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  Parker sprains ankle against Portland
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Tony Parker, PG SA |
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| News: Spurs PG Tony Parker injured his ankle on Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. Parker scored four points on 1 of 4 shooting over 11:25 on the court before spraining the ankle. With 2:36 left in the first half, Parker appeared to come down awkwardly, called timeout and left the floor for the locker room. He did not return. |
Analysis: Parker is averaging 14.8 points per game this season and had scored at least 21 points in his previous two games before the injury. His assist numbers could be a bit higher but he remains worth starting at all times in Fantasy. That said, Parker becomes a big Fantasy injury risk for Week 3 (Nov. 9-15). |
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Martin to miss two months
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Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Kevin Martin, SG SAC |
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| News: Sacramento Kings leading scorer Kevin Martin will be sidelined for about two months after deciding to undergo surgery on his injured wrist. The team said Friday that Martin will have the operation on his left wrist on Monday and is expected to miss at least eight weeks. Martin has a non displaced hairline fracture of the navicular bone in his wrist. |
Analysis: Martin is averaging 30.6 points a game for the Kings. The surgery, as reported Thursday, will involve having a screw inserted to stabilize the bone. It will sideline him through at least early January. Beno Udrih is likely to step into the starting lineup and both he and rookie Tyreke Evans should enjoy the most direct Fantasy boost. |
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Freak injury: Thomas out 4-6 weeks
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Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Tyrus Thomas, PF CHI |
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| News: The Chicago Bulls announced Friday that Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas suffered a fractured radius of his left forearm during a weight training session Friday morning at practice. X-rays confirmed the injury and he will undergo surgery Saturday. Thomas is expected to be out four to six weeks. His absence should create more minutes for Taj Gibson at power forward as well as more minutes for Joakim Noah and Brad Miller. |
Analysis: In four games (three starts) this season, Thomas averaged 8.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1.75 bpg in 21.0 mpg. Fantasy owners will have no choice but to stash him away where possible as he'll be out until possibly mid-to-late December. Gibson has played well in the preseason and early on in the regular season and is a great addition off the waiver wire. Miller and Noah should see subtle increases in their production as well. |
 Scola on double-double streak
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Luis Scola, PF HOU |
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| News: Houston PF Luis Scola recorded his third straight double-double on Friday night in a win over the Thunder. Scola dropped 19 points and ripped down 10 rebounds. He shot 8 of 13 from the field and had three assists. |
Analysis: Scola is averaging 13.5 points and 9.8 rebounds on the season but has at least 10 boards in four of his last five games since beginning the season with four boards at Portland. Scola should continue to have high-end Fantasy value with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady out. He's worth using in almost all Fantasy leagues. |
 Westbrook pours in 33 points
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Russell Westbrook, PG OKC |
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| News: Oklahoma City PG Russell Westbrook erupted for 33 points on Friday in a loss at Houston. Westbrook, who has been scoring well but not hitting any threes and turning the ball over, hit one three and turned it over four times in the game. He shot 14 of 25 from the field and added five rebounds and seven assists. |
Analysis: Westbrook is averaging 18.4 points, 5.4 boards, 7.8 assists and over a steal per game thus far this season in five contests. That said, he's also turning the ball over 5.2 times per game and is just 1 of 10 from long range. Westbrook will fix what is ailing him and the positives are still outweighing the negatives. Continue to use him in most Fantasy leagues. |
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Flynn has first 20-point game
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Jonny Flynn, PG MIN |
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| News: Minnesota PG Jonny Flynn continues to set career highs as his rookie season takes off. Flynn scored a career-high 20 points on Friday in a loss to Milwaukee. Flynn shot 9 of 17 from the field but missed all three threes he attempted. He added four rebounds and three steals. The steals were also a new career high. |
Analysis: Flynn is averaging almost 15 points per game after his first six NBA games. He's shooting almost 51 percent from the field and getting almost 30 minutes per night. He's worth using as a No. 4 Fantasy G already and has the upside for more. |
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Ridnour has first double digit effort
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Luke Ridnour, PG MIL |
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| News: Milwaukee PG Luke Ridnour saw his first game of 2009 with over 20 minutes on the court as he used 22 minutes to score 16 points on 6 of 9 shooting. Ridnour hit two threes en route to his season high for points. He added two boards, an assist and a steal. |
Analysis: Ridnour is averaging 16 minutes per night over his first four games and is scoring 7.5 points with 1.2 boards and 1.5 assists. He really only has very limited Fantasy value until his minutes stay up consistently. |
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Duhon fails to score at Garden
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Chris Duhon, PG NY |
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| News: Knicks PG Chris Duhon was dismal shooting the basketball on Friday night in a loss to Cleveland at the Garden. Duhon was 0 for 6 from the field and failed to score over 39 minutes in the game. Duhon did dish out eight assists and pick up two steals. |
Analysis: Duhon is averaging 7.0 assists per game which saves him from the 8.5 points he's averaging over almost 40 minutes a night. Duhon will have his ups and downs this season for Mike D'Antoni's high-scoring offense. Still, he's more of a No. 2 Fantasy PG. |
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Paul dishes out 18 assists
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Chris Paul, PG NO |
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| News: Hornets PG Chris Paul registered 18 assists on Friday in a loss to Toronto. Paul added 21 points. |
Analysis: Paul is averaging 28.5 points and 9.8 assists per game this season. That alone keeps him a No. 1 Fantasy PG. |
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Posey drops single point
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| James Posey, SF NO |
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| News: New Orleans SF James Posey scored one point on Friday in a loss to Toronto. Posey played 16 minutes and did not attempt a shot from the field. He added one assist. |
Analysis: Posey didn't do much of anything on Friday. He's averaging 17 minutes per game this season but just 1.5 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists to go with it. Leave him on waivers in all but the deepest of Fantasy leagues. |
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Armstrong does little on Friday
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Hilton Armstrong, PF NO |
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| News: Hornets C Hilton Armstrong played 17 minutes against the Raptors on Friday and scored seven points. Armstrong shot 2 of 4 from the field and added six rebounds and an assist. |
Analysis: Armstrong is averaging 15 minutes per game this season and is turning that into 3.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per night. Leave him on waivers in all Fantasy leagues. |
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Jack plays well against Hornets
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Jarrett Jack, PG TOR |
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| News: Toronto PG Jarrett Jack played 24 minutes off the bench on Friday in a win over the Hornets. Jack scored nine points on 3 of 9 shooting with two threes. He added three dimes. |
Analysis: Jack is averaging 26 minutes per game this season and that comes with 7.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Jack can become useful, especially as a handcuff to Jose Calderon, but is mainly a low-end Fantasy option. |
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Calderon solid against Hornets
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Jose Calderon, PG TOR |
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| News: Toronto PG Jose Calderon scored 16 points on Friday in a win at New Orleans. Calderon added eight assists, four rebounds and went 2 of 4 from downtown. He shot 6 of 11 overall in the game. |
Analysis: Calderon hasn't seen double digits in assists since the season opener. He is averaging 11 points, 2.4 rebound and 5.8 assists per game as a starter for the Raptors. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy PG. |
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Turkoglu playing well for Raptors
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Hedo Turkoglu, SF TOR |
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| News: Toronto SF Hedo Turkoglu scored 16 points for the second straight game on Friday in a win at New Orleans. Turkoglu shot 6 of 14 from the field and hit four threes on Friday. He added four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. |
Analysis: Turk is averaging 15.4 points per game with the Raptors thus far but is getting more and more comfortable with his new surroundings. Turkoglu will score more as he continues to develop within the Raptors offense. He remains a high-end Fantasy option. |
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Bosh perfect 9 for 9 from field
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Chris Bosh, PF TOR |
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| News: Toronto PF Chris Bosh went 9 for 9 on field goals on Friday in a win at New Orleans to score 27 points. He went 1 for 1 from three-point range and grabbed seven rebounds with a block. |
Analysis: Bosh is averaging 29 points and 11.8 rebounds per game this season for the Raptors and that comes with a block per night as well. He's 4 for 4 from three-point range in five games this season as well. He is easily a No. 1 Fantasy option for use at all times in Fantasy. |
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Arroyo playing limited minutes
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Carlos Arroyo, PG MIA |
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| News: Miami PG Carlos Arroyo continued to see around 14-15 minutes of action per night for the Heat as they beat Denver on Friday. Arroyo played 14:15 in the game and scored four points on 2 of 3 shooting. He added an assist. |
Analysis: Arroyo is averaging just 4.2 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game over 14 minutes a night this season for Miami. He has low-end Fantasy appeal, at best, until he sees greater minutes. |
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Beasley fails to drop double figures
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Michael Beasley, PF MIA |
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| News: Miami PF Michael Beasley suffered his first game of under double digits in scoring on Friday as he scored seven points in 31 minutes in a win over the Nuggets. Beasley shot 3 of 8 from the field and hit a three. He added three rebounds, two steals and an assist. |
Analysis: Beasley had scored at least 10 points in every game this season and still averages 12 for the year with 5.7 rebounds. He's not yet playing like a No. 3 Fantasy forward but that is where his value currently lies. |
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Bell finds rhythm against Hawks
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Raja Bell, SG CHA |
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| News: Charlotte SG Raja Bell struggled in his first game of the season after missing the first three games with a partially torn ligament in his left wrist. Bell shot 1 of 8 against the Nets and scored just three points in 28 minutes. He was much better in his second game on Friday against Atlanta. Bell played 30 minutes and shot 9 of 12 with five threes to score a game-high 24 points. He added four assists. |
Analysis: Bell certainly didn't seem affected by the wrist on Friday. With two games played and two very different outcomes, we're hoping the Bell that showed up Friday will be more like what we can expect out of him. Bell would be worth adding off waivers if he can prove he can play consistently at this level. |
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Anthony drops 30 on Heat
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Carmelo Anthony, SF DEN |
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| News: Denver SF Carmelo Anthony continued to score at a high level on Friday in a loss at Miami. Anthony scored 30 points on 12 of 22 shooting. He added eight rebounds, two assists and a steal. |
Analysis: Anthony is averaging almost 32 points per game thus far for the Nuggets with 6.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He is a must-start Fantasy option as always. |
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Garnett has season-high 26 points
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Kevin Garnett, PF BOS |
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| News: Boston PF Kevin Garnett had a season-high 26 points for Boston - the most he's scored since missing the end of the 2008-09 season and the playoffs with strained ligaments in his right knee - on Friday night in a loss to the Suns. Garnett shot 13 of 20 from the field and added eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. |
Analysis: Garnett had a previous season high of 16 points but exploded for a game that reminded us of the KG of old. Garnett might now average over 20 points per game this season, however, and owners shouldn't expect to see this type of production consistently. |
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Richardson's six 3's lead to 34 points
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Jason Richardson, SG PHO |
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| News: Phoenix SG Jason Richardson has been both bad and good since returning to the starting lineup against the T-Wolves four games ago. Richardson was very good on Friday night in a win at Boston. Richardson scored a game-high 34 points on 10 of 16 shooting with six threes. He added 10 rebounds, two assists and a steal. |
Analysis: Richardson is averaging 17.8 points per game over his first four contests this season. He has one 0-point effort but has been solid otherwise. He's made 12 threes in his four games and looks like he'll be a solid source of points, threes and even rebounds and steals this season. Richardson is a solid option as a No. 2 guard. |
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Bass scoring in double figures
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Brandon Bass, PF ORL |
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| News: Orlando PF Brandon Bass scored in double figures for the second straight game on Friday in a win over the Pistons. Bass dropped 13 points on 5 of 9 shooting. He added six rebounds. |
Analysis: Bass is averaging 10 points per game for the Magic in 23 minutes off the bench per night. He's giving Orlando some excellent minutes off the bench and is contributing nicely as a secondary player. If he had center eligibility in Fantasy he'd be worth a look at a thin position. He does not, however, as just a forward, and that limits him to largely being unowned. |
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Daye scores in double figures
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Austin Daye, SF DET |
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| News: Detroit rookie small forward Austin Daye scored a career-high 11 points on Friday in only his fourth game of action on the year. Daye played 18 minutes, also a season high, in a loss at Orlando on Friday. He shot 5 of 7 from the field and a hit a three. He added five rebounds, a steal and a block. |
Analysis: The rookie has shot 8 for 15 over his first three games of solid action. He is not yet a Fantasy-viable option but he's showed he can contribute when given time. |
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Villanueva drops 28 points
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Charlie Villanueva, PF DET |
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| News: Detroit PF Charlie Villanueva exploded for his best scoring game of the season on Friday in a loss at Orlando. Villanueva scores a season-high 28 points on 11 of 17 shooting with a three. He added five rebounds. |
Analysis: Villanueva has had his best two scoring nights of the season in consecutive games and has three threes over that span with 12 rebounds. He's getting better within Detroit's new-look starting lineup and can be used in Fantasy as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy forward. |
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Kapono hits 4 threes in win
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Jason Kapono, SF PHI |
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| News: Philadelphia SF Jason Kapono scored 14 points in a win over the Nets on Friday. Kapono played 20 minutes off the bench and shot 5 of 7 from the field with four threes. He added two assists and a steal. |
Analysis: Kapono is nearly averaging two threes per game this season for the Sixers in 20 minutes per game off the bench. He will hit a few threes and be in double figures in a best-case scenario. If you use him for those things in deeper Fantasy leagues, you shouldn't go wrong. |
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Hassell starts, registers DBL-DBL
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Trenton Hassell, SF NJ |
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| News: Nets SF Trenton Hassell scored 17 points and ripped down 12 rebounds on Friday night in his first start of the season at Philadelphia. Hassell played 46 minutes and had only seen eight minutes action prior this season. Hassell shot 8 of 13. |
Analysis: Hassell hadn’t scored in eight minutes all season before his double-double against the Sixers. Until this becomes consistent, he has no Fantasy value. |
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Lopez playing like must-start center
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Brook Lopez, C NJ |
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| News: Nets C Brook Lopez recorded his second double-double of the season on Friday night in a loss at Philly. Lopez shot 8 of 18 from the field and scored 22 points to go with 11 rebounds. He added two assists, a steal and three blocked shots. |
Analysis: Lopez is averaging 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game this season with 2.3 blocks per game as well. He is clearly a threat for a double-double every single night and deserves looks as a No. 1 Fantasy center. |
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Bryant becomes youngest to 24,000
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Kobe Bryant, SG LAL |
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| News: Kobe Bryant scored 41 points while becoming the youngest player to reach 24,000, leading the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to a 114-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Bryant carried the Lakers while reaching his latest scoring milestone 38 days before Wilt Chamberlain did. With a second-half surge, he even overtook Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson for 16th place on the NBA's career scoring list. Before punctuating his night with two beautiful fallaway jumpers in the final two minutes, Bryant became the 17th NBA player to scored 24,000 points on a second-quarter basket. At 31 years, 75 days old, Bryant needed every bit of his head start from skipping college to beat Chamberlain to the mark. |
