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Court Report Daily - 12.27

Tuesday December 27, 2011

11:07

Justin Phan:

Welcome to the second installment of Court Report Daily. We'll be funneling in player injury updates, lineup/rotation news, and everything in between to get you caught up on all that's happening around the league.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 11:07 Justin Phan

11:12

Justin Phan:

The Jazz will start Devin Harris, Raja Bell, Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, and Al Jefferson in their opener against the Lakers.

Paul Millsap will come off the bench behind Favors, and is also a game-time decision with a right quad injury. Coach Tyrone Corbin said he talked to Millsap about the change, and that it isn't a demotion. Hayward should remain a fixture in the starting lineup; Corbin said Bell has earned his starting spot with an impressive camp and his veteran presence will be needed.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 11:12 Justin Phan

11:17

mbuser:

Andray Blatche posted the following tweet after Monday's game: "I may have had a bad game but that's cause I need the ball in the post not taking jump shots all game". Blatche said he's tired of pick-and-pop and wants the Wizards' game plan to feature him more in the post moving forward. Efficiency has never been a strong suit for Blatche, and almost 50% of his FGA came from outside 10 feet last season, so moving him closer to the basket would certainly help his FG%. We'll see how Flip Saunders responds to his captain's complaints, but this - and a come-from-ahead loss to the Nets - isn't the best way for this team to get things started.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 11:17 mbuser

11:24

mbuser:

Paul Pierce participated in the Celtics' Tuesday shootaround but is unlikely to play against the Heat. Doc Rivers said this morning that he wouldn't play and then added "I doubt it, at least." It looks like Sasha Pavlovic will get another start, while free agent signee Mickael Pietrus is said to be about 10 days away from seeing any game action for the Cs.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 11:24 mbuser

11:28

Justin Phan:

X-rays on Stephen Curry's ankle were negative and he is considered day-to-day after re-aggravating his surgically-repaired right ankle in the fourth quarter of Monday's win. He hasn't yet been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Knicks. If he was to sit out, Monta Ellis would get the start at the point in his stead, while Brandon Rush would likely move into the starting lineup at the off-guard spot.

Between Monta playing close to 3,300 minutes last year after playing just 89 games combined the two seasons prior, and the decision to put Curry at risk and let him play on opening night when he clearly wasn't at 100%, the W's coaching and training staffs have to be called into question here. They've often been reckless and haphazard in the way they've handled these situations, and have often chosen to forego caution in the face of conventional wisdom. Curry should never have played in the opener to begin with, and rushing him back for PR purposes could end up proving costly.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 11:28 Justin Phan

11:32

Justin Phan:

After being released by the Rockets to make room for Samuel Dalembert, the Knicks have claimed Jeremy Lin off of waivers. He'll back up Toney Douglas, and his ability to run the PNR and activity on the defensive end could prove plenty valuable.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 11:32 Justin Phan

11:34

Justin Phan:

Nick Young (foot) and D.J. Augustin (ankle) should both be fine and are not expected to miss further time with their injuries.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 11:34 Justin Phan

11:43

mbuser:

The 0-2 Lakers are really missing Andrew Bynum but their problems run deeper than his suspension, which spans two more games (tonight, Thu NYK). Kobe Bryant was seen grimacing on the bench during the third quarter of Monday's loss as a team trainer worked on his injured right (shooting) wrist, and this is not the type of injury that Kobe can simply "gut" his way through. The job of the lunotriquetral ligament is to stabilize wrist bones in their proper place, and his is completely torn. He'll certainly keep trying to play through this, as we know, but he's at risk for missing an extended string of games every time he puts weight on his wrist when breaking a fall.

