News: As expected, Lakers forward Metta World Peace was ruled inactive for Game 4 of Los Angeles' first-round playoff series against the Spurs due to a knee injury. World Peace, who averaged just 6.1 points and 3.6 rebounds over his three postseason contests, may be amnestied by the Lakers over the summer, according to the Orange County Register.
Analysis: Despite all the distractions, injuries and turnover the Lakers dealt with this past year, World Peace's fourth year in Los Angeles was his most productive. He put up 12.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals on 40.3 percent shooting from the field as he really took to coach Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo offense. However, it appears the Lakers are considering cutting ties with the 33-year-old, which is something owners will have to keep an eye on over the summer. Whether he stays in L.A. or lands elsewhere, World Peace will likely be worth targeting as a low-end option in the later rounds of deeper formats next fall.
News: With possibly just one game remaining in their season, the Orange County Register reported Saturday that Metta World Peace's time with the organization could be drawing to a close. World Peace will not play Sunday in Game 4 of the first round series against the Spurs due to a knee injury, and according to the report, the Lakers are considering cutting World Peace via the amnesty provision in the offseason. The Lakers need a win Sunday to extend their season.
Analysis: World Peace actually took well to the Lakers' new offense, emerging as one of the few bright spots in a disappointing season. Unfortunately, it sounds like health and monetary concerns make keep him out of a Lakers' uniform next season. His knee has been an issue for a few weeks, but an offseason of rest should help, but this might be the last we see of him this season, regardless of whether the Lakers make it to a Game 5. The veteran averaged 12.4 points and 5.- rebounds on the year, and he should be targeted in the later rounds of most Fantasy formats on Draft Day.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace tried to play through soreness in his knee Friday in Game 3 against the Spurs, but the injury was clearly affecting him. World Peace, who had a cyst drained prior to the game, played just 17 minutes and told reporters afterwards that he "probably" will not play in Game 4 on Sunday in order to heal. He missed all six of his shots in Friday's game to finish scoreless, and he had just one assist, in a 120-89 loss.
Analysis: The Lakers face elimination Sunday, and they basically have two starters healthy right now. World Peace actually took well to the Lakers' new offense, emerging as one of the few bright spots in a disappointing season. His knee has been an issue for a few weeks, but an offseason of rest should help, regardless of whether the Lakers make it to a Game 5. The veteran averaged 12.4 points and 5.- rebounds on the year, and he should be targeted in the later rounds of most Fantasy formats on Draft Day.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Lakers forward Metta World Peace took to Twitter to announce he had a cyst in his knee drained. "My knee is in really good shape," World Peace tweeted with a photo of himself holding a syringe filled with fluid. "The last two games this Bakers Cyst was tough to play with. Just drained it. Whoa!" World Peace underwent surgery March 28 after a left knee injury (torn meniscus). He was originally expected to be out for a minimum of six weeks but returned just 12 days later. Game 3 against the Spurs will be at Staples Center on Friday night. The team has yet to give a status update on World Peace.
Analysis: Keep an eye on World Peace's status, and hopefully he can play against the Spurs. The Lakers need him in the lineup with plenty of players hurting: Kobe Bryant (Achilles), Steve Blake (hamstring), Steve Nash (doubtful with hamstring and hip injuries) and Jodie Meeks (doubtful, ankle). When healthy and active, World Peace is a low-end Fantasy option in the majority of leagues.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace, who underwent surgery to repair a torn a lateral meniscus tear on his left knee back on March 28, was able to get back on the court for Tuesday's contest against the Hornets. World Peace finished with four points on 1 of 4 shooting from the field and also added one assist to his stat line, while logging 15 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: The original timetable for World Peace's return was first listed at 4-6 weeks and then amended to four. However, he returned in just 12 days, which is pretty awesome. Still, the veteran will likely be eased back into action, so owners should expect to see him come off the bench in limited minutes over the next few days. The veteran entered his most recent outing averaging 12.8 points and 5.1 rebounds on the year, making him a viable start in deeper formats when he is at 100 percent.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace, who underwent surgery to repair a torn a lateral meniscus tear on his left knee back on March 28, is expected to be available for Tuesday's contest against the Hornets, reports the Los Angeles Times. World Peace was able to take part in some 3-on-3 drills Monday and said he will play if he doesn't feel any pain after he goes through the team's morning shootaround.
Analysis: The original timetable for World Peace's return was first listed at 4-6 weeks and then amended to four. However, it appears he could be back on the court just 12 days after undergoing surgery, which is pretty remarkable. Of course, a ton can change overnight, so owners in daily formats should keep an eye on his status leading up to tipoff. Even if World Peace does end up playing, his minutes will likely be limited right off the bat. The veteran averaged 12.8 points and 5.1 rebounds on the year and can be considered a viable option in deeper formats when healthy.
News: The Los Angeles Daily News reports Wednesday that Lakers forward Metta World Peace is doing well in his recovery. Six days passed since having surgery on a lateral meniscus tear on his left knee, and World Peace walked without crutches. He reiterated he's "very excited" surrounding the progress of his surgery. But World Peace refused to divulge whether he's ahead of schedule regarding the Lakers' initial estimate that he's stay out for at least six weeks. "I can't tell you what I can and what I can't do," World Peace said. "But I'm very pleased with the surgery."
Analysis: World Peace is out for the rest of the regular season. He would need a deep playoff run for the Lakers to use him again. Keep an eye on what develops, but Fantasy owners in standard leagues should release him.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace has played a big role for the Lakers this season, but the team will have to continue their push for the playoffs without him. World Peace is set to undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee Thursday, a procedure that is expected to sideline him for at least the next six weeks. If that timetable holds true, World Peace would likely only be able to return to the floor for a second round playoff series, an unlikely outcome, considering the Lakers are anything but a lock to make the playoffs at this point. Jodie Meeks, Earl Clark and Antawn Jamison will likely see an increased role down the stretch.
Analysis: The Lakers were leaning on World Peace heavily, so this certainly presents a worst-case scenario for Fantasy owners. It hasn't always been pretty, but World Peace was getting the job done this season. With his regular season almost certainly done, he finishes the season with 12.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, his best averages since joining the Lakers four years ago. It is unfortunate that World Peace's season had to come to an end like this, but he should be fully healthy in time for next season. He has no Fantasy value in yearly formats for the final few weeks.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace has been diagnosed with a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee, reports the Orange County Register. World Peace injured his left knee during Los Angeles' loss to the Warriors on Monday night. He will be re-evaluated once he returns to L.A., according to the report.
Analysis: Well this news comes a bit of a surprise, especially since World Peace traveled with the team Monday night. However, it no looks like he will miss a fairly significant amount of time. However, the Lakers and World Peace are still mulling their options, so there has been no announcement made regarding a possible timetable for his return. Owners should obviously keep an eye on his status moving forward. Earl Clark could be in line to see a boost in playing time during his absence.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace, who left Monday's game against the Warriors due to a strained left knee, will be re-evaluated on Tuesday, reports ESPN. World Peace is questionable to play Wednesday in Minnesota, though he is traveling with the team.
Analysis: World Peace said he couldn't really walk following Monday's game, but he's labeled as a game-time decision for now. Fantasy owners will just have to check back. World Peace has been heating up lately as he was averaging 16.4 points on 49.3 percent shooting from the field over his five games. World Peace can be a useful option in deeper formats when healthy.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace was forced to leave Monday's contest against the Warriors due to a strained left knee. World Peace sustained the injury in the third quarter of the 109-103 defeat and did not return to the contest. He finished with seven points on 2 of 3 shooting from the field prior to leaving.
Analysis: Just when the Lakers get Pau Gasol back in the lineup, it looks like World Peace could end up missing some time. However, the veteran has proved to be very durable throughout his career as, so we wouldn't be surprised if he winds away to stay in the lineup. World Peace has been heating up lately as he was averaging 16.4 points on 49.3 percent shooting from the field over his five games. World Peace can be a useful option in deeper formats when healthy.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace continued his consistent scoring during Tuesday's contest against the Magic. World Peace finished with 14 points in the 106-97 win on 5 of 12 shooting from the field. He went 2 of 4 from downtown and also added two rebounds and two steals to his stat line, while logging 39 minutes of game action.
Analysis: At this point in the season owners know to expect from World Peace. The veteran continues to score in the low-teens most nights, while giving owners a respectable rebounding total and a handful of 3s. He continues to see around 35 minutes per game and has once again proved his durability as he has only missed two games thus far. Owners should continue to roll with the veteran as a low-end option in most formats moving forward.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace underwent an MRI on his injured ankle and it came back as a sprain, reports the Los Angeles Times. World Peace was a game-time decision for Wednesday at New Orleans after leaving Tuesday's game against the Thunder in the fourth quarter. However, the forward was able to play in the game and he scored 11 points over 30 minutes. World Peace went 4 for 9 from the field and hit three 3-pointers with two steals.
Analysis: World Peace scored 16 points against the Thunder before getting hurt on Tuesday and he added three rebounds and an assist as well. Although he has a sprained ankle, World Peace is a gamer and doesn't like to sit out due to injuries. He is playing through the issue and hopefully doesn't make it worse. World Peace has started to cool off after blossoming once coach Mike D'Antoni took over, but he has scored in double figures in three of his last four contests. Owners can consider the veteran a viable low-end option in most formats.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace left in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's contest against the Thunder due to an ankle injury. World Peace rolled his right ankle with just over two minutes left in the final period of the 122-105 defeat. He did not return to the game and finished with 16 points, three rebounds and one assist prior to leaving the contest. Coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters after the game that X-rays taken on World Peace's ankle came back inconclusive and he would be re-evaluated Wednesday.
Analysis: Peace usually takes pride in being able to play through injuries, but with the Lakers quick turnaround Wednesday night, his status remains very much in question. As always, we will bring owners the latest updates as they become available. World Peace has started to cool off after blossoming once D'Antoni took over, but he has scored in double figures in three of his last four contests. Owners can consider the veteran a viable low-end option in most formats when healthy.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace received a retroactive flagrant 2 foul Thursday for elbowing Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried during Monday’s game, putting him just one flagrant short of a league-mandated suspension. World Peace is tied with teammate Dwight Howard with five flagrant “points”, meaning either will receive an automatic one-game suspension for their next flagrant, and a two-game suspension if it is a flagrant 2.
Analysis: World Peace has a well deserved reputation as something of a loose cannon, so it is not much of a surprise to see him nearing a suspension. He was already suspended earlier in the month of February, for striking a player near the face. Fantasy owners need to pay attention to World Peace’s status moving forward if he does earn another flagrant, however his recent play has been cause enough for Fantasy owners to be weary of relying on him. World Peace finished the month of February averaging 9.4 points per game on 32.5 percent shooting from the field. He has cooled off after a strong start, and is a risky starting Fantasy option in most formats at this time.
News: After scoring just one point his last time out, Lakers forward Metta World Peace was able to get back on track Monday against the Nuggets. He finished with 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting in the 119-108 loss. He went 2 for 5 from beyond the arc and made 1 of 2 free throws while playing 31 minutes. World Peace also posted three steals and a two rebounds in the defeat.
Analysis: World Peace continues to have a resurgent campaign for the Lakers but has struggled with his shot of late. He entered Monday shooting 34 percent in the previous seven contests and averaged 10.3 points during that stretch. The 33-year-old still does a decent job of filling up the stat sheet and since he provides low-end scoring, keep World Peace active in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace continued to struggle with his shot Thursday, as he finished with 11 points in a 125-101 loss to the Clippers. World Peace shot 4 of 9 from the field, the 15th consecutive game that he has made fewer than half of his shots. He made a pair of three-pointers, while adding four rebounds, two assists and a steal in 32 minutes.
Analysis: World Peace is ice cold heading into the All-Star break, is he is shooting just 31.3 percent from the field in the month of February. He is averaging 9.5 points per game on 11.4 field-goal attempts as well. He started the season hot and was a surprise offensive contributor early, but has come crashing back to earth recently. Hopefully World Peace can find the range on his jump shot over the break, because he is doing more to hurt than help Fantasy owners right now. He remains worth owning due to his role, but it is getting more and more difficult to rely on him consistently.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace was back on the floor Thursday against the Celtics, after being forced to sit out the team’s previous game due to a suspension. The time off did nothing to heat up World Peace’s ice-cold shooting stroke, as he connected on just 2 of 13 field-goal attempts, including an 0-for-5 showing on three-pointers. He finished the game with 5 points and five rebounds, while chipping in just one assist and one steal in 30 minutes in a 116-95 loss.
Analysis: World Peace has been in a downward spiral for a while now, after an uncharacteristically hot shooting start to the season, and Thursday might have been the very bottom. This was one of the worst shooting performances of his career; World Peace has attempted 13 or more shots while making two or fewer just four times in his career prior to this game. World Peace shot 42.7 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three-point range over the first 30 games of the season, but is shooting just 36.0 and 30.8 percent in 19 games since. He is averaging 12.2 points per game in that span because he is still chucking up a lot of shots, but the efficiency is just killing Fantasy owners in category-based formats. He is still a viable option in most Fantasy formats, but is no longer the sure-fire start he seemed to be at the beginning of the season.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace was suspended one game without pay for grabbing Pistons guard Brandon Knight around the neck and striking him in the jaw last Sunday, the league announced. He was whistled for a flagrant foul on the play, but remained in the game and finished with eight points. World Peace will serve the suspension Tuesday at New Jersey and is eligible to return for Thursday's contest at Boston.
Analysis: World Peace has remained even keel throughout the current season as the veteran forward does have a history of incidents on the court during his career. The 33-year-old is also turning in his finest offensive showing since joining Los Angeles in 2009 and is averaging 13.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He is being tasked with shooting more this year and has become a quality Fantasy option in most formats. Just be sure to keep him on the bench for Tuesday's game.
News: Lakers small forward Metta World Peace had another solid all-around performance on Sunday in a win at Detroit. World Peace neared a double-double for the Lakers over 30-plus minutes on the court. He finished with eight points and nine rebounds in the performance. World Peace was 3 for 8 from the field with a 3-pointer and added two assists, one steal and a blocked shot.
Analysis: World Peace will have some less-than-stellar performances, but he's mostly been a consistent contributor for the Lakers. He doesn't contribute any one statistic at an elite level, but he contributes across the board. World Peace is really valuable for his ability to hit shots from beyond the arc, rebound and record steals. He can be active in most deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace turned in a decent performance as he drained five treys during Friday's contest against the Jazz. World Peace scored 17 points and grabbed five rebounds in a 102-84 victory. He went 5 of 16 shooting from the field, including 5 of 11 from downtown, and a perfect 2 of 2 from the free throw line. He also chipped in with a steal while logging 39 minutes of game action.
Analysis: World Peace has scored in double figures in each of his last three games and is averaging 14.7 points and 5.3 rebounds while converting 9 of 23 treys over that span. After his average dipped to a career-low 7.7 points per game last season, World Peace has improved his offensive presence this year for his highest scoring clip during his four years with the Lakers. Consider him a viable Fantasy option in deeper formats moving forward.
News: Despite the team's grim short-term outlook, Lakers forward Metta World Peace said Monday he wants to stay in Los Angeles and doesn't plan on declining a player option for next season that would make him a free agent. "I want to stay here the rest of my career (and) "get past this adversity," he told the Los Angeles Times. "I want to finish as a Laker." World Peace has bumped his scoring average to 13.5 points per game this season despite the Lakers' underwhelming 17-24 record.
Analysis: After his average dipped to a career-low 7.7 points per game last season, World Peace has improved his offensive presence this year for his highest scoring clip during his four years with the Lakers. "Some people forget what type of player I am," he said. "I could be averaging 20-plus points, to tell you the truth. [Former] coach [Mike] Brown really wanted me to just play defense so I wasn't scoring the ball as much." Artest is also connecting on 35.6 percent from long range while attempting nearly six treys a game. Consider him a fine option in deeper Fantasy formats for now.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace had his best shooting night in a week on Tuesday against the Bucks. He scored 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting in the 104-88 win. He went 2 for 6 from beyond the arc while playing 33 minutes. World Peace posted six rebounds, three assists and two blocks in the victory.
Analysis: World Peace has had a resurgent campaign thus far and is making nearly 45 percent of his shots in the last five games. He is averaging 15.8 points with 5.4 rebounds and 3.2 steals during that stretch and has regained value in Fantasy under coach Mike D'Antoni. World Peace is good for at least a couple of 3 pointers on a nightly basis and his improved scoring has made the 33-year-old a viable option in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Lakers small forward Metta World Peace had a big game on Tuesday but it wasn't enough to beat the Rockets in Houston. Playing without the aid of Dwight Howard or Pau Gasol, World Peace started at power forward and played 29 minutes. He scored a team-high 24 points on 9 of 14 shooting. He was 4 of 5 from 3-point range and added six rebounds and four steals in the game for the Lakers.
Analysis: World Peace has scored 40 points in his last two games with 10 rebounds and five steals, including eight 3-pointers. The Lakers need him to step up with Howard and Gasol out for a few games and he certainly did that on Tuesday, despite the Lakers suffering the defeat. World Peace has been solid overall this season as he's averaged over 13 points and six rebounds per game. He brings to the table over two 3-pointers per night along with excellent defensive statistics. He is seeing a small boost in value lately and can be active in most Fantasy formats.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace's shooting struggles continued during Friday's contest against the Clippers. World Peace connected on just one of his six field-goal attempts and missed all four of his shots from downtown in the 107-102 defeat. He finished with just two points and also added five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block to his stat line while fouling out late in the fourth quarter.
Analysis: World Peace is in the midst of a shooting slump -- especially from deep -- as he has connected on just two of his last 17 3-pointers. He is shooting just 20 percent from downtown over his last five games but luckily is still giving owners 10.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists over that stretch. World Peace has been given the green light from coach Mike D'Antoni to keep on shooting, but owners may want to wait until he heats back up before getting him active.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace registered 20 points and seven rebounds during Los Angeles' 100-94 victory over New York on Tuesday. World Peace connected on 6 of his 11 attempts from the field, including 3 of his 6 attempts from long range, to finish with 20 points for the second game in a row. It's the first time he has accomplished that feat since the 2008-09 campaign when he was playing with the Rockets.
Analysis: World Peace scored 16 points in the second quarter, including eight in a row, when the Lakers played catch-up most of the way. His scoring production has been stellar most of the season as he entered Tuesday averaging 13.7 points per game. He has not topped 11.0 ppg in his previous three seasons with the Lakers. The average could level off at some point, but Fantasy owners should ride World Peace as long as he's hot.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace nearly notched his first double-double of the season in Tuesday's contest against the Cavaliers. World Peace, finished with 13 points and nine rebounds in the 100-94 defeat on 5 of 12 shooting from the field. He went 2 of 6 from downtown and also added one block and one steal to his stat line while logging 36 minutes of game action.
Analysis: World Peace continues to give owners low-teens scoring most and a pair of 3-pointers most nights to go along with five rebounds. However, he has slowed down a bit from his hot stretch at the end of November, which had him averaging 15.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals over an eight-game span. Still, this is the most productive the 33-year-old has been in his three-year tenure in Los Angeles, so continue to roll with him as a viable low-end option while he continues to be productive.
News: Lakers small forward Metta World Peace reached a milestone of his own on Wednesday night in a game at New Orleans. On the same night that saw Kobe Bryant become the youngest NBA player to reach 30,000 career points scored, World Peace became just the sixth player in history with 12,000 points, 4,000 rebounds, 1,000 3-pointers made and 1,500 steals. He joins only Reggie Miller, Gary Payton, Jason Kidd, Paul Pierce and Bryant on that list. World Peace scored 11 points, grabbed nine rebounds and added two steals on 4 of 12 from the field Wednesday.
Analysis: World Peace reached a pretty incredible milestone on Wednesday night and joined some lofty company. The 33-year-old is having a solid year as he's putting up 13 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game while hitting over two 3-pointers per night. He can be active in plenty of Fantasy leagues.
News: Lakers small forward Metta World Peace had a quiet performance Tuesday night against the Rockets but continued to shoot well from beyond the arc. He went 1 for 2 from downtown and finished with nine points in the 107-105 loss. He made 4 of 7 attempts from the field while playing 35 minutes. World Peace also posted four rebounds and a steal while turning the ball over twice.
Analysis: World Peace is shooting 44 percent from 3-point land in the previous five contests and is averaging 11.4 points with 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals during that stretch. Coach Mike D'Antoni has encouraged the 33-year-old to shoot more this season and he has had a bounce-back campaign thus far after averaging a career-low 7.7 points a year ago. World Peace is no longer the prolific scorer he was in his younger days but does enough to remain active in deeper Fantasy formats at this point.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace is in the midst of one of his most productive runs since arriving in Los Angeles three seasons ago. World Peace has scored in double figures in eight straight games and is averaging 15.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals over that stretch. He is also shooting 38 percent from the field during his run and new coach Mike D'Antoni said he expects World Peace to make anywhere between 4-10 3-pointers per game. "He should be wide open every time," D'Antoni told the Los Angeles Times. "I told him he needs to make 4-10 every game, and he can do that. That's 40% and that's pretty good, so he'll do that. I think he'll do that every game. He's going to be up there with 17-20 points,"
Analysis: World Peace has been one of the biggest surprises in Fantasy thus far as his early season productive has put him back on the Fantasy map. Now recovered from a back issue, the 33-year-old is averaging 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds on the season and has been the Lakers most productive 3-point shooter as he has attempted a team-high 70 shots from behind the arc and converted on 35.7 percent of them. However, there was some speculation that he wouldn't be a good fit for D'Antoni's up-tempo offense, but those rumors were squashed Tuesday. Not only did D'Antoni endorse World Peace, but said he expects him to score 17-20 points per night. Even if World peace can't quite reach the 17-point plateau most nights, as long as he keeps his scoring in double figures, the veteran's ability to fill up the stat sheet will keep him relevant in most formats, which is more than anyone thought when the season started. Fantasy owner should continue to roll with World Peace in the majority of leagues as he could be ready to take off.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace has been a contributor over the first three games of the season. World Peace is averaging seven points and four boards per game after three losses. He's adding three assists and has been consistent for the Lakers.
Analysis: World Peace is starting and seeing 35.7 minutes per game. He's hit three 3-pointers in three games but went just 1 for 7 Friday against the Clippers. World Peace is a defensive presence but no longer a viable Fantasy option outside deeper Rotisserie and category-based leagues.
News: ESPN.com reports Lakers forward Metta World Peace suffered a dislocated middle finger on his right hand during Sunday's preseason game against the Kings. World Peace was able to practice Monday with a splint on his finger. "He's tough because I would probably be out for about six months," coach Mike Brown said about World Peace. "When I looked at my hand, I would have passed out ... That injury gives me the heebie jeebies thinking about it."
Analysis: World Peace averaged a career-low 7.7 points last season and will likely not do much scoring again this year with Dwight Howard and Steve Nash now in Los Angeles. While he is still a solid defender and does some decent scoring from time to time, his days of being a reliable option in Fantasy are over. Plan on leaving World Peace for the deepest of Fantasy formats on Draft Day.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace was back from his seven game suspension for Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Saturday against the Nuggets, and he made a big difference in the Lakers holding on to a 96-87 win to move on to the second round. World Peace shot 5 of 15 from the field, with four three pointers, to get 15 points, and he added five rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocked shots in 44 minutes.
Analysis: World Peace and the Lakers go on to face the Thunder, the team he earned the suspension against back during the second to last game of the regular season. He was playing his best ball of the season before the suspension, and he continued that despite the lengthy layoff. World Peace was averaging 14.1 points per game in April before the suspension, and while most of that came without Kobe Bryant, he should be able to continue to play well, so consider him a usable option in postseason Fantasy formats.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace was suspended seven games by the NBA on Tuesday for throwing a vicious elbow at Oklahoma City's James Harden during last Sunday's loss to the Thunder. Peace will now miss the Lakers' season finale on Thursday at Sacramento and the next six games for which he is eligible. The playoffs open Saturday, and Los Angeles is likely to be the Western Conference's third seed. "The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head area," Stern said in a statement. "We remain committed to taking necessary measures to protect the safety of NBA players, including the imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court altercations."
Analysis: This is the third time Peace has been suspended for at least seven games over his career. He got an 86-game suspension in 2004 for jumping into the stands at the Palace of Auburn Hills in the Detroit suburbs to fight fans, and he served a seven-game suspension in 2007 for his no-contest plea on a domestic violence charge. The timing couldn't be worse for the Lakers as Peace had been playing his best basketball of the season over the past few weeks. Now he will miss at least six games of the postseason, which could be the entire first round. The 32-year-old can be considered a low-end option in deeper formats when he is healthy and on the court.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace was ejected from Sunday's game against the Thunder, after earning a Flagrant 2 foul for an elbow to the head of Thunder guard James Harden that left him lying on the ground for some time. Given World Peace's past and the fact that the hit did not come during the course of play, it is almost a certainty that Artest is facing a suspension that will cost him the rest of the regular season and likely at least part of the postseason.
Analysis: World Peace had been playing better recently, as well as acting better on and off the court over the last few seasons, so it is extremely disappointing to see him fall back into habits he seemed to have left behind. A suspension will likely be handed down on Monday, so we will know his status moving forward then. However at this point, it seems like you can write World Peace off for an extended period of time.
News: The name on the roster might have said Metta World Peace, but on Friday he looked more like the Ron Artest of old, as the Lakers forward dropped a season-high 23 points on 8 of 13 shooting against the Rockets. World Peace, who has scored more points than that only once in the last three years, also added three rebounds, four assists and two steals in the game, however his efforts were not enough, as the Lakers fell, 112-107.
Analysis: World Peace is in the lineup solely for his defense at this point, so Friday was a true anomaly; the veteran has reached double digits in scoring just 11 times this season. Still, he has been playing slightly better recently, averaging 8.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game over the last 10. Despite that, his production is not prolific enough to make him anything more than a low-end Fantasy option on a regular basis.
