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 Nash returns with 20-10 night
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Steve Nash, PG PHO |
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| News: Suns G Steve Nash returned to action Thursday night after being sidelined with flu-like symptoms. He scored 20 points and had 10 assists in 30 minutes in a 112-97 loss to the Mavericks. Nash had a solid night but it wasn't enough to put the Suns over the top. |
Analysis: Nash exceeded his averages for the season, but he's still not the player Fantasy owners want him to be, averaging less assists than usual. Still, he is a must-start in all Fantasy leagues. |
 Brand doesn't travel, won't play
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Elton Brand, PF PHI |
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| News: Philadelphia forward Elton Brand will miss Friday's game at Detroit with a strained right hamstring. Brand had an MRI on Thursday and did not travel with the Sixers. He is listed as day-to-day. |
Analysis: Brand didn't play the final 17 minutes of the 76ers' 114-102 loss to the Lakers on Wednesday when he first complained of the injury. He was limited to three points on 1-for-7 shooting in 25 ineffective minutes. he Sixers have a back-to-back set on Friday and Saturday in Detroit and at home against New Jersey. It is possible he could miss both games and would be an injury risk for the upcoming scoring period. |
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K. Martin blocking shots lately
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Updated 12/5/2008 |
| Kenyon Martin, PF DEN |
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| News: Nuggets PF Kenyon Martin had 12 points, five rebounds and three assists in 31 minutes of play Thursday against the Spurs -- numbers about in line with his averages. But he also had two blocks, giving him at least two in five of his last seven games. He has a five-block and a four-block effort during that stretch. |
Analysis: Something about the basketball just makes Martin want to swat it lately. Considering he averages only 1.3 blocks per game during his career, this hot streak likely won't last. He gets enough points and rebounds, though, to serve as a No. 3 Fantasy forward. |
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Smith gets double-double off bench
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Updated 12/5/2008 |
| J.R. Smith, SG DEN |
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| News: Nuggets reserve SG J.R. Smith had 15 points and 10 rebounds in 27 minutes Thursday against the Spurs, giving him his second double-double of the season. He also had four assists. |
Analysis: Smith is averaging 16 points over his last five games, but he has a zero-point effort mixed in there. His production remains spotty -- too spotty for you to start him in most Fantasy leagues. His ceiling makes him worth owning as a reserve option, though. |
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Billups' numbers back down to earth
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Updated 12/5/2008 |
| Chauncey Billups, PG DEN |
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| News: Nuggets PG Chauncey Billups, coming off two consecutive double-doubles in which he averaged 26 points and 12 assists, had only 12 points and four assists Thursday against the Spurs. He shot 5-for-13 from the field, including 2-for-4 from 3-point range. |
Analysis: Billups had just begun to play his best basketball since coming over from the Pistons. When the dust settles, he'll likely end up a better scorer with his new team and get more than enough assists to function as a No. 2 Fantasy guard. Keep him active. |
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Parker has best output since return
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Updated 12/5/2008 |
| Tony Parker, PG SA |
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| News: Spurs PG Tony Parker, playing in his fourth game since returning from an ankle injury, had 22 points and eight assists Thursday at Denver -- his most in either category since the return. He did, however, commit seven turnovers. |
Analysis: Parker is still averaging well above his career high in points per game, but he did most of his damage with Manu Ginobili sidelined by an ankle injury of his own. With Ginobili now back healthy and starting alongside Parker, expect Parker to return to his usual 19 points and six assists per game. He remains a No. 2 Fantasy guard. |
 Duncan factors in every category
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Updated 12/5/2008 |
| Tim Duncan, PF SA |
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| News: Spurs PF Tim Duncan, whose scoring had dipped a little in recent days, recorded his second straight double-double Thursday at Denver. He finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and five blocks in 39 minutes of action. |
Analysis: Duncan got off to a hot start this season, but his scoring has declined with the recent returns of Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker from injury. Still, he remains one of the best points-rebounds men in the league and a must-start in Fantasy. |
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Ginobili getting chance to start
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Updated 12/5/2008 |
| Manu Ginobili, SG SA |
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| News: Spurs SG Manu Ginobili, playing in only his sixth game since returning from offseason ankle surgery, started for a second straight game Wednesday at Denver. He had a season-high 21 points to go along with four rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes. |