Analysis: Bryant has scored exactly 41 points for the third time in four games, giving him 99 career 40-point games. We have no clue what happened to him on Oct. 30 against Dallas. He only managed 20 points in that game and has scored at least 31 in every other game this year. Bryant should be active in 100 percent of Fantasy leagues almost every week regardless of matchups. |
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Chandler has first double-double
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Tyson Chandler, C CHA |
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| News: Charlotte C Tyson Chandler played his best game of the season on Friday night in a win over Atlanta. Chandler scored a season-high 10 points and ripped down 10 rebounds for his first double-double. He shot 5 of 5 from the field over 30 minutes on the court and added four blocked shots. |
Analysis: Chandler had not scored or rebounded in double figures in his first four games of the season despite 27 minutes per night. He certainly looked improved on Friday and has now seen all six of his blocks on the year come in his last two games. That tells us he's getting more comfortable and aggressive down low. He is improving into that No. 2 Fantasy center we knew he'd become this season. |
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Pachulia seeing 14 minutes per game
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Zaza Pachulia, C ATL |
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| News: Atlanta C Zaza Pachulia scored eight points on 4 of 9 shooting on Friday in a loss at Charlotte. Pachulia grabbed four rebounds and blocked a shot. |
Analysis: The Hawks backup C has averaged 14 minutes per game this season after six contests and is averaging 6.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and fewer than a block per game. He really isn't worth your time off the bench except in the absolute deepest Fantasy leagues. |
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Teague sees 20 minutes on the court
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Jeff Teague, PG ATL |
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| News: Atlanta PG Jeff Teague scored four points on 2 of 4 shooting on Friday in a loss at Charlotte. Teague, a rookie out of Wake Forest, played 20 minutes in his most amount of action on the year. He added three assists and two steals. |
Analysis: Teague scored a career-high 12 points in 16 minutes on 5 of 7 shooting with a three back on Nov. 1 in a loss at the Lakers. Otherwise, he's done relatively little for the Hawks as a rookie. He really doesn't need to be owned in Fantasy play at this time. |
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Miller struggles as starter, too
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Andre Miller, PG POR |
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| News: Portland PG Andre Miller was given his first start of the season on Friday night in a win over the Spurs. While the change in lineup certainly got the desired effect -- a victory -- Miller didn't play all that well. Miller scored 10 points in 33 minutes on 2 of 9 shooting. He missed both threes he tried. Miller added six rebounds and four assists but committed a season-high three turnovers as well. |
Analysis: Miller has shot under 28 percent from the field in four of the six games he's played this season. He saw an increase in minutes as a starter on Friday but didn't turn that into increased scoring or assists. Fantasy owners have to consider Miller just a low-end starter in Fantasy, at best, for the time being. |
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Przybilla grabs 13 rebounds
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Joel Przybilla, C POR |
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| News: Portland C Joel Przybilla saw 18 minutes of playing time on Friday in a win over the Spurs. He scored four points on 1 of 4 shooting but grabbed a season-high 13 rebounds. |
Analysis: Przybilla grabbed 10 boards in 16 minutes in the season opener and has at least five rebounds in every game this season despite minimal playing time. He's also averaging over a block per game. He always threatens to gain Fantasy value when Greg Oden finds himself injured so he's worth keeping an eye on off waivers. Otherwise, he has very little current Fantasy value. |
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Oden scores season-high 14 points
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Greg Oden, C POR |
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| News: Portland C Greg Oden scored a season-high 14 points on Friday in a win over the Spurs. Oden shot 6 of 9 from the floor and grabbed eight rebounds with four blocked shots. He played 25 minutes. |
Analysis: Oden sometimes is saddled with foul trouble and that keeps his minutes limited. Still, he's averaging 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game to go with eight points this season and those numbers should improve if he can just stay healthy. |
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McDyess doing little for Spurs
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Antonio McDyess, PF SA |
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| News: Spurs PF Antonio McDyess scored eight points on 4 of 6 shooting in 12 minutes against Portland on Friday night. McDyess added three rebounds. |
Analysis: The Spurs' veteran power forward is averaging six points and 3.2 rebounds per game this season over 17 minutes a contest. He could pick up extra minutes in the future and become viable for Fantasy use in deeper leagues but for now he's not really worth using in any formats. |
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Jefferson scores 19 points
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Richard Jefferson, SF SA |
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| News: Spurs SF Richard Jefferson scored 19 points on Friday in a loss at Portland. Jefferson shot 7 of 13 from the field and missed all three threes he attempted. He added five rebounds and three steals in the loss. |
Analysis: RJ struggled in his first two games for the Spurs but has come on since with three straight double-digit scoring performances. He has really struggled from deep this season but is hitting 50 percent from the field. Fantasy owners would like to see some more rebounds and steals as well but he's going to be just fine this season in San Antonio. Continue to use him as a No. 2 or 3 Fantasy forward. |
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Curry struggling with shot of late
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Stephen Curry, PG GS |
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| News: Golden State rookie PG Stephen Curry shot just 20 percent from the field (1 for 5) on Friday in a loss to the Clippers. Curry scored five points in 21 minutes and added three assists before fouling out. |
Analysis: Curry averaged 13.5 points after his first two games and shot well over 50 percent in those two. He's just 4 for 11 over his last two games with 12 total points. This season will definitely have its ups and downs for the rookie. Think of a Curry as a No. 3 Fantasy guard but one that will bring some struggles with him. |
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Randolph records season highs
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Anthony Randolph, PF GS |
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| News: Golden State PF Anthony Randolph rebounded from a poor performance against Memphis that saw him play just seven minutes and score four points with three rebounds. On Friday night in a loss to the Clippers, Randolph played 30 minutes and recorded season highs with 13 points and 14 rebounds. He added two steals and a block. Randolph was 5 for 15 from the field. |
Analysis: Randolph is averaging 9.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game this season with three blocks in four games. He's not shooting the ball well from the field and has seen two games with fewer than 10 minutes on the court and two with at least 24 minutes. Figure that one out, we dare you. Randolph is clearly just a low-end Fantasy option with the upside for more at the moment. |
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Gordon pouring in the points
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Eric Gordon, SG LAC |
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| News: Clippers SG Eric Gordon poured home his best performance of the season on Friday night in a win at Golden State. Gordon scored 25 points on 8 of 12 shooting with three three-pointers. He added three rebounds, three assists and a steal. |
Analysis: Gordon is averaging 19.5 points per game this season but the 25 he scored Friday was a season high. Gordon is a great Fantasy scorer and will definitely help your team in threes but does little else at a high rate. He's a No. 3 Fantasy guard with the upside for more. |
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Davis finally has solid scoring night
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Baron Davis, PG LAC |
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| News: Clippers PG Baron Davis was back scoring at a high rate on Friday in a win at Golden State. Davis scored 25 points on 8 of 13 shooting with two threes. He added three rebounds, seven assists and four steals in the game. |
Analysis: Davis is averaging just 13.7 points per game this season after six games. He has two 20-point efforts but also has seen two games with fewer than double digits in scoring. He's still doing the little things like 7.5 assists per game and 2.5 steals and that keeps him a high-end Fantasy option. |
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Kaman and Davis beginning to gel
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Chris Kaman, C LAC |
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| News: Chris Kaman and Baron Davis are starting to connect and that's good news for the Los Angeles Clippers center. Kaman had 22 points and nine rebounds in 28 minutes and the Clippers ended a seven-game losing streak in the Oakland Arena with a 118-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday. "I'm getting better at feeling out his game," Kaman said of his relationship with the point guard. "I didn't get to do a lot of that last year. I'm getting more comfortable playing with him and I'm trying to be ready when he throws the ball. He makes great plays and I just try to recover, get the ball and put it in the basket." Kaman added nine rebounds and three blocks. |
Analysis: Kaman is averaging 22.5 points, 10 boards and two blocks per game this season and continues to improve. He should be a No. 1 Fantasy C at this point. |
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Yet another injury for K. Martin
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Kenyon Martin, PF DEN |
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| News: Kenyon Martin got hurt again on Friday against the Heat. He left in the second quarter with what the team said was a lower left leg contusion. Coach George Karl said Martin will likely get further tests Saturday and could be out "a week or two." "When one person goes down, that's why everybody else gets paid to play," Nuggets guard Anthony Carter said. "Kenyon ain't the whole team." |
Analysis: Martin has dealt with plenty of injuries in his career and has struggled to stay healthy for much of the past few seasons. He came into Friday averaging 12.0 points and 7.4 rebounds in five games. He is a No. 4 Fantasy option when healthy but will probably need to be benched for Week 3 (Nov. 9-15). |
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Mbenga grabs 13 rebounds as starter
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| D.J. Mbenga, C LAL |
|
| News: Lakers C DJ Mbenga had 13 rebounds but little offensive success while starting for the first time in his three seasons with the Lakers on Friday night in a win over the Grizzlies. Mbenga scored five points on 2 of 7 shooting in 30 minutes on the floor. He blocked four shots. |
Analysis: Mbenga got the start on Friday with both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol out with injury. He had not played more than 10 minutes in a game this season before Friday. It is clear that with playing time Mbenga will get plenty of blocks and boards but the scoring is a work in progress. He has low-end Fantasy appeal until he sees consistent playing time. |
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Haywood rips down 19 boards
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Brendan Haywood, C WAS |
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| News: Washington C Brendan Haywood did not pick up a double-double for the second straight game on Friday at Indiana. Instead, Haywood scored nine points on 4 of 9 shooting and ripped down 19 big rebounds. He also blocked four shots. |
Analysis: Nobody ever claimed that Haywood was the most agile scorer in the world. Still, on the season in six games he's averaging 11.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game and he has 10 blocks in his last five games. Haywood is playing well and worth using as a No. 2 Fantasy center, at least, in all leagues. |
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Blatche has fallen off for Wiz
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Andray Blatche, SF WAS |
|
| News: Washington C Andray Blatche has all but disappeared of late. Blatche scored 30 points against the Nets back on Oct. 31 and averaged 21 points per game over his first three contests this season. In the three games since, he has played decreasingly less minutes and has scored seven, 10 and one point, respectively. On Friday night in a loss at Indiana, Blatche shot 0 for 5 from the field over 15 minutes on the court and scored one point. He added three rebounds and two blocks. |
Analysis: Blatche has continued to put up solid blocked shot numbers. He has six in his last three games and at least one in every game this season. Still, his first three games of the year are night and day from what he's done in his last three. We thought Blatche might be turning some kind of corner and making starter Brendan Haywood expendable but he'll have to get hot again. He's currently not worth using in anything but the deeper leagues with the way he's played over his last three games. |
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Ford improving with season
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| T.J. Ford, PG IND |
|
| News: Pacers PG T.J. Ford recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds on Friday night to help Indiana defeat the Wizards. Ford shot 6 of 15 from the field and added four assists and two steals. |
Analysis: Ford began the season with 10 points scored in his first two games with three total assists and four total rebounds. In his last three games, Ford is averaging 16 points, six boards and three assists and adds almost two steals per game as well. He's looking like a worthy No. 2 Fantasy PG for use in all leagues right now. |
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Young starts, Foye impresses
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Nick Young, SG WAS |
|
| News: Washington SG Nick Young earned his first start of the season on Friday night in a loss at Indiana. Young made his debut in the starting lineup in place of the injured Mike Miller. Many had thought it would be Randy Foye to start but Foye came off the bench as Young scores three points on 1 of 4 shooting over 15 minutes on the night. Young nailed one three and grabbed two boards with a block. Foye came off the bench for an extended 34 minutes and shot 6 of 14 from the field with two threes. He scored 16 points with four rebounds and two assists. |
Analysis: Young got the starting nod on Friday but it is clear who the better option was for Fantasy owners. Foye was given an increase of minutes and scored in double figures for the first time in three games because of it. Foye is averaging 12.3 points, 2.5 boards and 3.0 assists per game on the season and that will likely rise over the coming weeks with Miller out. Young is not worth adding off waivers in most leagues but if Foye is available, he definitely is worth it. |
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Butler doubles up in loss
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Caron Butler, SF WAS |
|
| News: Washington SF Caron Butler scored a season-high 24 points on Friday night in a loss at Indiana. The Wizards have now lost three straight with Butler in the lineup. Butler led the tam in scoring though and shot 8 of 21 from the field with a three. He added 12 rebounds for his second straight double-double. |
Analysis: Butler missed a game with a bruised kneecap and since he's returned he's averaged 20 points and 9.3 boards per contest in three games, all Washington losses. Fantasy owners don't care about how the Wizards perform as long as Butler is playing this way. He's worth using in all Fantasy leagues. |
|
Anderson leaves with sprained ankle
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Ryan Anderson, PF ORL |
|
| News: Orlando PF Ryan Anderson suffered a sprained ankle in the third quarter on Friday against the Pistons. He is considered questionable for Sunday against the Thunder. |
Analysis: Anderson has played well to open the season and left Friday's game with 11 points, two rebounds and an assist. He is likely going to lose playing time when Rashard Lewis returns from his suspension anyways, which will cut into his Fantasy value. Anderson is a decent low-end option for now. See if he plays on Sunday before making a decision on him for Fantasy Week 3 (Nov. 9-15). |
|
Rush leaves game with sprained ankle
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Brandon Rush, SG IND |
|
| News: Indiana G Brandon Rush sprained his right ankle on Friday against the Wizards and did not return. He is considered questionable for Wednesday against the Warriors. |
Analysis: Rush continues to start for the Pacers but he struggles to put up big numbers on a consistent basis. He really only has low-end appeal when healthy and should not be active in any format for Week 3 (Nov. 9-15) as the Pacers play only two games to begin with. |
|
Hansbrough scores 13 in pro debut
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Tyler Hansbrough, PF IND |
|
| News: Tyler Hansbrough took a verbal jab from a fellow ex-North Carolina Tarheel after committing his first NBA foul. "This ain't Carolina, T!" Antawn Jamison yelled from Washington's bench. Hansbrough spent his remaining minutes making it look just like Carolina. He shot more free throws than anyone else, made the hustle plays that made him famous in college and helped the Pacers beat the Wizards 102-86 on Friday night. Hansbrough finished with 13 points in 14 minutes in his pro debut. "It was a lot of hard work and things to get to this stage, but I put that all behind me when I got out there," he said. "It felt great. Just a relief to get out there and kind of move forward from this injury thing." |
Analysis: The first-round draft pick missed the preseason and the first four regular-season games with a right shin injury. When asked if he was surprised by his strong performance, a perplexed Hansbrough said "No," then offered perspective. "Just expecting the best and see what happens," he said. "I didn't know what to expect." Pacers coach Jim O'Brien got exactly what he wanted from his rookie, especially with starting power forward Troy Murphy out with an injured back. "A little rusty in a lot of areas, but he's going to be in the attack mode at the offense and defensive end, he's going to go after every rebound," O'Brien said. "I'm very pleased with him. I think he's going to be a heck of an NBA player." Fantasy owners should not yet get Hansbrough active as the Pacers play only two games in Week 3 (Nov. 9-15). He is just a low-end option until he can prove himself at the NBA level on a consistent basis. |
|
Iverson says he just wants to help
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Allen Iverson, SG MEM |
|
| News: Even Allen Iverson is worried whether his tumultuous debut week with the Grizzlies has poisoned his relationship with another coach. Iverson came off the bench for Memphis for the third straight game Friday night, scoring eight points in 22 minutes during the Grizzlies' 114-98 loss to the Lakers. The 10-time All-Star says he has no interest in being a reserve or playing for a rebuilding team, and he immediately made his displeasure public with several barbed comments in the days following his season debut Monday. |
Analysis: Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins says he understands his new veteran guard's perspective, but even Iverson thinks the two are off to a rocky start. "I think that's probably the worst part of all this," Iverson said Friday. "That while all this is going on, we have never talked to each other. That's probably why it's at this point right now. We've just never had a conversation, so it's probably going to always be hard for me and him to see eye-to-eye, because we've never even talked to each other. Obviously that's what you do if you're trying to accomplish the same goal." Use Iverson as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy option for now. |