Also for the Lakers: Josh McRoberts is questionable because of a sprained left thumb and sprained left big toe. He may play, but Troy Murphy figures to see a few more minutes in this game in any case.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 11:43 mbuser

11:46

Justin Phan:

It'll be a matter of injury and pain management for Kobe and Lakers athletic trainer Gary Vitti moving forward.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 11:46 Justin Phan

11:48

Justin Phan:

Byron Scott said Monday was only the third or fourth time he's pulled a hot hand (Sessions) and replaced him with a young player for development purposes (Irving) with the game on the line (final 6 minutes). Scott has a well-chronicled history of not trusting young players -- one of the main reasons he got fired after a nine-game stint in the '09 season, playing Bobby & Devin Brown ahead of Collison & Thornton -- and the fact that he already trusts Irving enough to put him in there with the game on the line while Sessions was on fire says a whole lot.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 11:48 Justin Phan

12:10

Justin Phan:

More on Kobe from our own Marc Spears: http://yhoo.it/rHZQir

Tuesday December 27, 2011 12:10 Justin Phan

12:25

Justin Phan:

Patrick Patterson went through a contact scrimmage for the first time today as he works his way back from off-season ankle surgery. His per-36 averages include: 13.6 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 0.7 spg, 56% FG.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 12:25 Justin Phan

12:39

Justin Phan:

Update to the Steph Curry post at the 11:28 PT mark. Considered day-to-day, not yet ruled out for Wednesday's game.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 12:39 Justin Phan

12:52

mbuser:

Warriors play the Knicks on Wednesday and then have two more days off. Makes all kinds of sense for him to sit, but of course that hasn't necessarily influenced the decisions here.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 12:52 mbuser

12:54

mbuser:

To update 11:24: Paul Pierce officially out Tuesday, Sasha Pavlovic gets the start.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 12:54 mbuser

12:56

Justin Phan:

An update to Buser's post at 11:43 - Josh McRoberts will play through his sprained/bruised big left toe. Considered day-to-day, but is expected to start.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 12:56 Justin Phan

1:06

Justin Phan:

Drew Gooden has been suspended for Tuesday's game for his flagrant-2 foul on Gerald Henderson. Video to follow...

Tuesday December 27, 2011 1:06 Justin Phan

1:07	Tuesday December 27, 2011 1:07

1:07

SpearsNBAYahoo:

Bucks Drew Gooden suspended for tonight's game against Minnesota for Flagrant Foul 2 on Charlotte's Gerald Henderson on Monday. [via Twitter]

Tuesday December 27, 2011 1:07 SpearsNBAYahoo

1:13

SpearsNBAYahoo:

Year of David! Yahoo! Sports looks at Top NBA stories in 2011. http://t.co/7gVqOPnB [via Twitter]

Tuesday December 27, 2011 1:13 SpearsNBAYahoo

2:17

Justin Phan:

No Pierce and Pietrus for Boston means Pavlovic and Marquis Daniels will be checking LeBron James. No telling how many points he'll put up. 30? 40? 50??

Tuesday December 27, 2011 2:17 Justin Phan

2:46

Justin Phan:

Minor news: Kyrylo Fesenko has agreed to a one-year deal with Golden State for $1.07 million, reports SI.com.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 2:46 Justin Phan

2:51

MettaWorldPeace:

The lakers are not going anywhere!! We started slow be we will be the last standing. So grab a snickers !!! [via Twitter]

Tuesday December 27, 2011 2:51 MettaWorldPeace

3:26

Justin Phan:

Awkward new Miami Heat intro video? We have you covered.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 3:26 Justin Phan

3:26	Tuesday December 27, 2011 3:26

3:42

Justin Phan:

Nets' starting lineup, once again: Deron Williams, Anthony Morrow, Damion James, Kris Humphries, Johan Petro.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 3:42 Justin Phan

4:14

Justin Phan:

No surprises in the Hawks starting lineup: Jeff Teague, Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, Al Horford.

Teague's ankle is fine; Kirk Hinrich is inactive.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:14 Justin Phan

4:15

Justin Phan:

Paul Pierce (bruised heel) will be out Tuesday AND Wednesday. Could be available for the Celtics' home opener against the Pistons on Friday. Sasha Pavlovic will continue to start in his place, with Marquis Daniels backing up both Pavlovic and Ray Allen. Mickael Pietrus is still about 10 days out from returning to game action.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:15 Justin Phan

4:33

Justin Phan:

We'll kick the live blog off around 5 PM PT just in time for Celtics/Heat tip-off. Buser will jump in for some Q&A now to take us there.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:33 Justin Phan

4:37

Justin Phan:

Reader comments are now enabled, so go ahead and send 'em in.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:37 Justin Phan

4:37

mbuser:

Yeah, lets' get some Q&A in here for the next 30 minutes or so. Fire when ready..

