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| NBA Player News | ||
| November 15, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| Stephon Marbury, PG (NY) | Marbury rejoined the New York Knicks Wednesday night, but they lost 84-81 to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Analysis: The disgruntled Marbury had left the team to return to New York and missed Tuesday night's 113-102 loss in Phoenix. The Knicks fined him some $182,000, 1/110th of his $20.1 million salary this season, and he flew to Los Angeles to rejoin them. Coach Isiah Thomas said before the game that he and Marbury had talked after he arrived, but both said that the matter was going to be kept "in-house." |
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| Zaza Pachulia, F-C (Atl) | Pachulia got his first start of the season, replacing Al Horford in a 117-109 win over Charlotte on Wednesday night. Analysis: Pachulia had six points and four rebounds. He played seven minutes in Sunday's 101-90 loss to Washington after missing the first three games with a left knee strain. |
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| Ron Artest, SF (Sac) | Artest rejoined Sacramento's lineup Wednesday night at Minnesota, ready to resume his never-dull career after serving a seven-game suspension to start the season. Analysis: Artest, who averaged 18.8 points for Sacramento last season and is one of the NBA's best defensive players, finished with 17 points and six assists in the Kings' 108-103 loss to previously winless Minnesota. He was unavailable for comment afterward, and the team said he had a tooth knocked out. The Kings picked up only two victories during Artest's penalty. |
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| Gilbert Arenas, PG (Was) | Arenas showed more spring in his step and more accuracy with his shot Wednesday night, finishing with 30 points, 11 assists and six rebounds to lead the Washington Wizards to a 103-90 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Analysis: The All-Star guard has been taking it easy on days off, and before games. But he decided he needed to get a feel for the basketball, so he went to the gym to shoot Tuesday night, then hoisted up 100 3-pointers before tipoff Wednesday. Arenas entered Wednesday shooting only 35.6 percent. But he was at 50 percent against Indiana, going 9-for-18. |
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| Brad Miller, C (Sac) | Miller returned Wednesday after missing the previous game with a bruised right quadriceps muscle. Analysis: Miller started at center and had 17 points and eight rebounds in 39 minutes. He is averaging 11.7 points and 8.3 rebounds. |
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| Dwyane Wade, G (Mia) | Wade played for the first time this season as Miami lost 104-95 to Seattle on Wednesday night. Analysis: Wade scored 15 points in 25 minutes on 5-for-9 shooting for Miami as the All-Star guard made his return after recovering from offseason shoulder and knee surgeries. Wade's return couldn't come at a better time for the Heat, who are struggling on offense. |
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| Acie Law, G (Atl) | The Hawks lost rookie point guard Acie Law with a left ankle sprain with 6:47 left in the third period of a 117-109 win over Charlotte on Wednesday night. Analysis: Law did not return and was still hurting after the game. "It's kind of sore right now, but I think it's only a bad sprain. I don't think it's broken. I'll come in for treatment tomorrow and we'll see." |
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| Chauncey Billups, PG (Det) | Billups sat out Wednesday's game against Golden State with a knee injury. Analysis: Billups collided with Portland's Channing Frye in the third quarter of Detroit's 102-94 loss to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. The veteran point guard kept playing through a right hip flexor injury, but twisted his right knee later in the game. Flip Murray replaced Billups in Detroit's starting lineup on Wednesday. |
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| Antonio McDyess, PF (Det) | McDyess sat out Wednesday's game against Golden State with a shoulder injury. Analysis: McDyess aggravated his sprained left shoulder in Detroit's 102-94 loss to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday night and didn't play the final 6 1/2 minutes. Jason Maxiell filled in for him on Wednesday. |
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| Antonio McDyess, PF (Det) | McDyess had a MRI done on Thursday, which came back negative, and is questionable for Friday's game against the Lakers according to the Detroit Free Press. Analysis: McDyess aggravated his sprained left shoulder in Detroit's 102-94 loss to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday night and didn't play the final 6 1/2 minutes. He also sat out Wednesday's game against Golden State. |
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| Chauncey Billups, PG (Det) | Billups had a MRI done on Thursday, which came back negative, and is questionable for Friday's game against the Lakers according to the Detroit Free Press. Analysis: Billups collided with Portland's Channing Frye in the third quarter of Detroit's 102-94 loss to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday night, and sat out Wednesday's game against Golden State with a knee injury. |
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| Josh Howard, G-F (Dal) | Howard had 25 points, six rebounds and three steals in the Mavericks' win over the Spurs on Thursday. Analysis: Howard injured his ankle earlier in the season and did not play the first two games because of a league suspension, but he's been off to a great start and has been one of Dallas' most consistent scoring threats. |
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| Jacque Vaughn, PG (SA) | Vaughn played his first game of the season on Thursday and had three points in 15 minutes. Analysis: Vaughn missed the start of the season because of a strained calf. He doesn't have much fantasy value. |
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| Maurice Ager, G (Dal) | Ager started for the first time this season Thursday and had five points, three assists and two rebounds in 21 minutes. Analysis: He had previously seen action in only two games this season, playing less than 13 minutes. Coach Avery Johnson said he's going to have at least one more start. Johnson wants to see if he can fill the role Eddie Jones had earlier this season. |
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| Tony Parker, PG (SA) | Parker was held to a season-low seven points on Thursday in a loss to Dallas. Analysis: Parker was 1-of-11 from the field after going 11-of-16 for 26 points two nights earlier against the Lakers. He still managed eight assists and one steal, and he should bounce back quickly. |
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| Kyle Korver, SF (Phi) | Kyle Korver will be out seven to 10 days because of a strained groin, the same injury that sidelined the Philadelphia forward during the preseason. Analysis: Korver had an MRI on Thursday that showed a strained adductor. Korver, averaging 9.1 points for the 76ers, first hurt his groin in Tuesday's loss at Dallas. |
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| November 14, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| Jermaine O'Neal, F-C (Ind) | O'Neal continued to struggle, matching a season low with 10 points on 4-of-13 from the field in Tuesday's 101-86 loss to Boston. Analysis: O'Neal, who underwent offseason left knee surgery, is obviously not 100 percent. He is averaging only 13.2 points and 8.0 rebounds - both well below last season's totals of 19.4 points and 9.6 rebounds. |
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| Darko Milicic, F-C (Mem) | Milicic had one his best games a professional Tuesday in Memphis' 105-99 win over Houston. He had 20 points, one shy of his career high, on 9-of-14 from the field and six rebounds. Analysis: After averaging a career-high 8.0 points in 2006-07, Milicic is averaging 9.6 through his first six games this season. He is also grabbing 8.0 rebounds per game, an increase of 2.5 from last year. |
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| Stephon Marbury, PG (NY) | Marbury abruptly left the team early Tuesday and did not play in a 113-102 loss to Phoenix that night. Analysis: There is no word on when, or if, he might rejoin the team. Coach Isiah Thomas would only confirm Marbury had left and that the guard would be welcome back. WNBC New York and The New York Post reported Marbury contacted them electronically to say he had Thomas' permission to leave the team. Marbury's absence followed a story in Tuesday's New York Daily News indicating the Knicks were trying to reduce his role or get rid of him. |
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| Tracy McGrady, G-F (Hou) | McGrady hit the 40-point mark for the second time this season, dropping 41 points in Houston's 105-99 loss at Memphis on Tuesday. Analysis: McGrady, who has 43 career 40-point games, has scored 20 points or more in seven of eight games this season. |
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| Justin Williams, F-C (Sac) | Prosecutors declined to file charges Tuesday against Williams over allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman. Analysis: Williams' attorney, William Portanova said he expects Williams to quickly rejoin the Kings, whose next game is Wednesday night in Minnesota. Kings spokesman Troy Hanson said the team would not have a comment until it was notified of the decision by the district attorney's office. Williams currently is on a leave of absence from the team. |
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| Kwame Brown, F-C (LAL) | Brown returned to the Lakers' lineup Tuesday against San Antonio after missing the previous two games with bursitis in his right heel. He had seven points on 3-of-6 shooting in just under 15 minutes. Analysis: Brown figures to return to the starting lineup soon, possibly as soon as Wednesday against Houston. Chris Mihm started his third straight game Tuesday in place of Brown. |
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| Erick Dampier, C (Dal) | Dampier made his season debut Tuesday in Dallas' 99-84 win over Philadelphia. Analysis: Dampier had seven points and seven rebounds in 12 minutes. He missed the first six games while completing his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. |
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| Devean George, G-F (Dal) | Mavericks coach Avery Johnson said George should be cleared for full practice sometime next week. George has been out all season with a stress fracture in his left foot. Analysis: George averaged 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in 60 games last season. |
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| LaMarcus Aldridge, F-C (Por) | Aldridge had 22 points and 10 rebounds in the Blazers' 102-94 win over Detroit on Tuesday. Analysis: The double-double was the second in three games for Aldridge, who is averaging 19.6 points and 8 rebounds. |
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| Chauncey Billups, PG (Det) | Midway through the third quarter in Tuesday's 102-94 loss in Portland, Billups, driving under the basket, collided hard with Blazers center Channing Frye. It appeared that Billups injured his hip, but he returned after a timeout. Analysis: "It's hurting. I'm banged up but hopefully I'll be all right. I think it was a knee or an elbow," said Billups, who had a right hip flexor injury. Billups is averaging 17.7 points and seven assists. He scored 19 points against the Trail Blazers after managing only nine in Seattle two nights earlier, the first time this season he has failed to reach double digits. |
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| Amare Stoudemire, C (Pho) | Stoudemire had 26 points and 12 rebounds in Tuesday's 113-102 win over New York. Analysis: The performance was Stoudemire's best since his arthroscopic knee surgery six weeks ago. Stoudemire had sat out three games with swelling in his right knee, the result of the surgery, and had played just 21 1/2 minutes combined in his first two games back. |
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| Grant Hill, G-F (Pho) | Hill had 21 points in Tuesday's 113-102 win over New York, his most in eight games with Phoenix. Analysis: Hill, who signed as a free agent in the offseason, was 7-for-8 from the field, 3-of-4 on 3-pointers. The 35-year-old is averaging 12.9 points per game. |
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| Raja Bell, SG (Pho) | Bell missed his second game in a row with a sprained ankle on Tuesday Analysis: Leandro Barbosa started in Bell's place again and had 23 points. |
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| Jared Jeffries, G-F (NY) | Jeffries made his first regular-season appearance in Tuesday's 113-102 loss to Phoenix. He had two points, two assists and three rebounds in 12 minutes. Analysis: Jeffries, who averaged 4.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 55 games last season, had been sidelined with a sprained right ACL and bone bruise. |
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| Mardy Collins, G (NY) | Collins' first start of the season didn't go according to plan for the second-year guard, who played only six minutes before suffering a mild foot sprain against Phoenix on Tuesday. Analysis: Collins didn't return to action Tuesday, and is questionable for Wednesday's game at the Los Angeles Clippers. He's a potential fantasy sleeper if he can get regular playing time in the unstable Knicks backcourt. Stephon Marbury's absence could make way for Collins, who averaged 15.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists as a starter in the final eight games of last season. |
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| Stephon Marbury, PG (NY) | The Knicks fined Marbury more than $180,000 for skipping Tuesday night's game at Phoenix. Analysis: The Knicks sent the guard a letter informing him of the fine, according to a person with knowledge of the penalty who spoke to The Associated Press. He requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to discuss it. The Knicks would not confirm the fine. The team plays Wednesday night in Los Angeles against the Clippers. It isn't known if Marbury will attend that game. |
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| Robert Swift, C (Sea) | Swift was inactive for Tuesday's game against Orlando because of tendinitis in his right knee. Analysis: Swift has played less than 20 minutes in each of his five games this season - his first after undergoing major knee surgery last fall. He will likely see limited action while continuing his rehabilitation over the next several weeks. |
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| Eddie Jones, G-F (Dal) | Jones returned from a leg injury on Tuesday, but suffered a high ankle sprain and will miss the next two weeks. Analysis: In his first season with Dallas, Jones is averaging 2.6 points through five games. His days as a productive fantasy option are likely over. |