|
George remains out on Friday
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Devean George, SG GS |
|
| News: Warriors SF Devean George, who sat out the entire preseason with a knee injury, remained out for the fourth straight regular season game on Friday against the Clippers. He is questionable for Sunday at Sacramento. |
Analysis: Even when he returns from this injury, George will play a minor role off the bench for the Warriors. Don't bother with him in Fantasy. |
|
Turiaf sits with knee injury
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Ronny Turiaf, PF GS |
|
| News: Warriors F/C Ronny Turiaf, who sprained his left knee in the fourth quarter of last Friday's loss to Phoenix, missed Friday's game against the Clippers. It's the same knee that forced Turiaf to miss the majority of training camp. He is considered questionable for Sunday at Sacramento. |
Analysis: Turiaf contributes a decent number of blocks and rebounds -- enough to make him viable in Rotisserie leagues, anyway -- but this injury just won't go away. He'll likely miss a few games, so reserve him for now. If he can't play on Sunday, he should likely be held out for Week 3 (Nov. 9-15). |
|
Biedrins sits against Clippers
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Andris Biedrins, C GS |
|
| News: Warriors C Andris Biedrins did not play on Friday against the Clippers due to a sore back. Biedrins is considered questionable for Sunday at Sacramento. Mikki Moore got the start in Biedrins' place. |
Analysis: Biedrins hurt his back with 2:29 left in Wednesday's game against Memphis. He was bumped under the hoop and had to twist his body to score. He wrenched his back and asked to be pulled from the game. Fantasy owners should wait to see if Biedrins plays on Sunday before making a decision on him for Fantasy Week 3 (Nov. 9-15). |
|
Bynum misses Friday vs. Grizzlies
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Andrew Bynum, C LAL |
|
| News: Lakers big men Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol are sitting out Los Angeles' meeting with the Grizzlies. Bynum has a strained right elbow after getting injured late in a victory at Houston on Wednesday, though he doesn't think it's serious. |
Analysis: The Lakers' starting center is averaging 20 points and 10.6 rebounds in a strong start to his season. See if he plays on Sunday against New Orleans before making a decision on him for the upcoming scoring period. When healthy, he is a must-start Fantasy option. |
|
Gasol sits on Friday as expected
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Pau Gasol, C LAL |
|
| News: Lakers big men Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol are sitting out Los Angeles' meeting with the Grizzlies. Gasol hasn't played for the Lakers since straining his right hamstring in the preseason, although he holds out hope of playing Sunday against New Orleans. Lamar Odom has taken Gasol's starting spot in the defending champions' first six games. |
Analysis: Gasol missed the chance to play against his former team - as well as his brother, Marc, who started at center for the Grizzlies. Gasol is a must-start Fantasy option when healthy, so see if he is active on Sunday before making a decision on him for Fantasy Week 3 (Nov. 9-15). |
|
Budinger active, scores 16 points
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Chase Budinger, SF HOU |
|
| News: Houston SG Chase Budinger was able to return from an ankle injury on Friday against the Thunder after missing one game. Budinger scored 16 points in the game on 6 of 10 shooting off the bench. He added three rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot to his stat line. |
Analysis: Budinger was a question mark heading into Friday but ended up being able to play and having a decent amount of success. The rookie has put up better than expected numbers to open his career but he is still considered just a low-end Fantasy option for now. |
|
Ariza drops 21 points on Thunder
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Trevor Ariza, SF HOU |
|
| News: Houston SF Trevor Ariza was able to play through flu-like symptoms on Friday against the Thunder and tied for the team high in scoring with 21 points. He added five rebounds and six assists to his stat line as well. |
Analysis: Ariza is off to a good start with the Rockets, averaging more 21.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists over the team's last five games. Ariza has emerged as a real breakout early on this season and is has become a must-start Fantasy option. |
|
Redd's injury status confirmed
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Michael Redd, SG MIL |
|
| News: Michael Redd, expected to miss two weeks, had his original diagnosis of a strained tendon in his left knee affirmed by a doctor, Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. He'll be evaluated at the end of next week. "We're hoping that it's on the short end rather than on the long end, and we'll know a lot more when they look at it again," Skiles said. |
Analysis: Redd remains worth your patience through this injury, but the fact that it happened to be the same knee in which he tore his ACL last year is troubling. Keep hanging on to him and hope that he will return sooner than later. When healthy, Redd is a high-end Fantasy option. |
|
Murphy out with back injury
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Troy Murphy, C IND |
|
| News: Pacers F Troy Murphy sat out against the Wizards on Friday with a back injury. He is considered questionable for Wednesday against the Warriors. |
Analysis: The Pacers play only two games in Week 3 (Nov. 9-15) and Murphy will likely be an injury risk for the scoring period even though the Pacers have five days off. He is a high-end option when healthy, but is someone to certainly consider benching for the upcoming scoring period. |
|
No timetable for LeBron FA decision
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| LeBron James, SF CLE |
|
| News: LeBron James thinks his present is too good to spend time worrying about his future. James said Friday he has no timetable for deciding what he will do next summer. The NBA's MVP said it will be his first time getting to be an unrestricted free agent, so he's not going to rush any decision. Nor will he even consider it for a while. Not with the Cavaliers on the short list of legitimate contenders to win a title this season. "For me, honestly, I think this season is going to be really good and I feel like our team is set to where we can play really deep into the playoffs and possibly contend for the NBA championship," James said. "So mainly that's the main thing that I'm focused on now." |
Analysis: The Cleveland All-Star can opt for free agency on July 1, but said before playing the Knicks he isn't sure what he will do in the days that follow. "I don't know because it's the first time I'll be in this position, being an unrestricted free agent. I haven't been there yet, so I don't know," James said. "There's no timetable. I'm not going to rush it, I'm definitely going to stay in shape and stay in the gym next summer like I've always done and we'll see what happens." James will remain a must-start Fantasy option no matter where he ends up. |
|
Diener misses Friday game vs. Wizards
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Travis Diener, PG IND |
|
| News: Indiana PG Travis Diener did not play on Friday against the Wizards because of a toe injury. He is considered questionable for Wednesday against the Warriors. |
Analysis: Diener has yet to be a factor this season and is not a player we recommend owning in Fantasy leagues. Leave him on waivers regardless of this injury. |
|
Barbosa sits out Friday as expected
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Leandro Barbosa, PG PHO |
|
| News: Phoenix SG Leandro Barbosa did not play on Friday at Boston as expected as he deals with a wrist injury. Barbosa told the Arizona Republic that the wrist was "way better but it's still bothering me." He said he feels pain, a "pop," when he shoots. "I think I'm gong to wait one more game," Barbosa said. |
Analysis: The Suns' next game is at Washington on Sunday, giving him a week since his last game against Minnesota. It does sound like he should be able to play Sunday and would be a safe play for the team's upcoming four-game slate in Fantasy Week 3 (Nov. 9-15). See if he plays Sunday before making a decision on him for the upcoming scoring period. |
|
Lee leaves game with leg injury
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Courtney Lee, SG NJ |
|
| News: New Jersey lost guard Courtney Lee early in the third quarter of Friday's game against the Sixers with an apparent leg injury. He is questionable for Saturday against the Celtics. Lee scored eight points and had two assists in 22 minutes of action before the injury. |
Analysis: The Nets are already decimated with injuries and adding Lee to the list is just adding insult to injury. Lee is a decent contributor for the team in his first season with the Nets, averaging 12.6 points per game and two assists. He is a decent sleeper in Fantasy but could be an injury risk for Week 3 (Nov. 9-15). Wait to see if he plays on Saturday before making a decision on him. |
|
Hayes remains out vs. Sixers
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Jarvis Hayes, SF NJ |
|
| News: Nets G/F Jarvis Hayes missed his fifth straight game with a hamstring injury Friday against the Sixers. He remains day to day. |
Analysis: Hayes is a decent scorer off the bench, but his output is too inconsistent for him to make an impact in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers. |
|
Dooling out again with hip issue
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Keyon Dooling, PG NJ |
|
| News: Nets PG Keyon Dooling missed Friday's game against the Sixers as he continues to rehab his surgically repaired hip. He has missed all six games this season. |
Analysis: Even when he returns, Dooling won't see enough minutes off the bench to make an impact in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers. |
|
Battie sits against the Celtics
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Tony Battie, PF NJ |
|
| News: Nets PF Tony Battie missed his sixth straight game with a knee injury Friday against the 76ers. He has yet to play this season. |
Analysis: Battie will play just a small role off the bench when he returns. Don't bother with him in Fantasy. |
|
CDR out with flu as expected
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG NJ |
|
| News: Nets SG Chris Douglas-Roberts did not play on Friday against the 76ers. He is considered questionable for Saturday against the Celtics. The Newark Star-Ledger reported that Douglas-Roberts did not travel with the team to Philadelphia. |
Analysis: There is now a league policy when you have flu-like symptoms due to the H1N1 scare that states a player has got to be isolated for a certain amount of time. The league mandates that a player be quarantined for 24 hours. He should be fine for Week 3 (Nov. 9-15), but you'll have to monitor his progress over the weekend. Wait to see if he plays on Saturday before making a decision on him for the upcoming scoring period. |
|
Graham returns from toe injury
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Joey Graham, SF DEN |
|
| News: Denver SF Joey Graham was able to play on Friday against the Heat after missing time with a toe injury. He scored four points in the game on 2 for 2 shooting. |
Analysis: Graham normally gets a few minutes off the bench, but not enough to make an impact in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers in all leagues even though he has returned. |
|
Cook not back against Denver
|
Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Daequan Cook, SG MIA |
|
| News: The Miami Herald reprots that G Daequan Cook (shoulder) worked out at the Heat's practice facility on Friday before the team's game against Denver, but coach Erik Spoelstra decided to leave him out. "If you just walked in the gym and saw him doing that workout, you'd probably think he could play," Spoelstra said. "But we'll get him in a full-contact practice before [he plays]." |
Analysis: The Heat have three days off before taking on the Wizards on Tuesday. Cook could be back for that tilt, but is just a low-end Fantasy option to begin with. The safe play is to leave him benched for Fantasy Week 3 (Nov. 9-15). |
|
Quinn still out on Friday
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Chris Quinn, PG MIA |
|
| News: Miami PG Chris Quinn (foot) remained sidelined on Friday against Denver. He is day to day. |
Analysis: Quinn will back up Mario Chalmers when he returns, but he won't get enough playing time to make an impact in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers. |
|
Diogu still out with knee issue
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Ike Diogu, PF NO |
|
| News: New Orleans PF Ike Diogu (knee) remained on the inactive list for Friday's game against the Raptors. He has yet to play in a game this season. |
Analysis: Even when Diogu is healthy enough to be activated, there is no guarantee he will get much game action. Leave him on waivers in all Fantasy hoops leagues for now. |
|
Evans out again vs. Hornets
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Reggie Evans, PF TOR |
|
| News: Toronto PF Reggie Evans (foot) remained out onFriday for the Raptors' game against the Hornets. He is day to day. |
Analysis: Evans gives the Raptors some rebounding help off the bench, but he likely won't get enough minutes to make an impact in Fantasy. Ignore him in Fantasy play for now. |
|
Banks out again vs. Hornets
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Marcus Banks, PG TOR |
|
| News: Toronto PG Marcus Banks (flu) sat out on Friday against the Hornets. He remains questionable for Saturday at Dallas. |
Analysis: Banks averaged 2.5 points and 1.3 assists last season before suffering a season-ending injury. He is not a player that we recommend owning in any format as he may not be activated even after recovering from the flu. |
|
Murray faces old team in debut
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Ronald Murray, PG CHA |
|
| News: Ronald "Flip" Murray pestered his former team with 15 points in his Charlotte debut on Friday against Atlanta as the Bobcats beat the Hawks 103-83. Murray went 5 for 12 off the bench, playing 18 minutes. He added six rebounds and an assist to his stat line as well. |
Analysis: Murray is a decent scorer off the bench, but doesn't typically contribute enough to be owrth using in most Fantasy formats. He is only worth activating in the deepest of formats now that he is starting once again. |
|
Carter out vs. Pistons as expected
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Vince Carter, SG ORL |
|
| News: Magic guard Vince Carter was sidelined against the Pistons on Friday night with a sprained left ankle. Carter was first injured last Friday against New Jersey. "I can honestly say that throughout my career I've had little injuries and come back not quite 100 percent and just tried to fight through it," Carter told the Orlando Sentinel. "They don't really believe in that. I know it's just about the big picture and the long haul. They're playing for a lot here. I've sat and talked with the staff, and I agree with them. So, I'm just doing the proper things to get back and get better." |
Analysis: The report added that Carter stayed after practice on Friday shooting for a while without a noticeable limp. Continue to treat him as day to day. He will be a big injury risk for Fantasy Week 3 (Nov. 9-15) if he doesn't return Sunday at Oklahoma City. |
|
Prince sits against the Magic
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Tayshaun Prince, SF DET |
|
| News: Tayshaun Prince missed Friday's game against Orlando and will be a question mark for Sunday's game against Philadelphia. The Detroit News reports that coach John Kuester would not commit to him being ready for that game, but did say the reports on him were encouraging. |
Analysis: Prince isn't a huge scorer or rebounder, but he does enough of both to start in Fantasy, averaging 14.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last year and similar numbers in each of the last few years. Keep him stashed away and look for updates on him leading up to lineup deadlines Monday. |
|
Hamilton sits out Friday as expected
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Richard Hamilton, SG DET |
|
| News: Detrit G Richard Hamilton was not active on Thursday against the Magic as expected. He missed five straight games and is considered questionable for Sunday against the Sixers. |
Analysis: Hamilton had 25 points in the opener but hasn't played since. The Pistons play just three games in the upcoming scoring period, which would make Hamilton that much riskier of a play for weekly leagues in the upcoming scoring period. Monitor him over the weekend before setting your lineup. |
|
Evans could see Fantasy boost
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Tyreke Evans, PG SAC |
|
| News: Kings beat writer Sam Amick of the Sacramento Bee is reporting via his Twitter account that Kevin Martin has chosen to undergo surgery on his wrist Monday. Martin suffered a hairline fracture in his wrist and it was reported Thursday that surgery would sideline him for 6-8 weeks. Beno Udrih is likely to step into the starting lineup and both he and rookie Tyreke Evans should enjoy the most direct Fantasy boost. |
Analysis: Fantasy owners should use the team's next few games to determine how each player will be affected for the next month-plus while Martin is out. The Kings play just two games in the upcoming scoring period, so you'll likely want to keep them reserved. Stash Udrih away if he's available and keep tabs on Kings' games over the next week. He has posted back-to-back useful stat lines and has averaged around 12 points, 4 assists and 2 rebounds the last two seasons. |
|
Udrih could see Fantasy boost
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Beno Udrih, PG SAC |
|
| News: Kings beat writer Sam Amick of the Sacramento Bee is reporting via his Twitter account that Kevin Martin has chosen to undergo surgery on his wrist Monday. Martin suffered a hairline fracture in his wrist and it was reported Thursday that surgery would sideline him for 6-8 weeks. Beno Udrih is likely to step into the starting lineup and both he and rookie Tyreke Evans should enjoy the most direct Fantasy boost. |
Analysis: Fantasy owners should use the team's next few games to determine how each player will be affected for the next month-plus while Martin is out. The Kings play just two games in the upcoming scoring period, so you'll likely want to keep them reserved. Stash Udrih away if he's available and keep tabs on Kings' games over the next week. He has posted back-to-back useful stat lines and has averaged around 12 points, 4 assists and 2 rebounds the last two seasons. |
|
Gibson getting a big Fantasy boost
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Taj Gibson, PF CHI |
|
| News: The Chicago Bulls announced Friday that Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas suffered a fractured radius of his left forearm during a weight training session Friday morning at practice. X-rays confirmed the injury and he will undergo surgery Saturday. Thomas is expected to be out four to six weeks. His absence should create more minutes for Taj Gibson at power forward as well as more minutes for Joakim Noah and Brad Miller. |
Analysis: In four games (three starts) this season, Thomas averaged 8.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1.75 bpg in 21.0 mpg. Fantasy owners will have no choice but to stash him away where possible as he'll be out until possibly mid-to-late December. Gibson has played well in the preseason and early on in the regular season and is a great addition off the waiver wire. Miller and Noah should see subtle increases in their production as well. |
|
Miller to see more touches?
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Brad Miller, C CHI |
|
| News: The Chicago Bulls announced Friday that Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas suffered a fractured radius of his left forearm during a weight training session Friday morning at practice. X-rays confirmed the injury and he will undergo surgery Saturday. Thomas is expected to be out four to six weeks. His absence should create more minutes for Taj Gibson at power forward as well as more minutes for Joakim Noah and Brad Miller. |
Analysis: In four games (three starts) this season, Thomas averaged 8.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1.75 bpg in 21.0 mpg. Fantasy owners will have no choice but to stash him away where possible as he'll be out until possibly after New Year's Day. Gibson has played well in the preseason and early on in the regular season and is a great addition off the waiver wire. Miller and Noah should see subtle increases in their production as well. |
|
Noah to see more touches?
