Jeff Teague: Hobbled By Ankle. Teague did not play in Saturday night's game due to a sprained left ankle. He is considered day-to-day and should be able to return in a few days according to head coach Larry Drew but there is not a set timetable. With a nagging injury like this, it will be good for Teague to take it easy and return to full health for the regular season. He will be the main man at point guard for the Hawks but will have strong depth behind him in Devin Harris and Lou Williams available to step in immediately.
Kirk Hinrich: Rule Of Thumb. Hinrich returned to the court after missing one game with an injured right thumb. It was minor and he should be ready to go as the starting point guard heading into the regular season. His veteran presence will be depended on for the Bulls until Derrick Rose is able to return in the season from his knee injury. Hinrich averaged 6.6 ppg last season with the Hawks playing in only 25.8 minutes a game. He will likely see more than 30 minutes per game as a starter and his point and assist averages could be higher until returns to a bench role when Rose comes back.
Carlos Boozer: Looking To Step Up. Boozer had a nice performance in Saturday's preseason victory over the Timberwolves scoring 24 points, grabbing nine rebounds, dishing four assists, and adding four steals. He has left many dissatisfied with his performance in his tenure with the Bulls, but opportunity for redemption knocks as the team needs him to lead with Derrick Rose sidelined. If Boozer can stay healthy and heighten his presence on both ends of the floor, the Bulls should still be very competitive in the East.
Monta Ellis: Speed To Burn. Ellis had a solid night on Saturday in the Bucks' game against the Wizards. He had 19 points and eight assists while his playing partner in the backcourt, Brandon Jennings, had 16 points. If the two can combine to pace the Bucks' offensive attack, they should be a very tough team to beat each night. Ellis has now had an offseason to work on the team chemistry aspect with his teammates and can really help lead an athletic Bucks team.
Rajon Rondo: Fantasy Beast. Rondo had a productive game for the Celtics on Saturday with 13 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists. With the Celtics losing Ray Allen via free agency, Rondo may be counted on to score more often than in years past. He already is a candidate to put up a triple-double every night, given his huge assist totals and high rebound totals for a guard. If it weren't for his poor free throw shooting, Rondo would be a hands-down top level draft pick in fantasy, but he is still one of the best at his position.
Jae Crowder: Chance To Shine. Crowder totaled 15 points and four steals in Saturday's preseason contest against the Hawks. Dirk Nowitzki is out for a good chunk of the beginning of the season with a knee injury, which could open the door for additional minutes for the rookie Crowder. The Mavericks generally do not feature rookies very much and he will have to prove himself to stay on the floor but a game like this shows he may be ready to show the team what he has in the regular season.