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| Dwyane Wade, G (Mia) | Wade, recovered from offseason shoulder and knee surgeries, was on the active roster for the first time this season Wednesday night, when the Heat faced the Seattle SuperSonics. Analysis: Wade's return couldn't come at a better time for the Heat, who entered the night with a 1-6 record and are averaging an NBA-worst 83.3 points. But having Wade - who averaged a career-high 27.4 points last season - is sure to help in both of those categories. Wade had surgery on his left shoulder and left knee May 15, and was told by doctors that the rehabilitation process would last six months. Thursday is the six-month anniversary of those procedures. |
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| Matt Harpring, G-F (Uta) | Harpring missed Wednesday's game at Toronto because of a flulike virus. Analysis: Harpring skipped Wednesday's shootaround because he was feeling ill, and was scratched about an hour before the game. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said C.J. Miles could see increased minutes in Harpring's absence. Rookie forward Morris Almond took Harpring's place on the roster for the game. Harpring also missed Saturday's game against Memphis, the second game of a back-to-back, because of soreness in his right knee, which was surgically repaired during the offseason. |
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| Tracy McGrady, G-F (Hou) | McGrady left Houston's game Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter because of a strained right elbow Analysis: McGrady, taken to a hospital for tests, was hurt trying to swat the ball away from Luke Walton in the final minute of the second quarter. McGrady's arm hit Walton's arm and snapped backward. McGrady was fouled by Kwame Brown on the play and shot two free throws left-handed, making the first and badly missing the second. McGrady was the NBA's leading scorer coming into the game, averaging 29 points. |
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| LeBron James, SF (Cle) | James recorded his second triple-double this season in Wednesday's 117-116 overtime loss to Orlando. He had 39 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds. Analysis: James' triple-double was the 12th of his career. He was 15-of-27 from the floor and 7-of-9 from the line. The last player to put up numbers equal to LeBron's triple-doule was Wilt Chamberlain, who had 53 points, 32 boards and 14 assists on March 18, 1968. |
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| Troy Murphy, F-C (Ind) | Muprhy sat out Indiana's 103-90 loss to Washington on Wednesday due to a sore left Achilles. Analysis: Murphy, who missed the first three games this season with the same injury, was replaced in the starting lineup by Jeff Foster. |
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| Andrew Bogut, C (Mil) | Bogut had his best game of the season Wednesday in Milwaukee's 102-99 win over Memphis. He had 23 points - four shy of his career high - on 9-of-14 from the field and grabbed 12 rebounds with four blocks. Analysis: Bogut outplayed Grizzlies star Pau Gasol, holding him to 16 points and seven boards. Bogut has scored in double figures in four straight games. |
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| Mike Wilks, PG (Den) | Wilks returned to Denver's lineup in Wednesday's 110-93 win over Portland after missing five games with a right hamstring injury. Analysis: Wilks had five points on 2-of-4 from the field with three rebounds in 14:29. Having never averaged more than 3.6 points in four NBA seasons, Wilks has no fanstasy value. |
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| November 13, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| Brad Miller, C (Sac) | Miller missed the Kings' game at Utah on Monday with a bruised right quadriceps. Analysis: Miller did not dress, leaving the already shorthanded Kings without their leading rebounder against the Jazz. He's day-to-day. |
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| Stephon Marbury, PG (NY) | Marbury missed the New York Knicks shootaround Tuesday, and coach Isiah Thomas said he was uncertain whether the guard would show up for Tuesday night's game against the Phoenix Suns. Analysis: "That is an in-house matter, and we'll continue to keep it in-house," Thomas said when asked why Marbury went missing. "However, he is welcome back, and we want him as a member of this team." Marbury's absence followed a story in Tuesday's New York Daily News indicating the Knicks were trying to reduce his role or get rid of him. A trade seems unlikely, because Marbury is scheduled to earn $42 million over the next two seasons. |
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| Dwyane Wade, G (Mia) | The Heat will be without guard Dwyane Wade for Tuesday night's game against Charlotte. Analysis: Wade, who hasn't played this season as he recovers from offseason knee and shoulder surgeries, traveled with the team and worked out earlier Tuesday. But coach Pat Riley said Wade is still not ready. "From what I understand today, I didn't stay for it, he had great workout with some of the other younger players,'' Riley said. "He's getting there.'' |
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| Michael Ruffin, PF (Mil) | Ruffin will miss four to six weeks with a broken left wrist. Analysis: Ruffin was injured in the second half of Sunday's 113-88 loss in San Antonio when he tried to block a shot. The 30-year-old was wearing a cast on his left hand at practice Tuesday. Ruffin had played sparingly in all six games for the Bucks, who are off to a 2-4 start and play Memphis on Wednesday. |
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| November 12, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| David Lee, F (NY) | Lee had 14 points and 14 rebounds in a 75-72 loss to Miami on Sunday night, lhis first start of the season for the Knicks. Analysis: Lee replaced Randolph, who had double-doubles in each of the first four games but left for Indiana on Saturday after learning of his grandmother's death late Friday. With Lee in the lineup and Nate Robinson playing just 3 minutes because of a sore hamstring, the Knicks' bench lacked its usual production, managing just four points. Knicks coach Isiah Thomas said before the game he doesn't know when Randolph will return. |
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| Kurt Thomas, F-C (Sea) | Thomas made his season debut on Sunday, scoring 10 points with seven rebounds in the Sonics' loss to Detroit. Analysis: Thomas missed the first six games of the season with a strained right hamstring. He looked healthy in his debut, but his role in the Sonics' crowded frontcourt is still uncertain. Monitor his playing time to see if he can emerge as a legitimate fantasy option. |
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| Rashad McCants, G (Min) | McCants had 16 points in his return from a sprained right ankle on Saturday. Analysis: McCants had missed Friday's game with the injury, but appears healthy enough to remain in fantasy lineups. He's been getting a lot of shots on the young Timberwolves squad, and could be a good sleeper option. |
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| Larry Hughes, G (Cle) | Hughes had 12 points in his return from a left knee injury on Sunday. Analysis: The injury-prone Hughes had missed the previous three games with a bruised left knee. Hughes, who totaled only 106 games in his first two seasons with the Cavaliers, is averaging just 8.5 points on 34.1 percent shooting through four games this season. |
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| Vince Carter, G-F (NJ) | Carter will be sidelined indefinitely with a sprained right ankle. Analysis: An MRI on Monday revealed Carter sustained a Grade 1 sprain in Saturday's game, Nets president Rod Thorn said Monday. There is no timetable for Carter's return. The eight-time All-Star was hurt in the third quarter of a 112-101 loss to Boston. He landed on the foot of Celtics forward Paul Pierce after a dunk. Carter averaged 17.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists through the first six games. He signed a four-year contract valued at about $65 million in the offseason. |
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| Zaza Pachulia, F-C (Atl) | Pachulia had two points and three rebounds in his season debut on Sunday. Analysis: Pachulia missed the first five games of the season with a sprained left knee. He appears healthy, but he's lost his job as the Hawks' starting center to rookie Al Horford. Without regular minutes, Pachulia doesn't have much fantasy value. |
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| Devin Harris, PG (Dal) | Harris was not with the team for Saturday's game in Portland because he had to attend to personal matters. Analysis: It was the third game missed by Harris, who was sidelined for two games last week because of a thigh bruise. Harris could return Tuesday against Philadelphia. |
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| Brian Scalabrine, F-C (Bos) | Scalabrine didn't play in Boston's win at New Jersey on Saturday because of a concussion he suffered the previous night against Atlanta. Analysis: Scalabrine was released from a Massachusetts hospital on Saturday after being held overnight because of the injury. He's day-to-day. |
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| Richard Jefferson, SF (NJ) | Jefferson had another big game Monday, scoring a season-high 32 points in an 84-82 loss to New Orleans. Analysis: Jefferson has led the Nets in scoring in all seven games this season. He made all seven of his free-throw attempts in the loss, and is a remarkable 67-of-69 this season from the stripe. |
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| Nenad Krstic, F-C (NJ) | Krstic had his best game of the season in Monday's 84-82 loss to New Orleans, setting season highs with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Analysis: Krstic, who missed the final 56 games of last season with a knee injury, had been averaging just 6.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in his first six games. |
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| Carlos Boozer, F-C (Uta) | Boozer had 32 points and 10 rebounds in Utah's win over Sacramento on Monday. Analysis: Boozer was 13-of-18 from the field. He's averaging an impressive 26.3 points and has a double-double in five of Utah's six games. |
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| J.R. Smith, SG (Den) | Smith scored a season-high 29 points in Denver's win over Cleveland on Monday. Analysis: He was 10-of-13 from the field, 7-of-8 from 3-point range. Smith missed the first three games of the season because of a league suspension and he had been slow in his first few games back. Hopefully this is the start of something for Smith. |
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| Beno Udrih, PG (Sac) | Udrih came off the bench Monday and had 11 points and two assists. Analysis: Udrih was signed earlier this month to give the Kings another option while Mike Bibby is out. He was 4-of-12 from the field in just his second appearance. |
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| Ron Artest, SF (Sac) | Artest completed his seven-game suspension Monday against Utah. Analysis: He should be available to play Wednesday against Minnesota. It'll be interesting to see how quickly Artest gets back into the mix. |
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| Yao Ming, C (Hou) | Yao was named the Western Conference Player of the Week on Monday. Analysis: Yao averaged 27.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks as the Rockets went 3-1 on the week. |
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| Sasha Pavlovic, G-F (Cle) | Pavlovic did not lay in the Cavs' loss to Denver on Monday because of back spasms. Analysis: Pavlov left the game in the second quarter on Cleveland's previous. Pavlovic has been largely ineffectual this season. He's averaging just 5.4 points and doesn't have much fantasy value now. |
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| Larry Hughes, G (Cle) | Hughes didn't finish his third game back from injury, scoring three points in four minutes before he was ejected with 7:42 left in the first half. After missing a 3-pointer, Hughes had some words for referee Bill Spooner, who quickly gave Hughes two technicals and ejected him. Analysis: Hughes has 15 total points on 6-of-12 from the field in two games since missing three with a brused left knee. |
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| November 11, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| Steve Novak, F (Hou) | The Rockets reassigned Novak to Rio Grande, the team's affiliate in the developmental league. Analysis: The 6-foot-10 Novak has been inactive in Houston's first six games this season. He was expected to report to Rio Grande by Monday, and will remain on the Rockets' 15-man roster. Novak appeared in 35 games in 2006-07, his rookie season. He averaged 1.5 points and 0.7 rebounds and went 13-for-39 from 3-point range. |
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| Vince Carter, G-F (NJ) | Carter was listed as doubtful for the New Jersey Nets' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night because of a badly sprained right ankle. Analysis: The eight-time All-Star was hurt on Saturday night in the third quarter of a 112-101 loss to Boston. He landed on the foot of Celtics forward Paul Pierce after a dunk. Carter, who left the IZOD Center wearing a walking cast, had treatment on Sunday, Nets spokesman Aaron Harris said. Carter, who signed a four-year contract valued at about $65 million in the offseason, is averaging 17 points, second best on the team. |
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| Zach Randolph, PF (NY) | Randolph missed the Knicks' game against the Miami Heat on Sunday night following the death of his grandmother. Analysis: Randolph learned of his grandmother's death late Friday night and returned to Indiana on Saturday. New York begins a four-game western trip Tuesday, but isn't sure when Randolph will rejoin the team. "We'll give him as much time as he needs, whatever he needs from our organization," Knicks coach Isiah Thomas said. Randolph has had double-doubles in all four games and is averaging 20.3 points and 13.5 rebounds. |
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| Dwyane Wade, G (Mia) | Wade missed another game Sunday when the winless Heat faced the New York Knicks, preferring to avoid having to go in and out of the lineup like Phoenix star Amare Stoudemire did after returning from his knee surgery. Analysis: Wade was cleared Nov. 2 to return from his offseason left knee and left shoulder surgeries, but said he knew then he wouldn't be back in time for Sunday's game. Though the Heat came into New York with an 0-5 record, neither Wade nor coach Pat Riley are interested in speeding up his timetable. "It's been tough but I've been smart with myself," Wade said. |
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| Manu Ginobili, SG (SA) | Ginobili came off the bench Sunday to score 21 points in the Spurs' win over Milwaukee. Analysis: Ginobili was 6-of-9 from the field and only played 19 minutes because of the blowout win. Still it was another solid game. He was 3-of-5 from 3-point range and also had two steals to give him 17 for the season. |