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Joakim Noah, PF CHI |
|
| News: The Chicago Bulls announced Friday that Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas suffered a fractured radius of his left forearm during a weight training session Friday morning at practice. X-rays confirmed the injury and he will undergo surgery Saturday. Thomas is expected to be out four to six weeks. His absence should create more minutes for Taj Gibson at power forward as well as more minutes for Joakim Noah and Brad Miller. |
Analysis: In four games (three starts) this season, Thomas averaged 8.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1.75 bpg in 21.0 mpg. Fantasy owners will have no choice but to stash him away where possible as he'll be out until possibly after New Year's Day. Gibson has played well in the preseason and early on in the regular season and is a great addition off the waiver wire. Miller and Noah should see subtle increases in their production as well. |
|
Lopez gets some rehab work in
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Robin Lopez, C PHO |
|
| News: The Arizona Republic reports that Robin Lopez was allowed to work on post moves and running the floor after Friday's shootaround. He stayed for an extra 30 minutes to work out as he continues to recover from a foot fracture. |
Analysis: Lopez will be a backup upon his return. His limited minutes make him useless in most Fantasy formats and he should remain on waivers in all leagues. |
|
Johnson to return to Magic Sunday
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Anthony Johnson, PG ORL |
|
| News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Anthony Johnson has left the team due to the death of his father in law. He is expected to return Sunday. |
Analysis: Johnson is not a player that gets many minutes in the rotation for the Magic and for that reason should not be owned in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers. |
|
Miller to miss 7-10 days
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Mike Miller, SF WAS |
|
| News: The Washington Times reports that Mike Miller will miss 7-10 days with a sprained left shoulder. Randy Foye is the likely candidate to replace him in the starting lineup. |
Analysis: Miller came into Wednesday's game averaging 8.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and over a three per game this season. With all the scorers in Washington, he doesn't look like he'll recapture the form he had in Memphis, so think of him as a No. 4 guard or forward in standard Fantasy leagues, when healthy. Stash him away for now. |
|
Jamison making progress in recovery
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Antawn Jamison, PF WAS |
|
| News: The Washington Times reports that Wizards F Antawn Jamison (shoulder) reported no problems after participating in noncontact drills Thursday for about 45 minutes at an optional practice before the Washington Wizards boarded a plane to Indiana for Friday's game against the Pacers. "I've been shooting and going hard. No limitations as far as shot numbers or range or anything of that nature," Jamison said afterward. "It's just no contact - they don't want me getting hit or pushing or shoving. But we haven't had any limitations as far as drills, running, shooting or anything like that." |
Analysis: The report adds that while Jamison is antsy to get back, the Wizards are taking a careful approach with the All-Star forward and are sticking to the original timetable for his return of three to five weeks. Jamison partially dislocated his right shoulder in a preseason game against Cleveland on Oct. 14. Continue to monitor his progress. |
|
Pietrus to remain a starter?
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Mickael Pietrus, SF ORL |
|
| News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said Thursday that he will start suspended forward Rashard Lewis the very game he becomes eligible. Lewis, suspended by the league for the first 10 games of the season for taking a banned supplement, can play on Nov. 16 against the Charlotte Bobcats at home. "I'm starting him the first game --- for who, I don't know," Van Gundy said. "It's like when we got Rafer (Alston) at midseason last year. When you know a guy is going to be there long term, you don't mess around." Lewis would replace either Mickael Pietrus or Ryan Anderson. |
Analysis: Van Gundy said last week that Lewis would start at power forward despite the fact the team had planned on having Lewis move back to his more natural power forward position. That would leave Mickael Pietrus as a starter and would push Ryan Anderson -- despite his strong recent play -- to the bench. Both player will see a drop in production, regardless, once Lewis returns. |
 Lewis to start upon return
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Rashard Lewis, SF ORL |
|
| News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said Thursday that he will start suspended forward Rashard Lewis the very game he becomes eligible. There will be no easing Lewis into the lineup. Lewis, suspended by the league for the first 10 games of the season for taking a banned supplement, can play on Nov. 16 against the Charlotte Bobcats at home. "I'm starting him the first game --- for who, I don't know," Van Gundy said. "It's like when we got Rafer (Alston) at midseason last year. When you know a guy is going to be there long term, you don't mess around." |
Analysis: Lewis will likely start at power forward despite the fact the team had planned on having Lewis move back to his more natural power forward position. That will leave Mickael Pietrus as a starter and would push Ryan Anderson -- despite his strong recent play -- to the bench. Lewis will be a must-start Fantasy option as soon as he returns. |
|
Moore could fill in for Biedrins
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Mikki Moore, PF GS |
|
| News: The Oakland Tribune reports that Andris Biedrins is questionable for Friday's game against the L.A. Clippers due to an ailing back. "It's a little sore," Biedrins said Thursday. "Hopefully I will play, but we'll see (today)." If Biedrins cannot play, Mikki Moore is expected to be called upon as the starting center. |
Analysis: Biedrins hurt his back with 2:29 left in Wednesday's game against Memphis. He was bumped under the hoops and had to twist his body to score. He wrenched his back and asked to be pulled from the game. The report added that being 100 percent by today is not realistic, Biedrins said. But because the Warriors are short-handed in the frontcourt, Biedrins said he won't wait until he is fully healthy to play. Moore is not a recommended fill-in outside of extremely deep leagues in a pinch. |
|
Harris not close to a return
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Devin Harris, SG NJ |
|
| News: The Newark Star-Ledger reports that Devin Harris said Thursday that he could be looking at two more weeks of rest and recovery before he's ready to take the court again. "It could take four weeks to heal," Harris said. "If I come back in two weeks and I still feel it, I’m going to take the next two weeks. I’m hoping to be back in two weeks. That's what I'm hoping for. |
Analysis: Harris was always less optimistic about this injury than his team appeared to be and now the player is telling you that he could be at least two weeks away from returning. Since he's the one that is injured, we'd take him at his word. Fantasy owners have no choice but to keep him stashed away. Rafer Alston will continue to start in his place. |
|
Nocioni arrested on suspicion of DUI
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Andres Nocioni, SF SAC |
|
| News: Sacramento Kings forward Andres Nocioni was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Nocioni was booked into the Sacramento County jail at 3:26 a.m. PST Thursday. Sacramento police Sgt. Norm Leong says Nocioni was pulled over around 2 a.m. in downtown Sacramento when an officer noticed his car weaving. The officer noticed an odor of alcohol and conducted a field test before booking Nocioni on suspicion of driving under the influence. |
Analysis: The arrest came hours after the Kings lost a home game to the Atlanta Hawks, 113-105, on Wednesday night. The league has yet to issue a fine or suspension, and the team said it'll let the legal process work itself out before doing anything. Nocioni was recently promoted to the starting lineup and the Kings don't play against until Saturday. Monitor his situation over the weekend before determining what to do with him in the upcoming scoring period, but with the Kings slated for just two games in Week 3, you'll likely want to sit him anyway. |
|
Undrafted Matthews has a good game
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Wesley Matthews, SG UTA |
|
| News: Jazz SG Wesley Matthews, an undrafted rookie, made an impression in 25 minutes off the bench Thursday against the Spurs. He had 12 points and three rebounds. |
Analysis: Matthews has some ability, but he's a bit of a project and will rarely see significant minutes in close games. Leave him on waivers in Fantasy. |
|
Boozer finally looks like himself
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Carlos Boozer, PF UTA |
|
| News: Jazz PF Carlos Boozer, who entered the game averaging only 12.8 points per game, looked like himself again Thursday against the Spurs, setting season highs with 27 points and 14 rebounds. He also had three assists, two steals and two blocks. |
Analysis: Boozer averaged more than 20 points in back to back seasons before injuries limited him to only 37 games last season. He remains the subject of trade rumors, but he seems to be regaining his old form. He's a No. 2 Fantasy forward right now, but he has the upside of a No. 1. |
|
D. Williams not far from TPL-DBL
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Deron Williams, PG UTA |
|
| News: Jazz PG Deron Williams scored 27 points, his most since the season opener, on 11 of 19 shooting Thursday against the Spurs. He also had nine assists and a season-high seven rebounds. |
Analysis: Williams is about the only player other than Chris Paul who approaches 20 points and 10 assists every year, making him Fantasy gold, especially in Head-to-Head leagues. Regardless of the format, he's a No. 1 Fantasy guard. |
|
SG Finley not playing many minutes
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Michael Finley, SG SA |
|
| News: Spurs G/F Michael Finley continued to start Thursday at Utah, but he played only 17 minutes and scored six points. He's averaging just 7.3 points in 20.3 minutes over his first four games. |
Analysis: Finley technically starts for the Spurs, but Manu Ginobili is the team's true shooting guard. Finley is an excellent 3-point shooter in the few minutes he does get, but you can leave him for deeper Rotisserie leagues. |
|
Mason doing little off the bench
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Roger Mason Jr., SG SA |
|
| News: Spurs SG Roger Mason Jr. scored seven points in 18 minutes off the bench Thursday at Utah. He's averaging just 6.0 points and 20.8 minutes in four games. |
Analysis: Mason played a significant role last season with Manu Ginobili injured, but he's clearly just a reserve now. With minutes, he can make a difference in Fantasy, but he doesn't have the minutes right now. |
|
Blair again comes through off bench
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| DeJuan Blair, PF SA |
|
| News: Spurs rookie PF DeJuan Blair, who had a double-double in the season opener, came close to his second in 21 minutes off the bench Thursday at Utah. He finished with 14 points and nine rebounds and is now averaging 9.8 points and 8.5 rebounds through his first four games. |
Analysis: Not bad for a rookie, especially on a team known for having an inflexible rotation. Blair is showing he already has an important role on this team, and it will only grow from here. His inconsistent minutes make him just a low-end option in Fantasy, but he should definitely be on your radar. |
|
Duncan gets back in double figures
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Tim Duncan, PF SA |
|
| News: Spurs PF Tim Duncan, who hasn't done much scoring in the early going, reached double figures for only the second time in four games Thursday at Utah, finishing with 15 points on 5 of 10 shooting. He also had 13 rebounds, but those haven't been a problem for him. He has at least 10 rebounds in all four games. |
Analysis: Duncan has averaged at least 18 points per game every year, so his 14.8 points through the first four games is a bit surprising. Still, it's too early to rush to judgment. Maybe if he was averaging 2.0 points per game, you might worry, but right now, you should fully expect him to put up his usual 19-10 line. He remains a No. 1 forward in Fantasy. |
|
Parker making modest contribution
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Anthony Parker, SG CLE |
|
| News: Cavaliers SG Anthony Parker got back in double figures Thursday against the Bulls, finishing with 11 points on 4 of 9 shooting, including 3 of 3 from 3-point range. He also had four rebounds and three assists. Through his first six games, he's averaging 9.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists. |
Analysis: Considering Parker plays alongside LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal and Mo Williams, he's holding his own statistically and actually proving somewhat useful in Fantasy, especially if you need 3-pointers. He's the type of player who will be on and off waivers all year, though. |
|
M. Williams struggles with shot
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Mo Williams, PG CLE |
|
| News: Cavaliers PG Mo Williams scored a season-low 11 points on only 4 of 13 shooting Thursday against the Bulls. He also had six assists. Through his first six games, he's averaging 16.3 points and 4.3 assists. |
Analysis: Because he plays with LeBron James, Williams doesn't get as many assists as most point guards, but he gets enough to remain effective in Fantasy, especially since he's a decent scorer. His numbers so far make him a low-end No. 2 Fantasy guard, despite his poor shooting Thursday. |
|
Rose records first double-double
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Derrick Rose, PG CHI |
|
| News: Bulls PG Derrick Rose had 14 points and a season-high 11 assists at Cleveland on Thursday, giving him his first double-double of the season. He shot only 6 for 15 from the field, though, playing 33 minutes. |
Analysis: Rose has gotten off to a slow start this season after winning Rookie of the Year last season. He has struggled with his shot and has sometimes lost significant minutes to Kirk Hinrich. Still, he has huge upside and will likely improve on last year's 16.8 points and 6.3 assists by season's end. He could emerge as a No. 1 Fantasy guard even though he's playing more like a No. 3 right now. |
|
J. James remains out of the lineup
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Jerome James, PF CHI |
|
| News: Bulls C Jerome James missed another game Thursday at Cleveland with an Achilles' injury. He has yet to play this season. |
Analysis: James spends much of his time injured and will likely only play a small role off the bench when healthy. Ignore him in Fantasy. |
|
Kings apparently done with Mason
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Desmond Mason, SF SAC |
|
| News: The Kings placed swingman Desmond Mason on waivers Thursday. Mason is averaging 2.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game this season. |
Analysis: Mason opened the season in the starting lineup, but he was just a token starter, allowing the Kings to save some of their better options for later in the game. Mason will play a minor role no matter where he ends up. Don't bother with him in Fantasy. |
|
Alston to remain a starter for now
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Rafer Alston, PG NJ |
|
| News: The Newark Star-Ledger reports that Devin Harris said Thursday that he could be looking at two more weeks of rest and recovery before he's ready to take the court again. "It could take four weeks to heal," Harris said. "If I come back in two weeks and I still feel it, I’m going to take the next two weeks. I’m hoping to be back in two weeks. That's what I'm hoping for. Rafer Alston will continue to start in his place. |
Analysis: Harris was always less optimistic about this injury than his team appeared to be and now the player is telling you that he could be at least two weeks away from returning. Since he's the one that is injured, we'd take him at his word. Fantasy owners have no choice but to keep him stashed away. Rafer Alston will continue to start in his place. Alston hasn't been very consistent in his first few games filling in for Harris, but he has the ability to score in double figures with good assist numbers and is a decent stopgap measure. |
|
Wallace gaining center eligibility?
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Ben Wallace, C DET |
|
| News: Wallace is available in 81 percent of CBSSports.com leagues, but that may change real soon. Going into his next game at Orlando, he was one more start away from regaining center eligibility in leagues that allow multiple positions after making the first four starts of the season at center for the Pistons. |
Analysis: A return to Detroit has rejuvenated Big Ben early on as he averaged 10.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals through four games. He could actually be plugged in at center in those leagues that do allow for multiple position eligibility for Week 3 if he gets the fifth start this weekend as we expect. |
|
Krstic a good pick up for Week 3?
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Nenad Krstic, C OKC |
|
| News: Thunder C Nenad Krstic has scored a combined 6 points with 5 rebounds in his last two games after scoring 34 points with 12 rebounds over his first two games. However, the Thunder will play a favorable four-game slate in Fantasy Week 3 (Nov. 9-15) against the Kings, Clippers (twice) and Spurs. |
Analysis: Krstic had 20 points and 7 rebounds in the team's opener against Sacramento, a team he'll face again in Week 3, but he's tailed off significantly since then and has seen Etan Thomas take some of his playing time in recent games. The four-game week and favorable matchups against the Kings and Clippers make him worthy of one-week use as a No. 2 center in standard formats if a fill-in is needed as a one-week stopgap. |
|
Dampier an appealing wire pickup?
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Erick Dampier, C DAL |
|
| News: Erick Dampier is averaging 10.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks -- including six blocks against Utah on Nov. 3 -- through his first five games of the season. He had 16 points and 14 rebounds Wednesday at the Hornets. |
Analysis: In situations where you may be looking for a last-ditch replacement option, Dampier may be your best bet for a useful week in Week 3 (Nov. 9-15). Don't expect too many big games like this on a regular basis, but Dampier has four games in the upcoming scoring period -- including a game against a Rockets team without much of an inside presence. |
|
Haslem productive off Heat bench
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Udonis Haslem, PF MIA |
|
| News: Haslem has averaged 12.0 points and 10.0 rebounds through his first four games of the season despite coming off the bench and is currently available in 48 percent of CBSSports.com leagues. |
Analysis: Fantasy owners will have to check their eligibility rules, but in leagues where Haslem is eligible at center, he is becoming a very attractive option. As usual, it's slim pickings at center when it comes to the waiver wire and there aren't many players who can offer you up a double-double on any given night, regardless of the opponent. Haslem could be that player. Even in leagues where he is only eligible at forward, he is worth activating as a No. 3 or 4 option the way he has been playing. |
|
Outlaw a solid waiver wire target?