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:37 mbuser

4:38

[Comment From boogerbooger: ]

Hayes or Amir in a 9 cat H2H, no TOs, yes ORBs

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:38 booger

4:38

mbuser:

Both? If it's standard league, neither should be dropped. But if I had to pick one, I'll go Amir.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:38 mbuser

4:39

[Comment From jonjon: ]

Vucevic...thoughts in an 18 team 9 cat H2H?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:39 jon

4:39

mbuser:

Interesting long-term player but not sure he'll offer much, even in a league that deep.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:39 mbuser

4:39

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

should my expectations be tempered for dj augustin and darren collison this year.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:39 Guest

4:40

mbuser:

If by tempered you mean Rd 7-8 impact, then yes.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:40 mbuser

4:42

mbuser:

See if I can cut off some at the pass here. No, I don't expect Hawes to be a fantasy stud this season, although yes, he does possess some skills that translate to fantasy. But he's always teased us before and we know the end result, and the Sixers still plan to play Thaddeus a ton, which means Hawes sits down. Can you cut a back-of-the line bench option for Hawes? Sure. I would hold almost anyone in the top 125 of O-Ranks, however, as a blanket statement.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:42 mbuser

4:42

[Comment From JeezyJeezy: ]

Drop Haywood for Camby?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:42 Jeezy

4:43

mbuser:

I'm okay with that, both are end-of-the-rotation bigs.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:43 mbuser

4:43

[Comment From gluglu: ]

Gasol's values go up or down with Kobe's injury ?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:43 glu

4:43

mbuser:

He's steady where he is, I don't see dramatic changes in terms of overall impact.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:43 mbuser

4:44

[Comment From taoyetaoye: ]

any advice for batum's outlook? hold? buy? sell? what's about ibaka?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:44 taoye

4:44

mbuser:

Buy or hold. Buy or hold.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:44 mbuser

4:44

[Comment From JGJG: ]

Team needs some more boards and I just picked up Jerebko...but am tempted by James Johnson because of his multi-cat potential. Odds Johnson gets adequate PT?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:44 JG

4:45

mbuser:

Like both of those players. Johnson is going to play lots, at least to start the season. Kleiza should be coming back in a few weeks, and things get a bit less clear, but Johnson has more of a chance to endear himself to Casey than Kleiza or Rasual Butler.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:45 mbuser

4:46

[Comment From MultiCatManMultiCatMan: ]

James Johnson or Ramon Sessions for the most multicat bang for your buck this season?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:46 MultiCatMan

4:47

mbuser:

I like Sessions for overall impact, but Johnson's line will clearly be funkier.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:47 mbuser

4:47

[Comment From gluglu: ]

damian james and gordon hayward- fantasy relevant in 12 team H2H?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:47 glu

4:48

mbuser:

Absolutely relevant, albeit at the end of benches. James for FG%, reb, stl, blk, Hayward for efficient offense.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:48 mbuser

4:48

[Comment From SeanSean: ]

Thoughts on Tyrus Thomas this year? 2+ blocks per?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:48 Sean

4:49

mbuser:

He needs to be healthy, and he's not currently. If he can manage 30 min, then 13/8/1/2 can be had.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:49 mbuser

4:49

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Buy on Ben Gordon?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:49 Guest

4:50

mbuser:

He's going to play 30 minutes, and he's certainly done well with it in the past. The Pistons may take some time to come together.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:50 mbuser

4:51

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

better long term-gortat or lopez?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:51 Guest

4:51

mbuser:

Gortat. Not close.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:51 mbuser

4:51

[Comment From AguaAgua: ]

What do you think about RipHam and Salmons? cut for hot waiver pickups?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:51 Agua

4:52

mbuser:

I'd roster Salmons over Rip. Check out Rip's recent lines and tell me what the real draw is. He's definitely a fringe player.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:52 mbuser

