Kevin Love: No Issue With Knee. Love left the Timberwolves' training camp Tuesday morning to return to the Twin Cities and receive an MRI on his swollen right knee. By Tuesday night, Love had returned to the team's camp in Mankato and participated in the night practice without limitation. When asked about the severity of his knee injury, Love said, "Not even minor, below minor. Just a little bit of swelling and irritation. I woke up today and didn't feel right." More of a concern to Love's playing time than a bulky right knee this season is coach Kevin McHale's uncertainty in committing to Love as a starter. McHale has considered bringing Love off the bench again this season. Though Love would still have good fantasy value as a bench player, it would undoubtedly limit the potential number of minutes he would receive each game.
Peja Stojakovic: Thinks He May Not Start. Contrary to Stojakovic's own beliefs, Coach Monty Williams had him in the starting lineup for portions of Tuesday's practice. Trevor Ariza, acquired from Houston this offseason, played at shooting guard when Stojakovic was in. However, if Marcus Thornton or Marco Belinelli show even an inkling of defensive ability this preseason, one of them should get the starting nod at shooting guard, pushing Ariza to the starting small forward spot, and moving Stojakovic to a bench role.
Andris Biedrins: Self-Declared 100 Percent Healthy. Biedrins only played in 33 games last season and was forced to undergo hernia surgery in March, ending his season. He's been given the starting center job entering camp, and the Warriors' renewed commitment to defense under coach Keith Smart should help Biedrins return to fantasy relevance this season.
The Sixers: Starting Five. Coach Doug Collins looks set to start Spencer Hawes, Elton Brand, Thaddeus Young, Andre Iguodala, and Jrue Holiday on opening night. To most fans, Hawes is probably the biggest surprise addition to the starting lineup, but the team made it clear throughout the summer how excited they were to have acquired the 22-year-old center. The absence of the Sixers' top pick in this years draft, Evan Turner, from the starting lineup could be considered a shock as well. Fantasy managers will want to make a special note of that as Turner's stock takes a significant hit if he is coming off the bench.
Boo Boos and Extended Commentary:
A quick look at who's missing practice already.
Kobe Bryant, SG, LAL – (Knee) Sat out Wednesday's practice to rest his knee. The Lakers will give Bryant periodic days off during camp to keep him fresh and healthy.
Al Horford, PF/C, ATL – (Ankle) Twisted his ankle in practice Wednesday and sat out the final portion. New coach Larry Drew plans on using a big lineup this season that will allow Horford to play at the power forward position.
Rudy Fernandez, SG, POR – (Back) Landed on his back 45 minutes into Wednesday's practice and sat out the remainder of the session. Despite his pleas to be released or traded, the Trailblazers continue to keep Fernandez in their game plans. He's currently playing as a member of the second unit in training camp.
Jason Williams, PG, ORL – (Knee) Will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Thursday and miss the remainder of camp. He could return for the team's season opener on October 28.
Troy Murphy, PF, NJ – (Groin) Held out of contact drills on Tuesday. He'll be held out until he is ready to return. The Nets don't want to risk him tweaking the groin a second time and being unavailable when the season starts. Murphy's absence could give Derek Favors an opportunity to get comfortable playing with the Nets' starting unit.