FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Stephen Jackson: Plays With Flu-Like Symptoms on Sunday
Update: Jackson, who shot 4-for-15 from the field on Sunday, played 42 minutes despite having flu-like symptoms, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: "I knew I wasn't feeling well because my hands were freezing," Jackson said. "That's never happened to me before." Flu or no flu, Jackson has been struggling with his shot all year and is only shooting 39.9% from the field for the year. He continues to be a good play every week, though, because he makes 2.1 threes a game and is averaging a career-high 20.6 points per game.
Kenyon Martin: Getting Bulk of Minutes at PF with Nene Sidelined
Update: Martin started at PF on Monday, played 35 minutes and posted 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal against Charlotte.
Analysis: Granted, the stats haven't been all that impressive since Nene left the team two games ago for personal reasons, but the minutes played signify a lot of potential. Martin has averaged 36 minutes with Nene out compared to ~27 with him in the line-up. Keep a close on eye on this situation because if Nene ends up sidelined for a significant period of time Martin's once again becomes a much more relevant fantasy player.
Nene Hilario: Misses 2nd Straight Game
Update: Nene (personal medical reasons) missed his second straight game on Monday and there has still been no word on exactly what the issue is.
Analysis: Rumors have begun swirling but we won't get into that here. The bottom line is Nene's absence is opening the door for Kenyon Martin to once again become fantasy relevant. If you've been thinking of taking a flyer on Martin think no more as he's played 37 and 35 minutes the last two games.
Marcus Camby: Has Huge Game vs Charlotte
Update: Camby posted 23 rebounds, 20 points, six assists and six blocks on Monday night vs the Hornets.
Analysis: Wow, if you own Camby your week just got off to a great start. It was the first 20-20 game for Camby this year but the seventh time he's pulled down 20 or more boards. Interestingly enough all of his 20 rebound games have come in groups of two so keep an eye on him against Atlanta on Tuesday, he might just be primed for another big glass cleaning.
Steve Blake: Returns From Calf Injury
Update: Blake returned to action after missing one game because of a calf injury.
Analysis: Blake started and had five points with five assists, three rebounds and a steal in 28 minutes in Portland's victory over New Jersey. The game became a blowout and there was no need to push Blake.
Derek Anderson: Active, But Doesn't Play
Update: Anderson (knee) was active Monday night but didn't play in Charlotte's victory over Denver.
Analysis: Anderson should have nothing more than a fringe role for the Bobcats this season.
Matt Carroll: Scoring off Bench
Update: Carroll had 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range, Monday night in Charlotte's victory over Denver.
Analysis: Carroll, who averaged a disappointing 6.6 points per game (38.5 FG percent) during December, has double-digit scoring in four of the last five games. He'll always take a back seat to shooters like Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace, but there's a scoring role off the bench for Carroll with only Jeff McInnis a threat for his minutes.
Rajon Rondo: Plays Against Wizards
Update: Rondo (back) played 21 minutes in Monday's 88-83 loss to the Wizards on Monday night.
Analysis: Rondo had four points in the loss, and should see his minutes and production increase in coming games.
Ray Allen: Struggles Again Against Wizards
Update: Allen (neck) had 16 points and six rebounds in the Celtics' 88-83 loss to the Wizards on Monday.
Analysis: Allen shot only 5-14 from the field Monday, including 2-7 from behind the arc. Something is clearly amiss, and we might suggest resting him for a bit in deeper leagues.
Jeff McInnis: Returns to Action Monday
Update: McInnis returned to action Monday night after missing one game because of a strained right quadriceps.
Analysis: McInnis had four points with four rebounds, three assists and a blocked shot in 24 minutes. He's been a starter a few weeks now, but his numbers aren't appreciably better than when he was coming off the bench. In nine starts, McInnis is averaging 4.3 points, 3.3 assists and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 37.5 percent from the field. As a reserve, he's averaging 3.9 points, 4.3 assists, 1.7 rebounds while shooting 40.8 percent.
Raymond Felton: Returns to Action Monday
Update: Felton returned to action Monday night after missing one game because of a sprained right ankle.
Analysis: Felton had seven points on 3-of-12 shooting with 15 assists and four turnovers in the win. Although the Bobcats played Detroit tight without Felton on Saturday, this team needs him in the lineup to have any kind of sustained success. Given no flare up of the injury the day after, consider Felton ready to go Wednesday night against the Magic.
Kevin Garnett: Plays Well in Loss
Update: Garnett had 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the Celtics'
Analysis: It isn't Garnett's fault that the C's have struggled recently, as he's played some of his best ball of the season.
Vince Carter: Tough Shooting Night
Update: Carter scored 10 points on 2-of-9 shooting with five rebounds and four assists in 36 minutes Monday night in New Jersey's loss to Portland.