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Travis Outlaw, SF POR |
|
| News: Trail Blazers F Travis Outlaw is averaging 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists through his first five games this season. He has shot 6 of 15 from beyond the arc and has also chipped in four steals and five blocks. |
Analysis: Travis Outlaw is a waiver-wire favorite in Fantasy leagues, often times a go-to guy for one-week fill ins. Well, that's exactly the case for Fantasy Week 3 (Nov. 9-15). The Blazers have a couple of favorable matchups against Memphis and Minnesota in a four-game week and Outlaw has already had a pair of big games against the Rockets and Hawks this season. He should manage a useful week as a No. 4 forward. Martell Webster is getting the starts, but Outlaw has the better possibility for bigger stat lines. . |
|
Brewer becoming bigger part of offense
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Corey Brewer, SF MIN |
|
| News: Timberwolves F/G Corey Brewer has gotten off to a great start and has even become a focal point in the offense in recent games, seeing 18 shots against the Suns on Nov. 1 and 21 shots against the Clippers on Nov. 2. |
Analysis: We like Brewer's matchups in Fantasy Week 3 (Nov. 9-15) against the Warriors and Grizzlies specifically and consider him an excellent one-week stopgap at whatever position you may need him in as he's eligible at forward and guard in leagues that allow for multiple eligibility. |
|
Azubuike joins starting lineup
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Kelenna Azubuike, SF GS |
|
| News: Kelenna Azubuike started for the first time this season Wednesday against Memphis, but he played just 16 minutes and finished with 6 points. He had come off the bench in the first two games of the season. |
Analysis: Azubuike may not stay a starter for long knowing Don Nelson and his whimsical ways. But starter or not, Azubuike has been productive already this season. He averaged 15.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in the first week of the season and will be playing one of the more favorable schedules of the Fantasy season in Fantasy Week 3 (Nov. 9-15) against horrible defensive teams in Minnesota, Indiana and a game against the Knicks that could easily have both teams scoring 110 plus points. This is would be a good week to plug Azubuike in. |
|
Sefolosha a solid Week 3 plug in
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Thabo Sefolosha, SG OKC |
|
| News: Thabo Sefolosha is starting and getting 30-plus minutes per game. He scored 12 points with 4 rebounds and an assist against the Lakers on Tuesday and should be able to put up similar stat lines against weak defensive teams in the Kings and Clippers in Fantasy Week 3 (Nov 9-15). |
Analysis: This one is a real sleeper for you as Sefolosha is owned in under 10 percent of CBSSports.com leagues. He's a scrapheap option that we recommend plugging in to your lineup this week if you are in dire need of a one-week sub off waivers. |
|
Sessions to bounce back soon?
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Ramon Sessions, PG MIN |
|
| News: Ramon Sessions has gotten off to a very poor start with his new team, averaging just 5.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists. But we think Week 3 will be the first week where he starts to live up to the potential he showed each of the last two years in Milwaukee. |
Analysis: You'll have to trust us on this one. The T'Wolves will play against the Warriors and Grizzlies, two teams that play fast-paced games that lead to a lot of scoring and high-volume stats. Anybody looking for a stopgap No. 4 guard with some upside could look his way in Week 3 if they are in need of a fill-in. |
|
Brewer chipping in nice totals
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Ronnie Brewer, SG UTA |
|
| News: Ronnie Brewer scored at least 16 points in his first three games of the season before being held to 7 points against Dallas on Tuesday. He is averaging 14.8 points in his first four games of the season. |
Analysis: In Week 3 (Nov. 9-15), Brewer will get 35-plus minutes per game in a four-tilt week that includes a matchup against a Knicks team that gives up a ton of points. He's a nice fill-in for anybody looking for a guard off waivers. |
|
No suspension for Rondo or Paul
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Rajon Rondo, PG BOS |
|
| News: The NBA will not penalize Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo for an incident between them after a recent game in Boston. Paul pursued Rondo toward the Celtics' locker room and was blocked by Boston assistant coaches after the Celtics' 97-87 victory over New Orleans on Sunday night. The point guards had been assessed matching technical fouls in the second quarter after they got tangled up under the basket. |
Analysis: Rondo hasn't been great on the offensive end early on this season, but he is averaging 9.6 assists per game along with 2.8 steals and 4.0 rebounds per game. That should be enough to hold you over in any league until his scoring comes around. |
|
Hibbert averaging double-double
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Roy Hibbert, C IND |
|
| News: Indiana C Roy Hibbert scored 15 points and added 14 rebounds on Wednesday for a double-double in a win over the Knicks. He shot 7 of 12 from the field and blocked two shots. He also turned it over five times. |
Analysis: Hibbert notched his season high in points and rebounds on Wednesday and is averaging a double-double on the year thus far with just over 10 points and 10 boards per game. This was his second straight double-double. If he can rebound and block this way in the future, which he has the ability to do, he's worth using as a No. 2 center in Fantasy. |
|
Q. Ross sits out with bruised back
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Quinton Ross, SF DAL |
|
| News: Mavericks SG Quinton Ross, who's starting with Josh Howard recovering from offseason ankle surgery, missed Wednesday's game at New Orleans with a bruised lower back. He's day to day. |
Analysis: Ross might technically start, but he's just a placeholder so Jason Terry can come off the bench. He doesn't actually offer anything statistically and should remain on waivers in Fantasy. |
|
Beaubois starts, doesn't play much
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Rodrigue Beaubois, PG DAL |
|
| News: Mavericks rookie G Rodrigue Beaubois got his first NBA start for the injured Quinton Ross (bruised lower back) Wednesday at New Orleans and scored the Mavericks' first nine points. He did not score again, however, playing only 14 minutes. |
Analysis: Beaubois has some scoring potential, but the Mavericks already have an excellent scorer off the bench in Jason Terry. Even with Ross out, Beaubois probably won't get the time he needs to make an impact in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers. |
|
Morrow finally puts up some numbers
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Anthony Morrow, SG GS |
|
| News: Warriors G/F Anthony Morrow, who scored only seven points in each of the team's first two games, blew up for 24 in 33 minutes off the bench Wednesday against the Grizzlies. "Morrow really was the only guy I thought was hot," coach Don Nelson said. "This is the first time this year where we were really looking for him. He did the rest. And the fast pace helps him get open." Morrow shot 10 for 12, including 4 for 4 from 3-point range. He had only one rebound and zero assists, however. "His upside is what's scary, how good he can be," said teammate Stephen Jackson. |
Analysis: Morrow will have games like this from time to time as an adept scorer on an explosive offense. As a reserve, though, his performance will be erratic. Until he becomes more consistent, he's just a low-end option in Fantasy. |
|
Ellis records first double-double
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Monta Ellis, SG GS |
|
| News: Warriors G Monta Ellis scored 24 points and dished out a season-high 12 assists Wednesday against the Grizzlies. He also had seven rebounds. |
Analysis: The Warriors have played only three games this season, but you can't complain about Ellis' numbers so far. He's averaging 23.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists and might actually come close to those numbers over the course of the season. He's a No. 1 Fantasy guard. |
|
Conley's scoring drops Wednesday
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Mike Conley, PG MEM |
|
| News: Grizzlies PG Mike Conley scored in single digits for only the second time this season Wednesday at Golden State, finishing with eight points, six rebounds and six assists in 30 minutes. Meanwhile, Allen Iverson, playing in only his second game of the season, emerged off the bench, finishing with 18 points and seven assists in 28 minutes. |
Analysis: Conley starts for the Grizzlies and has a moderate amount of upside, but you have to figure Iverson will cut into his production somewhat. Until the situation becomes more clear, treat both as No. 4 Fantasy guards. |
|
Brown drops 18 in overtime contest
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Bobby Brown, PG NO |
|
| News: Hornets reserve PG Bobby Brown scored a season-high 18 points in an overtime game against the Mavericks on Wednesday. He played 30 minutes, shooting 8 for 15 from the field, including 2 for 4 from 3-point range. |
Analysis: Brown had yet to score in double figures before Wednesday's game, so he's just a modest contributor off the bench. He should remain on waivers in virtually all Fantasy formats. |
|
West picks up first double-double
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| David West, PF NO |
|
| News: Hornets PF David West recorded season highs across the board Wednesday in an overtime game against the Mavericks. He finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in 43 minutes. The double-double was his first of the season. |
Analysis: West has averaged over 20 points and eight rebounds each of the last two seasons, so his numbers are down in the early going, possibly do to the offseason addition of Emeka Okafor. His averages might dip slightly, but he's still a No. 1 forward in Fantasy. |
|
Struggling Terry goes off for 35
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Jason Terry, PG DAL |
|
| News: Mavericks SG Jason Terry, who had yet to score 20 points in a game, shooting only 34 percent from the field, came around Wednesday at New Orleans. He scored 35 points on 12 of 18 shooting, including 4 of 8 from 3-point range. He also had three assists and two rebounds. |
Analysis: Terry's assists have decreased in recent years, but he's still an excellent scorer off the bench, averaging 19.6 points with 167 3-pointers last season. Now that he has his shot working again, he's a No. 3 guard in Fantasy. |
|
Thompson drops 22 and 12 on Hawks
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Jason Thompson, PF SAC |
|
| News: Kings PF Jason Thompson had easily his best game of the young season on Wednesday night in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Thompson was dominant in the paint as he scored 22 points on 7 of 15 shooting with 12 rebounds. It was his first double-double of the season. He played 40 minutes and added two steals and a block with five assists. |
Analysis: Thompson had no scored in double figures since the season opener when he dropped 11 and nine boards. He followed that with 12 rebounds but only nine points. After two terrible games in between, he finally showed his great promise on Wednesday. Thompson averaged 11.1 points and 7.4 rebounds as a rookie last year and could take a big step forward this year starting now. Continue to use him as a No. 3 Fantasy forward with the upside for more. |
|
Gooden misses 3rd straight
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Drew Gooden, PF DAL |
|
| News: Dallas PF Drew Gooden (ribs) missed his third straight game with a strained rib cage Wednesday against the Hornets. He's day to day. |
Analysis: Gooden has made only one of 10 shots from the floor and averaged 3.0 rebounds during his first two games with the Mavericks. Coming off the bench, he likely won't make a consistent enough contribution to matter in Fantasy. |
|
Howard still missing time
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Josh Howard, SF DAL |
|
| News: Dallas SF Josh Howard still isn't ready to return to action while recovering from offseason ankle surgery on Wednesday against the Hornets. He might still be a few games away. |
Analysis: Howard is a good scorer and rebounder when healthy, but he looks like he's still a couple games from returning. Keep him stashed, though. He could potentially return as soon as Fantasy Week 3 (Nov. 9-15). |
|
Thomas still sitting out
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Tim Thomas, PF DAL |
|
| News: Dallas PF Tim Thomas continued to recover from offseason knee surgery on the bench as he did not play on Wednesday against the Hornets. He is day to day and could return on Saturday against the Raptors. |
Analysis: Thomas will have a role in the Mavericks' rotation when he returns, but his minutes and production will be inconsistent. He's not worth stashing except in the deepest of leagues. |
|
Hayes has first double-double
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Chuck Hayes, PF HOU |
|
| News: Houston PF Chuck Hayes had a monster game on Wednesday in an overtime loss to the Lakers. Hayes scored a season-high 14 points and added another season high with 14 rebounds. He shot 7 of 9 from the floor, had two steals and a block. |
Analysis: Hayes is averaging 8.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and is shooting at a high percentage over his first five games of the season. He is quietly gaining center eligibility in Fantasy leagues that has dual eligibility and is a solid low-end Fantasy option for use when the matchups are in his favor. |
|
Landry scores 20 points
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Carl Landry, PF HOU |
|
| News: Houston PF Carl Landry played his best game of the season on Wednesday in an overtime loss to the Lakers. Landry scored a season-high 20 points in the win and grabbed eight rebounds. He shot 9 of 12 over 26 minutes off the bench. |
Analysis: Landry has scored in double figures in four straight games and is averaging over 11 points and five boards on the season. He will have solid games here and there but remains mainly a low-end Fantasy option. |
|
Pecherov making impact as a starter
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Oleksiy Pecherov, C MIN |
|
| News: The Timberwolves' Oleksiy Pecherov, who continues to start at power forward with Kevin Love sidelined by a broken hand, scored a career-high 24 points in 34 minutes Wednesday against the Celtics. He also had eight rebounds. In three games as a starter, he's averaging 15.0 points and 6.3 rebounds. |
Analysis: Pecherov has had his moments in preseason play, but he has never gotten an opportunity to play big minutes during the regular season until now. The Timberwolves don't have many scorers, so Pecherov could continue to put up decent numbers as long as he remains in the starting lineup. If you have a desperate need at center or power forward, consider giving him a look. |
|
Williams scores in double figures
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Terrence Williams, SG NJ |
|
| News: Nets rookie G/F Terrence Williams had 13 points and six rebounds in 28 minutes off the bench Wednesday against the Nuggets. He has scored in double figures in three of his first five games, averaging 11.2 points. |
Analysis: Williams could become a starter for the rebuilding Nets eventually, but right now he's having to split time with fellow sleepers Chris Douglas-Roberts and Courtney Lee. Until he gets more minutes, he's borderline rosterable at best. |
|
Najera fills in for injured Yi
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Eduardo Najera, PF NJ |
|
| News: Nets PF Eduardo Najera got to start Wednesday's game against the Nuggets with Yi Jianlian out with a knee injury. Najera played 24 minutes, finishing with 14 points and seven rebounds. |
Analysis: Jianlian will miss a few more games, so Najera has a chance to put decent numbers in the meantime. He doesn't have much upside and normally sees few minutes off the bench, so you can leave him on waivers in all but the deepest of leagues. |
|
Lawson tops season-opening effort
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Ty Lawson, PG DEN |
|
| News: Nuggers rookie PG Ty Lawson, who scored 17 points in the season opener, got back in double figures Wednesday at New Jersey, scoring 23 points on 9 of 10 shooting, including 3 of 3 from 3-point range. He also had four rebounds and two assists in 28 minutes. |
Analysis: Lawson has upside and should get decent minutes off the bench, but he's not going to pass Chauncey Billups anytime soon. Barring an injury, he won't produce consistently enough to matter outside of deeper leagues. |
|
Jones doubles up against Knicks
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Dahntay Jones, SG IND |
|
| News: Indiana SG Dahntay Jones got the start on Wednesday with Troy Murphy out against the Knicks. Jones made the most of it with 19 points on 8 of 15 shooting. He added 12 rebounds for his first double-double of the season. |
Analysis: Jones has scored 17 points or more in three of his four games this season and is averaging 15.5 points and five boards per night thus far. Jones has never done anything worthwhile in Fantasy, but the Pacers seem to like him as a scorer off the bench. It seems he'll be able to score this way regardless of whether or not he's starting so think of him as a viable option in deeper Fantasy leagues right now. |
|
Lee goes 20 and 19 vs. Pacers
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| David Lee, PF NY |
|
| News: Knicks PF David Lee registered his second double-double of the season on Wednesday night in a loss to the Pacers. Lee scored 20 points on 9 of 17 shooting and ripped down a season-high 19 rebounds. He added four assists, two steals and two blocked shots. |
Analysis: Lee has two double-doubles in five games this season and both of them were monster nights with 18 and 19 rebounds, respectively. This is what you can expect from Lee, who remains a No. 1 Fantasy PF. |
|
Curry still sitting out
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Eddy Curry, C NY |
|
| News: Knicks C Eddy Curry remains out with what the team is calling a calf injury but it seems he just doesn't fall into coach Mike D'Antoni's plans. He is out indefinitely for now. We'll let you know when he returns. |
Analysis: Curry played only three games last season because of injuries and spent the summer trying to get back into shape, dropping to 317 pounds shortly before camp. He used to be one of the higher-scoring centers in the league, so he has some sleeper appeal. Still, until he gets on the floor, ignore him in Fantasy play. |
|
Wright has first double-digit scoring game
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Antoine Wright, SF TOR |
|
| News: Toronto SG Antoine Wright registered double figures in scoring for the first time this season on Wednesday night in a win over the Pistons. Wright scored 12 points over 17 minutes on the court. He shot 3 of 6 from the field and hit two threes. He added five boards and a blocked shot. |
Analysis: Wright entered the game averaging 4.7 points, 2.7 boards and 2.3 assists over 22 minutes per night. That isn't enough to warrant use in most Fantasy leagues. Leave him on waivers for now. |
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Bargnani registers double-double
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Andrea Bargnani, PF TOR |
|
| News: Toronto C Andrea Bargnani shot 8 of 16 from the field on Wednesday night in a win over the Detroit Pistons. Bargnani scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for a double-double. He added two blocked shots and a steal. He also hit two threes. |
Analysis: Bargnani has scored over 20 points in three of the four games in which he's played but Wednesday was his first double-double. He has also hit at least two threes in each game. He should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy C for use in all leagues. |
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Gordon has first 30-point night
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Ben Gordon, SG DET |
|
| News: With Ben Gordon still starting for the pistons as Richard Hamilton remains out, Gordon continues to score at a high level. On Wednesday against the Raptors, Gordon scored 30 points over 45 minutes. He shot 10 of 19 from the field with two threes and added four assists and two boards. |
Analysis: Gordon has scored at least 22 points in every game he's played this season. We don't think he'll lose too much production when Hamilton returns as he'll continue to play big minutes, only off the bench. He is a high-end Fantasy scorer but does little else to help in Fantasy formats. |
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O'Neal beginning to struggle again
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Jermaine O'Neal, PF MIA |
|
| News: Miami C Jermaine O'Neal is beginning to play like the guy owners have complained about for the last few years. O'Neal scored just four points on 2 of 7 shooting over 32 minutes on Wednesday in a win over the Wizards. He added seven rebounds and a block. |
