FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Tracy McGrady: Makes First Start Since Returning
Update: McGrady was in the starting lineup Sunday for the first time since returning from a knee injury, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: McGrady had been coming off the bench for four games, steadily increasing his minutes. He played 39 minutes on Sunday and had 21 points on 10-of-24 shooting with six rebounds, nine assists and four turnovers in Houston's loss to Utah.
Jason Kidd: Thumb No Issue
Update: Kidd (sprained right thumb) scored 11 points with six rebounds and four assists in 35 minutes Sunday in New Jersey's loss to Minnesota.
Analysis: Kidd has been playing with a sprained thumb, but has not missed any time, so consider him healthy. Off the court, rumors are flying that Kidd wants to be traded. The Nets, having lost all six games on their road trip, have now lost nine in a row and 10 of their last 11.
Lamar Odom: Nears Double-Double Against Cavs
Update: Odom had 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the Lakers' 98-95 loss to the Cavs on Sunday.
Analysis: A strong improvement from Odom's virtual no-show on Friday, but note that he's been seeing fewer shots than expected lately, including only nine Sunday.
Linas Kleiza: Starts Again
Update: Kleiza started once again in place of the injured Carmelo Anthony (ankle) on Sunday, scoring 10 points and grabbing nine rebounds in Denver's loss to Dallas.
Analysis: Kleiza made just 2-of-8 from the floor and turned the ball over three times but also had three steals and got to the free-throw line eight times. He's in a stretch where he's scored double-figures in five of the last six and does a little bit of everything for the Nuggets.
Carmelo Anthony: Tests Ankle, Sits Out Sunday's Game
Update: Anthony tested his ankle prior to Sunday's game, but opted not to play in Denver's loss to Dallas, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: We take it as a positive sign that Anthony is testing the ankle, so his return appears imminent. Anthony has missed three straight games because of the injury.
Jason Terry: Replaces Injured Harris
Update: Terry ran the point after Devin Harris sprained his left ankle Sunday in Dallas victory over Denver, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Terry, who had been losing touches to Harris, scored 19 points on 6-of-18 shooting with two rebounds, three assists, four steals and a blocked shot in 37 minutes.
Devin Harris: Sprained Left Ankle
Update: Harris sprained his left ankle Sunday in Dallas' victory over Denver, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Harris, who had six points in 12 minutes, spent most of the game in foul trouble before leaving due to the injury. Jason Terry ran the point when Harris was not available.
Anderson Varejao: MRI on Monday
Update: Varejao, who left Sunday's game with a left ankle injury, will undergo an MRI on Monday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Varejao stepped on the foot of the Lakers' Sasha Vujacic as he entered the lane late in the third quarter of Cleveland's victory.
Charlie Bell: Produces With Redd Out
Update: Bell scored 22 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range, with six rebounds, six assists and one steal in 41 minutes off the bench Sunday in Milwaukee's victory over Washington.
Analysis: Both Bell and Royal Ivey made big contributions with Michael Redd (left knee) sitting out the game. January has been Bell's best month of the season, but he's still lagging behind last year's mini-breakout. If Redd misses significant time, Bell could be of some value, so keep updated on Redd's status.
Royal Ivey: Starts in Place of Redd
Update: Ivey started in place of the injured Michael Redd (knee) on Sunday and scored 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting with six assists and three steals in 35 minutes in Milwaukee's overtime victory over Washington.
Analysis: Ivey has started in place of Redd before, but never had a game like he did Sunday. It's unclear how much time Redd will miss, but we aren't expecting Ivey to fill in like this nightly. Charlie Bell also got some extra minutes with Redd out.
Charlie Villanueva: Misses Sunday's Game
Update: Villanueva sat out Sunday's game against Washington because of a lower back strain, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Villanueva will have a day off before Milwaukee's next game on Tuesday against the Nets. Yi Jianlian got more playing time as a result of Villanueva's injury.