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| Cuttino Mobley, SG (LAC) | Mobley did not play in the Clippers' game Sunday because of a hip injury. Analysis: Mobley is expected to be day-to-day. |
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| Steve Francis, PG (Hou) | Francis did not join the Rockets in Charlotte because of what Houston said was a "family problem." Analysis: Francis has not played in any of the Rockets' first six games and he seems unlikely to get much playing time anytime soon, which is only going to increase his frustration. |
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| Yao Ming, C (Hou) | Yao had a season-high 34 points in Houston's win over Charlotte on Sunday. Analysis: Yao is averaging 24 points this season and he's put together a string of really going games. He had eight rebounds on Sunday after back-to-back games of 28 points and double-digit rebounding. Yao's value seems to be increasing under new coach Rick Adelman. |
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| November 10, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| Carlos Boozer, F-C (Uta) | Boozer had 27 points and 15 rebounds in Friday's 103-101 win in Seattle. Analysis: Boozer is avergaing 24.5 points and 13.5 rebounds and has a double-double in all six of Utah's games. |
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| Rudy Gay, G-F (Mem) | Gay scored 31 points in the Grizzlies' 110-98 loss in Portland on Friday. Analysis: Gay was coming off a 25-point performance in Seattle on Wednesday and leads Memphis with 21.3 points per game. |
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| Deron Williams, PG (Uta) | Williams had 14 points and 11 assists in Utah's 103-101 win in Seattle on Friday. Analysis: The double-double was Williams' fourth in six games this season. He is averaging 21.2 points and 10.0 assists per game. |
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| Larry Hughes, G (Cle) | Hughes missed his third straight game Friday because of a bruised left knee. Analysis: Sasha Pavlovic started in Hughes' place in Friday's 93-91 win at Sacramento. Hughes was to have his knee re-evaluated Friday, making his status for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers uncertain. |
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| Kevin Martin, SG (Sac) | Martin scored 32 points, including 17 of 18 free throws, in Friday's 93-91 loss to Cleveland. Analysis: Martin is off to a strong start, averaging 27.8 points per game - second in the league to Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (30.4). |
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| Al Jefferson, F-C (Min) | Jefferson had 24 points and 15 rebounds in Friday's 107-93 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Analysis: Jefferson, who signed a multiyear contract extension just before the season began, leads the Timberwolves with 20.3 points per games and has recorded double-doubles in all four games. |
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| Rashad McCants, G (Min) | McCants did not play in Friday's 107-93 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers due to a sprained right ankle. Analysis: McCants injured the ankle in the first quarter of Tuesday's 111-103 loss to Orlando. He started in Minnesota's first three games and is averaging 14.7 points. |
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| Demetris Nichols, F (Cle) | Nichols didn't dress for the Cavaliers' game in Sacramento on Friday because of back spasms. Analysis: Nichols hasn't played yet this season after signing with the Cavaliers two days before the opener. He's day-to-day. |
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| Lamar Odom, F (LAL) | Odom had 18 points, 10 rebounds and two assists in his season debut on Friday night. Analysis: Odom missed the Lakers' first four games of the season while recovering from offseason surgery on his shooting shoulder. He looked fully recovered on Friday, going 7-for-10 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Odom, the Lakers' leading rebounder and second-leading scorer last season, is a great fantasy option if he can stay healthy. |
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| Monta Ellis, G (GS) | Ellis had 12 points and seven assists but shot just 4-for-15 from the field in Golden State's loss to Dallas on Thursday. Analysis: Ellis could've been bothered by a recent bout with the flu that kept him out of practice on Wednesday. He's averaging a solid 15.2 points this season, but has shot just 35.1 percent from the floor - far below his 47.5 shooting percentage from 2006-07, when he won the NBA's Most Improved Player award. |
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| Devin Harris, PG (Dal) | Harris returned to the Mavericks' starting lineup on Thursday and contributed 21 points, seven assists and five rebounds in a win at Golden State. Analysis: Harris had missed the previous two games with a thigh bruise. He's averaging 15.0 points and 4.0 assists while shooting 55.2 percent from the field in three games this season. |
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| Josh Howard, G-F (Dal) | Howard rejoined the Mavericks' starting lineup on Thursday and has 24 points and seven rebounds in a win at Golden State. Analysis: Howard turned his ankle in the closing seconds of Dallas' win over Houston on Monday, but appears healthy enough to keep in fantasy lineups. He is averaging a team-high 24.0 points in three games. |
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| Raymond Felton, G (Cha) | Felton returned to the Bobcats' starting lineup and scored 17 points with four assists in a win over Indiana on Friday. Analysis: Felton had missed Charlotte's previous game because of a left knee injury. He's averaging 18.5 points and 6.5 assists and appears healthy enough to stay in fantasy lineups. |
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| Adam Morrison, G-F (Cha) | Morrison underwent surgery Saturday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Analysis: Morrison suffered the season-ending injury in an exhibition game on Oct. 20. The team said the surgery, performed by team physician Dr. Glenn Perry, was successful. Morrison will remain hospitalized until Monday, when he'll begin several months of rehabilitation. Morrison is expected to be healthy in time for the start of training camp next fall. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2006 draft, Morrison averaged 11.8 points last season. |
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| T.J. Ford, PG (Tor) | Ford had five points and a season-high 14 assists in Toronto's win over Chicago on Saturday. Analysis: Ford attempted only three shots. He played just 24 minutes as the Raptors went on to win 101-71. Ford has been off to a solid start. |
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| Richard Jefferson, SF (NJ) | Jefferson scored 28 points in the Nets' loss to Boston on Saturday. Analysis: Jefferson was 7-of-18 from the field. He is averaging 26 points this season and has done much of his damage at the free-throw line, where he is shooting 60-of-62. |
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| Paul Pierce, G-F (Bos) | Pierce scored 28 points in the Celtics' win over the Nets on Saturday. Analysis: Pierce was 9-of-19 from the field and had four 3-pointers. He also had four assists and two steals. Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are all off to a good start and have helped Boston remain undefeated after five games. |
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| Troy Murphy, F-C (Ind) | Murphy had 18 points and 10 rebounds in Indiana's loss on Saturday. Analysis: Murphy missed the first three games of the season because of a sore Achilles' tendon. He made his first start on Saturday and appears to be quickly getting back on track. |
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| Carmelo Anthony, SF (Den) | Anthony had 32 points in Denver's win over the Pacers on Saturday. Analysis: Anthony, who also had 32 points on Friday, was 10-of-23 from the field and had 10 rebounds and five assists on Saturday. |
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| Dwight Howard, C (Orl) | Howard scored a season-high 33 points in Orlando's loss to Phoenix on Saturday. Analysis: Howard also had 18 rebounds after recording his first 20-20 game of the season the day before. Howard continues to struggle at the free throw line and went 7-of-16. He is 43-of-70 for the season. |
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| Leandro Barbosa, G (Pho) | Barbosa started in place of Raja Bell on Saturday and scored 39 points. Analysis: He had eight 3-pointers and added seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Barbosa, who was last season's Sixth Man of the year winner, appears to be picking up where he left off. |
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| Raja Bell, SG (Pho) | Bell did not dress in the Suns' win over Orlando on Saturday because of an ankle injury. Analysis: Bell sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter on Friday. Leandro Barbosa started in his place and scored 39 points. |
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| Matt Harpring, G-F (Uta) | Harpring missed the Jazz's game on Saturday because of a sore right knee. Analysis: Harpring had the knee surgically repaired during the offseason. He is probable for Monday's game. |
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| Vince Carter, G-F (NJ) | Carter sprained his right ankle during the Nets' game on Saturday. Analysis: Carter drove the lane for a big slam dunk with 1:23 to play. His left foot came down, but his right foot rolled after landing on the foot of Celtics forward Paul Pierce. Carter lay on the court for a couple of minutes before slowly going straight to the Nets locker room. He was wearing a nearly knee-high boot on his right foot after the game. "I'll see how it feels tomorrow and we'll go from there. I don't want to put a timetable on it." |
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| Eddie Jones, G-F (Dal) | Jones is considered day-to-day with a leg injury. He has not played the last two games. Analysis: Jones is only averaging 2.5 points, so this injury isn't huge for the Mavericks. |
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| Adam Morrison, G-F (Cha) | Adam Morrison underwent surgery Saturday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Analysis: Morrison suffered the season-ending injury in an exhibition game on Oct. 20. Morrison will remain hospitalized until Monday, when he'll begin several months of rehabilitation. Morrison is expected to be healthy in time for the start of training camp next fall. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2006 draft, Morrison averaged 11.8 points last season. |
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| November 9, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| Nene Hilario, F-C (Den) | Nene is expected to miss up to six weeks because of a torn ligament in his left thumb. Analysis: Nene was injured in Denver's 119-93 loss at Boston on Wednesday night. He saw a hand specialist in Denver on Thursday, and the team said Dr. Carlton Clinkscale will operate on the thumb Friday. Nene made a successful comeback last season from a knee injury that wiped out almost his entire 2005-06 season. |
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| Kelenna Azubuike, G-F (GS) | Kelenna Azubuike had 27 points and a career-high 10 rebounds in Thursday's 120-115 loss to Dallas. Analysis: Azubuike has started all five games and also had a 33-points performance against the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 2. |
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| Baron Davis, PG (GS) | Davis scored 15 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter of Thursday's 120-115 loss to Dallas. Analysis: Davis is averaging 24.8 points and has at least 22 points in all but one of his games this season. He has also played at least 45 minutes in three games. |
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| Baron Davis, PG (GS) | Davis scored 15 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter of Thursday's 120-115 loss to Dallas. Analysis: Davis is averaging 24.8 points and has at least 22 points in all but one of his games this season. He has also played at least 45 minutes in three games. |
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| Baron Davis, PG (GS) | Davis scored 15 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter of Thursday's 120-115 loss to Dallas. Analysis: Davis is averaging 24.8 points and has at least 22 points in all but one of his games this season. He has also played at least 45 minutes in three games. |
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| Cuttino Mobley, SG (LAC) | Mobley will not play Friday against Detroit and could be out up to a week with a strained right groin, according to the Los Angeles Times. Analysis: Mobley left Wednesday's 104-89 win over Indiana in the first quarter with the injury. He entered the game averaging a team-high 23.7 points. |
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| Corey Maggette, G-F (LAC) | Maggette is questionable for Friday's game against Detroit because of a bruised tailbone, according to the Los Angeles Times. Analysis: Maggette currently leads the Clippers with 19.8 points per game. He was injured when he hit the floor in Wednesday's win over Indiana. |
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| Ruben Patterson, F (LAC) | Patterson will be a game-time decision for Friday's game against Detroit, according to the Los Angeles Times. Analysis: Patterson re-injured a dislocated right pinkie finger in Wednesday's 104-89 win over Indiana. |
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| Brevin Knight, PG (LAC) | Knight is probable for Friday's game against Detroit, according to the Los Angeles Times. Analysis: Knight missed Wednesday's win over Indiana with a sore lower back. |
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| Amare Stoudemire, C (Pho) | Stoudemire's sore right knee is much better, and he was available to play in Friday night's game against winless Miami. Analysis: Stoudemire said he felt no pain during the team's morning shootaround in Miami. Stoudemire, who had arthroscopic surgery on the knee last month to remove a loose particle, sat out Phoenix's previous three games. The Suns went 2-1 in those contests. Monitor Stoudemire's performance as the knee appears to be bothering him enough to hurt his fantasy value. |
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| Jerome James, F-C (NY) | James will have surgery on his right foot Monday and is out indefinitely. Analysis: The oft-injured James hasn't played this season or during the exhibition season because of knee and foot pain. The surgery was decided upon after James had a bone scan, ultrasound, X-ray and MRI this week. James has been a huge disappointment since signing a five-year, $30 million contract in the summer of 2005. He appeared in just 41 games last season, averaging 1.9 points, after playing in just 45 in 2005-06. |
