FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Rajon Rondo: Exits With Back Injury
Update: Rondo left Friday's game against New Jersey in the third quarter with a back injury and will not return.
Analysis: He had four points with four rebounds before departing.
Rajon Rondo: Leaves Game with Sore Back
Update: Rondo left Friday's game against the New Jersey Nets with a sore lower back and is not expected to return.
Analysis: He scored four points on 2-of-6 shooting in 22 minutes before leaving the contest. We'll keep you posted when more is known about the injury.
Nene Hilario: Leaves Team with Medical Issue
Update: Nene took an indefinite leave of absence for a personal medical reason on Friday.
Analysis: According to the team, it is trying to support Nene's wishes and respect his privacy and will release more information when it becomes available.
Troy Hudson: Has Hip Surgery
Update: Hudson underwent successful surgery on his left hip Thursday.
Analysis: He is expected to be out of the lineup for three to four months.
Bonzi Wells: Out with Shoulder Injury
Update: Wells missed Friday's game against the Timberwolves with a sprained shoulder.
Analysis: He received a medical injection to treat the sprain at the Roger Clemens Institute on Friday. The injury seems to be minor, as he is expected to start practicing again Saturday.
Ray Allen: Returns to Starting Lineup
Update: Allen (neck) returned to the starting lineup Friday against the Nets, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Allen had two poor games before he missed Wednesday's contest against Charlotte with a pinched nerve in his neck, so you may want to use caution in deploying him until it's clear he's healthy.
Matt Harpring: Will Play Saturday
Update: Harpring, whose wife gave birth late Thursday, did not attend Friday morning's practice, but will rejoin the team in time for Saturday's game against Orlando, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: Harpring missed Thursday's game against Phoenix to be with his family. The Jazz still won handily, defeating a depleted Suns lineup 108-86.
Ronnie Price: Back in Practice
Update: Price (sprained ankle) returned to practice Friday and is a game-time decision for Saturday's game against the Magic, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: Price missed two games with the injury which he sustained in practice on Monday.
Andrei Kirilenko: Practices Friday
Update: Kirilenko (lower back inflammation) practiced Friday and will be a game-time decision for Saturday's game against Orlando, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: Kirilenko, who has missed three games with the injury, has said adamantly that he plans to play Saturday. We do, however, suggest giving Kirilenko a game or two to prove that the injury will not hinder his play before getting him back into your lineup.
David Harrison: Violates Anti-Drug Program
Update: Harrison was suspended by the NBA for five games without pay on Friday for violating the league's Anti-Drug Program, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Details of the violation were not released. "We are very disappointed with the news that David Harrison has been suspended," Pacers' president of basketball operations Larry Bird said in a statement. "This is a private matter and we will do what we can to provide David any help going forward." The 7-footer is averaging 4.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and one block in 27 games off the bench for Indiana this season. Harrison's suspension will begin Saturday when the Pacers visit Sacramento. He will be eligible to return to the lineup on January 23 when the team travel to play the Bulls.
Thaddeus Young: Could Be Inserted Into the Starting Lineup
Update: Young has scored his career-high in points (16) twice in the last four games and could see a promotion into the starting lineup, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: In four games, Young averaged 11.7 points and 6.0 rebounds in 24.2 minutes and shot 22 for 37 from the field. The 19-year-old Young has played mainly at small forward, with stints at power forward. He provides tremendous energy, and the tempo often picks up when he is in the game. 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks said Young will have an impact on the game whether he plays two or 25 minutes so whether he starts or not doesn't necessarily mean he will play major minutes. Young doesn't have fantasy value just yet but could as the season goes on.
Thabo Sefolosha: May Match Up Against Iguodala Friday
Update: With Luol Deng a game-day decision for Friday's contest against the Sixers, coach Jim Boylan is mulling increased minutes for Sefolosha, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Andre Iguodala consistently beat Deng to the tune of 22 points in a Nov. 2 matchup, and Iguodala's quickness is a tough cover for Andres Nocioni, especially with him battling the flu. Sefolosha's long arms and quickness may make him the best match up to try and slow down Iguodala.
