NBA Preseason Notes

• By: rceisner
• On: 10/5/2012 10:25:00 PM

Related: rceisner Boston Celtics New Orleans Hornets Oklahoma City Thunder Philadelphia 76ers Phoenix Suns NBA 



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Kobe Hurting? Kobe Bryant sat out both of the Lakers' practices Friday because of a foot injury. Which foot? The Lakers won't tell us, which makes me think the injury is not all that serious. Bryant will suffer his share of minor injuries in 2012-13, but this is probably nothing to be too concerned about a month away from real games.

Celtics Felled by Fenerbahce Ulker, Green Looks Good: The Lakers lost by six in Instanbul to one of the better Euroleague squads. The result was not all that important, but Jeff Green scored 16 points off the bench on 7-of-10 shooting in his first game since May of 2011. Former Ohio State product Jared Sullinger also put up 16 off the bench, and it will be worth tracking his progress once the Celtics start playing against NBA big men.

Wizards try Price at Point: A.J. Price scrimmaged with the Wizards' "White" team Saturday, while Jordan Crawford struggled to lead the "Blue" squad. Shelvin Mack and a nicked-up Jannero Pargo are also in the mix with starting point guard John out for the next eight weeks. None of the non-Wall options are great, but one of them may need to shoulder the point for a good part of the first month of the season.

Vasquez Will Play Through Thigh Bruise: The Hornets' Greivis Vasquez suffered a minor thigh bruise during Friday's practice, but he still remains on track to start in Sunday's preseason opener. Vasquez has a chance to earn a substantial role in the Hornets' back court in the wake of Jarrett Jack's departure. The thigh injury may hamper his early-exhibition stats.

Dragic's Ankle no Longer an Issue: Goran Dragic returned to the practice floor for the Suns on Friday after sitting the past three days with a sprained ankle. The Suns' new point guard will not scrimmage this weekend, but the injury should not be a concern for much longer.

Young's Ankle Now an Issue: Thaddeus Young left the Sixers' practice Friday after spraining his left ankle. The injury is reportedly minor, so it is nothing to consider when evaluating his value for Opening Tip. The Sixers do not begin the preseason until Oct. 11, so he might not even miss exhibition play.

Suns' SG Spot Down to Dudley and Brown: The Suns open camp with a competition between Jared Dudley and Shannon Brown. The early edge goes to Dudley.