FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Luke Ridnour: Out Indefinitely
Update: Ridnour is out indefinitely because his troublesome left quadriceps injury has returned, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: Ridnour returned to action Thursday night, then was a DNP Sunday. "We've been saying it, but he's gotta get right," Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo said Monday after practice at Catholic University in Washington D.C. "He's got to get where he can practice or play three, four, five days in a row and it doesn't come back. He got the knot back, he's back with too much pain and it tightened up again. He's got to get it right." Ridnour has missed a total of 16 games because of the injury. This latest development means starter Earl Watson and backup Delonte West are certain to play big roles going forward.
Renaldo Balkman: Practices Monday
Update: Balkman (flu) practiced on Monday and will be available Tuesday night against the Bulls, the New York Times reports.
Analysis: Balkman has missed the past two games because of the illness. He could get some playing time, if Quentin Richardson (thigh) is unavailable.
Jared Jeffries: Could Start Tuesday
Update: Jeffries will start Tuesday against the Bulls, if Quentin Richardson (thigh) is unavailable, the New York Times reports.
Analysis: Richardson hurt his thigh Saturday night against Houston.
Quentin Richardson: Could Sit Tuesday
Update: Richardson's thigh was still a little tight on Monday and may not be available Tuesday night against Chicago, the New York Times reports.
Analysis: Richardson is having a horrible season at both ends of the court and has seen his playing time reduced of late. In the past three games, he's scored a total of two points in 43 minutes. Jared Jeffries will start, if Richardson can't go.
Andres Nocioni: Misses Monday's Practice
Update: Nocioni sat out Monday's practice due to a fever, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: A healthy Nocioni will likely start in place of the injured Luol Deng Tuesday night against the Knicks, if Deng's Achilles injury prevents him from playing. Nocioni had 26 points in place of Deng on Saturday against the Kings.
Luol Deng: Misses Monday's Practice
Update: Deng (ankle) did not practice Monday, but did do some stretching and participated in a light shooting drill and hasn't been ruled out of Tuesday night's game against the Knicks, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Deng missed Saturday night's game against Sacramento because of the injury. If Deng can't go, Andres Nocioni, who sat out Monday's practice because of a fever, will likely start if able.
Theo Ratliff: Off Crutches
Update: Ratliff (knee) has been off crutches for about a week to 10 days, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Analysis: He's started to rehab his knee after surgery and is expected to return in early February. However, there's no definite timetable for his return and we could easily see him being sidelined much longer.
Brad Miller: Bitten by Bug
Update: Miller (flu) skipped Monday's practice, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: It appears he will be ready to play on Tuesday at home versus the Magic.
John Salmons: Salmons Turns Ankle
Update: Salmons (ankle) will be a game-time decision against Orlando on Tuesday, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Salmons turned his ankle and was unable to practice on Monday. If he doesn't play, look for Quincy Douby or Dahntay Jones to possibly take his place in the starting lineup.
Brevin Knight: MRI Reveals Stress Fracture
Update: Knight underwent an MRI Monday that revealed a stress fracture in his left arm, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Knight will be held out of practice but will still play in games, although his minutes will be limited. Just how limited is anyone's guess, but expect Dan Dickau to see more playing time in relief of Sam Cassell.
Jeremy Richardson: Released by Memphis
Update: Richardson was waived by the Grizzlies Monday, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: He played in just three games since joining the team Dec. 20. He was impressive enough in the Developmental League and in team practice to warrant a roster spot somewhere, sometime. But where and when are big questions yet to be answered. He probably returns to the D-League for the time being.
CJ Miles: Short-Term Starter
Update: Miles looks likely to make a second straight start Tuesday against Indiana in
place of the injured Andrei Kirilenko (back), the Deseret
Morning News reports.
Analysis: Even with the expanded role, Miles still only netted six points in 23 minutes of
action in Saturday's game against Portland. Kirilenko's injury figures to be
short-lived, and with Kyle Korver and starter Ronnie Brewer still in the mix at
shooting guard, Miles will continue to have little fantasy value.
Brandan Wright: Will Play More
Update: Warriors coach Don Nelson said he was going to give Wright more playing time, the San Jose Mercury News reports. Wright had been inactive or been a DNP-CD in 22 of the team's first 33 games before he started against New Orleans on Friday.
Analysis: "I'm going to try to start playing him a little bit," Nelson said. "Well, first of all, my job is more than just worrying about this year. I'm trying to bring my young guys along best I can." Wright played just six minutes in the loss to the Hornets, but was very active, scoring five points and grabbing four rebounds. "He wasn't ready to play at all at the beginning of the year," Nelson said. "He's worked hard and I think it's time to take a look at him. I'm going to try to play him a few minutes every game so he starts to feel more comfortable." We don't expect big minutes from Wright immediately, but we'll be keeping an eye on his playing time.
