Fanball Fantasy Basketball News - Newsbreakers

Jackson doubtful for Monday

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:09:35 CST

The News
Stephen Jackson is doubtful for Monday's game against the Heat due to his wrist injury, according to the Sports Network.

Our View
He would be a tough loss for the Warriors and fantasy owners, as he leads the club in scoring while averaging 21.4 points per contest.

T-Mac to meet with Dr. Andrews

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:17:38 CST

The News
Tracy McGrady will meet with Dr. James Andrews in Alabama on Monday in hopes of discovering a treatment plan that will better help him deal with a surgically repaired knee, according to The Sporting News Today. When asked if surgery was an option, McGrady said, "No, not at all. That is the last option."

Our View
Not an option and the last option are conflicting statements, and we have to believe the former is false. T-Mac is having a nice season, despite his low scoring output (15.6 per game). His foul shooting has greatly improved and he is averaging more than four rebounds and four assists per game.

Martin aiming for Tuesday

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:10:43 CST

The News
Kevin Martin is aiming for Tuesday to return to the court following his bout with a sprained right ankle, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Our View
He will test his ankle today during practice. Barring a setback, Martin should be ready to return to fantasy lineups at some point this week, if not Tuesday.

Anthony expects to play Tuesday

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:43:20 CST

The News
Carmelo Anthony is dealing with a right elbow contusion, but expects to play Tuesday against Toronto, according to the Denver Post.

Our View
Anthony's scoring is down this season, but is still a solid fantasy performer while averaging 8.4 boards and just under four assists.

Marbury lashes out

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:20:34 CST

The News
Stephon Marbury lashed out at teammates and coach Mike D'Antoni a day before he was to meet with team president Donnie Walsh about a possible buyout, as reported by the NY Post. Marbury said, "I sat there for three weeks and didn't say one word. I didn't hear one of my teammates say, 'Why isn't Stephon Marbury playing? This is a good system for him, even to play with the second unit and bring more firepower. Mike D'Antoni had no intentions of me playing basketball here. He gave me straight disrespect. It was beyond disrespect."

Our View
The players' association intends to file a grievance because Marbury states he never refused to play Wednesday against Golden State, for which the Knicks suspended him and docked his pay.

Yi helps Nets to big win

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:52:58 CST

The News
Yi Jianlian finished with 14 points, including two three-pointers as the Nets won in Phoenix for the first time in 14 years on Sunday.

Our View
Unfortunately the rest of Yi's stat line was less than inspiring. He colected just one rebound, one assist and one block. He is averaging nearly 15 points per game in his last five.

Barnes scores 18 in loss

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:48:54 CST

The News
Matt Barnes hit four three-pointers and hit 6-of-8 shots to finish with 18 points and eight rebounds as the Suns fell 117-109 to the Nets.

Our View
Barnes has been a valuable fantasy player this season mostly because of his two-plus three-pointers per game. However, his rebounding numbers are also near the top of small forwards.

Shaq plays poorly against Nets

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:44:24 CST

The News
Shaquille O'Neal scored just nine points to go with five rebounds in 26 minutes as the Suns fell 117-99 to the visiting New Jersey Nets.

Our View
The stats look like Shaq simply played limited minutes as he does on some nights, but tonight he layed 26 and was simply ineffective. His averages are up some from last season, but if the Suns continue to struggle, fingers might start pointing at the center.

Calderon gets 12 assists in defeat

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:20:24 CST

The News
Jose Calderon scored 12 points and handed out 12 assists as the Raptors fell to the Lakers 99-112.

Our View
He played just 31 minutes as the game got out of hand early on. Calderon is second in the league in assists per game.

Bosh held down by Lakers

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:17:06 CST

The News
Chris Bosh was held in check on Sunday by the L.A. Lakers. He scored just 12 points to go with three rebounds. He shot 4-of-13 and committed four turnovers.

Our View
Bosh remains one of the best big men in the game, but like most every player in the league he will have his off-nights.