Analysis: We can't blame only Carter for the Nets' 26-point loss to the Blazers. The team shot just 33.8 percent from the field. Carter, Richard Jefferson and Jason Kidd went a combined 7-of-33.
Jason Kidd: (Illness) Plays Monday Night
Update: Kidd (dehydration, illness) started and played 34 minutes Monday night in New Jersey's loss to Portland.
Analysis: Kidd was under the weather during Friday night's loss to Boston and needed an I.V. at halftime to get through the game. He scored 10 points with six rebounds, six assists, a block and a steal in the loss to the Blazers.
Randy Foye: Cleared to Fully Practice
Update: Foye (knee) was cleared to return to contact drills and scrimmages on Wednesday or Thursday, but may not play in a game for another two weeks, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: The T-Wolves will play it very safe with Foye's return, so he may not play in a game until February.
Derek Anderson: Cleared to Play
Update: Anderson (bruised right knee) participated in Monday morning's shootaround and was active for Monday night's game against the Nuggets.
Analysis: The Bobcats had all three of their injured point guards cleared for Monday's contest, getting them out of the jam that left them scrambling for healthy bodies Saturday against Detroit.
Eduardo Najera: Sits Out Monday
Update: Najera (elbow) missed Monday's game against the Bobcats, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Najera hyperextended his right elbow in Friday's victory over the Magic. He may return for Tuesday's tilt with Atlanta, but he probably is not a guy you want to rely on this week.
Alonzo Mourning: Future Remains Uncertain
Update: Just hours after a report appeared on the Heat's official web site stating that Mourning (knee) was retiring, the report was removed and a Heat spokesman said the story was erroneously placed on the site.
Analysis: "I'm retired," Mourning was quoted as saying in the initial report. "This is it for me." After suffering a torn patella tendon and quadriceps tendon last month, Mourning seems likely to announce his retirement eventually, but if anyone can come back against next-to-impossible odds, it's Mourning.
Luol Deng: Sits Out Monday's Practice, Will Play Tuesday
Update: Deng sat out Monday's practice to rest his sore Achilles', but will play Tuesday against Orlando, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Deng returned to game action Sunday after missing three games because of the injury.
Kirk Hinrich: Misses Monday's Practice, Will Play Tuesday
Update: Hinrich (back spasms) sat out Monday's practice but is expected to play Tuesday against Orlando, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Hinrich was treated for back spasms following Sunday's loss to Atlanta.
Rajon Rondo: Will Play Monday
Update: Rondo (back) will play Monday night against the Wizards, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: Celtics coach Doc Rivers confirmed that Rondo will be available, which is good for Boston. The team can struggle when relying on Tony Allen or Eddie House to bring the ball up full-time.
Josh Howard: Attends Monday's Workout
Update: Howard (personal reasons) is back with the Mavericks and went through a full practice at Monday's shootaround before Monday night's game against the Kings, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Howard should be back in the starting lineup and you should start him as normal.
Jason Kidd: Feeling Better
Update: Kidd (dehydration, illness) is feeling better and practiced on Sunday, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Kidd should be ready and available for Monday night's game against the Blazers.
Nenad Krstic: To Join Team on Trip?
Update: Krstic (knee) may accompany the Nets when the team heads out to the West Coast this weekend, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: "We're talking about it," said team president Rod Thorn. "Not to let him play but to be around the team and work out with the team. There's no decision yet but we have talked about it." There's still no date for a return to game action, but it must be getting close if they want him working out with the team on its six-game road trip. The Nets will return home from the trip in late January and will face the Bucks at home on the 29th.
Rajon Rondo: Not On Court During Pre-Game Shootaround
Update: Rondo (back) was not on the court during Boston's late-afternoon shootaround prior to Monday night's game against the Wizards, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: We're not going to draw a conclusion based on this because the same thing happened a couple of weeks ago with Rondo, who ended up playing against the Rockets after missing a game with a hamstring injury.
Stephon Marbury: Will be Re-evaluated in Three Days
Update: Marbury will be out for at least two more games and could require surgery on his left ankle, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: After practice Monday, Marbury met with Dr. William Hamilton to evaluate his ankle. Hamilton found inflammation around a chronically fractured bone spur and Marbury will wear a walking boot for three days before he is re-evaluated with an MRI. Marbury also said he will undergo surgery if it is recommended.
Andrew Bynum: Sidelined for Two Months
Update: Bynum will miss a minimum of eight weeks after MRI tests revealed a subluxation of the patella and a bone bruise of his left knee, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Bynum, who is averaging 13.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots per game in his third NBA season, suffered the injury in Sunday's 100-99 victory over the Grizzlies. He is expected to make a full recovery, but this news comes as a big blow to both the Lakers and Bynum's fantasy owners. Kwame Brown should play a much bigger role for the Lakers with Bynum out of the lineup.