JamesOn Curry: Back to Iowa
Update: The Bulls have assigned Curry to Iowa for the second time this season.
Analysis: With the Bulls, Curry did not record a regular season stat, but in nine games with Iowa, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds
Andrei Kirilenko: "Doubtful" For Tuesday
Update: Kirilenko received treatment Monday morning for his ailing lower back but did not practice with the team. The Jazz are calling Kirilenko "doubtful" for Tuesday's game against Indiana, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Kirilenko missed last Saturday's loss at Portland due to lower back inflammation originally sustained when he tweaked the back late during practice last Thursday. He has not played or practiced since. If Kirilenko is not available Tuesday, coach Jerry Sloan said C.J. Miles likely would make a second straight start in his place.
Demetris Nichols: Recalled by Bulls
Update: The Bulls have recalled Nichols from Iowa of the D-League.
Analysis: Nichols, who appeared in nine games with the Energy and averaged 18.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists, will slide into a reserve role with the Bulls.
Randy Foye: Cleared to Practice
Update: Foye (knee) was cleared for a limited return to practice. He won't participate in contact drills and scrimmages for at least another week, but can participate in all other activities, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: It sounds like he's at least two weeks away from returning to a game as a result. Doctors will check the stress reaction in his knee in a week to see if he can return to full practice. The T-Wolves will take extra caution with his return since there is no reason to rush him.
Thabo Sefolosha: Solid Effort Saturday, More Playing Time A Possibility
Update: Sefolosha had his best games in weeks, notching a seven-point, three-rebound, two-steal performance, while also looking solid defensively,
the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Sefolosha had played just over a combined 11 minutes in three of the five games Jim Boylan coached before Saturday, sitting one by coach's decision and another with a sprained ankle.
That's why, beyond Sefolosha's return to form, his 13 minutes against the Kings surprised, which he attributed to playing loose and not worrying about missing shots. With Chris Duhon missing 23 of his last 24 shots and shooting 14.3 percent in the past six games, an active and energetic Sefolosha could allow Boylan to use more size in the backcourt.
Andres Nocioni: Shot the Ball with Confidence and in Rhythm Saturday
Update: Nocioni's big performance Saturday - 26 points while starting for the injured Luol Deng - came as a result of him being more aggressive and willing to take the open shot with confidence, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Nocioni admitted that prior to Saturday when he missed shots that he had been hesitating before taking another one. Saturday, he came in with the mindset of being ready to take the open shot with confidence, which paid off. Nocioni made his first three three-point shots and shot the ball in rhythm rather than forcing shots. If Deng misses any more action, Nocioni should continue to see more playing time.
Emeka Okafor: A Disappointment
Update: Okafor scored 10 points (4-of-10 FG) and grabbed nine rebounds during the Bobcats' loss Sunday.
Analysis: Charlotte was outscored by 19 points when Okafor was in the game, while they outscored Milwaukee by 14 points when backup center Nazr Mohammed was manning the middle. Okafor hasn't been terrible, but he has no low post game, and it's safe to say he hasn't lived up to his status as the No. 2 pick in the 2004 draft.
Gerald Wallace: Hot Streak Continues
Update: Wallace led the Bobcats with 25 points on 7-of-12 shooting during the team's loss to the Bucks Sunday.
Analysis: Wallace went 10-of-12 from the line, also adding five assists and three steals in 41 minutes of action. He did commit eight turnovers, but he's averaging 24.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg and 6.0 apg during three games this month.
Shaquille O'Neal: Flies To L.A. to Get Hip Looked At
Update: O'Neal, who has missed the past five games with a hip injury, has flown to Los Angeles to seek medical treatment, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: O'Neal said Sunday that he hoped to return to the lineup for Tuesday's game, but obviously that's on hold.
DeShawn Stevenson: Scores 13 in Sunday's Win
Update: Stevenson scored 13 points (on 5-of-10 shooting) in 34 minutes of action in Sunday's win over the Sonics.
Analysis: Stevenson starts and gets regular playing time (he is averaging 29:18 minutes per game), but his offensive upside is limited, as demonstrated by his averages -- 8.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg and 3.1 apg.
Jamario Moon: Solid Effort on Sunday
Update: Moon played almost 41 minutes and scored 16 points with seven rebounds and three blocks in Sunday's loss to the Cavs.
Analysis: He's snapped out of his December slump, averaging 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over his last four games while shooting a cool .500 (20-for-40) from the floor.
Joey Graham: Made It Onto the Court Sunday
Update: Graham sank his only shot but committed a turnover in two minutes of court time Sunday.
Analysis: The Raptors' second unit is struggling right now, but is doesn't look as though coach Sam Mitchell is inclined to insert Graham into the lineup in an effort to shake things up.
