew Bynum: Sees Minutes Cut
Update: Bynum had 10 points and nine rebounds in 26 minutes of play during the Lakers' 123-109 win over the Jazz on Friday.
Analysis: Bynum's minutes were cut due to the return of Kwame Brown (knee), a trend we expect to continue. Coaches have even noted that Brown may regain his starting center spot from the emerging Bynum.
Carlos Arroyo: Big Game Off the Bench
Update: Arroyo scored 13 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out five assists in Orlando's overtime victory over Miami on Friday night.
Analysis: Arroyo played nearly 31 minutes while Jameer Nelson (back) only saw 19 minutes of action. Nelson missed Thursday's practice due to the injury, but he has really struggled lately on the floor as well. Now that Arroyo is nearing full strength again, he has a chance to take more playing time away from Nelson and would become a viable fantasy option if he begins seeing consistent minutes.
Rashard Lewis: Playing Through Injury
Update: Lewis (neck) scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds in Orlando's victory over Miami on Friday night.
Analysis: Lewis only shot 6-of-20 from the field and 2-of-9 from the three point line, but he always manages to put up good scoring numbers with the amount of three-pointers he makes. Lewis has been inconsistent lately due to his neck injury, but he still leads the league with 83 three-pointers made and should be in your fantasy lineup every day.
Dwight Howard: Huge Game Against Shaq-less Miami
Update: Howard scored 29 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in Orlando's victory over Miami on Friday night.
Analysis: The Heat couldn't provide much resistance to Howard with Shaquille O'Neal out of the lineup. Howard's shooting percentages were spectacular as well; he shot 10-of-15 from the field and a solid 9-of-11 from the free throw line. Friday's game was already Howard's fourth 20-20 effort of the season and he's now made 17 of his last 22 from the free throw line.
Keith Bogans: Deep Shots Keep Falling
Update: Bogans shot 5-of-12, including 3-of-9 from behind the three point arc, and scored 13 points in Orlando's victory over Miami on Friday night.
Analysis: Bogans also added four rebounds and two steals. He had made only two of his last 13 threes before Monday's game but remains tied for fourth in the league with 68 three-pointers made. He remains a good option, so fantasy owners should keep placing him in the everyday lineup.
Brad Miller: Double-Doubles Sixers
Update: Miller scored 10 points with 12 rebounds and two steals in Sacramento's loss to the 76ers Friday night.
Analysis: Miller shot 3-of-6 from the field and had four turnovers on the night. Despite registering a double-double, he was generally outplayed by opposing center Samuel Dalembert, who had 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Nick Young: Scores 15 Off Bench
Update: Young came off the bench to score 15 points in 27 minutes of action in Friday's loss to the Nets.
Analysis: With the return of Antonio Daniels nearing, Young may see less consistent minutes, but he still figures to provide the occasional spark off the bench.
John Salmons: Scores 22 in Home Loss
Update: Salmons, who ranks sixth in the NBA for 3-point accuracy, played 43 minutes and scored 22 points in Sacramento's loss at home to the 76ers Friday.
Analysis: Salmons continues to start for Kevin Martin, who is out with a groin injury. Other than total points, his box score was a little lean, as he notched just two assists and one rebound, while turning the ball over five times. He is averaging 15.9 points, shooting 48.9 percent overall and 46.7 percent from three-point range, and 4.6 rebounds.
Beno Udrih: Hot Start Against Philly
Update: Udrih had 19 points, six assists and five rebounds in the Kings' loss to the 76ers on Friday.
Analysis: With the exception of four turnovers, Udrih was Sacramento's best fantasy player on the evening. He scored 14 first-quarter points and hit his first six shots, but he scored five points the rest of the way. Kings coach Reggie Theus assured the media that Udrih will play a significant role in the playing rotation once Mike Bibby returns from his thumb injury in mid-January.
Francisco Garcia: Starts in Artest's Place
Update: Garcia started for Ron Artest (elbow) at small forward and scored just eight points with two assists and one rebound in Sacramento's loss to Philadelphia Friday night.
Analysis: Garcia hit only 3 of 14 shots from the floor, including 2-of-7 from the three-point line. His blown shots from point-blank range are becoming a source of frustration for Kings fans.
Ron Artest: Day-to-Day With Elbow Issue
Update: Artest (elbow) is considered day-to-day and could play Sunday against Phoenix, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Artest did not play on Friday against Philadelphia due to bone chips in his right elbow. Francisco Garcia started in his place at small forward.
Kyle Korver: Points Per Game Down From Previous Seasons
Update: Korver had 10 points (4-7 FG, 1-3 3PT, 1-1 FT) off the bench Friday night in a win over the Kings.
Analysis: The 76ers have made an effort to use a deeper rotation over the past month and it shows in Korver's numbers. He is averaging 26 minutes and 10 points per game this season. Last season he averaged 14 points per game showing the decrease in his value as a scorer.
Matt Bonner: Double-Double in Loss
Update: Bonner had 10 points (2-of-7 FG, 2-of-5 3-PT, 4-of-4 FT) and 10 rebounds in the Spurs' loss to the Raptors on Friday.
Analysis: Bonner appears to be the guy who is going to have the biggest increase in his numbers with Emmnauel Ginobili and Brent Barry out. Bonner's 3-pointers made, scoring and rebounding should all rise significantly with these two being out.
Samuel Dalembert: Double-Double Friday Night in a Victory
Update: Dalembert had 19 points (7-10 FG, 5-6 FT), 11 rebounds and four blocked shots in Friday's victory over the Kings.
Analysis: Dalembert led the Sixers in scoring Friday night and played great defense throughout. He is now averaging 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game this season.
Tony Parker: Tough Night
Update: Parker had 15 points (4-of-12 FG, 7-of-11 FT), four assists and seven turnovers in the Spurs' loss to the Raptors on Friday.
Analysis: Parker's shots were short all night, and the Spurs never got into the flow of the game. Parker has played well against Memphis this season, so expect a big effort on Sunday against the Grizzlies.
Michael Finley: Leads Spurs in Loss
Update: Finley had 20 points (7-of-19 FG, 3-of-10 3-PT, 3-of-3 FT) and eight rebounds in the Spurs' loss to the Raptors on Friday.
Analysis: Finley has been getting more shots since Emmanuel Ginobili went down. He should get even more shots now that Brent Barry is also hurt. However, Finley is still not shooting the ball well this season, and he doesn't do much else to help a fantasy roster.
Tim Duncan: Double-Double in Loss
Update: Duncan had 16 points (6-of-12 FG, 4-of-7 FT), 12 rebounds and two blocks in the Spurs' loss to Toronto on Friday.
Analysis: Duncan had a decent game for fantasy owners considering that the Spurs were dreadful. The team shot just 32 percent in route to their second home loss of the season.
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