He still McCants shoot

Nor'easter drops McCants for Kyle Lowry

We've discussed McCants here, and Lowry here.

Both McCants and Lowry have been promoted to the starting lineups of their terrible teams lately. McCants had a couple double-digit games last week, but it's hard to get excited about 12/3. Lowry hasn't exactly been super-hot, but had nice 17/2/4 line (which got him into the lineup) and his minutes are in the mid-twenties.

Judgment: We like this move - Lowry, when effective, is an all-round player - he'll get 4 to 6 REBs and AST and some STL, while McCants is really just a scorer.

The Kleiz is Right

Nor'Easter drops Brooks, picks up Kleiza

U of O standout Aaron Brooks, discussed many times, has continued to produce, but is fairly one-dimensional, and has benefitted less than most from the Rockets' injury woes due to the strong recent play of Skip-to-my-lou. Surprisingly good bench production from L-Head and Von Wafer(!) have cut into Brooks 'microwave' role off the bench. Brooks is a three-teamer thus far - will he join his fourth?

The Spoonful recently dropped Kleiza, who now joins his third team, and Nor'Easter was looking to improve his rebounding without giving up 3s. Kleiza is a perfect fit! He gets his 22 minutes, 10 pts, a couple 3s, and a few DREBs. He's not rebounding, as mentioned in a previous post, at the rate he did in the past (partly because he's not being asked to play PF...yet),

Judgment: We think this is a strong move for Nor'Easter. They're both consistent 6th-7th men and provide strong 3-shooting. The shift to (supposedly) better rebounding is a smart one, and we believe Kleiza has more upside in general.

Barea

Nor'easter cuts J. Thompson, picks up Juan Jose

Jason Thompson, the rookie sensation SAC PF, has seen his stock fall a bit with the emergence of Spencer Hawes and the returns of Francisco Garcia and Li'l K-Mart. He's lost his starting gig, and his minutes have declined as well - in his last game he only played 11 minutes, scoring no points (only one FGA). His medium-term outlook is not great, but again, he's worth keeping an eye on, as he's got fine scoring and rebounding skills, and there are a lot of injury-prone types ahead of him.

Juan Jose Barea has always looked great in limited minutes, and his minutes are on the rise. The diminutive Puerto Rican PG is mostly a quickness-based penetration type scorer, not a 'handles' guy (more Barbosa circa 2006, less Arroyo). He shoots 3s well, but doesn't take them often - we suspect his lack of height requires him to be wide open to get a good look. He can fill it up, in any event, and put up a lovely 18/3/4 line tonight in his first start at SG. With J-How injured, and the many other tryouts at SG having shown little (G-Green, B-Bass, A-Wright), we might see more of Juan Jose, though I suspect that playing against an undersized PHX team is the main reason he started and throve tonight.

Judgment: We like J.J. - ad J-Thomp is probably useless for a while. Though the recent additions of Gordon, Barea, and McCants will surely provide some points and 3s, we are concerned that Nor'Easter has overshot the mark, and is now rather weak in the BigManCats, despite Dwight and T-Dunc.

Batum of the Barrel

Nor'easter drops Batum, picks up McCants

Nicolas Batum is getting a bit annoyed - picked up twice, dropped twice, only getting to play twice. He's been discussed a few times, and while his situation hasn't changed, he's put up two goose eggs in a row (after his two double-digit games), making it difficult to justify rostering him. We still think Portland is too deep, and Batum too raw, for him to be particularly valuable this year.

McCants was dropped by thenopp after suffering a back injury, as discussed here. But his fortunes have changed rather markedly in the last week - Corey 'C-Brizzle' Brewer is out for the season with a torn AC-Lizzle, and Mike Miller sprained his knee yesterday (it looks like Miller will be OK). If McCants is healthy, he'll get around 25 mpg, and he'll certainly shoot a lot of 3s. Whether any of them go in is another matter.