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| Anfernee Hardaway, G-F (Mia) | Hardaway made his first regular-season start since March 24, 2004, on Friday night, when the Heat hosted the Phoenix Suns. Analysis: Hardaway also started three playoff games that season, but each of his last 49 regular-season appearances since that year had been in reserve roles. The 36-year-old replaced Dorell Wright in the starting lineup. Hardaway was signed by the Heat this past offseason as a free agent, giving him a chance to prove that he'd recovered from knee problems that essentially kept him off the court for years and threatened to end his career. |
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| Amare Stoudemire, C (Pho) | Stoudemire's return to the Suns' lineup was shortened after he was ejected Friday with 9:20 left in the third quarter. Analysis: Stoudemire missed the previous three games because of soreness in his surgically repaired knee. He said he was feeling good. Stoudemire was called for a foul against Shaquille O'Neal. When he argued with the referee, he drew the second technical. |
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| Marquis Daniels, G-F (Ind) | Daniels sat out Friday's 96-87 loss to Charlotte with a sore left knee. Analysis: Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said Daniels should play Saturday against Denver. Daniels only played 13 minutes in Wednesday's 104-89 loss to the Clippers. He is averaging 4.8 points per game this season. |
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| Zach Randolph, PF (NY) | Randolph had 23 points and 13 rebounds in Friday's 112-102 home loss to Orlando. Analysis: Randolph has double-doubles in all four games this season, averaging 20.3 points and 13.4 rebounds. |
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| November 8, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| Sam Cassell, PG (LAC) | Cassell scored 35 points in Los Angeles' 104-89 win over the Pacers Wednesday. Cassell, within two weeks of his 38th birthday, made 13 of 20 shots to tie his highest point total since he joined the Clippers in 2005. Analysis: Cassell entered the game averaging just 9.3 points in 21.3 minutes. Coahc Mike Dunleavy has said that he will be limiting Cassell's minutes this season. |
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| Chris Kaman, C (LAC) | Kaman had 15 points and 22 rebounds in the Clippers' 104-89 win over Indiana on Wednesday. His rebound total was the highest of any player in the league so far this season. Analysis: Kaman has recorded a double-double in all four of his games this season. |
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| Cuttino Mobley, SG (LAC) | Mobley left Wednesday's 104-89 win over Indiana in the first quarter with an apparent right groin injury. Analysis: Mobley led the Clippers with 23.7 points coming into the game and was coming off a 33-point perfromance in Tuesday's win over Chicago. |
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| Ruben Patterson, F (LAC) | Patterson re-injured a dislocated right pinkie finger in Wednesday's 104-89 win over Indiana. He left the game in the first quarter and later returned to the bench in street clothes. Analysis: Patterson has come off the bench in the Clippers' last three games and is averaging 7.3 points and 3 rebounds per game. |
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| Amare Stoudemire, C (Pho) | Stoudemire missed his third straight game Wednesday with a sore right knee. Analysis: Stoudemire hopes to return for Friday's game at Miami, but he's not making any promises. "I still don't want to overdo it," he said. "I don't want to jump out too soon." |
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| Steve Nash, PG (Pho) | Nash had 34 points and 11 assists in the Suns' 105-96 loss in Atlanta on Wednesday. Analysis: It was Nash's second 30-point performance in three games. He is averaging 22.2 points and 8.6 assists through five games. |
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| Nene Hilario, F-C (Den) | Nene left Wednesday's 119-93 loss to Boston with a left thumb injury and did not return. Analysis: Nene was averaging 7.5 points ans 6.3 rebounds in 21.5 minutes coming into the game. |
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| James Posey, G-F (Bos) | Posey left Wednesday's 119-93 win over Denver with lower back spasms and did not return. Analysis: Posey played only 7:31 and did not score before leaving. He had 11 points in his season debut in Toronto on Nov. 4. |
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| Paul Millsap, F (Uta) | Millsap scored a career-high 24 points in Utah's 103-101 win over Cleveland on Wednesday. His previous high for points was 20 against the Raptors last November. Analysis: Millsap has scored in double figures in three of his five games, all off the bench. He played 27 minutes on Wednesday, just one off his season high in Golden State on Oct. 30. |
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| Carlos Boozer, F-C (Uta) | Boozer had 23 points and 12 rebounds in Wednesday's 103-101 win over Cleveland. Analysis: Boozer has recorded a double-double in each of his first five games and is averaging 24.0 points and 13 rebounds. |
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| Jarrett Jack, PG (Por) | Jack scored 20 points, including nine in the fourth quarter, in Wednesday's 93-90 win over New Orleans. Analysis: Jack was replaced in the starting lineup by Steve Blake and seemed to respond to the move. He had just seven total points in his first three games as the starting point guard. |
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| LeBron James, SF (Cle) | James recorded his 11th career triple double in Wednesday's 103-101 loss at Utah, finishing with 32 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists. Analysis: James nearly had triple-doubles on back-to-back nights. He had 24 points, 14 boards and nine assists in Tuesday's 108-104 win at Golden State. Calling James fantasy gold would be the understatement of the year. His numbers have been increased because Cleveland is currently without Larry Hughes, Donyell Marshall and Eric Snow. |
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| Kevin Durant, G-F (Sea) | Durant scored a season-low 17 points and was a woeful 3-for-17 from the field in Wednesday's 105-98 loss to Memphis. Analysis: The rookie was playing in his third game in four nights. He was averaging 24.0 points and 6.3 rebounds coming into the game. |
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| Kurt Thomas, F-C (Sea) | Thomas had his strained right hamstring tested and learned there is no structural damage. Analysis: Thomas has yet to play this season because of the injury. |
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| Troy Hudson, PG (GS) | Hudson has missed the Warriors' last two games because of inflammation in his left hip. Analysis: Hudson has played sparingly in his first season with Golden State following five seasons with Minnesota. He's day-to-day. |
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| James Posey, G-F (Bos) | Posey was being treated for lower back spasms Thursday, a day after he was injured in Boston's 119-93 win over Denver. Analysis: Posey was diagnosed with a lumbar disk herniation after an MRI and is undergoing treatment. He is listed as day-to-day. |
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| Richard Jefferson, SF (NJ) | Jefferson continued his impressive start Thursday, putting up 25 points and six rebounds in New Jersey's 87-85 win over Washington. He is averaging 25.6 points and 5.8 rebounds in five games. Analysis: Jefferson was 12-of-12 from the free throw line and is 46-of-47 for the season, including 21 in a row. Jefferson has 6,778 points with the Nets, moving into fifth place all-time ahead of Chris Morris (6,762). |
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| Gilbert Arenas, PG (Was) | Arenas struggled with his shot again Thursday in Washington's 87-85 loss to New Jersey. He scored 21 points on 7-of-17 from the field, including 2-of-7 from 3-point range. Analysis: Arenas, who is coming off knee surgery, is 27-of-76 from the field (35.5 percent) this season. Arenas had his surgically repaired left knee drained for the second time in three weeks Wednesday and missed a third consecutive practice. |
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| Rasheed Wallace, F-C (Det) | Wallace had one of his best games in a Pistons' uniform Thursday in a 97-93 loss at Chicago. He scored 36 points on 12-of-24 from the field, including 3-of-7 from 3-point range. Analysis: The 36 points were the most in four seasons with Detroit for Wallace, who scored a career-high 42 points for Portland against Denver on Feb. 20, 2001. The 36 points came one game after he was held to eight in a 92-91 win over Atlanta on Sunday. |
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| November 7, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| Gilbert Arenas, PG (Was) | Arenas had his surgically repaired left knee drained for the second time in three weeks Wednesday and missed a third consecutive practice. Analysis: Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said he expects Arenas to play against the New Jersey Nets on Thursday night. Arenas said his knee felt stiff after Washington's last game, a loss to the Orlando Magic on Saturday that dropped the Wizards to 0-3. He hasn't practiced since. |
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| Ike Diogu, F-C (Ind) | Diogu tore his left calf muscle during practice and the team expects he'll be out four to six weeks. Analysis: Diogu, who started the season-opener for injured Jermaine O'Neal, averaged 13.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in the Pacers' first three wins. He hurt his calf during practice Tuesday. "It happens. Injuries are part of the game," Diogu said. "It was like somebody threw a rock at the back of my leg, so I knew it was going to be something pretty serious." The 6-foot-8 Diogu came to the Pacers as part of a multiplayer trade with Golden State last season. |
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| Raymond Felton, G (Cha) | Felton missed the Bobcats' game Wednesday night against Philadelphia because of a left knee injury. Analysis: Felton said he was day to day and hoped to play Friday night against Indiana. "If it was up to me, I'd play now," he said.Felton was hurt against Phoenix on Tuesday night when he drove into the lane and made a spin move on Suns guard Steve Nash, who fell down in front of him. Felton tripped over him and landed awkwardly on his left leg. Jeff McInnis started against Philly. |
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| Matt Barnes, SF (GS) | Barnes has a sprained finger on his shooting hand, adding another injury to the winless Warriors' early woes. Analysis: Barnes, a key part of the Warriors' postseason run last spring, was injured in the Warriors' loss to Cleveland on Tuesday night, coach Don Nelson said. Barnes, who missed Wednesday's practice, dislocated the knuckle on the ring finger of his right hand. The injury could sideline him when Golden State hosts Dallas on Thursday night in a rematch of last season's playoff shocker, when the Warriors became the first No. 8 seed to beat a No. 1 seed. |
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| Monta Ellis, G (GS) | Ellis missed practice on Wednesday because he felt lightheaded when he reported to the Warriors' training complex. Analysis: Ellis, who scored 22 points against the Cavaliers on Tuesday, was sent home with the flu. His status for Thursday's game against Dallas is uncertain. |
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| Kelenna Azubuike, G-F (GS) | Azubuike has a lingering bone bruise in his ankle that hasn't improved much since the summer. Analysis: "It just hasn't been right," said Azubuike, the Warriors' biggest early-season surprise after averaging 16.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in their first four games. "I might have to just play on it and get treatment. I think it's something I can play with, as long as it feels better than it did last night." Azubuike's status for Thursday's game against Dallas is still uncertain. |
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| Larry Hughes, G (Cle) | Hughes missed the Cavaliers' game Wednesday night at Utah because of a bruised left knee. Analysis: Hughes also sat out Tuesday night's win at Golden State after bruising the knee in a collision with Phoenix's Leandro Barbosa on Sunday night. |
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| Shawne Williams, F (Ind) | Williams made his season debut in Wednesday's 104-89 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Analysis: Williams played for the first time after serving a team-imposed three-game suspension for driving without a license. He finished with four points, four rebounds and three assists in 15 minutes |
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| Troy Murphy, F-C (Ind) | Murphy played for the first time this season in Wednesday's 104-89 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Analysis: Murphy entered with 5:23 left in the first quarter after sitting out the first three games with a sore left Achilles tendon. He had 10 points and four rebounds. |
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| Kevin Garnett, F (Bos) | Garnett was outstanding again in Boston's easy 119-92 win over Denver on Wednesday. He tallied 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting, 13 rebounds and seven assists as the Celtics improved to 3-0. Analysis: Garnett has been as good as advertised in his first three games with Boston, averaging 22.7 points, 15.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. He is shooting 57.1 percent (28-for-49) this season. |
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| Jameer Nelson, PG (Orl) | Nelson returned to the starting lineup Wednesday against Toronto after sitting out Tuesday's game in Minnesota with a slight concussion, the result of an inadvertent elbow to the head during practice on Monday. Analysis: Nelson finished with 10 points and six assists as Orlando won its third straight, 105-96. |
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| Hedo Turkoglu, G-F (Orl) | Turkoglu had 24 points and a career-high 15 rebounds Wednesday as Orlando won its third straight, 105-96 over Toronto. Analysis: Turkoglu played 45 minutes, including the entire second half, despite a tender ankle. Coach Stan Van Gundy said it was hard to take him out because of foul trouble to Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard. Turkoglu is averaging 21.0 points and 9.3 rebounds during Orlando's three-game win streak. |
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| Chris Bosh, F-C (Tor) | One night after he failed to make a field goal for just the second time in his NBA career, Bosh scored 26 points, going 6-for-15 from the floor and making all 14 of his free throw attempts in Toronto's 105-96 loss Wednesday to Orlando. Analysis: Bosh was limited to one point on 0-for-4 from the field in Toronto's 112-85 loss to Milwaukee on Tuesday. He has shot better than 50 percent only once in five games this season. |