Hedo Turkoglu: Big Game Against Clippers
Update: Turkoglu scored 28 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out seven assists in Orlando's victory over the Clippers on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Turkoglu's scoring had been down of late, but he hit nine of his 18 shots from the field and shot 9-of-10 from the free throw line in Wednesday night's contest.
Carlos Arroyo: Moves Back Into Reserve Role
Update: After starting the previous five games, Arroyo was replaced in the starting lineup by Jameer Nelson for Wednesday night's victory over the Clippers.
Analysis: Arroyo only played seven minutes in the game. He didn't have much fantasy value before jumping into the starting lineup and won't have much now coming off the bench. If better options are available in your league, feel free to make a transaction.
Jameer Nelson: Back in Starting Lineup
Update: After coming off the bench the previous four games, Nelson was moved back into the starting lineup before Orlando's victory over the Clippers on Wednesday night.
Analysis: It looks like head coach Stan Van Gundy was just trying to give Nelson a little motivation by moving him to the bench. He scored 14 points and dished out nine assists in Wednesday's game, so it looks like Nelson got the message. Pick him up right away if he is a free agent in your league and feel free to use him in your everyday lineup.
Keith Bogans: Moved to Bench Role
Update: Bogans (ankle) was replaced in the starting lineup by Maurice Evans before Wednesday night's victory over the Clippers.
Analysis: Bogans is dealing with an ankle injury, but he only played 16 minutes in the game and scored fewer than five points for the third consecutive game. Bogans' fantasy value takes a big hit if he remains on the bench, so keep an eye on his playing time during the next several games.
Maurice Evans: Moves Into Starting Lineup
Update: Evans replaced Keith Bogans in the starting lineup on Wednesday night and responded by scoring a season-high 13 points.
Analysis: Evans saw nearly 36 minutes of playing time in Orlando's victory over the Clippers. His fantasy value will be increased as long as he is starting, so keep an eye on how he performs over the next several games to see if he develops into a consistent fantasy contributor.
Marcus Banks: Struggles in Starting Role Thursday
Update: Banks, getting a start with three Suns regulars (including Steve Nash) out of action, played 38 minutes but scored just nine points on 3-for-11 shooting with five rebounds and three assists.
Analysis: Banks could get one more start on Saturday, as Steve Nash and Shawn Marion are both iffy for that game, but don't count on Banks to be productive.
Lindsey Hunter: Seven Points in Return
Update: After seven games on the inactive list, Hunter returned Thursday and contributed seven points and two steals in just six minutes.
Analysis: Hunter wasn't exactly hurt, but he's getting to the age where he can't effectively play every night. The Pistons consider him a "coach on the floor" at this point.
Rasheed Wallace: Explodes Thursday
Update: Wallace had his best game of the season Thursday, finishing with 23 points, 15 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in the victory over San Antonio.
Analysis: This was vintage 'Sheed, but games like this have been few and far between the last couple of years. Wallace has been a little grumpy with the media lately, and he was bothered by an early foul call Thursday, but he took his anger out on the Spurs.
Leandro Barbosa: Leads Suns in Scoring Thursday
Update: With Steve Nash, Grant Hill and Shawn Marion all out of the lineup, Barbosa got the start Thursday and scored 25 points with five rebounds, five assists, three three-pointers and two steals.
Analysis: He shot just 7-for-18 from the field, but it was otherwise a great night for Barbosa. Marion and Nash aren't expected to be out long, but Barbosa could have one more game Saturday where he is one of Phoenix's go-to offensive options.
Alando Tucker: Sent Down to D-League Friday
Update: Tucker was sent to the Suns' D-League affiliate in Albuquerque Friday.
Analysis: He swaps places with DJ Strawberry.
Shawn Marion: Out Thursday Due To Elbow and Shoulder Injuries
Update: Marion did not play Thursday due to a bruised right elbow and shoulder, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: He suffered the injuries in Wednesday's game after a collision with Danny Granger. "It's lucky that it wasn't worse than it was," Marion said on Thursday. "It feels a lot better." He's hopeful he'll be able to play Saturday.
