FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Jarrett Jack: Will Start if Blake Can't
Update: Jack will start at point guard Sunday against Toronto, if Steve Blake (calf) can't, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Blake is listed as questionable for Sunday's game as well as Monday's against New Jersey, but is with the team on its road trip, so we expect him to be back to game action during the week.
Steve Blake: Quesrtionable For Sunday and Monday
Update: Blake is questionable for Sunday's game at Toronto because of a calf injury, The Oregonian reports. He's also listed as questionable for Monday's game in New Jersey.
Analysis: Blake suffered a deep bruise in his left calf during Wednesday's victory over Golden State. He was walking better on Friday, but said he couldn't run if he tried. "It's hard to walk, and it's real painful," said Blake, who was wearing a heavy wrap around his calf. "I know I can't go up on my toes if I'm standing on one leg, and I probably couldn't run if I tried to right now. But these things heal fast, I think, so tomorrow could be a totally different story."
Tony Allen: Will Start Saturday
Update: Allen will start at point guard in place of the injured Rajon Rondo (back) Saturday night against the Wizards, the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis: Rondo may also miss Monday's game between the same two teams.
Rajon Rondo: Out for Saturday's Game
Update: Rondo will not play Saturday night against Washington because of a back bruise, the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis: There's also doubt Rondo will be available for Monday's game when the same two teams meet. He suffered the injury Friday night and woke up stiff on Saturday. Tony Allen will start in place of Rondo.
Derek Anderson: Still Sidelined
Update: Anderson (bruised right knee) remains out for Saturday's game against the Pistons, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: With Raymond Felton and Jeff McInnis also out, the Bobcats are in a point guard jam, at least on Saturday.
Jeff McInnis: Expects to Play Monday
Update: McInnis, who will sit out Saturday's game against Detroit, expects to be well enough to play Monday night against Denver, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: The Bobcats are without three guards Saturday night, and are forced to start Matt Carroll and Jared Dudley in the backcourt.
Jeff McInnis: (Quad) Out Saturday
Update: McInnis (quad) will miss Saturday's game against the Pistons, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Raymond Felton and Derek Anderson are also out, so the Bobcats are in a point guard jam. Look for Jason Richardson and Matt Carroll to start in the backcourt Saturday. More on the status of McInnis in the coming days.
Jared Dudley: Will Start Saturday
Update: Because of injuries to several guards, Dudley will start in the backcourt Saturday night against the Pistons, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Dudley is not an optimal solution, but for the short term it will have to do. He'll join Matt Carroll as Charlotte's starting backcourt as Raymond Felton (ankle), Jeff McInnis (quadriceps) and Derek Anderson (knee) will not play.
Matt Carroll: Will Start Saturday
Update: With Raymond Felton (ankle), Jeff McInnis (quadriceps) and Derek Anderson (knee) all out of Saturday night's game against the Pistons, Carroll and rookie Jared Dudley will start in the backcourt, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: The Bobcats have no proven healthy point guards on the roster at this time, so a move could be made if Felton and McInnis continue to miss time. Carroll is not a long-term solution, but will see some extra minutes in the short term.
Raymond Felton: Will Miss Saturday's Game
Update: Felton, who has a sprained and bruised right ankle, will miss Saturday's game against the Pistons, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Jeff McInnis and Derek Anderson are also sitting out, which leaves the team strapped at point guard. More on Felton's status as we know it.
Luol Deng: Could Miss Some More Games
Update: Deng continues to be day-to-day, but the Bulls are being cautious with him and won't rush him back, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: "We don't want him to have something that's going to linger," interim coach Jim Boylan said. "[Andres Nocioni] had that last year with his fascia in his foot. We managed his pain and it wore him down. We're trying to avoid that situation with Lu." Deng had hoped to return for Sunday's game against Atlanta. Keep him on your bench until further notice.
Nate Robinson: Scores 24 in Loss
Update: Robinson played more than 42 minutes Friday, scoring 24 points, with four boards and a pair of assists and steals in a 99-90 home loss to the Raptors.
Analysis: He continues to be one of the lone bright spots on a team in complete disarray.
Josh Howard: Out for Saturday
Update: Howard will miss Saturday night's game against the Clippers due to personal reasons, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Howard is expected to return to the team in time for Monday's game against Sacramento. Be sure to adjust your lineup accordingly.
Marko Jaric: Back On Bench
Update: Jaric came off the bench and scored just two points with four assists in 23 minutes in Friday's loss to Houston.
Analysis: Just when it looked like Jaric was back in the starting lineup and set for 25-plus minutes a game, he took a step back. He had scored 31 points his previous two games while in the starting lineup, so hopefully this was just an off night.
Antoine Walker: Doesn't Score
Update: Walker did not score in seven minutes of action in Friday's loss to Houston.
