12/19 Notes
The Charlotte Bobcats acquired Nazr Mohammed from Detroit in exchange for Primoz Brezec and Walter Herrmann. Since Mohammed is signed through 2011, and Brezec and Hermann have expiring contracts, it is apparent the Bobcats feel Mohammed can fill their need for help in the front court. There are some in the NBA, such as the Detroit Pistons, who feel Mohammed is not a serviceable NBA player. Otherwise they would not have traded for two players who can not break the rotation of a losing team. And the Pistons so far have not been too wrong about Darko Milicic.

Mohammed on multiple occasions in his career has shown some potential but has never really established himself with an NBA team. However, from a fantasy perspective he has always been not too bad. Projecting not only his career stats, but also his recent Detroit stats to 30 minutes would show he is capable of averaging around 11 pts, 10 reb, and 1 block if given that playing time. Once thing is certain, and that is he should see more than the 11 minutes he was seeing in Detroit.

In his first game with Charlotte he played 20 minutes (he had 5 fouls). Fantasy owners should watch his game on Weds, Dec 19th to see if his playing time increases. He is worth a chance for owners needing a center and you may want to take a gamble before a big game catches the attention of your competition.

12/17 Notes

Kris Humphries has been gaining some momentum in the Raptors lineup, taking advantage of playing time made available as a result of Andre Bargnani being unproductive.  In the last two games Jamario Moon has played also fewer than the usual minutes likely as a result of Humphries as well. Humphries has scored in double figures in his last three games and yesterday his stat line included 9 reb and 2 stl.  Over his last nine games he has averaged around 20 minutes and has also shown the ability to have a all around game getting 0.7 bpg and 0.6 spg in this period.  At this time though I would recommend only paying attention to him if your league has more than 150 players.

Channing Frye was hot from the field making 10 of 13 shots on his way to 20 pts, 9 reb, and 1 block.  A likely scenario would be for his value to go away with the return of LaMarcus Aldridge right about the time his new owners get him in their lineup based on this performance.

The emergence of Travis Outlaw has resulted in Martell Webster getting less playing time.  Over his last 8 games Webster has averaged 24 mpg and 9 ppg compared to his season averages of 31 mpg and 11 ppg.  Outlaw has not shown signs of letting up and the Blazers have been winning.

Rookie Paul Davis got a start for the Clippers with Tim Thomas out with a sprained ankle.  He had 10 pts and 5 reb in 20 minutes but is a long shot to have fantasy value.

12/16 Notes

Anthony Johnson has started the last fourteen games for the Hawks although he typically does not play extended minutes.  Those in deeper leagues may want to consider him if they need support in the assist category.  Over his last eight games he has averaged 5 apg.  Injuries to other Hawk point guards have been giving him this opportunity.  Acie Law has been missing many games due to a sore ankle and a sore knee.

Dwight Howard put up his usual big numbers yesterday but put up a nice small number in turnovers - one.  In his 25 games this season he has committed one or less turnovers only three times.  Free throw shooting remains an issue as he was 11-17 yesterday.

D. Wade has bigger TO problems with 8 in each of his last two games.

Antonio Daniels will miss 2-4 weeks with a knee injury.  So far the person to see the biggest benefit is DeShawn Stevenson who played 45 minutes yesterday and had 19 pts, 7 ast, and 5 treys.  He had already been more assertive offensively as a result of the Gilbert Arenas injury.  Nick Young started but played only 14 minutes because of foul trouble.

Samuel Dalembert has averaged 10 pts, 11 reb, and 3.3 blocks over his last nine games.  Yesterday he had 18 rebounds.

Since going 13-17 FG in a game, Larry Hughes has gone 5-24 FG in two games with no steals.  Next time he goes 13-17 owners should consider trading?

Fred Jones has started the last four games for the Knicks with mixed results. When Marbury returns on Monday his playing time will dramatically decrease.

Morrris Peterson had his best offensive game since Nov 14 with 24 pts and 4 treys. He had missed a couple games with a back injury and had not been effective much lately.  Perhaps the time off will help him going forward.

Fabrico Oberto has been showing some unexpected strength in rebounds and assists lately.  Yesterday he had 21 pts, 13 reb, and 5 ast in a game in which Tim Duncan played.  It was his first double double since Nov 20.

Craig Smith has been hot and cold lately going for 36 points four games ago and then 30 pts and 10 reb last night.  It looks as if he has the potential to have decent fantasy value for the remainder of the season for the Timberwolves.

Yi Jianlian receiving extended playing time in favor of Charlie V yesterday.  He ended with 22 pts, 7 reb, and 2 bl.

Ronnie Brewer had 5 steals yesterday.  His last multi steal game had been Nov 30^th which is quite a drought for him.

Okur is expected to miss another week which should result in Paul Millsap having fantasy value next week.

Kurt Thomas has been producing more than expected in his last five games but is day to day with an ankle.

Tim Thomas is day to day with a sprained ankle.

12/12 Notes

Jamario Moon, a long shot for fantasy value at the beginning of the season. seems to be falling back down to earth but still showing signs of value by virtue of his rebounding and shot blocking.  Don't be surprised if he slips back to free agent material at some point.

Larry Hughes has been filling out the stat sheet in two games since returning from an injury.  His was a bit lucky last night in terms of his field goal shooting on his way to a 36 point, 5 trey, 3 stl, and 2 block outing.  Just remember, he is the type of player who can miss three weeks with a bruise, an injury I suspect other players might play through.

