FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Lamar Odom: Double-Double in Win
Update: Odom had 10 points, 15 rebounds and six assists during the Lakers' 117-101 win over the Grizzlies Tuesday.
Analysis: Nice to see Odom's passing skills come back to life. He's averaging a career-worst 2.4 assists per game this season. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.
Jason Richardson: Hot Streak Continues
Update: Richardson's hot play continued Tuesday, as he scored 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting.
Analysis: Richardson added seven rebounds, five assists, two 3-pointers, one steal and one block in 45 minutes of action. He's scored at least 20 points in nine straight contests and doesn't look likely to slow down anytime soon.
Jason Kidd: Another Triple-Double
Update: Kidd recorded his third consecutive triple-double Tuesday, scoring 13 points with 11 rebounds and 12 assists during the Nets' loss.
Analysis: As usual, Kidd also struggled with his shot, making just 4-of-12 field goal attempts. Still, it's hard to nitpick with the NBA's best triple-double threat.
Luther Head: Scores Season-High in Win
Update: Head poured in a season-high 24 points when the Rockets beat the Wizards 92-84 Tuesday.
Analysis: Head went 8-of-13 from the floor, including 4-of-6 from behind the arc. Houston is now 5-2 since Tracy McGrady went down last month with a left knee injury.
Samuel Dalembert: Career-Year Continues
Update: Dalembort posted a double-double Tuesday, scoring 16 points and pulling down 16 rebounds during the 76ers' loss.
Analysis: Dalembert went 6-of-10 from the field, also adding one steal and three blocks. He's averaging career-bests in points (11.1), rebounds (9.5) and blocks (2.6) this season.
Charlie Villanueva: Double-Double in Win
Update: Villanueva scored 15 points (7-of-15 FG) and pulled down 10 rebounds during the Bucks' win over the 76ers Tuesday.
Analysis: He's averaging 14.0 points per game in four contests during January, and the 10 boards were a season-high.
Michael Redd: Misses Third Straight Game
Update: Redd missed his third straight game Tuesday because of a deep left thigh bruise.
Analysis: He's still considered day-to-day and isn't expected to miss too much more time.
Kevin Durant: Ankle Injury Doesn't Sound Serious
Update: Early indications point to Durant's ankle sprain not being serious, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Durant sprained his left ankle while making a jump shot with 7:31 left in the fourth quarter. He briefly went to the bench before limping to Seattle's locker room for treatment and did not return. "It's feeling better," he said. "I tweaked it earlier in the season, so I've kept a brace on it throughout the year. But I still managed to get it hurt a little bit. Hopefully, it will be OK tomorrow." Consider him day-to-day.
Brandon Roy: Practices Tuesday
Update: Roy (bruised tailbone) practiced Tuesday and hopes to play Wednesday night, although the team is calling him a game-time decision, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: "I think I should be able to go tomorrow," Roy said. "It feels a lot better now than it did before Saturday's game. Today I started to do some moves, and I felt (pain), but it wasn't like it was stopping me from doing what I wanted to do." Roy did not participate fully in the practice and may not be 100 percent if he plays Wednesday against Golden State.
Kevin Durant: Leaves Game with Ankle Injury
Update: Durant left Tuesday night's game against Cleveland during the fourth quarter after rolling his ankle, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Durant was taken to the locker room and did not return to the game.
Luol Deng: Sits Out Tuesday
Update: Deng (left Achilles' tendinitis) sat out Tuesday night's game against the Knicks, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: This was the second straight game he's missed because of the injury. Although his conditioning is improving, Deng is not sure he'll be able to play Friday night at Philadelphia. Andres Nocioni started at small forward in place of Deng.
Malik Allen: Returns to Action Tuesday
Update: Allen returned to action Tuesday night after missing one game due to a back injury.
Analysis: Allen scored two points in four minutes in New Jersey's loss to Charlotte. Ever since coach Lawrence Frank increased the roles of Josh Boone and Sean Williams, Allen has been a marginal player for the Nets.
Richard Jefferson: Knee No Problem
Update: Jefferson (knee) played 38 minutes Tuesday night in New Jersey's loss to Charlotte.
Analysis: Jefferson, who tweaked his knee in Saturday's victory over Atlanta, led the Nets with 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field and 8-of-12 from the free-throw line.