Analysis: O'Neal scored 22 points in each of his first two games and had double-doubles in both with 12 rebounds apiece. In the three games since, he has scored 14 points and registered seven boards, at most. He is playing with a broken nose and if that isn't bothering him, something else is right now. Hopefully he turns it around again but is probably more like what we expected from him this season. He remains a No. 2 Fantasy center. |
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Love gets encouraging news
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Kevin Love, PF MIN |
|
| News: Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love says he feels like he is ahead of schedule in rehabilitating his surgically repaired left hand. Love broke his hand in the preseason and had surgery on Oct. 20. Doctors told him to expect a recovery time of six to eight weeks. But Love said on Wednesday that he is hoping to be cleared to return to practice on Nov. 20. That's when doctors will review X-rays to check his progress. Love is scheduled to have stitches removed on Thursday. He is hoping the swelling will start to subside and he will regain mobility in his hand soon. Coach Kurt Rambis said it is too early to set a target date for Love to return to the court. |
Analysis: Love was the NBA's leading rookie rebounder last season with 9.1 per game while missing just one game all season and scoring 11.1 points. You'll have to stash him until at least early December but it seems he's healing quicker than expected. Continue to keep tabs on his progress. |
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Wade notches first 40-point game
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Dwyane Wade, SG MIA |
|
| News: Miami SG Dwyane Wade registered his first 40-point game of the season on Wednesday night in a win over the Wizards. Wade scored 40 on 14 of 26 shooting with two threes over 42 minutes on the court. He added four rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal. |
Analysis: Wade has scored at least 23 points in every game this season. There will be plenty of 40-point games in his future. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy option at all times. |
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Nelson dishes out 10 assists
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Jameer Nelson, PG ORL |
|
| News: Magic PG Jameer Nelson helped the team defeat the Suns on Wednesday night. Nelson scored 16 points on 7 of 13 shooting over 24 minutes on the court. He added 10 assists. |
Analysis: Nelson has been largely mediocre thus far this season. He has scored nine or fewer points in three of his five games but the other two were 30 and 16-point efforts. All that would be fine as long as he continues putting up solid assist numbers but Wednesday was the first time he's been in double figures in that category. He has shot poorly thus far but we're sure he'll turn that around. We expect plenty of double-digit games in both points and assists. Nelson remains a high-end Fantasy PG. |
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Barnes looks good as starter
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Matt Barnes, SF ORL |
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| News: Orlando SF Matt Barnes saw his second start of the season with Vince Carter out of commission on Wednesday night against the Suns. Barnes made the most of his 32 minutes as he scored 13 points and added 11 rebounds for his first double-double. He was 5 of 9 from the field and hit three threes. He added five assists and two steals. |
Analysis: Barnes played extremely well on Wednesday in the starting lineup. He has scored in double figures in his last three games and Wednesday saw his season high in scoring, rebounding and assists. He only has low-end Fantasy appeal for now but if this keeps up, that will change. |
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Dragic scores 15 over 30 minutes
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Goran Dragic, PG PHO |
|
| News: Suns PG Goran Dragic saw 30 minutes on the court on Wednesday in a loss to Orlando. He scored 15 points in the game on 5 of 10 shooting and hit two threes. He added four rebounds and six assists. |
Analysis: Dragic out-assisted Steve Nash on Wednesday. He has at least three assists in all but one game played this season thus far and Wednesday was the first time he saw more than 13 minutes on the court. This increase in playing time could mean bigger and better things going forward for Dragic but until we see proof of that, continue using him only as a reserve in the deepest of Fantasy leagues. |
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Dudley scores in double figures
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Jared Dudley, PF PHO |
|
| News: Phoenix SF Jared Dudley played well in 23 minutes off the bench on Wednesday in a loss to the Magic. Dudley scored 17 points on 7 of 14 shooting and added three rebounds and two steals. |
Analysis: This was the first game this season that Dudley scored in double figures despite seeing similar playing time in all of his five games. This was only the second time since the season began that he shot 50 percent or better from the field. He seems like a decent source of cheap steals but not much else. Leave him alone in all but deeper Fantasy leagues. |
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Udoka signed by Trail Blazers
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Ime Udoka, SF POR |
|
| News: The Sacramento Kings have signed swingman Ime Udoka to a contract. The team did not release terms of the deal announced Wednesday. Udoka spent the preseason with Portland before being waived last month. |
Analysis: Udoka is averaging 6.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game in his five-year career. He has played 227 games for the Los Angeles Lakers, New York, Portland and San Antonio. We don't consider him a viable Fantasy option. |
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Blake still starting for Blazers
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Steve Blake, PG POR |
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| News: The Trail Blazers once again started Steve Blake at point guard Tuesday against Atlanta. He shot 2 for 10 from the field in 27 minutes and finished with only 5 points and 3 assists. Andre Miller played 28 minutes off the bench and had just 5 points, but 11 assists. |
Analysis: The Blazers are off to a 2-3 start and Blake hasn't done much to justify leaving him as the starter over Miller, who has been a high-end point guard throughout his career. Until this situation is settled, Fantasy owners have to consider Miller just a low-end starter in Fantasy and Blake as an undesirable option due to his inefficiency. |
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Roy off to a great start
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Brandon Roy, SG POR |
|
| News: Trail Blazers G Brandon Roy had 19 points, 6 assists and 2 rebounds in Tuesday's game against Atlanta. He is averaging 25.4 points, 5.0 assists and 4.2 rebounds through the first five games of the season. |
Analysis: Roy has scored at least 19 points in four of his first five games and has been a very well-rounded Fantasy producer. If he remains healthy, he should be among the top 10 overall producers in Fantasy this season. |
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Webster chips in as a starter
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Martell Webster, SG POR |
|
| News: Trail Blazers F Martell Webster once again started at small forward Tuesday against Atlanta. He managed 8 points with just 1 rebound and no assists in 27 minutes. |
Analysis: Webster has been around 10 points in four of his first five games. He won't put up jaw-dropping numbers, but could be viewed as a serviceable stopgap in deeper leagues due to his starting role. |
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Crawford, Hawks figure things out
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Jamal Crawford, SG ATL |
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| News: Hawks G Mike Bibby had 7 points with 5 assists in Tuesday's game at Portland. He is averaging 9.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds through four games. Jamal Crawford had 27 points, 7 assists and 2 rebounds in 34 minutes off the bench. |
Analysis: Bibby has alternated double-digit and single-digit performances through his first four games, but the troubling thing for Fantasy owners has to be the way Crawford has looked the last three games after a horrible first game. The Hawks are still looking for a way to rotate Crawford, Johnson and Bibby and it looks like they have found a good mix early. Fantasy owners concerned with Crawford should start to breath a sigh of relief. |
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Bibby not off to great start
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Mike Bibby, PG ATL |
|
| News: Hawks G Mike Bibby had 7 points with 5 assists in Tuesday's game at Portland. He is averaging 9.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds through four games. |
Analysis: Bibby has alternated double-digit and single-digit performances through his first four games, but the troubling thing for Fantasy owners has to be the way Jamal Crawford has looked the last three games. He had 27 points, 7 assists and 2 rebounds Tuesday and ultimately should take away more minutes and touches from Bibby than he will Joe Johnson. |
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Johnson off to terrific start
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Joe Johnson, SG ATL |
|
| News: Hawks G Joe Johnson had 19 points with 8 rebounds and 3 assists in Tuesday's game at Portland. He also blocked a shot in 45 minutes. Johnson is averaging 22.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists through four games. |
Analysis: Johnson is playing for a contract this season and it certainly shows in his production early on. Expect him to average excellent numbers across the board and we view him as an elite No. 1 guard in all formats. |
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Horford off to strong start
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Al Horford, PF ATL |
|
| News: Hawks C Al Horford had 11 points and 13 rebounds in Tuesday's game at Portland with a block and no assists. He is averaging 12.8 points and 12.5 rebounds through four games. |
Analysis: Horford is also averaging 2.3 blocks early on this season and is looking like a double-double machine with three in his first four games. Continue to view him as a solid No. 1 center in any league. |
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Smith active on defensive end
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Josh Smith, SF ATL |
|
| News: Hawks F Josh Smith had 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists with 2 blocks and 3 steals in Tuesday's game at Portland. He is averaging 2.5 steals and 1.8 blocks through four games. |
Analysis: Smith should be among the league leaders in blocks if he can stay healthy, but it's his offensive game that may not allow him to get back to the level he was in Fantasy two years ago when he was an elite option in all Rotisserie leagues. Because the Hawks have so many capable scorers, his offensive numbers could be erratic all year, but we still view him as a very strong No. 2 option in any format. |
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Williams not doing much offensively
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Marvin Williams, SF ATL |
|
| News: Hawks F Marvin Williams scored 7 points with 7 rebounds and an assist in Tuesday's game at Portland. He was just 1 of 4 from the field and was held under 10 points for the second straight game. |
Analysis: Williams had 14 points in the opener, but that has been his high point thus far. He has yet to attempt more than eight shots and has taken fewer shots in each game. Williams is in a stacked lineup that may not offer him enough touches to fulfill his potential and is a frustrating Fantasy option as a result. |
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Williams slowed by Celtics
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Lou Williams, SG PHI |
|
| News: Sixers G Lou Williams had 7 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds in Tuesday's game against Boston. It was the first game in which he was held under 16 points. |
Analysis: Williams got off to a great start in Week 1, but met much tougher opposition against Boston. Despite this slow game, we still like Williams as a breakout candidate at guard this year. |
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Iguodala off to good start
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Andre Iguodala, SF PHI |
|
| News: Sixers F Andre Iguodala had 17 points, 3 assists and 1 rebound in Tuesday's game against Boston. He is averaging 19.0 points, 6.0 assists and 6.5 rebounds through four games. |
Analysis: Iguodala is a Rotisserie stud, providing excellent numbers across the board and should adapt well to Eddie Jordan's Princeton offense. He will play the role Caron Butler played in Washington under Jordan -- possibly with even better results. |
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Dalembert just about average
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Samuel Dalembert, C PHI |
|
| News: Sixers C Samuel Dalembert had 8 points and 8 rebounds in Tuesday's game against Boston. He is averaging 8.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in his first four games. He is also averaging 1.5 blocks. |
Analysis: This is more or less what Fantasy owners should be expecting from Dalembert. He isn't and has never been much of an offensive presence, but he can turn in decent rebounding numbers and is a good shot blocker. View him as a No. 3 center in Fantasy. |
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Brand off to up-and-down start
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Elton Brand, PF PHI |
|
| News: Sixers F Elton Brand had just 6 points with 4 rebounds in Tuesday's loss to the Celtics. It was his second game under 10 points. |
Analysis: Brand had 8 points and 6 rebounds in the opener at Orlando, but followed that up with 17-and-6 against Milwaukee and 16-and-7 against the Knicks. He is off to a rocky start, but the ability for games like he had against Milwaukee and New York make him tough to sit. |
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Young just average in early going
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Thaddeus Young, SF PHI |
|
| News: Sixers F Thaddeus Young had 11 points, 2 assists and 2 rebounds in Tuesday's game against Boston. He shot just 4 for 16 from the field. He is averaging 14.3 points through five games. |
Analysis: Young hasn't been great and he hasn't been horrible early on. His three-point shot has not been falling yet (1 for 10 in five games), but is averaging over a steal per game and has gotten double-digit shot attempts in his last three games. View him as a No. 3 forward with upside. |
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House gets going from long range
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Eddie House, SG BOS |
|
| News: Celtics G Eddie House had 12 points in 15 minutes off the bench. He went 4 for 5 from the field, all from three-point range. He is 10 for 21 from beyond the arc through five games. |
Analysis: House has hit four treys in two of his last three games and continues to be a decent cheap source for help in that area. However, his stat lines should remain inconsistent due to his bench role and Fantasy owners should consider him merely based upon matchups. |
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Williams decent off Celtics bench
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Shelden Williams, PF BOS |
|
| News: Celtics F Shelden Williams had 11 points and 7 rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench Tuesday at Philadelphia. Williams is averaging 7.8 points and 6.6 rebounds through five games. |
Analysis: Williams has been getting good minutes off the bench early, but mostly due to the fact the Celtics have been in several blowouts. He should continue to see similar production while Glen Davis is sidelined the first month of the season. |
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Daniels just chipping in off bench
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Marquis Daniels, SG BOS |
|
| News: Celtics G Marquis Daniels had 6 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds in 28 minutes off the bench Tuesday at Philadelphia. He is averaging 5.0 points, 2.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds through five games. |
Analysis: Daniels has been getting good minutes off the bench early on, partly due to all the blowouts the Celtics have been playing in. He is a nice role player, but not someone we expect to have much Fantasy appeal as he is not likely to see many offensive looks on a regular basis. He has yet to attempt more than five shots in a game. |
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'Sheed a force from long range
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Rasheed Wallace, PF BOS |
|
| News: Celtics C Rasheed Wallace had 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists off the bench in Tuesday's game at Philadelphia. He added 2 steals and 1 block while shooting 6 of 8 from beyond the arc in 24 minutes. Wallace is 15 of 33 from beyond the arc in five games. |
Analysis: Wallace has been getting around 22 minutes per game off the bench and has been a real force from beyond the arc. He is getting a lot of looks from beyond the arc, taking at least five shots from three-point range in all five games and as much as eight shots in two games. He can be useful as a No. 2 center in standard formats despite his bench role. |
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Allen hits rare speed bump
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Ray Allen, SG BOS |
|
| News: Celtics G Ray Allen had just 5 points with 2 assists and 1 rebound in Tuesday's game at Philadelphia. He shot just 2 for 8 from the field. It was the first game where he was held under 16 points through his first five. |
Analysis: Allen was never a factor in a game where the Celtics ran away and hid from the Sixers. The C's have had a few blowouts early on this year and have rested their big players in the second half. Despite this rare clunker, Allen remains a strong Fantasy play. |
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Perkins just average early on
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Kendrick Perkins, C BOS |
|
| News: Celtics C Kendrick Perkins had just 3 points with 6 rebounds and 2 assists in Tuesday's game at Philadelphia. He has averaged 8.4 points and 5.0 rebounds through five games. |
Analysis: Perkins has scored in double figures just once this season, but he has scored at least 9 points in four of five games. He's the type of player who can be used in cumulative leagues when facing four-game weeks or in average-based play based upon very favorable matchups. |
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Pierce off to another great start
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Paul Pierce, SG BOS |
|
| News: Celtics F Paul Pierce had 21 points with 8 rebounds and 4 assists in Tuesday's game at Philadelphia. He has scored 20-plus points in three of his first four games. |
Analysis: Pierce scored just 15 points in the second game of the season, but that was in a 92-59 blowout where he did not play much in the second half. He is off to another great start and seems to be the most reliable Fantasy option on the Celtics along with Rajon Rondo and ahead of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. |
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Collison not a factor early on
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Nick Collison, C OKC |
|
| News: Thunder C Nick Collison did not score a point for the second straight game Tuesday against the Lakers. He has scored just 10 points with 14 combined rebounds in four games. |
Analysis: Collison is getting just around 16 minutes per game early on this season and is not a factor at all in the offense. The presence of Nenad Krstic and Etan Thomas could be more of a negative factor than anticipated and Collison is a player you could consider cutting if you need to make a move. Expect him to be on and off rosters all season. |
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Harden not a factor early on
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| James Harden, SG OKC |
|
| News: Thunders G James Harden had 9 points with 3 assists and 1 rebound in Tuesday's game against the Lakers. He is averaging 5.5 points, 3.3 assists and 2.0 rebounds through four games. |
Analysis: Harden is a promising young guard who just doesn't have the role to produce big numbers with. Not yet anyway. He is worth stashing in deeper seasonal leagues and remains a must-own in keeper formats. |
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Howard fights through sore shoulder