Antoine Wright's fantasy value has disappeared in recent games after missing a couple game with injury.  He has become a candidate to waive from your roster.

Kyle Lowry has averaged over 30 minutes in his last three games and has scored in double figures in each AND blocked a shot in each.  He can also offer support in the assist category.  He has gained preference over Juan Carlos Navarro.

The day after writing his obituary, Tyrus Thomas generated 8 pts, 9 reb, 4 ast, 2 st, and 1 bl in 20 min although was only 1 for 6.  This came in a blowout.

With LeMarcus Aldridge out, Joel Przybilla saw an increase in fantasy value with 5 blocks and 10 rebounds.  Martell Webster picked up the scoring with 25 pts.

After beginning the season hot, Ronnie Brewer has tapered off lately to the point where owners may want to consider other options.  His main asset has been steals.

They did not accidentally write Matt Bonner in place of Tim Duncan in that 25 pt, 17 rebound game.  Bonner was certainly out of character for this career game.  While this will not be sustained, he might continue to have fantasy value while Duncan remains out.

12/11 Notes

Two of Dorell Wright's past three games have been very productive and he has started the past four games for the Heat.  Yesterday he had 16 pts, 12 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl, and 1 bl.  He began the season as a starter, lost his role and now has it back.  He is worth consideration as a free agent pickup.

LaMarcus Aldridge will miss a week with a sore foot.  Before the injury Travis Outlaw was averaging 25-30 mpg and was showing some signs of being a consistent player. With Aldridge out, Outlaw should see a short term boost in value.  Channing Frye may also become playable in the short term in some leagues.

12/10 Notes

Luke Walton missed a game with an ankle injury that is not serious but it did give Trevor Ariza an opportunity for more playing time.  Ariza played 26 min and had 11 points, 1 stl, and 1 block.  Ariza's playing time remains inconsistent but seeing as the Lakers gave up two players for him you would think they would like to find a regular role for him.

Al Harrington played only 15 minutes yesterday.  This is his second straight sub-twenty minute game and is not injury related but rather Don Nelson tweaking his playing rotation.  For the season Harrington is averaging 28 mpg.

Chris Quinn started for Jason Williams who did not play because of a sprained ankle.  He played 44 minutes and had 13 pts, 3 ast, and 2 stl in a Heat win.  This was his third start of the year - he had not played in his previous three games.  He remains a long shot to have fantasy value.

Tyrus Thomas' status has hit the dreaded Coaches Decision-DNP.  As a minimum it will take some time to get back into the playing rotation. Joakim Noah is partially responsible for Thomas' reduced role.

Stephon Marbury has been playing fewer minutes as a result of the impact of his fathers sudden death.

12/5 Notes

Kevin Martin is expected to miss at least four weeks with a groin tear.  On the season Martin had been averaging 39 mpg and providing his fantasy teams with outstanding fantasy value particularly from the FT line.  His 39 mpg will likely be split between John Salmons and Francisco Garcia.  Salmons had shown earlier in the season the ability to put up some numbers when he received extended playing time in place of the suspended Ron Artest.  He will primarily supply points but also contributes some in the other categories.  Salmons will likely be worth a roster spot in most league formats. In deeper leagues, and perhaps even in typical leagues, Francisco Garcia should get more playing time and now can be considered for a roster spot.  Garcia could end up with value not far behind Salmons as he can contribute a little bit across the stat sheet.

Yi Jianlin and Charlie Villanueva have been in a time share lately.  If ones gets injured the other one should instantly have some fantasy value.

Trevor Ariza had his best game as a Laker with 15 pts and 4 stls.  It appears for now Luke Walton will be in a time share with Ariza and have limited value despite getting the start yesterday.

Mike Dunleavy is on his way to a career year as a result of improvements in his three point and free throw percentages.  After 19 games, one can conclude it is more than an early season hot streak.  He is averaging a career high 16.7 ppg and 1.5 treys per game.

With LeBron James out, Shannon Brown started for the Cavs and had 20 pts, 4 reb, and 4 ast.  His value will be removed when LeBron (and Varejao) return.

Carlos Delfino should continue to have fantasy value while Bosh and Bargnani are out with injuries.

12/4 Notes

The Bobcats started rookie Jared Dudley yesterday at center.  In his two games as a starter this season he has averaged 13.5 pts, 9.5 reb, and 1.5 stl.  It is tough expect too much though as 3 times in his last 7 games he was given less than 5 minutes of playing time.

Travis Outlaw has put together back to back strong games.  The key to his improved value is his increase in shot attempts.  He seems like a desirable free agent pick up now in most league formats.

Juan Carlos Navarro has now hit 18 treys in his last five games.  Michael Conley is still a couple weeks from returning and Kyle Lowry has not been shooting well over the past seven games making the chances of his continued value good.

Ben Wallace played 48 minutes yesterday and did not block a shot.  He is averaging 1.4 bpg in 32 mpg this season - this was once the core of his fantasy value.

Dwight Howard nearly had a quadruple double (if you were to consider his 9 TO's!).  His points, reb, and blocks have been good but turnovers and his lack of improvement in FT% continues to be a fantasy problem for him.

Andersen Varajeo signed an offer sheet with the Bobcats however he will likely end up with the Cavaliers with similar value as to what he had last year (average at best).

Lebron continues to be day to day with an injured finger.