12/31

R. Felton assist totals over his last seven games have been over his season average including 34 assists in his last two games.  Brevin Knight has played in only 1 of those past 7 games and is expected to be out at least another 4 weeks.  This will contribute to Felton continuing to rack up the assists.  

Matt Carroll has had double digit field goal attempts in his last four games and has hit 8 treys in his last two games.  One of those games was a triple overtime game.  Knight's absence should also contribute to him continuing to get some playing time.  

Dwyane Wade missed yesterdays game with a wrist injury.  He should be back in the Heats next game. 

T. Ariza has scored in double digits his last six games and has also been giving contributions in steals and rebounds.  He is a strong free agent pickup candidate. 

R. Foye has scored in double digits in 7of his last 9 games raising his season scoring averaged to 8 ppg.   He is a strong free throw shooter but still needs to develop other parts of his game. 

M. Moore has started the past four games for the Nets but was finally productive going for 20 pts yesterday.  He is a candidate to benefit from Kristic's absence.  

S. Swift returned from a 3 games absence to post 15 pts, 14 reb, and 2 bl.  Note a coaching change may benefit him in Memphis.  

Marc Jackson has started the last 3 games for the short handed Hornets.  He had 20 pts yesterday. 

B. Gordon has scored 18 or more in his last 12 games.  But note that over his last 10 games he has more turnovers than assists. 

Brendan Haywood did not play yesterday because of a sprained ankle. 

C. Villanueva has not started in his last 7 games and played only 3 min yesterday.  Charlie Bell and Rueben Patterson having been getting the playing time.  It could be the 3 min was injury related.  

J. Przybilla has blocked 16 shots over his last 6 games.  That is the extent of his contributions though. 

Jason Richardson broke his hand and could be out up to 2 months.  His nightmare season continues.  His owners should consider the option of waiving him. 

Ben Wallace played limited minutes due to a sprained ankle.  He is day to day.   

Donyell Marshall has scored in double digits in his last two games averaging around 30 mpg. 

12/29

Alexander Johnson  has started the last six games for the Grizzlies. Last night he set season highs with 23 points and 10 reb.  Stromile Swift was DNP in this game.  A further upside for Johnson would be a potential trade of Gasol. 

R. Gay has shown the potential to contribute in all the categories but his playing time is unpredictable and he has been shooting low percentages.  He also has some upside via a Gasol trade and he may be available in your league. 

Brendan Haywood  has started the last seven games for the Wizards and is averaging over a double double the past three games.  During this time Etan Thomas has been out with an injury. 

Yao Ming's absence has not led to the emergence of anyone with fantasy value.  Juwan Howard and Dikembe Mutombo are getting more minutes but that is about it. 

J. Boone played a season high 29 minutes before fouling out and had 12 rebounds for the Nets.  He is a long shot candidate to prosper with Kristic out. 

R. Foye had a good offensive game with 25 pts in 25 min including the game winning basket.  He should get better as the season goes on. 

G. Green looks like he has the potential to be a stat stuffer. Yesterday his line included 18 pts, 8 reb, 4 bl, 2 st, and 2 treys.  He should be picked up if available.  

The Sonics opted to started Ray Allen for Rashard Lewis and have Damien Wilkins come off the bench and play only 17 minutes.  This may have been because of the matchups against the Hornets and is not necessarily the end of Wilkins run of fantasy value.  

R. Carney started for the Sixers and had 25 pts, 8 reb, and 2 stl.  This comes with the Sixers relatively healthy so it could be a sign of things to come. 

M. Barnes has hit 12 treys in his last three games and his future potential looks good.  He had 25 pts yesterday.  Monta Ellis did not play in this game. 

Chris Paul will miss at least a week with a sprained ankle.  This should further guarantee the playing time of J. Pargo. 

Rasho Nesterovic has almost been serviceable in his last three games for the Raptors.  Yesterday he had 3 blocks. 

12/22/06

Rashard Lewis has swelling in his hand and may miss some time.  This gives new life to the fantasy value of Damien Wilkens who was about to suffer a setback with the return of Ray Allen.  The same may be said for Earl Watson who should indirectly find extra minutes with Lewis potentially out. 

Paul Pierce will miss at two or three weeks with a stress reaction in his foot.  With Wally S.  still unreliable others will be counted on to score more.  Al Jefferson and Tony Allen may build on their recent surge in scoring.  Delonte West and Gerald Green who may now be free agents in your league may be worth picking up.  Check out the Celtics box score tonight to see who emerges. 

From the reports I read, I assume that Ron Artest may be on the verge of going AWOL.  I assume John Salmons is not available in your league but if he is he could have sustained value.  He is averaging several career highs for the struggling Kings this season. 

Bruce Bowen has been providing teams with a fairly steady diet of threes and steals over the last ten games averaging 2 treys and 1.3 steals. 