Judgment: A nice pickup, We like McCants' opportunity, and while he doesn't contribute in an 'all-around' way, and he's not a very good basketball, he will score and hit some 3s. We love Batum, but we'll have to wait at least a year for his breakout.

Batum Raider II - the Return

In swap of Nicks, Nor'easter drops Young for Batum

 

Nick Young was discussed here - after Nor'Easter picked him up, he had one good week, one OK week, and then last week, which was quite poor. A-Dan and DeShawn are now getting the great bulk of the G minutes in WAS, and they're even sliding C-But over to SG some to make room for the young big men. N-Young just hasn't produced enough to justify more PT - even when he's good, he's just a points guy. His series of YouTube videos (see below) with fellow WIZ Dominic McGuire are quite amusing, however.

Nicolas Batum was previously profiled here, when the Spoonful picked him up briefly. He's started each of Portland's last 15 games, and while he's been mostly a starter-in-name-only, his last 3 games have been different: he's averaged 24 MPG (versus 14 previously),  11 PPG, 2 3s, 5 reb, 3 AST, 1 STL and a BLK. Very pleasant across the board production. It's hard to imagine his role increasing, especially with Martell It On the Mountain Webster returning soon, though his strong play (and RudyFer's) seems to be contributing to swirling T-Out trade rumors. He's really fun to watch, as well.

Judgment: This looks like a strong, high-upside pickup to us. N-Young's doing nothing, and Batum looks like he can do anything, and that he will contribute at least a little in a number of categories going forward.

Gordon joins the 3-team club!

Nor'easter drops Jack, picks up E-Gordon

We discussed Jack a while back, and, since Nor'Easter picked him up, he's been predictably, doing his 8/3/3 thing with extraordinary consistency. He's one T.J. Ford injury away from doing his 11/4/4 thing with starter's minutes.

E-Gord, discussed often, was impetuously dropped by the Spoonful, and was certainly (after his two breakout games) going to be picked up on waivers. He looks more or less locked into a starting gig, given the terrible-ness that is Ricky Buckets v.2008, and will be quite useful if his shot falls.

Judgment: The rich get richer! An excellent pickup for Nor'Easter - if E-Gord turns into a pumpkin, Jack or the equivalent will surely be available (and, honestly, and E-Gord-O-Lantern may be more productive than J.Jack anyway).

Trade Winds Blow East-Nor'East

Murphy swapped for Thornton

Troy Murphy 8th year PF (C-eligible) out of Notre Dame, is a very consistent double-double treat, and a premier rebounder. He also can hit an occasional 3. Unfortunately, he's prone to shoot a great number of outside shots in order to demonstrate this, and his PCTs tend to be quite low. He doesn't block many shots, and he's a notoriously injury prone. This year, he's averaging 10 rebounds, but is only shooting 40% from the field (and only 41% from the line). He's fouling less and passing more (also more TO) than he has in past years, and taking and missing more outside shots (4 3PA/G). We take this to indicate that he's playing more of a perimeter game in general, and indeed, despite the gaudy REB totals, his 1.1 OREB/G are a career low.

Al Thornton, second year SF out of Florida State, has been having a nice season thus far. 16/5 with a block in 35 mpg is a solid line. His shot selection seems better, and his %s have improved (perhaps thanks to Baron Davis). The big question mark for Al is what impact Z-Bo's arrival will have - it's hard to see Thornton continuing to get 14 FGA/G with Selfish Neck Rolls demanding the rock. We'll see!

Judgment: Les Digits continues to offload REBs in order to bolster other categories - in this case, he should gain 5 PPG and a blk, and lose 5 rpg and perhaps some 3s. We like the move from their point of view, as PTS/FGM are definite weaknesses. Nor'Easter doesn't need the points (or the DREBs, frankly), but a slight boost in 3s could make a difference, and T-Murph is, when healthy, the better fantasy option. Overall, a good deal for both sides.

Flip this House!