4:52

[Comment From Carmelo from SingaporeCarmelo from Singapore: ]

Should I drop Glen Davis for Brandon Bass?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:52 Carmelo from Singapore

4:53

mbuser:

I would make that move, absolutely.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:53 mbuser

4:53

[Comment From Scott_Z57Scott_Z57: ]

Biyombo stat line (incl. minutes) once he's acclimated to the team?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:53 Scott_Z57

4:54

mbuser:

A lot will depend on the health of those around him, but his offense will be terrible, he'll block a few shots, and do nothing else in ~20 minutes.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:54 mbuser

4:54

[Comment From jonjon: ]

9 cat H2H...Bosh or DeAndre?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:54 jon

4:55

mbuser:

Bosh, although *completely* different lines, so team build affects how you look at them drastically.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:55 mbuser

4:55

[Comment From TT: ]

drop paul george for louis williams

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:55 T

4:55

mbuser:

No. Lou Will still is what he is.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:55 mbuser

4:56

[Comment From travistravis: ]

samuel dalembert or amir johnson?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:56 travis

4:56

mbuser:

Amir

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:56 mbuser

4:56

[Comment From jeo cjeo c: ]

Thoughts on Delfino, time to cut him loose?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:56 jeo c

4:57

mbuser:

Depends on what's out there and what you need. Those 3PM + STL aren't exactly easy to find on the wire.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:57 mbuser

4:57

[Comment From natenate: ]

what are your tohoughts on the NO frontcourt... do kaman and okafor cancel each other out for PT?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:57 nate

4:58

mbuser:

They shouldn't. Neither is much more than a 30mpg guy in the first place, and Okafor can slide to PF. Some matchups will be better for the bigger lineup (Okafor and Kaman playing plenty) than others (Landry getting majority of PF run).

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:58 mbuser

4:59

[Comment From IcemanIceman: ]

Can Luol Deng keep up his awesome lines?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:59 Iceman

4:59

mbuser:

He was very good last season and looks even better now. Good things do appear to be on the way.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 4:59 mbuser

5:00

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Brandon Bass, Amir Johnson, Rubio - which is the best waiver wire pickup?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:00 Mike

5:00

mbuser:

Amir, Rubio, Bass is how I'd rank them, but obviously "better" could depend on what you need.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:00 mbuser

5:01

[Comment From NSNS: ]

Dorell Wright vs. Manu Ginobili...8 cat, who do you like?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:01 NS

5:01

mbuser:

That's close, but probably Manu if we're talking 8-cat.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:01 mbuser

5:01

[Comment From rebelsrebels: ]

ok first few games have been disapointing for alot of my roster....chalk that up to lockout or start to panic?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:01 rebels

5:01

mbuser:

Chalk it up to it being the first few games. Same thing every year, peeps.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:01 mbuser

5:02

[Comment From KobeKobe: ]

What to do here?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:02 Kobe

5:02

mbuser:

Fingers crossed. You could try the trade block, just to see, but I would imagine everyone is wary right now.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:02 mbuser

5:03

[Comment From HarisHaris: ]

should i drop asik?which one to pick okur, ri hamilton or s marion?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:03 Haris

5:03

mbuser:

Yes, in order Marion, Okur, Rip

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:03 mbuser

5:03

[Comment From markmark: ]

gordon hayward or derrick favors or amir johnson?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:03 mark

5:03

mbuser:

Amir, Favors, Hayward

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:03 mbuser

5:03

[Comment From BigVSSmallBigVSSmall: ]

More likely to hold value, Sessions (fewer mins) or Hawes (less consistent history) ?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:03 BigVSSmall

5:04

mbuser:

Hawes

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:04 mbuser

5:04

[Comment From HomeboyHomeboy: ]

What are your thoughts on Corey Maggette? Should I drop him for someone like Paul George or James Johnson?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:04 Homeboy

5:04

mbuser:

I would roster George ahead of Maggette

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:04 mbuser

5:04

[Comment From jayjay: ]

Brandon knight eventual starter in DET?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:04 jay

5:05

mbuser:

I would not be surprised if he wasn't this season, and certainly don't think he'll be the starter any time soon. But he's going to be in the rotation either way.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:05 mbuser

5:05

[Comment From Testa CoolTesta Cool: ]

As a Frye owner - should I be worried about Markief Morris?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:05 Testa Cool

5:05

mbuser:

Worth monitoring, no doubt. But everyone is scared about Frye's job every year, and he ends up in the top 40.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:05 mbuser

5:06

[Comment From BrandonBrandon: ]

Drop Budinger for Hayward? Is that Houston backcourt too busy for consistent PT?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:06 Brandon

5:06

mbuser:

I think Budinger will be fine. I would not drop him for Hayward.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:06 mbuser

5:06

[Comment From McMc: ]

Ray Allen or Marcus Thornton? Standard 1year

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:06 Mc

5:07

mbuser:

Do you want volume or efficiency? If it's h2h, you could lose a bit of production down the stretch when Allen gets some rest, so that might decide it for me.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:07 mbuser

5:07

[Comment From natenate: ]

grape soda or grape kool-aid?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:07 nate

5:07

mbuser:

Grape drank.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:07 mbuser

5:08

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

is it wise to handcuff Gerald wallace with batum? Or should I just pick up someone from the wire with more PT?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:08 Matt

5:08

mbuser:

Both are excellent fantasy players. Not sure what the problem is here.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:08 mbuser

5:08

[Comment From RyanRyan: ]

What is the outlook for Millsap? He's not starting tonight.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:08 Ryan

5:09

mbuser:

He's still going to play, but not going to start, at least for now. Also getting over his quad injury, so he may not be overly-impressive off the bat. Still like him to finish in the top 50, but a bit of the shine is off, no doubt. Favors needs to play well from the outset, though.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:09 mbuser

5:10

[Comment From Testa CoolTesta Cool: ]

TWill - does McHale give him a shot? Budinger sux

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:10 Testa Cool

5:11

mbuser:

TWill is all over the place. Talent but lacks a lot of polish. He's better suited with a second unit, so 25+ minutes as a reserve shouldn't be thought of as something terrible, especially considering what he's been given to this point.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:11 mbuser

5:11

[Comment From Brian PBrian P: ]

Where do you see AK47 ending up and will he have any fantasy impact?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:11 Brian P

5:12

mbuser:

Looking more likely that AK is staying in Russia. The obvious fit was NJN, but that does not look like it's going to happen.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:12 mbuser

5:12

[Comment From CraigCraig: ]

Would you trade Rudy Gay for Eric Gordon?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:12 Craig

5:13

mbuser:

Depends on the day. It's close and I like both a lot. Do you need 3PM (Gordon) or steals/blocks (Gay)? No trade of that magnitude should be make in a vacuum.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:13 mbuser

5:14

[Comment From scottscott: ]

need 2. c.landry g.hayward or salmons?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:14 scott

5:14

mbuser:

Salmons, Landry, Hayward

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:14 mbuser

5:15

[Comment From RyanRyan: ]

Do you see Favors having a big impact? I'm thinking about dropping Evan Turner for him.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:15 Ryan

5:15

mbuser:

Definitely larger than Evan Turner, and he's got good potential in general. Turner has got a ways to go to be a large part of what Philly is doing.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:15 mbuser

5:15

[Comment From Sho StopperSho Stopper: ]

Turk, Odom or Delfino?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:15 Sho Stopper

5:16

mbuser:

In that order.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:16 mbuser

5:16

[Comment From TrezTrez: ]

Would you trade Tyreke Evans for a package of Brandon Jennings & Kyrie Irving?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:16 Trez

5:17

mbuser:

Can you counter for someone other than Jennings? SJax being injured helps, but I'm pretty down on him in general.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:17 mbuser

5:17

[Comment From Brian PBrian P: ]

Hawks are crushing the Nets 34 - 17

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:17 Brian P

5:17

mbuser:

Nets are baaaaaad with no Lopez.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:17 mbuser

5:17

[Comment From Brian PBrian P: ]

Being offered Aldridge for Horford... should I take it?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:17 Brian P

5:18

mbuser:

Aldridge was on fire last night. They are practically interchangeable so I don't have a problem with it.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:18 mbuser

5:18

[Comment From KkrKkr: ]

Any hope for Marvin Williams to be relevant again?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:18 Kkr

5:18

mbuser:

I don't have any myself.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:18 mbuser

5:18

[Comment From TrezTrez: ]

1 trey/1 steal/1 block average for Paul George?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:18 Trez

5:19

mbuser:

Very possible. Love his game, and having West around should him. Less pressure being further down the offensive pecking order.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:19 mbuser

5:19

[Comment From NewBVickNewBVick: ]

odds kg follows through on a choke slam tonight?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:19 NewBVick

5:20

mbuser:

This one could get ugly eh?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:20 mbuser

5:20

[Comment From SvenSven: ]

Projected stats for haslem this season? Thanks

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:20 Sven

5:21

mbuser:

His career numbers don't lie. Around 30 min, 10 pts, 50% FG, 8 reb, not much else.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:21 mbuser

5:21

[Comment From LenLen: ]

It's a joke that KG didn't get at least a 1 game suspension, not even a FINE!

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:21 Len

5:21

mbuser:

I was a bit surprised, that's for sure.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:21 mbuser

5:22

[Comment From SkyHookSkyHook: ]

What are some REALISTIC expactations for Rick Rubio?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:22 SkyHook

5:22

mbuser:

9 pts, 40% FG, 4 reb, 7 ast, 3 to, 1.5 stl

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:22 mbuser

5:23

[Comment From Muddawg13Muddawg13: ]

Wow, air balls a plenty in this early NBA season.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:23 Muddawg13

5:23

mbuser:

It can't be a coincidence, I don't think.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:23 mbuser

5:23

[Comment From Brian PBrian P: ]

Do you believe in Metta World Peace?? Had a big night yesterday.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:23 Brian P

5:24

mbuser:

About as much faith in a resurgence here as I have in Hawes suddenly becoming dominant.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:24 mbuser

5:25

[Comment From NewBVickNewBVick: ]

the bassmaster is in

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:25 NewBVick

5:25

[Comment From RichRich: ]

Care to explain about jennings? down bec. of udrih?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:25 Rich

5:26

mbuser:

39% FG and 4.8 assists last season. That's already down. Add in usage hog SJax and we're talking an even worse situation for compiling fantasy stats.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:26 mbuser

5:27

[Comment From jeo cjeo c: ]

bass is money

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:27 jeo c

5:27

[Comment From sidsid: ]

i think bass will be a must own specially deep in season when either kg or jo rests

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:27 sid

5:27

mbuser:

Agreed Sid. Bass is going to be very good in general, but he makes all kinds of sense as a KG handcuff.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:27 mbuser

5:27

[Comment From Testa CoolTesta Cool: ]

You seem high on Amir Johnson - no concerns about Ed Davis stealing his shine?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:27 Testa Cool

5:29

mbuser:

No, there is enough PT for the three-man rotation at FC (Bargnani, Amir, Ed). And Amir was actually pretty good with just 26 minutes last season, so even just a few more, plus a further maturation of skills, equals excellent numbers. His foul rate is the only thing you need to worry about.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:29 mbuser

5:29

[Comment From ndtyndty: ]

want favors, only drop is varejao...??...

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:29 ndty

5:29

mbuser:

Hold Varejao. If he's your worst player, you are in great shape.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:29 mbuser

5:30

[Comment From Brian PBrian P: ]

Hawks up 42 - 21 on Nets... not sure if having Dwight could even turn this one around.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:30 Brian P

5:31

mbuser:

Nets shooting 28% from the field (10-36).