Analysis: Ginobili's minutes have increased in every game he has played this season, and he's quickly getting up to speed after making a lightning-fast recovery from surgery. His averages still aren't quite back to their norms, but go ahead and get him active as a No. 2 Fantasy guard. |
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Bonner has good game as starter
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Updated 12/5/2008 |
| Matt Bonner, PF SA |
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| News: Spurs F/C Matt Bonner, making his second consecutive start and fifth this season, had 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in 29 minutes Thursday at Denver. He shot 6-for-8 from the field, including 2-for-2 from 3-point range. |
Analysis: Bonner had struggled in his previous forays into the starting lineup, averaging just 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 points on 26.7 percent shooting. He has the potential to perform this well, though, and might have turned a corner Thursday. Leave him on waivers, but monitor his progress. If he continues to start, he could make an impact in Fantasy as one of the few big men with 3-point range. |
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Howard a game-time decision Thursday
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Josh Howard, SF DAL |
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| News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Josh Howard will be a game-time decision for Thursday night's game against Phoenix. He has missed six games with an ankle sprain. |
Analysis: Howard brings near 20-10 potential with the 10 being rebounds -- a rare quality for a guard-eligible player -- so his Fantasy owners are itching to get him back in the lineup. It sounds like a return could come soon even if it does not happen Thursday night. |
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Williams gets significant minutes
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Updated 12/5/2008 |
| Shawne Williams, SF DAL |
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| News: Mavericks SF Shawne Williams set season highs in points (seven) and rebounds (12) in an unusually high 26 minutes Thursday against the Suns. He also had two assists. |
Analysis: Williams has played in only eight games this season and is usually one of the last players off the Mavericks bench. Dallas simply built up a big lead early, allowing him to play more. He should remain on waivers in virtually all Fantasy leagues. |
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Dunleavy closer to return
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Mike Dunleavy, SG IND |
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| News: The Indianapolis Star reports that Mike Dunleavy (knee) will undergo a test in the next week to 10 days to see if he is ready to start practicing. "We're going to see how the next week or so goes," he said. "I have to pass some test in terms of on-court activities, and after that, hopefully, I'll be able to pick it up more and more." |
Analysis: Dunleavy has missed the Pacers' first 18 games with a lingering knee injury that was not supposed to take this long to heal. The Star added that he attends every practice and game to get treatment on his knee. He spends significant time doing strength and conditioning work on his knee while his teammates practice. He then does on-court drills after practice. Many Fantasy owners are deciding to cut ties with him out of frustration over how long it is taking him tor return. We recommend stashing him if at all possible, though, as the Pacers have even said that they've built the offense around Dunleavy and Danny Granger. Last season's numbers show what kind of an asset Dunleavy can be when he returns. |
 Mobley thinking about retiring
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Cuttino Mobley, SG NY |
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| News: The New York Post reports that Cuttino Mobley is strongly mulling a medical retirement because of an enlarged heart condition and could make the announcement Friday, according to a person familiar with the situation. Mobley, 33, still has one more heart test left Thursday in Minnesota. It had been reported that Mobley had signed a waiver with the Clippers to release them of liability if he had heart problems. |
Analysis: If Mobley, obtained in the Zach Randolph trade from the Clippers, retires, it would free open a roster spot and save the Knicks about 75 percent of the $18. 9 million left on his pact because of insurance. Mobley, who gets all the money, was obtained more for his contract that expires after next season than for his game. However, if his situation gets resolved he would have some real appeal as a shooting guard for a Mike D'Antoni-led team. |
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Marbury: Waive me or play me, now
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Stephon Marbury, PG NY |
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| News: The New York Post reports that Stephon Marbury said Wednesday that he is no longer willing to negotiate a buyout and either wants to be released or be told to rejoin the team to play. "If they give me a uniform, I'm going to go out and play," Marbury told The Post. "It's their choice. I was getting ready to go back to practice and play [after Saturday's suspension]." |