Nor'Easter drops House, reclaims A. Brooks

Eddie House, recently picked up, is now back on the FAP. Indeed, his tenure with Nor'Easter lasted fewer than 15 hours, and Aaron Brooks, master of the 'Brooks/Landry effect' had nice 15 and 19 point games after being dropped earlier in the week for Fat May. Both players' situations appear the same as ever.

Judgment: We disapproved of dropping Brooks for May, and it's clear that Brooks is outproducing House in points and 3s, which are the only cats in which Eddie contributes. Moreover, Brooks is getting more minutes, and is likely to have plenty of opportunity with the perpetually struggling Rafer Alston ahead of him on the depth chart.

House in the Hizzay!!!

Nor'Easter drops C.J. Miles, picks up Eddie House

Well, the Can't Jam era didn't last long for Nor'Easter. He was discussed earlier.

Eddie House is, of course the non-Ray-Allen 3pt specialist for the world champion Boston Celtics. Can he bring some of his magic to Nor'Easter? Eddie's doing his thing again this year - 17mpg, 7.5pts, and 1.2 3pg, but his %s are down, and he gets most of his opportunities in blowouts.

Judgment: Eh. Nor'Easter's already dropped House. That about sums it up. Meanwhile CJ had a great game, but figures to lose time when the UTA stars return to action.

Miles from Good

Nor'easter drops May, picks up C.J. Miles

We looked at May quite recently, and perhaps Nor'Easter took a closer look as well, as they immediately dropped him. May is out of shape, and seems to have lost his starting gig to Alexis Ajinca(?!).

C.J. 'Can't Jam' Miles, the starting something (SF?) for Utah, has really taken advantage of the various injuries and absences in UTA, and logged significant minutes so far this year (18MPG, but over 25 in 3 of his last 4). He's a perimeter player and can hit 3s, but isn't much of a rebounder or playmaker. He scored 21 and 25 in his last 2 games (explaining the pickup), and with D-Will and now Boozer out, he'll keep putting up points for a while. He's only 21, and is probably a year or two away from being a consistent contributor. Warning - "C J Miles" is the name of a popular 'Sexy Filipina Model', in case you're looking for pictures of C J Miles while illegitimately blogging at work!

Judgment: A solid move - May is not going to get a great deal of run from Larry 'No Fatties' Brown in the short term, and Miles is useful, though by no means spectacular (the player, that is, not the model).

Packing on the Pounds

Nor'Easter drops Brooks, picks up May

Brooks was discussed originally here; Nor'Easter picked him up while he was filling in for suspended Rafer Alston. Brooks had a nice 14/8/3 game, but 6/2/2 and 8/0/4 in the next two games, along with Alston's return, were enough to convince Nor'Easter to drop him. He's in an interesting position, though, as supposed injuries to T-Mac, Yao, and Artest may make even more minutes and scoring opportunites available. Indeed, he had 15 pts tonight, but only 1 AST and no REBs. He might just be too one-dimensional to be much of a fantasy option. It's probably that he'll be the first player to be owned by three distinct teams this year, however.

Sean 'Fat' May shed enough flab to get back into the Bobcats rotation, and is indeed starting again. But he's gotten only 12 MPG in his last 2 games, and is only averaging 3/2 on the season. His coach gave him this vote of confidence yesterday: "It's obvious Sean is not ready to play. Nowitzki is a handful for anybody, but he is just not ready to play...I just want him to be able to run up and down the court without getting tired,"

Judgment: We all remember May dominating the paint at UNC, and he's shown 20/10 flashes on occasion - but he's both extremely injury prone and painfully fat, and seems unlikely to contribute in the short or medium term. That said, if he does get into shape, he'll have plenty of opportunity, unless the 'Cats sign another PF, as Jared Dudley is his only competition. We don't see the logic in this move at this juncture, as Brooks, while limited, is still producing, and May is no prize. That said, Nor'easter can afford to be patient.