News: Los Angeles forward Metta World Peace saw 35 minutes of action on Tuesday night in Houston, despite dealing with a hip injury. World Peace, who left Sunday's game with the injury, shot 3 for 7 from the field on Tuesday. He finished the game with seven points, four assists, two steals and one board. The Lakers would lose the game, 107-104, to the Rockets.
Analysis: World Peace doesn't do much offensively for the Lakers these days, which doesn't help out his Fantasy value much. The 32-year-old shouldn't be starting in many leagues at this stage of the season. World Peace is a low-end forward option in deeper formats.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace is expected to be in the starting lineup for Tuesday night's contest against the Rockets, according to the team's official website. World Peace left Sunday's game against Utah due to a hip injury.
Analysis: World Peace has been much better of late, but is still averaging just 5.7 points and 3.0 rebounds on the season. With the playoffs now here in most leagues, owners should consider the 32-year-old merely a low-end option when healthy.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace left Sunday’s game against the Jazz in the middle of the third quarter, and he was unable to return due to hip bursitis. World Peace finished the game with just three points on 1 of 2 shooting in 18 minutes as the Lakers lost, 99-103.
Analysis: March has been the best month of the season for World Peace, as he has seen his role on the team grow more than it has at any other point. Despite that, he is still scoring just 8.9 points per game on 35.6 percent shooting. We’ll continue to monitor his status moving forward, however even if he is healthy, World Peace has very little value right now.
News: Lakers small forward Metta World Peace did not shoot well on Tuesday in a double overtime win over Memphis. World Peace went just 1 of 7 from the field and 0 for 5 from 3-point range to score five points. He grabbed five rebounds and added two assists for the Lakers in the victory.
Analysis: World Peace is shooting an abysmal 28 percent from the field over his last five games so it is no wonder he's averaging just 7.0 points over that stretch. Except for the fact that that is actually higher than his average on the season. World Peace is just a low-end Fantasy option at this point.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace had his highest scoring performance since the second game of the season on Friday night against the Kings. He finished with 15 points and four rebounds in the 115-107 win. He went 5 for 11 from the floor, including 2 for 6 from downtown, and converted all three of his free throws. World Peace, who played 32 minutes, also chipped in with three assists and a steal in the victory.
Analysis: World Peace has struggled to score all season long and made it to double digits in points for just the sixth time this season on Friday. He is averaging 8.4 points with 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals in his last five contests, and is shooting nearly 43 percent from 3-point land over that span. While he remains a solid defender, the 32-year-old has not been helping out many Fantasy owners this season. Until he starts producing on a more consistent basis, leave World Peace for the deepest of formats.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace notched six points and three rebounds during Los Angeles' 103-92 victory over Portland on Monday night. For the third straight game, World Peace finished 1 for 4 from the field as his production remains erratic. He has scored in double figures only once during the month of February and is averaging just 4.8 points per game overall this season. He also chipped in three assists and two steals.
Analysis: Last week, several Lakers players reportedly expressed concern about World Peace's attitude in the locker room and that could have carried over into his subpar production on the court. The 32-year-old has been held to less than four rebounds in eight of his last nine games while creating a rift with Los Angeles coach Mike Brown about his stats. Fantasy owners should likely keep World Peace untouched in all formats for now.
News: Lakers F Metta World Peace could be wearing out his welcome in Los Angeles, according to a report by FoxSportsWest.com. Several Lakers players have noticed World Peace "walking around all crazy-like" as he has struggled with lowly offensive production. He has not scored more than nine points in his past 10 games and is averaging just 4.0 points per game in February. "He's always talking about how he should be playing no matter how bad he's shooting, but he can't figure out that when he takes bad shots and misses eight in a row it puts us in a hole," said one teammate, who requested anonymity.
Analysis: World Peace, always the epicenter for controversy, has also seen a dip in playing time (career-low 22.4 minutes per game) as a rift with Mike Brown appears to be boiling over. Brown said he would consider trading Artest because of his poor play. "I let him coach and I play," World Peace told CBSSports.com on Friday. "I'm just trying to win, and ... coach is a stats guy. His background is video coordinator or whatever. So he's all stats. But Ron Artest is all feel." With a possible eruption nearing, Fantasy owners should steer away from World Peace in all formats for now.
News: Lakers SF Metta World Peace had a solid performance in a winning effort on Sunday against Toronto. World Peace played 27 minutes for the Lakers and scored nine points on 3 of 4 shooting from the field. World Peace hit two 3-pointers in the game and added two rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Lakers.
Analysis: The Lakers have been a better team with World Peace on the floor. That said, sometimes he fails to score at all and is averaging just 3.4 points per game over his last five. World Peace's numbers have been too minimal to matter outside the deepest of Fantasy leagues.
News: The Lakers moved Metta World Peace into the starting lineup five games ago to see if it would provide a spark and get him playing better, however he continues to struggle, scoring just four points in 25 minutes in a 95-90 loss to the 76ers on Monday. He was 1 of 6 from the field in the game and added just two rebounds and three assists.
Analysis: World Peace is now averaging 3.6 points per game in five starts, a step down from even the paltry 5.3 points he was scoring as a reserve. At this point in his NBA career, Fantasy owners shouldn’t even consider the possibility of World Peace in any format.
News: Lakers F Metta World Peace moved back into the starting lineup on Sunday for the first time this season, as the Lakers tried to spark a stagnant offense that had failed to reach 100 points in a game in a franchise record 13-straight games. While World Peace played poorly, missing all four of his shot attempts in 33 minutes, the switch worked, as the Lakers scored 106 points in a five-point win over the Wolves. World Peace would finish with just two points, making 2 of 4 from the free throw line, and grabbed four rebounds had two blocks and three assists in the game.
Analysis: World Peace’s shot has disappeared in his 13th NBA season, as he is scoring just 5.3 points on 33.1 percent shooting from the field. The Lakers are in desperate need of scoring from someone besides their usual three, but neither World Peace nor former starts Matt Barnes and Devin Ebanks have been able to give it to them. Even if he becomes entrenched in the starting lineup, Fantasy owners shouldn’t look for World Peace in any formats.
News: Lakers SF Metta World Peace did the little things in Wednesday's win over the Clippers. World Peace played 37 bench minutes and scored just three points on 1 of 4 shooting. That said, World Peace chipped in with seven assists and five rebounds as well as two steals and a blocked shot in an active game all around for the Lakers.
Analysis: World Peace is no longer a scorer in the NBA, averaging just 4.6 PPG over his last five. In fact, he's really been almost worthless in Fantasy this season across the board. He needs more games like Wednesday's, but that isn't likely to happen at this point in his career. He has just low-end Fantasy value.
News: Lakers F Metta World Peace was able to get his scoring back into double figures during Sunday night's contest against the Pacers. World Peace finished with 11 points in the 98-96 defeat, on 5 of 9 shooting from the field. He made his lone attempt from downtown and also chipped in with two rebounds, two assists and a steal, while logging 22 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: World Peace was able to get his scoring into double figures after getting shutout during his last game. The veteran has been very inconsistent thus far, and is averaging just 5.1 points and 2.4 rebounds on the year. Unless he sees a major spike in production World Peace is only worth owning in deeper formats heading into Fantasy Week 5 (Jan. 23-29).
News: Lakers F Metta World Peace was back in action during Saturday night's contest against the Clippers. World Peace, who missed Friday's contest due to an Achilles' injury, finished with just two points on 1 of 2 shooting from the field in the 102-94 contest. He also grabbed three rebounds, while logging 19 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: World Peace was able to return to action Saturday, but you wouldn't know it by looking at the box score. The veteran continues to struggle during his third season in Los Angeles as he has now scored a combined 13 points over his last six games. While the World Peace has proved in the past he can be a decent Fantasy option when he is going well, owners should leave him on the bench until he starts playing a little better.
News: Lakers forward Metta World Peace did not make it on to the court on Friday night against the Cavaliers. After the game coach Mike Brown said World Peace mentioned his sore Achilles' was bothering him, so he didn't play. The Lakers face the Clippers on Saturday.
Analysis: World Peace came into the season overweight and is still trying to get into a groove. He lost his starting job to Matt Barnes and has a long way to go to become a Fantasy relevant player again. At this time World Peace is only worth holding onto in the deepest of formats, but should not be starting in any league.
News:The Orange County Register reports Lakers coach Mike Brown still feels that forward Metta World Peace can average double figures in scoring. He is currently at 5.9 points per game. "He came in obviously overweight. He's close to where he needs to be or where he wants to be," Brown said.
Analysis: Brown said Metta World Peace is still looking to find his offensive rhythm, but he better find it fast. He is already losing PT to Matt Barnes, and he could lose even more PT to Devin Ebanks and Luke Walton. It's clear that the Lakers want Metta World Peace to succeed. It's just that he is not a very good Fantasy start as he finds his offensive game.
News: Lakers F Metta World Peace had another poor scoring performance on Sunday night against the Grizzlies. He finished with just two points while playing 13 minutes off the bench in the 90-82 win. He went 1 for 3 from the field and missed both of his attempts from downtown. World Peace also had one rebound and a steal in the victory.
Analysis: World Peace got off to a solid start this season but has slowed down significantly since. After scoring in double figures two of his first three times out, he has accomplished that feat once over the last seven games and is starting to see his role decrease. Matt Barnes has seen an increase as a result, so keep an eye on the situation going forward. But as long as he is struggling, leave World Peace on the bench in the majority of Fantasy formats.
News: Lakers F Metta World Peace notched 19 points and four rebounds during Los Angeles' 100-91 loss to Sacramento on Monday night. World Peace logged 29 minutes in a reserve role for the Lakers and drained 8 of his 14 attempts from the field. He missed both of his 3-point attempts and is now 0 for 3 from long range this season. "We have a lot of games left, a lot of games left," he said. "Everything is going OK. Everything will be great."
Analysis: With F Lamar Odom gone, Los Angeles is expecting World Peace to anchor the team's bench this season. The 32-year-old has played at least 25 minutes in each of his two games this season, but isn't expected to attempt 14 shots a game on a nightly basis. World Peace remains a quality rebounder and has hauled in an average of 4.8 boards in his career. Consider him a low-end option in most Fantasy formats for now.
News: Lakers coach Mike Brown officially announced that F Metta World Peace would not be starting for Los Angeles when the season begins on Christmas Day, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. World Peace has started all 159 regular season games he has appeared in during his two seasons with the Lakers, including 82 last year. The player formerly known as Ron Artest seemed at peace with the decision, saying 'It's going to be good. I get a chance to come in and have more responsibility, which is good. It's going to make the other team off balance. Kobe, Pau and Bynum are going to be out and you're still going to have to double-team me. You can't leave me alone on the block by myself." F Shannon Brown would be the most likely candidate to step into the lineup.
Analysis: World Peace has never spent a significant amount of time coming off the bench in his 12-year career. Of course, World Peace reportedly showed up to training camp out of shape, saying he had ‘a little more martinis’ in November, not expecting the season to begin so quickly. Because of that and his struggles last year, the Lakers are likely to give Brown the first shot at cracking the starting lineup. While World Peace seems to think this can only help his production, he is coming off of back-to-back seasons where he established a new career low in scoring. You should wait to see it before you believe he can find his lost Fantasy value. Consider World Peace a low-end option on Draft Day.
News: Lakers coach Mike Brown said that F Metta World Peace showed up to camp on Friday "obviously a little overweight." Peace said he thought the season wouldn't start until January, so he had "a little more martinis" in November. Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, averaged a career-low 8.5 points with 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists for Los Angeles last season.
Analysis: Peace has taken a smaller role since coming to the Lakers in 2009 and his numbers hit rock bottom last season. While he still averaged 1.5 steals per contest and shot over 35 percent from beyond the arc, his scoring will likely not change as long as Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom are around. Keep an eye on him going forward to make sure this weight problem does not hinder him going forward. He finished last season as the 59th best forward-eligible player in terms of scoring in standard CBSSports.com Fantasy leagues so consdier him a low-end option, worth taking in the late rounds on Draft Day in those formats.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Ron Artest has signed a contract to play with the Cheshire Jets of the British Basketball League. According to the report, It still remains unclear when will mark his first day in a Cheshire Jet uniform, but the team website indicates that its season begins on Sept. 30 and runs through April 22.
Analysis: Per FIBA rules, Artest would have to return to rejoin the Lakers as soon as the NBA lockout ends. Artest finished last season as the 59th best forward-eligible player in terms of scoring in standard CBSSports.com Fantasy leagues. That makes him a low-end option, worth taking in the late rounds on Draft Day in those formats.
News: With the signing of Mike Brown as the Lakers new head coach, defense will be a focal point of the team. Forward Ron Artest has always been known as a great perimeter defender, but has lost a few steps the last few years in Los Angeles. Brown and Artest know each other pretty well, as Artest won the 2004 defensive player of the year award under Brown's defensive system in Indiana. Not only has his defense gone downhill, but so has Artest's offense. He doesn't have to be a scorer in L.A.'s system, which is evident by his career lows in points the past two seasons with the Lakers -- 11 and 8.5 points respectively.
Analysis: Artest acted more like an enforcer for the Lakers in the playoffs after he was suspended one game for hitting Dallas guard Jose Juan Barea. But you don't get Fantasy points for those kind of things, which should make owners wonder if Artest is worth anything in leagues anymore. That is a good question. He is just two years removed from averaging 17.1 points per game, when he was in Houston. But now the veteran seems OK with being a wingman to Kobe Bryant and have a chance to win titles. He finished the year as the 59th best forward-eligible player in terms of scoring in standard CBSSports.com Fantasy leagues. That makes him a low-end option, worth taking in the late rounds on Draft Day. He has upside because he can score, but it all depends on how Brown uses Artest this fall to see how valuable he'll be.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest was back on the court for Game 4 of Sunday's Western Conference playoff series against the Mavericks after serving his one-game suspension. Artest was suspended for Game 3 of the series after hitting Dallas guard Jose Juan Barea in the face with a forearm during Game 2. However, it didn't matter much on Sunday as the Mavericks blasted the Lakers 122-86 to complete a four-game sweep of the defending champions. Artest finished with 11 points, two rebounds and two assists in the contest while logging 28 minutes.
Analysis: Artest was back on the floor for Sunday's elimination game and actually watched as a few of his teammates lost their cool in the waning moments. He even escorted Andrew Bynum off the court after the 7-footer was ejected for a hard foul in the closing minutes. Artest really struggled during the 2010-11 campaign, posting career-lows in points (8.5), rebounds (3.3), and field goal percentage (39.7). He almost seemed more confused about his role this season than he did he in his first year in L.A and was a bit of a disappointment for those who drafted him. The Lakers will most likely be re-tooling in the offseason, so owners will have to see what role the veteran will be asked to play next season. However, after two unimpressive statistical years in Southern California, Artest should only be drafted in the later rounds of deeper formats on Draft Day next season.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest has been suspended from Game 3 of a second-round series against the Mavericks on Friday night for hitting Dallas guard Jose Juan Barea in the face with a forearm. Los Angeles, already down 0-2, now will be playing a pivotal game without its starting small forward. "No reaction," Artest said Thursday in Los Angeles, prior to boarding a team flight to Dallas. "I'm just ready to move forward and play basketball." Barea was dribbing around Los Angeles' Lamar Odom with 24 seconds left in a game that had already been decided when Artest moved in and swung a forearm at the guard's head. Artest was ejected immediately. The league said Thursday he also would be assessed a flagrant foul. An accumulation of flagrant foul points could lead to another suspension.
Analysis: Artest's boneheaded move could hurt his team substantially as Game 3 is pivotal. "His presence will be missed," Odom said. "I haven't played small forward in a couple of years, but I'll adjust and I'll try to impact the game wherever I am on the court. I'll be ready." While Artest has hit a few big shots for the Lakers this year, he is more of a defensive presence. That doesn't give him a bunch of Fantasy value though. Owners should continue to view Artest as a low-end forward option.
News: The Lakers lost to the Mavericks again on Wednesday night and now face a 2-0 deficit. Forward Ron Artest will likely be suspended for Game 3 as he clothes-lined guard Jose Juan Barea with 24.4 second left in the game and then was ejected from the game. Artest shot 4 for 10 from the field -- going 1 for 4 from beyond the arc -- and converted 2 of his 4 foul shots. He finished with 11 points, two assists, six rebounds and three blocks in his 31 minutes on the court. The Mavericks went on to beat the Lakers, 93-81.
Analysis: Artest has hit a few big shots for the Lakers this year and is still a solid defender. The fact he made this boneheaded play at the end of the game, his absence will hurt his team as the series shifts to Dallas. The league will likely suspend him for the next game, which is never good for a player's Fantasy value. Heading into the 2011-12 season, Artest is merely a low-end forward option.
News: Los Angeles forward Ron Artest had a relatively quiet night if you take into consideration five players were ejected on Thursday when Dallas was in town. Artest shot 50 percent from the field -- connecting on 2 of his 4 3-point attempts -- and nailed his lone foul shot, finishing with 13 points. He added four rebounds, a steal and a team-high six assists. The Lakers would go on to beat beat Mavericks, 110-82.
Analysis: Artest doesn't have to be a big-time scorer in L.A., and has accepted his role as a role player. Over his last five games, he's averaging 13.4 points, 3.4 boards and 2.8 assists per outing, while shooting 50 percent from downtown. Fantasy owners know Artest is a solid defender and will occasionally hit a big shot for the Lakers. Unfortunately that doesn't translate into a ton of Fantasy value. Continue viewing him as a low-end forward option in deeper formats for the rest of the season.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest put in an all-around solid game against the Heat on Thursday, but he would prove costly at the end of the game. Late in the fourth quarter with the game tied, Artest could not connect on what seemed like an easy lay-in. On the ensuing offensive possession, after a Miami score, Artest committed a loose-ball foul on LeBron James to allow him to go to the line and put the game out of reach for good. Before those blunders, he was solid on both ends of the floor. Artest finished the night with nine points on 4 of 11 shooting, hitting the only 3-pointer he attempted. He added nine rebounds, six assists and three steals in 36 minutes of playing time.
Analysis: Artest played his usual role for most of the game against the Heat, pestering Dwyane Wade and LeBron James while they had the ball. He even embarrassed Wade in the open court, when he picked his pocket and went on to score an easy basket all alone on the other end. But then the blunders creeped up on him. He pushed the put-back layup in too strong with some defenders around him. Against James, he simply gave a little shove to his back while trying to establish rebounding position to draw the whistle. Still, Artest did his job for the most part, and Fantasy owners should take him for what he did in the majority of hi playing time. Consider the outspoken forward to be a low-end option in all formats moving forward.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest registered 10 points and two steals in Los Angeles' 90-87 victory over Oklahoma City on Sunday. Artest attempted 10 shots and connected on five to top 50 percent of his attempts for the third time in his last four games. The veteran added a rebound and assist while logging 37 minutes -- matching Kobe Bryant for the team lead.
Analysis: Artest's main objective Sunday was to slow down the NBA's leading scorer in Thunder star Kevin Durant. He was effective in that task and held Durant to just 21 points on 8 of 20 shooting. Aside from his season-high 24 points against Portland on Wednesday, Artest's Fantasy value appears to be diminishing as his season scoring average has slipped to 8.2 points per game despite the strong shooting recently. Consider him a low-end Fantasy option in deeper leagues.
News: Los Angeles forward Ron Artest scored a season-high 24 points on Wednesday night in Portland, spoiling Brandon Roy's return to the court. Artest shot 8 for 13 from the field -- connecting on 5 of his 6 shots from beyond the 3-point arc -- and converting 3 of his 4 foul shots. Artest added six boards, four assists and two steals in his 43 minutes of action. He would hit some key shots down the stretch for the Lakers as they would beat the Trail Blazers, 106-101 in overtime.
Analysis: Artest has not been producing a lot on the offensive end this season, which has frustrated Fantasy owners. He's averaging just 7.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists over his last 10 games. He's the lockdown defender for the Lakers and doesn't bring a whole lot to the Fantasy table. Despite his best scoring output of the season, Artest remains a mediocre option for deeper Fantasy leagues.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest took 11 shots and could only get four of them to fall on Monday night in a blowout loss to the Bobcats. Artest played 21 minutes and grabbed five rebounds with five assists and 10 points in the game. He added a steal. The 10 points marked the first time he'd scored in double figures since dropping 13 points on the Grizzlies on Feb. 7.
Analysis: Artest continues to be dismal for Fantasy owners as he's averaging just 6.7 points per game over his last 10 contests. That comes with 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.7 steals. Artest has put together all-around mediocre production and can be considered just a mediocre option for deeper Fantasy leagues at this point in his career.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest played a huge role in Monday's 93-84 win over the Grizzlies. Artest got a bloody nose late in the third quarter, but then came back to hit a big shot in the fourth. The Lakers' mercurial forward said he couldn't remember getting popped by Grizzlies center Marc Gasol. "I just kept going," Artest said. "Once I got my head cleared, [I] toughened up a little bit and got out there and played basketball. You do what it takes to win." Artest finished with 13 points in the contest on 4 of 11 shooting from the field. He also chipped in with in four rebounds, four steals and three assists in 39 minutes of game action.
Analysis: Artest was a huge factor in the Lakers win in Memphis on Monday night, although is still struggling from a Fantasy standpoint. The 12-year veteran is still struggling to score and has seen his minutes cut recently. He is shooting just 36 percent from the field over his last five contests and is averaging just 8.6 points over that stretch. While he is still a great source for steals, Artest's numbers are way down across the board in almost every other category. Continue to view him as a low-end Fantasy option at this point of the season.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest played 41 minutes in Thursday's loss to the Spurs, scoring 13 points in the process. It was the first time over a five game-span that he reached double-figures, as he shot 6 of 11 from the floor, but 0 of 4 from beyond the arc. Artest added five rebounds and two steals defensively on the night.
Analysis: Artest has been in the middle of some scrutiny because of the lack of production from him over the last week or so. His minutes were down, especially in the fourth quarter. Rumors even swirled about him wanting to be traded. Thursday night might erase all those notions as he played well, saw extensive fourth quarter minutes and re-iterated the fact that he loves Los Angeles a day after his agent refuted all the rumors. Artest had a bad string of games, and it appears to be a dead issue. We expect things to remain the same personnel-wise for the Lakers, and that means Artest guarding the opponents best player. Continue to roll with him in all Fantasy formats going forward, unless the unexpected happens.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Ron Artest's agent, David Bauman, has refuted an ESPN report that said Ron Artest hoped to be traded by the Lakers. "Ron is not looking for a trade," Bauman said. "The frustration is there among everyone on the team. But Ron is a Laker, and he just wants to win. Ron is frustrated with the losing, as everybody is."
Analysis: This seems to be much ado about nothing. Artest is carrying around a very unattractive contract and has averaged just 8.1 points 2.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 49 appearances this season. He may have said something to somebody about being frustrated, but the odds of him being traded are slim at best. It is a shame, too, because a trade might be the only thing that can awaken Artest from his statistical slumber. In L.A., he has become little more than a defensive specialist.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest complained of some thigh pain after getting kneed in Los Angeles' previous game against the Celtics. He looked healthy in playing a pivotal role in a win over Houston Tuesday. Artest hit open jump shots when he got them and went 4 of 8 from the field to score nine points in an overtime win. He added a rebound, assist and steal over 28 minutes.
Analysis: While Artest hit some big shots for L.A. Tuesday, his final line still lacked as it has all year. He continues to be a shell of his former Fantasy self. Owners should only be using him in very deep formats at the moment and we wonder if he'll ever be the same player.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest was expected to play through some pain in his thigh after he was kneed by Celtics big man Shaquille O'Neal in the team's last game against Boston on Sunday, reports the Los Angeles Times. Artest complained of the thigh issue to coach Phil Jackson before Tuesday's game against Houston.
Analysis: Artest has scored a grand total of 14 points in his last three games and has added six rebounds, three assists, three steals and has shot 4 for 19 from the field over that span. It sounds like he's just making excuses for poor play. Artest only has low-end Fantasy value at this point.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest scored a season-best 19 points on Friday night against the Nuggets. He shot 8 for 12 from the field -- knocking down 2 of his 3 shots from behind the 3-point arc -- and connected on 1 of his 3 foul shots. Artest added two boards and two blocks in his 26 minutes of court time -- which was limited by foul trouble. The Lakers would go on to beat the Nuggets, 107-97, and are the only team in the NBA with a winning record against Denver.
Analysis: Artest has been averaging 8.0 points per game, but over his last five games has reached double figures three times. He's scoring 11.2 points, grabbing 2.4 boards and dishing out 1.4 assists over that span. While he's known as a defender, Artest has been shooting well recently. He's shooting 47.6 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent from downtown his last five outings. While he doesn't have much Fantasy appeal, owners in deeper formats where Artest is owned should have him active.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest is playing well lately, averaging 11.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and two 3-pointers per game while shooting 50 percent from the field over his last five contests. Why is Artest playing so well? He says he is doing everything the same he always does. "I started off the season really well," Artest said to the Las Angeles Times. "I'm in more shape. I had a great training camp and early season and something happened and things weren't going my way. I had to just deal with it. But for me, nothing's changed."
Analysis: Clearly, there was "something happened" in what Artest said and there was something that caused his numbers to be much lower than expected. Hopefully he's figured it out and he'll continue to play well. Artest brings an all-around ability that is helpful in deeper Fantasy leagues.
News: With Matt Barnes expected to be out for several weeks due to a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee, Lakers F Ron Artest will get more minutes in his absence. Artest played 35 minutes in Sunday's game against the Knicks and scored six points with nine rebounds in the 109-87 win. He went 2 for 9 from the field, including 0 for 1 from downtown, and converted 2 of 3 free throws. Artest earned a flagrant foul in the victory as he clotheslined New York's Amare Stoudemire on a drive to the hoop.
Analysis: Artest is having perhaps his worst professional season statistically, averaging career lows of 7.7 points and 2.9 rebounds while giving up playing time to Barnes. Hopefully his boost in playing time will equate into better numbers for Fantasy owners but with the way he has been playing of late, there are no guarantees. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his progress over the next couple games but do have him active in a majority of formats. Leave Artest for deeper Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Lakers coach Phil Jackson confirmed Tuesday that he and SF Ron Artest got into a shouting match at practice recently.