Guillermo Diaz: Signs With Clips Tuesday
Update: Diaz, who was a second-round draft choice in 2006, signed a 10-day contract with the Clippers Tuesday, the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: Diaz was signed off the NBA D-League's Anaheim Arsenal to reinforce Los Angeles' point guard position. He spent time with the Clippers during training camp but was cut before the season started. Brevin Knight was recently diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left arm, reducing his availability during games, leaving the team thin at the point.
Brad Miller: Ready to Play Tuesday
Update: Miller (illness) will play Tuesday versus the Magic, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Miller was expected to be ready after skipping Monday's practice and Kings coach Reggie Theus confirmed it on Tuesday morning.
John Salmons: Will Play on Tuesday
Update: Salmons (ankle) will play Tuesday against Orlando, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Salmons turned his ankle and missed practice on Monday but has been deemed healthy enough to play by coach Reggie Theus.
Ray Allen: Pinched Nerve in Neck
Update: Allen has a pinched nerve in his neck and his status for Wednesday's game against Charlotte is in question, the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis: He missed practice on Tuesday and reported numbness in three of the fingers on his shooting hand, so there's a decent chance that the Celtics will be shorthanded against Charlotte on Wednesday night. We'll keep an eye on his availability in case an additional announcement regarding his status is made. Doctors ordered that Allen have a CAT-Scan performed, but the results of that test are unknown at this time.
Morris Almond: Recalled to NBA
Update: The Jazz recalled Almond from the NBA D-League Tuesday, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Almond gets the call with Utah dealing with injuries. Almond, a first-round pick from Rice University, has averaged 29.8 points in 10 starts since being assigned to the Flash on Dec. 6. He is scoreless so far in the NBA.
Ronnie Price: Won't Play Tuesday
Update: Price will not play Tuesday against Indiana because of a sprained ankle, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Price injured his left ankle during practice Monday and thought he was going to be OK, but by Tuesday morning, the ankle joint had swelled considerably. Price did not take part in Tuesday's shootaround and instead was seen wearing a walking boot. He is being listed as day-to-day.
Andrei Kirilenko: Out Tuesday
Update: Kirilenko (lower back inflammation) is listed as out for Tuesday's game, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Kirilenko's condition was said to be improving, but his status for Thursday's game against Phoenix remains uncertain.
Eric Piatkowski: Gets On the Court Monday
Update: Piatkowski played over four minutes in garbage time Monday, hitting one of two three-point attempts with an assist.
Analysis: He's a long way from a regular, or even semi-regular, spot in the Suns rotation.
Brian Skinner: Sinks a Three Monday Night
Update: In a game where the Suns as a team shot 20-of-31 from three point range, Skinner got into the act by hitting his only attempt from long range.
Analysis: Skinner went 472 games in his NBA career without making a three point shot before he got to Phoenix; now he's 2-for-2 on the season. Otherwise it was a typical game off the bench for Skinner, who had eight points and two rebounds in 18 minutes.
Sean Marks: Gets On the Court Monday
Update: Marks saw three minutes of garbage time action Monday, missing his only shot but recording a block.
Analysis: He's a long way from a regular, or even semi-regular, spot in the Suns rotation.
Alando Tucker: Gets On the Court Monday
Update: Tucker saw two minutes in garbage time Monday, but his only impact on the score sheet was a foul.
Analysis: He's a long way from a regular, or even semi-regular, spot in the Suns rotation.
Grant Hill: Solid Game Monday
Update: Hill scored 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the floor in Monday's win over the Nuggets.
Analysis: He sank his only three point attempt, was 3-for-3 from the free throw line, and also added five rebounds. The Suns have too many other scoring options for Hill to reach the 20 point average he maintained in his Piston days, but he's been an excellent complementary player for Phoenix.
Raja Bell: Plays Through Flu on Monday
Update: Bell (flu) played 24 minutes on Monday, scoring seven points.
Analysis: He got the start but wasn't terribly effective. Keep Bell benched until he shows he's healthy again.
Joel Przybilla: Limited at Monday's Practice
Update: Przybilla was hampered throughout Monday's practice because of back pain, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Przybilla's lingering back woes are the result of a run-in with Shaquille O'Neal back in December, however he has not missed any time because of it. We expect he'll be available for Wednesday night's game against Golden State.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Big Game Monday
Update: Stoudemire scored 20 points with 10 rebounds, three blocks and three assists in Monday's win over the Nuggets.
Analysis: The missed practice on Sunday turned out to be nothing basketball-related, as he was home looking after his son who was running a fever. Over his last nine games Stoudemire's averaging 25.8 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks while shooting 60.3% (85-for-141) from the floor, numbers which would mean a career season if he can keep them up.