Kirk Hinrich: Returned to Practice Thursday, Probable for Friday
Update: Hinrich, who missed Wednesday's practice with the flu bug infecting the Bulls, returned to practice Thursday, the Arlington Daily Herald reports.
Analysis: Look for Hinrich to be at his customary starting guard spot Friday against Philadelphia.
Corey Maggette: Held Out of Practice
Update: Maggette did not practice on Thursday because of a sore right knee, the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: Maggette has been plagued by leg issues all season, including a hamstring injury in early December, along with knee and ankle problems recently. Keep him in fantasy lineups for now, but realize he can't seem to get healthy.
Andres Nocioni: Returned to Practice Thursday, Should Play Friday
Update: Nocioni, who missed Wednesday's practice with the flu bug infecting the Bulls, returned to practice Thursday, the Arlington Daily Herald reports.
Analysis: Nocioni was stricken with the illness earlier in the week, missing Monday's practice, but was able to play Tuesday, though he clearly was affected by it. Look for Nocioni to again start at small forward with Luol Deng unlikely to play Friday.
Luol Deng: Particpated in Half of Thursday's Practice, Still Questionable for Friday
Update: Deng, who has missed two games with left Achilles tendinitis, participated in about half of Thursday's practice and has an outside shot of playing Friday, the Arlington Daily Herald reports.
Analysis: The more likely scenario has Deng sitting out Friday and then returning to action Sunday against Atlanta. Deng believes the Achilles' problem is a byproduct of a sore back that has bothered him off and on this season and that the injury has prevented him from getting lift on his jump shot, resulting in most of his shots coming up short.
Beno Udrih: Scores 25 Points Thursday
Update: Udrih scored 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting in Sacramento's win over Memphis Thursday night.
Analysis: Udrih is making a strong case for major playing time once Mike Bibby returns from his thumb injury. In 42 minutes, Udrih had four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Ron Artest: Will Begin Shooting Soon
Update: Artest should be able to begin shooting with his surgically repaired right elbow in approximately 7-10 days, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The small forward had five bone chips removed on Jan. 2. According to Artest, he should be able to play around Jan 20, but we'll let team officials decide that.
Mike Bibby: Will be a Sub at First
Update: Bibby, along with Kevin Martin, will come off the bench when he returns from his thumb injury, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "I think we need them (Bibby and Martin) no doubt about it," Kings coach Reggie Theus said. "But the key to that is not necessarily the talent. It's how hard they're going to play. They have to integrate themselves back into the flow of the game." Theus, in his first season at the helm, has challenged Bibby to play harder on the defensive end since the coach arrived in Sacramento, fueling trade talk about the point guard. Bibby is scheduled to return on Jan. 16 at Toronto.
Kevin Martin: Off the Bench Upon Return
Update: Martin, along with Mike Bibby, will initially come off the bench when he returns from his groin injury, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "Their (Bibby and Martin) play defensively, their stamina, and the flow of the team will dictate how many minutes they get," Kings coach Reggie Theus said. "My responsibility is to everybody, not just the stars." Despite Theus' comments, Martin will receive extended minutes if he proves to be fit enough. He is expected to return no later than Monday versus the Mavericks, and team officials have speculated he might play Saturday against the Pacers.
Steven Hunter: Returns to Practice
Update: Hunter, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on November 16th, returned to practice on Wednesday, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: This is just an FYI, especially now that Nene and Kenyon Martin are back healthy.
J.R. Smith: Gets Zinged by George Karl
Update: When asked if Smith might be given a spot at backing up Anthony Carter at PG, head coach George Karl said, "That would be a lot of fun, putting your worst turnover-per-minute man at point guard," the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: OUCH! We knew Smith wasn't exactly on Karl's good side, but those kind of remarks make us wonder if the 3-point specialist is even going to make it through the year. Even with Chucky Atkins out for at least two months, the likely choice to fill the void is Yakouba Diawara, who plays solid defense and does what his coach asks him to do. Smith has played just once in the last four games and that was garbage time in Phoenix. We suggest you stay as far away from Smith as possible, even if he has a couple good nights, because his time with the Nuggets is drawing to a close.