Analysis: We knew it would only be a matter of time before Artest and Jackson had it out in some fashion, and Artest's Fantasy owners will have to start wondering at this point if a suspension could be down the road. Luckily for those owners, Artest hasn't been much of a Fantasy factor lately, and his presence wouldn't be missed too much if he had to sit out for some time. He remains only worth worrying about in deeper leagues.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest hasn't been able to get going lately. Artest scored eight points on a 3-for-8 shooting performance on Tuesday night against the Pistons. He went 2 for 3 from downtown in the Lakers 108-83 win. He dished out four assists, grabbed three rebounds and made two steals in his 28 minutes on the court.
Analysis: Artest is averaging 7.0 points, 2.6 assists and 2.6 rebounds over his last five games. The veteran forward is known as a defensive specialist and is grabbing 1.2 steals over that span. While Artest can put up some scoring numbers from time to time, he just do enough as a whole to make him worth much in Fantasy leagues. Owners should continue to view him as a low-end option in deeper leagues .
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest did little on Tuesday night and Los Angeles suffered an ugly home loss to the Bucks. Artest shot just 2 of 7 from the field and put up four points in the 98-79 defeat. He added just one rebound and did not have an assist in the performance with one steal.
Analysis: Artest seems to have stopped rebounding the basketball altogether of late and with just 7.8 points, an assist and a steal per game over his last five, he's giving Fantasy owners no reason to own him. He really has just low-end Fantasy value right now.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest scored 13 points and grabbed three rebounds in Los Angeles' 109-94 victory at Indiana on Wednesday night. Artest had his most accurate outing of the season (75 percent from the field) after connecting on 6 of his 8 shots. The veteran added two steals and two assists in his 25 minutes of action.
Analysis: Fantasy owners would enjoy more scoring consistency from Artest. Wednesday's game represented his highest scoring total in 16 games and gave him double digits in points in back-to-back games for just the second time this season. He is also struggling a bit on the boards since his seven-rebound effort on Dec. 7. Since that game, Artest has just 10 rebounds total in his last five outings. Consider him only in deeper Fantasy leagues, for now.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest may have gave some insight into why his numbers haven't been so great with Los Angeles. He told an ESPN.com reporter that he "can't really understand the triangle [offense]... There's 1,000 plays in the triangle." Artest went on to say, "It's such a challenge. I get so frustrated about it. So I just stay in my one spot in the corner. If I leave my spot, I get yelled at."
Analysis: It is clear that Artest doesn't seem to get it in the Lakers' triangle offense. His numbers have been putrid. He's averaging 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.2 steals per game over his last five and he's shot just 9 for 32 over that span. That actually makes sense considering according to him he's just standing in the corner. At this point, Artest is only worth having for the intangibles in the deepest of leagues.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest contributed four steals and little else in a win over the Wizards on Tuesday night. Playing 39 minutes, Artest scored nine points on 3 of 8 shooting and 0 for 4 from long range. He added seven rebounds and a block.
Analysis: The good news is that the nine points Artest scored Tuesday are more than the six points he scored in the previous two games combined. Artest is averaging 29 minutes per game over his last five contests and is putting up just 6.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game over that span. He's not really taking that many shots and doesn't seem to be asserting himself much. Fantasy owners are staying away right now and you should too.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest scored 12 points in Tuesday's 98-96 loss to the Grizzlies. Artest shot 5 of 11 from the floor in 34 minutes. He was 2 of 4 from behind the arc, but grabbed just one rebound in the defeat.
Analysis: Artest is known as more of a defensive role player for the Lakers, so he is not required to do much scoring. However, he has not been shooting the ball very well of late and has seen a dip in all of his numbers across the board this season. It's possible some of his struggles could be attributed to lingering soreness in his hip, but the Lakers and Artest have used that as an excuse thus far. Fantasy owners should view him as merely a Fantasy reserve or a low-end play for deeper category leagues until he increases his production.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest' scoring woes continued in Tuesday's 98-91 win over the Bulls. Artest shot just 1 of 8 from the field in the contest and finished with just two points in 17 minutes of action. He went 0 of 3 from downtown and had just three rebounds with a steal and a block in the victory.
Analysis: Artest has been in a scoring slump of late. He is averaging just 3.8 points over his last five games and is shooting just 31 percent (8 of 26) from the floor over that stretch. It's possible some of his struggles could be attributed to lingering soreness in his hip, but the Lakers and Artest have not blamed his hip for his lack of production. Fantasy owners should view him as merely a Fantasy reserve or a low-end play for deeper category leagues until he increases his production.
News: As expected, Lakers F Ron Artest was able to play in Wednesday's game at Detroit despite lingering soreness in his hip area. He was not very productive, however, scoring just three points with three rebounds in 28 minutes. Artest has been limited to a combined 10 points over his last two games.
Analysis: Artest is not very concerned with his numbers as more of a defensive role player for a stacked Lakers squad, but he is still capable of filling up the box scoring across most significant categories. He has been seen getting treatment even during games on the bench in recent games, but has not blamed his hip for a lack in production. That should be attributed more to his current role and is why Artest is merely a Fantasy reserve or a low-end play for deeper category leagues.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest had his streak of double-digit offensive performances snapped in Tuesday's game at Milwaukee. He scored seven points off just 3 for 5 shooting, adding five rebounds and two assists. Artest had scored at least 11 points in his previous four games. Artest received some special attention on the bench at times due to some lingering hip issues, but he was able to play on without any real effects. Coach Phil Jackson said Artest would play on Wednesday night against Detroit.
Analysis: At one point, there was a team massage therapist working on his hip on the team's bench. This isn't anything that is expected to keep him out of game action, but it is something to keep an eye on going forward. Artest is merely a defensive specialist these days for the Lakers, but he has the potential to produce across the board -- he just won't do it on a consistent basis anymore.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest was OK in Tuesday's 99-94 win over the Timberwolves. Artest scored 13 points on 5 of 13 shooting in the victory while logging 34 minutes. He missed both of his shots from downtown, but was able to chip in with four rebounds, four dimes and three steals.
Analysis: Artest is known more for his defense rather than his offense, however, he can still light up the scoreboard from time-to-time. His rebounding numbers are a bit down at the moment and he needs to pick up his production across the board to be worth starting in Fantasy right now. Still, it is very early in the season and there is plenty of time for Artest to turn things around. Keep him active in all formats at this point.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest put his best foot forward in Wednesday's 112-100 win over the Kings. Artest had scored in double digits just once this season before breaking out with his best game of the year. He shot 7 for 11 from the field, nailing 3 of his 4 shots from downtown. Artest would finish with 17 points, two steals, four assists and one board in his 26 minutes of action.
Analysis: Artest is seeing heavy minutes this season and is known for his defensive skills. The Lakers need Artest to step up when the opposing team forces him to shoot and needs to be that supplemental player to Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Despite having his breakout game for the Lakers, Fantasy owners have to realize his role on the team is to shut down the opposing team's go-to guy. That doesn't give him much Fantasy value outside of deeper Fantasy leagues. But given the right conditions, he can put up solid games like he did against the Kings.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest had another unimpressive stat line in Tuesday's game against the Grizzlies. He scored just five points with four rebounds and no assists in a 124-105 win. He played a season-low 24 minutes as coach Phil Jackson rested his regulars late. Artest has scored fewer than 10 points in three of his first four games.
Analysis: Artest is averaging 29.8 minutes per game, but has managed just 8.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. One of the best defensive players in the league, he is averaging 2.3 steals per game, but is not doing enough in his role as a defensive stopper to consider using in any Fantasy format right now.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest struggled to find his shot in Tuesday's season opener against the Rockets. Artest shot just 3 of 15 from the floor and went 2 of his 6 from behind the arc. He finished with eight points while logging 29 minutes and grabbed seven rebounds in the 112-110 victory. He also chipped in a pair of dimes and four steals in the win.
Analysis: Artest got plenty of open looks on Tuesday but couldn't get many to drop. Those types of nights happen sometimes and Artest should continue to see plenty of open looks with all the double teams Kobe and Pau Gasol draw. While he doesn't score a ton of points on a consistent basis, Artest's ability to fill up a stat sheet makes him viable starter in category leagues. He also can be considered a quality reserve in standard Head-to-Head leagues.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest shot 4 fro 5 from downtown in Wednesday's preseason game against the Kings. He finished with 18 points, four boards and three assists. He added a block shot and a steal.
Analysis: Artest was dealing with a hamstring injury entering the preseason, but has been showing no signs of being slowed by it. Artest doesn't have to be the star in Los Angeles, but is a key component to the team. He's worth a pick in the later rounds on Draft Day as a Fantasy reserve option.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest was not held out of his team's preseason debut in London against the Minnesota Timberwolves despite the fact that he reportedly arrived to his team's training camp last week with a strained left hamstring. Artest played just 17 minutes in the game, however, and scored only three points with a pair of steals and assists.
Analysis: Artest playing at all in a preseason game is a good sign that the hamstring is no longer an issue. The Lakers held most of their stars back, much to the dismay of the London crowd. Artest said he arrived to camp slimmer than a year ago. Hopefully, he could add a little weight to his numbers this year after taking a hit in his first year with the Lakers. However, with a stacked lineup around him, we expect a similar role while everyone remains healthy. But Artest's ability to fill up a stat sheet makes him viable in category leagues. He'll also be worth owning as at least a reserve in even standard Head-to-Head leagues.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest arrived to his team's training camp with a slightly strained right hamstring, according to the Los Angeles Times. He did note, however, that he arrived 10 pounds lighter than he did a year ago. He said that he wants to lose about four more pounds by the time the season starts, remembering how sluggish he felt early last season when he was too heavy. "I'm in great shape," he said. "I'm going to be quicker this season than I was last season."
Analysis: Artest acknowledged he didn't do much with a basketball during the off-season, but he did not come into camp out of shape. His numbers took a sharp decline due to the wealth of options in Los Angeles and we anticipate similar numbers from him this year, but Artest's ability to fill up a stat sheet makes him viable in category leagues. He'll also be worth owning as at least a reserve in even standard Head-to-Head leagues.
News: The Lakers rested guard Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Denver, which allowed forward Ron Artest to take on more of a scoring load. Artest had 22 points, six rebounds and three assists. It was his first 20-point outing since scoring 21 points Feb. 6 at Portland.
Analysis: Artest is averaging just 13.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists in his past five games. The Lakers might decide to rest Bryant for a few more games prior to the playoffs, which could allow Artest to keep his scoring at a high level. He is worth using in all leagues when he's playing like this.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest had eight points with three assists and two rebounds in Sunday's game against San Antonio. He has scored in single digits in three of his last five games.
Analysis: Artest is averaging just 10.4 points with 4.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists this season as he's continued to focus more on his defense than his offense as a Laker. Expect similar numbers in the final scoring period of the season.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest scored 14 points in a loss to the Hornets on Monday. Artest shot 6 of 14 from the field while accumulating seven rebounds and two steals in 43 minutes. He has now scored in double figures in three of his last five contests.
Analysis: Artest is averaging 11 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 steals over his last five games. While he can produce decent overall statistics, the scoring is too inconsistent from Artest. Fantasy owners should consider him a low-end Fantasy option that can provide a cheap source of steals.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest had 16 points with eight rebounds and three assists in Wednesday's game at San Antonio. He added five steals. He has scored in double figures in three straight games.
Analysis: Artest has seen a few more offensive touches go his way with Andrew Bynum out of the lineup. He remains a very well-rounded Fantasy option, but the scoring could fade back down to around 10 points per game whenever Bynum returns. Bynum could return at some point during Fantasy Week 23 (March 29-April 4), but there remains no return date set.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest scored in double figures for the second consecutive night, scoring 16 points against the Wizards on Sunday. Artest shot 7 of 10 from the floor while grabbing three steals and rebounds. It was the fourth time in his last five games that he has scored in double figures.
Analysis: Artest is averaging 11 points and 4.4 rebounds over his last five contests. Fantasy owners should consider him a risky Fantasy option because of his lack of consistency in scoring. With the Lakers playing three times during Fantasy Week 22 (March 22-28), Artest is best used in the deepest of leagues at this point.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Lakers F Ron Artest has 16 steals in his past three games despite having to guard Carmelo Anthony, Danny Granger and Dwyane Wade.
Analysis: Artest is averaging 11 points and nearly four steals per game over his last five contests. Unfortunately, Artest is not consistent enough to warrant him as a must-start Fantasy option. Fantasy owners in deeper leagues could use Artest as a cheap source of steals. Consider Artest a risky starting option.
News: For the season time this season, Lakers forward Ron Artest had no rebounds in a game. Artest had 11 points and four assists in 28 minutes against the Pacers. The only other time Artest went without a rebound was Jan. 31 against Boston.
Analysis: Artest is averaging 9.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in his past five games. His production remains too inconsistent for him to be considered a guaranteed starting option in all Fantasy leagues. Still, when he's on his game, he can be a quality option, but he's still a risky starter in most formats.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest saw an increase in scoring on Sunday in a win over Denver with 17 points. Artest, who averages 11.5 PPG on the year, shot 6 for 13 from the field and nailed 4 of 7 from 3-point range. He added four assists, four rebound and six steals.
Analysis: Artest has been so inconsistent putting the ball in the hoop of late. He's averaging just 10.4 points per game over his last five. That said, he's also bringing 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 steals and a 3-pointer per game to the table and the Lakers play four times in Week 19 (March 1-7). Artest is worth starting in most 12-team and deeper Fantasy leagues.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest had 15 points, six assists, four rebounds and three streals Tuesday night against Golden State. Artest is averaging 13.8 points, 4.2 assists and 3.4 rebounds in his past five games.
Analysis: Artest has stepped up his play with Kobe Bryant missing time due to an ankle injury, and hopefully that will carry Artest through the rest of the season. He is worth starting in most leagues when he's playing at this level.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest scored 18 points as the Lakers defeated San Antonio 101-89 on Monday. Artest shot 6 of 16 from the field while adding five rebounds and four assists in 37 minutes of play.
Analysis: Artest has been extremely consistent over his last five games averaging 16.6 points and reaching double figures in all five contests. With Kobe Bryant nursing an ankle injury, Artest will be counted on to provide some more scoring and will see a Fantasy boost.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest scored 21 points on 9 of 12 shooting as Los Angeles defeated Portland 99-82 on Saturday. Artest contributed three rebounds and four assists in 38 minutes of play. It was the first time in his last five games that Artest has scored 20-plus.
Analysis: Artest has picked up his scoring as of late and has averaged 15.2 points over his last five games. While he provides decent Fantasy value, Artest does not provide enough production in assists and rebounds to put him in the upper echelon of Fantasy forwards. He is a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward.
News: Los Angeles SF Ron Artest played well on Monday in a loss at Memphis. Artest shot 6 for 9 from the field and hit two threes as he scored 18 points in the loss. He added five rebounds and two assists over 35 minutes.
Analysis: Artest has been up and down with his scoring of late and is averaging 10.8 points per game over his last five. His Fantasy stats across the board have been down of late as he's averaging 2.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals with a three per game over his last five. Artest is pressing a bit right now but continues to be worth using in the majority of Fantasy leagues.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest scored 18 points in Friday's win over the 76ers, his highest output since Nov. 28. In 37 minutes he registered four rebounds, two assists and three steals while shooting 7 of 13 from the field.
Analysis: Artest's role with the Lakers has become primarily a defensive one, and his stats are affected by it. In his past five games he's averaged 8.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.2 blocks. He has become a low-end Fantasy option at forward.
News: Los Angeles SF Ron Artest overcame flu-like symptoms to start for Los Angeles against the Wizards Tuesday night. He finished with five points, one rebound and two assists in 26 minutes.
Analysis: Over his last five games Artest is averaging only 7.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Due to his limited role offensively with the Lakers and sluggish play of late he is a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy forward.
News: According to the Los Angeles Times, Ron Artest (flu) was able to participate in Tuesday's morning shootaround and will play Tuesday night against Washington. He missed the team's visit to the White House Monday due to a case of intestinal flu.
Analysis: Artest is averaging just 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists over his last five games. He is playing a much more defensive-minded role with the Lakers this season and has put aside offensive responsibilities. As a result, he's become a low-end Fantasy option. He can still help as a stat filler in larger category-base leagues when he's going well as he is averaging just under five boards, three assists, just over one steal and just under two threes per game. But his days as a must-start are gone.
News: The Orange County Register reports that Ron Artest developed flu-like symptoms Monday morning at the team's practice and therefore did not join the team for its White House visit in the afternoon. Artest is questionable for the game Tuesday night against the Wizards.
Analysis: Artest should play at some point during the team's four-game week in Fantasy Week 14 (Jan. 25-31), but this should be held into account when making lineup decisions. He could easily miss one and maybe even two games with this issue.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest continues to put up less than stellar numbers, finishing Thursday's game against the Cavs with eight points, seven rebounds and four assists. In 35 minutes he shot 3 of 10 from the field, including 2 of 8 from three-point range.
Analysis: Artest is struggling of late, averaging 9.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists a game in January. Lamar Odom is a better option when it comes to Lakers' forwards. Artest is a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy forward at this point due to his limited production.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest, who sprained his right index finger Tuesday, managed to play Wednesday at Dallas. He had 16 points and 11 rebounds, recording his first double-double in six games since he returned from a concussion.
Analysis: Instead of limiting Artest, the sprained finger seemed to help him return to normal. Clearly, the injury isn't a significant one, and even better news, Artest is starting to look like himself after suffering the concussion. He's just a role player on a loaded Lakers roster, but his ability to contribute across the board makes him a No. 3 Fantasy option when healthy.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Lakers forward Ron Artest is day to day with an injured finger. He will be considered a game-time decision for Wednesday's game at Dallas. Artest managed to start and play 33 minutes Tuesday at San Antonio despite injuring his finger against the Spurs.
Analysis: We expect Artest to play against the Mavericks, but use caution when setting your lineup in daily leagues. When healthy, Artest is a No. 3 Fantasy option.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest, who returned from a five-game absence with a concussion a week ago only to have lingering effects from it Sunday, managed to start and play 33 minutes Tuesday at San Antonio. He finished with 13 points and eight rebounds. He sprained his right index finger during the game, though, and is day to day.
Analysis: Artest's numbers since returning from the concussion have been even lower than his season averages, and now he has to contend with this finger injury. He's just a role player on a loaded Lakers roster, but his ability to contribute across the board makes him a No. 3 Fantasy option when healthy. You'll probably want to bench him until you see how this situation plays out.
News: According to the Los Angeles Times, Lakers F Ron Artest, who played only 19 minutes in Sunday's game against Milwaukee due to lingering effects of his recent concussion, is expected to play Tuesday in San Antonio.
Analysis: Artest has played four games since returning from the mysterious head injury he suffered on Christmas Day at his home. He has averaged just 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in those games, but had played 30-plus minutes in the three games prior to Sunday. He may play this week, but remains a very questionable play in Fantasy leagues due to his current limited offensive role and the fact that he may not be 100 percent.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest, who missed the last five games with a concussion, returned Tuesday against the Rockets. He played 33 minutes, scoring seven points and pulling down seven rebounds.
Analysis: Even though Artest didn't put up stellar numbers, he managed to play significant minutes, which is an accomplishment in and of itself. He isn't a big numbers guy on a crowded Lakers team anyway, serving as more of a role player. With a 12-5-4 line this season, he's a No. 3 Fantasy forward.
News: According to the team's official Web site, Lakers F Ron Artest (concussion) was able to participate in contact drills during Monday's practice. He has missed five games following a fall at his home on Christmas night that caused him to have a concussion and dizziness.
Analysis: This was the last hurdle for Artest to clear and he should return to action Tuesday against Houston. his appeal in Fantasy this season has taken a big hit due to the way he is used in Los Angeles. He is a defensive-minded player who rarely takes on an offensive role anymore. Artest is averaging a 12-5-4 line this season, making him a decent No. 3 or 4 option at forward or guard when healthy.
News:Ron Artest could rejoin the Los Angeles Lakers early this week after missing five games following a fall at his home on Christmas night. Coach Phil Jackson said Sunday night that Artest has been cleared to practice without restrictions Monday. Artest fell at home on Dec. 25, causing a concussion, a deep cut on his left elbow and a slight loss of memory.
Analysis: Artest went through a no-contact practice Saturday and participated in the team's shootaround before Sunday night's game against Dallas. If Artest practices without problems, Jackson said he could return Tuesday night at home against his former team Houston. Fantasy owners should expect him to return to action soon, but his appeal in Fantasy this season has taken a big hit due to the way he is used in Los Angeles. He is a defensive-minded player who rarely takes on an offensive role anymore. Artest is averaging a 12-5-4 line this season, making him a decent No. 3 or 4 option at forward or guard.
News: According to the team's official Web site, Ron Artest won't play Friday night against Sacramento and is unlikely to play Sunday against the Mavericks. Coach Phil Jackson said Artest continues to improve, but he will require a practice with contact before playing and that likely is not going to happen Saturday prior to the game against Dallas. "It looks like early next week he'll be back and playing," said Jackson.
Analysis: Artest is going to still be an injury risk for Fantasy Week 11 (Jan. 4-10), but it does appear he could be available for the team's four games. Artest's numbers, however, have not been to par with his career averages due to a different role in Los Angeles than what he's played in the past. Therefore, there shouldn't be a huge rush to activate him. His return could have a negative impact on players like Lamar Odom, however.
News:Ron Artest spent some time shooting and going through other basketball activities Thursday, but did not run, and continues to experience dizziness from his Christmas Day concussion, according to the team's official Web site. Phil Jackson said that it’s "very doubtful" that Artest will start against the Kings Friday.
Analysis: Artest should be treated as day to day. In his absence, Lamar Odom has been able to pick up his play. Artest is going to need clearance from his doctor to play and that may not come for at least another couple of days. Continue to keep him reserved until you see him back on the court and productive again. His production has decreased this season with the Lakers due to the team having so many go-to players and Artest focusing more on being a defensive player.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest could not play on Tuesday night against Golden State, reports the team's official Twitter feed. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said Artest is likely to work out on Wednesday, despite the rest of the team having an off day after back-to-back games.
Analysis: Artest is going to need clearance from his doctor to play and that may not come for at least another couple of days. Continue to keep him reserved until you see him back on the court and productive again. His production has decreased this season with the Lakers due to the team having so many go-to players and Artest focusing more on being a defensive player.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest (head) is unlikely to play Tuesday against the Warriors, according to the Orange County Register. He was scheduled to see his neurologist in the afternoon.
Analysis: Artest is going to need clearance from his doctor to play and that may not come for at least another couple of days. Continue to keep him reserved until you see him back on the court and productive again. His production has decreased this season with the Lakers due to the team having so many go-to players and Artest focusing more on being a defensive player.
News: Lakers coach Phil Jackson says he is "hopeful" Ron Artest will rejoin the team in Los Angeles for Tuesday's game against Golden State. Speaking before the Lakers played the Phoenix Suns Monday night, Jackson said Artest still was experiencing some dizziness. Artest sustained a concussion and injured his left elbow in a fall at his home on Christmas Day. The team said Artest tripped over a box and fell down stairs. He did not travel with the Lakers on their two-game trip to Sacramento and Phoenix.
Analysis: Artest appears to be too risky to start in Fantasy leagues for Week 10 (Dec. 28-Jan. 3). The Lakers are slated for four games but Artest is definitely missing at least one of them. Keep him sidelined in weekly leagues and daily leagues until he proves healthy enough to return to the court.
News: Lakers F Ron Artest (head, elbow) saw a neurologist Sunday, according to the Los Angeles Times, but is not cleared to play Monday against Phoenix.
Analysis: Artest appears to be too risky to start in Fantasy leagues for Week 10 (Dec. 28-Jan. 3). The Lakers are slated for four games, but their next game after Monday is Tuesday against the Warriors and that may be too quick of a turnaround for Artest to return. Keep him sidelined in weekly leagues and keep tabs on his progress.
News: Lakers forward Ron Artest suffered a concussion and injured his left elbow after falling at his home. Artest didn't travel with the Lakers to Saturday's game at Sacramento after tripping over a box and falling down a flight of stairs at his home on Christmas night, the team said in a news release. He was treated at UCLA Medical Center, undergoing a CT scan and receiving stitches in the back of his head and his elbow. A neurologist examined him on Saturday and confirmed he had a concussion, the team said. Artest is day to day.
Analysis: Artest scored 13 points and fouled out while guarding LeBron James in the Lakers' 102-87 loss to Cleveland earlier Friday. Artest is averaging 12.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in his first season with Los Angeles after signing as a free agent. Lakers coach Phil Jackson allowed his players to stay home with their families on Christmas night, apparently getting permission from the NBA to fly to Sacramento on Saturday morning. Lamar Odom is likely to take Artest's spot in the starting lineup against the Kings. Los Angeles began a stretch with four games in five days on Christmas, culminating in a home game against Golden State on Tuesday. Check on Artest's health situation before setting lineups for Week 10 (Dec. 28-Jan. 3). Artest is generally a No. 3 Fantasy forward but is certainly an injury risk for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest has injuries to his head and left elbow after falling at his home. Artest didn't travel with the Lakers to Saturday's game at Sacramento after tripping over a box and falling down a flight of stairs at his home on Christmas night, the team said in a news release. He was treated at UCLA Medical Center, undergoing a CT scan and receiving stitches in the back of his head and his elbow. He's expected to be examined by a neurologist later Saturday, when the Lakers will be able to estimate when Artest can rejoin the team. Artest scored 13 points and fouled out while guarding LeBron James in the Lakers' 102-87 loss to Cleveland earlier Friday. Artest is averaging 12.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in his first season with Los Angeles after signing as a free agent. Lakers coach Phil Jackson allowed his players to stay home with their families on Christmas night, apparently getting permission from the NBA to fly to Sacramento on Saturday morning. Lamar Odom is likely to take Artest's spot in the starting lineup against the Kings. Los Angeles began a stretch with four games in five days on Christmas, culminating in a home game against Golden State on Tuesday.