Those who saw last nights TNT broadcast saw Jason Maxiell being compared to Charles Barkley with them going as far as showing clips of the 'round mound of rebound'.  Seems like quite a stretch but Maxiell continues to show results on a per minute basis. 

Andrew Bynum saw 25 minutes of playing time in his most recent game.  The last time he saw this long of a run was November 19^th.  The Lakers may more frequently play Kwame and Bynum at the same time to the benefit of Bynum. 

With Tyron Lue currently hurt, Speedy Claxton should have an opportunity to continue his recent resurgence. This includes averages of 13.7 pts, 10 ast, and 3.7 stl  over his last three games. 

12/19/06

ESPN.com is reporting that a trade that would send Andre Miller, Joe Smith and two 2007 first-round picks to the Sixers for Iverson has been agreed upon. Iverson owners should be relieved that Iverson will be back on the court and should continue to score unabated in Denver UNTIL Carmelo and JR Smith return.  At this point it could be expected that Carmelo, Iverson, and JR Smith will be scoring less than they did before the trade with Smith taking the biggest hit. 

One would think that Kevin Ollie and not Willie Green will see less minutes after Miller  arrives in Philly.  It would be expected that Miller would average fewer assists until he gets more familiar with the offense but may never get to the level he had in Denver without a potent scoring threat such as Anthony to pass to.  Iguodala should continue now to have the opportunity to develop his offensive game. 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2702501 

12/18/06

Carmelo Anthony was suspended for 15 games and JR Smith was suspended for 10 games for their role in the brawl.  These two represent the highest scoring duo in the NBA.  For the next 10 games others on the Nuggets will get minutes in their place and will be expect to score more.  Candidates to see an increase in fantasy value include R. Evans, Earl Boykins, and Eduardo Najera.  In deeper leagues Yakhouba Diawara may be a consideration.  Reggie Evans could be a player to offer support in the rebound category over the Nuggets next 10 games and Najera could provide little help in multiple categories.  It does not appear as if the Knicks suspensions will have much impact on their rotation.  Nate Robinson will be out for 10 games and Jared Jeffries out for 4 games. 

The Hornets will continue to be shorthanded. Peja Stojakovic underwent surgery on his back to remove a disc fragment. David West is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his elbow on Wednesday.  Rasual Butler and Jannero Pargo will be relied upon to provide offense for the Hornets.  They can score but do not shoot a high percentage. 

Caron Butler had 27 points including 13-15 FT and 5 assists.  He is over 25 pts in his last three games and is shooting his typical high FT%.  Now may be a time to sell high. 

Gilbert Arenas had 60 points in an overtime game on 17-32 FG, 5-12 3-pointers, and 21-27 FT, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.   

Vladimir Radmanovic had 27 points on 11-16 FG and 5-9 3-pointers as a starter for Lamar Odom. He is worth picking up if available as he looks like the prime candidate to play for Odom. 

Jorge Garbajosa had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. In his last 9 games he is averaging 11 pts, 6.6 reb, 1.2 st, and 0.8 treys..

Andrea Bargnani had 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 blocks.  He is developing faster than what was expected from him. 

Morris Peterson had 23 points on 9-15 FG and 5-9 3-pointers and 9 rebounds.  This is his best game since returning from an injury and should help to move him back towards the starting lineup. 

Monta Ellis had 28 points including 10-14 FG and 7 turnovers.  Jason Richardson  did not play due to a bruised knee. 

Jermaine O'Neal had 31 points including 11-13 FT, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks.  This is the type of line I suggest to use when trying to trade him before his next injury. 

Rafer Alston had 26 points and 8 assists.  While he shoots a low percentage he has been quietly providing some nice fantasy numbers..

Chris Kaman had 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 turnovers. While he is still hurting his teams in the percentage categories, his play has been generally improving.   

The LA Clippers placed Sam Cassell on IL with a sore left heel. Shaun Livingston had 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists.  Livingston had one of his best all around games. 

Detroit placed Rasheed Wallace on IL with sore ankles. Jason Maxiell had 17 points including 7-11 FT and 12 rebounds but Wallace is expected back soon 

12/13/06

Pau Gasol's may play on Saturday.  Perhaps consider a trade offer for Gasol while he still may be at a discount? 

Jermaine O'Neal may play tonight.  He is averaging a career high in blocks this season at 3.1 bpg.  But realize the past two seasons he has not played more than 51 games.  Owners should consider targeting a team in their league low in blocks to trade O'Neal to after he plays a few games on the assumption his injury problem will remain chronic. 

Ike Diogu will likely return in the next week or two.  His must be considered a threat to Andris Biedrins despite his good play.  Last night Biedrins had one of his better recent games with 20 points on 7-7 FG and 6-6 FT, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks. 

Lamar Odom sprained his knee and may be out for more than a month.  There is not one player who is obvious to step up for him.  His playing time will likely be split up but watch the next Lakers game to see the revised playing rotation. Yesterday Luke Walton continued his all around play with 18 points including 7-10 FG, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists.  He is certainly a candidate to put up bigger numbers. 