Analysis: Walker has steadily seen his playing time decline the last few weeks and he's scored just three points in his last three games. Keep him reserved until he climbs back into Minnesota's rotation.
Sasha Vujacic: Ankle Leads to Back Injury
Update: Vujacic has missed five consecutive games because of an ankle injury that has led to back spasms, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports.
Analysis: "He's struggling," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "I was told by the physical therapist, Alex McKechnie, that it has only been eight days for a sprain that bad and to have a malfunction happen to it while he's playing is something that could easily take two weeks, so not to be dismayed that it's just only eight days." It doesn't sound like he'll back for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies.
Vladimir Radmanovic: To Miss Two More Games
Update: Radmanovic (ankle) will miss another two games, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports.
Analysis: Radmanovic missed his fifth straight game on Friday with a sprained right ankle.
David Harrison: Won't Be Missed
Update: Harrison, who was suspended by the league for five games because he violated the NBA's anti-drug program, had lost his spot in the rotation prior to the suspension, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Harrison was meant to thrive in coach Jim O'Brien's quicker-paced system, but was constantly in foul trouble and averaged just 4.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 27 games. "(Harrison) hasn't earned playing time," O'Brien said. "That's why he isn't getting any time. Since he came off from being banged up, I didn't like the way he was playing. He knew I didn't like the way he was playing. He didn't deserve to be on the basketball court for us."
Carlos Arroyo: Playing Time Taking a Big Hit
Update: Arroyo only saw nine minutes of action in Orlando's loss to Denver on Friday night.
Analysis: Arroyo only scored four points in the game and didn't record an assist. Go ahead and find another option.
Hedo Turkoglu: First Game Under Ten Points
Update: Turkoglu only scored eight points on 3-of-15 shooting in Orlando's loss to Denver on Friday night.
Analysis: Friday's game was the first time this season in which Turkoglu failed to score at least 10 points. Fortunately, he still grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists in the game. Turkoglu owners shouldn't be worried; he just had a poor shooting night.
Rashard Lewis: Good Night From the Field
Update: Lewis (neck) shot 8-of-15 from the field, including 4-of-10 from three-point range, and scored 21 points in Orlando's loss to Denver on Friday night.
Analysis: Lewis also added four rebounds and four assists in the game. Though Lewis is providing almost no defensive statistics, he's keeping his fantasy value up by hitting nearly three three-pointers a game.
Antawn Jamison: Grabs 17 Boards
Update: Jamison scored 22 points (on 9-of-22 shooting) and added 17 rebounds in 48 minutes of action in Friday's win over the Hawks.
Analysis: The productive Jamison, who is averaging 21.6 ppg and 10.8 rpg, has scored in double figures in 33 out of 34 games thus far, while shooting just under 44 percent from the field.
Antonio Daniels: Busy on Friday
Update: Daniels scored 14 points (on 4-of-9 shooting) and added seven assists in 48 minutes of action in Friday's win over the Hawks.
Analysis: Daniels, who was one of five Wizards scoring in double figures, appears to be over his recent knee woes given the extensive playing time he saw Friday.
Dwight Howard: Another Double-Double
Update: Howard scored 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in Orlando's loss to Denver on Friday night.
Analysis: Howard also added three blocked shots, which surprisingly is his highest total in the previous five games. Howard's overall numbers are still spectacular, so keep enjoying the nightly double-double he provides your fantasy squad.
Maurice Evans: Scoring Output Increases
Update: Evans scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting in Orlando's loss to Denver on Friday night.
Analysis: Evans also added three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the contest. You can expect a line similar to this on most nights for Evans. He isn't likely to score more than 15 on most nights as he's one of Orlando's last offensive options in the starting lineup, but Evans should be a consistent performer and is starting to prove worthy of a fantasy roster spot.
DeShawn Stevenson: Scores 19 in Win Over Hawks
Update: Stevenson scored 19 points (on 6-of-13 shooting) and added five rebounds in 40 minutes of action in Friday's win over the Hawks.
Analysis: Stevenson, who is not usually a primary option in the Wizards' offense, has averaged 12.4 points over five January contests, which helps give him some value in deeper leagues.
Andray Blatche: Takes Over for Haywood Friday
Update: Blatche scored 13 points (on 4-of-10 shooting) and added eight rebounds and five blocks in 33 minutes of action in Friday's win over the Hawks.
Analysis: Most of Blatche's minutes came at center in place of starter Brendan Haywood, who picked up two early fouls and played just 11 minutes. Coach Eddie Jordan said he made the decision to go with Blatche after the first quarter, the Washington Post reports. "He gave us a little extra hop," Jordan said of Blatche after Friday's game. "Brendan can't be an all-star every night, but [Saturday night] we're expecting him to be one again." Be that as it may, it's games like this one that remind us that Blatche continues to do the dance around fantasy relevance.