Analysis: The Post added that Marbury's new tact sounded as if he was daring the Knicks to play him now that they are in desperate need of guard help. Marbury actually used the word "we" when talking about the Knicks' chances against the Cavaliers Wednesday night. Knicks president Donnie Walsh said he expects Marbury buyout talks to resume following Monday's failed meetings. The sides are now $3 million apart after Marbury withdrew his offer to take $1 million less than his contract, which has him earning $21.9 million. "The negotiations are over," Marbury said. "That's what they don't realize. I was wrong to try to buy my freedom. The money is off the table. I came to them with the million dollars. I didn't have to give them nothing." Continue to keep tabs on this ongoing soap opera. |
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Diaw scores 11 off bench
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Updated 12/5/2008 |
| Boris Diaw, SF PHO |
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| News: Suns SF Boris Diaw had 11 points off the bench for the Suns on Thursday against Dallas. It was the first time in five games that he had reached double digits. |
Analysis: As long as Amar'e Stoudemire is healthy, Diaw is going to see limited action for the Suns off the bench as a power forward. Diaw is a versatile player, but unless he is getting playing time, he isn't very valuable in Fantasy. Consider him a reserve until his role with the team changes. |
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Barnes is average against Mavs
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Updated 12/5/2008 |
| Matt Barnes, SF PHO |
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| News: Matt Barnes scored eight points and grabbed six rebounds in a loss to the Mavs on Thursday. It was the first time in three games he didn't reach double figures. |
Analysis: Barnes can be a regular contributor but has missed time for various reasons this season. However, he's only a No. 4 F for the time being. |
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Bad night for Shaq
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Updated 12/5/2008 |
| Shaquille O'Neal, C PHO |
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| News: Shaquille O'Neal had a rough night at Dallas on Thursday, hitting only one field goal en route to a four-point, five-rebound night in 26 minutes of action. O'Neal has now scored in single digits in his past two games. |
Analysis: O'Neal has bounced back well this season, but you wouldn't know it from his last two performances. He has been healthy throughout the season so far, which means he's likely due for an injury. Keep starting him in most leagues, but have other options available if he gets hurt. |
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Dampier grabs 14 boards
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Updated 12/5/2008 |
| Erick Dampier, C DAL |
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| News: Dallas C Erick Dampier pulled down a team-high 14 rebounds and scored nine points against the Suns on Thursday. It was the sixth time this season that he reached double figures in rebounds in one game. |
Analysis: Dampier is still the starting center in Dallas, which still makes him a somewhat valuable contributor in Fantasy. He's not going to score a ton of points, but he can be useful in Rotisserie leagues for his rebounding ability. Consider him a low-end No. 2 Fantasy center. |
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Barea solid in start
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Updated 12/5/2008 |
| Jose Juan Barea, PG DAL |
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| News: Mavericks PG Jose Juan Barea set another career-high with 18 points, four assists and three rebounds in a starting role for the Mavericks on Thursday against Phoenix. Barea's previous career-high of 15 was set in Dallas' last game against the Clippers on Tuesday. |
Analysis: Barea is probably seeing more playing time because Josh Howard hasn't been playing. When he does come back, expect Barea's minutes to drop drastically. Thus, he is at very best a low-end Fantasy guard at this point. |
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Nowitzki leads Mavericks over Suns
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Dirk Nowitzki, PF DAL |
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| News: Dirk Nowitzki matched his season high with 39 points and grabbed nine rebounds, leading the Mavericks to a 112-97 victory over the Suns on Thursday night. It was the first time he eclipsed the 30-point mark since Nov. 18 against the Bobcats. His other 39-point performance was at New York on Nov. 16. |
Analysis: In the first two games of the Mavericks' current homestand, Dirk has seen a significant jump in the amount of points he has scored. With five home games in a row on the schedule for Dallas, look for Dirk to put up big numbers the next two weeks. He should already be active in all leagues. |
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Ridnour remains productive
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Luke Ridnour, PG MIL |
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| News: Bucks G Luke Ridnour had 12 points and 10 assists in Wednesday's game against Chicago. He'd scored 15 points with six rebounds in his previous game against Cleveland. |
Analysis: Unlike Ramon Sessions, Ridnour has found a way to remain productive since the return of Michael Redd. He's going to continue to start for the time being with Sessions coming off the bench as a combo guard. Consider him someone to own in leagues of 12-plus teams to be used when the matchups call for it or as a stopgap option. |
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Sessions beginning to fade?
