Steph Curry has reinjured his right ankle

Steph Curry left the game with 30 seconds remaining in the 3rd, after Aaron Brooks stepped on his injured foot. Stay tuned.

Update: Curry returned to the game to finish with 25 PTS, 12 AST, 2 REB, 1 BLK, and 3 3PTS. Simply stunning...

Tonight's Notable Performers

Atlanta:

• Josh Smith had 11 PTS, 5 BLK, 4 AST, 6 REB and 1 3PT off 5-10 shooting. 
• Joe Johnson led his team with 22 PTS, 7 AST, 4 REB, 1 ST, and 1 3PT. We got what we expected from him.
• Mike Bibby is not dead after all. He had 19 PTS, 4 AST, 4 3PT, and 7-9 FG.
• Al Horford stunk it up with 2 PTS, 7 REB, 1 AST, and 1 ST. He played only 18 minutes. Is this why the Hawks didn't offer an extension?

Boston:

•  Rondo had an all-around game with 18 PTS, 9 AST, 3 ST, 4 REB, 8-12 FG, and 1 three pointer?
• Garnett had 15 REB, 2 ST, 1 BLK, 1 AST, 9 PTS.
• Big Baby Davis saw 29 minutes of action with 14 PTS, 5 REB, 7-11 FG. Over two games he's seen a notable bump in minutes over last season, where he only averaged 17 MPG.

Chicago:

• Derrick Rose led the team with 28 PTS (20 in the 1st half), 6 AST, 4 REB, 1 BLK, 2 TO, and 0-4 3PTS.
• Noah proved his worth with 18 PTS, 19 REB, 2 AST, 2 ST, and 2 BLK. 
• Filling in for an injured Boozer, Taj Gibson had 16 PTS, 11 REB, 2 AST, 2 ST.

Cleveland:

• JJ Hickson started over Antawn Jamison with 21 PTS, 8-11 FG, 6 REB, 1 BLK.
• Boobie Gibson had 16 PTS and 6 AST off the bench and played 27 minutes. 

Dallas:

• Dirk led scores with 28 PTS, 13 REB, 1 BLK, with zero 3s. 
• Caron Butler only had 13 PTS but had a team high 16 shot attempts. He'll get his shots, as this is his contract year and he's got something to prove. 
• Jason Terry had 22 PTS, 6 REB, 4 ST, and 2 ST.
• Chandler started surprisingly and earned 8 PTS, 8 REB, 1 ST, 2 BLK in 23 minutes. Not too bad, but his time-share situation with Haywood leaves little upside.

Denver:

• Carmelo led the team with 23 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST, 1 ST, 0 3PT.
• Afflalo continued his pre-season streak with 22 PTS, 3 AST, 2 REB, 2 ST, and 3 3PTS.

Golden State:

• Monta Ellis ties career-record with 46 PTS. He also had 3 REB, 2 AST, 2 ST, 1 TO.
• Curry had 25 PTS, 12 AST, 2 REB, 3 3PT, and 1 BLK.
• David Lee had 15 REB to go with 17 PTS, and 6 AST. 
• Biedrins managed 11 REB and 2 BLK in 27 minutes. 

 Indiana:

• Roy Hibbert led all scores with 28 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST, 3 BLK, 8-8 FT. It looks like a true breakout year for the big man.
• Granger had 26 PTS, 2 ST, 2 AST, 4 REB, 3 ST, and 10-19 shooting.
• Darren Collison played a decent game with 19 PTS, 7-13 FG, 1 3PT, 7 AST, 2 REB, 3 TO.

Memphis:

• Rudy had 21 PTS, 10 REB, 1 ST, and 2 AST. 
• Mike Conley: 23 PTS, 8 AST, 5 REB, 1 3PT. 
• 'The Black Hole', Zach Randolph played only 15 muntes and had a measley 4 PTS

Miami:

• Dwayne led the way with 30 PTS, 10-12 FG, 7 REB, 4 AST, 3 ST, 2 BLK, 1 TO.
• Lebron only attempted 12 shots with 16 PTS, 7 AST, 2 ST, 1 BLK, 6 REB, 9 TO.
• Bosh was mediocre again with 6-12 FG, 15 PTS, 7 REB, 1 BLK, 1 ST, 1 AST, 1 TO.
• James Jones had 6 threes and 20 PTS. It looks like he might be the new Mike Miller. 