Analysis: Artest will be re-examined later on Saturday and it seems he's not going to be back all that quickly. The Lakers said they should know his timetable for a return shortly. Check back before setting lineups for Week 10 (Dec. 28-Jan. 3). He is definitely risky right now. Artest is generally a No. 3 Fantasy forward.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest is out for Saturday's game against the Kings as he's back in L.A. after suffering injuries to his head and left elbow, according to a release put out by the Lakers. Apparently, Artest tripped over a box at his home and fell down a flight of stairs. He was taken to the hospital where he underwent several tests, including a CT scan. The team reported he received stitches to both the back of his head and to his left elbow.
Analysis: Artest will be re-examined later on Saturday and it seems he's not going to be back all that quickly. The Lakers said they should know his timetable for a return shortly. Check back before setting lineups for Week 10 (Dec. 28-Jan. 3). He is definitely risky right now. Artest is generally a No. 3 Fantasy forward.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest continues to see an increase in rebounds, a trend that continued on Friday against Cleveland. He finished the game with seven boards and 13 points on 5 for 11 shooting. Artest, who averages 4.7 rebounds per game, has had more than five rebounds in each of the Lakers' past three games.
Analysis: Artest's scoring production this season is the lowest it has been since he was with Chicago in the 2000-01 season. The Lakers have plenty of other scoring threats other than Artest, so it's not too surprising to see his numbers tail off. Think of Artest as a No. 3 Fantasy forward.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest, who had at least 15 points in five of his first six December games, scored only nine at Chicago on Tuesday. He also had five rebounds and four assists.
Analysis: Artest is averaging right around 13 points per game this season, which isn't a surprise considering the Lakers have so many other scorers. Artest isn't the elite Fantasy option he once was, but he's still a good enough source of rebounds, assists and steals to serve as a No. 3 Fantasy forward.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest scored nine points on Friday in a win over Miami. Artest was awful from the field over 41 minutes on the court. He shot just 4 of 17 for 23.5 percent and missed all four threes he attempted. He grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists in the process. He also blocked a shot.
Analysis: Artest has been like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of late -- what else is new? He'll score seven points one night and 19 the next. At least his rebounding and passing is consistent. Artest is averaging 12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists on the year for the Lakers as a contributor and is largely a No. 3 Fantasy forward. The Lakers play three times in Week 7.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest had 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists Tuesday against the Knicks, giving him one of his better performances in recent days. He has scored in double figures in only four of his last eight games, averaging 11.1 points during that stretch.
Analysis: Artest is still getting between four and five rebounds and assists per game, so his Fantasy value hasn't completely evaporated now that he's a Laker. You just can't expect him to score the way he used to now that he has to share the ball with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and company. Think of him as a No. 3 Fantasy forward.
News: Lakers SF Ron Artest scored only five points in 28 minutes against the Suns on Thursday. He also had three assists, one rebound, one block and one steal. He has scored less than 10 points in each of his last two games and three of his first eight.
Analysis: Artest still gets about five rebounds and five assists per game, but his scoring has dipped as expected now that he plays for the Lakers. It only stands to dip more when Pau Gasol returns from a hamstring injury. Think of Artest as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy forward.
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.
News: In his first game with the Lakers since signing in the offseason, Ron Artest started at small forward and had 12 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and five fouls against the Warriors Wednesday.
Analysis: Artest had a solid season last year in Houston, averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists. In Los Angeles, there is a possibility that his scoring could dip some playing alongside the likes of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and all of the weapons the Lakers have on offense. Still, we don't expect the drop won't to be enough -- when you consider all of the other areas of production he'll help you in -- to make him anything less than a No. 2 forward.
News: The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Ron Artest, making official a deal agreed to last week. The team announced the signing early Wednesday but did not release the terms.
Analysis: Artest had a solid season in Houston, averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists. In Los Angeles, there is a possibility that his scoring could dip some playing alongside the likes of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and all of the weapons the Lakers have on offense. Still, we don't expect the drop won't to be enough -- when you consider all of the other areas of production he'll help you in -- to make him anything less than a No. 2 forward.
News:Ron Artest told CBSSports.com's Ken Berger on Thursday that he was leaving the Houston Rockets to join Kobe Bryant and the defending NBA champion Lakers. "I'm definitely going to L.A. - to sign, yeah," Artest told CBSSports.com. "Lakers, Lakers, Lakers. I'm in L.A. right now."
Analysis: Berger reports that Artest said he met with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss Thursday and previously had spoken with Lakers coach Phil Jackson. With the Lakers, Artest will more than fill the void of Trevor Ariza's departure, but Fantasy owners should be cautious of a potential watering down of his overall production on a team with so many options. He'll still be a Rotisserie freak considering his well-rounded contributions, but there is the potential for a decline here.
News:Ron Artest, an unrestricted free agent, will consider a team's chances of winning an NBA championship when deciding where he'll bring his skills next season, his agent says. David Bauman said Wednesday that his client would like to return to Houston, but Artest would also think about signing with a contending team - and that might rule out the Rockets if Yao Ming's broken left foot keeps him out for the season.
Analysis: Bauman wouldn't say which teams have contacted him about Artest. But he said he would expect Artest to talk to LeBron James and Kobe Bryant if the Cavaliers or Lakers teams were interested in him. Cleveland would be an intriguing option, where Artest could round out a formidable trio with LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal. Another enticing possibility is the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA champs may lose free agent swingman Trevor Ariza. Go into the year with Artest as a No. 2 Fantasy option depending on where he ends up.
News: The Houston Chronicle reports forward Ron Artest would like to return to the Rockets next year. He is a free agent now that the Rockets are done in the playoffs following the second-round loss against the Lakers. Asked if he wants to be back with the Rockets, he said, "Yes, God willing. It's not up to me." The Rockets have been just as clear about their hopes. "He has a desire to come back," Rockets GM Daryl Morey said. "We have a desire to make it work. That's step one with a lot of steps from here."
Analysis: The Rockets have Bird rights on Artest to be able to exceed the salary cap to sign him. Only three teams — Memphis, Oklahoma City and Detroit — have salary-cap room to offer more than that. For now, look for Artest to return to the Rockets, which is a good fit for him, especially with Tracy McGrady (knee) possibly sidelined to start the season. Go into the year with Artest as a No. 2 Fantasy option depending on where he ends up.
News: The NBA downgraded a flagrant foul called against Ron Artest, determining Saturday that the play should not have been severe enough to warrant an ejection. Artest was whistled for a flagrant foul penalty two, an automatic ejection, for his hard foul on Pau Gasol late in the Lakers' 108-94 victory over Houston on Friday in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series. "It happened so fast. It's a bang-bang play. Nowadays, in our league, that's cause for a flagrant foul," Houston coach Rick Adelman said. "The referees told me that he hit him in the head. But it was such a bang-bang play, I just didn't think there was any intention of hurting him or anything. They just reacted to the play, Gasol went down hard. I think (downgrading) it was a good call." League spokesman Tim Frank confirmed Saturday the foul was downgraded. Artest will not face a suspension for Game 4 on Sunday.
Analysis: The temperamental Artest was also thrown out of Game 2 in Los Angeles after a verbal confrontation with Kobe Bryant. Artest claimed that Bryant elbowed him in the neck, a blow that wasn't called by the officials. Artest is always a risk to miss time for some bonehead thing or another but remains a high-end Fantasy player when on the court.
News: Houston SF Ron Artest put up a big performance against his former team in Thursday's 115-98 win over the Kings. He went 10-for-17 fromt he field, adding four rebounds, three assists, a block and two steals in the game.
Analysis: Artest has been playing at an elevated level this season since Tracy McGrady was lost for the season due to injury. He is averaging 21.2 points per game over his last five games, adding five rebounds and 3.6 assists.
News: Houston forward Ron Artest had 16 points, seven assists and six rebounds Tuesday against Orlando. Artest is averaging 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists in his past five games.
Analysis: Artest has stepped up his play this year once Tracy McGrady (knee) went down. Continue to start Artest in all leagues as a solid Fantasy option.
News: Houston SF Ron Artest scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds but the Rockets fell to the Lakers in Los Angeles on Friday night. Artest shot 9-of-19 with a three and added two dimes and a steal.
Analysis: Artest has scored over 20 points in two straight games and is averaging 20 per game over his last five. He's adding six boards, three dimes, almost three threes and a steal over that span. Artest is playing well as Houston jockeys for playoff position and remains a must-start in all Fantasy formats.
News: Houston SF Ron Artest, dealing with a slight heel injury, was able to play on Saturday night against the Clippers. Artest logged 32 minutes in the game and scored 13 points on 5-of-16 shooting. He hit three threes and dished out three assists with three boards.
Analysis: Artest is averaging 19 points, five boards, four dimes and over two threes per game over his last five games and remains a high-end Fantasy forward to use at all times.
News: The Houston Chronicle reports Rockets guard Ron Artest sat out Thursday's practice with a sore right heel but insisted the problem was "not really anything of any importance or anything like that."
Analysis: It appears like Artest will play against the Clippers on Saturday. Keep him active in all leagues at this time.
News: Houston forward Ron Artest had 13 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists Tuesday at Utah. He is averaging 20.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists in his past five games.
Analysis: Look for Artest to remain productive for the rest of the season since Tracy McGrady (knee) is out for the year. Artest should be started in all leagues as a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time.
News: Houston SF Ron Artest couldn't find a three pointer he didn't like on Monday against the Hornets. Of course, the basket didn't seem to like any of his threes. Artest went 0-for-9 from long range in the game but still scored 18 points on 7-of-23 shooting overall. He added five dimes and four boards with a steal.
Analysis: Artest will have hot and cold games shooting from beyond the arc and is still averaging well over a three per game over his last five contests. That comes with 16 points, five boards, three dimes, 2.4 steals and almost a block and makes him worth using across the board.
News: Houston SF Ron Artest scored 22 points and had six rebounds in a 97-85 win over Denver on Monday. Artest is averaging 18.8 points per game with six rebounds and 3.8 assists.
Analysis: Artest is being expected to shoulder the load for the Rockets now that McGrady is done for the season. He can be expected to be a Rotisserie stud as long as he is on the floor and contributing at a high level.
News: Rockets F Ron Artest had 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in Wednesday's game in Utah. He also added five threes, two steals and was 9-for-19 from the field. He is averaging 21.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists over his last five games.
Analysis: Artest is shouldering the load for the Rockets with Tracy McGrady out for the rest of the season. He is once again showing why he is a Rotisserie stud when he isn't injured or causing trouble. His production is well-rounded across the line.
News: Since moving back to the starting lineup with Tracy McGrady out for the year, Ron Artest has been much more effective and consistent than when he filled in for McGrady or Shane Battier. In the past five games, Artest has averaged 20.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists and made 48.3 percent of his 3-pointers. "I'm back on my mojo," Artest said in the Houston Chronicle. "I'm back in the situation I was in the last couple years. I have to believe they’re going to try to keep me out of the paint, to not give me open looks and to not give Yao (Ming) open looks. It's a great situation to be in when you've got a chance to win. That's the only thing that's going to define individuals: how the team does."
Analysis: Look for Artest to remain productive for the rest of the season since McGrady (knee) is now out for the year. Artest should be started in all leagues as a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time.
News: Houston forward Ron Artest had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists Tuesday against Portland. Artest is averaging 20.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists in his past five games.
Analysis: Look for Artest to remain productive for the rest of the season since Tracy McGrady (knee) is now out for the year. Artest should be started in all leagues as a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time.
News: Houston SF Ron Artest scored 26 points and the Houston Rockets continued to win without Tracy McGrady, beating the Charlotte Bobcats 99-78 on Sunday. Artest, a full-time starter with McGrady sidelined, scored eight points in the first quarter and hit two 3-pointers early in the second as Houston extended its lead to double digits. He finished 9-of-15 with five threes and added seven rebounds and four assists.
Analysis: Artest also had two steals in the game and is averaging 20 points, four boards, three dimes, 1.2 steals and over three threes per game over his last five contests. He's a must-start right now, especially since he's starting for Houston again.
News: Houston SF Ron Artest was back in the starting lineup on Wednesday night in a win over the Kings and he didn't disappoint. Artest scored 19 points with three threes, four assists and three rebounds. He turned the ball over five times, though.
Analysis: Artest is playing well of late and is averaging 14 points, four dimes, four boards, 1.2 steals and a three per game. He's a Rotisserie stud and should only continue to get better over the second half of the season if he can stay healthy.
News: Houston SF Ron Artest played just 23 minutes in a loss at Milwaukee on Monday night. It was curious because he played well with the time he was given. Artest was 6-for-11 from the floor with four threes for 20 points. He added four rebounds.
Analysis: Artest clearly must not be 100 percent yet or the Rockets would be taking more advantage of him in the offense. Fantasy owners should still view him as more of a No. 3 forward option until he can get back into a rhythm but it appears he's close enough to start in most formats.
News: The Houston Chronicle reports that Ron Artest said Thursday that he had trouble getting loose in Wednesday's game in Memphis. He cited the Rockets' rotation in which he did not get in the game until late in the first and third quarters. "I wasn't hurt," Artest said. "I felt good. I was just tight, really. It took me awhile to get loose. I didn't get in until there were three minutes left in the first quarter and three minutes left in the third, but I was never in a rhythm. It was hard. But I felt good."
Analysis: Artest made one of 10 shots in Wednesday's game and is clearly not 100 percent yet. Fantasy owners should still view him as more of a No. 3 forward option until he can get back into a rhythm. He is not, at this time, in danger of missing any more games.
News: According to The Sports Xchange, Houston F Ron Artest never seemed comfortable in Wednesday's game against Memphis, missing nine of his 10 shots in his 22 minutes off the bench, scoring five points. He had two assists and two turnovers.
Analysis: Artest seemed to have bounced back a few nights ago against Golden State, but is back to looking like a player who is still not all the way back from his injury. Hopefully he'll get things turned around soon and will start playing like a No. 1 option again.
News: Houston SF Ron Artest looked healthy on Saturday night in a win over Golden State. Artest played 32 minutes and shot 10-of-17 from the field for 27 points. Artest was 4-of-6 from three-point range and had seven rebounds and seven assists.
Analysis: Artest was back to his Rotisserie self on Saturday and had his best game in a long while. He appeared healthy and has successfully played in four straight games. All signs point to getting him active across the board in Week 15 (Feb. 2-8).
News: Rockets SF Ron Artest struggled on Wednesday against the 76ers with nine points on 3-of-10 shooting in 23 minutes off the bench. Artest originally told CBSSports.com that he thought he'd be held out until after the All-Star break but woke up Wed. morning and decided he was healthy enough to play. He struggled but didn't further injure the ankle.
Analysis: A healthy Artest should be back to being a No. 2 Fantasy forward shortly but if Wednesday's struggles were any indication, he may still not be healthy. Something tells us this saga is not over just yet so stay tuned for the exciting conclusion. He's a must-start when healthy.
News: First, Houston forward Ron Artest told CBSSports.com's Ken Berger that he would be out until the All-Star break with a knee injury. Then on Wednesday, Artest changed his mind. He now expects to play against Philadelphia. "I thought I was going to have to (sit out), because in the second half of that Knick game (Monday), my foot was really bothering me," Artest said in the Houston Chronicle. "I thought I would have to give it more time to rest. I woke up this morning and felt great. That's a sign that the ankle has gotten better. The pain didn't go on past a couple days. That's a great, great sign."
Analysis: This is something to definitely keep an eye on because we are talking about Artest, who has a spotty track record for keeping things straight. Hopefully he does play as expected, but it wouldn't be surprising if he suffers a setback or is held out for precautionary reasons. The one thing we do know for sure is Artest is a solid Fantasy option when healthy, so if he does play, keep him active in your lineups.
News: CBSSports.com's Ken Berger is reporting that Ron Artest could be held out action until after the All-Star break. Artest played in Houston's last game but said that doctors could shut him down until after the break in order to properly heal for Houston's stretch playoff run. "I think that’s something that probably the trainers and coaches will think about," Artest said. "They pretty much told me that when I get better, whenever I feel right, that I would pretty much get the OK. They know I want to play, so it’s not a thing where they're saying, 'Hurry back, get ready.' I thought I was ready to come back for the long haul. I guess we got one victory out of it."
Analysis: Artest didn't appear to re-injure himself against the Knicks on Monday but did struggle with his shot. He's a must-start when healthy but if he is, indeed, out until after the break, he'll do nobody any good in Week 15 (Feb. 2-8).
News:Ron Artest shot just 4-for-19 from the field in Monday's game at the Knicks, his second game since returning from his ankle injury. He had shot 8-for-17 from the field in his first game back Sunday in Detroit.
Analysis: Artest had nine and seven rebounds in the two games, playing around 35 minutes per game. Focus more on the fact that he got 19 shots than the fact he missed 15 of them. He has gotten at least 17 shots in the two games and should shake off the bad shooting night quickly. He remains a great play in any Fantasy league when he is healthy enough to play.
News:Ron Artest scored three of his 24 points at the line in the final 14 seconds, helping the Houston Rockets hold off the Detroit Pistons for a 108-105 win Sunday night. Artest and Tracy McGrady returned to the lineup for the Rockets, who were without Yao Ming because of a knee injury. Artest played 35 minutes and added nine rebounds and four threes in the game.
Analysis: Artest had missed the last seven games and 13 this season with an injured right ankle. He definitely looked healthy on Sunday and coach Rick Adelman said he'll get regular playing time going forward. That means you need to get him active again after this type of solid performance. He's a must-start when healthy and he appears healthy once again.
News: The Houston Chronicle reports that the Rockets have not made a decision yet about when Ron Artest (ankle) will return to action. Artest is unsure if he will be back before the Rockets play Philadelphia on Wednesday in Houston.
Analysis: Artest may not be ready to play Sunday's game in Detroit or Monday's game in New York and that means he may only be available for two games in the upcoming scoring period on a best-case scenario. Fantasy owners should play it cautious with him until a more concrete timetable for his return is set.
News:Ron Artest and Tracy McGrady practiced with the Houston Rockets on Thursday and said they were close to recovering from injuries that have nagged them most of the season. The Rockets open a three-game road trip at Indiana on Friday night, but neither Artest nor McGrady can say when they'll return to the lineup. The team's medical staff and coach Rick Adelman have input in the final decision, both players said.
Analysis: Artest has missed 12 games this season with a bone bruise in his right ankle, an injury he suffered in a Nov. 17 game in Oklahoma City. He tried to play through it, but aggravated it and finally decided to sit out until it healed. Tests this week showed no stress fracture, clearing Artest to go full speed on Thursday. Based on Thursday's practice, Adelman thought both would return soon, but he couldn't set a timetable.
News:Ron Artest and Tracy McGrady practiced with the Rockets on Thursday and said they were close to recovering from injuries that have nagged them most of the season. The Rockets open a three-game road trip at Indiana on Friday night, but neither Artest nor McGrady can say when they'll return to the lineup. The team's medical staff and coach Rick Adelman have input in the final decision, both players said. Artest has missed 12 games this season with a bone bruise in his right ankle, an injury he suffered in a Nov. 17 game in Oklahoma City. He tried to play through it, but aggravated it and finally decided to sit out until it healed. "I don't think I made a smart decision by playing," he said. "I did a little bit too much 'being a man.' I should've just taken time off." Tests this week showed no stress fracture, clearing Artest to go full speed on Thursday. "The pain I'm playing on right now is nowhere near what I had when I first had the injury," Artest said. "That's a good sign."
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Artest and when he can return, but when healthy he is a quality Fantasy option. For now, just continue to play the waiting game and see how he does once he gets back on the court.
News: The Houston Chronicle reports that Ron Artest and Tracy McGrady each participated in Rockets practice Wednesday, but practice was limited to walking through sets of "five-on-zero" drills with no scrimmaging. Artest's return is uncertain, pending results of an MRI late Tuesday and a bone scan scheduled for this morning. "(The ankle sprain) is getting better,"Artest said. "There are just other things (a bone bruise) that were wrong. They want to make sure those things are OK."
Analysis: The report added that Artest says he is still not going to do full-contact practice. That indicates that he is still likely at least a week away from returning. Fantasy owners have no choice but to keep him reserved until a more concrete timetable is made available.
News: The Houston Chronicle reports that Ron Artest has been ruled out at least another 7-10 days with an ankle injury. Artest had missed four of the past five games and was ruled out of Monday's game against the Lakers because of soreness related to his November ankle sprain. An MRI conducted on Sunday revealed a bon bruise, but no stress fracture.
Analysis: Artest will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days and may end up missing closer to two weeks with this latest injury. Shane Battier will likely see the biggest boost in his absence, but Luis Scola will likely also be affected. With Tracy McGrady also out for at least the next couple of weeks, Fantasy owners should expect Yao to shoulder a lot of the scoring load with Rafer Alston, Von Wafer, Luis Scola also seeing a boost. Keep Artest stashed for now and hope for a quick recovery. He's a No. 1 or 2 forward option when he is 100 percent.
News: Rockets F Ron Artest (ankle) sat out Saturday's game against the Lakers. He has missed four of his last five games and is considered day to day.
Analysis: It is clear that Artest is not 100 percent and Fantasy owners should be aware that he can miss games on short notice. Then again, with Artest, that has always been a possibility. The Rockets are slated for just two games in the upcoming scoring period, making him that much more of a risky play.
News: Houston's Ron Artest didn't play Friday at Oklahoma City for the third time in the last four games with a right ankle injury. He is considered day to day.
Analysis: It is clear that Artest is not 100 percent and Fantasy owners should be aware that he can miss games on short notice. Then again, with Artest, that has always been a possibility.
News: Houston SF Ron Artest returned from a two-game absence due to an ankle injury on Wednesday in a win over Boston. Artest dropped 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting with two threes. Artest added four assists and three rebounds with three steals.
Analysis: Artest was right back to what is normally expected of the Rotisserie stud. Artest's ability to contribute points, rebounds, assists, steals and threes makes him a must-start at all times in Fantasy.
News: Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest missed his second straight game with a sore right ankle, sitting out Tuesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. Artest is averaging 16 points and 5.5 rebounds for the Rockets. He stretched his ankle on the court about an hour before tip, but was not healthy enough to play.
Analysis: Artest is still averaging 18.8 points, 5.5 boards and 2.8 steals per game over his last five contests and remains a must-start Rotisserie stud when healthy.
News: Houston SF Ron Artest was held out of Saturday night's game against Atlanta because of a swollen right ankle. Artest scored 12 points and grabbed five boards in 24 minutes on Friday at Toronto with six turnovers.
Analysis: Artest is still averaging 18.8 points, 5.5 boards and 2.8 steals per game over his last five contests and remains a must-start Rotisserie stud when healthy. The bad news is that this ankle makes him a huge injury risk over the next scoring period. He'll be questionable for Tuesday at Philadelphia.
News: Houston forward Ron Artest remained in a reserve role Monday against Washington. He came off the bench and scored 20 points, but also had six turnovers. He did contribute four rebounds and two assists.
Analysis: Artest might be starting for now, but he should remain active in your starting lineup. Consider him a No. 3 Fantasy forward at this time.
News:Ron Artest scored 10 of his 28 points in the second overtime and the Houston Rockets recovered from blowing a 16-point lead in the second half to beat the Utah Jazz 120-115 on Saturday night. Artest went 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in the first minute of the second extra period to give the Rockets a 105-101 lead. Kyle Korver sank a 3-pointer before Artest scored in the lane to put the Rockets up 110-105. The Jazz got no closer than five after that, and the crowd started chanting Artest's name before he made two free throws with 1:14 left to stretch the Rockets' lead to 114-107.
Analysis: Artest still contributes some nice all-around numbers, but he reached 20 points for only the sixth time all season after averaging more than 20 with the Kings last season. Even with his numbers down, he deserves to start as a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Houston F Ron Artest (right ankle) sat out Friday's game in New Orleans. He is considered day to day.
Analysis: Artest did not even make the trip with the team and is questionable for Saturday's game. That game is in Houston against the Jazz. He'd be a very risky play for the upcoming scoring period if he can't go for that game.
News: Rockets SF Ron Artest, who missed two games with a sprained right ankle, returned to the court Tuesday against the Nuggets. He had 20 points, four rebounds and four 3-pointers in 29 minutes of play.
Analysis: Artest still contributes some nice all-around numbers, but he reached 20 points for only the fifth time all season Tuesday after averaging more than 20 with the Kings last season. Even with his numbers down, he deserves to start as a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Rockets F Ron Artest missed the two games he said he'd miss over the weekend with an ankle injury. His status for Tuesday's game against Denver is yet to be determined.
Analysis: The Rockets play just three games this scoring period, making Artest a real question mark for Fantasy owners. If he misses Tuesday's game, he will play just two games. When he returns, he could be limited anyway. Fantasy owners should play it safe if at all possible.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest will sit out the next two games with a sprained right ankle. Artest sat out Monday's loss in Memphis, the first game he's missed this season. "He has a bad ankle, we know that," said Houston coach Rick Adelman. "He's going to play that one game (against Atlanta), and have seven or eight days off, so you're hoping it responds to that."
Analysis: Artest had an MRI exam Tuesday that revealed damaged ligaments in the ankle, an old injury that Artest recently re-aggravated. Later that night, Artest played 39 minutes and scored 19 points in a win over Atlanta. But Artest won't travel with the Rockets for their road games against Golden State on Friday and the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. He did not practice with the team on Thursday. Stash him and monitor his progress over the course of the weekend before making a decision on him for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Rockets SF Ron Artest, who missed Monday's game with a sore right ankle, returned to the court Tuesday against the Hawks. He had 19 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks in 39 minutes of play.
Analysis: Artest has scored in double figures in 13 straight games. For the season, though, his scoring is significantly down from his years in Sacramento, making him at best a No. 2 Fantasy forward. He does contribute in just about every category, though.
News: Houston forward Ron Artest was held out of Monday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies because of a sore right ankle, the latest Rockets player to be sidelined with an injury. Artest joins a growing list of Houston players beset by injuries. Tracy McGrady missed his sixth straight game with left knee soreness, while guard Brent Barry is out with a small tear in the Plantar muscle on his right leg. Rookie Joey Dorsey also was expected to miss the game with a right foot injury.