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| November 6, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| Amare Stoudemire, C (Pho) | Stoudemire will not play in Tuesday's game against Charlotte due to pain in his right knee. Analysis: Stoudemire, who also missed Sunday's win over Cleveland, made the decision about an hour before the game after working out in the weight room. "I feel better and that's definitely a plus," Stoudemire said. "But I think I need at least one more day to make sure I feel better consistently." Stoudemire, who had arthroscopic surgery on Oct. 2, experienced swelling in the knee over the weekend. |
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| Raymond Felton, G (Cha) | Felton left the Bobcats' game Tuesday during the third quarter after suffering a left knee injury. Analysis: Felton tripped over Steve Nash and landed awkwardly on his left leg. A foul was called on Nash. Felton attempted both free throws, but after missing the second, he crumpled to the floor. He was attended to for several minutes before getting to his feet. He was helped into the locker room without putting pressure on the leg. A team official said Felton would undergo an X-ray at the arena and be sent to the hospital for an MRI. |
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| Rashad McCants, G (Min) | McCants left the game against the Orlando Magic in the first quarter Tuesday night after spraining his right ankle. Analysis: McCants, the Wolves' leading scorer this year with an average of 18 points, was hurt when he drove the baseline and was tangled up with two Magic players under the basket. He immediately grabbed his ankle and grimaced in pain, but tried to walk it off. After taking a few steps, McCants asked coach Randy Wittman to take him out of the game, and he headed for the locker room. |
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| Jameer Nelson, PG (Orl) | Nelson was scratched from the game against Minnesota on Tuesday night after sustaining what the team called a "slight concussion" in practice. Analysis: Nelson was hit in the head by an errant elbow during practice on Monday in Washington, and still had some headaches on Tuesday, so coach Stan Van Gundy decided to give him the night off. The third-year pro is averaging 11.3 points and 5.0 assists this season and is listed as day to day. Carlos Arroyo started in Nelson's place. |
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| Josh Howard, G-F (Dal) | Howard badly turned his right ankle in Dallas' win over Houston on Monday, according to the Dallas Morning News. Analysis: Howard played after the injury, but eventually came out. He had 21 points, six rebounds and four assists in the game. Howard missed the first two games of the season to serve a league suspension and he had gotten off to a good start. Monitor the situation. |
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| Troy Murphy, F-C (Ind) | Murphy has yet to play this season because of a strained Achilles' tendon. Analysis: Murphy averaged 10.3 points in 68 games last season. The Indianapolis Star is reporting he'll be a game-time decision on Wednesday. |
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| Larry Hughes, G (Cle) | Hughes sat out the Cavaliers' game on Tuesday with a bruised left knee. Analysis: Hughes was hurt in a collision with Phoenix's Leandro Barbosa on Sunday night in the opener of the Cavaliers' six-game road trip. The former Warriors guard was replaced in the Cavs' starting lineup by Sasha Pavlovic. Hughes averaged 7.3 points in Cleveland's first three games. The Akron Beacon-Journal is expecting him to miss a few days. |
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| Adrian Griffin, G-F (Chi) | Griffin continues to be sidelined through the Bulls start of the season because of a back injury. Analysis: Griffin played in 54 games last season for Chicago and only averaged 2.5 points. Even healthy he doesn't have much fantasy value. |
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| Amare Stoudemire, C (Pho) | Stoudemire believes he'll be available to play Wednesday in Atlanta. Analysis: "No doubt. I feel better about playing (Wednesday) night," Stoudemire said. Borris Diaw started in place of Stoudemire on Tuesday, who is bothered by pain in his right knee. |
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| Kenyon Martin, PF (Den) | Martin sat out Denver's game on Tuesday but is expected to play Wednesday at Boston. Analysis: The Nuggets aren't using Martin on back-to-back nights while he works his way back from knee surgery last year. |
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| J.J. Redick, G (Orl) | Redick said not play in Orlando's game on Tuesday because of back spasms. Analysis: The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Redick will miss several games with the injury. Redick has not scored in the first two games of the season. He played 13 minutes. |
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| Joakim Noah, F-C (Chi) | Noah made his Bulls debut on Tuesday and had two point, four rebounds and three blocks. Analysis: Noah missed the first three games with a sprained ankle. He's expected to come off the bench mostly, but the Bulls may start shuffling their lineup soon after an 0-4 start. |
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| Ben Wallace, C (Chi) | Wallace had just two points, six rebounds and one blocked shot in the Bulls' loss on Tuesday. Analysis: Wallace -- and the rest of the Bulls -- are off to a slow start, but Wallace is becoming a concern. He's averaging 3.8 points and 4.3 rebounds. Wallace injured his ankle during the preseason, and part of his struggles may be related to that. |
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| Cuttino Mobley, SG (LAC) | Mobley was 13-of-17 for 33 points in the Clippers' win on Tuesday over the Bulls. Analysis: Mobley made his first start of the year on Tuesday. He's averaging 23.7 points in the first three games in a surprising start. |
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| Yao Ming, C (Hou) | Yao had 28 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three blocks on Tuesday. Analysis: It was easily Yao's best game of the season. Under new coach Rick Adelman, Yao is averaging 21.2 points and 11 boards a game. |
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| Dwight Howard, C (Orl) | Howard had 28 points and 16 rebounds in Orlando's win on Tuesday. Analysis: Howard was 8-of-12 from the floor. He scored 26 points through the first three quarters. Howard is averaging 19.3 points this season. |
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| Zach Randolph, PF (NY) | Randolph had 22 points and 17 rebounds in the Knicks' win over the Nuggets on Tuesday. Analysis: Randolph is having a nice start with a double-double in each of his first three games. He was 9-of-15 from the field on Tuesday. |
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| J.R. Smith, SG (Den) | Smith returned from his three-game suspension and score eight points on 2-of-6 shooting. Analysis: Smith averaged 13 points off the bench last season, so his return gives the Nuggets some help. He might need a few games to get back into things. |
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| Antoine Wright, G-F (NJ) | Wright had 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists in the Nets' win on Tuesday. Analysis: Wright has scored in double figures in three of New Jersey's first four games. He's a nice surprise early on, but it remains to be seen if he can sustain it. Wright averaged 4.5 points last season. |
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| November 5, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| David West, PF (NO) | West had 17 points and 13 rebounds in the Hornets' win over Denver on Sunday. Analysis: It was West's first double-double of the season, but he wasn't very efficient. He was 7-for-23 from the field. |
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| Peja Stojakovic, G-F (NO) | Stojakovic was 1-for-10 from the field, including 1-for-8 from 3-point range, in the Hornets' win over Denver on Sunday. Analysis: It was a rare off-night for the sharpshooting Stojakovic, who entered Sunday's game having made eight of his 17 3-point attempts this season. |
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| Chris Paul, PG (NO) | Paul had 15 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds and four steals in the Hornets' win over Denver on Sunday. Analysis: Paul struggled from the field, but showed that he can be effective in a number of different ways. He is averaging 6.3 rebounds through three games, trailing only triple-double king Jason Kidd among NBA point guards. |
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| Marcus Camby, C (Den) | Camby had 21 rebounds in the Nuggets' loss to New Orleans on Sunday. Analysis: It was his second straight 21-rebound game. He's averaging 19.0 through three games. |
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| Steve Nash, PG (Pho) | Nash had 30 points and 10 assists in the Suns' win over Cleveland on Sunday. Analysis: Nash was held to three assists in his previous game, but bounced back with his best game of the young season. |
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| Drew Gooden, PF (Cle) | Gooden had 22 points and 14 rebounds in the Cavaliers' loss to Phoenix on Sunday. Analysis: It was his second double-double of the season. He's averaging 16.0 points and 10.0 rebounds through three games. |
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| Raja Bell, SG (Pho) | Bell's shooting woes continued on Sunday, when he went 3-for-13 in a win over Cleveland. Analysis: Bell is just 6-for-30 (20.0 percent) from the field and 5-for-20 (25.0 percent) from 3-point range through three games. He shot 43.2 percent from the field while ranking among league leaders with a 41.3 3-point percentage last season. |
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| Robert Swift, C (Sea) | Swift returned to the Seattle lineup Sunday and scored two points with two rebounds, two steals, one blocked shot and two turnovers in 16 minutes. Analysis: Swift, who missed all of last season after major knee surgery, was understandably rusty in his return to the court. If he can round back into form, he could be a factor in Seattle's uncertain frontcourt situation. Monitor his progress. |
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| James Posey, G-F (Bos) | Posey returned from league suspension to score 11 points with three rebounds in the Celtics' win over Toronto on Sunday. Analysis: Posey had been suspended for pleading no contest to reckless driving stemming from an incident in April. He has an uncertain role in a shallow Boston lineup, and could be valuable if he can get significant playing time. |
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| Dwyane Wade, G (Mia) | The good news for the Heat was that Wade reported no problems related to his left knee or left shoulder - both of which were operated on May 15 - after practice Monday. Analysis: The bad news for the franchise is that Wade still doesn't know when he'll be ready to return to the Miami lineup, which could clearly use a boost after an 0-3 start. |
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| Yao Ming, C (Hou) | Yao had 21 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks on Monday against Dallas. Analysis: It was Yao's third double-double of the season and third time he's scored at least 20 points. He was 9-of-12 from the field. |
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| Tracy McGrady, G-F (Hou) | McGrady had 35 points and eight assists in Houston's loss to Dallas on Monday. Analysis: McGrady, who was named the NBA's Western Conference player of the week on Monday, was 12-of-31. He is averaging 33.0 points per game this season. |
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| Erick Dampier, C (Dal) | Dampier is expected to take part in his first full practice on Tuesday. Analysis: Dampier had shoulder surgery in the offseason. Coach Avery Johnson said he's uncertain when Dampier will return to the lineup. |
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| Devean George, G-F (Dal) | George is still a while away from returning, the Mavericks said on Monday. Analysis: George has a stress reaction in his foot. He averaged 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in 60 games last season. |
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| Josh Howard, G-F (Dal) | Howard had 21 points in the Mavericks' win over Houston on Monday. Analysis: Howard missed the first two games of the season after being suspended, but he doesn't seem to have let it affect him. He had six rebounds and four assists. He was 6-of-11 on from the field and 8-of-8 from the free-throw line. |
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| Amare Stoudemire, C (Pho) | Stoudemire said he's not sure if he'll be able to play on Tuesday because of a swollen right knee. Analysis: Stoudemire did not play on Sunday against the Cavaliers because of the knee. "It all depends on how I feel," Stoudemire said after the Suns practiced on Monday. "If I feel good tomorrow, then I'll play. If not, then I'll sit it out. There's no pressure being put on me by the staff or the trainers." Stoudemire missed virtually all the 2005-06 season after microfracture surgery on his left knee. He had another surgery on Oct. 2, which was considered minor. |
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| Robert Horry, PF (SA) | Horry told the San Antonio Express-News on Sunday that it will take longer than he originally hoped to return to the Spurs lineup. Analysis: Coach Gregg Popovich said Horry won't be himself for months. Horry doesn't have much fantasy value. |
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| Vince Carter, G-F (NJ) | Carter is dealing with lingering pain after his thumb was slightly injured during the Nets' opener against Chicago, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. Analysis: Carter said the injury is slowing him down and contributing to his poor start. He's averaging 16.3 points in the first three games of the season, but he should bounce back. |
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| Jason Kidd, PG (NJ) | Kidd is dealing with a bruised thigh suffered late last week, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. Analysis: Kidd doesn't believe the injury is affecting them, although he said he feels it most when shooting his jumper. Kidd is coming off his best game of the season against Philadelphia on Saturday. He had 16 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. |
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| Sam Cassell, PG (LAC) | Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy told the LA Times that he will be limiting Cassell's minutes this season. Analysis: Dunleavy said Cassell will be playing around 20 minutes. Cassell, who will turn 38 this month, is averaging 10.5 points in two games. |