Nor'Easter pounces on Brooks

drops Powe

We've discussed Powe here, and Brooks here; not much has changed, except that Brooks has played very well of late, and will start a couple games while Rafer is out after the 'brawl':

 

Judgment: Very strong move - Brooks looks to be earning more and more minutes - he is a very limited player though; even if he scores 14 a night with a couple 3s, he's not going to do much else in terms of assists or rebounds. Powe will be up and down as the Celtics do or do not blow people out, and his 9/8 style production can almost always be had off the wire.

Thompson scooped up again

Nor'Eadter drops Maxiell, picks up Thompson

In another dropping of an overhyped big man, Nor'Easter has given up for now on Jason Maxiell. Like recently dropped Blatche or Amir Johnson, many had Maxiell pegged as something of a sleeper, and indeed, he looked quite good in spurts last season. But thus far he's just not getting the minutes in a deep DET frontcourt to produce. So far, he's averaging only 5/3 in only 16 MPG. Remarkably, he has yet to produce an assist this season. With Kwame Brown now starting, Rasheed playing extraordinarily well, and McDyess perhaps returning to DET, Maxiell's short term upside is low.

We've talked about Thompson quite a bit - to review: Thompson is a rookie PF in Sacramento - in Brad Miller's absence during the first 5 games of the season, he looked terrific. My$hkin dropped Paul Millsap to pick him up. Then Miller returned, and Thompson's minutes declined steeply; my$hkin dropped Thompson at that point for Gerald Green. Then Kevin Martin got hurt, and Thompson was inserted into the starting lineup, and had a fine game or two. Martin should be back in a week or so, and Francisco Garcia will eventually return as well, so presumably Thompson will not be starting for long at SF. Mikki Moore is a pretty terrible PF, though, so there's hope for Thompson. It should be noted that Spencer Hawes has been producing, and adds to the crowd in the frontcourt. In any event, Thompson seems quite capable of 15/10 nights, if given the minutes.

Judgment: We're not convinced either player will be helpful for very long, but Thompson has shown he's NBA-ready and is at least producing a bit right now. Maxiell won't be missed (though all should keep an eye on him, in case his role increases), but we suspect we'll see Thompson on the wire again in the coming weeks.

Homunculus Alert!

Nor'Easter drops Blatche, picks up Jack

We've discussed the Sad-Eyed Jack previously, and not much has changed for him - he's getting 27 MPG, and averaging 10/4/2.5 - nothing inspiring, but reliable production. This will likely continue

Andray Blatche showed real promise last year, and was a favorite sleeper of many coming into the year. With Haywood out for the duration, and Etan Thomas barely adequate, it seemed Blatche would garner a large number of minutes in the WAS frontcourt. Alas, it hasn't worked out that way.He's averaging only 18 MPG, and not really producing. Remarkably, he only has 1 block in his last 5 games, and hasn't reach double digit points in that span. Word is he's in the coach's 'doghouse'. That said, he's only just turned 22, and has showed that he can score, block, and steal. He's sure to improve, and get a real opportunity to produce, at some point this season. Fun fact - this can't possibly be true, but Wikipedia lists his middle name as 'Homunculus'.

Judgment: Apparently the Spoonful's cutting Amir Johnson has led to a 'reverse run' of dropping overhyped big men (Maxiell went next). This is an unobjectionable move, if not a proverbial 'gamechanger'. Nor'Easter has plenty of bigs, and solid, boring Jarrett Jack should help fill out the rest of the stat line (and T.J. could go down at any time, of course).

Saturday Thoughts

Close matchups abound

Most of this week's matchups are close heading into the final days, though Mongoose appears to be in good shape, due to a surprising 3 techs from odensque, and the Hosen seem to be assured of a victory over the non-lineup-setting Speakers.