Analysis: Artest, in his 10th year out of St. John's, is the Rockets' second-leading scorer at 15.7 points a game. He scored 28 points in 35-plus minutes against Golden State on Friday night. Artest had started all 20 games for the Rockets this season before sitting out Monday. Artest has never played a full season in the NBA, so we expected to him be sidelined at some point this season. He is still worth starting as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: The Houston Chronicle reports that Ron Artest was nearly scratched from Wednesday's game due to an ankle injury. Artest said he came close to sitting out because of his problems the past two weeks playing with a sprained right ankle. With Tracy McGrady out, though, Artest chose to keep playing. "With Mac out, we have to try to get some wins," Artest said. "Hopefully, when Mac and Brent get back, if it is still hurting by then, maybe I’ll take a game."
Analysis: After Artest met with Rockets coach Rick Adelman, general manager Daryl Morey and trainer Keith Jones, the Rockets decided to hold Artest out of practices and shootarounds indefinitely. Fantasy owners should be aware that he could miss a game on short notice if the injury continues to worsen.
News: Rockets F Ron Artest had 13 points with five rebounds, three assists and two assists in Sunday's game at Denver. He is averaging 15.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.6 assist in his last five games.
Analysis: Artest continues to produce across the board and is a Rotisserie hound when healthy, but his numbers have not been particularly overwhelming of late and the Rockets have just two games in the upcoming scoring period. This could be a week to sit him.
News: Houston SF Ron Artest returned from an ankle injury on Wednesday night in a loss to the Mavericks by scoring 14 points in 43 minutes. He shot just 5-of-14 from the field but added 13 rebounds and two blocks with two steals.
Analysis: Artest is averaging about 14 points and six boards per game this season, his first with Houston. Wednesday was his second consecutive double-double as the Rotisserie stud continues to get more familiar with his new surroundings. He's a must-start in all Fantasy formats.
News: The Houston Chronicle reports that Rockets F Ron Artest told reporters after sustaining a sprained ankle in Monday's game that he did not think he would miss a game.
Analysis: Artest stumbled into a photographer on the baseline, spraining an ankle and needed to be helped off the floor. But he is optimistic he will play Wednesday against Dallas. Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming were also hurt Monday and McGrady may miss extended time. That could create a situation where Artest is needed to carry a bigger offensive load.
News: Rockets SF Ron Artest, struggling to score in recent games, had a solid performance Monday at Oklahoma City, finishing with 17 points, 11 rebounds and three assists in 38 minutes. However, he left clutching his right ankle after driving the lane in the final minute.
Analysis: The Rockets have the luxury of too many scorers, meaning Artest, among others, hasn't delivered the monster numbers of recent seasons. He still has too much potential for you to bench him in Fantasy, though, so keep an eye on this injury.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Ron Artest had made just three of 23 shots in his previous two games, dropping his shooting percentage to 30.8 percent for the season, but then turned things around against the Spurs Friday. Artest made 8-of-16 shots, scoring 18 points.
Analysis: In category leagues, Artest had been killing Fantasy owners in the shooting department. Luckily, he's been providing the steals, rebounds and assists he normally does to make up for it. Fantasy owners should not reserve him as a result of his shooting percentage as he'll eventually snap out of it like he started to Friday. He's a career 42.3 percent shooter.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Ron Artest's shooting percentage fell to 30.8 percent for the season after he made 1-of-12 Wednesday a game after he made 1-of-12 against the Lakers.
Analysis: In category leagues, Artest is killing Fantasy owners in the shooting department. Luckily, he's been providing the steals, rebounds and assists he normally does to make up for it. Fantasy owners should not reserve him as a result of his shooting percentage as he'll eventually snap out of it. He's a career 42.3 percent shooter.
News: Rockets F Ron Artest had 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal in 42 minutes of action Friday against the Clippers as he bounced back from his slow 9-point, 3-rebound performance Wednesday against Portland.
Analysis: So far, Artest is behaving and has fit in well alongside Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. As long as that continues, he should remain a solid No. 1 or 2 forward in most leagues. In Rotisserie formats, he'll continue to fill in the box score in all the significant categories.
News:Yao Ming and Ron Artest powered a 16-2 run late in the fourth quarter, carrying the Houston Rockets to a 112-102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night in the debut of new Mavs coach Rick Carlisle. Artest scored 29 points and added seven rebounds. He hit three threes and stole a ball. After Yao was fouled hard and caught a late elbow from Dallas' Josh Howard, Artest rushed between Yao and Howard. Officials quickly got involved, then decided to give Artest a technical foul. Yao then showed his allegiance by telling an official, "He was trying to separate us." The new teammates walked away slapping hands.
Analysis: The Artest Houston experiment is a big success...after two games anyway. Artest scored 16 points in the opener and went off in his second game with the team. He is a Rotisserie stud when he's not injured or suspended, so Fantasy owners should take advantage of him while he's available.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Ron Artest began Wednesday's season opener against Memphis and his career with the Rockets with steals on consecutive possessions. Artest finished the game with 16 points, three rebounds, two assists a block and three steals.
Analysis: Artest played 39 minutes and he should continue to get better as he gets more comfortable with his surroundings. He is a Rotisserie stud when he's not injured or suspended, so Fantasy owners should take advantage of him while he's available.
News: Two of the three teams the Rockets will face in Fantasy Week 1 (Oct. 27-Nov. 2) allowed over 106 points per game last season and both Memphis and Oklahoma City have done little to shore up their defense.
Analysis: That bodes well for the team's big scorers, Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. Ron Artest should also get off to a quick start with his new team. It also means secondary options like Luis Scola and Rafer Alston could be in for strong starts. Shane Battier is dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out of the entire preseason and when he returns, it will likely come off the bench. He's not a recommended starter for Week 1 and likely won't be for a while. We don't recommend starting low-end options like Carl Landry, Aaron Brooks or Steve Francis despite the good matchups.
News:Ron Artest scored 12 of his 15 points in the first quarter of his Houston debut and the Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 96-93 in the preseason opener on Tuesday night. Artest got the loudest ovation of the night when he was introduced with the starting lineup. He deflected a pass and made a steal on the Grizzlies' first possession, but missed his first shot as a Rocket, a 3-point try from the top of the key. He sank a 3-pointer from the same spot a minute later.
Analysis: In Houston, Artest will be part of a solid lineup that will include a core of Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and now Artest rounding out the starting lineup. He'll continue to be a Rotisserie stud in Houston for his help across the board in all the major categories and perhaps playing for a good team will help quell the distractions as long as the team is winning. Also, he'll play for Rick Adelman again.
News:Ron Artest officially joined the Houston Rockets on Thursday. The Rockets announced the five-player trade with Sacramento that also brought forward Patrick Ewing Jr. and guard Sean Singletary in exchange for guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte Greene and Houston's first-round pick next year. "This is definitely the high point of my career," Artest said in a conference call. "It's the biggest opportunity I've ever had playing basketball."
Analysis: The trade was first reported July 29 but couldn't be announced until Thursday because Greene had to spend 30 days with the Rockets after signing with them July 15. He was acquired from Memphis in a draft-day trade. The 6-foot-7, 248-pound Artest averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Kings last season. It was only a matter of time before the Kings parted ways with Artest, but it's a bit surprising that they sent him to another Western Conference team. In Houston, he'll be part of a solid lineup that will include a core of Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and now Artest rounding out the starting lineup. He'll continue to be a Rotisserie stud in Houston for his help across the board in all the major categories and perhaps playing for a good team will help quell the distractions as long as the team is winning. Also, he'll play for Rick Adelman again.
News: The Houston Rockets are close to an agreement to acquire Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings, two people familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press. The Rockets will give up guard Bobby Jackson, who played for the Kings from 2000-05, and another player -- likely rookie forward Donte Greene, according to two NBA people who confirmed the deal, but spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement had been made.
Analysis: It was only a matter of time before the Kings parted ways with Artest, but it's a bit surprising that they sent him to another Western Conference team. In Houston, he'll be part of a solid lineup that will include a core of Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and now Artest with Rafer Alston and Luis Scola rounding out the starting lineup. He'll continue to be a Rotisserie stud in San Antonio for his help across the board in all the major categories and perhaps playing for a good team will help quell the distractions as long as the team is winning. Also, he'll play for Rick Adelman again.
News: The New York Daily News reports that Ron Artest may be interested in playing for the Knicks in the 2008-09 season. "Who wouldn't want to?" Artest said. "I'm not going to talk about that stuff till July 1. I don't play for the money, I play for the love."
Analysis: The Knicks may have a chance to sign Artest to a five-year, $30 million mid-level exception, if he opts out of the last year of his contract with the Sacramento Kings and becomes a free agent on July 1. That contract would pay him $7.4 million. It's even a possibility the Knicks could work a sign-and-trade with Sacramento, if the Kings would agree to it. He averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Kings, but he struggled with injuries. He'll once again be worth drafting as a No. 2 forward in Fantasy next season, but you'll have to back him up with a replacement you don't mind activating for around 20 games.
News: Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest had surgery Thursday to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb. Artest, who had the surgery in his native New York, will wear a splint for six weeks. He could return to playing basketball in eight to 10 weeks, giving him plenty of time to recover before training camp with the Kings or another team if he decides to opt out of his contract.
Analysis: Artest averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Kings, but he struggled with injuries and an uncertain future as Sacramento missed the playoffs for the second straight year. The veteran forward played in just 57 games, including only four in April while his thumb injury worsened. He was suspended for the first seven games of the regular season, and he also underwent surgery on his right elbow in January, keeping him out for three weeks. He could elect to become a free agent this summer, but his agent has suggested he won't opt out of the final year of his deal. He'll once again be worth drafting as a No. 2 forward in Fantasy next season, but you'll have to back him up with a replacement you don't mind activating for around 20 games.
News: Kings F Ron Artest (thumb) missed the final two games of the regular season. He appeared in 57 regular season games, averaging 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
Analysis: Artest will once again be a true headache for Fantasy owners because he's so productive when he plays. He'll once again be worth drafting as a No. 2 forward in Fantasy next season, but you'll have to back him up with a replacement you don't mind activating for around 20 games.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest missed Monday's game against San Antonio with a thumb injury. He sat out for a fourth time in six games with the injury and could miss Tuesday's game against the Lakers.
Analysis: It appears Artest's season is over. Keep an eye on what happens, but don't plan on having him in the lineup against the Lakers.
News:John Salmons may be able to end his season the way he started it. The Kings swingman, who started the season's first seven games because of a suspension to Ron Artest, is getting a chance to start again at the finish. While Artest has missed three of the last four games with a sprained left thumb and could sit in their final two games (Monday against San Antonio and Tuesday at the Lakers), Salmons has taken full advantage in the last two games with 18 points at Golden State on Tuesday and 22 points against Portland on Friday. Salmons, who has struggled to produce in a reserve role all season but almost always produced in 37 games as a starter, has three seasons remaining on the five-year deal he signed with the Kings in 2006.
Analysis: It's unknown what Artest will do for the final two games. He played Friday against the Hornets, but he might not want to play the final two games. Keep an eye on what happens, but the safe bet is to keep him on the bench.
News:Ron Artest returned to the lineup for Sacramento Friday against New Orleans after missing three of four games with a sprained right thumb.
Analysis: Artest took up the scoring slack for Sacramento Friday, with Kevin Martin and Brad Miller both out due to injuries, by hitting four clutch 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and scoring 22 points. Artest is no lock to play in both of the team's remaining games, but it does appear his Fantasy owners will be able to salvage something from him in the final scoring period of the season after all.
News:Ron Artest sat on the Kings bench in street clothes Friday against Portland, inactive for the third time in four games with a sprained thumb. He is considered doubtful for Saturday's game against New Orleans, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Analysis: Since Artest has been making the call on his own availability for recent games, head coach Reggie Theus hasn't decided whether to shut down his second-leading scorer for the final games of the season. Fantasy owners shouldn't be surprised if he doesn't suit up again.
News: Long after practice Thursday, Kings forward Ron Artest was still going. He made jumpers and practiced free throws while wearing a blue vest with 30 to 40 pounds of weight, reports the Sacramento Bee. But does that mean Artest will play Friday night against Portland? "No comment," he responded to questions about his sprained left thumb and status.
Analysis: It appears Artest is able to play, but that doesn't mean he will be active. Keep an eye on what develops, but don't be surprised by anything the enigmatic Artest does when it comes to his status.
News: Kings SF Ron Artest ruled himself out of the lineup Tuesday night against the Warriors to rest his sprained left thumb. Artest sat out for the second time in three games with his injured thumb, which also might require surgery, according to Artest. He is day to day and questionable for Friday against Trail Blazers.
Analysis: Since Artest has been making the call on his own availability for recent games, head coach Reggie Theus hasn't decided whether to shut down his second-leading scorer for the final week of the season. Sacramento has three home games in four days starting Friday. Artest has been limited to 56 games this season due to various ailments. He has made it to 70 games just once in the last four seasons due to various injuries and suspensions. He can still score, averaging 20.5 points, so when active he is a high-end Fantasy forward.
News: The Kings enter the final scoring period of the Fantasy season with nothing left to play for. They are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.
Analysis: This means players like Ron Artest, who missed a game Saturday because of a phantom thumb injury, could be at risk of missing games on very short notice. In fact, the team could pull the plug on him all together at some point during the team's final five contest. There is no guarantee either way with Artest, so you'll have to play him at your own risk.
News: Kings G/F Ron Artest, who missed a game Saturday because of a thumb injury, returned to the lineup Sunday against the Lakers, but he shot only 7-for-20 from the floor. He did make three of five 3-pointers, though, and finished with 19 points and four rebounds in 27 minutes.
Analysis: Artest should be a safe play for the final scoring period of the Fantasy season, but you never know with him. The Kings have nothing left to play for, and Artest is just as likely to sit as to play in any of the team's remaining six games.
News: Kings F Ron Artest missed Saturday's game at Denver with a thumb injury. He's considered day to day and questionable for Sunday's game against the Lakers.
Analysis: Artest should be a safe play for the final scoring period of the Fantasy season, but you never know with him. The Kings have nothing left to play for and Artest is just as likely to sit as to play in any of the team's remaining six games.
News: Kings small forward Ron Artest told the Sacramento Bee on Tuesday that he is not likely to opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer. "Most likely we won't (opt out)," Artest told the Bee regarding himself and his agent, Mark Stevens. "Most likely we won't. We're not really worried about the money or anything like that. We're just worried about playing ball. That's how I've been this whole season, just worried about playing ball and we'll see what happens." If Artest plays out the final season of his contract, he is due $7.4 million.
Analysis: It appears Artest will remain in Sacramento for one more year. That could make him trade bait with an expiring contract. Keep an eye on what develops but go into next season with Artest as a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest went for 29 points, 12 rebounds and three assists Sunday at Seattle.
Analysis: Artest has played well this year when healthy and should continue to be viewed as a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Kings G/F Ron Artest, who sat out Saturday with a stiff elbow, returned to the court Monday at Houston. He had 17 points, three rebounds and six assists in 40 minutes.
Analysis: Artest is always good for around 20 points and six rebounds per game, so his Fantasy owners will obviously want to get him back active. Keep in mind he doesn't have much to play for over the last few weeks of the season, though.
News: Kings SF Ron Artest managed to play Friday with a stiff elbow, but he couldn't take the court Saturday at the Grizzlies.
Analysis: Artest is always good for around 20 points and six rebounds per game, so his Fantasy owners can't like this development. Start him at your own risk in the upcoming Fantasy scoring period, but we say he'll likely return to action.
News: Kings SF Ron Artest, who missed a day of practice with a stiff elbow, was able to play Friday at the Spurs. He had 23 points and seven rebounds in 38 minutes.
Analysis: Artest is always good for around 20 points and six rebounds per game. Keep him active in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest sat courtside Thursday while the rest of the team practiced, according to the Sacramento Bee. Artest is listed as questionable while dealing with elbow stiffness.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Artest and hope he's able to play. When healthy, he is a solid No. 2 Fantasy option in all scoring formats.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest went for 26 points, five rebounds and three assists Tuesday against the Warriors. He played 42 minutes and hit 10-of-20 shots from the field and 5-of-7 from the foul line.
Analysis: So much for Artest being slowed by a sore foot. He appears 100 percent healthy and should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time.
News: Kings small forward Ron Artest didn't play for the final 16:26 against the Lakers on Sunday. Artest had missed the previous two games with a sore foot and had been playing well against the Lakers. But Kings coach Reggie Theus said he kept Artest out because he was going with the players who were in rhythm, marking the first time this season Artest has stayed on the bench during critical moments. Nonetheless, he had 17 points and four steals. He also had four rebounds and two assists.
Analysis: It looks as though he has gotten past his latest setback but keep an eye on his soreness and hope it doesn't linger. Artest still remains a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Kings SF Ron Artest returned to the starting lineup Sunday against the Lakers after missing two games with a sore foot. Artest scored 17 points on 6 of 14 shooting. He went 5 of 6 from the charity stripe. He also had four rebounds, four steals and two assists. Artest had scored 20-plus points in his previous four games.
Analysis: Artest has missed 12 games due to injury this season, but last missed a game in mid-January before sitting out Wednesday and Friday. It looks as though he has gotten past his latest setback and is ready to wreak havoc on the court. Artest still remains a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Kings G/F Ron Artest was a late scratch for a second straight game Friday against the Timberwolves due to a sore right foot. Artest, who was fined earlier this week for comments "detrimental" to the team, sat on the bench in street clothes.
Analysis: Artest is averaging 22.8 ppg and 5.0 rpg over his last five contests and is a must-start when healthy. Because he was a "late scratch," we figure he'll return soon.
News:Ron Artest sat out Wednesday's game at the Clippers because of a sore right foot. He is considered day to day.
Analysis: Artest is averaging 22.8 ppg and 5.0 rpg over his last five contests and is a must-start when healthy. Hopefully, this soreness is just a mild case and he'll be back in there on Friday against Minnesota. It sounds like that will be the case.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest went for 23 points, five rebounds and two assists Tuesday against the Lakers.
Analysis: Artest has played well at home this year and should continue to be viewed as a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Kings G/F Ron Artest scored 32 points -- one shy of his season high -- Sunday against the Heat. He shot 12-for-22 from the floor, including 4-for-6 from 3-point range.
Analysis: Artest is normally a Fantasy stud, averaging 19.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists on the season. He certainly showed off his abilities Sunday. Keep him active in all Fantasy formats.
News: Kings G/F Ron Artest had a rough game Tuesday at Miami, shooting 3-for-14 from the field and finishing with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists. But he did miss Sacramento's morning shootaround practice with what was described as a touch of food poisoning.
Analysis: Artest is normally a Fantasy stud, averaging 19.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists on the season. Keep him active despite the poor night.
News: Kings G/F Ron Artest scored 23 points Sunday at Orlando, giving him at least 20 in five straight games. He has averaged 25.2 points over that stretch.
Analysis: Artest didn't have an assist Sunday, but he averages around four per game to go along with six assists. Use him as a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Kings F Ron Artest had 29 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals Wednesday against Atlanta in what was rumored to be his last game with the Kings with the trade deadline looming on Thursday.
Analysis: As of Thursday afternoon, it did not appear Artest was going anywhere and all of the trade talk was for not. Still, this line that he put up on Thursday goes to show what the Kings were going to be with out had they traded him. He remains a viable No. 2 Fantasy forward while healthy.
News: The Sacramento Kings didn't need long to adjust to playing without Mike Bibby, and Ron Artest led the way. Artest scored 24 points and the Kings snapped a three-game losing streak with a 105-94 victory Tuesday night over the Portland Trail Blazers. "We just don't want to be a rollover type of team, so we're making a push," Artest said. "We're not out until they say we're out." Sacramento (24-28) was playing its first game without Bibby, who was traded over the weekend to the Atlanta Hawks for point guards Anthony Johnson and Tyronn Lue, 2006 first-round pick Shelden Williams, veteran forward Lorenzen Wright and a 2008 second-round pick. "We just couldn't handle Artest," Blazers coach Nate McMillan said.
Analysis: Hopefully Artest, who also added five assists and five rebounds, continues to play like this for the remainder of the season with Bibby now gone. Continue to start Artest as a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Tuesday at Memphis, Kings SF Ron Artest was held under 20 points for the first time in seven games. He had 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals. He entered Tuesday's game averaging 23 points during the six-game stretch.
Analysis: Who cares? Artest still had good all-around numbers. Trade rumors may swirl around him, but he remains a must-start in Fantasy, averaging 19 points, six rebounds and four assists.
News: Kings F Ron Artest had 23 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and 2 blocks in Saturday's loss at Golden State. He's scored 20-plus points in six straight games.
Analysis: The rumors around Artest are that his days in Sacramento are numbered. Possible destinations have not been narrowed down, but it is safe to say that he'd remain a primary figure wherever he would go. Artest remains a viable No. 2 Fantasy forward while healthy.
News: Kings F Ron Artest had 22 points with 8 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal Friday against Utah, giving him five straight 20-point games.
Analysis: The rumors around Artest are that his days in Sacramento are numbered. Possible destinations have not been narrowed down, but it is safe to say that he'd remain a primary figure wherever he would go. Artest remains a viable No. 2 Fantasy forward while healthy.
News: Kings F Ron Artest had 20 points with four assists, three rebounds and three steals in Wednesday's against Seattle, giving him four straight 20-point games.
Analysis: The rumors around Artest are that his days in Sacramento are numbered. Possible destinations have not been narrowed down, but it is safe to say that he'd remain a primary figure wherever he would go. Artest remains a viable No. 2 Fantasy forward while healthy.
News: Kings F Ron Artest had 28 points with six rebounds, two assists, a block and three 3-pointers Saturday against Chicago. He was 10-for-20 from the field, 3-for-5 from beyond the arc and 5-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Analysis: Artest had 22 points with 14 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block in Friday's win over New Orleans. The rumors around Artest are that his days in Sacramento are numbered. Possible destinations have not been narrowed down, but it is safe to say that he'd remain a primary figure wherever he would go. Artest remains a viable No. 2 Fantasy forward while healthy.
News: Kings F Ron Artest had 22 points with 14 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block in Friday's win over New Orleans. He shot 11-for-22 from the floor and was also 2-for-4 from beyond the arc.
Analysis: The rumors around Artest are that his days in Sacramento are numbered. Possible destinations have not been narrowed down, but it is safe to say that he'd remain a primary figure wherever he would go. Artest remains a viable No. 2 Fantasy forward while healthy.
News: Playing amid rumors that the Kings are thinking seriously about trading him, Ron Artest had 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals Wednesday against Sacramento.
Analysis: The rumors around Artest are that his days in Sacramento are numbered. Possible destinations have not been narrowed down, but it is safe to say that he'd remain a primary figure wherever he would go. Artest remains a viable No. 2 Fantasy forward while healthy.
News: SF Ron Artest was ejected after getting two technical fouls in the fourth quarter of the Kings' game at Utah on Friday. He finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.
Analysis: Such are the risks us Fantasy owners take when we draft Artest. Look, the guy produces like a No. 2 Fantasy forward, so you love to have him on your team. But you have to put up with the occasional meltdown. Keep him active, barring a suspension.
News: Kings F Ron Artest had just eight points with four rebounds, three assists and a steal Wednesday at the Clippers. It was his worst performance since returning from his injury.
Analysis: Artest had looked quite healthy until Wednesday's game, but it was more just him struggling with his shot than anything else. Continue to use him as a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: With their three stars in the starting lineup together for the first time, the Sacramento Kings rolled to their most lopsided win this season. Ron Artest scored 27 points, Kevin Martin added 19 and Mike Bibby scored all 15 of his points in the first half to lead the finally healthy Kings to their third straight victory, 128-94 over the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday. Sacramento had been playing short-handed since Bibby tore a ligament in his left thumb during the preseason. Bibby missed the first 36 games with that injury, Artest sat out 17 because of a suspension and injuries, and Martin also missed 17 with an injured groin.
Analysis: Artest also had six rebounds and four assists against New Jersey. He has now scored in double figures for three straight games, but had his best performance since returning from an elbow injury Tuesday. The Kings just showed what kind of potential they possess when all three players are healthy and in the starting lineup. It appears safe to once again start Artest in all Fantasy formats.
News: Kings SF Ron Artest (elbow) and PG Mike Bibby (thumb), both of whom returned from injuries on Wednesday, did not start Friday at Detroit. Coach Reggie Theus said he wanted to ease the usual starters back into the lineup. "It's a confidence builder for our guys that are just getting back in the mix of things," Theus said. "We've still got a little ways to go. Mike still has to learn some of the plays and we've got to get Ron back in the mix of stuff."
Analysis: Artest still played 29 minutes, contributing 18 points, two rebounds and three assists. Get him back in your starting lineup even if the Kings keep him out of theirs. After a rough night Wednesday, his shot appears back on track.
News: Kings SF Ron Artest returned to the lineup Wednesday against the Raptors after missing nine games following elbow surgery. He struggled to shoot the ball as he played 29 minutes off the bench. He went 2 of 10 from the field and finished with four points. He also had two rebounds and four assists.
Analysis: Artest has played 70 or more games just once in the previous three seasons, and he likely won't reach that plateau in 2007-08. Artest is still a slick shooter when he is in the lineup, but it might take a game or two for him to get back into the swing of things. Artest is capable of playing like a high-end Fantasy forward.
News: According to the Sacramento Bee, Kings forward Ron Artest is expected to return Wednesday night at Toronto after missing the past nine games with an elbow injury. Artest will likely come off the bench to start the game.
Analysis: This is great news for Artest owners, who were expected to be without the forward for another two weeks. Continue to monitor his status and see how he performs before setting your lineup for the following scoring period. When healthy, Artest is a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest could return Wednesday at Toronto after missing the previous nine games with an injured right elbow.
Analysis: It would be a surprise if Artest returned that soon. Continue to monitor what develops with Artest and hope he is in the lineup against the Raptors. When healthy, Artest is a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: SF Ron Artest had surgery on his right elbow Wednesday and will miss three to four weeks, another blow to the injury-depleted Kings. After missing two games, Artest had an MRI in his hometown of New York. It immediately led to the procedure to remove five bone chips from the elbow.