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Dwight Howard, C ORL |
|
| News: Magic C Dwight Howard fouled out after only 17 minutes of play Tuesday at Detroit, struggling all night with a sore shoulder. He missed half of the third quarter after aggravating an injury sustained Sunday in Toronto, though he did return to foul out with 3:45 left. He finished with eight points and five rebounds. "It's just very, very sore, but it is hard when you get hit so hard every night," Howard said. "I'm a big guy, but it still hurts when I'm getting hit this much. It's getting worse, but I have to keep my composure and try not to complain. The last two games, though, I've been very close to going off." |
Analysis: Howard averaged 21.7 points, 16.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks over his first three games, so the pounding he has taken didn't affect him until Tuesday. This shoulder soreness doesn't sound like anything that should sideline him, so keep him active as the top center in Fantasy and an elite source of points, rebounds and blocks. |
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Thomas gets a chance to perform
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Etan Thomas, C OKC |
|
| News: Thunder C Nenad Krstic had just 6 points and 1 rebound in Tuesday's overtime game against the Lakers. He played only 18 minutes. Etan Thomas played 35 minutes off the bench in his place and managed 9 points with 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. Krstic scored 20 and 14 points in the first two games of the season, but has managed just 6 points in the two next games. |
Analysis: Krstic got off to a quick start, but has tailed off. This is likely going to be a trend this season with Thomas and Krstic alternating good nights with bad nights. Each player should be considered as a No. 3 center to be used while going well and facing favorable matchups. Right now, it's Thomas, but it could be Krstic again soon. |
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Green putting together solid lines
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Jeff Green, SF OKC |
|
| News: Thunder F Jeff Green scored 18 points with 5 rebounds and 3 assists in Tuesday's overtime game against the Lakers. He also added 2 steals and 2 blocks while shooting 3 for 5 from beyond the arc. Green is 8 for 19 from beyond the arc in four games. |
Analysis: Green has averaged great basic stats: 19.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists. But it's his peripheral numbers (1.5 steals, 1.3 blocks, 2.0 three pointers per game) that are helping to make him an elite option in category-based play. Fantasy owners should continue to view him as a must-start in all leagues who is quickly becoming an elite forward in Fantasy. |
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Durant struggling from beyond arc
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Kevin Durant, SF OKC |
|
| News: Thunder F Kevin Durant had 28 points with 5 assists and 4 rebounds in Tuesday's overtime loss to the Lakers. He shot 10 for 24 from the field, but was 0 for 8 from beyond the arc. He had made just 2 of 19 three pointers this season. |
Analysis: Durant also committed seven turnovers in Tuesday's game and he was horrible in the fourth quarter and overtime session. He had just two turnovers coming into the game, however, and has averaged 23.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists this season -- so it's not all bad. |
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Fisher off to a slow start
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Derek Fisher, PG LAL |
|
| News: Lakers G Derek Fisher had his best stat line of the young season in Tuesday's overtime game in Oklahoma City. He scored 9 points with 4 rebounds and 2 assists in 35 minutes. Fisher is averaging just 6.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 through four games. |
Analysis: Fisher continues to be the starting point guard for the Lakers, but he is mainly just a veteran caretaker who fits in well silently alongside Kobe Bryant in the back court. He is not worth activating in any leagues at this moment, but does tend to get hot for brief streaks throughout the season. |
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Odom gets off on right foot
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Lamar Odom, PF LAL |
|
| News: Lakers F Lamar Odom had 13 points with 8 rebounds in Thursday's overtime game at Oklahoma City. He also added 2 assists, 2 steals and a three pointer. |
Analysis: Odom is averaging a very useful stat line: 12.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists with 1.3 steals 0.8 blocks and a three-pointer per contest. However, Fantasy owners should understand that Odom is getting this done with Pau Gasol sidelined. Once he returns, there is a distinct potential for his numbers to decline across the board. |
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Artest looks like himself again
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Ron Artest, SF LAL |
|
| News: Lakers F Ron Artest had his best game with his new team Tuesday night at the Oklahoma City Thunder. He scored 20 points with 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 5 steals in 47 minutes of action during the team's 101-98 overtime win. Artest had not scored more than 12 points in his first three games with the Lakers. |
Analysis: Artest is in line for a dip in production this season and it has nothing to do with his ability. As he displayed Tuesday night, he is perfectly capable of putting up these types of numbers, but the regularity of it is the problem. Once the Lakers get back to full strength with Pau Gasol returning, there simply won't be enough touches to go around to maintain Artest's scoring average around what Fantasy owners expect from him. He has not averaged under 15 points per game since 2001-02, but that's a distinct possibility this year. The peripheral numbers should remain excellent, making him still a very diversified option for category-based play. But the scoring production will likely take a dive. |
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G. Hill playing like it's 1995
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Grant Hill, SG PHO |
|
| News: SF Grant Hill, who has managed to stay healthy in his first two years with the Suns, doing what he couldn't do in Orlando, has stepped up his performance to begin this season. He had 10 points and 12 rebounds Tuesday at Miami, giving him three double-doubles in four games. He's averaging 17.5 points and 10.3 rebounds for the season. |
Analysis: Hill is 37 years old and seemingly on his way out the door, but he's playing like he did 10 years ago. He was just a borderline rosterable player in Fantasy, but he's looking like a must-start right now. You have to be skeptical of him continuing this performance at his age, though. |
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Yi out indefinitely with knee sprain
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Yi Jianlian, SF NJ |
|
| News: The New Jersey Nets say an MRI performed on forward Yi Jianlian confirmed that he has sprained a ligament in his right knee. The Nets said Tuesday that Yi will begin rehabilitation immediately and there is no timetable for his return. Yi was injured in Monday night's 79-68 loss at Charlotte. Yi was near the basket when Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace fell and rolled into his leg midway through the third quarter. Yi crumpled to the floor and put no pressure on his right leg as he left. The 22-year-old Yi, who played for China's Olympic team, came to the Nets in a 2008 trade. |
Analysis: Keep an eye on Yi and hope he can return soon. He was playing well to start this season, averaging 9.8 points and 7.5 rebounds. Hopefully he will not be out long, and consider him a No. 3 Fantasy forward when healthy. |
|
Aldridge looks himself in return
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| LaMarcus Aldridge, PF POR |
|
| News: Blazers PF LaMarcus Aldridge, who left Sunday's game with a bruised right knee, returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Hawks and led the team with 20 points and a season-high 14 rebounds. He's now averaging 14.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in five games. |
Analysis: Aldridge's numbers are a little down at the beginning of the season. He averaged 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds last season and is perfectly capable of putting up those numbers again. Keep him active as a No. 2 Fantasy forward. |
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Bynum drops 20 points off bench
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Will Bynum, PG DET |
|
| News: Pistons PG Will Bynum came off the bench to score 20 points in 28 minutes Tuesday as Detroit opted for a three-guard attack against the Magic and C Dwight Howard. Bynum shot 7 for 15 from the floor, also contributing three rebounds and two assists. |
Analysis: Bynum has scored in double figures in three straight games, so he's looking like a consistent contributor off the bench. Then again, those three games happen to be the same three Richard Hamilton has missed due to injury. You're better off leaving Bynum on waivers in Fantasy, but he obviously has some potential. |
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Stuckey once again scores 20 points
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Rodney Stuckey, SG DET |
|
| News: Pistons PG Rodney Stuckey scored 20 points for the second time in four games Tuesday against the Magic, shooting 7 for 20 from the field. He also had a season-high nine rebounds and three assists. |
Analysis: Stuckey isn't the best shooter, particularly from behind the arc, but he's a decent scorer and contributes a handful of assists and rebounds every game. Keep him active as a No. 2 or 3 Fantasy guard. |
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Kidd does some scoring for once
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Jason Kidd, PG DAL |
|
| News: Mavericks PG Jason Kidd, who averaged just 3.0 points over his first three games, broke out with 19 against the Jazz on Tuesday. He shot 6 for 11 from the field, including 5 for 8 from 3-point range, and also had six assists and five rebounds. |
Analysis: Kidd took a big step back as a scorer last season, averaging only 9.0 points, but he remains an excellent source of assists, steals and even blocks, at least for a guard. Despite his lack of scoring, he's still worth using as a No. 2 guard in Fantasy. |
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Okur has all-around effort Tuesday
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Mehmet Okur, C UTA |
|
| News: Jazz C Mehmet Okur had 14 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks Tuesday at Dallas. About the only thing he didn't do was shoot, hitting only 4 of 15 from the field and 1 of 4 from 3-point range. |
Analysis: Okur is a good scorer and excellent 3-point shooter for a big man, but sometimes his rebounds and blocks are lacking. Overall, the good outweighs the bad, making him a No. 1 Fantasy center. |
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Nowitkzi scores 40, 29 in fourth
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Dirk Nowitzki, PF DAL |
|
| News: The Mavericks' offense barely had a pulse for most of three quarters. Then Dirk Nowitzki decided to take control. Nowitzki scored a club-record 29 of his 40 points during a frantic fourth-quarter comeback and the Mavericks beat the visiting Jazz 96-85 on Tuesday. Nowitzki broke the franchise record of 24 points in any quarter set by Mark Aguirre against Denver on March 24, 1984. "It was an ugly game," Nowitzki said. "We couldn't get anything going for three quarters. We were slow. We were looking for a spark offensively and I was able to do that tonight." Nowitzki also had 11 rebounds, five assists, five blocks and two steals. He now has 20 or more points in 29 straight games. |
Analysis: The NBA record for points in a fourth quarter is Wilt Chamberlain's 31 for Philadelphia on March 2, 1962 against the New York Knicks. The mark for points in any quarter is 33 shared by San Antonio's George Gervin (April 9, 1978) and Denver's Carmelo Anthony (Dec. 10, 2008). Safe to say Nowitzki was in pretty good company with this performance. He has averaged more than 23 points each of the last five seasons, contributing plenty of rebounds and 3-pointers along the way. Clearly, he's one of the elite players in Fantasy and a must-start in all leagues. |
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Afflalo puts up 15 off the bench
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Arron Afflalo, SG DEN |
|
| News: Nuggets SG Arron Afflalo gave his team a boost off the bench Tuesday at Indiana, scoring 15 points in 23 minutes. He also had three rebounds and one assist. He scored a total of 10 points over his first three games. |
Analysis: Afflalo normally isn't able to do so much scoring in his limited playing time, which will only decrease when J.R. Smith returns from suspension. Leave him on waivers in Fantasy. |
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Backup Andersen gets boards, blocks
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Chris Andersen, PF DEN |
|
| News: Nuggets reserve PF Chris Andersen made the most of his 18 minutes Tuesday at Indiana, finishing with a season-high 11 rebounds and two blocks. He also scored six points. |
Analysis: Last season, Andersen averaged 2.5 blocks in 20.6 minutes per game, emerging as a useful specialist in Rotisserie leagues. Unfortunately, his upside is limited given his sporadic playing time. He remains a low-end option in Fantasy. |
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Nene has his best game of season
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Nene, PF DEN |
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| News: Nuggets C Nene recorded his first double-double of the season Tuesday at Indiana, finishing with 16 points and a season-high 13 rebounds. He didn't record a block, though, and now has none in three games since the season opener. |
Analysis: Even though Tuesday represented Nene's first double-double of the season, he's averaging right at a double-double with 14.3 points and 9.8 rebounds. You'd like to see his blocks improve, but otherwise, he's giving you everything you'd expect from a low-end No. 1 Fantasy center. |
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Varejao earns second double-double
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Anderson Varejao, C CLE |
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| News: Cavaliers PF Anderson Varejao, getting an opportunity to start this season, recorded his second double-double in five games Tuesday against the Wizards. He had 10 points, 10 rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes. |
Analysis: Varejao is averaging 8.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, which isn't enough to make anyone rush to the waiver wire and grab him. He will probably play a role on someone's Fantasy team before season's end, though. You can expect the same modest results from him going forward. |
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Shaq finds his form with Cavaliers
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Shaquille O'Neal, C CLE |
|
| News: Cavaliers C Shaquille O'Neal had easily his best game since joining Cleveland against the Wizards on Tuesday, scoring a season-high 21 points while wearing out Washington's big men. He also had eight rebounds and three assists. When Cleveland's offense sputtered, the Cavs simply dumped the ball inside to O'Neal and let him go to work. "We said, 'Let's throw it to Shaq and have him get something for us,'" Cavs coach Mike Brown said. |
Analysis: O'Neal's integration into their offense has been a slow process for the Cavs, but they are starting to figure out how to best use the All-Star center, who came over in a June trade from Phoenix. That can only be good news in Fantasy. He had a bounce-back season with the Suns last year, averaging 17.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. He might not reach those totals at age 37, but he should contribute enough in all three categories to function as a No. 2 center in Fantasy. |
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Arenas continues to top 20 points
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Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Gilbert Arenas, PG WAS |
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| News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas, who missed most of the last two seasons with knee injuries, is looking healthy and productive to begin the season. He topped 20 points for the fourth time in four games Tuesday at Cleveland, finishing with 22 on 7 of 18 shooting. He also had a season-high seven rebounds and five assists. |
Analysis: Arenas is looking like a stud again, picking up right where he left off three years ago. He should average over 20 points and six assists this season, making him a No. 1 Fantasy guard as long as he stays healthy. |
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Richardson sets highs with DBL-DBL
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Quentin Richardson, SF MIA |
|
| News: Heat SF Quentin Richardson, who averaged just 4.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in his first three games, blew up for 18 points and 10 rebounds Tuesday at Phoenix -- both season highs. He also had two assists, two steals and a block and hit four 3-pointers. |
Analysis: Richardson starts for the Heat, but Udonis Haslem comes off the bench to do most of the damage. Richardson knows how to shoot the three, so he might occasionally have big games like Tuesday's, but not with enough consistency to serve as more than a low-end Fantasy option. |
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Chalmers not offering big numbers
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Mario Chalmers, PG MIA |
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| News: Heat PG Mario Chalmers played 34 minutes Tuesday against the Suns, but he had a season-low five points and three assists. He also had three steals. So far in four games, he's averaging 8.8 points and 4.3 assists. |
Analysis: Chalmers plays alongside Dwyane Wade, so he doesn't get as many assists as most point guards. He's also not much of a scorer, thought he does contribute 3-pointers and steals. He looks like he's not going to up his production in his second NBA season, so he remains just a No. 4 Fantasy guard. |
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Amundson coming up big off bench
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Louis Amundson, PF PHO |
|
| News: Suns PF Louis Amundson has played well off the bench in the early going, but he had his best game yet Tuesday at Miami, finishing with 10 points, five rebounds and three blocks in 22 minutes. |
Analysis: The Suns have a few big men off the bench, but Amundson has emerged as the favorite in the early going. He still doesn't get enough minutes to matter in most Fantasy leagues, but he deserves a flier in some deeper ones. |
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Frye finally held to less than 10
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Channing Frye, PF PHO |
|
| News: Suns F/C Channing Frye, who is replacing Shaquille O'Neal in the starting lineup this season, scored a season-low nine points Tuesday at Miami. It was by far his worst game of the season. He's averaging 17.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in four games. |
Analysis: Frye has emerged as one of the better early-season sleepers in Fantasy, offering all the numbers you'd expect for a big man, as well as some 3-pointers. He deserves a flier in all Fantasy leagues as a No. 2 center. |
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Amar'e playing like big man so far
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Amar'e Stoudemire, C PHO |
|
| News: Suns PF Amar'e Stoudemire, playing with a protective mask this season as he recovers from surgery to repair a detached retina, has scored in double figures in every game so far. He had his first double-double Tuesday at Miami, finishing with 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. He has at least one block in each of his first four games. |
Analysis: Stoudemire's points and rebounds are nothing new, but the blocks are nice to see after he declined by a full block per game last year. He should step up in that department this year with Shaquille O'Neal out of town. As long as he stays healthy, he's worth starting as a No. 1 forward in Fantasy. |
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Nash scores season-high 30 points
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Steve Nash, PG PHO |
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| News: Suns PG Steve Nash scored 25 of his 30 points in the second half Tuesday at Miami. He made 10 of his final 11 shots, the only miss in the final 27 minutes being a turnaround 17-footer with 3:24 left in the third. "I didn't really play great in the first half," said Nash, who also had eight assists and hit four 3-pointers. "I didn't get a lot of opportunities, made some turnovers, so I wanted to get aggressive, give my teammates a chance to get back in the game -- and got on a roll a little bit." He scored 17 points in the third quarter alone. "He came out in that third quarter and put on a clinic," Suns forward Grant Hill said. "It was really fun to watch." |