Carlos Delfino: Poor Effort on Sunday
Update: Delfino played just 14 minutes on Sunday, scoring three points.
Analysis: The Grinch seems to have stolen Delfino's fantasy productivity -- in five games since Christmas he's averaging just 3.2 points and 2.0 rebounds and he's 1-for-11 on three point attempts. He's played 14 or fewer minutes in each of his last three games, but the Raptors need him to be an effective part of their second unit so don't expect that trend to continue.
Anthony Parker: Big Game on Sunday
Update: Parker erupted for 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three three-pointers and two steals in Sunday's loss to the Cavs.
Analysis: Parker wasn't able to contain LeBron James on the defensive end, but did what he could to make up the slack. It's his first 20-point game in a month, but he had 19 points two games ago and is starting to show signs of productivity once again.
Ben Gordon: Minutes Up Under Coach Jim Boylan
Update: Gordon is averaging more minutes under interim coach Jim Boylan coming off the bench than he did starting under Scott Skiles as he is up more than three minutes per game compared to the last six games under Skiles, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Gordon has scored 169 points in the six games under Boylan, never below 20 points in any game, while going 63-for-123 from the floor. The scoring and shooting percentages are way above where he was under Skiles, as Gordon has showed that may be better suited to the sixth-man role rather than starting, even though he would rather not come off the bench.
Jose Calderon: Double-Double in Loss Sunday
Update: Calderon has 16 points and 11 assists in nearly 42 minutes of court time in Sunday's loss to the Cavs.
Analysis: The Raptors are struggling to find a viable backup at the point right now, as neither Darrick Martin nor Juan Dixon have proven up to the task. The result has been huge minutes for Calderon, but not bigger production, and the Spaniard may be wearing down just a little. Once the Raptors have a clearer idea when TJ Ford might return, don't be surprised if they make a roster move or two to try and address the situation.
Raja Bell: Did Not Practice on Sunday
Update: Bell (flu) was excused from practice on Sunday, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: He's expected to play Monday, but there's no way to tell how effective he'll be if he is in uniform. If you have a solid option to use in his place you should probably sit Bell down, if you haven't already.
Reggie Evans: No Offense To This Point of the Season
Update: Evans had seven points (3-7 FG, 1-4 FT), 11 rebounds and two assists in Sunday's loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: Evans continues to rebound the ball well and is averaging 5.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season. His fantasy value is relatively minimal since he provides no offense.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Misses Practice on Sunday
Update: Stoudemire missed practice on Sunday for what the Suns are calling "personal reasons" but he is expected to be in the lineup Monday, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Word in the Phoenix locker room was that Stoudemire himself was fine, but that his kids were sick. The Suns center showed a lot of frustration after Saturday's loss to the Hornets, which may be a factor here too. Look for Steve Nash to get Stoudemire the ball early and often on Monday, and don't even think about taking Stoudemire out of your lineup.
T.J. Ford: Consulting More Specialists on Wednesday
Update: Ford (spinal stenosis/stingers) will consult with specialists at the Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: Don't worry, he hasn't had a setback. This is just part of the Raptors' plan to gather as much information and as many opinions as possible before deciding on the best course to get Ford back on the court. Ford, for his part, is feeling much better both physically and emotionally, and even jokingly boasted on Sunday that he'd only need one day to get back into playing shape once he receives medical clearance.
Andre Iguodala: Double-Double in Sunday's Loss to the Nuggets
Update: Iguodala had 14 points (5-11 FG, 2-3 3PT, 2-5 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocked shots in Sunday's loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: The 76ers struggle to win games even when Iguodala and Andre Miller play well so expect the two of them to be the focal point of the offense each and every game. The lack of support on the team won't help their offensive numbers.
Andre Miller: Plays Well Against His Old Team
Update: Miller had 22 points (9-21 FG, 4-4 FT), six assists and three steals in Sunday's loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: Miller's numbers continue to improve through all the trade rumors. He's averaging 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game this season.
Samuel Dalembert: 11th Double-Double of the Season Sunday Night
Update: Dalembert had 10 points (4-11 FG, 2-2 FT), 15 rebounds and two blocked shots in Sunday's loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: Dalembert bounced back from a poor outing in Friday's loss when he couldn't get anything going offensively or defensively. He posted his 11th double-double of the season.
Johan Petro: Extra Minutes not Doing Much for Production
Update: Petro played 17 minutes Sunday but scored just five points.
Analysis: Petro, who had six rebounds, scored a season-high 10 points two games ago in 20 minutes. His minutes likely will be a little inflated in the coming games because of Chris Wilcox's injury. But he's also liable to ride the pine, as he did Thursday when he played only eight minutes.
Wally Szczerbiak: Back to Form with 18 Points
Update: Szczerbiak rebounded from consecutive weak games to post 18 points Sunday, including four three-pointers.