Analysis: An eight-year veteran, Artest missed the first seven games this season while serving a suspension. He didn't play one other game while visiting his ailing daughter. Despite his sometimes temperamental nature, he remains a must-start in Fantasy for the numbers he can put up across the board, so his extended absence could have an impact on your league's standings. Keep him reserved until his return appears imminent.
News: Prior to Sunday's game against the Suns, the Kings learned that SF Ron Artest could face possible surgery this week to remove chipped bone fragments from his right elbow. "They are thinking it might be two or three weeks (Artest) will be out, but they are not sure yet," Kings coach Reggie Theus said. "I didn't know that he wasn't going to go tonight. I actually thought he was planning on trying (to play). I haven't officially talked to him or anybody about what's exactly going to happen."
Analysis: An eight-year veteran, Artest missed the first seven games this season while serving a suspension. He didn't play one other game while visiting his ailing daughter. Despite his sometimes temperamental nature, he remains a must-start in Fantasy for the numbers he can put up across the board, so his extended absence could do some serious damage in leagues. Keep track of his situation but definitely reserve him for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Kings F Ron Artest missed the Friday's game against the 76ers on Friday because of a chipped bone in his right elbow. Artest, who took part in the Kings' morning shootaround and attended the game in street clothes, is averaging 19.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists this season.
Analysis: An eight-year veteran, Artest missed the first seven games this season while serving a suspension. He didn't play one other game while visiting his ailing daughter. Despite his sometimes temperamental nature, he remains a must-start in Fantasy for the numbers he can put up across the board. Hopefully, this injury won't sideline him for long.
News: Kings SF Ron Artest was 10-for-16 from the field in Sunday's loss to Denver. He finished with 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. He also added four steals and a block.
Analysis: Artest has been filling up the box scores of late and has scored 20-plus points in three straight games. He's also hit at least one trey in four straight games.
News: Kings F Ron Artest, who is shooting only 35.6 percent in his last four games, made only five of 16 shots in Monday night's win over the Milwaukee Bucks. He missed his first seven shots and didn't get his first bucket until just before the half, but the hustling Artest delivered in other ways, tying a career-high with four blocks and adding seven rebounds, five assists and a steal.
Analysis: Artest's shot will come around eventually and his Fantasy owners will be hoping it's before Kevin Martin and Mike Bibby return from injuries and take away some of his shot attempts. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Kings SF Ron Artest, who left the team briefly to attend to his daughter, started Saturday against the Rockets. He tied for the team lead with 26 points and also had six rebounds and three assists.
Analysis: Artest had averaged 21.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 3.7 apg going into Saturday. Obviously, he deserves to start as a No. 2 forward in Fantasy.
News: The Sacramento Bee reports that Kings SF Ron Artest (personal) is back with the team and should play Saturday night vs. Houston.
Analysis: Artest left the team to tend to an issue with his daughter, but will be back in the lineup Saturday. Get him active again in all Fantasy formats as he continues to produce at the level of a No. 2 forward in any league.
News: Kings SF Ron Artest returned from a one-game personal leave and was back in the starting lineup Friday against the Trail Blazers. He scored 17 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out five assists in 37 minutes. He also had two steals.
Analysis: Artest left the team for one game to be with his daughter, who underwent an undisclosed medical procedure. There is no telling if Artest will be pulled away from the team in the coming weeks, but he is back in the lineup at this time and remains a must-start Fantasy option. For all his troubles in the past, Artest is a dynamite basketball player that has double-double potential.
News: F Ron Artest, who scored a season-high 33 points for Sacramento against the Suns on Tuesday night, missed Wednesday night's rematch at Phoenix for personal reasons. Artest made the overnight trip from Sacramento to Phoenix, but quickly returned home to be with his daughter, who was undergoing a medical procedure, coach Reggie Theus said. Theus said Artest discussed the possibility of leaving the team after the Kings' 100-98 loss Tuesday night. "I told him to take care of his family first," Theus said. "He was very concerned. He was apologetic."
Analysis: Theus hoped to have Artest back for Friday at Portland, but his status is obviously day to day. Reserve him for now, but he's a must-start when he returns. In four games since returning from his season-opening suspension, he's averaged 23.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.8 apg.
News: Kings SF Ron Artest scored a season-high 33 points in a 100-98 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. He also had 12 rebounds, but turned the ball over six times.
Analysis: This was obviously Artest's best game since returning from suspension last week, but don't expect him to keep these kind of totals up. Somewhere from 19-20 PPG and 6-7 RPG should not be out of the question.
News:Ron Artest rejoined Sacramento's lineup Wednesday at Minnesota, ready to resume his never-dull career after serving a seven-game suspension to start the season. The Kings picked up only two victories during Artest's penalty. They were eager to have him back, though Artest expressed little emotion about his return following the team's morning shootaround at Target Center. "It's all good. It's just a regular day," said Artest, who turned 28 on Tuesday. "Same old, same old. I've been in the league eight years, so same old."
Analysis: Less than 4 minutes into the game, the versatile, volatile forward -- looking leaner than before -- found an opening in the Minnesota defense and drove the lane for an easy dunk and his first points of the season. Artest was suspended by the league this summer for pleading no contest to a domestic violence charge that stemmed from a dispute with his wife -- his latest brush with trouble. He finished with 17 points and six assists in the Kings' 108-103 loss to previously winless Minnesota. It appears safe to once again activate Artest in all Fantasy formats. He is a viable option when active.
News: Kings SF Ron Artest has one game remaining on his seven-game game suspension. He is slated to return on Nov. 14 at Minnesota.
Analysis: Artest and the Kings are slated for four games in the third week of the Fantasy season and Artest should be around for three of them. He's once again worthy of starting in Fantasy and should be activated in most formats.
News: Kings SF Ron Arest had no points in just two minutes of play during Friday's preseason game at Portland. He is averaging 9.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.4 rpg and 2.2 spg in five preseason games -- three of which have been starts.
Analysis: Artest is not going to be available for Fantasy owners for the first seven games of the regular season due to a suspension and he'll be a headache for much of the season. Still, his numbers are hard to ignore and he is well worth a pick in the first five rounds in most Fantasy formats.
News: According to The Sports Xchange, Kings SF Ron Artest says he has trained hard and is in phenomenal shape for the coming season.
Analysis: Artest is going to miss the first seven games of the regular season due to a suspension stemming from off-the-court court troubles, meaning he can't play until Nov. 26 at the L.A. Lakers. Despite that, Artest figures to still be a steady No. 2 forward option from that point on. Maybe he's getting his suspension out of the way early this year and it will be smooth sailing after that. Probably not, but here's hoping that's the case.
News: Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson were each suspended by the NBA on Saturday for the first seven games of next season because of their most recent legal problems. Jackson of the Golden State Warriors pleaded guilty last month to a felony count of criminal recklessness for firing a gun outside an Indiana strip club last fall, when he was with the Pacers. Artest of the Sacramento Kings pleaded no contest in May to a misdemeanor domestic violence charge stemming from a March 5 dispute with his wife, the latest in a string of off-court problems.
Analysis: Artest and Jackson were Pacers' teammates in November, 2004 when they were involved in a brawl with fans during a game against the Detroit Pistons. Artest was suspended for 73 games and the playoffs - the NBA's harshest punishment for a fight - and Jackson was suspended for 30 games. Despite the suspensions, both players will be well-worth selecting in Fantasy drafts in the first 5-10 rounds.
News: According to the New York Post, Ron Artest said he wants to retire a Sacramento King and isn’t advocating a trade to the Knicks. "I really want to finish my career in Sacramento because of my relationship with some of the players," Artest said. "I want to finish with Sacramento. I feel attached to Sacramento. I want to be their franchise player."
Analysis: The Artest saga will probably play out over the summer with a lot of drama. No matter where he ends up, consider Artest a No. 3 Fantasy forward in 2007-08.
News: Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest pleaded no contest on Thursday to a misdemeanor domestic violence charge stemming from a March 5 dispute with his wife, the latest in a string of off-court problems. Placer County Superior Court Judge Francis Kearney sentenced Artest to 100 hours of community service and a 10-day work project through the county sheriff's department. Artest also was fined $600 and ordered to get extensive counseling.
Analysis: Artest isn't going to face any jail time and isn't going to miss any time heading into next season (knock on wood). The chronic Fantasy headache is still going to be drafted in the first five rounds come Draft Day this fall.
News: While four Kings starters sat out the entire fourth quarter Sunday at the Clippers, small forward Ron Artest played all 12 minutes and finished with a career-high 10 assists.
Analysis: Artest is one of a few star players that isn't taking every chance he can to rest. He owes everyone for all the time he's missed due to his instability. This is a start towards paying that back.
News: F Ron Artest was a gametime decision because of a sore left hamstring and didn't start Friday vs. Golden State, so John Salmons made a rare start at the power forward spot. Artest finished with 13 points and four rebounds in the game.
Analysis: Artest shouldn't miss any more time this season, although you never know with him.
News: Sacramento forward Ron Artest did not dress for the Kings' game against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night because of a sore left hamstring. He is considered day to day.
Analysis: It's the sixth game this season Artest has missed due to injury. But he's been active recently, playing more than 40 minutes in three of the past five games and no fewer than 38 in the other two. We don't believe the Kings will shut him down for the rest of the regular season, so he should be treated on a day to day basis.
News: Ron Artest's court hearing on misdemeanor domestic battery charges was postponed three weeks on Thursday. The Sacramento Kings forward did not attend the brief proceeding in Placer County Superior Court. The matter was continued to April 26. Artest was charged March 21 with battery and corporal injury to a spouse, false imprisonment and dissuading a witness from reporting a crime. Each carries a maximum penalty of a year in county jail. He has pleaded not guilty. The charges stem from a March 5 disturbance at Artest's estate near Sacramento. A Placer County sheriff's report said Artest grabbed a woman and pushed her down, slapped her face and took a phone from her the first time she tried to call 911. The woman was not named in the report, but the charges against Artest are for spousal abuse.
Analysis: Artest will finish out the season, which is good for Fantasy owners, especially since he's playing well recently. He is averaging 27.2 points in the last five games.
News: Small forward Ron Artest continues to rack up phenomenal numbers while the Kings' losses mount. He is averaging 27.2 points in the last five games.
Analysis: As long as Artest continues to produce, Fantasy owners don't care about the Kings wins and losses. Consider him a solid No. 1 or 2 forward at this time.
News: The Kings were led by Ron Artest, whose 25 points, 10 rebounds and two steals were only his latest quality outing in yet another Kings loss. Artest continues to rack up phenomenal numbers while the Kings' losses mount. He is averaging 26 points in the last four games, grabbing seven or more rebounds in three of the games.
Analysis: As long as Artest continues to produce, Fantasy owners don't care about the Kings wins and losses. Consider him a solid No. 2 forward at this time.
News: According to the Sacramento Bee, Kings forward Ron Artest plans to play overseas for a year or two after this season, with hopes that he can put the seemingly nonstop turmoil behind him in a more discreet environment while leaving open the possibility of a return to the NBA. Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said during Sunday's game that he considered this "a matter of conjecture" on Artest's part, but the matter was serious enough that Petrie and Artest met to discuss it after the game. "He's under a lot of scrutiny and at a point, really, in his own career where he needs to be a better keeper of his own soul in some ways," Petrie said. "We'll assess in the context of the whole season where we go (with Artest from here). But again, it's sort of Ron being Ron."
Analysis: This shouldn't effect Artest's Fantasy value for this season. Expect him to keep playing and hopefully he returns to the NBA next year as well.
News: According to published reports, Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest told multiple teammates this week that he wants to retire at season's end to spend more time with his family. Reached via e-mail, Artest wouldn't confirm or deny making such declarations, telling ESPN.com: "We can talk about it after [the] playoffs."
Analysis: Artest is expected to finish out the season with the Kings, but anything up for that is a mystery at this point. Artest is clearly a risky option in keeper leagues, but more information should be known in time to make an educated decision. But even if he does retire, who knows, he's Ron Artest after all.
News: Kings small forward Ron Artest wasn't able to make it to Phoenix in time for tip-off Thursday. Artest was required to be present at his arraignment Thursday morning in Placer County, where he faced four misdemeanor charges related to his arrest on suspicion of domestic violence on March 5. Artest attempted to fly commercially, but the thunderstorms in Phoenix diverted his flight to Ontario and Artest eventually made his way back to Sacramento.
Analysis: Artest should be in the lineup Sunday against the Suns. Start him in daily leagues with no worries.
News: Ron Artest pleaded not guilty Thursday to misdemeanor charges stemming from a domestic dispute with his wife earlier this month. A Placer County Superior Court judge also ordered the Sacramento Kings forward to stay at least 100 yards away from his wife and children until further notice.
Analysis: The judge ordered Artest back to court for another appearance on April 5. At this time, it doesn't appear he will need to miss any more games. It appears safe to keep Artest in your lineup, but continue to monitor his status in case he is forced to miss any time.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest, who had 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists Wednesday, was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday morning in a Placer County courtroom. He faces four misdemeanor charges stemming from a dispute with his wife at home earlier this month. The Kings will be traveling to Phoenix to begin a home-and-home series against the Suns. Artest is expected to take a commercial flight to Phoenix following his court appearance and be available for the game Thursday night. He was not available for comment before or after the game.
Analysis: It appears safe to keep Artest in your lineup, but continue to monitor his status in case he is forced to miss any time.
News: Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest faces four misdemeanor charges stemming from a dispute with his wife at home earlier this month. The charges were filed late Tuesday. Placer County Deputy District Attorney Dan Quick said Artest will be arraigned Thursday on charges of battery and corporal injury to a spouse, false imprisonment and dissuading a witness from reporting a crime. Each carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison. Artest was arrested March 5 at his estate in Loomis, 25 miles northeast of Sacramento, and was released from custody after posting a $50,000 bond.
Analysis: It is unknown if Artest will miss any time because of the arraignment. The Kings play Wednesday against Minnesota, Thursday at Phoenix and Saturday against Phoenix.
News: Ron Artest, who missed two games last week following his arrest on suspicion of domestic violence, led the Kings with 19 points in Tuesday's game at Cleveland in his second game back. Artest was booed every time he scored and said it doesn't bother him anymore because it happens everywhere. "When I go back to Sacramento, it's like I'm playing on the road," Artest said. "When you play home, you don't expect to get booed. It's not comfortable."
Analysis: It appears that things are back to normal for the moment. He's a safe start for the upcoming scoring period and hasn't been suspended by the team at this time. Consider him a viable No. 2 Fantasy forward in any league once again.
News: Ron Artest had 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists in his return to the lineup Sunday vs. Denver following his arrest on suspicion of domestic violence. Artest kept a low profile before the game and coach Eric Musselman had already decided to start the volatile forward, who had the load of defending Anthony for much of the game. Before tipoff, Artest shook hands with a couple of people at the scorer's table before bumping chests with Kevin Martin, then greeted Anthony, Camby and the rest of the Nuggets with some friendly words. One man in the Arco Arena crowd yelled "Go Ron!" Artest received loud cheers when he went to the line with 6:12 left in the first quarter. He clanked the first free throw before making the next to more applause. He swished a baseline 3-pointer at the 2:57 mark and the fans went wild.
Analysis: It appears that things are back to normal for the moment. He's a safe start for the upcoming scoring period and hasn't been suspended by the team at this time. Consider him a viable No. 2 Fantasy forward in any league once again.
News: Five days after his arrest on suspicion of domestic violence, Ron Artest said he'd stumbled as a father and husband - and the Sacramento Kings announced they would let the volatile player return to the team.
Analysis: Geoff Petrie, the Kings' president of basketball operations, said he deliberated for five days before deciding to allow Artest to return to the team after the latest incident. "Obviously, the events of this last Monday remain a very, very serious issue going forward," Petrie said. "However at this point in time and place we feel it's important for Ron to come back and participate and rejoin the team and start playing again." We didn't think he'd be back this season. Fantasy owners may have dodged a bullet here and could be able to activate Artest as soon as Sunday.
News: Ron Artest was at the Kings' practice facility early Friday morning, raising the possibility he could return to the team in time to play in Sunday's pivotal game against the Nuggets, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Analysis: But although Artest's late-night shooting session might signal a quicker-than-expected return, Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie on Friday evening wouldn't rule out anything. Asked if Artest would play Sunday against Denver or, on the other end of the spectrum, perhaps not return to the Kings this season, Petrie said: "I know that at some point there probably needs to be some sort of clarification, and there will be. It's just that one of the definitions of indefinite is 'unknown at this time.' That means at Friday at 5 o'clock, it's unknown at this time." Continue to keep Artest reserved in all leagues until that clarification finally comes.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest will be arraigned on March 22. The tape of the 911 call regarding his domestic violence incident was released Tuesday, creating quite the stir in Sacramento among the fans who were already down on the small forward for the recent controversy surrounding his allegedly malnourished dog.
Analysis: It doesn't appear Artest will return to the team any time soon. Keep him reserved in all formats.
News: Geoff Petrie, the Kings' president of basketball operations, said Monday that the team was removing Artest from the team, pending a full investigation after his arrest Monday morning for domestic violence. "The Kings have excused Ron Artest indefinitely from any further participation with the team due to his arrest today for domestic violence," Petrie said in a statement.
Analysis: Team spokesman Troy Hanson told The Associated Press that Artest had not been suspended and still was being paid. This is just the latest in what seems to be a running theme with Artest. He just can't stay out of trouble. The Kings were already rumored to be fed up with him and this could mark the beginning of the end of his time with the Kings. Keep him reserved in all leagues until further notice. John Salmons, Kenny Thomas and Shareef Abdur-Rahim should all see a boost in minutes and could enjoy a bigger role.
News: Sacramento Kings star Ron Artest was arrested Monday morning in his own home on domestic violence charges, according to the Sacramento Bee. Deputies who responded to Artest's home found a woman who had called 911 and, after interviewing her and Artest separately, arrested the Kings player. Artest was arrested on a charge of domestic violence and of using force or violence to prevent his victim from reporting a crime, officials said. He was booked into the Placer County Jail and bail was set at $50,000.
Analysis: Sheriff's officials are planning a press conference to discuss the incident, which was reported in a 911 call at 9:23 a.m. California time, officials said. Dena Erwin, a spokeswoman for the Placer County Sheriff's Department, said Artest was "very cooperative" when deputies went to the home. Kings spokesman Troy Hanson said, "We are aware of the situation and are in the process of gathering information." The only clear thing at the moment is that Artest should be removed from all Fantasy lineups.
News: Ron Artest converted 10 of 16 shots, making 50-plus percent for the fourth time in five games Saturday at Portland. Artest also had a team-high nine rebounds.
Analysis: Artest returned from his one-game absence with a knee injury and looked plenty healthy on Friday and Saturday. He should be fine for the upcoming scoring period and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Ron Artest returned from his one-game absence with a knee injury and looked plenty healthy. The small forward hit 7-of-14 shots and scored 19 points, not to mention featuring his new haircut. Artest had the word "Kings" shaved in the back of his head.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Artest back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues which allow daily transactions. He should be fine for the upcoming scoring period and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Kings F Ron Artest (knee) returned to the team's starting lineup Friday against the Lakers.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Artest back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues which allow daily transactions. He should be fine for the upcoming scoring period and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest sat out with a sore knee Wednesday against Charlotte. Artest had not missed a game with sore knees since Dec. 22.
Analysis: It might be a good idea to keep Artest reserved in all daily leagues. He should be fine for next week's scoring period, but continue to monitor his status.
News: Ron Artest (personal) returned to the lineup for Monday's game at Philadelphia. He started the game and finished with 13 points and five rebounds in 37 minutes.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Artest back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues which allow daily transactions.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest flew with the team from New York City to Indiana on Friday night, but returned to the Big Apple on Sunday morning to deal with family problems. He is expected to play against the 76ers.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Artest back in your lineup. Consider him a No. 2 forward in all scoring formats.
News: Sacramento forward Ron Artest missed the Kings' game Sunday night against the Indiana Pacers, his former team. Artest was not with the team for personal reasons, a team spokesman said without elaborating. Artest was not listed on the injury report.
Analysis: Artest has been playing well. He scored 30 or more points in three of his last five games and is averaging 28 points per game since the All-Star break. We don't know much about his personal situation, but it makes him a risky start for the upcoming week.
News: Kings F Ron Artest had 33 points, five rebounds and seven assists in a loss to the Nets Friday. Artest now has three 30-point outings in his last five games and two in a row.
Analysis: It appears as though Artest has put his early season injury woes behind him. Expect Artest to play well in the second half of the season as the Kings try to make a playoff push. Consider Artest a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Kings F Ron Artest had 32 points, six rebounds and three assists in 43 minutes against the Wizards Thursday. He went 11 of 17 from the field and 9 of 14 from the free-throw line. Artest now has two 30-point outings in his last four games.
Analysis: It appears as though Artest has put his early season injury woes behind him. Expect Artest to play well in the second half of the season as the Kings try to make a playoff push. Consider Artest a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest had 18 points and eight rebounds Tuesday against Boston. Artest averaged 18.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 3.1 apg heading into the All-Star break.
Analysis: Expect Artest to play well in the second half of the season as the Kings try to make a playoff push. Consider Artest a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Kings F Ron Artest averaged 18.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 3.1 apg heading into the All-Star break.
Analysis: Aside from an incident with him failing to take care of his dogs, he's been behaving rather well in the first half. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy forward in any league.
News: After a long string of solid shooting nights, small forward Ron Artest has now struggled in two of his past three games. Artest was 7-of-20 against Seattle on Sunday, and 4-of-15 against New Orleans/Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
Analysis: Expect Artest to be fine after the All-Star break. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Ron Artest tied his career-high with 39 points in Tuesday's game at Houston in 46 minutes. He also had eight rebounds, two steals and an assist.
Analysis: Artest has been needing to score more to help your Fantasy team and he did just that. His overall play is solid and you should consider him a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest had 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists Thursday against the Bulls.
Analysis: Artest needs to score more to help your Fantasy team, but his overall play is solid. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Ron Artest scored 20 points and tied a career-high with nine assists, leading the revived Kings to a 105-99 victory over the Hornets on Monday for their third straight win.
Analysis: Artest has been playing extremely well lately and remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Small forward Ron Artest sat out for approximately three minutes between the end of the third quarter Saturday and beginning of the fourth after injuring his right heel on a dunk. Artest returned with 10:19 remaining in the final period, and he had five of his 25 points down the stretch.
Analysis: With three steals against the Mavericks, Artest has had two-plus steals in seven of the last eight games. He appears to be healthy enough to remain active in Fantasy leagues.
News: Ron Artest is averaging 21.6 points per game in 12 games this month. He has hit 97-of-192 shots from the field in January while hitting 16-of-40 three-point attempts.
Analysis: Artest can be shaky at some times, but he is usually on top of his game when focused and healthy. He's able to put up big numbers on any given night and remains a solid Fantasy starter in all formats.
News: Ron Artest was booed when he was introduced and almost every time the Sacramento Kings forward had the ball Saturday night against the Detroit Pistons. The last time Artest was at The Palace, it wasn't so tame, though. He was at the center of the infamous brawl on Nov. 19, 2004, between Indiana Pacers players and Pistons fans. Artest declined to talk to reporters until after Saturday's game. But last week, he did discuss his first game at The Palace in New York and with The Sacramento Bee. "At times I've been excited about going back there to play well, given everything that happened, but it's not too big of a deal," Artest said in a story published Saturday by The Sacramento Bee. "I suffered a lot, but it's over now, and I'm back playing now."
Analysis: As far as his play on the court is concerned, Artest can be shaky at some times, but he is usually on top of his game when focused and healthy. He's able to put up big numbers on any given night and remains a solid Fantasy starter in all formats.
News: Ron Artest had 19 points and 11 rebounds to help the Sacramento Kings snap a seven-game losing streak with a 96-91 win over the Boston Celtics on Friday night.
Analysis: Artest can be shaky at some times, and will miss games here and there with injuries, but he is usually on top of his game when focused and healthy. He's able to put up big numbers on any given night and remains a solid Fantasy starter in all formats.
News: Ron Artest, playing in his hometown for the first time in nearly three years, finished with 12 points against the Knicks on Monday. He shot 4 of 15, missing a potential tying 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left. He also had five rebounds and five assists.
Analysis: Artest struggled on Monday, one game after scoring 34 points on 11 of 18 shooting. He's able to put up big numbers on any given night and remains a solid Fantasy starter in all formats.
News: Kings F Ron Artest shot 11-for-18 from the floor Saturday vs. Houston, finishing with 34 points. He shot 4-for-6 from three-point range as well.
Analysis: Artest's big offensive night came almost out of nowhere. He did score 39 points on Jan. 2 vs. the New York Knicks, but had been spotty since. He's able to put up big numbers on any given night, though, and puts together solid lines even on average scoring nights.
News: Ron Artest scored a career-high 39 points with exceptional outside shooting, and Sacramento never trailed in a 112-100 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday. Artest made 15 of his first 19 shots against his hometown team, hitting three 3-pointers and scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter to help Sacramento hang on for its fourth victory in five games. Artest, who also had five steals, scored the Kings' first nine points of the final quarter as Sacramento held off a strong rally by the Knicks, who lost for the fourth time in five games. Artest then surpassed his previous career high on a jumper with 6:55 to play, finishing with eight rebounds as well.
Analysis: Artest went scoreless in the Kings' blowout win over Golden State on Saturday, and had scored just 15 points in three games since returning from a self-imposed two-game rest for sore knees that the team didn't know were hurting him. Artest also says his back is bothering him -- but everything felt strong against the Knicks. Take it as a good sign that Artest is saying he is back at full strength. When healthy, he is a must-start Fantasy forward.
News: According to the Los Angeles Times, the Kings contacted the Clippers last Friday to gauge the Clippers' interest in acquiring Artest, but as of Wednesday night had not made a formal trade proposal. The Clippers would prefer to trade Corey Maggette to the Sacramento Kings for Artest, but they're not waiting by the phone.
Analysis: Artest seems to have already worn out his welcome in Sacramento, but the reported deal is still only in the rumor stage and shouldn't overly concern Fantasy owners. A deal could be on the horizon for Artest, but his Fantasy value should remain the same.