Joe Smith: Starts Despite Knee Injury
Update: Smith, who had fluid drained from his right knee Saturday, started and played 22 minutes Sunday in Chicago's loss to Phoenix.
Analysis: Smith scored four points on 2-of-12 shooting wtih six rebounds and one assist in the loss. He has now gone five straight games without cracking double-digits in scoring while making 11-of-40 (27.5 percent) from the field during that stretch.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: Picking Up Play before All-Star Break
Update: Before fouling out in the middle of the fourth quarter, Ilgauskas ended up with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Analysis: Over the last five games, Ilgauskas is averaging 18.2-points/8.8-rebounds/1.4-blocks. It looks like Ilgauskas has re-energized himself.
Vladimir Radmanovic: Returns from Ankle Injury
Update: Radmonovic returned to action Sunday after missing 11 games because of an ankle injury.
Analysis: Radmanovic played just over four minutes in the Lakers' loss to the Cavaliers and remains a negligible fantasy player.
Yao Ming: Late Scratch Sunday
Update: Yao was scratched from Sunday's game against the Jazz due to an upper-respiratory problem.
Analysis: Either Carl Landry or Luis Scola will start in Yao's place. He is officially considered day-to-day, and we'll provide more information when it becomes available.
LeBron James: Goes for 41 in Win Against Lakers
Update: James lit up the Lakers with several clutch fourth quarter shots that eventually tallied him 41 points in Cleveland's victory on Sunday.
Analysis: James, connecting on 16 field goals, played well against one of the league's best defenders in Kobe Bryant. James also accounted for nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Thabo Sefolosha: Starts Eighth Straight Game
Update: Sefolosha, who sat out practice on Saturday because of a strained abdomen, according to the Chicago Tribune, started his eighth consecutive game on Sunday, scoring 10 points with five rebounds and two steals in 29 minutes in Chicago's loss to Phoenix.
Analysis: With injuries to Luol Deng, Ben Gordon and Chris Duhon, Sefolosha has been a regular member in Bulls coach Jim Boylan's rotation. He's averaging 32.3 minutes per game in his eight starts, with five double-digit scoring efforts and at least one steal in all eight games.
Anderson Varejao: Injures Ankle
Update: Varejao left Sunday's game against the Lakers with a left ankle injury.
Analysis: Varejao landed awkwardly on Sasha Vujacic's foot on his way down from a jump. The game was stopped when Varejao didn't get up, and he was eventually helped off the floor and into the locker room.
Chris Duhon: Likely to Sit Out Next Few Games
Update: Duhon said after Sunday's loss to Phoenix that he will likely sit out the next few games because of a bruised left knee, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Duhon has missed two of the last four games because of the injury. He had five points and three assists in 32 minutes Sunday. "I think it's definitely affecting me," he said.
Larry Hughes: Back-to-Back Solid Games
Update: Coming off a 25-point outing Friday night, Hughes scored 16 points with two steals and two blocks Sunday.
Analysis: Hughes shot a solid 7-of-13 from the field, far better than his season average of 34 percent. He also collected four rebounds and four assists against the Lakers Sunday.
Ben Gordon: Misses Third Straight Game
Update: Gordon sat out Sunday's game against Phoenix because of a sprained right wrist.
Analysis: Gordon has now missed three straight because of the injury. Thabo Sefolosha got the start at shooting guard.
Kevin Garnett: Could Sit Tuesday
Update: Boston coach Doc Rivers said Garnett (abdominal strain) could miss Tuesday's game at Miami, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: Rivers is probably being overly cautious as Garnett's injury is not considered serious. Garnett sat out Sunday's loss to Orlando after suffering the injury Friday night against Minnesota.
Leon Powe: Gets Minutes With Garnett Out
Update: Powe had nine points and nine rebounds Sunday in Boston's loss to Orlando.