Kobe Bryant: Western Conference Player of the Week
Update: Bryant received the Western Conference Player of the Week award Monday, the Associated Press reports. He averaged 29.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 3.5 steals for the week.
Analysis: Bryant, who has been battling an upper respiratory infection, helped lead the Lakers to a 4-0 record, which included wins over the Hornets, Bucks and the Grizzlies on two occasions. Closing the week with back-to-back 37-point performances, Bryant upped his season average to 27.0 points, second best in the NBA to LeBron James' 29.1.
Chris Bosh: Eastern Conference Player of the Week
Update: Bosh was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week after leading the Raptors to a 3-0 record, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Bosh averaged a league-high 33.0 points for the week, registering two double-doubles and leading the team in both scoring and rebounding twice.
Kirk Hinrich: Treated For Back Spasms After Sunday's Game
Update: Hinrich, who played 30 minutes in the Bulls' 105-84 loss to Atlanta Sunday, was treated for back spasms following the game, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: No word has been given to the severity of the spasms or if Hinrich expects to be sidelined for Tuesday's game aaginst Orlando. We will post an update as to his status prior to Tuesday's game time.
Stephon Marbury: May Miss Two Months
Update: Marbury may miss up to two months with his latest ankle injury, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: While recent speculation questioned whether the injury was even real, Marbury expects a visit with Dr. Bill Hamilton Monday to reveal bone spurs. If so, Marbury will have surgery similar to the ones Hamilton performed on him in the 2002 and 2003 offseasons, and one that would sideline him for two months. "(If they're there) I'll have to get them taken out," Marbury said. "If the doctor says I have bone spurs in my ankle and he says I need surgery, I'm going to get it taken care of. I'm not going to wait or hesitate." Though he said the injury had been bothering him for a while, coach Isiah Thomas said he didn't notice him limping or hobbling. Asked when he found out about the wear-and-tear injury, Thomas said, "It was (Saturday). That was the first time I was aware of it." Fantasy owners should grab Nate Robinson in the meantime.
Joe Smith: Averaging 16.3 Points, 7.5 Boards and 1.6 Blocks in His Last 10 Games
Update: Smith scored 12 points and grabbed eight boards in the Bulls' 105-84 loss to Atlanta Sunday and has a firm hold on the team's starting power forward spot.
Analysis: Smith is averaging 16.3 points, 7.5 boards and 1.6 blocks in his last 10 games and has left Tyrus Thomas in his wake as the starting-four for Chicago. If Smith is still available in your league, jump on acquiring him, as he should continue to be a solid source of points and boards.
Chris Duhon: Played Eight Fewer Minutes Than Sefolosha Sunday
Update: Duhon played 18 minutes in the Bulls' 105-84 loss to Atlanta Sunday, going 0-for-5 from the floor, and has not scored in double-digits in nine games.
Analysis: Duhon saw eight minutes less of action than Thabo Sefolosha due to Duhon's struggles defensively against Joe Johnson. The Bulls are 5-4 since inserting Duhon into the starting lineup, but if he is not more productive on the court, Sefolosha could continue to see increased minutes.
Rasho Nesterovic: Barely Plays Sunday
Update: Nesterovic played just nine minutes in Sunday's double OT win over Portland.
Analysis: Despite the Raptors' need for rebounding, it looks as though Nesterovic will have a hard time getting back into the club's regular rotation.
Carlos Delfino: Only Reliable Bench Option Sunday
Update: Delfino came off the bench but ended up playing 45 minutes, scoring 16 points with eight rebounds and two three-pointers, in Sunday's double OT win over Portland.
Analysis: Delfino ended up seeing more court time than either starting SF Jamario Moon or starting C Andrea Bargnani. Delfino is proving to be the one Toronto bench player who can maintain his production without Jose Calderon to lead the second unit.
Stephon Marbury: Upset With Role
Update: There is a cloud of mystery surrounding Marbury's recent ankle injury, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Marbury was out of the Knicks' lineup Sunday with a sore left ankle one game after complaining about his new "passive role." Coach Isiah Thomas claims that Marbury was injured during Friday's loss to Toronto and that Marbury was unavailable for practice the following day. Marbury's injury does not sound serious, but Thomas made a cryptic remark about Marbury's immediate future with the club. Asked about Marbury saying he has a passive role on the team, Thomas replied: "I only want to comment on tonight's game. He's not playing tonight so we'll cross that bridge when we come to it if he decides to play again." The key phrase, of course, is "if he decides to play again."