Houston activated Bonzi Wells and placed Tracy McGrady on IL with back spasms.  There is no time frame for McGrady's return.  Wells played 5 min yesterday. Luther Head had 21 points including 4-8 3-pointers as a starter.  Considering Wells past history of behavior problems and his current feud with Van Gundy, his future does not look bright.  

It appears Charlie Bell is the one to take the hit with the return of Charlie V.  Yesterday Ruben Patterson had 21 points including 8-10 FG and 4 steals. 

Andrew Bogut had 16 points including 7-8 FG, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists.  The assists are a season high but he has not blocked a shot in five games. 

Chris Wilcox has been getting heavy minutes lately and has scored in double figures in his last 6 games - he has had at least 7 reb in these games. Yesterday Wilcox had 16 points including 7-11 FG, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals. 

Matt Barnes had 32 points on 13-22 FG and 6-9 3-pointers, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals.  Based on his last two games he is worth taking a chance on if available.  

With Dorell Wright seeing less playing time James Posey is seeing more.  Since returning from an injury, Posey has hit 10 threes in six games. 

12/12

S. Cassell has been playing erratic minutes due to plantar fasciitis in his foot giving Shaun Livingston time to become comfortable as a starter.  Livingston fantasy value comes from assists and some points. 

T. Ariza has scored in double figures in his last three games including 19 last night.  He has yet to break the 30 min mark though.  His upside is playing behind Grant Hill.  Historically he has been good in the steal category but his per minute averages for steals has dropped this season. 

Matt Barnes hit the 20 point mark yesterday in a game in which Jason Richardson did not play.  He had broken 20 pts a couple times also in late November.  His playing time will likely be erratic for now. 

It appears as if the draft day gamble of Amare Stoudemire is now paying dividends.  A similar gamble on Jason Richardson has not paid dividends.  It could have just as easily been the other way around as far as the typical fantasy owner knew. 

Yesterday Zach Randolph had 18 pts and 10 reb but no assists, steals, or blocks - and no 3's of course.  That 18 and 10 line is not a great as it looks without any support. 

I had thought Willie Green would step up without Iverson but that has not happened.  Those with Iverson should be prepared for a long wait.  Recall how long it took to trade Artest last season.  Rather than trying to guess whose value changes with a trade before it happens, the fantasy owner should hope to be lucky and learn of the trade before other managers in the league and be able to react quickly.  I will send out an email as soon as I am able upon Iverson being traded. 

12/11

E. Watson and D. Wilkins each have benefited with Ray Allen out of the lineup.  Watson has played far better with the increased playing time and Wilkins has provided a bunch of steals. 

M. Ginobili continues to be eased back into the lineup after being out with a back injury.  His minutes should increase at the expense of Michael Finley. 

S. May has scored in double digits in three of his last four games as he has started in place of Primoz Brezec.  Yesterday he was 8-10 from the field and had 26 pts and 10 reb. 

Yesterday M. Webster had 22 pts, 3 treys, and 8 reb.  He seems to be alternating bad games with good games at this time. 

M. Peterson seems to be quickly rounding into form after missing a number of games with an elbow injury.  Yesterday he had 23 pts, 5 reb, 2 st, and 3 treys off the bench.  Chris Bosh did not play in this game. Andrea Barganani started for Bosh but was not that productive. 

Anderson Varejao  and Donyell Marshall each had good games with Drew Gooden out with an injury.  Gooden is day to day with a strained groin 

S. Stoudamire has hit 3 treys in 4 of his last 5 games.  Joe Johnson did not play for the Hawks yesterday giving Stoudamire more scoring opportunities.  Johnson is day to day with a calf injury. 

Jermaine O'Neal may have a partially torn hamstring.  This is another of a long list of injuries for him.  He can be considered day to day at this point.  Jeff Foster could be a short term pickup for rebounds. 

I did not trust Tracy McGrady's back problems would stay away for an entire season despite all the positive reports in the preseason and it seems the rigors of the regular season are causing his back to flare up and require treatment again. 

12/5

P. Millsap has continued to show good fantasy potential.  Those with Kirilenko should keep their eyes on as insurance if he goes down.  Millsap also may be playable now in deeper leagues.   

Because of injuries, Rasual Butler had the opportunity to play and score 33 points in his most recent game on Dec 1. He may get that opportunity again in his next game on Dec. 6. 

With Ron Artest in and out of the lineup, John Salmons has been seeing more playing time.  He is averaging 18 pts, 5 reb, and 3.5 ast in his last two games.  Owners of Artest should consider him. 

Eric Snow went through a 3 game stretch recently where he scored in double figures and supplied at least 8 apg however in his most recent game his numbers calmed down closer to their usual level. 

Earl Watson has not been good for the Sonics however trade rumors regarding him represent some upside.