Analysis: With Kevin Garnett sitting out because of an abdominal strain, Celtics coach Doc Rivers opted to give Powe and Brian Scalabrine some playing time over Glen Davis. Garnett could miss Tuesday's game at Miami, according to the Boston Globe.
James Posey: Scores 16 Against Magic
Update: Posey (finger) had 16 points, including 4-6 shooting from three-point range, in the Celtics' 96-93 loss to the Magic on Sunday.
Analysis: Posey had missed three straight games before returning to game action Sunday. His added offensive opportunities came as a result of both Kevin Garnett (abdominal) being out and Ray Allen struggling for much of the game. Don't expect these performances on a nightly basis from the reserve forward.
Kendrick Perkins: Scores Seven Against Magic
Update: Perkins had seven points and four rebounds in the Celtics' 96-93 loss to the Magic on Sunday.
Analysis: While many had been excited about Perkins after two 20-point performances this week, Sunday's game highlighted exactly why fantasy owners should be wary of Perkins. In a game that top post scorer Kevin Garnett was out, Perkins got into early foul trouble and never found his way in the offense. Let someone else take a flier on Perkins, whose performances earlier in the week were an aberration and not the start of a trend.
Paul Pierce: Scores 24 Against Magic
Update: Pierce had 24 points and nine rebounds in the Celtics' 96-93 loss to the Magic on Sunday.
Analysis: Pierce played well in a game that Kevin Garnett was out for and Ray Allen struggled through most of. Pierce proved Sunday that he can carry the C's through adversity, and even though Boston inevitably lost, Pierce solidified himself as one of the league's elite players on Sunday.
Ray Allen: Picks Up Shooting Late Against Magic
Update: Allen had 17 points in the Celtics' 96-93 loss to the Magic on Sunday.
Analysis: Allen started Sunday's game shooting 1-9, but got hot and finished 7-16 from the field, including 3-6 from three. Still, Allen has been streakier this year than in other seasons, and fantasy owners should be somewhat concerned about his slowly declining play.
Brian Scalabrine: Receives Start Against Magic
Update: Scalabrine started for Kevin Garnett (abdominal strain) in Sunday's 96-93 loss to the Magic. He played 22 minutes in the loss.
Analysis: Scalabrine had only one point in his 22 minutes of play, and should warrant no fantasy consideration, especially as Garnett's injury is considered minor.
Kirk Hinrich: Another Big Scoring Game Sunday
Update: Hinrich led the Bulls with 31 points in the team's 88-77 loss to Phoenix Sunday.
Analysis: Hinrich has alternated big scoring games with mediocre ones, posting 12, 38, 14 and now 31 in his last four contests. With both Luol Deng and Ben Gordon till out of action, look for Hinrich to attempt more shots, and if he is on from the floor, post some high-scoring games.
Michael Redd: Out vs. Wizards With Left Knee Strain
Update: Redd will miss Sunday's game against the Wizards with a left knee strain.
Analysis: There is no word yet on the severity of his injury, but be sure to find a replacement in your starting lineup for the time being. We will keep you updated on his status as further news arises.
Jason Hart: Out Sunday
Update: Hart, who missed practice Saturday, did not travel with the team to Houston due to inflammation in his lower back, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: It will be the first game missed due to injury this season for Hart. He is day-to-day.
Carl Landry: Impresses His Coach
Update: The Rockets are very pleased with Landry who's shooting 77.8 percent from the floor this season, the Houston Chronicle reports. "We really like him," coach Rick Adelman said. "He's been playing so well in practice. We started playing him about two weeks ago. He's really a live, active kid. He goes after it."
Analysis: Adelman continued: "He showed he can make shots. That's one thing people haven't seen. He can make the 15-foot shot. In fact, he passed one up we weren't happy about. You saw him make his free throws. He's got a good all-around game and now, it's paying off for him." With Chuck Hayes and Luis Scola around, it's hard to see Landry getting consistent minutes any time soon, but the Rockets have excellent depth at power forward right now.