Milwaukee:

• Bogut had 15 PTS, 15 REB, and 1 BLK.
• Brandon Jennings continued his cold shooting with 5-14 FG, 15 PTS, and 10 AST. Look to trade him if you're in a Roto League. His percentages will kill you slowly, day by day. 

Minnesota:

• Beasley was nothing special with 17 PTS, 7 REB, 1 AST, and 6-16 FG.
• Kevin Love double-doubled with 11 PTS, 10 REB, and 2-3 3PTS. Double Double is Love's middle name. Now doesn't that name sound good, 'Double Double' Love anyone?
• Luke Ridnour led the team in scoring? Frodo? 20 PTS, 8-13 FG, 2 3PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB. 

New Jersey:

• Brook Lopez: 25 PTS, 9 REB, 3 BLK, 1 TO.
• Devin Harris: 22 PTS, 9 AST, 2 ST, 4 REB, 6-6 FT.
• Anthony Morrow: 3-6 3PT, 13 PTS

New Orleans:

• Chris Paul's back. He had 17 PTS, 16 AST, 4 REB, 1 3PT, 1 TO.
• Belinelli had 18 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST, 1 3PT.
• Old reliable David West led all scores with 22 PTS and 7 REB.

New York:

• Amare led the starters with 19 PTS, 9 TO, 2 BLK, 10 REB, 2 AST, 7-16 FG.
• Wilson Chandler had 22 PTS, 8 REB, 2 BLK, 2 AST, 10-18 FG over 29 minutes off the bench. Chandler should win the starting spot soon enough.

Oklahoma City:

• Durant led all scores with 30 PTS, 7 REB, 3 ST, 3 AST, 1 3PT, and 11-13 FT.
• Westbrook was KD's sidekick with 28 PTS, 10 REB, 6 AST, 2 ST, 1 BLK, 3 TO, 12-13 FT.
• Jeff Green had a quiet 21 PTS, 4 REB, 1 ST, 1 BLK, and 2 3PT.

 Philadelphia:

• Evan Turner had 16 PTS, 7-10 FG, 7 REB, 4 AST, 1 BLK all from the bench (31 minutes).

Sacramento:

• Francisco Garcia played 34 minutes with 22 PTS, 4 AST, 3ST, 1 BLK, 3 REB, and 2 3PTS. He's always been a multi-category freak, but injury-prone. Be wary.
• Carl Landry battled to earn 22 PTS, 11 REB, 3 AST, 1 ST, 1 TO. 
• Beno was solid with 18 PTS, 6 AST, 3 ST, 2 REB and 39 minutes.

•  

San Antonio:

• Duncan had 23 PTS, 4 BLK, 3 AST, 3 ST, 12 REB, on 10-12 FG. The old man still has some fundamentals left in him. Be warned that he will get days off, but when he plays, man does he play. 
• Tony Parker started his contract year off with 20 PTS, 9 AST, 3 ST, 3 REB, 50% FG. 
• Ginobili started and had 22 PTS, 4 AST, 2 ST, 1 BLK, 3 REB, and 5 3PTS.

Toronto:

• Reggie Evans dominated the boards tonight with 16 REB, 1 AST, 2 ST, 1 BLK, and 0 TO. Sleeper Alert!
• Bargnani only had 22 PTS off 8-21 FG shooting, 6 REB, and 2 BLK. We expect his shooting percentages to drop now that he's the man in Canada.
•  Barbosa shot 6-16 FG with 13 PTS. Beware of his lingering right wrist injury. He plans on seeking surgery after the season ends. Didn't the season just start?
• Jarrett Jack played 31 minutes over Calderon's 18, and scored 16 PTS with 6 AST, 3 ST, 4 REB.