The biggest surprise to me is that thenopp is presently ahead of Les Digits, despite Chalmers' 9 steal game and monster lines from Amare. The culprits are: 1) Shaq sitting out, 2) Missing 2 games from Billups due to the trade, and 3) some questionable lineup choices (Stevenson and Conley over an admittedly struggling Deng?). Now injuries have struck (J-Smoove and Tim-Thom), which could also contribute to a disappointing week. The Digits are only down 8-7, but that's while winning all four negs and a pct. They'll need a surge in DREB, FTM, or AST to compete, and thenopp has something of a weekend games advantage.

The other interesting matchup is between Tsaogrip and Nor'Easter. Right now, it stands at 8-6 Nor'Easter. Nor'Easter's PGs have been on a bit of a roller coaster: the Walloon blew up for 55pts, but is now out for two weeks, and Devin Harris poured in 38 last night, but will miss today's game. They cling to a 4 AST advantage, so their absence could be decisive - Nash and Paul are both in action tonight, so watch closely. Redd's absence for tsaogrip has been roughly cancelled out by Maggette's injury on the other side. Almost all the categories are still competitve, so it should be an exciting weekend (provided that Tim sets his lineup).

Powe to the Peopl

Nor'Easter drops Kapono, picks up Powe

Kapono has been discussed; not much has changed for him, except that he was awful on Wednesday (0-6). When Kapono can't shoot, he's not of much use.

Leon Powe is quite intriguing - He's a fabulous rebounder and a fine low-post scorer. He has two problems - (1) He's Kevin Garnett's backup, and (2) he gets into foul trouble rather quickly. He could get 10/6 pretty easily, however.

Judgment: We're not so sure that Nor'Easter needs another big man - boards don't look like a pressing need. On the other hand, they are strong enough overall to wait on a few high-upside gambles, and we do love Powe's upside.

Fountain of Young?

Nor'Easter drops Jack for Young, hundreds rejoice

Jarrett Jack, the unexciting PG from Georgia Tech, has been dropped! Jack's the backup PG for IND, meaning that he's the probable beneficiary of any injury to TJ Ford. Even now, he's getting plenty of minutes (27pg), but not doing a lot with them (10/4/1.5). I assume that he's been playing at SG, and hence not getting much in the way of assists. Fewer minutes should be available when Dunleavy returns, but he may very well sustain his 10PPG pace.

Nick Young has a lot more upside, and perhaps even more opportunity, as WAS's backup PG/SG, while Arenas is out. An underperforming Antonio Daniels is his only real backcourt competition (aside from the eternal Juan Dixon). Young went off for 23 points on Saturday, including a remarkable 11-11 from the line (it's remarkable that he got to the line that much). He's surprisingly unassisty, while still being turnovrious, but he could get up to 13PTs.

Judgment: This is basically a trade of a few assists for a few points, and consistency for upside. Joel seems to have the magic touch for upside this year, so I'll go with it. Sadly, I was hoping to pick up Young soon.

Kapono!

Nor'easter drops S.Williams for J.Kapono

Sean Williams (not to be confused with Shawne Williams) was nor'Easter's 20th round pick, and has now been dropped after a DNP-CD in game 1. He showed some PTS/REB/BLK potential in limited minutes last year, in his second season out of Boston College, but seems to be well behind Ba-Boone, B-Lopez, and Yi in the NJ frontcourt.

Jason Kapono, reigning 3-point shootout champion, had a nice 15 point, 3 3pt first game (though an ugly 5 point 4 foul outing tonight). As a perimeter bench guy, his minutes and production probably depend on the performance of Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon. He should be a good if inconsistent source of 3s, if nothing else.

Judgment: A solid pickup - Williams is dead weight at this point.

Trade Winds Blow!

Okafor and Lou Williams for Gooden and Tony Parker

The Lovin' Spoonful sought to acquire some blocks, and was willing to give up some points in the process. Nor'easter needed a boost in points, and had big men to spare.

The Players:

Okafor is injury prone, and a truly terrible FT shooter, but offers significant value in BLK, REB and FG%. He's only 26, and his role is wholly secure in Charlotte. I would think that 14/10 with 2 BPG is a relatively conservative projection.