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| November 4, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| Jose Juan Barea, G (Dal) | Barea made nine of 11 shots, including all four 3-pointers he tried, for a career-high 25 points, pacing the Dallas Mavericks to one of the most accurate shooting performances in franchise history and beating the Sacramento Kings 123-102 in their home opener Saturday night. Analysis: Barea started because Devin Harris bruised his left thigh in a loss in Atlanta on Friday night. He made his first four shots and had already topped his career high in points with 17 at the half. "It feels great," said Barea, who is listed as 6 feet but admits to being an inch or two shorter. "My teammates, every time I scored, they'd go crazy." |
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| Kevin Martin, SG (Sac) | Martin went 15-for-15 from the free throw line and had 28 points in the Kings' loss to Dallas on Saturday. Analysis: Martin has led the Kings in scoring in each of the team's three games this season. He's averaging 25.3 points, but is shooting 41.7 percent from the floor - far worse than his 47.3 percentage during his breakout 2006-07 campaign. |
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| Francisco Garcia, G-F (Sac) | Garcia scored a career-high 23 points in the Kings' loss to Dallas on Saturday. Analysis: Garcia was 8-for-10 from the field to reward coach Reggie Theus for giving Garcia his first start of the season. Garcia could have fantasy value if he continues to get regular playing time. His role in the rotation, however, is uncertain with the return of Ron Artest pending. Artest will be eligible to return from league suspension Nov. 14 against Minnesota. |
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| Al Harrington, F-C (GS) | After averaging just 11.5 points per game off the bench in the Warriors' first two contests, Harrington started and scored 38 points in a loss to Utah on Saturday. Analysis: Harrington was 15-for-20 from the field, including 6-for-8 from 3-point range. He also added seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Coach Don Nelson is still tinkering with his rotation, but Harrington just gave Nelson something to think about before he announces the starters for Tuesday's game against Cleveland. |
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| Deron Williams, PG (Uta) | Williams went 13-for-17 from the field and finished with 30 points and 11 assists in Utah's win over Golden State on Saturday. Analysis: Williams also connected on four of Utah's 12 3-pointers. "I have been disappointed in my shooting effort, but I got a couple of easy ones and I got my confidence going," said Williams, who was 14-for-32 in his first two games. "I felt good out there." |
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| Mehmet Okur, F-C (Uta) | Okur had 28 points on 9-of-12 shooting in Utah's win over Golden State on Saturday. Analysis: Okur was held scoreless in the season opener, but appears to be back on track. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 80 games last season. |
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| Amare Stoudemire, C (Pho) | Stoudemire missed the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night because of a troublesome right knee. Analysis: Stoudemire had arthroscopic surgery on the knee on Oct. 2, and Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said he was was day to day. "I think he's overworked. On Friday, he didn't have his usual pop," D'Antoni said after Stoudemire scored only seven points and grabbed just one rebound in 24 minutes in a 119-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Stoudemire averaged 20.4 points and 9.6 rebounds last season. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Boris Diaw. |
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| Boris Diaw, F-C (Pho) | Diaw replaced Amare Stoudemire in the Suns' starting lineup on Sunday because Stoudemire was sidelined by a troublesome right knee. Analysis: Stoudemire's status is day-to-day, according to Suns coach Mike D'Antoni. Diaw's fantasy value increases exponentially while Stoudemire rests his knee. Diaw had a breakout season with Stoudemire sidelined in 2005-06, averaging 13.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists. With Stoudemire back in the lineup last season, Diaw averaged 9.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists. |
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| Kevin Durant, G-F (Sea) | Durant had 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the Sonics' loss to the Clippers on Sunday. Analysis: Durant went 10-for-19 from the field, and is 21-for-42 since a 7-for-22 performance in his NBA debut on Wednesday. Durant, the second overall pick in last June's draft, is averaging 23.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in his first three games as a pro. |
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| Joey Graham, G-F (Tor) | Joey Graham (strained left quad) was placed on the inactive list before the game. Analysis: Graham, who is listed as day-to-day, was replaced by forward Jamario Moon. Continue to monitor the developments, but Graham does not have much fantasy value. He is averaging 3.0 points through two games this season. |
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| Corey Maggette, G-F (LAC) | Maggette had 27 points and six rebounds in the Clippers' win over Seattle on Sunday. Analysis: After moving in and out of the Clippers' starting lineup over the last several seasons, Maggette finally appears to be a focus of the team's offense with star forward Elton Brand sidelined for several months after surgery on his Achilles' tendon. Maggette is averaging 21.5 points and 6.5 rebounds through two games. |
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| Chris Kaman, C (LAC) | Kaman had 10 points and 15 rebounds in the Clippers' win over Seattle on Sunday. Analysis: It was Kaman's second straight double-double to open the season. He's averaging 18.0 points and 16.5 rebounds through two games, and looks determined to bounce back from a disappointing 2006-07 season. |
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| Richard Hamilton, SG (Det) | Hamilton returned to the Pistons' lineup Sunday and scored 21 points with five assists in a 92-91 win over Atlanta. Analysis: Hamilton missed the first two games of the season to attend to the birth of his son. He should continue playing a key role in the Pistons' offense. |
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| Ryan Gomes, F (Min) | Gomes had 19 points and seven rebounds in the Timberwolves' loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday. Analysis: Gomes' roll on his new team was unclear entering the season, but he's started both of Minnesota's games so far, and looks like he'll be a key part of the Wolves' rebuilding process. |
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| Zach Randolph, PF (NY) | Randolph had 15 points and 10 rebounds in the Knicks' win over Minnesota on Sunday. Analysis: It was Randolph's second consecutive double-double to open his first season with the Knicks, but he went just 6-for-18 from the field. |
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| November 3, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| Chris Kaman, C (LAC) | Kaman had 26 points and 18 rebounds in the Clippers' season-opening win over Golden State on Friday. Analysis: Kaman, who suffered through a back injury in training camp, looked great in his first game of the year. He took advantage of a weak Golden State defense and also the absence of Clippers power forward Elton Brand, who's sidelined for the first several months of the season after Achilles' tendon surgery. Kaman could be a very valuable pickup if he can continue to deliver in Brand's absence. |
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| Theo Ratliff, F-C (Min) | Ratliff made his Minnesota debut on Friday and had 14 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots in 29 minutes. Analysis: Ratliff hasn't been relevant over the past several seasons because of injuries and a lack of playing time even when healthy. But if he can retain the starting center spot in Minnesota, he could be worth a look. He was once one of the league's top shot-blockers, averaging 3.7 per game along with 12.4 points and 8.3 rebounds in 2000-01 with Philadelphia. |
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| Jermaine O'Neal, F-C (Ind) | O'Neal had 10 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his season debut on Friday. Analysis: O'Neal missed the Pacers' season opener because of a left knee injury. He looked slightly rusty on Friday, going just 2-for-9 from the field, but he contributed in other areas of the Pacers' victory. He remains a strong fantasy center whenever he's healthy. |
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| Cuttino Mobley, SG (LAC) | Mobley had 21 points in the Clippers' season-opening win over Golden State on Friday. Analysis: Mobley went 9-for-16 from the field and made two clutch jump shots in the game's final minutes that helped secure the victory for Los Angeles. He didn't appear to be affected by the strained left calf that limited him in training camp. His best days might be behind him, but Mobley can still contribute. He averaged 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals in 79 games last season. |
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| Eddy Curry, C (NY) | Curry had 18 points and seven rebounds in the Knicks' season-opening loss to Cleveland on Friday. Analysis: Curry went 9-for-16 from the floor and didn't appear to be hampered by the shoulder injury that limited him during training camp. |
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| Chris Kaman, C (LAC) | Kaman missed part of Friday's third quarter, leaving the floor to get three stitches to close a cut above his left eye. Analysis: Kaman returned and completed one of the best games of his career, finishing with 26 points and 18 rebounds. |
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| Shavlik Randolph, F (Phi) | Randolph hasn't played in the Sixers' first two games because he's still recovering from a broken ankle that ended his 2006-07 season in November. Analysis: It's unclear when Randolph will be able to return. He was averaging 4.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in 13 games before he got hurt last season. |
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| Kobe Bryant, SG (LAL) | After scoring 45 points in a season-opening loss, Bryant was held to 16 in Friday's win over Phoenix. Analysis: Despite averaging 30.5 points through two games, Bryant is shooting just 40.4 percent (19-for-47) from the field and 70.0 percent (21-for-30) from the free-throw line. He shot 46.3 percent from the field and 86.8 percent from the line last season. |
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| Baron Davis, PG (GS) | Davis had 22 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds in the Warriors' loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. Analysis: Davis struggled from the field, connecting on eight of 24 attempts and just one of nine 3-pointers, but he's averaging 23.5 points, 10.5 points, and 3.0 steals through the first two games of the season. He can help in every fantasy statistical category when he's healthy. |
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| Kelenna Azubuike, G-F (GS) | Azubuike scored a career-high 33 points on 12-for-17 shooting in the Warriors' loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. Analysis: Azubuike has gotten off to a strong start this season, and coach Don Nelson is happy with what he's seen. "He played a complete game. He scored and rebounded," Nelson said Friday. "I am very proud of him. He is one of my most solid guys, all-around." Azubuike makes a solid waiver wire pickup right now, but his status in the starting lineup will be shaky when Stephen Jackson is eligible to return from league suspension later this month. |
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| Gerald Wallace, F (Cha) | Wallace had 22 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals in the Bobcats' season-opening 102-99 win over Milwaukee on Friday. Analysis: Wallace got off to a slow start last season, but had a strong second half and finished the season averaging 18.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks. If he can put together a full season, he'll be an elite fantasy player. |
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| Oleksiy Pecherov, C (Was) | Pecherov will be sidelined six weeks because of a broken right ankle. Analysis: Pecherov was injured last weekend when the team originally said he was expected to miss one or two weeks, but the prognosis was changed Friday. The 7-footer was a 2006 first-round draft pick who played in his native Ukraine last season. |
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| Udonis Haslem, PF (Mia) | Haslem had 11 points and nine rebounds, but went just 5-for-20 from the field in the Heat's loss to Indiana on Friday. Analysis: Haslem is usually a consistent scorer and rebounder, and probably won't have too many games like this one. His field goal percentage has dropped in both seasons since he set a career high by shooting 54.0 percent in 2004-05, but he still shot a solid 49.2 percent last season. His efficiency should increase once Dwyane Wade is healthy enough to return to the lineup later this month. |
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| Shaquille O'Neal, C (Mia) | O'Neal was held to eight points and seven rebounds on 4-for-13 shooting in the Heat's loss to Indiana on Friday. Analysis: Through two games, O'Neal is averaged just 8.5 points and 7.0 rebounds. His days as an elite center may be over, but don't expect his early season struggles to last long. Despite injury problems and advancing age, he averaged 17.3 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting 59.1 percent in 40 games in 2006-07. |
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| Devin Harris, PG (Dal) | Harris scored the first 10 points for Dallas in Friday's loss to Atlanta, but scored only one more before bruising his left thigh late in the second quarter. Analysis: Harris did not play in the second half, and the Mavericks reported his status as day-to-day. Harris, who signed a contract extension with Dallas in the offseason, will likely have a larger role in the Mavericks' offense this season with former starting guard Jason Terry moved to the bench. Look for him to get back on track soon after he returns from this minor injury. |
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| Daequan Cook, G (Mia) | Cook had 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in his NBA debut on Friday. Analysis: Cook, who didn't play in the Heat's season opener against Detroit, was 7-for-12 from the field in 29 minutes off the bench. If he can continue this kind of play, he could find a way into the rotation for a shallow Miami team. Monitor the situation because the rookie out of Ohio State has potential if he can get regular playing time. |
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| Ricky Davis, G-F (Mia) | Davis had 13 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and three steals for the Heat on Friday, but made just five of his 13 field-goal attempts. Analysis: Davis is a streaky shooter and he didn't find his touch on Friday, but expect better numbers for him as he continues to be a primary focus of the Heat's offense with Dwyane Wade sidelined for the next few weeks. |