Analysis: The 35-year-old Nash is averaging 21.5 points and 12.5 assists so far. The scoring average might be a little high for this stage of his career, but the assists are about right. He's still an elite contributor in the category and one of the top guards in Fantasy. Keep him active in all leagues. |
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Deng drops 24 points, 20 boards
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Luol Deng, SF CHI |
|
| News: Chicago SF Luol Deng achieved a fantastic double-double on Tuesday in a win over Milwaukee. Deng scored 24 points on 7 of 16 shooting with a three and added 20 rebounds. He also blocked two shots. |
Analysis: Deng picked up his first double-double despite just missing the feat twice already this season. The 20 rebounds are a giant total for a guy not exactly known for his rebounding ability. He came in averaging 15.7 points and 7.3 rebounds and clearly both of those numbers are going up. Consider Deng a solid Fantasy option for any league the way he's playing at the moment. |
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Warrick has first double-double
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Hakim Warrick, PF MIL |
|
| News: Bucks PF Hakim Warrick scored 11 points and ripped down 10 rebounds on Tuesday in an 83-81 loss to Chicago. Warrick shot 5 of 15 from the field and added a block. |
Analysis: Warrick picked up his first double-double of the season in three games. He scored 21 points in the game before Tuesday's but this was the first time he was in double digits in boards. Warrick seems like he'll be a solid double-double threat this season and is worth using in most deeper Fantasy leagues. |
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Bogut back at double-double level
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Andrew Bogut, C MIL |
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| News: Milwaukee C Andrew Bogut played 38 minutes in a loss to Chicago on Tuesday night. Bogut scored 16 points and grabbed 13 boards. He shot 8 of 14 from the field and added three blocked shots. |
Analysis: Bogut has three games under his belt this season but Tuesday's was the first in double figures in scoring and rebounding. He'd been shooting poorly to open the year but should have that completely turned around shortly. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy center. |
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Jennings keeps getting better
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Brandon Jennings, PG MIL |
|
| News: Bucks PG Brandon Jennings has played three games into his NBA career and he's looking like the best player the Bucks have to offer. Jennings scored a team-high 25 points over 37 minutes on Tuesday night during a loss to Chicago. Jennings shot 10 of 23 from the field with two threes and added four assists and two steals. |
Analysis: Jennings has scored 17, 24 and 25 points in his three career games thus far and he's bring a solid amount of rebounds and assists with the points. He's hit at least two threes in each game. Jennings has gotten off to a great start and despite being a rookie he should already be considered a strong start in Fantasy. He should continue to play big minutes as the primary point guard in Milwaukee. He clearly appears ready to handle the load. |
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Scalabrine gets first game action
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Brian Scalabrine, PF BOS |
|
| News: Celtics PF Brian Scalabrine, sidelined by an ankle injury all season, finally got some time on the court Tuesday at Philadelphia. He scored five points in five minutes. |
Analysis: Scalabrine can hit a three, but he rarely gets minutes for the Celtics. Leave him on waivers in Fantasy. |
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Alexander out with hamstring injury
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Joe Alexander, SF MIL |
|
| News: The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports Bucks forward Joe Alexander did not play during the preseason or practice with the team due to a right hamstring injury. The Bucks announced on Oct. 22 that Alexander had aggravated the hamstring injury and would be out eight to 12 weeks. He also missed time in training camp last season due to a groin injury. |
Analysis: Keep Alexander reserved in all leagues. When healthy he has minimal Fantasy value. |
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Foster out for two weeks
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Jeff Foster, C IND |
|
| News: The Indianapolis Star reports Pacers center Jeff Foster is expected to miss the next two weeks because of a high right ankle sprain, which he suffered in the first half of last Friday's loss to the Miami Heat. |
Analysis: Keep an eye on Foster's injury and hope he can return soon. When healthy, Foster is a low-end Fantasy center. |
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More charges for West
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Delonte West, SG CLE |
|
| News: Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West is facing additional weapons and traffic charges in connection to his Sept. 17 arrest in Prince George's County, Md. The 26-year-old West was indicted Tuesday on two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon, two counts of carrying a handgun, two counts of transporting a handgun, and one each for reckless driving and negligent driving. Each weapons count carries a penalty of up to three years in prison. West was initially charged with just two counts of carrying a handgun and speeding. Authorities say he was riding a three-wheel motorcycle on a highway in Upper Marlboro when he cut off an officer, who pulled him over. Police found two loaded handguns on him and a loaded shotgun in a guitar case strapped to his back. |
Analysis: West made his debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers during Saturday night's 90-79 win against Charlotte, scoring 13 points in 24 minutes. Fantasy owners should consider adding him now that he's back, but we'd recommend keeping him reserved until he can show some consistency. Hopefully this latest distraction off the court won't hinder his comeback, but keep an eye on what happens going forward. |
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Jefferson starting to improve
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Al Jefferson, PF MIN |
|
| News: After a sluggish season-opener for Minnesota center Al Jefferson where he was held to nine points and four rebounds, he has turned things around the past two games. Jefferson has back-to-back 20-point outings against Phoenix and the Clippers, and scored 24 points with four rebounds against Los Angeles on Monday. |
Analysis: Jefferson will continue to improve in his comeback from last year's knee injury. Continue to start him and hope for more outings like this. |
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Butler starting for Clippers
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Rasual Butler, SG LAC |
|
| News: Rasual Butler and the Los Angeles Clippers lost their first four games and their injured No. 1 draft pick during an opening week that could only be described as horrific -- or maybe Clipperific. Chris Kaman had 25 points and 11 rebounds, Eric Gordon hit the go-ahead layup with 1:32 to play, and the Clippers surged in the fourth quarter to a 93-90 victory Monday night. Butler's first start for the Clippers was an echo of this tumultuous start to Los Angeles' season. The new forward went 3 for 15 from the field and managed just 12 points, but still coolly hit four free throws in the final 19.4 seconds to hold off the Wolves' final rally. He finished with 12 points, five rebounds and two assists. |
Analysis: Getting the start will boost Butler's value, but he still remains a low-end Fantasy forward. Still, with the chance for increased minutes, keep an eye on how Butler does to see if he's worth adding off the waiver wire. |
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Hawes gets double-double
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Spencer Hawes, C SAC |
|
| News: Kings center Spencer Hawes had his best game of the season Monday against Memphis with 21 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. He played a season-high 44 minutes even though he continues to come off the bench. |
Analysis: Maybe this is a sign that Hawes is starting to come around with back-to-back double-doubles. Hopefully he will continue to see these kind of minutes because these are stats he's capable of posting. Continue to start Hawes as a No. 2 Fantasy center and hope for more outings like this. |
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Gay gets first double-double
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Rudy Gay, SG MEM |
|
| News: Memphis forward Rudy Gay had 21 points and 12 rebounds Monday at Sacramento. This was Gay's first double-double of the season, and the 21 points were a new season high. |
Analysis: Gay continues to play at a high level and should remain active in all leagues. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy forward as long as he keeps posting solid stats like this. |
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Gasol stays hot with double-double
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Marc Gasol, C MEM |
|
| News: Memphis center Marc Gasol continues to start the 2009-10 season on a tear. He had 16 points, 16 rebounds and three assists Monday at Sacramento and now has three double-doubles in his first four games. |
Analysis: Gasol continues to thrive despite the addition of Zach Randolph. Keep Gasol active in all leagues since he's starting to play like a No. 1 Fantasy center. |
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Ginobili gets rabies shot
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Manu Ginobili, SG SA |
|
| News: Manu Ginobili has decided to stay away from bats in the future. The San Antonio Spurs star says on his Facebook page that he had to be vaccinated for rabies after catching a bat and removing it from the court during a victory over Sacramento on Halloween. Ginobili posted Monday that he doesn't know if the bat had rabies but he had to get vaccinated to make sure he was safe. He also encouraged people to "avoid contact with bats, skunks, raccoons, rats and animals like that." The bat swooped into the AT&T Center on Saturday night and descended onto the court late in the first period. The bat circled and left only to return - briefly. Ginobili swatted it out of the air with a bare hand and carried the creature off the court to thunderous cheers. |
Analysis: Continue to view him as a solid No. 2 Fantasy option for use in all leagues and don't worry about the rabies shot. He'll be fine. |
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Randolph drops 30 and 16
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Zach Randolph, PF MEM |
|
| News: Memphis PF Zach Randolph poured in 30 points and grabbed 16 rebounds over 42 minutes in an overtime game against the Kings on Monday. Randolph shot 12 of 21 from the field and also had a block. Randolph fouled out in the OT period. |
Analysis: Randolph tied his season high on Monday and has one other 30-point game in four contests this season. This was his first of many double-doubles. He is a must-start Fantasy option. |
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AK-47 looks good as starter
|
Updated 11/2/2009 |
| Andrei Kirilenko, SF UTA |
|
| News: Utah SF Andrei Kirilenko is starting again for the Jazz. He played 38 minutes in a loss to Houston on Monday and scored 18 points on 5 of 10 shooting. He added seven rebounds, two steals and three blocked shots in the loss. |
Analysis: AK-47 has been starting this season for the Jazz and has played well in two games and struggled to score in the other. He will not be consistent putting the ball in the hoop but he will do the little things to make him a viable Fantasy option in almost all leagues. |
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Robinson could miss 2 weeks
|
Updated 11/2/2009 |
| Nate Robinson, PG NY |
|
| News: Knicks guard Nate Robinson could miss two weeks because of a sprained right ankle. Robinson was hurt Saturday night in an overtime loss to Philadelphia and was still on crutches before the Knicks' game against New Orleans on Monday night. X-rays later in the evening were negative. |
Analysis: Robinson is one of the top players off the New York bench but has struggled this season, averaging 8.7 points on 27 percent shooting. With Larry Hughes moving into the starting lineup, coach Mike D'Antoni said rookie Toney Douglas will inherit most of Robinson's minutes. Robinson is as streaky as they get in Fantasy hoops and is certainly worth stashing away in all leagues while he's sidelined. |
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Stojakovic deadly from downtown
|
Updated 11/2/2009 |
| Peja Stojakovic, SG NO |
|
| News: New Orleans SF Peja Stojakovic scored 11 points in 30 minutes off the bench on Monday in a win over the Knicks. Peja was 3 of 6 from three-point range and he added two assists and two steals. |
Analysis: Stojakovic nailed six threes and poured home 26 points on Sunday at Boston and now has 12 threes on the season in four games. He is a deadly three-point specialist and is worth using in deeper Fantasy leagues despite coming off the bench. |
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Okafor pulls double-double Monday
|
Updated 11/2/2009 |
| Emeka Okafor, C NO |
|
| News: Hornets C Emeka Okafor picked up a double-double on Monday night in New Orleans' first win over the Knicks. Okafor scored 24 points on 9 of 13 shooting. He was 6 of 6 from the line. He added 10 rebounds and three blocks. |
Analysis: Okafor scored just five points in his previous contest at Boston on Sunday but he does have double-digit rebounds in every game this year. As long as he continues that kind of production, he can be used in all Fantasy leagues as a No. 1 option. |
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Augustin nets 21 points
|
Updated 11/2/2009 |
| D.J. Augustin, PG CHA |
|
| News: Charlotte PG D.J. Augustin came off the bench to help lead the Bobcats to a defeat over the Nets on Monday. Augustin scored 21 points in 27 minutes on 6 of 14 shooting. He did not hit a three in four tries but went 9 of 10 on free throws. Augustin added three steals. |
Analysis: Augustin is getting anywhere from 27-40 minutes of playing time over the first four games of the season. Monday was clearly his best game of the season. Treat him as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy guard. |
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Wallace rips down 20 rebounds
|
Updated 11/2/2009 |
| Gerald Wallace, SF CHA |
|
| News: Charlotte SF Gerald Wallace played his best game yet on Monday in a win over the Nets. Wallace shot 7 of 14 from the field and scored 24 points. He added 20 rebounds to go with that and also stole four balls. He added a block for good measure. |
Analysis: Wallace is a Rotisserie stud. The only thing he doesn't do well is pass the ball. He has zero assists in four games. Still, he has double-doubles in three of his four contests and is averaging 16 points, 14 boards and 2.3 steals per game thus far. Wallace looks like a must-start Fantasy option for all leagues. |
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Morrison now playing for contract
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Updated 11/2/2009 |
| Adam Morrison, SF LAL |
|
| News: The Los Angeles Times reports that the Lakers did not give contract extensions to Jordan Farmar or Adam Morrison, making them both restricted free agents in July. The Lakers had until today to reach an agreement with each player. |
Analysis: Farmar might get some interest from other teams, but Morrison will need to show something this season after averaging only 3.9 points a game since suffering a torn knee ligament in October 2008. He has no Fantasy appeal. |
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Farmar now playing for contract
|
Updated 11/2/2009 |
| Jordan Farmar, PG LAL |
|
| News: The Los Angeles Times reports that the Lakers did not give contract extensions to Jordan Farmar or Adam Morrison, making them both restricted free agents in July. The Lakers had until today to reach an agreement with each player. |
Analysis: Farmar is locked in a battle with Shannon Brown for minutes as Derek Fisher's backup. His current role does not allow for consistent production and he is not a player we recommend activating in Fantasy. |
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Delfino could see a quick boost
|
Updated 11/2/2009 |
| Carlos Delfino, SG MIL |
|
| News: The Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel reports that Michael Redd will miss the next two weeks after hurting his left knee in Saturday's game against Detroit. The injury is to the same knee that Redd hurt last year, when he suffered torn ligaments that required season-ending surgery. Carlos Delfino should see an increase in playing time in his absence. |
Analysis: Fantasy owners should immediately reserve Redd in all Fantasy leagues for Week 2 (Nov. 2-8). The Bucks will likely have to fill the void with a mixture of contributions from Carlos Delfino, Charlie Bell and Brandon Jennings, all players who should see a boost for the next couple of weeks. Bell and Delfino could split much of the duties at shooting guard and each player is worth taking a flier on in deeper leagues. Delfino had just 5 points in 20 minutes in his only game this season after serving a suspension for the opener. |
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Bell could see a quick boost
|
Updated 11/2/2009 |
| Charlie Bell, SG MIL |
|
| News: The Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel reports that Michael Redd will miss the next two weeks after hurting his left knee in Saturday's game against Detroit. The injury is to the same knee that Redd hurt last year, when he suffered torn ligaments that required season-ending surgery. Charlie Bell should see an increase in playing time in his absence. |
Analysis: Fantasy owners should immediately reserve Redd in all Fantasy leagues for Week 2 (Nov. 2-8). The Bucks will likely have to fill the void with a mixture of contributions from Carlos Delfiono, Charlie Bell and Brandon Jennings, all players who should see a boost for the next couple of weeks. Bell and Delfino could split much of the duties at shooting guard and each player is worth taking a flier on in deeper leagues. |
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Mayo shows off scoring touch
|
Updated 11/2/2009 |
| O.J. Mayo, SG MEM |
|
| News: Grizzlies G O.J. Mayo scored a career-high 40 points in Sunday's game against Denver. He shot 17 for 25 from the field and 4 for 8 from beyond the arc. He also added 5 rebounds and 4 assists with a steal and no turnovers. Mayo's previous career-best was 33 points. |
Analysis: Mayo got off to a cold shooting start, scoring just 9 points in the opener. He doubled that in his second game and more than doubled that output with 40 on Sunday. It will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies rotation works out with Allen Iverson joining the mix starting on Monday considering Iverson wasn't healthy enough to play this preseason. The Grizzlies will have plenty of scorers, but there may not be enough shots to go around. As it stands, this is the type of ability Mayo possesses and he remains a great play in Fantasy. |
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Magloire returns from suspension
|
Updated 11/2/2009 |
| Jamaal Magloire, C MIA |
|
| News: Heat C Jamaal Magloire was activated for the first time this season Sunday against Chicago following his 2-game suspension for a preseason altercation. He did not play. |
Analysis: Magloire is not expected to see significant playing time on a regular basis this year. Leave him on the waiver wire in all formats. |
|
Redick off to nice start early on
|
Updated 11/2/2009 |
| J.J. Redick, SG ORL |
|
| News: The Magic started J.J. Redick at shooting guard Sunday at Toronto in place of the injured Vince Carter. He scored 27 points, including five shots from beyond the arc. He also added 6 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal with just 1 turnover. |
Analysis: Redick has scored at least 10 points in each of his first three games and has gotten decent playing time off the bench even before Sunday's start. Carter should return shortly and Fantasy owners should not expect this type of production from him once that happens, but he is certainly carving himself out a nice role as a three-point shooter and is worth scooping up where available -- especially in category-based play. |
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Douglas to see a Fantasy boost?
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Updated 11/ | |