Brendan Haywood: Gives Way to Blatche Friday
Update: Haywood scored two points (on 1-of-2 shooting) and added two rebounds in 11 minutes of action in Friday's win over the Hawks.
Analysis: Haywood picked up two early fouls, which opened the door for Andray Blatche, who ended up showing some spark and playing 33 minutes. The shift in playing time is not necessarily a permanent one however, the Washington Post reports. "(Blatche) gave us a little extra hop," Jordan said after Friday's game. "Brendan can't be an all-star every night, but [Saturday night vs. the Celtics] we're expecting him to be one again. I thought he did a good job when we played in Boston."
Boris Diaw: Battling Back Spasms
Update: Coach Mike D'Antoni said on Friday that Diaw was limited by back spasms against the Jazz on Thursday, but Diaw would be able to play Saturday, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Shawn Marion and Steve Nash could both be back in the lineup Saturday, but Diaw should continue to start with Grant Hill still recovering from his appendectomy.
Steve Nash: Could Play Saturday
Update: Nash (stomach flu) was held out of practice Friday, but continues to recover and anticipates taking part in Saturday's shootaround and playing Saturday night against Milwaukee, the East Valley Tribune reports.
Analysis: "Steve's doing much better," said athletic trainer Aaron Nelson, who spoke with Nash after Friday's practice. "His stomach is still a little uneasy, but it's not nauseous anymore. It isn't flu-ish anymore. He's getting back to more of a normal diet." Nash was forced to leave Wednesday's game against Indiana with the illness, then sat out Thursday's loss to Utah.
Steve Nash: Could Play Saturday
Update: Nash's flu symptoms have improved and he could return to the lineup Saturday, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: "I talked to him about half an hour ago and he's doing much better," Suns head trainer Aaron Nelson said. "His stomach is still a little uneasy, but he's not nauseous anymore. He isn't fluish anymore. He's getting back to a more normal diet. He anticipates being here for shootaround [Saturday] and hopefully going [Saturday] night."
Shawn Marion: Participates in Friday's Practice
Update: Marion (shoulder, elbow) participated in Friday's practice and said he'll be ready to go Saturday night against Milwaukee, the East Valley Tribune reports.
Analysis: "I can't sit out that long," Marion said. "I'm better, definitely. I got some treatment and got some shots up. It feels good." Marion was forced to sit out the Suns' previous game on Thursday.
Chris Bosh: Dominates the Knicks on Friday
Update: Bosh exploded for 40 points and 11 rebounds in Friday's win over the Knicks.
Analysis: He shot 14-for-30 from the floor, 12-for-15 from the line, and added three assists and two steals. He made Zach Randolph look so bad on the defensive end that Randolph got benched for the second half, and Bosh then proceeded to abuse Jared Jeffries and any other Knick who dared match up against him.
Raymond Felton: Says He'll Try to Play Saturday
Update: Felton, who left Friday night's double-overtime loss to Cleveland with a badly sprained right ankle, says he'll try to play Saturday night against the Pistons, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: "I'll try to play," Felton said, "but they (medical staff) probably won't let me." Felton logged over 55 minutes in the marathon on Friday before turning is ankle on a drive to the hoop. "It had already turned," Felton said of the ankle sprain, "and then LeBron (James) stepped on it. Just a freak accident." We don't expect him to play Saturday. And with Jeff McInnis leaving Friday's game with a quad injury, Charlotte's point guard position is looking rather light.
Jeff McInnis: Strained Right Quadriceps
Update: McInnis strained his right quadriceps Friday night in Charlotte's double-overtime loss to Cleveland, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Both McInnis and Raymond Felton (ankle) went down with injuries, leaving the Bobcats short point guards as they prepare to face Detroit on Saturday.
Brent Barry: May Return Monday
Update: Barry (torn calf) won't suit up against the Timberwolves on Saturday, but he is cautiously optimistic he may be able to return when the Spurs play the 76ers at the AT&T Center on Monday, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: The Spurs offense has been in a funk since Barry has been out, so his return will be a welcomed site for the Spurs.
Joe Johnson: Continues to Work Way Out of Slump
Update: Johnson had 23 points (9-of-19 FG, 2-of-5 3-PT, 3-of-5 FT) and nine assists in the Hawks' loss to the Wizards on Friday.
Analysis: This was Johnson's second solid effort in a row since going a combined 7-of-27 from the floor in consecutive single-digit efforts.
Al Horford: Windex Man
Update: Horford grabbed 19 rebounds to go along with eight points in the Hawks' loss to the Wizards on Friday.
Analysis: Horford has been on fire on the boards lately grabbing 42 rebounds in his last three games. Horford has been consistently scoring around 10 points a game and with the current configuration of the roster this should continue.
Josh Smith: Huge Fantasy Night
Update: Smith had 36 points (15-of-26 FG, 1-of-4 3-PT, 4-of-10 FT), nine rebounds, five assists, a steal and three blocks in the Hawks' loss to the Wizards on Friday.
Analysis: Despite the tough night from the foul line, Smith had a monster night and 2008 continues to be a much better year for Smith from the field.
John Salmons: Still Feeling Ill
Update: Salmons (illness) missed a second consecutive practice on Friday, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Salmons has had a fever since Wednesday but was able to play in Thursday's win over Memphis. He played 44 minutes and scored 28 points. Kevin Martin (groin) is scheduled to return Saturday against Indiana, so it's possible Salmons may play limited minutes.
Francisco Garcia: Misses Friday's Practice
Update: Garcia (personal reasons) missed Friday's practice, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: It appears he will play on Saturday against the Pacers. Kevin Martin (groin) is scheduled to return versus Indiana, so keep an eye on Garcia's minutes. They should be affected to some degree.
Mike Bibby: Not Budging on His Return Date
Update: Bibby, who had thumb surgery Oct. 27, will return on Jan. 16 despite coach Reggie Theus' recent comments that he was surprised the medical staff has not allowed the point guard to return sooner, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "I'm waiting the full (recovery) time," said Bibby. "I said that when I got hurt, and I'm waiting the full time. The doctor told me that that's the time (to return), and that's when I'm coming back." Theus contends that Bibby and Kevin Martin (groin) have been participating in full-contact practices, so they should be able to play in games. Look for the soap opera and trade rumors to continue.
Kevin Martin: Agent Isn't Happy With Theus
Update: Martin's agent is upset with Kings coach Reggie Theus for making comments regarding the shooting guard's availability and recovery since his groin injury appears healed, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "I think it's disconcerting when your coach is rendering medical opinions as to players' availability and their health," agent Jason Levien said. "I think it's better to leave that to the team's medical staff in this case, especially, because Kevin is working so diligently in the last several weeks to get himself ready to play." Recently, Theus questioned why Martin and Mike Bibby (thumb) have been cleared to play in full-contact practices but not in games. Martin is scheduled to return on Saturday night against Indiana.
Robert Swift: Perhaps Two Weeks from Practicing
Update: Swift (right knee) might be able to return to practice in two weeks, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Tendinitis in Swift's injured right knee was deemed normal by a medical evaluation this week. When Swift returns to practice, he'll probably need at least a week to test the knee and get his body back to game shape.
Chris Wilcox: Still Feels Pain in Injured Finger
Update: Wilcox, who missed his fourth consecutive game Friday, will practice Sunday, and if the pain in his dislocated right pinkie finger has subsided, he'll play Monday, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Wilcox has a torn ligament in his finger and feels pain when he catches the ball and shoots. The good news is the four-game break has given his knee and ankle injuries a chance to heal.
Shaquille O'Neal: Heat Unaware of Report
Update: A Heat spokesman said the team was unaware of a report on ESPN that said associates of O'Neal (hip) told him to sit out the rest of the season, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: O'Neal, who has missed the past eight games, is expected to receive a final round of treatment for left hip bursitis and return to practice Sunday. He is scheduled to return to game action Wednesday against Chicago.
Jason Kidd: Needs I.V.
Update: Kidd needed an intravenous supplement at halftime during Friday night's loss to Boston, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Kidd was battling an illness that kept him from participating fully in the team's morning workout. He'll have two days off before the Nets' next game on Monday against Portland.
Josh Boone: Big Night Friday
Update: Boone scored 14 points to go along with 16 rebounds and four blocked shots Friday night in New Jersey's loss to Boston.
Analysis: Boone continues to make a difference on the Nets' front line, unfortunately his free-throw shooting works as a detriment. He was 0-for-6 Friday night and now stands at 30.5 percent for the season. Like most centers, playing near the rim, he's going to get fouled and make trips to the line, so be sure you have good free-throw shooters in your lineup to counteract Boone's failings in that aspect of the game.
Nazr Mohammed: Double-Double Friday
Update: Mohammed continued his strong production off the bench Friday night, scoring 21 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in Charlotte's double-overtime loss to Cleveland.
Analysis: In his first four games off the bench, it looked like Mohammed had lost all of his value. However, in the last four games, Mohammed is averaging 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds.
Linas Kleiza: Solid Play off Bench
Update: Kleiza scored 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including three 3-pointers with five rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes Friday night in Denver's victory over Orlando.
Analysis: Kleiza continues to be an every man for Denver coach George Karl. He can play three positions and is averaging 10.7 points in 22.6 minutes per game in a bench role. With Denver losing Nene (personal medical reason) for an indefinite amount of the time, the domino effect throughout the Nuggets' rotation could result in more for Kleiza and Eduardo Najera.
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