Utah:

• Al Jefferson had a dominating 6 PTS, 7 REB, and 3 BLK. 

Reggie Evans dominating the boards early, PF Raptors

Evans already has 12 REB, 1 AST, and 2ST with 6 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter. Jump on him if you're in need of boards. This year, we envision him averaging double figure rebounding with little else.

Anthony Randolph to miss two weeks, PF

The Knicks announced that Anthony Randolph will miss approximately two weeks due to a sprained left ankle. Bench him until further notice. Ronny Turiaf may get some extra minutes due to Randolph's injury.

Source: ESPN

Brandon Roy efficient tonight vs Phoenix, PG

Roy had an all-around game tonight, kicking in 24 PTS, 4 3PT, 6 AST, 3 ST, and 3 REB. Those who drafted him in the 3rd and 4th rounds must be smiling now. This looks like a year of redemption for Roy and is a nightly must-start.

Nash scores 26 in first game, PG

Steve Nash led his team in scoring with 26 in tonight's game vs Portland. He also had nine turnovers and a mere six assists. It looks like he'll be forced to take on the bulk of the scoring load without Amare in the mix. Expect his assist numbers to decrease this season.

Boston's Ray Allen, lights out against the Heat, SG

Ray Allen torched the Heat with 20 PTS. 5 3's, and 7/13 shooting.

Rondo logged 17 AST, 2 ST, 5 REB.

After getting steam-rolled by Lebron in a clear charge, Paul Pierce briefly left the game with back spasms. He returned shortly to end the night with 19 PTS, 3 3's, 9 REB, 3 AST, and 1 ST.

Carlos Arroyo logs only 13 minutes in first Heat game, PG

Arroyo only played 13 minutes 3 points and a barrel-full of donuts. Back-up PG Mario Chalmers did not play. The Heat looked lost tonight, playing without a clear floor general. The only reliable players should be Lebron James and surprisingly, Udonis Haslem - you can count on Haslem to clean up on the boards.

Bosh ineffective in first Heat game, PF

Chris Bosh was unable to get it done in his first game with the Heat. In 38 min he had 8 PTS, 8 RB, 2 AST, 1 ST, 1 BK. Look for sporadic production from The Big Three throughout the year.

Anthony Randolph out Wednesday, F, Knicks

Anthony Randolph will miss Wednesday's opener, after tweaking his ankle during Tuesday's practice. X-rays were negative. His status is day-to-day. Pick up Turiaf as insurance.

Source: ESPN

Chris Douglas-Roberts out a month, Bucks

G/F Chris Douglas-Roberts will miss a month after undergoing eye-surgery. The guard would have lost his vision permanently, if surgery had not been performed in time. John Salmons, Ersan Ilyasova, and Carlos Defino should all get a small bump in minutes.

Source: MSNBC, Chris Douglas-Roberts on Twitter

Turiaf Time? Mozgov Questionable for Wednesday's Opener

Center Timofey Mozgov is questionable for the opener after bruising his hip in Tuesday's practice. Turiaf would probably take his place if Mozgov is unavailable. Keep an eye on the situation and have Turiaf as your backup plan.

Source: Alan Hahn, Newsday's Beat writer for the Knicks

Bulls for Beverley?

Chicago might be interested in point guard, Patrick Beverley. He was waived Monday by the heat and will clear waivers on Thursday. Beverley should not make a fantasy impact as he would play behind Derrick Rose and C.J. Watson.

Source: Marc Stein ESPN

Rudy Fernandez is comfortable again, SG, Blazers

Rudy Fernandez was quoted on the official Blazer's Twitter post saying, "Personally, I have been comfortable in the preseason." Look for a healthy number of threes from the Spanish Dynamo this year. He should receive at least 25 MPG and attempt 5 3's per game. He shot 52.5% in seven preseason games, but has averaged only 38.7% during his career. Now that Jerryd Bayless has been traded to New Orleans, Rudy should have plenty of chances to feel comfortable....

Kapono to start for Sixers, SF

Jason Kapono to start for the 76ers on opening night. Coach Collins said, "barring anything extraordinary," the starting five could be Jrue Holiday PG, Andre Iguodala SG, Kapono SF, Elton Brand PF, and Spencer Hawes C. Keep an eye on Kapono to see how he does; he's probably available on your waiver wire.

Source: Official Twitter of the 76ers

Gilbert Arenas Uncertain for Thursday's Opener

The Wizard's Gilbert Arenas complained of soreness in his right ankle on Monday. He missed a number of preseason games due to his hamstring. Stay far, far away from this train wreck. Stick with healthy players to start the season and please, those who have played more than 47 games in 3 seasons......

Source: AP

Things to Look for in Tonight's Games and in the Early Season

Tonight's matchups: Heat v. Celtics 4:30 PM, Suns v. Blazers 7 PM, and Rockets v. Lakers 7:30 PM

For tonight, keep an eye on the progress of Chase Budinger, Udonis Haslem, Mario Chalmers/Carlos Arroyo, Hakim Warrick, Marcus Camby, and Lamar Odom.

If Odom and Camby have extremely good numbers tonight, start packaging them off for a 2 to 1 trade. The next two weeks will be the best time to propose unfair trades that will work in your favor. The player ranks are reset and will reflect the small number of games played thus far. Package unproven players who are performing well above their averages and target under-performing players who have a long track record of success.

Brendan Haywood to start the season, C, Dallas

Haywood beat out Tyson Chandler for the start. After eight preseason starts, Haywood averaged 5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 1.5 BPG in 20.8 MPG. Chandler averaged 7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and .4 BPG in 16.7 MPG. Haywood is clearly the better defensive player and should be a solid source of blocks, but don't expect to much production and consistency from either player, due to the time-share situation in Dallas.

Those who drafted Haywood based on his production in Washington last year will be thoroughly disappointed. Haywood is not expected to shoulder much of the offensive load in Dallas and will play significantly less minutes. Look to draft in the later rounds and don't fret if someone takes him earlier than that; you're not a sucker.

Source: Dallas Morning News

2010-2011 Preseason Sleepers

The Fantasy Cipher reveals this year's Pre-season Sleepers to target in the later rounds of your drafts. 


Atlanta Hawks - Jeff Teague: Everyone is writing off Mike Bibby this year and we're right with them on this one. Teague didn't get much of a chance to showcase his talents last year, but he'll soon get the chance. He's inexperienced and raw, but may turn out to be the next Aaron Brooks.

Boston Celtics - Glen Davis: What happens with the O'Neals both get injured? It's Big Baby time. Although don't expect much out of him if he starts - 9-10 PPG, 5-7 RPG, 1.4 APG
 
Charlotte Bobcats - DJ Augustin


Chicago Bulls - Luol Deng - Deng's an 8th round pick that'll get you 17.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2 APG, .8 SPG. That's solid value. 


Cleveland Cavaliers - Daniel Gibson - He's probably not even worth a last-round pick, but if Mo Williams goes down, qualifies as a must-pick.


Dallas Mavericks - Caron Butler: It's a contract year and he's gotta work to get that next paycheck. Also, the Mavs are planning on reducing Dirk's minutes. The sky's the limit for this former-second rounder as he's currently being taken in the later 7th round on average (even later than Hedo Turkoglu). 


Denver Nuggets - Arron Afflalo: Afflalo's performance in the preseason has been outrageous - 20.4 PPG,  .9 SPG, 2.9 APG, 4.3 RPG, 49.1% FG. 


Detroit Pistons  - Austin Daye: Where did he come from suddenly? Out of nowhere,The Dayster  averaged 15.9 PPG, .9 BPG, 5.6 RPG, 50% from 3pt, .8 SPG, and .9 BPG in eight preseason games. Due to the Jonas Jerebko's torn achilles, Daye has the opportunity to be a mult-category stud.  


Golden State Warriors - Andris Biedrins: 2009-10 was a forgotten season for Andris and as a result, he's fallen off the radar in many leagues. When healthy and confident, he'll average a double double with a healthy 1.2 BPG. He's being taken close to the 10th round in drafts and should be targeted in all leagues. Just be wary of his bricks from the FT line. Reggie Williams is a wildcard, since we haven't seen him play much in the preseason. Judging by his performance in the last 30 games of last season, he should be a player to keep an eye on.


Houston Rockets - Chase Budinger: Chase had a solid rookie year and will be building towards a starting spot. He averaged 12.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, shooting 43% from the 3 point line., Brad Miller: Once Yao goes down again, he'll average 10 PPG, 5 RPG, and play every game while whining and half-crying. 


Indiana Pacers - Josh McRoberts: He seems to have won the starting PF spot and will give you a variety of categories. In six preseason starts, he averaged 7.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 1 BPG, and even attempted a number of threes. 2 out of 8, but at least he tried.....


LA Clippers - Eric Gordon, 


LA Lakers - Lamar Odom: Odom dominated the preseason without Bynum in the fold, and there's no reason why this can't continue. 10.9 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 4 APG, 1.5 SPG. He'll be solid for the season, but be wary about his durability, as he played significant minutes with Team USA this summer. Sell-high candidate.


Memphis Grizzlies - Mike Conley: Underrated PG who'll give 12 PPG, 6 APG, 1.5 SPG.


Miami Heat - Udonis Haslem: There isn't much depth in Miami's front-line, so Haslem should get quality minutes and average nearly a double-double.


Milwaukee Bucks - Andrew Bogut or John Salmons


Minnesota Timberwolves - Michael Beasley


New Jersey Nets - Terrence Williams


New Orleans Hornets - Marco Belinelli


New York Knicks - Anthony Randolph PF


Oklahoma City Thunder - James Harden


Orlando Magic - Rashard Lewis


Philadelphia Sixers - Jrue Holiday


Phoenix Suns - Hakim Warrick


Portland Trail Blazers - Rudy Fernandez


Sacramento Kings - Omri Casspi


San Antonio Spurs - DeJuan Blair


Toronto Raptors - Leandro Barbosa, Reggie Evans


Utah Jazz - Gordon Hayward


Washington Wizards - JaVale McGee

MRI results reveal Grade II Sprain for Marc Gasol

A second degree ankle sprain indicates that the ligament is more significantly damaged than a first degree sprain and does not have significant instability. Grade 2 injuries normally take 4-6 weeks to heal with proper rest. Currently, his status is day-to-day.

Source: The Commercial Appeal, Sports Injury Info

Mario Chalmers will come off the bench

Carlos Arroyo has won the starting spot to begin the season. Due to the lingering ankle injury, Chalmers has not been able to put it together to win the start. Keeper leagues may want to stash Chalmers as he will ultimately take over the starting gig at some point in the season. It's too early to say how productive the point guard position will be in Miami, but we do know these truths - Lebron and Wade are not jump shooters and crave control of the ball. As a result, the PG position may turn out to be similar to the situation as the Lakers.

Miami Heat Cut Butler and Beverley

The Miami Heat waived Patrick Beverley and Da'Sean Butler today to reach the team maximum of 15. Both players should remain on the FA list.

Source: Miami Herald

Bynum sets his sights on Thanksgiving for latest comeback

Laker's C, Andrew Bynum, has begun running and is setting a tentative goal for a return around Thanksgiving. Fantasy players should be more skeptical and envision a mid-December arrival. Even then, it may take him a game or two before he can produce consistently. Target him for after the mid-round and be prepared to wait an uncertain length of time. Once he starts to dominate on the boards, wait two weeks, package, and trade him off for a lower-risk player like Al Horford.

Source: LA Times

Kobe Bryant on track for a full recovery

The Black Mamba's recovery is going well and he should have the ability to play starter minutes immediately. Bryant said Sunday, "It's good," when the subject of his surgically-repaired right knee came up. One can envision that Kobe would've used this all-encompassing answer in 2003 if you asked him about his marital status.

His minutes will probably be limited in the first month or two. Look for 36-38 MPG and all-around production, but beware of falling FG% while he gets back into his cocky, swaggering groove. If the injury reveals itself to be something more serious, look to stash Shannon Brown.

Source: LA Times

Keith Bogans may start for the Bulls

Bogans (SG) may win the starting spot over Ronnie Brewer, while Brewer adjusts to the new team. Look for Bogans to start, while play only bench-type minutes (14-20 MPG). As a starter last year with San Antonio, he failed to impress and should remain on your FA list. Keeper leagues may want to stash Brewer if you are in need of steals and FG%, but his upside is limited, as he's never been a great shooter with that gimpy elbow, shot-put delivery.

Source: Chicago Tribune

Knicks waive forward Patrick Ewing Jr.

Irrelevant fantasy player, Patrick Ewing Jr. was waived for not being a spitting image of his father. Hopefully, he bounces back from this knock down soon.

Marc Gasol's X-ray results: Prognosis Negative

Gasol's X-ray results came back negative today. Although no bones were broken landing on Hasheem Thabeet's foot, he may still miss significant time due to the high-ankle sprain. Those with the talented Neanderthal should hold their breath until further notice. Updates will follow, once you regain consciousness. 


Note that about half experience symptoms for up to six months. If Gasol is out for an extended period of time, pick up Thabeet immediately. Also, keep an eye on Hamed Haddadi. 


Source: NBC Sports

Andre Iguodala's wrist may become an issue

Iguodala sat out Sunday's practice session, citing soreness in the right wrist (shooting hand). Iguodala had trouble catching the ball and indicated that he would not have been able to play, if it were an actual game night.

According to Iggy, "he slept on it wrong." Let's hope that the alleged nap didn't involve a moped. The injury sounds minor at the moment, but you may want to consider packaging the star and trading him for a superstar (CP3, Durant, etc). Pick up Evan Turner or Thaddeus Young for insurance, but don't break the bank on this bet. Stay tuned....

Source: NBCSports

Rudy Fernandez minutes to increase - Blazers

Rudy may be in line for a significant bump in minutes due to the trade of Jerryd Bayless (PG,SG) to New Orleans. Bayless averaged 20.1 MPG during seven games this preseason, so those minutes have to be distributed between Armon Johnson and Fernandez, with Fernandez getting the lion's share of the minutes. At times, the Blazers may utilize Roy at PG and use Rudy at the SG position, while the aging Andre Miller sits on the bench and dreams of retirement. This may be a turnaround season for the pouting Spanish phenom. Best Estimate: 10.5 PPG, 25 MPG, 1.8 3PT, 41% shooting, 2.0 APG, 2.8 RPG, 1.1 SPG.

Bayless should log in at least 15 MPG as Darren Collison (PG, Pacers) averaged in the backup position, prior to CP3's 2010 injury. Recent talk has been to decrease Paul's minutes, so that should be great news for Jerryd. If injury befalls Paul, look to pick up Bayless.

Allen Iverson - Allen Iverson has agreed to a 2 year, $4 million contract with Besiktas of Turkey

"Pratik, pratik? Biz uygulama bahsediyoruz?!?" 


How quickly have the mighty have fallen. Iverson has managed to stay irrelevant in the fantasy arena for the past two years and this year is no different - unless of course, you plan on playing Fantasy Turkish Basketball this year.

Marc Gasol-Grizzlies

Center Marc Gasol suffered a high-ankle sprain during practice this Sunday's practice session. Often caused by sudden twisting injuries, high ankle sprains typically require six weeks of recovery time. Note that about half experience symptoms for up to six months. If Gasol is out for an extended period of time, pick up Thabeet immediately. Thabeet will finally have the opportunity to showcase his talent, namely, being extremely tall. Look for 2 BPG and 7 RPG at best.