Carmelo Anthony: Likely to Miss Sunday's Game at Dallas
Update: Anthony (ankle) all but ruled himself out of Sunday's game at Dallas but suggested he'd be back on Monday, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: "I don't think I'm going to be able to go," Anthony said after Saturday's practice. "It will give me one more day of rest, and hopefully be back on Monday against New Orleans. If not (today), then definitely Monday." Said Nuggets coach George Karl: "From what he did (Saturday), I'd say doubtful." Anthony has missed two games after being injured Monday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Keep him on your bench until you actually see him play a full game without any compications.
Rajon Rondo: 15 Points, Six Steals Against Magic
Update: Rondo (back, ankle) had 15 points and six steals in the Celtics' 96-93 loss to the Magic on Sunday.
Analysis: Rondo left the game for part of the third quarter on Sunday after rolling his ankle, but he returned and looked fine in the fourth. Still, fantasy owners should be a bit concerned about Rondo's propensity towards injury of late.
Kevin Garnett: Out for Sunday
Update: Garnett (strained abdominal muscle) will not play Sunday against the Magic.
Analysis: Garnett's injury isn't thought to be serious, but the Celtics elected to play it safe and have him sit out for the first time this season. Boston gets Monday off before traveling to Miami for a game against the Heat.
Grant Hill: Won't Play Sunday
Update: Hill (back spasms) won't play Sunday against the Bulls, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Boris Diaw will get another start in his place. "He just didn't feel right and we're not going to push it," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "I'd say he's day-to-day."
Nazr Mohammed: Four Blocked Shots
Update: Mohammed scored 10 points with seven rebounds, three assists and four blocked shots in 29 minutes Saturday night in Charlotte's loss to Philadelphia.
Analysis: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent has figured out how to use Emeka Okafor and Mohammed together on the court, resulting in Mohammed having some value while coming off the bench. Since joining Charlotte, Mohammed is averaging 25.0 minutes, 10.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 blocks in 23 games.
Jeff McInnis: More Touches at Point Guard
Update: With Raymond Felton (left ankle) out of action, McInnis was the primary ballhandler Saturday night in Charlotte's loss to Philadelphia.
Analysis: McInnis, who started alongside Matt Carroll in the backcourt, wasn't very productive on the night, scoring just four points with two assists and two turnovers in the loss. Felton could be out Monday night, too, but don't count on McInnis replacing Felton's production.
Jason Kidd: Agent Requests Trade
Update: The agent for Kidd (sprained right thumb) has asked Nets president Rod Thorn to trade his client to a contender before next month's trade deadline, according to several league officials, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Thorn would not comment about the trade request, but it may be hard for him to get equal value for Kidd. "Right now things are going very poorly for us," Thorn said, without specifically addressing the Kidd conundrum. "Historically, those are the times when you don't get offered what you might consider fair deals. And sometimes you feel that maybe you should do something to do something, but those are the times you have to be very cognizant and careful about what the results of your actions might be."
Raymond Felton: Questionable Monday
Update: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent said he is shooting for Felton (left ankle) to return Wednesday at Sacramento, implying the guard is questionable for Monday's game against the Clippers, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Felton's a pretty tough character, so him playing on Monday wouldn't surprise us, but you'd be better off sitting him for the week and using another option. Matt Carroll is taking his place in the starting lineup, while Jeff McInnis handles the ball more at point guard.
Francisco Garcia: Emerging in Sacramento
Update: Garcia is averaging 13.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals during January.
Analysis: In the last 10 games, Garcia is 14th in the NBA from 3-point range with a .480 mark. He has played less than 23 minutes in a game just once in January. Although he isn't a bona fide option in many fantasy lineups yet, the swingman is emerging into a very reliable player for the Kings, and he should see 20-25 minutes per game despite a crowded backcourt in Sacramento. His work ethic is beyond exceptional.
