Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando Magic
Hedo Turkoglu has had a habit recently of alternating good seasons. Last year he played really well, so that’s not a good sign for the 2008-09 campaign. Additionally, the Magic will try to play more with Rashard Lewis at small forward, which could then force Turkoglu out of position. He should have a good season but last year was likely his peak.
Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers
With Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol up front, expect the Lakers to try Lamar Odom at small forward. Odom has been pretty decent at small forward in the past but he could …read more

Ron Artest has been traded to the Houston Rockets in a move that makes the Rockets one of the best teams in the NBA on paper. In return, the Kings received Bobby Jackson, Donte Greene and a future number one draft pick.
The Kings did the trade because in return they get a young player in Greene who shined in the Vegas Summer League, an expiring contract in Jackson (who just happens to be a fan favorite in Sacramento) and a future pick. For the Kings, they get a couple of young pieces without having to add salaries to …read more

Recently, trade rumors have surfaced that have the Houston Rockets trading Tracy McGrady to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince. This trade would be a monumental shakeup for two teams that made the playoffs last season in the NBA.
McGrady would give the Pistons a go-to scorer — something the team has lacked in recent years. The Pistons have been great defensively but have struggled a bit offensively, especially late in games.
For the Rockets, this trade makes a lot less sense. While Houston isn’t strong at the point guard position, Chauncey Billups is …read more

With the Houston Rockets battling for playoff positioning, they are being faced with even more injury woes. With Yao Ming already lost for the season, now Tracy McGrady and Shane Battier are banged up. Arguably the team’s two best players in recent weeks, McGrady and Battier are question marks for Houston’s game on Friday against the Phoenix Suns.
The good news is it sounds like McGrady will be able to play on Friday. He missed a game to rest his sore shoulder but insists he’ll be ready to go against the Suns. Although he has struggled with his shot in recent …read more

Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
Johnson has been struggling recently for the Hawks. His jumper has been shaky and he’s been having trouble finishing around the rim. That said, there’s no reason to think he won’t be able to solve his issues. Johnson, when he’s on the top of his game, is a very nice fantasy player. He’s also a very durable player who rarely misses games.
Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
Ginobili’s numbers have dipped in recent weeks but there’s no reason not to value him highly at this point. All of Ginobili’s struggles can be traced back to his injured finger. Before …read more

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
Nowitzki has been the ultimate streaky player as of late. In his last 11 games, he either has scored under 20 points or over 25 points. Lately, he’s been taking the under. The low point came Friday when Nowitzki had a season-low seven points against the New Orleans Hornets. The previous game, Nowitzki had only 13 points against the Raptors. He should be able to turn it around, but for a great scorer to be struggling so much there could be more wrong than just a cold streak.
Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
Ginobili has put together back-to-back horrible …read more