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Ramon Sessions, PG MIL |
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| News: Bucks G Ramon Sessions had just points in Wednesday's game against Chicago. He added nine assists and two rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench. |
Analysis: This was just the second game since Michael Redd returned from his injury you can begin to see the impact that Redd's presence may have on him. He played just 22 minutes, but had played 44 in Redd's first game. Continue to monitor his situation. He will have to find his position in the offense, but that could happen. |
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Kidd struggles offensively
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Jason Kidd, PG DAL |
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| News: Mavericks G Jason Kidd has shot 3-for-12 over his last two games, scoring a combined eight points. He was held scoreless in Tuesday's game against the Clippers. |
Analysis: Kidd is averaging under 10 points per game, but it's his contributions in assists and rebounds that make him so appealing still in Fantasy. He helps in just about every category outside of scoring and three-pointers. Continue to view him as a great start despite his scoring deficiencies. |
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Durant continues solid scoring
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Kevin Durant, SF OKC |
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| News: Thunder G/F Kevin Durant shot 9-for-12 from the field in Wednesday's game at Charlotte. It was his lowest shot total of the season, but he still managed 24 points. |
Analysis: Durant averaged 22.9 points in November and is clearly already an elite scorer. He still has to work on other areas of his game, but a 20-plus scoring average makes him no less than a No. 2 option at guard or forward -- depending on your league's eligibility. |
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Jefferson able to bounce back
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Al Jefferson, PF MIN |
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| News: Timberwolves C Al Jefferson had 19 points and eight rebounds in Friday's game in Orlando. He bounced back from a 3-for-11 shooting performance in his previous game in Charlotte. He'd finished that game with just eight points. |
Analysis: Even with that clunker mixed in, Jefferson is averaging 18.8 points and 11.2 rebounds over his last five games. He has shot 37-for-80 from the field in that span and is still looking like the top-flight Fantasy player that he is. |
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Harris getting to the foul line
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Devin Harris, SG NJ |
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| News: The Nets PR staff has noted that Devin Harris currently shows the second largest increase ever in free throws attempted per game from one season to the next. Harris averaged 4.7 free throws per game last season. He's up to 11.2, an increase of 6.5. |
Analysis: A month-and-a-half of NBA action is a small sample size, but Harris certainly seems to be making a more conscious effort to attack the basket and the result can be seen in his 24.8 scoring average so far. He is having a breakout season and should continue to be an elite Fantasy guard the rest of the way. |
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Boone hopes to return Dec. 10
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Josh Boone, PF NJ |
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| News: The New York Post reports that Josh Boone says he is walking without pain. The Nets center is aiming to return Dec. 10 against New York. "I'd like to play next week. I'm not sure when they're going to let me run again. The goal is to play next week. Hopefully Wednesday. New York. I'd like to be back for that one. I'd like to be back tomorrow." |
Analysis: They say you can't lose your job due to injury, but Boone might have done just that with rookie Brook Lopez playing so well in his absence. Boone has even talked of playing some power forward in an effort to get some playing time when he returns. At the moment, Boone is not a recommended starter in Fantasy, but he still has some worth in deeper leagues as a reserve. |
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Ollie gets a spot start
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Kevin Ollie, PG MIN |
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| News: Kevin Ollie got a start at point guard Wednesday night in Orlando. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that it is because coach Randy Wittman decided to give him the start because he gave the team good defense and energy. |
Analysis: Ollie earned his start with a solid second half in Monday's game at Charlotte. While he could continue to get decent playing time, the veteran is not expected to be a fixture in the starting lineup and does not put up numbers that are very useful in Fantasy. |
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Miller expects to play Friday
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Mike Miller, SF MIN |
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| News: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that an MRI of Mike Miller's injured right ankle done Thursday morning proved negative. Miller said he awoke with a stiff ankle, but that there was no swelling and said he would test it out Friday in New Jersey against the Nets. |
Analysis: Miller said he was lucky to avoid a serious injury. He said that the sprain was high up in the ankle, but was not the dreaded high ankle sprain. He remains day-to-day and sounds as if he will play Friday against the Nets. He got treatment on the ankle Thursday and was held out of practice. |
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Calderon still perfect from the line
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Jose Calderon, PG TOR |
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| News: Raptors G Jose Calderon has yet to miss a free throw this season. He has converted all 43 of his attempts. |
Analysis: Calderon also is second in the NBA in assists with a 9.5 average per game. The Raptors have fired head coach Sam Mitchell after their mediocre start this season and it is still unclear how the team's offensive scheme will look. However, Calderon's passing ability is sure to be exploited in whatever offense he is in. The free throw shooting is an added bonus. |
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Artest playing through injury
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Updated 12/4/2008 |
| Ron Artest, SF HOU |
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| News: The Houston Chronicle reports that Ron Artest was nearly scratched from Wednesday's game due to an ankle injury. Artest said he came close to sitting out because of his problems the past two weeks playing with a sprained right ankle. With Tracy McGrady out, though, Artest chose to keep playing. "With Mac out, we have to try to get some wins," Artest said. "Hopefully, when Mac and Brent get back, if it is still hurting by then, maybe I’ll take a game." |
Analysis: After Artest met with Rockets coach Rick Adelman, general manager Daryl Morey and trainer Keith Jones, the Rockets decided to hold Artest out of practices and shootarounds indefinitely. Fantasy owners should be aware that he could miss a game on short notice if the injury continues to worsen. |
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