Analysis: Szczerbiak has scored in double figures in 13 of his last 16 games, averaging 14.4 points in that span. Even though he's coming off the bench, Szczerbiak's minutes have been pretty consistent.
Jeff Green: Getting More Shots Since Joining Starting Lineup
Update: Green was just 4-of-13 from the field Sunday for eight points. He also had five turnovers.
Analysis: Since joining the starting lineup four games ago, Green has seen about 10 more minutes a game than he previously averaged. He's getting more shots as a result, but in the last two games he's made only 9-of-25 field goals.
Delonte West: Inconsistency Plagues West
Update: West rebounded from a scoreless outing Thursday to score nine points with four assists Sunday at Washington.
Analysis: West's minutes and role have been inconsistent, and, perhaps as a result, his production has been inconsistent, too.
Shaun Livingston: New Phase in Rehab Possible
Update: Livingston will meet with famed orthopedic surgeon James Andrews on Tuesday in Alabama, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: If Livingston passes his physical tests, he will move on to the next stage of his rehabilitation, which includes working on his leaping ability. Against Charlotte last February, Livingston tore three ligaments and suffered a dislocated kneecap. He hopes to resume practice with the team next month.
Damien Wilkins: Minutes Tough to Come By
Update: Wilkins' production has all but dried up since losing his starting assignment as he's scored two points in the last three games.
Analysis: Wilkins was scoreless Sunday for the second straight game. Since handing his starting small forward job to rookie Jeff Green, Wilkins hasn't seen many minutes. He's averaged about 11 minutes a game the last three times out. Wilkins could get back into the starting lineup at some point, but he's in a tough spot because the Sonics want to develop Green.
Robert Swift: No Return in Sight
Update: Swift is not expected to return "any time soon" from recurring tendinitis in his surgically repaired right knee, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Swift had surgery more than a year ago, but his knee is still a problem. He's scheduled for a checkup on Wednesday.
Justin Williams: Works into the Rotation
Update: Williams has been a valuable member of Sacramento's rotation in the last three games, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Williams, who is now playing more than Spencer Hawes and Kenny Thomas, has been the first frontcourt player off the bench during the team's recent road trip. His minutes have been limited to roughly 10 per game, but he is worth monitoring since he has the ability to block shots and rebound.
Sam Cassell: Performance Brings a Frown
Update: Cassell played 24 minutes and scored just two points with four rebounds, four assists and four turnovers in the Clippers' loss to San Antonio Sunday.
Analysis: It was a sad performance for the usually peppy 38-year-old point guard, who looked glum after Los Angeles lost for the eighth time in nine games. Cassell, who has a contract that expires in July, has been the subject of trade rumors but said he is happy in a Clippers uniform for now. In his last five games, he is averaging 25.8 minutes, 8.8 points and 3.8 assists. Keep him reserved.
Corey Maggette: Zilched in Free Throw Column
Update: Maggette shot 7-of-13 from the field and had 14 points before fouling out during the Clippers' loss to San Antonio Sunday.
Analysis: Maggette, eighth in the NBA in free throw attempts at 8.6 per game, did not shoot a free throw in 32 minutes, and the shutout affected his point total. It was the first time this season he did not take a trip to the line.
Marcus Camby: Posts 11th Double-Double of Season
Update: Camby led the Nuggets with 12 rebound to go along with 11 points, seven blocks and three assists Sunday night against Philadelphia.
Analysis: Another rock solid fantasy night from Camby who just keeps rolling through the 2007-08 season. He finished 4-of-7 from the field and 3-of-3 from the line.
Allen Iverson: Posts 38 Points Against Sixers
Update: Iverson led all scorers with 38 points on 14-of-25 FGs (3-of-6 3pt) and 7-of-8 FTs during Denver's 109-96 win over Philadelphia on Sunday night.
Analysis: Iverson added eight assists, one rebound, one assist and one block for good measure. Overall Iverson has continued to score well since Chucky Atkins and Anthony Carter returned from injury but his assist numbers have come down significantly since his move to full time SG. He hasn't posted double-digit assists since Dec. 12th and the eight on Sunday were the most he's had in a game since Dec. 20th against Houston when he posted nine. Just something to keep in mind if you're trying to deal or deal for Iverson as the stretch run approaches.
Derek Fisher: Scores 22 Against Pacers
Update: Fisher had 22 points, five assists and four rebounds in the Lakers' 112-96 win over the Pacers on Sunday.
Analysis: Fisher is averaging nearly 16 points per game over his last five contests.
Kobe Bryant: Scores 26 Against Pacers
Update: Bryant had 26 points and six assists in the Lakers' 112-96 win over the Pacers on Sunday.
Analysis: This is the type of performance you should expect nightly from Bryant, as he's averaging 26 points per game this season, 26 points per game over his last five games, and 26 points per game in his last ten contests.
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