Matt Carroll: Starts in Place of Felton
Update: Carroll started in place of the injured Raymond Felton (left ankle) Saturday night in Charlotte's loss to Philadelphia.
Analysis: Jeff McInnis handled the point guard job while Carroll started at shooting guard. Carroll was definitely a "shooting" guard on Saturday, but not a "making" guard. He scored two points on 1-of-9 shooting with four rebounds, three assists and two steals in 34 minutes. Carroll will get a bump in minutes as long as Felton can't go, and will remain a source of 3-pointers once Felton does return.
Ron Artest: Had Fun Before His Ejection
Update: Artest, who was ejected after two technical fouls on Friday at Utah, enjoyed playing in front of the Jazz fans, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "It was fun," Artest said. "At first, (the Jazz fans at EnergySolutions Arena) were boring. They were kind of bored, so we got them riled up, and it just got crunk (wild) in there. I enjoyed myself." Huh? We're confident NBA Commissioner David Stern wasn't amused by Artest's comments.
Aaron Williams: Plays Seven Minutes After Start
Update: Williams (wrist) started but played just seven minutes in the Clippers' 125-120 loss to the Grizzlies on Saturday.
Analysis: In his brief stint, Williams managed no points and rebounds plus had his only shot attempt blocked. He was pressed into action when starting center Chris Kaman was unable to play because of a shin contusion. The forward-center missed the previous 17 games due to a bruised wrist, which has affected his shooting. Judging by his short appearance, it appears Williams is still bothered by the injury.
Josh Powell: Season-High in Floor Time
Update: Powell played a season-high 24 minutes and scored four points with three rebounds in the Clippers' 125-120 loss at Memphis Saturday.
Analysis: Even though Aaron Williams started at center, Powell was the biggest beneficiary of Chris Kaman's absence due to a shin contusion. He shot 1-of-3 from the field and 2-of-2 from the line. Kaman is listed as day-to-day, so make the assumption Powell's value will be minimal heading into Week 14. Besides, Powell has never really lit a box score on fire this season.
Al Thornton: Eight Points at Memphis
Update: Thornton shot 3-of-8 and scored eight points with a rebound and a steal in the Clippers' 125-120 loss to the Grizzlies Saturday.
Analysis: The rookie's recent box scores are reminiscent of his play at the beginning of the season when his production was unpredictable. In his last two games, he has totaled just 14 points while shooting 4-of-14 from the field. Prior to that, Thornton averaged 16.5 points in his previous four games. Los Angeles plays four times in Week 14, but Thornton should only be used in deep leagues.
Kevin Durant: Questionable for Sunday
Update: Durant is questionable Sunday with a bruised right thigh, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Durant sat out Saturday's practice as a precaution, but the injury doesn't sound all that serious.
Kurt Thomas: Questionable for Sunday
Update: Thomas underwent X-rays for a bruised right knee and is questionable for Sunday's game, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: If Thomas can't go, Nick Collison likely would move into the center spot.
Sam Cassell: Strong Play in January Continues
Update: Cassell scored 25 points and grabbed six rebounds in the Clippers' 125-120 loss at Memphis Saturday.
Analysis: Cassell was 10-of-19 from the field and 5-of-6 from the line with three turnovers, two assists and a steal in 32 minutes. In January, Cassell is averaging 13.9 points and 5.1 assists while shooting 47.7 percent.
Josh Powell: Plays Seven Minutes After Start
Update: Williams (wrist) started but played just seven minutes in the Clippers' 125-120 loss to the Grizzlies on Saturday.
Analysis: In his brief stint, Williams managed no points and rebounds plus had his only shot attempt blocked. He was pressed into action when starting center Chris Kaman was unable to play because of a shin contusion. The forward-center missed the previous 17 games due to a bruised wrist, which has affected his shooting. Judging by his short appearance, it appears Williams is still bothered by the injury.
|
   |
||||||
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use.
NBA.com is part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network