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| Danny Granger, F (Ind) | Granger had 25 points and nine rebounds in the Pacers' win over Miami on Friday night. Analysis: Granger was 10-for-13 from the field, including 4-for-6 from 3-point range. He's 9-for-15 from behind the arc so far this season, and appears primed for a breakout year. He's not yet a household name, but he should be owned in all fantasy leagues at this point. |
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| Chauncey Billups, PG (Det) | Billups had 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds in the Pistons' win over Orlando on Friday. Analysis: Billups is averaging 18.5 points, 9.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds through two games and remains one of the top fantasy point guards in the NBA. |
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| Emeka Okafor, F-C (Cha) | Okafor had 17 points, 14 rebounds and five blocked shots in the Bobcats' season-opening win over Milwaukee on Friday. Analysis: Okafor was 7-for-11 from the field, but just 3-for-13 from the free-throw line. He'll improve from the line, but he's a career 60.4 percent shooter at the stripe. His free-throw shooting and injury history are the two things keeping him from elite status. |
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| Raymond Felton, G (Cha) | Felton had 26 points and 12 assists in the Bobcats' season-opening win over Milwaukee on Friday. Analysis: Felton had a solid sophomore campaign in 2006-07, but he didn't shoot well, going 38.4 percent from the field and 33.0 percent from 3-point range. In the opener, however, he was 6-for-13, including 3-for-5 from behind the arc. If he has solved his shooting woes, he could be primed for a breakout season. |
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| Jason Terry, G (Dal) | Terry had 20 points, six assists and three steals in 33 minutes off the bench in the Mavericks' loss to Atlanta on Friday. Analysis: Terry said he wasn't going to be affected by his removal from the starting lineup, and so far, he's right. He's averaging 22.0 points and 5.0 assists while shooting 56.0 percent from the field and 63.6 percent from 3-point range through two games. |
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| Joe Johnson, G (Atl) | Johnson had 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the Hawks' season-opening win over Dallas on Friday. Analysis: Johnson got off to a strong start last season, but was limited to 57 games by leg injuries. If he can stay on the court, he'll be a great fantasy contributor this season. |
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| Dwyane Wade, G (Mia) | Doctors say Wade is ready to play, but Wade isn't completely convinced quite yet. Analysis: Wade said Saturday that he doesn't have a specific game in mind for his return to the lineup, following nearly six months of rehabilitating his surgically repaired left shoulder and left knee. He wants to make absolutely certain that his shoulder is ready for the rigors of NBA play. "I'm cleared, but I know that will be on my mind," he said. "It's not like I'm not going to think about it at all, but when I'm on the court I just want to be thinking about the game." |
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| Josh Smith, G-F (Atl) | Smith had 18 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks in the Hawks' season-opening win over Dallas on Friday night. Analysis: Smith went 5-for-16 from the field and committed six turnovers, and he'll have plenty of games like that. But he'll fill up the rest of the box score and should be an all-around fantasy contributor this season. |
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| Al Horford, F-C (Atl) | Horford had nine points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes of his NBA debut on Friday night. Analysis: Horford had three dunks and six rebounds in the first quarter alone, but was limited by foul trouble. He's competing for a starting spot in the Hawks frontcourt, and if he can secure one and keep out of foul trouble, he should be among the most productive rookies of this season's class. |
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| LeBron James, SF (Cle) | After struggling in the season opener on Wednesday, James had 45 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in the Cavaliers' win over New York on Friday. Analysis: James is one of the top fantasy options in the NBA right now. His primary weaknesses are his free-throw shooting and his turnovers, but he went 16-for-22 (72.7 percent) from the line on Friday and committed only three turnovers. He had a 68.8 percent free-throw percentage and committed 4.0 turnovers per game last season. |
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| Zach Randolph, PF (NY) | Randolph had 21 points and 14 rebounds in the Knicks' season-opening loss to Cleveland on Friday. Analysis: There were concerns about how Randolph and Knicks center Eddy Curry would coexist in the paint, but both got at least 16 shots in the opener and they combined for 39 points and 21 rebounds. Along with David Lee, they give New York one of the strongest frountcourts in the Eastern Conference. |
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| Daniel Gibson, G (Cle) | Gibson had 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting with six 3-pointers in the Cavaliers' win over New York on Friday. Analysis: Gibson emerged in last season's playoffs after averaging only 16.5 minutes in the regular season of his rookie year. He has started in both of Cleveland's games so far, and has fantasy value as long as he remains in the starting lineup. |
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| Stephon Marbury, PG (NY) | Marbury had 10 points on 3-for-11 shooting in Friday's season-opening loss to Cleveland. Analysis: Marbury shot just 41.5 percent from the field last season - his lowest mark since his second year in the league in 1997-98 while with Minnesota. Meanwhile, third-year guard Nate Robinson played well in the opener after a strong preseason. Robinson isn't a pure point guard, but Marbury might need to play better if he wants to hold on to his minutes. |
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| Andrea Bargnani, F-C (Tor) | Bargnani had 21 points and six rebounds on 7-for-11 shooting in the Raptors' win over New Jersey on Friday. Analysis: Bargnani should excel in the starting lineup for the Raptors this season. He averaged 11.6 points and 3.9 rebounds as a rookie, but is averaging 20.5 points and 5.5 boards through two games this season. |
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| Richard Jefferson, SF (NJ) | Jefferson continued his strong start on Friday with 27 points and five rebounds. Analysis: Jefferson, the only New Jersey player in double figures in the 106-69 loss, was 8-for-14 from the field,, 2-for-3 from 3-point range, and 9-for-9 from the free-throw line. He's averaging 28.0 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 51.7 percent from the field through two games. |
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| Vince Carter, G-F (NJ) | Carter was held to seven points in the Nets' loss to Toronto on Friday. Analysis: Carter averaged 25.2 points last season and scored 24 in the season opener on Wednesday. Despite shooting just 29.6 percent (8-for-27) through two games, he should bounce back soon. |
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| Jason Kidd, PG (NJ) | Kidd was held to two points, six assists and three rebounds in the NEts' loss to Toronto on Friday. Analysis: Kidd averaged 13.0 points, 9.2 assists and 8.2 rebounds last season. He's one of the most versatile fantasy point guards in the NBA and should bounce back soon. He remains a must-start. |
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| Brandon Roy, G (Por) | After a disappointing season opener on Tuesday, Roy had 23 points on 10-for-15 shooting on Friday. Analysis: Roy, last season's Rookie of the Year, averaged 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 steals in 57 games in 2006-07. He didn't play much in the preseason, so expect more consistent play from him once the rust wears off. |
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| Tyrus Thomas, F (Chi) | Thomas had 21 points, a career-high 12 rebounds and three blocked shots in the Bulls' loss on Friday. Analysis: Thomas struggled in the season opener, scoring just four points on 1-for-7 shooting in 22 minutes. The second-year forward from LSU will likely have his ups and downs this season, but he's capable of filling a box score on any given night. |
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| Hedo Turkoglu, G-F (Orl) | Turkoglu had 25 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in the Magic's win over Washington on Saturday. Analysis: Turkoglu's spot in the starting lineup appeared to be in doubt when the team signed Rashard Lewis in the offseason, but he's earned a spot next to Lewis in the frontcourt, and he's averaging 22.0 points through three games. |
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| Dwight Howard, C (Orl) | Howard had 17 points and 15 rebounds in the Magic's win over Washington on Saturday. Analysis: Howard has opened the season with three straight double-doubles, averaging 16.3 points and 13.3 rebounds in those games. |
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| Gilbert Arenas, PG (Was) | Arenas struggled from the field again on Saturday, connecting on just five of 15 attempts en route to 10 points in the Wizards' loss to Orlando. Analysis: Arenas is just 20-for-60 (33.3 percent) from the field this season after missing the end of last season with a knee injury that required major surgery. Despite his slow start, continue to start Arenas because he's due for a breakout performance. |
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| Brendan Haywood, C (Was) | Haywood had 10 points, 16 rebounds and five blocked shots in the Wizards' loss to Orlando on Saturday. Analysis: Haywood has been marginally valuable as a fantasy player while splitting time with Etan Thomas over the last several seasons. But with Thomas sidelined after open heart surgery, Haywood has taken the full-time job and fared well. He's averaging 10.0 points, 13.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocked shots. |
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| Jason Kidd, PG (NJ) | Kidd recorded his first triple-double of the season on Saturday, finishing with 16 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over Philadelphia. Analysis: It was Kidd's 50th triple-double with the Nets and the 88th of his career. "He is a franchise, that's why he's a franchise player," teammate Richard Jefferson said. |
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| Josh Howard, G-F (Dal) | Howard returned from his two-game suspension on Saturday to score a team-high 27 points with seven rebounds and five assists in the Mavericks' 123-102 win over Sacramento. Analysis: Howard had been suspended two games for elbowing Kings center Brad Miller in the back during a preseason game. After that incident, he suffered a sprained wrist in another preseason game. Despite having a brace on his wrist Saturday, Howard looked healthy as he went 10-for-17 from the field. |
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| Devin Harris, PG (Dal) | Harris didn't play in the Mavericks' win over Sacramento on Saturday because of a thigh bruise. Analysis: Harris said he hopes to return for Dallas on Monday night at home against Houston. |
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| Mike Dunleavy, G-F (Ind) | Dunleavy had 27 points, eight rebounds and four assists in the Pacers' win over Memphis on Saturday. Analysis: Dunleavy is averaging 22.3 points per game in three contests under new coach Jim O'Brien, and could be on his way to his best NBA season since he was taken with the third overall pick of the 2002 draft by the Golden State Warriors. |
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| Pau Gasol, F-C (Mem) | Gasol had 18 points, 10 rebounds and three assists in the Grizzlies' loss to Indiana on Saturday. Analysis: Gasol hasn't dominated the paint like he did after returning from a foot injury last season, but he's putting up solid numbers in new coach Marc Iavaroni's team-oriented offense. |
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| Kyle Lowry, G (Mem) | Lowry had a career-high 19 points in the Grizzlies' loss to the Pacers on Saturday. Analysis: The Grizzlies' backcourt isn't set in stone, and Lowry is making a case that he should be getting regular minutes. Thirteen-year veteran Damon Stoudamire was recently named the starting point guard, but he'll get pressure from Lowry and rookie Mike Conley Jr. |
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| Jermaine O'Neal, F-C (Ind) | O'Neal, who missed the opening game of the season recovering from a hyperextended left knee after offseason arthroscopic surgery, said he is improving after Indiana's win over Memphis on Saturday. Analysis: "I'm still not where I need to be," said O'Neal, who's averaging 11.5 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 34.8 percent. "Hopefully, next game I'm not limited to 25 minutes like the doctor put me at for the first two games. ...I don't see this 25-minute-a-game-thing going too much longer." |
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| Ben Wallace, C (Chi) | Wallace had just five points and two rebounds in 27 minutes of the Bulls' loss to Milwaukee on Saturday. Analysis: Through three games, Wallace is averaging 4.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 blocked shots and 0.0 steals. He averaged 7.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.2 blocked shots and 1.8 steals with Detroit in 2005-06 before signing a four-year, $60 million contract with Chicago. |
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| Luol Deng, G-F (Chi) | Deng was held to eight points on 4-for-11 shooting in the Bulls' loss to Milwaukee on Saturday. Analysis: Deng was held to single digits only four times in 82 games last season, and hasn't scored fewer than 10 in consecutive games since he was a reserve forward for Chicago at the end of his rookie season in 2004-05. |
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| Yao Ming, C (Hou) | Yao had 21 points and 12 rebounds in the Rockets' win over Portland on Saturday. Analysis: It was Yao's second double-double through three games this season. |
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| Yi Jianlian, PF (Mil) | Yi had 16 points in his strongest performance yet to help the Bucks beat the Bulls 78-72 Saturday night for their first victory of the season. Analysis: Michael Redd led the Bucks in scoring, but Yi's good first impression on his new hometown fans stood out the most. "He took the challenge and made some huge shots and became a playmaker," said Redd, who bowed with his hands together in a salute to Yi just before the opening tip. "I'm proud of his development. He's growing" |