Andre Iguodala: Suffered a Right-Hip Pointer on Friday
Update: Iguodala suffered a right-hip pointer in Friday's 100-97 loss to visiting Chicago and did not participate in contact drills on Sunday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: "He did light work and didn't do a lot of running, but we expect him to play," 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks said. We would keep Iguodala in your lineup for now but keep your expectations low.
Jason Kapono: Limited Minutes Sunday
Update: Kapono scored just two points in eight minutes of court time during Sunday's double OT win over Portland.
Analysis: He hasn't scored in double digits, or even hit a three pointer, in seven games and is averaging just 12.6 minutes per game over that stretch. There's no reason to waste a fantasy roster spot on Kapono right now.
Kris Humphries: Almost Invisible Sunday
Update: Despite the fact that Sunday's game went to two overtimes Humphries played just eight minutes, scoring three points with one rebound.
Analysis: He hasn't scored in double digits in seven straight games, barely getting off the bench in three of them. His strong play early in the season has disappeared, and with it Humphries' playing time. There's little reason to use a fantasy roster spot on him right now.
Juan Dixon: DNP - Coach's Decision Sunday
Update: Despite the fact that Sunday's game went to two overtimes, Dixon didn't get off the bench.
Analysis: The Raptors are in desperate need of someone to lighten the load at point guard for Jose Calderon, but it seems apparent that they don't see Dixon as the guy to do it. His days in Toronto could be numbered.
Anthony Parker: Another Big Game Sunday
Update: Parker collected 25 points, six assists, three three-pointers and three rebounds in 51 minutes of court time during Sunday's double OT win over Portland.
Analysis: Parker has now scored 20+ points in three of his last four games, and his averages are finally starting to approach the level he reached last season.
Ronnie Price: Doubtful for Monday
Update: Price (sprained ankle) is doubtful for Monday's game against Milwaukee, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Price has missed three games with the injury.
Jose Calderon: Big Effort Sunday
Update: Calderon played 54 minutes, scoring 22 points with 10 assists, three rebounds, three three-pointers and two steals, in Sunday's double OT win over Portland.
Analysis: The Raptors either need TJ Ford back soon, or need to trade for a reliable third point guard, or they run the risk of burning Calderon out due to the huge workload he's been carrying.
Chris Bosh: Leads Raptors in Scoring Sunday
Update: Bosh followed up his 40 point effort Friday with a 38 point, 14 rebound game in Sunday's double OT win over Portland.
Analysis: Bosh played 55 minutes, shot 15-of-27 from the floor and 8-of-10 from the free throw line, and added three blocks and two assists. Perhaps his most impressive play didn't even register on the scoresheet -- after scoring on successive possessions down low in the second overtime, Bosh led his defender away from the basket and then signalled Anthony Parker to drive into the gap behind him for an easy bucket to seal the win.
Jeff McInnis: Set to Return Monday
Update: McInnis (quad) went through the Bobcats' shootaround Monday morning and was cleared to play against the Nuggets, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Raymond Felton will also be available Monday, which gets the Bobcats out the point guard jam they were in Saturday.
Raymond Felton: Cleared to Play Monday
Update: Felton (right ankle) went through the Bobcats' shootaround Monday morning and was cleared to play against the Nuggets, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Jeff McInnis has also been cleared to play Monday, which gets the Bobcats out of their temporary point guard jam.
Ike Diogu: Healthy Scratch
Update: Diogu has been a healthy scratch the last two games, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Diogu has struggled since returning from his torn calf injury, and might also be a bad fit for coach Jim O'Brien's offense.
Mike Dunleavy: Nearly Has a Triple-Double
Update: Dunleavy fell three assists short of having a triple-double in Sunday's loss to Golden State in his first game there since last season's trade.
Analysis: Dunleavy ended up with 18 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, all while getting booed nearly every time he touched the ball.
Ron Artest: Says a Return is Close
Update: Artest, who had five bone chips removed from his right elbow on Jan. 2, believes he is close to returning to the court, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "It should be soon," Artest said. "It should be very, very, very soon. We're trying to get to the playoffs. That's all that's important." He participated in Sacramento's practice session on Sunday, running the floor and shooting comfortably with his off-hand.
Quinton Ross: Few Minutes in the New Year
Update: Ross (eye) is averaging just 14.4 minutes in January.
Analysis: Ross, like many Clippers, has battled injury problems most of the season. Although he is an occasional starter at shooting guard, he is strictly a defensive specialist with no fantasy value. The fourth-year player suffered a scratched cornea of the left eye in the first quarter of Saturday's last-second loss to Dallas. His status for Tuesday's game against the Suns is unknown.
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