Scot Pollard: Misses Thursday's Practice
Update: Pollard (ankle) sat out Thursday's practice but is expected to play Friday against the Nets, according to the Boston Globe.
Analysis: Rookie Glen Davis is expected to play Friday as well, which should limit Pollard's minutes in the frontcourt.
Shannon Brown: Expected to be Sent to D-League Friday
Update: Brown, whose role with the Cavaliers is nothing more than DNPs, will be sent down to the D-league Friday, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: Cedric Simmons was recalled after playing three games with the Cavs' D-League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (Tex.) Vipers, and Brown is likely to swap places with him. In addition, the Cavs have the weekend off, and the Vipers play both Saturday and Sunday, which would allow Brown to get playing time without missing games with the big club.
Travis Diener: Elevated to Backup Point Guard
Update: Diener, who was forced to leave Wednesday's game against Phoenix with an ankle injury, was told before the game that he would be the first point guard off the bench, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Diener scored a season-high 12 points in 14 minutes before departing with the ankle injury during the second half of Wednesday's loss to the Suns. "I tried to come back, but I couldn't walk," Diener said. "I hate to put a guess on anything. I'm going to come back as soon as possible." Pacers coach Jim O'Brien made changes to his rotation, including playing the quicker Diener ahead of Andre Owens. "We like his tempo and spacing, and he gets guys moving and he distributes the basketball," O'Brien said about Diener, whose status for Saturday's game against the Kings has not been determined.
Shawne Williams: Back in Rotation
Update: Williams appears to be part of Pacers coach Jim O'Brien's move to a smaller rotation of players, the Indianapolis Star reports. Williams, who had played 83 minutes in the previous 14 games, was one of the first subs off the bench Wednesday night and scored 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting in 29 minutes in an overtime loss to Phoenix.
Analysis: O'Brien is getting little production from the bigger players on the bench -- Ike Diogu and David Harrison -- so he's decided use a smaller lineup. "That's one of the reasons why we have to consider going small more than just against teams that present matchup problems because our depth is at the wing spots," O'Brien said. "We know we have to grow (Williams) as a player. We're getting limited production at the big spots from our bench. We're going to try to make sure we grow the small lineup." Williams also gives O'Brien someone who can defend the post, though it's not his most optimal usage.
Shaquille O'Neal: To Practice Sunday
Update: Treatments for O'Neal's left hip bursitis have produced "positive feedback," and the center is on schedule to return to practice Sunday, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: O'Neal's first game back is expected to be Wednesday night against the Bulls.
Udonis Haslem: Can't Finish Practice, Quesitonable Friday
Update: Haslem was unable to finish Thursday's practice because of the flu and is questionable for Friday night's game in New Orleans, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Haslem was stricken by the flu on Wednesday and gutted out 33 minutes in a loss to the Bucks. If he can't go, expect Earl Barron or Alexander Johnson to start for Miami.
Yao Ming: Ankle is Fine
Update: Yao turned his right ankle late in Wednesday's game against the Knicks, but after receiving some postgame treatment, it's not expected to be any problem Friday against the Timberwolves, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis: Keep Yao in your lineup obviously - he's coming off a strong game against the Knicks.
Tracy McGrady: Return Pushed Back to Next Week
Update: McGrady (knee) is not expected to return to the court until next week, the Houston Chronicle reports.
McGrady has been out for the past eight games. He has played just one full game since Dec. 15, making his conditioning nearly as much of an issue as his knee.
Analysis: "The hardest thing is when you're playing this game and you have a setback like I had; I have an injury that limits me from running," McGrady said. "I can't get in shape. It's going to take me awhile to get in shape, and I still am not going to be in the shape I need to be to be that effective on the basketball court." Keep him on your bench until further notice.
Jeff Green: Expected to Start Despite Gimpy Ankle
Update: Green is bothered by a minor ankle injury but is expected to start Friday, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: There was no report of Green injuring his ankle after Seattle's last game. Nevertheless, Green apparently is less than 100 percent. Green hasn't been very good lately, and there's a chance he could lose his starting assignment.
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