News: Kings F Ron Artest (knees) returned to the team's starting lineup on Wednesday against the 76ers.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Artest back into all active Fantasy formats. Artest is a must-start Fantasy forward in all leagues.
News: Kings F Ron Artest missed his second straight game on Friday as he was out with sore knees.
Analysis: When healthy, Artest is a must-start Fantasy forward in all leagues. He is consider day-to-day and should be kept reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he is able to make his return.
News: Ron Artest missed the Sacramento Kings' game against Washington on Thursday night because of sore knees. Artest was a surprise omission from the Kings' lineup moments before they took the floor against the Wizards. Artest, averaging 16.4 points and 7.2 rebounds in his first full season in Sacramento, missed four games earlier in the season with lower-back soreness.
Analysis: When healthy, Artest is a must-start Fantasy forward in all leagues. He is consider day-to-day and should be kept reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he is able to make his return.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest scored 22 points at Golden State Tuesday, but he again missed a ton of shots -- he was 4-of-14 -- as he continues to try and shoot his team's way back into games.
Analysis: Artest appears healthy enough to remain active in all leagues.
News: In his first action since missing three games with a lower back injury, Kings small forward Ron Artest hit just 5 of 13 shots for 15 points.
Analysis: Artest came off the bench and played 33 minutes. He appears healthy enough to remain active in all leagues.
News: Kings F Ron Artest (back) did not start but did come off the bench for the Kings on Thursday against the Heat. Artest missed the Kings last three games with back problems.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Artest back into your active Fantasy lineup. He is a solid Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Ron Artest was sidelined by a sore lower back against the Magic Monday.
Analysis: Artest has battled a sore back all season, and he sat out of Sacramento's loss at San Antonio on Monday. He's unlikely to play Tuesday in Phoenix as the Kings complete a stretch of four games in five nights -- and they have another home game against Miami on Thursday.
News: Kings F Ron Artest (back) is still day-to-day, according to the Sacramento Bee. He was expected to start on Saturday, but his lingering injury flared up again just hours before tipoff.
Analysis: Because the Kings play four games this week, we'd say he's worth starting in all weekly formats. He may miss a game or two on short notice for the foreseeable future, but that's just something his Fantasy owners will have to live with unless they have reliable alternatives they don't mind going to.
News: Kings F Ron Artest (back) was unable to start Saturday vs. Portland, but still managed 22 minutes off the bench. He scored only three points off 1-for-6 shooting.
Analysis: Artest's back appears to be bothering him and has limited his output this week. The Kings will play three games next week, starting with their first game on Tuesday vs. the Clippers. Consider Artest a safe start in most leagues, but consider healthy alternatives.
News: Ron Artest was back in Sacramento Friday resting his aching lower back as his team took on Seattle on the road. His status for Saturday's home game against Portland was unknown.
Analysis: Consider him day to day and questionable for Saturday's game vs. Portland, but the fact that it is a home game bodes well for his chances to play. When healthy, he remains a must-start No. 1 or 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Back spasms continue to bother Ron Artest, who did not start the second half against Utah Wednesday but later entered the game after getting locker room treatment during the second period.
Analysis: Artest should be alright, but check his status through the weekend before starting him.
News: Small forward Ron Artest didn't start in Wednesday's game against Memphis because of back spasms, then said afterward that he was concerned about how he would feel the next morning. He looked unaffected against the Warriors Thursday, logging 44 minutes.
Analysis: The back ailment won't make him miss any time and should be considered a must-start in all leagues.
News: After shooting 31.7 percent in the first five games of the season, Ron Artest found his accuracy for the second straight game. With his 8-of-12 shooting night against the Grizzlies, he is 17-of-29 in the past two games.
Analysis: Artest did not start against Memphis because of back spasms that hit him just before the national anthem began. He stretched out in the locker room, and then rode an exercise bike in the player's tunnel before entering midway through the first quarter. He played 39 minutes. He won't miss any time and should be considered a must-start in all leagues.
News: Kings F Ron Artest scored 23 points on 9-for-17 shooting Sunday vs. Toronto. He also added 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
Analysis: Artest is averaging nine rebounds this season, an improvement over his 4.8 career average. If he keeps this up, he'll have a career year in his eighth NBA season.
News: Ron Artest had 22 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Sacramento Kings past the Chicago Bulls 89-88 on Friday night.
Analysis: Artest is playing great through two games and is posting numbers that would make any Fantasy owner happy. Artest remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Kings F Ron Artest picked up a game-high seven steals in Wednesday's season-opening loss at Minnesota. He finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.
Analysis: Artest could have logged a very odd quadruple-double under the right circumstances. As long as he stays out of trouble, Artest remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Sacramento Kings guard Mike Bibby is expected to miss the first two weeks of the regular season after injuring his right thumb in an exhibition game Sunday night.
Analysis: The Kings don't expect him to play for at least three weeks. Expect Jason Hart to start the season as the team's point guard, but he won't be quite the scorer that Bibby is. Brad Miller, Ron Artest and Shareef Abdur-Rahim will need to pick up the scoring along with John Salmons to a lesser extent. Kevin Martin and Francisco Garcia will see extra playing time as a result to start the year, but should still remain reserved until they can prove their value. Look to add Hart if he's available off your waiver wire.
News: The Kings had 18 players on the roster at the start of camp. Musselman said he has no immediate timetable as to when he needs to start to trim the roster. NBA teams are allowed to keep 15, but the Kings have indicated that they might not even keep that many.
Analysis: Mike Bibby, Brad Miller and Ron Artest obviously won't have any troubles making the roster and they will be the Fantasy gems of the bunch. But there is talent up and down the roster that can be considered viable in Fantasy play. Shareef Abdur-Rahim could be undervalued this season, but will be a nice addition in the late rounds. Keep this news in mind, however, for players at the low-end of the talent pool. Don't draft many sleepers from this roster, because they may not make the team in the end.
News: The Kings had 18 players on the roster at the start of camp. Musselman said he has no immediate timetable as to when he needs to start to trim the roster. NBA teams are allowed to keep 15, but the Kings have indicated that they might not even keep that many.
Analysis: Mike Bibby, Brad Miller and Ron Artest obviously won't have any troubles making the roster and they will be the Fantasy gems of the bunch. But there is talent up and down the roster that can be considered viable in Fantasy play. Shareef Abdur-Rahim could be undervalued this season, but will be a nice addition in the late rounds. Keep this news in mind, however, for players at the low-end of the talent pool. Don't draft many sleepers from this roster, because they may not make the team in the end.
News: When the Bulls entertain Sacramento for the home opener at the United Center on Nov. 3, it will be the first time Ben Wallace and Ron Artest play in the same game since the infamous brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills in November of 2004. Wallace played for the Pistons and Artest for the Pacers back then. "I'm going out there to play basketball," Wallace said. "I never go on the floor looking for problems, looking for a fight or anything. As long as we go out and play basketball, do what we're supposed to do and stay from the foolishness, then it ain't nothing."
Analysis: Don't expect Round Two to break out in Chicago, but the game will certainly get that type of hype. As far as Fantasy owners are concerned, both players are of the must-own variety although they tend to get taken a bit too early for our taste. Consider them both players to target in rounds 3-4 on Draft Day, but not any sooner than that.
News: Ron Artest of the Sacramento Kings was suspended one game without pay for hitting Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs in the head with his forearm. The suspension was announced Monday by the league. Artest will miss Game 2 of the Western Conference series on Tuesday. He didn't play in the postseason last year after an early season suspension for a brawl in Detroit while playing for Indiana.
Analysis: "I'm disappointed Ronnie's suspended because he's a competitor and I want to see him do well," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "Even though we don't have him anymore, I pull for any guys that have helped us win games in the past. He was a great player, great competitor for us, so I don't wish anything bad on anybody." The contact occurred in the third period of the Spurs' 122-88 win Saturday night against the visiting Kings. Artest was hit in the mouth by Ginobili's elbow on the game's opening possession. The cut inside his upper lip required three stitches.
News: Kings forward Ron Artest is expected to play with extra padding on his injured right thumb for the rest of the season. Artest hurt his thumb in the third quarter of Sacramento's 123-110 loss to Phoenix on Tuesday night, but kept playing. He underwent an MRI exam on the thumb Thursday before the club departed for a game in Denver on Saturday. The exam revealed an aggravation of an injury that wasn't properly repaired during his college days at St. John's. Artest sat out practice Thursday.
Analysis: Artest is averaging 17.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals with the Kings, who are 23-14 since acquiring the former All-Star in a trade with Indiana on Jan. 26.
News: Ron Artest was nearly hit with a technical foul at least three times Wednesday, and he slammed the ball down in frustration, catching it before it got away, when teammates didn't move fast enough to get open on a fourth-period inbounds. Still, he has yet to draw a technical foul with the Kings.
Analysis: Artest has revived the Kings and Fantasy squads since joining Sacramento. He is averaging 22.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.2 bpg and 2.0 spg. He's also 10-for-29 from long range during that span.
News: Although road victories remain elusive, the Sacramento Kings are thriving at home. Coming off a pair of losses away from Arco Arena, Ron Artest scored a season-high 34 points and the Kings beat the Seattle SuperSonics 105-96 Tuesday night for their 14th straight home win. After struggling offensively in the previous two games, Artest was at his best against defensively challenged Seattle, which allows the most points per game this year in the NBA. Working mostly inside with an effective post-up game, Artest made 10 of 18 shots, hit 11 of 15 free throws and added eight rebounds and six assists. "He was attacking the basket and he was getting to the basket on them," Kings coach Rick Adelman said. "At the defensive end, he made two or three defensive plays that were really unbelievable plays." After going the first 5½ minutes without a point to open the fourth quarter and seeing its lead dwindle to one point, Artest made a jumper at the foul line to ignite an 11-4 run that put Sacramento ahead 99-91 with 3:24 left.
Analysis: Artest remains a must-start in all formats.
News: Ron Artest at times tries to do too much. He handles the ball on some trips and then launches ill-advised three-pointers. He lost the ball with no pressure down by five with just under a minute to play on Sunday, then came up with a steal and bucket to close to within 91-89 seconds later.
Analysis: Still, Artest remains a must-start in all formats.
News: Ron Artest was brilliant in his defense on LeBron James, denying the NBA's third-leading scorer and holding him to 19 points. Most telling was how many times Artest knocked the ball away from James, and how James was 0-for-7 from the field in the second half.
Analysis: While Artest's defense may be as good as ever, his offense has been lacking of late. After scoring at least 20 points in three consecutive games, he's averaged just 11.8 ppg over his last five contests and only 4.8 rpg over that same span. Still, Artest remains a must-start in all formats. He'll come around for Fantasy owners soon enough.
News: Forward Ron Artest vowed to hold Kobe Bryant below his season average of 35 points. He failed, finding out that Bryant devours all comers, including racing baseline around Artest on a nifty fake, and the Lakers star had four 3-pointers, stretching Artest, who isn't 100 percent by any means with a tender hip pointer.
Analysis: Artest still picked up 15 points, six rebounds and seven assists. He's a must-start Fantasy stud in all formats.
News: Ron Artest has been an exceptional addition to the team, bringing his relentless style of play to a locker room that has had a real shortage of defensive fire this season. He's also a load in taking opponents down the lane one-on-one, and he's been very effective as a passer and shooter. Artest has come in and immediately become the team's top player and vocal leader, surpassing Mike Bibby.
Analysis: He should produce a huge second half for Fantasy purposes.
News: Ron Artest scored 27 points while grabbing 14 rebounds in Tuesday's game at Chicago in 47 minutes. He also chipped in with three assists, three steals and a blocked shot.
Analysis: Artest has been a model citizen during his time in Sacramento and the team has looked like a playoff contender all of a sudden since his acquisition.
News: Ron Artest shot poorly, making just four of 13 shots, but he did finish with nine points, six rebounds and seven assists. Even hobbled, he can play some pretty good man-to-man defense.
Analysis: Even on off nights, Artest will find ways to contribute across the board.
News: Ron Artest scored 18 points on 8-of-21 shooting with one rebound and three steals on Tuesday vs Memphis.
Analysis: Not the best game for Artest, but the steals are nice and he's a must-start.
News: Ron Artest (hip) scored nine points on 2-of-9 shooting with four rebounds and two blocks on Sunday vs. Utah.
Analysis: Not the best game for Artest, but at least his hip pointer allowed him to play. He appears to be fine for the upcoming scoring period.
News: According to the Sacramento Bee, Ron Artest suffered a hip pointer on Friday night.
Analysis: Artest will be reevaluated on Sunday and a more accurate timetable will be given for his return to the Kings. Consider him day-to-day for now.
News: Ron Artest, who left the game early with what appeared to be a hip pointer, led Sacramento with 20 points on Friday in Utah. Artest twisted strangely on a drive to the hoop with 6:30 to play and remained on the floor for several moments after Greg Ostertag fouled him. He made one of two free throws. The next time down, Kirilenko blocked Artest's dunk attempt and Matt Harpring made a layup on the other end. Artest grimaced and held his side before fouling Kirilenko on the next play and leaving with five fouls.
Analysis: We should know more about the injury on Saturday. He is questionable for Feb. 5 vs. Utah.
News: Ron Artest scored 19 points while adding seven rebounds in his home debut for the Kings on Tuesday night against the Nuggets.
Analysis: Well, Artest has managed to stay out of trouble in two games for the Kings. He should be a fantastic Fantasy option in all leagues as long as he keeps his nose clean.
News: Ron Artest scored 24 points while bringing down nine rebounds on Sunday at Toronto. He also added three assists and a steal in 39 minutes
Analysis: Artest does not look like he missed any time and appears re-energized by his fresh start in Sacramento. For now, all appears calm on the shore.
News: Ron Artest scored 15 points in his Sacramento debut on Friday in Boston. He added six rebounds and four steals in 31 minutes for his new club.
Analysis: The Boston fans booed the first few times he touched the ball. His Fantasy owners didn't boo, and it's nice to finally see him back on the court. He is once again a must-start in all formats.
News: The Indiana Pacers traded volatile forward Ron Artest to the Sacramento Kings for Peja Stojakovic on Wednesday, a day after a deal between the teams all but fell apart. Artest reportedly balked at being dealt to the Kings, but met with Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh on Wednesday at Conseco Fieldhouse and apparently agreed to go to Sacramento. The trade ends a lengthy standoff between the Pacers and Artest, who was deactivated in December after requesting a trade and was suspended most of last season for his role in one of the worst brawls in U.S. sports history. Artest is due to make $7.15 million next season and $7.8 million in 2007-08, with an $8.45 million player option for 2008-09. His defensive presence and infamous instability should be an intriguing fit with the Kings, whose franchise makeover now has a more defensive look.
Analysis: Artest spent parts of six seasons with the Pacers, earning an All-Star berth and recognition as the NBA's defensive player of the year in 2003-04. He led the league in steals and averaged 19.4 points per game this season before his trade request and subsequent deactivation. If Artest keeps his head on straight, he should thrive in a new environment and go back to being recognized as an elite Fantasy player.
News: According to published reports, the trade sending Ron Artest to Sacramento and Peja Stojakovic to Indiana is back on -- pending league approval. Ron Artest, along with his agent Mark Stevens, met with CEO Donnie Walsh and team president Larry Bird on Wednesday, one day after a deal to send the forward to Sacramento fell apart, the Indianapolis Star reported. Artest disputed media reports that he rejected the trade proposal Tuesday. "I'll go anywhere," Artest said by phone after he drove past a group of reporters waiting outside Conseco Fieldhouse. "I just want to get back on the basketball court and start playing again." Artest told the Star the meeting with Walsh and Bird was good.
Analysis: This trade would be very good for the Fantasy value of both players. Hopefully it will actually happen sometime on Wednesday.
News: Ron Artest, along with his agent Mark Stevens, met with CEO Donnie Walsh and team president Larry Bird on Wednesday, one day after a deal to send the forward to Sacramento fell apart, the Indianapolis Star reported. Artest disputed media reports that he rejected the trade proposal Tuesday. "I'll go anywhere," Artest said by phone after he drove past a group of reporters waiting outside Conseco Fieldhouse. "I just want to get back on the basketball court and start playing again." Artest told the Star the meeting with Walsh and Bird was good. They said they were going to try to get something sorted out to get the trade done," Artest told the Star, adding that there was "no trade right now."
Analysis: The Pacers were prepared to trade Artest for Kings forward Peja Stojakovic on Tuesday. Several media outlets reported Artest rejected the trade, but he told the Star on Tuesday evening that he would "do whatever my agent tells me to do." Who knows what's going to happen next? Either way, Artest's Fantasy owners have to be hoping a deal comes soon.
News: According to reports, the trade that was supposed to send Ron Artest to the Kings for Peja Stojakovic has been called off because Ron Artest turned it down.
Analysis: What? Things can't get much weirder when it comes to Ron Artest. The story is far from over, but don't count anything out just yet. As flaky as Ron Artest is, he could change his mind by the time you finish reading this.
News: According to reports, Ron Artest was traded to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Peja Stojakovic pending league approval.
Analysis: Artest owners can now exhale. The deal will make him the new face of the Kings and he will make a Fantasy impact immediately. He is likely hungry to prove that he is still among the NBA's elite players. Expect 20 points, 6 rebounds and two or three steals the rest of the way from Artest. That is, until he gets bored again.
News: Pacers team president Larry Bird echoed what general manager Donnie Walsh said earlier on Monday, acknowledging that the team is close to reaching a deal for Ron Artest.
Analysis: Bird told the Indianapolis Star that the team is talking with five or six teams, all in the Western Conference. The Lakers are thought to be one of those teams, as he was seen on a telecast sitting courtside at the Cleveland-L.A. Lakers game on Jan. 12. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. Once he gels with his new teammates, he will re-emerge as a must-start in all Fantasy formats.
News: CEO Donnie Walsh says that he's narrowed the list of teams that he'll trade Ron Artest to five teams, according to the Indianapolis Star. The Star points out that the Pacers are 9-11 with Artest on the inactive list.
Analysis: If he was dropped in your league -- pick him up ASAP. He will get traded soon and will return to his "Fantast stud" status regardless of what uniform he's wearing.
News: The Indiana Pacers are growing accustomed to all the trade rumors involving Ron Artest. "It's good for us to get a rhythm and stay with the guys we have and understand that these are the guys who are going to be here," Stephen Jackson said Thursday. "We have to get it done with these guys. We can't worry about who is coming in and when they are going to make a trade." The latest rumor had Artest, who has been inactive since last month, heading to the Los Angeles Clippers in a trade for forward Corey Maggette, who has been out with a torn left foot ligament since early December. Earlier, there were rumors Artest would go to Golden State in a package deal that included Warriors forward Troy Murphy. Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh was at Thursday's practice, but did not talk with reporters. He has consistently declined to comment on trade rumors and said the team would have an announcement when a deal had been completed.
Analysis: Hold onto Artest until he gets traded, he will have tremendous value once he resumes playing. It wouldn't be wise to trade him right now in Fantasy leagues while his value is low.
News: According to the Indianapolis Star, Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh is in no hurry to trade Ron Artest. He added that there are 10-12 teams interested in him.
Analysis: Artest is killing Fantasy owners, but he should be traded before the deadline on Feb 23.
News: According to the Indianapolis Star, Ron Artest is working out at his Indianapolis home. He's trying to stay in playing shape while the Pacers continue to try to trade him. "I'm making sure I stay on top of my game, fine-tuning little things," said Artest. "I'm anxious to find out what's happening because I'm ready to get back on the court and start playing again."
Analysis: Artest's backtracking on his trade request has not changed the Pacers' conviction to trade him at all. He'll be traded, but possibly not until the new year. The sooner he gets traded, the better it will be for Fantasy owners.
News: Indianapolis' NBC affiliate, WTHR, is reporting that Ron Artest's agent said Friday that Artest is remorseful for his trade demands and wants to try to work something out to stay with the Pacers.
Analysis: Wow. It seems like we hear more Artest drama everyday. Don't expect the Pacers to keep him.
News: The Pacers have placed Ron Artest on the inactive list following his public statements about wanting out of Indiana and general manager Donnie Walsh will try and accomodate his request.
Analysis: Artest has submitted a team of acceptable places he would like to play, highlighted by Cleveland and New York. If winning is important to him, the Cavaliers would be a good fit. If playing in his college town and with the glitz and glamour is more important, then the Knicks would work. Stay tuned.
News: Ron Artest wants to be traded, and the Indiana Pacers will try to accommodate their unhappy star. Pacers president and chief executive Donnie Walsh said Monday he didn't like Artest speaking to the media first, but would try to trade him. He added Artest's desire to move on wasn't the only factor involved. "This is kind of the last straw of a lot of issues," Walsh said, "and it's at the point where we should look for a trade." In an interview with the Indianapolis Star published Sunday, Artest said, "I still think my past haunts me here. I think somewhere else I'm starting fresh. I'm coming in with baggage, but people already know about it and how I'm going to be."
Analysis: Wow. Look for the Knicks to be major players for Artest. His Fantasy value shouldn't change much no matter where he plays, and it could even improve if he thrives in a new environment. If he goes to a team that would allow him to be the No. 1 offensive option, his scoring would see a significant increase.
News: According to the Indianapolis Star, Ron Artest would like to be traded out of Indiana. "I still think my past haunts me here," Artest said to the Star. "I think somewhere else I'm starting fresh. I'm coming in with baggage but people already know about it and how I'm going to be. Either they're going to be for me or they're not going to trade for me. Here I think my past haunts me."
Analysis: Although he is the Pacers' second-leading scorer at 19.4 points per game, he said he is uncomfortable playing for Rick Carlisle and feels he could score more in another system --which would allow him to earn a larger contract when his current deal expires in 2008. If he can get even more touches than his value can only increase. It's just talk for now.
News: Pacers forward Ron Artest (wrist) was sidelined on Thursday night. According to the Indianapolis Star, he could be out at least five games with his right wrist contusion. "I'm going to rest it and not rush back," he said.
Analysis: Artest doesn't seem to be in a rush to get back. For now, Danny Granger will benefit from the playing time he'll receive while Artest is out. He could be a big help for rebounds in Rotisserie leagues while he sees extended minutes.
News: According to the Indianapolis Star, Ron Artest (wrist) will miss at least Thursday's game vs. Washington. "Right now, when you lose a guy like Artest, it limits what you can do otherwise," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "We have to roll with this. We have to get ready to play without Ronnie for a game, maybe more."
Analysis: Sounds like they're gearing up for life without Artest for at least a few games. For now, Danny Granger will benefit from the playing time he'll receive while Artest is out. He could be a big help for rebounds in Rotisserie leagues while he sees extended minutes.
News: Ron Artest scored 12 points and added five rebounds for the Pacers at Portland on Friday.
Analysis: Don't worry, Artest should bounce back soon. He's a must-start No. 1 or 2 forward in all leagues.
News: Ron Artest had an MRI on Saturday morning for his banged up right hand. It revealed no serious damage, and he returned to action Sunday vs. the Clippers.
Analysis: Get him back in Fantasy lineups for Week 5 immediately.
News: Ron Artest is sitting out Friday's game vs. Atlanta with a sore wrist.
Analysis: Austin Croshere started in his place. Consider Artest questionable for Nov. 27 at the L.A. Clippers.
News: Ron Artest scored 30 points vs. New Jersey on Friday night. He also added six rebounds and a pair of assists.
Analysis: Artest will be a Fantasy stud as long as he keeps his emotions in check. He's been a gentleman so far this season.
News: Ron Artest scored 24 points on 8-of-19 shooting with eight rebounds, four assists and three steals in 39 minutes Wednesday.
Analysis: Artest will be a Fantasy stud as long as he keeps his emotions in check. So far, so good.
News: Ron Artest scored 16 points and added five assists in Wednesday's opener at Orlando. He also contributed with three rebounds, two steals and a block in 40 minutes.
Analysis: Artest was outstanding in his first action since Nov. 19, 2004 at Detroit, the night of the now infamous brawl.
News: Indiana Pacers players Ron Artest, Jermaine O'Neal and Stephen Jackson were sentenced Friday to a year of probation, community service and a fine for their roles in one of the worst brawls in U.S. sports history. They pleaded no contest earlier in the day to misdemeanor assault charges stemming from the Nov. 19 melee at The Palace of Auburn Hills. A no-contest plea in Michigan is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing.
Analysis: Artest returns to the NBA after being suspended for the rest of the 2004-05 season. His defensive prowess combined with his offensive skills makes him a star player in all Rotisserie leagues.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports Ron Artest is playing in the summer league in Minnesota this week.
Analysis: Artest has promised to exhibit more maturity and the club appears to be pleased with his attitude. A trade to the Celtics has been bandied about, but a trade now seems to be a lot less likely.
News: NBA commissioner David Stern brought finality to Ron Artest's status Monday, reaffirming his season-long suspension. Stern had left the door open for Artest's reinstatement in recent interviews, but told The Indianapolis Star he believes Artest will benefit most from sitting out this season, including the playoffs. "Our goal is to do everything we possibly can to ensure Ron's return to the NBA next season is as smooth as it can possibly be," Stern said.
Analysis: Stern suspended Artest for the remainder of this season on Nov. 21, two days after Artest had gone into the stands at the Palace of Auburn Hills in response to being hit by a beverage thrown by a fan. He also suspended Stephen Jackson for 30 games and Jermaine O'Neal for 25 games, although O'Neal's penalty was later reduced to 15 games by an arbitrator and upheld in federal court.
News: The Detroit Free Press reports the NBA informed the players' union Sunday it will not seek a temporary restraining order in federal court, clearing the way for a grievance hearing over suspensions for the Pacers-Pistons brawl. Arbitrator Roger Kaplan will preside over the hearing Thursday and Friday in Manhattan. Suspended players Ron Artest, Jermaine O'Neal and Stephen Jackson are expected to attend. Artest was sidelined for the season, Jackson for 30 games, and O'Neal for 25 for fighting with fans Nov. 19 at the Palace.