Channing Frye: Sits Out Monday's Practice
Update: Frye did not practice Monday because of a sore right elbow, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Frye has been giving the Blazers significant contribution off the bench and often plays more minutes than starter Joel Przybilla, who was limited during Monday's practice because of back pain. Frye's availability for Wednesday night's home game against Golden State is still to be determined.
Brandon Roy: Sits Out Monday's Practice
Update: Roy did not practice Monday because of his bruised tailbone and said he is unsure whether he will play Wednesday against Golden State, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Roy, who suffered the injury last week, will try to practice Tuesday and will better be able to forecast his availability against the Warriors. "I wouldn't say I fully expect to play Wednesday," Roy said Monday. "But I will try to do some shooting tomorrow (Tuesday)... I think I will be able to play. I will certainly try."
Quentin Richardson: Headed to the Bench
Update: Richardson (thigh) is headed to the bench in favor of Jared Jeffries Tuesday, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Coach Isiah Thomas claims he's doing it more because of Richardson's recent injury - a bruised right thigh suffered in Houston - than his poor numbers. Richardson is shooting an embarrassing 31.5 percent and averaging 6.8 points in 30 minutes. "He's having a really tough year," Thomas said. "I can't put a finger on it because he has a good work ethic. He works. He practices. He's having a difficult time." Thomas stopped short of saying Richardson is in danger of losing his job permanently but will continue to slash his minutes.
Kevin Martin: Held Out of Full-Contact Practice
Update: Martin (groin) was held out of a five-on-five scrimmage on Monday, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Team officials have not cleared Martin for full-contact practices yet. He wanted to return on Tuesday against Orlando, but he appears to be a week away.
Mike Bibby: Plays in Scrimmage
Update: Bibby (thumb) took part in a scrimmage on Monday and is nearing a return to the Kings' lineup, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: His target date is Jan. 16 against Toronto, but he may play sooner considering John Salmons (ankle), Kevin Martin (groin) and Ron Artest (elbow) are injured.
Chris Duhon: Missed 23 of Last 24 From The Floor
Update: Duhon has missed an amazing 23 of his last 24 shots from the floor, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Duhon endured a similarly nightmarish stretch last January, shooting 21 percent for the entire month. He rebounded with a strong February, which, along with his stellar assist-to-turnover ratio of 6.8-to-1 since entering the lineup six games ago, is why he remains confident. With Chicago 4-2 since Duhon was inserted into the starting lineup, don't look for interim coach Jim Boylan to make any changes, so Duhon will be able to try and re-discover his touch on the floor rather than sitting on the bench.
Richie Frahm: Done With the Clippers
Update: Frahm was waived by the Clippers on Monday.
Analysis: The 6-foot-5 guard was signed on Dec. 14, played in 10 games and averaged 4.7 points. To take Frahm's place, Los Angeles is expected to sign Guillermo Diaz, a former second-round draft choice, on Tuesday.
Luke Walton: May Not Start Against Grizzlies
Update: Walton may not start in Tuesday's game against Memphis, according to the Los Angeles Times. Lakers coach Phil Jackson noted that "I'm tempted to start [Trevor Ariza] against Memphis because Rudy Gay is such an athlete and is playing at a high level right now," Jackson said. "Trevor might have more knowledge of him than Luke."
Analysis: Walton is decidedly better as a starter (8.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game) than as a reserve (6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game) and has stated that he feels more comfortable as a starter. Walton finally seems to be recovered from the ankle injury that recently sidelined him, but we would still hold off on using him until his starting role is completely secure.
Oleksiy Pecherov: Just About Ready
Update: Pecherov (foot) could be in uniform as soon as Tuesday against Rockets, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Pecherov, who has yet to appear in a regular season game, completed his first full practice Monday since suffering a hairline fracture in his right foot on Oct. 29. Initially, the Wizards figure to ease him in slowly, but his role could expand if/when injuries hit the likes of Brendan Haywood and Andray Blatche.
Trevor Ariza: May Start Against Grizzlies
Update: Ariza may receive the start against Memphis on Tuesday night, according to the Los Angeles Times. Lakers coach Phil Jackson noted that "I'm tempted to start [Ariza] against Memphis because Rudy Gay is such an athlete and is playing at a high level right now," Jackson said. "Trevor might have more knowledge of him than Luke."
Analysis: Ariza has been splitting time with Luke Walton at small forward, with Walton receiving most of the starts lately. However, neither player has been terribly consistent, especially on a fantasy basis.