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| John Salmons, G-F (Sac) | Salmons had 27 points, five rebounds and four assists in the Kings' loss to Dallas on Saturday. Analysis: Salmons has fared well while starting for the depleted Kings, who are missing starting point guard Mike Bibby because of an injury and starting small forward Ron Artest because of league suspension. Salmons is averaging 21.0 points, 5.3 boards and 6.3 assists through three games. Sacramento coach Reggie Theus will have a tough decision to make when Bibby and Artest can return. |
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| November 2, 2007 | ||
| Player | News | |
| Tracy McGrady, G-F (Hou) | McGrady had 47 points, four rebounds and four assists to help the Rockets beat the Jazz 106-95 Thursday Analysis: McGrady scored 13 of Houston's 24 points in the first quarter before finishing with his 42nd career 40-point game. He scored 30 points in Houston's season-opening loss to the Lakers, and has hit 27-of-47 (57.4 percent) of his shots on the season. |
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| Amare Stoudemire, C (Pho) | Stoudemire, playing for the third time since knee surgery a month ago, had 23 points and 11 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns rallied past Kevin Durant and the SuperSonics 106-99 Thursday night. Analysis: The Suns center didn't seem bothered by the knee he had surgery on and looks to be healthy and dominant out of the gate. |
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| Kevin Durant, G-F (Sea) | Durant, the second overall draft pick, scored 27 points on 11-for-23 shooting in a loss to Phoenix on Thursday in his second NBA game. Analysis: Expect Durant's comfort level to increase quickly as he learns the NBA game and becomes the team's main option. |
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| Carlos Boozer, F-C (Uta) | Boozer had 30 points and 16 rebounds in Thursday's 106-95 loss to Houston. Analysis: Boozer is off to an outstanding start to the season, scoring 62 points and grabbing 31 rebounds in two games. The 6-9 forward averaged career highs of 20.9 points and 11.7 rebounds in 2006-07. |
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| Deron Williams, PG (Uta) | Williams had 18 points and 13 assists in Utah's 106-95 loss to Houston on Thursday. Analysis: After averaging 16.2 points and 9.3 assists in a breakout 2006-07 season, Williams has scored 42 points and dished out 21 assists in two games this year. |
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| Mehmet Okur, F-C (Uta) | Okur finished with 16 points and 10 boards in Utah's 106-95 loss to Houston on Thursday. Analysis: Okur finished with no points, missing all three of his shots in Utah's 117-96 win over Golden State in Tuesday's season opener. |
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| Dwyane Wade, G (Mia) | Wade has been cleared to play after recovering from the left knee and left shoulder surgeries he had in May. Analysis: Miami coach Pat Riley didn't put a timetable on Wade's return to the lineup. In the announcement before Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers, Riley said Wade has been practicing, but without making any contact. Riley plans to be careful in bringing back his All-Star. |
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| Robert Horry, PF (SA) | Horry missed the Spurs' game Tuesday because of personal reasons. Analysis: It's uncertain when he'll return to the San Antonio lineup. When he does return, he won't be a very valuable fantasy option. Horry averaged 3.9 points in 68 regular-season games in 2006-07. |
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| Darius Miles, SF (Por) | Miles didn't appear in the Blazers' season opener on Tuesday because he's still recovering from microfracture surgery on his right knee. Analysis: Even when Miles is cleared to play, it's unclear what role he'll have in the rebuilding Blazers' rotation. The team seems committed to its youth movement, which may leave little room for Miles. |
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| Peja Stojakovic, G-F (NO) | Stojakovic scored 19 points and went 4-for-7 from 3-point range in a season-opening win over Sacramento on Wednesday. Analysis: It was Stojakovic's first game since Nov. 24 of last season, when he suffered a back injury that required season-ending surgery. If he can stay healthy, the sharpshooter could bounce back strong in his second season with New Orleans. He averaged 18.2 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 43.7 percent from 3-point range in 71 games between Sacramento and Indiana in 2005-06. |
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| Adam Morrison, G-F (Cha) | Morrison will undergo season-ending knee surgery Nov. 10. Analysis: Morrison, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2006 draft, averaged 11.8 points as a rookie. But he struggled defensively, an area new coach Sam Vincent has stressed. He was scheduled to be a reserve this season after the Bobcats acquired Jason Richardson in a draft-night trade. But Vincent insists Morrison is still in the team's long-term plans. "Adam is going to be important to this team and his rehabilitation is going to be important to this team," Vincent said. |
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| Tim Duncan, F-C (SA) | The Spurs announced Friday that Duncan has signed a contract extension that likely means the NBA superstar will end his career in Texas. Analysis: The Spurs, citing club policy, didn't release any specifics, calling it a "multiyear contract extension." It has been widely reported that it is a two-year, $40 million extension that will keep Duncan in San Antonio at least through the 2011-12 season. The 31-year-old Duncan has led the Spurs to four NBA titles in the past nine seasons, and he was the finals MVP for the first three. He also won back-to-back league MVP titles in 2002-03. |
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| Kurt Thomas, F-C (Sea) | Thomas hasn't made his Sonics debut yet because of a strained right hamstring. Analysis: Thomas, whom the Sonics acquired from Phoenix in July, averaged 4.6 points and 5.7 rebounds for the Suns last season. He's day-to-day. |
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| Robert Swift, C (Sea) | Swift didn't play in the Sonics' season opener because he's still recovering from major knee surgery. Analysis: It's uncertain when Swift will return to the Seattle lineup. He averaged 6.4 points and 5.6 rebounds in 47 games last season before suffering the knee injury. |
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| Justin Williams, F-C (Sac) | Team spokesman Troy Hanson said Williams has been given an indefinite leave of absence while he is being investigated on charges of sexual assault. Analysis: Williams' attorney claims Williams and his girlfriend had consensual sex with the female accuser. It's uncertain when he could return to the court. |
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| Shaun Livingston, PG (LAC) | Livingston is still recovering from major knee surgery and won't make his season debut for several months. Analysis: Livingston tore parts of his anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and lateral meniscus in a gruesome fall last March, and should be sidelined until late this season. |
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| Oleksiy Pecherov, C (Was) | Pecherov's NBA debut was put on hold when he sprained his ankle in practice Sunday. Analysis: The 7-footer from Ukraine is expected to miss up to two weeks. |
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| Adrian Griffin, G-F (Chi) | Griffin didn't play in the Bulls' season opener on Wednesday because of a back injury. Analysis: Griffin is listed as day-to-day. Even when healthy, he has no fantasy value. |
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| Awvee Storey, G-F (Mil) | Storey missed the Bucks' season opener because of a hip injury. Analysis: Storey hasn't appeared in a regular-season game since the end of the 2005-06 season. He signed a multiyear contract with the Bucks in the offseason, but don't expect much fantasy production when he gets healthy. He's listed as day-to-day. |
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| Louis Amundson, F (Phi) | Amundson missed the 76ers' season opener because of a hip injury. Analysis: Amundson averaged 1.5 and 2.5 rebounds in 11 games between Utah and Philadelphia last season. He's day-to-day. |
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| Lorenzen Wright, C (Atl) | Wright was inactive for the Hawks' season opener because of a groin injury. Analysis: Wright, who averaged 2.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in 67 games last season, is listed as day-to-day. |
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| Speedy Claxton, PG (Atl) | Claxton was inactive for the Hawks' season opener Friday because of his continuing struggles with knee soreness. Analysis: Claxton is listed as day-to-day, but his return is uncertain. He's played only 42 games for the Hawks since signing a four-year, $25 million contract with Atlanta in July 2006. |
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| Zaza Pachulia, F-C (Atl) | Pachulia was inactive for the Hawks' season opener on Friday because of a sprained left knee. Analysis: Pachulia could be out until mid-November. His role with the team upon his return will likely be dependent on how the Hawks' young big men fare in Pachulia's absence. Rookie Al Horford and second-year Shelden Williams have a chance to show they belong in the starting lineup. |
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| Ray Allen, SG (Bos) | Allen had 17 points with two 3-pointers in his regular-season debut with the Celtics on Friday night. Analysis: Allen missed the last month of last season with ankle injuries, but appears to have completely recovered from the surgeries. He might not score as much as he did last season, when he was the primary option for Seattle, but expect him to get plenty of good looks as Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce draw defense away from Allen. |
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| Wally Szczerbiak, G-F (Sea) | Szczerbiak had two points in his Sonics debut on Wednesday. Analysis: Szczerbiak appears healthy after missing much of last season with an ankle injury, but it's becoming clear that he isn't going to be a major player in Seattle's new-look offense. With the team committed to a youth movement, Szczerbiak will likely see limited minutes off the bench. Through two games, he's averaging 4.0 points in 12.5 minutes. |
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| Chris Mihm, F-C (LAL) | Mihm scored three points in the Lakers' season opener on Tuesday. Analysis: It was Mihm's first game since March of 2006 because of ankle surgery. He was having a solid 2005-06 campaign before he got hurt, but likely won't get enough playing time to be a factor this season. |
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| Jamal Crawford, SG (NY) | Crawford led the Knicks with 25 points and six assists in the Knicks' 110-106 loss to Cleveland in their season opener on Friday night. Analysis: It was Crawford's first game since missing the last six weeks of last season with a stress fracture in his right ankle. Crawford was having one of the best seasons of his career before the injury, and appears to be pikcing up where he left off. Even in a crowded Knicks backcourt, he remains a focus of their offense and a solid fantasy option. |
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| Michael Redd, G-F (Mil) | Redd scored 25 points in the Bucks' season opener on Wednesday. Analysis: In his first two games of the season, Redd is averaging 23.0 points. He's also combined for six 3-pointers in those games. Redd appears fully healthy after missing the end of last season with pain in his left knee. Before last season, Redd had played in at least 75 games in each of the previous four seasons. If he can stay healthy, he's an elite fantasy option. |
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| Brian Scalabrine, F-C (Bos) | Scalabrine had nine points, three rebounds and three assists in the Celtics' season opener on Friday. Analysis: It was Scalabrine's first game since March 21 because of season-ending hand surgery last spring. He could get a reasonable amount of playing time on a relatively shallow Boston team this season, but he isn't a very valuable fantasy option. |
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| Earl Watson, PG (Sea) | Watson had seven points, eight assists and six rebounds in the Sonics' loss to Phoenix on Thursday. Analysis: Watson has had success as a playmaker, averaging 7.5 assists in his first two games of the season. But he's struggling with his shot, going just 4-for-16 in those contests. Seattle has numerous backcourt options, including several who can make it as starting point guards, so continue to monitor the situation. Currently, Watson has the edge over Luke Ridnour and Delonte West. |
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| Amare Stoudemire, C (Pho) | Stoudemire had 23 points and 11 rebounds in the Suns' season-opening win over Seattle on Thursday. Analysis: Stoudemire looks like he has fully recovered from minor knee surgery in early October. Stoudemire, who had major surgery on his other knee in 2006, is an elite fantasy option when he's healthy. In his first season back from microfracture surgery, he averaged 20.4 points and 9.6 rebounds while shooting 57.5 percent from the field in 82 games in 2006-07. |
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| Kevin Garnett, F (Bos) | In his first regular season game with the Celtics, Garnett had 22 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocked shots. Analysis: It was a dominant performance by Garnett, who joined the Celtics in an offseason trade from Minnesota. There was some concern that the Celtics' new "Big Three" would struggle to share the ball, but Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce each took at least 10 shots and scored at least 17 points apiece. |
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| Paul Pierce, G-F (Bos) | Pierce led the Celtics with 28 points and added five rebounds and four assists in the season-opening win over Washington on Friday. Analysis: There was some concern that the Celtics' new "Big Three" would struggle to share the ball, but Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen each took at least 10 shots and scored at least 17 points apiece. |
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| Gilbert Arenas, PG (Was) | Arenas had 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals on Friday, but shot just 5-for-20 from the field in the Wizard's loss at Boston. Analysis: Arenas had guaranteed a victory in his NBA.com blog, but the Wizards fell 103-83. Despite his struggles from the field and his fading credibility, Arenas remains an elite fantasy option. He's a must start whenever he's healthy. |
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| Antawn Jamison, F (Was) | Jamison went just 4-for-15 in the Wizards' loss at Boston on Friday. Analysis: Jamison has double-doubles in both games so far this season, and is averaging 18.5 points and 13.0 rebounds. But he's shooting just 30.0 percent from the field. He shot 45.0 percent in 70 games last season, so expect him to find his range soon. |
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