Williams is in his third year, and remains the Sixer's sixth man. Playing behind Andre Miller and A-Ig means that a significant increase in minutes is unlikely, but Williams has shown that he can provide production in limited time. His inconsistent role will be frustrating, but he should average 12 points and 4 assists, with a 3PG.

Gooden is quite consistent and should be a lock for 12 and 9, with reasonable PCTs. He's certainly going to play a lot, even if Noah and Tyrus demand court time for the Bulls. It's worth noting, given occasional attitude problems in his career, that he's in a contract year.

Tony Parker, the Walloon, is quite consistent, and might even improve his numbers with Manu out for a while. He's good for 19 and 7 with a steal per game and a good FG% for a guard. He doesn't shoot the 3 (or rebound).

Analysis:

This trade should help both teams - Williams is a bit of a wildcard - the Spoonful is betting that he can get closer to 1.5 3s, but the others are basically known quantities. Okafor provides about a BPG and one or two RPG more than Gooden, and Parker should get 6 more points and a couple more assists per game than Williams. The Spoonful can handle the poor FT% and loss in points and assists in order to get a few blocks and to speculate on 3s. Nor'easter had expendable blocks, and will gain in points and assists.

Weekly Forecast -- Week 1

The Later Hosens vs. tsaogrip 0002

General: The defending champs face a tough matchup in Week 1. 2nd Round pick Danny Granger only plays two games, while tsaogrip has 2 top 4-gaming Bucks in Michael Redd and R-Jeff (though only 2 games from VC and C-Booz). Tsaogrip also has a significant Sunday game advantage.

Injuries: None yet.

Categories:

Tsaogrip should win AST, PTS, FGM, FTM, and FT%

The Hosen should win 3s, DREB, BLK

Toss ups -- OREB, STL, TO, PF, FG%

What to watch for:

(The Hosen's Joakim Noah)

For the Hosen, all eyes will be on the young frontcourt (Oden, Love, Noah) and their minutes. The roles of Russell Westbrook, Nate Robinson, Flip, Marquis, and Marreese will also be under scrutiny. Look for J-Salm and Matt Barnes to light it up, but how much will they contribute outside of points?

As for tsaogrip - he'll be watching the Knicks SFs (Q-Rich and W-Chandler) to see how things shake out, and looking to see how much and how well Yi and Diaw play.

Fearless Prediction: I think the young Hosen will step up on the glass, and win OREBs, but at the expense of the negatives: Final Score tsaogrip 8 - Hosen 6

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Nor'easter vs. Mongoose

General: An intriguing matchup - those of you who read the 'First Look' series know that we thought quite highly of both these teams' drafts. Both teams are huge in the frontcourt. Nor'easter gets 4 games from Bogut, but only 2 from Emeka, DevHarr, and Duncan. Mongoose has 4 from C-Vill, but only 2 from Okur and D-Will; overall, the games situation in general, and on Sunday in particular, is pretty even.

Injuries: Mongoose will be without Martell webster until December, it seems; Deron Williams' appears out for Week 1; if he does play, it could make a big difference. Baron Davis is questionable. Thaddeus Young has a hurt back. Nor'easter is missing Monta Ellis indefinitely.

Categories:

Nor'easter should win AST, FTM, FG%

Mongoose should win TO, PF, FT%, 3s, STL

Toss ups -- OREB, DREB, PTS, BLK, FGM

(Nor'easter's Devin Harris)

What to watch for: Being without D-Will hurts the Goose's chances of winning PTS and FGM. Any Disq's could make a big difference, and with such big-man heavy teams, there will surely be some. The Mongoose will be curious to see Thaddeus Young, Baron Davis in LA, and young Mr. Bynum. Are Tyrus Thomas and Brandon Bass really starting? We'll see. For Nor'easter, the minutes of Jarrett Jack, Al Thornton, Pietrus, and RudyFer are worth monitoring.