Nene Hilario: Continues to Come off Bench, Split Minutes with Martin
Update: Nene contributed 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal off the bench during Denver's 137-115 loss to Phoenix on Monday night.
Analysis: Nene continues to back up starting PF Kenyon Martin, but he's getting 20-25 minutes to Martin's 25-30. Since neither has established himself as the dominant PF on this team, we'd expect head coach George Karl to continue to split the minutes between both, which will mean limited fantasy potential for both as the stretch run approaches.
Kenyon Martin: Continues to Split Time with Nene
Update: Martin played 23 minutes during Denver's Monday loss to the Suns and posted 11 points, four rebounds and one assist.
Analysis: Martin's PF counterpart, Nene, also played 23 minutes in the loss and posted 12 points and nine rebounds. As long as neither is getting a full 30-35 minutes a game their fantasy values will continue to be marginal at best.
Carmelo Anthony: Posts Double-Double Against Suns
Update: Anthony led the Nuggets with 14 rebounds to go along with his 20 points in the Nuggets' 137-115 loss to the Suns on Monday night.
Analysis: It was the fourth game in five nights for the Nuggets and it showed as they were blown out of the building by an invigorated Suns team. Anthony finished 9-of-21 from the field and 2-of-4 from the line in 33 minutes of action.
Antoine Wright: Practices Monday
Update: Wright (ankle) participated in a full practice Monday and hopes to play Tuesday or Wednesday, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Wright has missed the previous seven games because of the injury.
Richard Jefferson: Practices Monday; Expected to Play Tuesday
Update: Jefferson (knee) participated in a full practice Monday and expects to play Tuesday night against the Bobcats, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Jefferson, who is sixth in the league at 24.5 points per game, tweaked the ankle in Saturday night's victory over the Hawks, but was not forced to leave the game. Tests on Sunday revealed no damage.
Manu Ginobili: Back in Form
Update: Ginobili had 20 points (7-of-15 FG, 3-of-6 3-PT, 3-of-4 FT), six rebounds and four assists in the Spurs' loss to the Warriors on Monday.
Analysis: Ginobili apears to be showing no ill effects from his finger injury. The three 3-pointers made are a sign that Ginobili is able to shoot the ball from long range. This is something that is key to his value for fantasy owners.
Mark Blount: Still Starting at Center
Update: With news that Shaquille O'Neal (hip) is visiting doctors in Los Angeles and will miss another week, Blount will remain in the starting lineup for Miami, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Blount has started the previous three games, averaging 13.3 points in that time. He's not the rebounder that O'Neal is, but he's a capable scorer and can contribute to a fantasy team while getting 30-35 minutes a night. Blount would be a nice pick up, considering this short term role could turn into something more substantial given O'Neal's recent injury history. Earl Barron will back him up.
Tony Parker: Big Effort in Loss
Update: Parker had 31 points (12-of-20 FG, 1-of-2 3-PT, 6-of-6 FT) and eight assists in the Spurs' loss to the Warriors on Monday.
Analysis: Parker has had two solid nights in a row and appears to be getting back into rhythm.
Shaquille O'Neal: Will Return Next Week
Update: Heat coach Pat Riley said O'Neal (hip) is expected to be back for next Wednesday's home game against the Bulls, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: O'Neal left the team to fly to Los Angeles to have his ailing hips checked out, but Riley insists the stay will be short and that O'Neal will return to the lineup soon. Riley also insisted that O'Neal is not going to be traded and will remain a part of Miami. "We're not interested in trading him at all, because we want those 17 points and those eight rebounds and 50 percent [shooting]," Riley said. "That's what we want."
Dorell Wright: Joins Team in Minnesota
Update: Wright (ankle) is set to arrive in Minnesota for Tuesday night's game against the Timberwolves, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Wright, who has missed three straight games because of the injury, did not initially travel with the Heat when they embarked on the current five-game trip.
Dwyane Wade: Soreness Continues
Update: Wade (shoulder, knee, finger) is no longer waiting for his pain to go away and will continue to play through the soreness, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: "I've just reached a point where I understand this is just how my body is going to feel," Wade said. The litany of body parts hurting Wade goes on and on, but it was revealed Monday by Heat coach Pat Riley that his left shoulder, which was operated on in the offseason, had been injured worse than previously thought. There's been no talk of shutting him down at this point, but if the Heat continue to free fall, that may be a prudent course of action.
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