Analysis: Kaplan must rule on two issues: Whether commissioner David Stern's penalties can even be appealed to an arbitrator, and the underlying matter of whether the commissioner had just cause for some of the longest fight-related suspensions in league history. The second segment will be the actual grievance. NBA attorneys will argue that punishments were fair and consistent with the collective bargaining agreement. It's unlikely Artest will be allowed to play again this season.
News: The NBA has suspended Ron Artest for the remainder of the season for his part in the Indiana/Detroit melee.
Analysis: Tough break for Ron Artest owners. It might be wise to hold on to Artest in case the players union appeals the sentence. Fred Jones' Fantasy value will definitely increase after this.
News: The NBA suspended Ron Artest indefinitely until it can further investigate what happened in Friday's brawl at Detroit.
Analysis: Artest, Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O'Neal were all suspended. At this point, Austin Croshere and Fred Jones look like they will get a ton of minutes as replacements.
News: Ron Artest ran into the stands to fight a spectator that threw a bottle at him at the end of Friday's game at Detroit. This was after a bench-clearing brawl initiated by an Artest hard foul on Ben Wallace. The Pistons center turned and shoved Artest in the throat and the melee ensued. When Artest finally returned to the court, he was accosted by another Pistons fan and fought him as well.
Analysis: At the very least, Artest should get some time to work on his music. Suspensions will be doled out over the next few days and Artest will likely receive one for the fight on the court. As far as the incident in the stands, it is yet to be determined how the league will handle such an unprecedented event. Austin Croshere's owners should be happy to know that he escaped most of the battles and should receive ample playing time after the league sifts through matters.
News: Coming off a two-game suspension from head coach Rick Carlisle, Ron Artest scored 29 points on 10-for-15 shooting from the floor and 6-for-6 from the line in Friday's overtime game against the 76ers. He nailed 3-for-4 3-pointers, grabbed six boards and dished out five assists as well.
Analysis: Despite Artest's recent off-court issues, he remains a top Fantasy player. He contributes in all statistical categories and will likely be a finalist in the Defensive Player of the Year as well.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports Ron Artest will play Friday at Philadelphia. He missed the past two games because of a coach's decision.
Analysis: Coach Rick Carlisle benched Artest for two games after an incident before practice on Monday. Artest said he told teammates that he wanted to get away for a while, and that a subsequent conversation with Carlisle led to his benching.
News: Ron Artest, held out of Tuesday's and Wednesday's game for disciplinary reasons, might be able to return on Friday at Philadelphia.
Analysis: Artest asked coach Rick Carlisle for time off due to a busy schedule, which included promoting an upcoming rap CD. Artest's Fantasy owners are likely to avoid purchasing the music after the two-game absence likely burned them this week.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports coach Rick Carlisle held out Ron Artest in Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves and for Wednesday's game against the Clippers in an unspecified disciplinary measure. "We had a situation develop yesterday involving Ronnie that I felt compromised the integrity of the team and it was my decision not to play him," Carlisle said. "After (tonight's game) we'll re-evaluate things. It's a private team matter and I'm going to leave it at that."
Analysis: The club hasn't said that Artest was "officially" suspended, but it certainly appears that way. He has taken the news in stride and could probably use the rest while he has been nursing knee and shoulder injuries. "I had some personal things and coach thought it would be best if I sit out these two games," he said. "I wanted to play but he wanted me to sit out. I'll do whatever he says to do."
News: Ron Artest missed Tuesday's game at Minnesota due to a sore knee and shoulder.
Analysis: Artest is considered day to day. He nearly took off last Wednesday's game at Cleveland before deciding at gametime to stick it out.
News: Ron Artest (knee) was able to play in Friday's matchup against the Celtics. He scored 28 points and pulled down seven boards.
Analysis: Artest is coming into his own this season. Expect him to make the All-Star team and finish with a new career-high in scoring. He's elevated his game in the closing minutes in each of the first two games.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports Ron Artest, who was nearly scratched from Wednesday's game, said Thursday he felt only minor soreness in his right knee and expects to play Friday.
Analysis: Artest logged 50 minutes in Wednesday's overtime victory. His offensive game appears sharp and he could finish among the elite scorers this season.
News: Ron Artest was nearly going to sit because of a sore knee for Tuesday's regular season opener at Cleveland. He decided to play just before game time and scored 31 points and added nine rebounds in 50 minutes of the double-overtime win.
Analysis: Artest has really improved on the offensive end and took it upon himself to pick up the slack with several Pacers out due to injury.
News: Ron Artest scored 35 points on 14-for-26 shooting in Tuesday's preseason game against Memphis. He also had seven rebounds and four steals in the contest.
Analysis: Artest is an all-around Fantasy player and warrants draft consideration in the initial three rounds in all Fantasy formats.
News: According to reports, Ron Artest (migraines) missed Monday's practice.
Analysis: The St. John's product is still expected to play in Tuesday's Game 6 at Detroit.
News: According to reports, Ron Artest was suspended one game by the NBA for leaving the bench during a confrontation in the Pacers' playoff win over Boston.
Analysis: Artest will miss Game 2 of the series, scheduled for Tuesday at the Conseco Fieldhouse.
News: Ron Artest (ankle) was in the lineup for Tuesday's game. He scored 12 points in 35 minutes.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Artest back into the active lineup.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports that Ron Artest (ankle) sat out most of Monday's practice, but expects to play at Milwaukee Tuesday.
Analysis: Artest should remain active in all limeups.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports Ron Artest's nose was sore, and possibly broken, from having caught an elbow under the basket during Sunday's win over Miami.
Analysis: Artest isn't expected to miss any playing time, so keep him active on Fantasy teams.
News: According to reports, Ron Artest has been suspended one game without pay by the NBA for elbowing Portland's Derek Anderson in a game earlier in the week. The St. John's alum missed practice on Thursday to attend to personal issues.
Analysis: Artest will miss Friday's game against Sacramento.
News: Ron Artest (thumb) was activated from the injured list and he played in Tuesday's game at Golden State. He scored 12 points and added six rebounds in 28 minutes before fouling out.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Artest back into the active lineup. He seems determined to play through pain for the good of his club.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports that Jermaine O'Neal believes Ron Artest (thumb) could return to the lineup earlier than expected. "I think we may have Ron back this week," said O'Neal. "Talking to him, he's really in a hurry to get back and he feels like he's going No official word about an early comeback has been made.
Analysis: Artest was supposed to be out two to four more weeks while Al Harrington starts in his absence.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports Ron Artest is expected to miss most of the remaining games in the regular season, though there has been no timetable given for his return.
Analysis: Al Harrington has taken over as the starting small forward in Artest's absence.
News: Ron Artest (hand) took almost 500 shots in Tuesday's practice despite wearing a cast on his non-shooting hand. He is still expected to sit out close to the remainder of the season.
Analysis: Artest should remain reserved while Al Harrington continues to start in his place.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports that Ron Artest (thumb) is willing to return as a reserve once he gets healthy, as long as the team wins. "Whatever it takes," said Artest. "If the team is rolling along, I'll do whatever it takes to get victories."
Analysis: While there is no timetable for Artest's return, he will likely miss most of the remainder of the regular season. It is unlikely, however, that the Pacers will move one of the league's top defenders to the bench. Al Harrington, Jonathan Bender and Austin Croshere will benefit from the additional minutes.
News: Ron Artest (thumb surgery) might not be able to return to the Indiana lineup before the end of the regular season. He told the Indianapolis Star he will be ready for the playoffs. "I probably could have gotten the surgery earlier, but I just wanted to make sure we went into the All-Star break on a good note," Artest said. "But my doctor advised me to just go ahead and get it done now and she'd try and get me back as soon as possible."
Analysis: The news is not good for Fantasy owners. Artest said when he does return, if he suffers any setback, no matter how severe, he will play through the pain.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports that Ron Artest had successful surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb on Thursday.
Analysis: Artest still has no timetable for his return. Al Harrington continues to start in his absence, with Jonathan Bender expected to get many more minutes.
News: Ron Artest (thumb) was placed on injured reserve Friday by Indiana.
Analysis: Artest should be reserved in all elageus while Al Harrington starts in his place.
News: According to the Indianapolis Star, Ron Artest (thumb surgery) could miss four to six weeks.
Analysis: Al Harrington will start for coach Rick Carlisle in Artest's absence.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports that Ron Artest will be out indefinitely after he has surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb.
Analysis: Artest will give way to Al Harrington (bruised knee) in the starting lineup.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports that Ron Artest missed practice Wednesday to have his hand examined. He fell on his hand Tuesday against New Orleans.
Analysis: Artest's status for Friday's game at Washington is uncertain.
News: Artest missed practice Wednesday to have his injured left thumb examined. He aggravated the injury when he fell in the third quarter of Tuesday night's loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: Artest is listed as day to day.
News: Artest was benched for the start of Tuesday's game for missing a practice on Monday night. He missed the workout because he did not return in time from Sunday night's All-Star Game in Los Angeles.
Analysis: Artest finished with 13 points and four rebounds in 31 minutes.
News: According to the Indianapolis Star, Ron Artest (thumb) planned on missing Sunday's game against Miami until he found out Al Harrington (knee) would be out. Artest believes that he actually has a torn ligament in his thumb.
Analysis: Artest is expected to play Tuesday at Chicago, barring any setbacks.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports that Ron Artest hurt his thumb when it got caught in a jersey Friday at Toronto.
Analysis: Artest is not expected to miss any playing time.
News: Ron Artest has been named as a reserve for the Eastern Conference All-Star team.
Analysis: Artest is the Pacers' second-leading scorer (17.7) this season.
News: Ron Artest (finger) was able to play on Wednesday night. He scored 14 points and added seven assists in 34 minutes.
Analysis: It appears safe to leave Artest in the active lineup in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports that Ron Artest (strained thumb) is not expected to miss any game action. The Pacers were originally saying he had torn ligaments, but it does not look as serious. He did practice Tuesday and is expected to start against Phoenix.
Analysis: Artest is not playing his best while he protects his injury. He has even admitted that he is not as aggressive or confident. Despite the injury and problems, he remains too valuable to sit in most leagues.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports that Ron Artest (thumb) flew to New York to be examined and missed Monday's practice. Reports on the status of his injury were not made available.
Analysis: Artest should be safe to keep in starting lineups for now.
News: Ron Artest (sprained thumb) will see a hand specialist in New York on Monday. "It took awhile to get used to (the injury), but that stage is over," Artest told the Indianapolis Star. "I think I'm back to my old self now."
Analysis: It appears safe to keep Artest in the active lineup, although you might want to reserve him since the Pacers only have two games in the upcoming week.
News: According to the Indianapolis Star, Ron Artest is playing with a sprained thumb.
Analysis: He is not expected to miss any playing time, so it appears safe to keep Artest active on Fantasy teams.
News: Ron Artest put his bad Monday behind him and scored 18 points on Memphis despite not starting. After being benched on Saturday and missing a shootaround Monday morning, Artest played 35 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Artest should remain in the starting lineups for all leagues.
News: Ron Artest overslept Monday and missed the team's shootaround. He will come off the bench behind Al Harrington for Monday's game against Memphis.
Analysis: Here we go again. Artest was benched for the second half of Saturday's game against New Jersey for poor shot selection and conduct. Harrington has been playing superb this year and the last thing Artest's owners want is a chance for Harrington to show his stuff. Still, this should be a wake-up call for Artest; expect him back in the lineup soon.
News: Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle benched Ron Artest for conduct detrimental to the team in the second half of Saturday's game against New Jersey.
Analysis: Artest has not been playing as strongly as he did earlier in the season. Hopefully, he keeps his attitude in check and this isn't the start of a trend.
News: Ron Artest scored 17 points to go with seven rebounds and five assists Friday against Atlanta.
Analysis: Artest is a safe start in all leagues at forward.
News: Ron Artest was ejected in the second quarter of Sunday's game at Sacramento for arguing an offensive call. He finished with nine points and one assist in 17 minutes.
Analysis: This was Artest's first slip-up of the season, and according to his team, it was a questionable one at that. "I thought you were able to talk to the refs in this league, but obviously not," said Jermaine O'Neal. Feel safe starting Artest again unless he starts racking up flagrant fouls, which killed owners last season.
News: Ron Artest (back) was out of the lineup again Friday at Seattle. He also missed Monday's game at Phoenix, but played Wednesday at Portland.
Analysis: Obviously, Artest is going to be a hit-and-miss kind of player until the back spasms relent. Unless he is definitely going to miss a game, he remains too valuable to sit in any league.
News: Artest (back) returned to the lineup on Wednesday. He poured in 21 points and added six rebounds and five assists in 42 minutes at Portland.
Analysis: It appears safe to get the enigmatic forward back into the active lineup in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports that Ron Artest (back) did some shooting and light running before missing Monday's game at Phoenix, but is expected to return Wednesday at Portland.
Analysis: Artest is too valuable to reserve in any league if he is expected to play.
News: Ron Artest was unable to play on Monday at Phoenix due to back spasms.
Analysis: Artest might be able to return on Wednesday in Portland. Keep him reserved in daily leagues if you have healthier options.
News: Ron Artest has made a habit out of shutting down his opponents' main scoring threat in the backcourt. In his past eight games, he has defended players like Allen Iverson, Alan Houston, Latrell Sprewell, Quentin Richardson and Rashard Lewis. He has held those players to a combined 30 of 107 (28%) from the field for an average of around 10 points per game.
Analysis: Consider this in daily leagues when one of your guards or forwards face Artest. Sitting a solid No. 2 guard or forward against him would not be a bad move necessarily.
News: Ron Artest scored 20 points to go with seven rebounds, four steals and four blocks against Philadelphia Friday.
Analysis: Artest's first month of the season shows he is capable of being a top Fantasy player without killing owners with suspensions.
News: Ron Artest helped hold Rashard Lewis to only a dozen points, while he scored 16 points of his own Friday against Seattle. He had three steals and nine rebounds to go with four successful 3-point shots.
Analysis: Artest has emerged as a Rotisserie Fantasy stud this season. His scoring, rebounding, assists, blocks and steals are higher than what he averaged last season. The only thing that has lessened is his bad temper, since he has yet to be hit with a suspension this season.
News: Ron Artest took a forearm in the face at Philadelphia on Sunday. Instead of brawling, the short-fused small forward finished the game with 30 points and grab 10 rebounds. His tooth was chipped in the collision. "He's a year older, a year wiser," said head coach Rick Carlisle.
Analysis: Artest's biggest detraction from a Fantasy standpoint has been his proclivity for suspensions. If he can keep his temper in check, he could be a great Fantasy force for the rest of the season.
News: Artest was fined for making what was considered an obsence jester to Cleveland fans on Wednesday. The league did not suspend him, however, so Fantasy owners can breath a little easier this weekend.
Analysis:
News: Artest drew yet another technical foul during Wednesday's win over Cleveland. He made an obscene gesture with both hands to the crowd after being hit by a thrown coin. "I got hit by a quarter, but I don't care," said Artest. "Nothing happened. I was just playing to the crowd." Artest might be suspended once again, which will hurt Fantasy owners this week.
Analysis:
News: Artest was suspended two games on Thursday for a flagrant foul Wednesday. He will be suspended for each flagrant foul during the remainder of the season, per NBA rules.
Analysis:
News: Artest committed a flagrant foul only five seconds into Wednesday's game. According to NBA rules, he faces a two-game suspension. Keep Artest reserved.
Analysis:
News: Artest received another flagrant foul on Wednesday. He is already over the limit for flagrant fouls this season. As a result, Artest will be suspended for the Pacers' next game. His aggressive play is beginning to hinder his Fantasy value. Artest's value won't depreciate in leagues that use average stats for a week, but consider using more stable options in all other scoring formats.
Analysis:
News: Artest is suspended for Sunday's game at Sacramento. He has amassed six flagrant fouls this season and the NBA upheld a one-game suspension. Al Harrington is expected to start in his absence. Artest will be back in the lineup Tuesday against New Orleans. It is safe to keep him activated.
Analysis:
News: Artest (suspension) will play Friday against Milwaukee. The Indianapolis Star reports that a gametime decision will be made on whether he starts. Keep Artest reserved until he officially returns.
Analysis:
News: Artest has been suspended by coach Isiah Thomas. The Indianapolis Star reports that he was sent home from the current road trip for disciplinary reasons. Artest will be out for at least one game. He is also suffering from an elbow injury. Reserve Artest until his health and playing status becomes more certain.
Analysis:
News: Artest (sore elbow) is questionable for Tuesday's game. The Inidanapolis Star reports that Artest was unable to practice Monday. Ron Mercer will likely start if Artest is unable to play.
Analysis:
News: Artest left Saturday's game with a sore right elbow. He was unable to return in the second half, according to the Indianapolis Star. He is questionable for Tuesday's game against Washington. Consider reserving him if you have healthier alternatives.
Analysis:
News: Artest received his third flagrant foul of the season Thursday. He is now one flagrant foul point shy of a one-game suspension. However, he told the Indianapolis Starthat he believes his latest infraction might get overturned. Continue to monitor his situation. Artest's infractions should only alter his Fantasy value slightly.
Analysis:
News: Artest (suspension) returned to the lineup on Tuesday. He scored 11 points in his first game since Jan. 27. It is safe to activate Artest.
Analysis:
News: Artest will return to action for Tuesday's game against Cleveland. He completed a four-game suspension prior to the All-Star break. Fantasy owners in daily leagues should get Artest back into their starting lineups.
Analysis:
News: Artest (suspension) missed his fourth game Tuesday night. He is eligible to return next Tuesday against Cleveland when the Pacers play next. Activate him immediately.
Analysis:
News: Artest has been suspended four games for an altercation with the Miami bench earlier in the week. Fantasy owners in daily leagues should be sure to reserve the athletic forward.
Analysis:
News: Artest finished serving a three-game suspension Wednesday. He is eligible to return for Friday's game. Artest should remain a quality third or fourth option at forward in Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: Artest was suspended for three games by the NBA on Saturday. He was suspended for hurling a television monitor and smashing a camera to pieces following a game the previous night. Artest missed Saturday's game and will sit out the next two contests. He is eligible to return on Jan. 10 so consider keeping him active. Al Harrington will likely start in his absence.
Analysis:
News: Artest has 18 points Sunday, but he also picked up a flagrant foul. It was his third flagrant of the season. Once a player reaches six, he's suspended for a game, and is suspended again for every subsequent flagrant. Monitor Artest's total of flagrants. Artest will be a risky Fantasy player later in the season if he continues to accumulate flagrant fouls.
Analysis:
News: Artest's shooting has been affected by finger injuries. After getting off to a hot start, Artest has been hindered by finger injuries on both hands. His hands are now heavily taped to protect the injuries. He's gone 26-of-81 (32 percent) in the past six games, hitting 5-of-18 three-pointers. "I'm playing like a frog," Artest told the Indianapolis Star. "I've got web hands. I just have to get used to it." Artest's shooting will continue to struggle until his injuries improve, but he should remain a good fourth option at forward or guard.
Analysis:
News: With Reggie Miller back in action, Artest remained a starter Tuesday. He moved from shooting guard to small forward, but should be an adequate Fantasy starter at either position.
Analysis:
News: Artest started in Wednesday's game. He should be a quality third forward in most leagues. Artest had 20 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals.
Analysis:
News: Ron Mercer or Artest is expected to start in Reggie Miller's place. Miller will be sidelined for at least two weeks. "I have my mind made up, but there's no need to announce it to Houston. We'll let them know come game time," coach Isiah Thomas said. Artest is worth starting in Roto leagues. Even if he doesn't start, he should still play enough to be a productive fourth forward.
Analysis:
News: Artest (finger) missed Friday's exhibition. He is expected to play in the Oct. 30 regular season opener against Houston. Artest should be a quality third or fourth forward.
Analysis:
News: Artest sat out Thursday's preseason game against the Hornets. Artest will be sidelined for the next two weeks while he recovers from surgery on his left pinkie. He had surgery on September 5 to repair his dislocated pinkie and had been participating in training camp. But his surgeon, Dr. Michelle Carlson, determined that playing disrupted the healing process. He will not particpate in workouts and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Artest will be a quality fourth Fantasy forward once he is able to play.
Analysis:
News: Artest (finger) did not play in Wednesday's preseason game. He is awaiting a doctor's decision on his surgically-repaired, left pinkie finger. "We'll see what the doctors say and follow their medical advice," head coach Isiah Thomas said. Monitor Artest's health. He will be a solid fourth Fantasy forward in most leagues.
Analysis:
News: Artest (heel) returned to the starting lineup for the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. He posted seven points and three rebounds in 28 minutes.
Analysis:
News: According to the Indianapolis Star, Artest will likely remain in the Pacers' starting lineup for the remainder of the season. Artest will continue to split minutes with Jonathan Bender and Reggie Miller, however, so the move doesn't increase his Fantasy value very much.
Analysis:
News: Artest has been coming off the bench for the Pacers. Jonathan Bender has been in the lineup as the starting small forward. Nevertheless Artest still remains useful in most leagues. He scored 17 points for the Pacers on Monday.
Analysis:
News: Artest suffered a mild sprain of his left ankle early in the third quarter of Friday's game against Cleveland. He played only five minutes in the second half. "It was a freak accident," Artest said. "I was beginning to feel comfortable. I just wish I could have stayed in and helped a little longer." Artest shouldn't miss any further playing time as a result of the injury.
Analysis:
News: Artest has been traded to the Indiana Pacers. He will likely be used as the starting small forward for Indiana. Artest averaged 15.6 points for the Bulls this season, but his scoring will probably decrease slightly in Indiana. He will probably have a smaller role in the offense with the Pacers. Artest is suffering from finger injuries on both hands, but is expected to play in the Pacers' next game Friday.
Analysis:
News: Artest missed Saturday's game because of a finger injury and told the Chicago Sun-Times that he probably won't play Monday. Consider reserving Artest this week.
Analysis:
News: According to the Chicago Tribune, Artest's nagging finger injury is feeling better, so in-season surgery is unlikely. Artest missed practice on Monday in order to deal with a personal issue in New York, but he shouldn't miss any playing time.
Analysis:
News: Artest might undergo season-ending surgery on his dmaaged left pinkie, according to published reports. He missed most of the first two months this season because of a damaged right ring finger. However, there is still a chance he will play through the injury. Consider reserving him next week.
Analysis:
News: Artest was put on the active roster Thursday after missing the team's first 23 games with a broken finger. Artest didn't start and he scored four points. He won't be too productive until another few weeks, but will cut into rookie Trenton Hassell's playing time.
Analysis:
News: Artest might be activated on Thursday. Bulls exceutive Jerry Krause told the Chicago Sun-Times that Artest will be re-evaluated on Wednesday and a decision will be made on whether to activate him. Artest has been sidelined all season following October surgery on his right ring finger.
Analysis:
News: Artest practiced for the first time this season on Wednesday. He told The Chicago Tribune that he could be ready to return to action Friday. However executive Jerry Krause said Artest will likely be held out for another 10 days to improve his conditioning. He has been sidelined all season because of a broken finger.
Analysis:
News: Artest had the cast removed from his right hand and a pin removed from his surgically repaired ring finger. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Artest is another four weeks away from playing.
Analysis:
News: Artest underwent surgery Wednesday to repair his injured right ring finger and will be sidelined approximately 10 weeks. Artest suffered the injury in mid-August when he slammed his finger into a box during a jumping drill. The knuckle was severely swollen and surgery became the only option after it was hit repeatedly in practice. In his second NBA season in 2000-01, the 6-7, 246-pound Artest was third on the Bulls in scoring at 11.9 points per game, adding 3.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per contest. Don't bother drafting Artest if you are in a small league.
Analysis:
News: Artest will likely miss Friday's game against Seattle with patellar tendinitis in his right knee. The injury flared up Monday when his knee felt "tight" after going up for a dunk during warmups.
Analysis:
News: Artest missed Wednesday's game against Philadelphia with inflammation in his right knee. He said that the knee hurt during last week's game against Detroit, and that his knee felt "tight" after going up for a dunk during warmups on Monday. A timetable for his return has not been set by the team.
Analysis:
News: Artest was fined and suspended for one game without pay Wednesday for his role in an altercation with Milwaukee's Glenn Robinson Tuesday. He will serve his suspension on Thursday night when the Bulls play host to the Los Angeles Clippers. Marcus Fizer will likely start at forward in his place.
Analysis:
News: Artest returned to the court on Saturday after missing two games with a bruised hip and tendinitis in his right knee and foot. He played 32 minutes, posting 13 points and three rebounds. The second-year player is averaging 11.4 points per game, and has some Fantasy value in larger leagues.
Analysis:
News: Artest missed his second consecutive game on Wednesday with a bruised hip and tendinitis in his right knee and foot. His status for Saturday's game against Toronto is still uncertain. Artest is averaging 11.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, and has only minimal Fantasy value.
Analysis:
News: Artest missed Tuesday's game against Portland with a hip pointer and tendinitis in his right knee and foot. Head Coach Tim Floyd expects Artest to miss Wednesday's game at Cleveland as well. Artest is averaging 11.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, and has only minimal Fantasy value.
Analysis:
News: Artest is trying to play through tendinitis in his right foot. "It's been going on for a couple games, but I played through it," Artest told the Chicago Tribune. "It's just wear and tear. I'll be fine."
Analysis:
News: Artest practiced Thursday morning but sat out the Atlanta game that night with back spasms. He is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against Boston.
Analysis:
News: Chicago Bulls rookie Ron Artest left the game midway through the third quarter Tuesday night with a sprained right ankle. X-rays were negative, and Artest will be re-evaluated Wednesday. He did not return to the game.
Analysis:
News: Artest picked up five fouls and did not play very many minutes. In the 18 minutes he did play, he dumped in 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting. With the trade of Kukoc, look for Artest to see more playing time, as long as he can stay out of foul trouble.
Analysis:
News: Ron Artest led Chicago Thursday night with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Coach Tim Floyd is aching to use Artest more often, unfortunately, the talented rookie hasn't played up to expecations. He may finally be starting to turn his game around.
Analysis:
News: Bulls rookie Ron Artest, who was inserted into the starting lineup when Toni Kukoc went down with an injury, has once again been relegated to the bench. His poor play and bad decision making has landed him in coach Tim Floyd's doghouse.
Analysis:
