Archive for November, 2009

Fantasy Basketball Daily News (11/29/09)

Nov 29, 2009 Blog

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday.  Not much NBA news over the break, but the games go on so here’s some fantasy reading before the NFL gets started today:

  • Daily Fantasy Recap from GiveMeTheRock.com.
  • Fantasy:  Stock Up/Stock Down report from HoopsWorld.com.
  • Fantasy Basketball Boxscore Breakouts.  [LestersLegends.com]
  • Waiver Wire help determined by category.  [LestersLegends.com]
  • Not really basketball related, but if you have been playing fantasy sports for 20 years, this article from Rotosynthesis rings very true.   There are no more sleeperss in the world of fantasy sports.
  • Rumors are out that Larry Frank may be gone as coach of the New Jersey Nets.  Player values can often change along with a coaching change.  Courtney Lee is the most interesting of the speculative picks in this situation.  Give him a shot if you have a bench spot.  Terrence Williams and Chris Douglas-Roberts’ value could also fluctuate.  Brook Lopez and Devin Harris are still valuable no matter what system is implemented.
  • Allen Iverson could end up starting for Philadelphia.  It would probably be nothing more than an attempt by a bad Philly team to sell some tickets, just as it was in Memphis.
  • Michael Redd is still having problems with his knee.  He missed Saturday night and the status of his next start is in unclear.
  • Kirk Hinrich is doubtful for Monday due to a sore thumb.  [Sporting News]
  • Congrats to all the guys who bought low on Carlos Boozer.   I tried in a few leagues, but wasn’t able to snag him.
  • Nice to see Delonte West with a good game last night, 10 points, 10 assists.  Hopefully, he is getting things back under control.
  • Andrei Kirilenko (back) and Paul Millsap (knee) are both dealing with injuries so be careful starting them. [DeseretNews.com]
  • Detailed injury progress reports on Ben Gordon, Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince from MLive.com.
  • Nola.com takes a look at David West’s performance so far this season.
  • Chris Duhon suffered an ankle injury on Friday, but will still hold onto the starting PG job over Nate Robinson.  Not sure how long he can hold off Robinson.  If Robinson wasn’t in D’Antoni’s doghouse, I imagine the change might have already been made.
  • Ray Allen’s son is dealing with some health issues related to his diabetes, but it shouldn’t cause Allen to miss any games.  Just check it each night to make sure an emergency hasn’t happened requiring Allen to fly back to check on his son.  Best wishes on a speedy recovery to the little one.
  • SacTownRoyalty.com with a review of the Kings’ season.

John Daly vs. Tiger Woods

Nov 28, 2009 Blog

First let me stay this, I don’t like Tiger Woods.  Never have, never will.  If that offends, then don’t read any further.  I’m a John Daly fan.   Tiger is just a corporate puppet, while John is that guy that everyone has had as a friend at one time or another.   Never will you see Daly hide behind some false image, even if it means exposing every fault imaginable.  For all his faults, or maybe because of them, I still cheer for him.  I can’t say the same for Woods.

So how is this for a turn of events?  If you haven’t seen Daly lately, he’s dropped about 100 pounds, check him out.  He also says he’s cut way back on the sauce after spending a night in lockup after a bender at Hooter’s.   I’m not saying he’s back on the straight and narrow, but for anyone who’s ever tried to drop 100 pounds, it’s a hell of a start in my book.

And now we have Woods.  So how exactly do you crash your car pulling out of your driveway at 2:25 am?  A little sauce?  Maybe a little rage?  Rumors swirl about affairs with a nightclub hostess named Rachel Uchitel.  The bar employee even made a trip to Australia for a couple of weeks to watch Woods play.  An expensive vacation, didn’t know hostesses made that much.  Sounds a little Monica Lewinsky to me.  It’ll be damn interesting to see how he tries to weasel out of this one.

So what do you think Daly would say to Tiger if they were standing face to face today?  Would he use the opportunity to bash Tiger and seek a little revenge?  Nah.  Here’s my bet:  I could see Daly putting an arm around Tiger and saying, “I’ve been there man, let’s go sit  down and have a beer and see if we can get you through this.”  But somehow I doubt Tiger would do the same if the situation was reversed…

Fantasy Basketball Daily News (11/25/09)

Nov 25, 2009 Blog

 

  • Daily Fantasy Recap from DamnLiesandStatistics.com.
  • Tyreke Evans is dealing with a sore ankle and his status for Wednesday is unknown.  Probably best to be safe and start someone else if you have other options. [SactownRoyalty.com]
  • Fantasy Hoops Roundtable:  Biggest Surprises.  [LestersLegends.com]
  • Article on why Jonny Flynn will never put up big numbers working in a Kurt Rambis triangle system. [Rotosynthesis]
  • Fantazzle has weekly fantasy basketball games up and running, but be extremely cautious of these games, the commision makes them a huge losing proposition.  There are much better places to play with way better commission rates.  Fantasy Sports Live offers a much better propostition.
  • 5 Rookies who should be getting more attention from Dime Magazine.
  • Courtney Lee returned to the Nets last night and picked up 6 steals.  I’ve seen him on a few waiver wires, so grab him if you need points and steals.
  • Speaking of New Jersey, you may want to try and sell high on Chris Douglas-Roberts.  The return of Devin Harris and Courtney Lee will severely limit his upside.
  • Shawn Marion missed Tuesday with a sore ankle.
  • If you need a starting PF, take a look at Vlad Radmanovic.  The trade from Charlotte has given him new life, especially with the injury situation in Golden State.  He played all 48 minutes last night and could make a nice starter for a couple of weeks.
  • Caron Butler missed Tuesday with an ankle problem.  His status for Friday is unknown.
  • Nick Young could be the biggest beneficiary of Mike Miller’s injury.  Young got the start Tuesday and put up a nice line.
  • Lion Face/Lemon Face Daily Fantasy report from Hardwood Paroxysm.
  • HoopsDaily with a list of little owned fantasy players who could help your team.
  • Tyson Chandler expects to play on Wednesday.  Only if you have no other warm body to plug in at Center. [Charlotte Observer]
  • Shaquiller O’Neal is scheduled to play on Wednesday.  I’d probably be safe and keep him benched if you have another option.  Let’s see how he looks.
  • Houston has been off since Saturday and play a Dallas team today who is on the second of a back to back.  Might be some good fantasy starts in Brooks, Ariza and Scola.  Stay away from Battier, he’s dealing with a sore foot.
  • Emeka Okafor is a good fantasy play tonight against a Bogut-less Bucks team.
  • Eric Gordon could return Wednesday, but keep him benched for a game to let him get his rhythm back.
  • Put Dante Cunningham of Portland on your radar if you are in a Keeper League.
  • Marquis Daniels is dealing with a left wrist problem. [CelticsHub.com]
  • Marcus Thornton:  Starter or 6th man for New Orleans? [Hornets247.com]

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Fantasy Basketball Daily News (11/24/09)

Nov 24, 2009 Blog

Not much fantasy production last night with only 4 games and Tuesday isn’t much better with only 6 games.  Today’s news:

  • Week 4 Fantasy Basketball Recap.  [SportsofBoston.com]
  • Michael Redd returned for Milwaukee on Monday, but only got 11 minutes of action.  Keep him benched for now.
  • Dan Gadzuric again got the start in place of injured Andrew Bogut, but got just 20 minutes.  Kurt Thomas also got 21 minutes.  Neither player is an attractive fantasy option.
  • Manu Ginobili is still recovering from a strained groin and there is no timetable for his return.
  • Fantasy LionFace/LemonFace highlight report for Monday’s games.   Not a huge amount of content, but their writing makes me laugh.[HardwoodParoxysm.com]
  • Baron Davis got benched for nearly an entire quarter last night after a horrible start to the game.  Sebastian Telfair replaced him and led the Clippers to a win.  Keep an eye on Davis’ minutes.
  • Eric Gordon is hoping to return Wednesday against the Pacers. [CBSSports.com]
  • Not really fantasy related, but this video of Ron Artest on Jimmy Kimmel has some good stuff in it.   Artest will undoubtably have his own show when his playing days are done.
  • Shaquille O’Neal practiced Monday and hopes to return on Wednesday against Detroit.  Keep him benched on Wednesday even if he does return, especially if there is no official word well before your lineup has to be set.  [SportsIllustrated]
  • Robin Lopez could return for Phoenix on Wednesday.  Not sure if he can get the starting job back from Channing Frye, but keep an eye on how the minutes are distributed. [AZCentral.com]
  • Raymond Felton is dealing with a sore foot incurred in the Indiana game when Danny Granger stepped on him.  [CharlotteObserver.com]
  • Shane Battier sat out Monday’s practice with a sore left foot, the same foot that caused him to miss 22 games last year. [Houston Chronicle]
  • Mehmet Okur expects to return Tuesday from a stomach virus that has caused him to miss the last three games.  Not sure how many minutes he will go, so it might be best to use someone else for today. [DeseretNews.com]
  • Brook Lopez is listed as day to day with an ankle sprain.
  • Nenad Krstic is dealing with a sore ankle and may not play tonight.  Nick Collison has a sore knee.  Keep an eye on Serge Ibaka, he might get some minutes. [The Oklahoman]
  • Courtney Lee could return for the Nets tonight.  [NYPost.com]
  • Be cautious using Philly fantasy players tonight as they face Eddie Jordan’s ex-team, who very well know how his system works.
  • Jeff Foster may get the start over Roy Hibbert against Toronto.  Strictly a matchup decision, don’t panic.  Foster makes a great play tonight if you need a cheap center.
  • Caron Butler is dealing with a sore ankle, so be careful starting him.

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Fantasy Basketball Daily News (11/22/09)

Nov 22, 2009 Blog

A little different look to the site this morning.   I’m running really short on time lately and many parts of the other format aren’t getting updated as often as I’d like, which is why I’m trimming the site down to the news and a few other columns.   The current theme should work for the daily news, waiver wire, etc. and I may leave it up for awhile to see how readers like it.  Once I get a little more time, I’ll move back to the other site format.

  • Article on what’s wrong with Thaddeus Young this season.  [Philly.com]
  • Fantasy Basketball Boxscore Breakouts 11/22.  [LestersLegends.com]
  • Fantasy Basketball Week 5 Planner. [LestersLegends.com]
  • Daily Fantasy Recap from GiveMeTheRock.com.
  • Mike Miller injured a calf last night and could miss a month.  Look for Randy Foye and Deshawn Stevenson to pick up extra minutes.
  • Mike Bibby rolled an ankle last night, so check his status for the next Hawk game.  If he can’t go, Jamal Crawford might fill the spot with Jeff Teague also getting some minutes.
  • Martell Webster got the start last night sending Andre Miller to the bench.  Keep an eye on the starting lineup for the next game and if you need threes, consider picking up Webster if he gets more starts.
  • Mehmet Okur is still out with the flu.  Not sure when he returns.
  • Dan Gadzuric got the start at Center for Milwaukee in place of Andrew Bogut but only got 9 minutes.  Kurt Thomas got 31 minutes off the bench.
  • Shaquille O’Neal sat out another game and this is looking like more than ‘just being cautious’.  Zydrunas Ilgauskas got the start in Shaq’s place.
  • Tyreke Evans was a surprise DNP last night with a sprained finger.  Check the status before the next Kings game.
  • Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton are looking great for New Orleans.  They make great short term pickups until Chris Paul returns.  It will be interesting to see how many minutes each of them get when Paul returns.
  • The Knicks may have passed on Allen Iverson because they have their attention focused on Tracy McGrady.
  • Check the status of Andrew Bynum before today’s game.  He’s missed two practices with an ankle problem.
  • Devin Harris returned to action on Saturday and you will probably want to get him back into your lineup this week.  NJN will probably look to get their leader involved immediately.

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Fantasy Basketball Daily News (11/21/09)

Nov 21, 2009 Blog

I’ll get to the news in a second, but did you see where 2 of the Memphis Grizzlies announcers were suspended for mispronouncing Eye-ran when talking about Memphis center Haddadi [Full text of announcer comments] ?  It offended a total of ONE broadcast viewer.  Are you fucking kidding me? Suspend 2 American guys from their jobs because they pissed off one viewer?   I wonder if Eye-ranian broadcasters get suspended when the bash the USA?  Doubtful.  Political correctness is destroying the US of A.  You can’t even say what you want anymore in this country because you might hurt someone’s feelings.   Toughen up and develop a little thicker skin, or better yet, just leave.  

Oh well, here’s some fantasy reading before college football kicks off:

  • Week 5 Fantasy Planner from Sergio Gonzalez.  [CBS Sports]
  • Buy Low/Sell High report for Week 4.  [Dime Magazine]
  • Devin Harris will return Saturday for New Jersey. [ESPN]
  • Article:  Fantasy vs. Reality.  [HoopsDaily]
  • Daily Fantasy Report from GiveMeTheRock.com.
  • Fantasy Basketball Boxscore Breakouts.  [LestersLegends.com]
  • Rotosynthesis reviews the progress of their sleeper picks. [Rotosynthesis]
  • Will Bynum vs. Rodney Stuckey fantasy comparison. [SlamOnline.com]
  • Daily Fantasy Update from OpenSports.com.
  • Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince are back practicing but no definite return date has been given for either player.  [Detroit Free Press]
  • Anderson Varejao returned on Friday and looked much better than Zydrunas Ilgauskas.  Look for Varejao to possibly pick up a start at Center if Shaq can”t go in his next one.
  • Orlando Sentinel reports that Jameer Nelson could be back in as little as three weeks, so be careful if you decide to cut him or if you are waiting to pick him off the wire if he’s already been dropped.  [Orlando Sentinel]
  • Which Celtic leads the league in technicals?  Rasheed?  Nope, Kendrick Perkins.

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Fantasy Basketball Daily News (11/20/09)

Nov 20, 2009 Blog

A lot of injuries going around and many players are risky starts tonight.   There are 10 games on the fantasy schedule which should provide ample alternatives if you have to bench some of your starters.  I took a little gamble in the GiveMeTheRock.com Keeper league yesterday and picked up Allen Iverson and dropped Marreese Speights.  It doesn’t look like that gamble is going to pay off as New York reports they aren’t interested in Iverson.

  • Recap of Thursday’s Fantasy happenings around the league.  [DamnLiesandStatistics.com]
  • Fantasy Basketball Boxscore Breakouts for Thursday.  [LestersLegends.com]
  • Article on Elton Brand and how fantasy owners should handle him.  [Rotosynthesis]
  • Video from the TheBasketballJones.com.  Skeets and Nas take you around the league, and elsewhere.  Entertaining for sure.  [TheBasketballJones.com]
  • Andew Bogut is out 2-4 weeks with left leg problem.  Extra minutes for Dan Gadzuric and Kurt Thomas, not sure if that’s a good thing.
  • Manu Ginobili will miss 7-10 days with a groin strain, Tony Parker is doubtful for tonight.
  • Thursday’s Game Action Fantasy Recap from GiveMeTheRock.com.
  • Friday Fantasy Forecast from TheHoopsHaven.com.
  • 5 Coaches who could be on the chopping block.  If you want to gamble on some waiver wire pickups, keep these possible coaching changes in mind.  [Dime Magazine]
  • Daily Fantasy Diagnosis, 11/20.  [Dime Magazine]
  • Shawn Marion will miss Friday’s game with an ankle injury.  [ESPN]
  • Rookie Watch, Week 2.  [HoopsDaily.com]
  • Shaquille O’Neal has been ruled out for Friday.  No word yet on Anderson Varejao.  Plug in Hickson and Ilgauskas.  [OpenSports.com]
  • Look for Devin Harris to try and get some minutes off the bench on Saturday. [NetsAreScorching.com]

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Fantasy Basketball Daily News (11/18/09)

Nov 18, 2009 Blog

I’m taking a few days off from the Daily Boxscore Review and putting the News report back on the blog space.  I’m not finding enough time to do both reports for the site, at least not as well as I’d like.  I enjoy the news report more than the boxscore review, so I’ll probably sacrifice the boxscore column and dedicate more time to the fantasy news.  I’m also considering just doing a Daily Four Factors Boxscore Report for each game rather than posting all the player stats.   We’ll see how it goes over the next few days.

  • Trade rumors involving Samuel Dalembert are reported to be old news and something that was discussed before the season even started.  With Speights out now, Dalembert should stay put anyway.  [Philly.com]
  • Paul Pierce should play tonight against Golden State.  Careful starting him since he will probably sit much of the second half when this game becomes a blowout.  [Boston.com]
  • It doesn’t appear that a strained right groin is limiting Kobe Bryant, 40 points last night. 
  • Raja Bell elected to have surgery rather than play for Don Nelson.
  • Article from Dime Magazine on Chris Duhon and his struggles this season.  Keep an eye on Toney Douglas as well as the possibility of Allen Iverson joining the Knicks. [Dime Magazine]
  • Jameer Nelson is out 4-6 weeks, so give Jason Williams and Anthony Johnson a look if you need some assists.
  • Watch the Rodney Carney/Elton Brand situation in Philly tonight to see who gets the start and how the minutes are distributed.
  • Hedo Turkoglu missed last night with a sore left hip so check before game time to see if he is a go on Wednesday against Utah.
  • Pau Gasol is scheduled to be back in the lineup on Thursday.  [LA Times]
  • Derrick Rose tells ESPN he is only about 90% healthy, but progressing.  His stats so far this season definitely show that he isn’t healthy and I’m not sure he’s even 90% yet.  [ESPNChicago]
  • Antawn Jamison should return Wednesday against Cleveland.  Randy Foye will also be available.  [WashingtonTimes.com]
  • Ersan Ilyasova may move back into the starting lineup for Milwaukee.  He makes a nice speculative pickup if you have a spot to gamble with.  [JSOnline.com]
  • Jermaine O’Neal returned to action on Tuesday and got 38 minutes.  Udonis Haslem is dealing with a shoulder injury, which may explain his poor production on Tuesday.
  • Shaquille O’Neal and Anderson Varejao may miss Wednesday’s game.  Activate JJ Hickson and Zydrunas Ilgauskas if you can.  [CBS Sports]
  • Wes Matthews will continue to start for Utah.  Ronnie Brewer will move to SF with Kirilenko coming of the bench.  [DeseretNews.com]
  • Micheal Redd is targeting a return on Friday.  [BrewHoop.com]
  • Adam Madison’s Buy Low/Sell High report, Grand Theft Roto.  [ESPN]
  • Fantasy Review for 11/18 from ESPN.  [ESPN.com]

Fantasy Basketball Daily Boxscore Review (11/16/09)

Nov 16, 2009 Blog

Only 4 games on Sunday and a small schedule with only 3 games tonight.  Nice win by Houston over the Lakers last night.  Aaron Brooks was fantasy monster in this one.

DAL 95 @ DET 90  Poss: 90  DAL ORtg: 105.6  DET ORtg:  100.0

DAL:    eFG%  48.1   OReb%  25.5    DReb%  69.3    TO%   7.7    FTR 25.6
DET:    eFG%   46.9   OReb%  30.7   DReb%  74.5   TO%   14.4   FTR  20.4

DAL Fantasy Notes:  Shawn Marion 11pt/7reb/4ast/2stl/1blk…. Dirk Nowitzki 25pt/6reb/5ast/2blk….Drew Gooden 37 minutes, 11pt/11reb….Jason Kidd 10pt/4reb/7ast/3tov….Rodrigue Beaubois with a start, 14pt/4ast….Jason Terry a quiet game, 9pt/4reb/3stl.