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:31 mbuser

5:31

[Comment From BorisBoris: ]

Do you think Diaw can keep up the stats? Bobcats seem reallllly thin.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:31 Boris

5:32

mbuser:

Love Diaw this season. In a great spot to produce, no other way to put it. Silas said Maggette would need to carry the offense, but really a lot of it is going to run through Diaw now that SJax is out of the equation.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:32 mbuser

5:33

[Comment From Scott_Z57Scott_Z57: ]

Likely won't happen again, but Nets were down like this to Wiz yesterday and came back to win.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:33 Scott_Z57

5:33

mbuser:

Lots of chatter in the Wizards' locker room after that meltdown. Flip needs to be on the hot seat if he isn't already.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:33 mbuser

5:35

[Comment From rebelsrebels: ]

thoughts on austin daye?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:35 rebels

5:36

mbuser:

Should have lots playing time, but isn't going to get it with Prince back. One of the biggest disappointments of the shortened FA period for me, easily.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:36 mbuser

5:37

[Comment From ??: ]

thoughts on okur (do i drop rip for him)?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:37 ?

5:38

mbuser:

I'd rather have Okur's production at C than Rip's at GF, so yes I would make that move. But Okur is fairly low ceiling himself (13/6 with a three) and is down the list in terms of likelihood to play a full season. He'll eventually be starting for the Nets, however, so he won't be without relevance.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:38 mbuser

5:39

[Comment From TT: ]

ATL 52 NJN 30 at the half

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:39 T

5:39

mbuser:

Deron 2-10 FG, 0 ast, 4 to

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:39 mbuser

5:40

mbuser:

Hump again headed for a good line: 7 pts, 5 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:40 mbuser

5:40

[Comment From Muddawg13Muddawg13: ]

Marvin Williams must've heard your comment about him earlier: 12 points and 7 boards at the half.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:40 Muddawg13

5:41

mbuser:

And two threes. Sell high. Teague with 10 points and 2 threes

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:41 mbuser

5:42

[Comment From kk: ]

Diaw or Cousins?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:42 k

5:42

mbuser:

Diaw for the more versatile line.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:42 mbuser

5:43

[Comment From kk: ]

Jrue Holiday or Raymond Felton?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:43 k

5:43

mbuser:

Jrue, but it's not a huge gulf.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:43 mbuser

5:44

[Comment From jeo cjeo c: ]

delfino ain't playing again today, any news when we can expect him?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:44 jeo c

5:45

mbuser:

Calling him day-to-day at this point, which means he's close. MIL has the next two days off, so I'd call him likely for Friday.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:45 mbuser

5:45

[Comment From PaulyPauly: ]

Hey Buser- what's your thoughts on Jerebko?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:45 Pauly

5:46

mbuser:

Solid baller, hustle board player. Good steal potential, efficient offense, can hit the three on occasion. Not going to blow you away with stats, but a steady performer. Definitely a nice fantasy rotation filler.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:46 mbuser

5:48

mbuser:

Aight peeps, I'm going to go until 6pm here.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:48 mbuser

5:49

[Comment From JGJG: ]

Any love for marshawn brooks this year?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:49 JG

5:50

mbuser:

They are really thin, so he'll get some minutes. But Morrow isn't going to lose his starting spot which means only so much opportunity.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:50 mbuser

5:50

[Comment From GeorgeGeorge: ]

Buser, same lines... Jerebko or Okur?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:50 George

5:51

mbuser:

Similar points and boards. JJ better efficiency and better steals plus blocks. Okur more likely to hit threes with consistency.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:51 mbuser

5:51

[Comment From pppppp: ]

thoughts on gerald henderson?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:51 ppp

5:52

mbuser:

Lots of opportunity, so that's working in his favor. Something of a "doesn't hurt you anywhere line" with just enough threes, steals, and blocks to keep it interesting. If he's going to surprise, it will be steals/blocks.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:52 mbuser

5:53

[Comment From SamSam: ]

Should I drop Shannon Brown (14-team league)

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:53 Sam

5:53

mbuser:

Brown is definitely on the fringes. I don't have a problem with his hitting waivers for a hot hand.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:53 mbuser

5:53

[Comment From AbcAbc: ]

Billups top 50 this yr?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:53 Abc

5:54

mbuser:

I've got him just outside the top 50, but he does appear to be more comfortable with the idea of playing SG and off Chris Paul, and we know Billups can produce fantasy numbers in general.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:54 mbuser

5:54

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

need help with bigs on my fringe/bench - I have - big baby(anderson too), frye, marion

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:54 Guest

5:54

mbuser:

I'd rank them Frye, Anderson, Marion, Baby

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:54 mbuser

5:55

[Comment From Brian PBrian P: ]

Heat up 30 - 27 on the Celtics... would've been nice to see Pierce in this matchup.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:55 Brian P

5:56

mbuser:

I would have liked to have seen Pierce in that NYK game. He's their guy when it comes to the 4th quarter - without him, they couldn't answer Melo enough.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:56 mbuser

5:56

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Thoughts on streaming to get extra games?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:56 Guest

5:56

mbuser:

Commentors?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:56 mbuser

5:57

mbuser:

I'll call it subjective. I prefer leagues with weekly transaction limits, if that gives you an idea. Streaming to me is yet another con when it comes to playing h2h.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:57 mbuser

5:57

[Comment From jeo cjeo c: ]

Stream as much as your league allows. Do as much as you can to win.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:57 jeo c

5:57

[Comment From SkyHookSkyHook: ]

I got no problem with streamers. I prefer to get the players I can get though, roster spots are precious.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:57 SkyHook

5:58

[Comment From Muddawg13Muddawg13: ]

It's frowned upon but I reluctantly respect the "win by any means necessary" mindset.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:58 Muddawg13

5:58

[Comment From NateNate: ]

Teague lighting it up from 3.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:58 Nate

5:58

mbuser:

5-6 FG, 3-4 3PT. I would be really surprised if he doesn't settle in nicely for the Hawks.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:58 mbuser

5:59

[Comment From jeo cjeo c: ]

Will Norris Cole eventually play more then Chalmers? Drop George hill or brandon knight?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 5:59 jeo c

6:00

mbuser:

I would say it's likely, yes, but there isn't enough usage there for fantasy numbers in any case. I would hold Hill and Knight if he's the add.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 6:00 mbuser

6:00

[Comment From Scott_Z57Scott_Z57: ]

Not against streaming (usually more of a playoff stratagey in H2H) if the back of your roster is solid there should be no need.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 6:00 Scott_Z57

6:00

[Comment From PaulyPauly: ]

wht do you guys think about Rubio so far? only one game I know. any hype?

Tuesday December 27, 2011 6:00 Pauly

6:01

mbuser:

Media time was basically all Rubio last night. Some really wonderful passes, his court vision is on another level. He's not ready for primetime when it comes to fantasy, but the Wolves just got a lot more fun to watch, and he's most certainly going to help his teammates when it comes to open looks.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 6:01 mbuser

6:01

[Comment From mattmatt: ]

Rubio need more min.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 6:01 matt

6:02

mbuser:

Adelman will play it smart and you've got to have faith in his doing so. Bring him off the bench for now and see how he and the team reacts. That's less pressure on Rubio from the outset, too. If it's just making all kinds of sense to start him, Adelman will make the switch.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 6:02 mbuser

6:03

mbuser:

Okay peeps, that's going to do it for me. I'm going to turn off comments for now, but those of you who are sticking around may seen Phan pop in later.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 6:03 mbuser

6:04

mbuser:

We're going to be a bit less formal with these Daily posts, so just keep an eye out. Some days we'll run Q&A mid-day, others we'll do like we did today. It will just depend. Thanks for the participation this evening.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 6:04 mbuser

6:05

mbuser:

So long for now.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 6:05 mbuser

6:58

mbuser:

Wow at the Nets. That is truly pathetic offense. Deron finishes 3-11 FG, 1:6 AST:TO.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 6:58 mbuser

8:12

mbuser:

Coming out party for Norris Cole? That was some pretty clutch shooting down the stretch. MUCH more confident and assertive than Mario Chalmers.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 8:12 mbuser

8:13

mbuser:

Jermaine O'Neal looking really bad after two games, which is good for Brandon Bass.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 8:13 mbuser

10:25

mbuser:

Lakers get off the shnide as Jazz starters combine for 30 points. Toss-up between Utah and New Jersey in terms of terrible offense. Another strong game from LMA and the Blazers roll. Signing off here, catch you all tomorrow.

Tuesday December 27, 2011 10:25 mbuser

10:25