Fearless Prediction: Without Williams, and with B-Dizzle 'questionable', Nor'easter will prevail: Final Score Nor'easter 9 - Mongoose 6

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Les Digits vs. play my$hkin flute

General: Unfortunately, I don't think this one will be so close. I think my$hkin just has more minutes on the floor this week. Les Digits has only 2 games from Jamison, Chauncey, J-Smoove, Horford, and T-Murph. That will prove too much to overcome, I suspect, in the counting categories.

Injuries: my$hkin will be without Larry Hughes, and Dunleavy is banged up. Les Digits has no Manu, J-Smoove might be limited, and MarvWill is suspended for the first game of the season.

Categories:

Les Digits should win TO, PF

my$hkin should win PTS, FGM, FTM, FG%, FT%, AST, STL, BLK, 3s

Toss ups -- OREB, DREB

(my$hkin's Chris Duhon)

What to watch for: Les Digits needs to see how the minutes situations of Conley, D-Rose, and Varejao shake out. My$hkin will be looking to see how much run Kelenna, Duhon, Posey, and Mayo get, and how they respond

Fearless Prediction: No doubt about the outcome: Final Score my$hkin 10 - Les Digits 4

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blazers (thenopp) vs. odensque

General: This one should be interesting*. Both teams are more or less at full strength, and thenopp will outscore odensque by quite a bit. However, the big men of odensque (Brand, Dalembert, Big Z) may very well be enough to make this a fight.

*assuming lineups are set

Injuries: thenopp is without Agent Zero for a while, and Carmelo is apparently suspended for the first two games. Odensque will be without the services of Brad Miller, who's suspended for 5 games.

Categories:

thenopp should win PTS, FT, FGM, FT%,

odensque should win OREB, DREB, BLK, STL, TO

Toss ups -- 3s, PF, FG%, AST

(thenopp's Wally Szczerbiak)

What to watch for: odensque is very interested to how see the new look Sixers gel with Brand and Dalembert. He'll need good weeks from preseason disappointments Marion and Moon in order to win blocks, and will be looking carefully at the minutes and play of B-Simmons and Bayless. Thenopp needs to see whether rookies B-Lopez and Marc Gasol will help shore up his thin frontcourt - and whether aging veterans Hill, Mobley, and Szczerbiak can contribute this year.

Fearless Prediction: I think thenopp will win 3s and AST, but either JO or Hinrich will fatally DISQ: Final Score: odensque 8 - thenopp 7

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garbage speakers vs. The Lovin' Spoonful

General: garbage speakers may suffer from C-But, J-Rich, AK-47, and J-Rich only having two games, though the Spoonful also have some key 2-gamers (Bibby, Parker, R. Brewer). I think the Spoonful will outscore the speakers, and win via the counting stats, but the margin of victory will come down to rebounds.

Injuries: Only Francisco Garcia is out for the speakers, though Camby hasn't played in the preseason. On the Spoonful side, Wade and Bosh are forever day to day, and Little K-Mart, Ben Gordon, and Beno are slightly banged up.

(garbage speaker's Kyle Korver)

Categories:

The Lovin' Spoonful should win PTS, FTM, FGM, FT%, AST

garbage speakers should win TO, PF, BLK

Toss ups -- 3s, STL, FG%, OREB, DREB

What to watch for: garbage speakers wants to see Camby and Artest thrive in their new environs, and will be curious about the roles of Terry and Odom. Spencer Hawes might be huge this week with Brad Miller out. The Lovin' Spoonful want to see how much Hakim Warrick plays, how well LaMarcus fits in with Oden, and what's up with supposedly starting Chris Quinn. Starbury's role is also in question, and which Bargnani will show up this year?

Fearless Prediction: Sadly, Hawes will grab a lot of boards (and Carl Landry(?) won't) - Final Score: The Lovin' Spoonful 8 - garbage speakers 6

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The first Waiver Wire pickups will be tonight/tomorrow; I'll be sure to review who did what, and why...