DET Fantasy Notes:  Charlie Villanueva improving, 13pt/10reb….Jonas Jerebko still starting for Tayshaun Prince, 2pt/5reb…Ben Wallace 9pt/10reb/3blk….Ben Gordon horrible game, 1-16 shooting, 5pt/1reb….Rodney Stuckey 28pt/4reb/2ast.

 

LAC 101 @ OKC 93  Poss:  92  LAC ORtg: 109.8  OKC ORtg:  101.1

LAC:    eFG%  51.2   OReb%  28.5    DReb%  62.5   TO%   13.0   FTR 35.4
OKC:    eFG%  40.5   OReb%  37.5   DReb%  71.5   TO%   13.0   FTR  34.1

LAC Fantasy Notes:  Marcus Camby 6pt/9reb/1blk….Al Thornton looking like he may be fantasy worthy again, 20pt/5reb….Chris Kaman 25pt/7reb….Baron Davis 24pt/5reb/6ast….Rasual Butler8pt/4reb.

OKC Fantasy Notes:  Jeff Green bad game, 7pt/1reb….Kevin Durant 40pt/8reb….Nenad Krstic 10pt/5reb….Thabo Sefolosha 4pt/8reb….Russell Westbrook 17pt/9reb/7ast/2stl….Nothing from the bench.

 

TOR 100 @ PHO 101  Poss: 94  TOR ORtg:  106.4  PHO ORtg:  107.4

TOR:    eFG%  50.5   OReb%  24.4    DReb%  70.0   TO%   11.7   FTR 15.9
PHO:    eFG%  50.0   OReb%  30.0   DReb%  75.6   TO%   15.9   FTR  34.6

TOR Fantasy Notes:  Hedo Turkoglu 20pt/6reb/3ast….Chris Bosh 25pt/10reb….Andrea Bargnani 17pt/4reb….Jose Calderon 8pt/7ast….DeMar DeRozan 6pt/2reb….Marco Bellinelli11pt on 4-9 shooting, 3-5 from three.

PHO Fantasy Notes:  Grant Hill 6pt/3reb/3ast, he’s really slowing down from his hot start to the season….Amare Stoudemire 30pt/8reb and you probably missed your chance to buy low on him….Channing Frye 20pt/7reb, 6-8 from three….Steve Nash took 21 shots, 10-21, 23pt/9ast….Jason Richardson 8pt/10reb.

 

HOU 101 @ LAL 91  Poss:  104  HOU ORtg: 97.1  LAL ORtg: 87.5

HOU:    eFG%  46.7   OReb%  28.8   DReb%  88.7   TO%   18.2   FTR 20.8
LAL:    eFG%   42.2   OReb%  11.3   DReb%   71.2    TO%   12.5  FTR  32.1

HOU Fantasy Notes:  Shane Battier only 18 minutes, 3pt/3ast….Luis Scola 6pt/9reb/5ast….Chuck Hayes looking like Chuck Hayes, 2pt/7reb….Trevor Ariza with something to prove against his old team, 9pt/8reb/4stl/2blk…. Aaron Brooks the fantasy stud in this one, 33pt/6reb/4ast….Carl Landry good game off the bench, 15pt/10reb….David Anderson with his best game as a Rocket, 19pt/6reb on 9-14 shooting.

LAL Fantasy Notes:  Ron Artest 22pt/6reb/3stl….Lamar Odom 5pt/7reb/6ast and it might be time to move him if you can since Bynum/Gasol are coming back….Andrew Bynum 21pt/11reb/5blk….Kobe Bryant 18pt/3ast….Derek Fisher 7pt/6reb/5ast….Shannon Brown 12pt in 15 minutes.

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