FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Dirk Nowitzki: Double-Double in Win
Update: Nowitzki had 20 points, 11 rebounds, one steal and one block during Dallas' win over Memphis Monday.
Analysis: This marked the third straight double-double for Nowitzki. The Mavs are 12-2 over their last 14 games.
Kenyon Martin: Playing Well
Update: Martin came through with 18 points, nine rebounds and three assists during Denver's loss Monday.
Analysis: Martin went 9-of-17 from the field, also adding one steal in 36 minutes of action. He's averaging 16.4 points and 7.8 rebounds over the last five contests. With Nene out, Martin will continue to have solid fantasy value as long as his health permits.
Marcus Camby: Rare Off Night
Update: Camby was held to just three points while going 0-of-5 from the floor during the Nuggets' loss Monday.
Analysis: Camby grabbed only five rebounds and blocked one shot, but that's in part to seeing just 27 minutes of run, thanks in large part to the lopsided score. Look for the big man to bounce back when Denver takes on Memphis Wednesday.
Chris Kaman: Absent on Monday
Update: Kaman (shin contusion) was absent from the starting lineup on Monday against Charlotte.
Analysis: Kaman's injury is considered day-to-day. Josh Powell started in his place against the Bobcats.
Jason Kidd: Confirms Trade Rumors
Update: Kidd confirmed Monday that he would like to get dealt before the Feb. 21 trade deadline, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Kidd initially said he had no knowledge of a trade request made by his agent on his behalf, but acknowledged Monday he would like to leave New Jersey. I'm not mad at anybody," he said. "We tried to make this work. We've found out it doesn't. It's time for us all to move on." Kidd would ideally like to go to a contender - Dallas and Denver have been mentioned as possibilities - but the Nets will insist on getting something comparable in return, which could make a trade difficult.
J.R. Smith: Leaves Game With Back Contusion
Update: Smith left Monday's game against New Orleans in the second quarter with a back contusion, according to the Associated Press.
Analysis: Smith injured his back after being fouled during a dunk. His return is questionable.
Carmelo Anthony: Works Out Monday, Not Available
Update: Anthony tested his sprained left ankle prior to Monday's game against New Orleans, but is not expected to play, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Anthony, who has missed three games because of the injury, was able to shoot pretty well, but there was limited mobility on his drives to the hoop. Linas Kleiza started at small forward in his place. The Nuggets' next game is Wednesday in Memphis.
Damon Stoudamire: Waived by Grizzlies
Update: As expected, the Grizzlies waived Stoudamire on Monday and are expected to release him if he clears waivers, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Stoudamire and Memphis will amicably part ways to allow Stoudamire to join a team with a chance at the NBA title. A handful of teams have been rumored as possible destinations, including the Celtics, Nuggets, Raptors, Spurs and Suns.
Anderson Varejao: Out Indefinitely with Ankle Sprain
Update: Varejao will be out indefinitely after an MRI revealed a sprained left ankle.
Analysis: However, the MRI didn't reveal any additional damage, and he will be re-evaluated on Tuesday. He was injured against the Lakers Sunday night after landing awkwardly on the ankle. Varejao is averaging 7.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season. Drew Gooden and Zydrunas Ilgauskas will likely see increased minutes in his absence.
Michael Redd: Out Until At Least Saturday
Update: Redd (knee) will not play this week on the road against New Jersey or Philadelphia after injuring his knee Friday night, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Analysis: This is the same knee that forced Redd to miss 20 games last season. The guard hopes to be back in action by Saturday, when the Bucks host Houston. Redd partially blamed the injury on the loss of strength he endured due to a thigh contusion that sidelined him earlier this month. Stay tuned for any developments with the situation.
Mike Bibby: Sprained Right Pinkie Finger
Update: Bibby has a sprained right pinkie but says he is fine, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The point guard's name has become synonymous with hand problems. Bibby just returned from thumb surgery that required him to miss the first 36 games of 2007-08. Also, in 2006-07, he battled thumb and wrist injuries during the first half of the season.
Ron Artest: Complaining of Knee Soreness
Update: Artest has been bothered by a sore right knee and foot recently, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Artest mentioned before games on Friday and Sunday that his status was doubtful, but he managed to play. In his last three games, Artest is averaging just 11.0 points and shooting 35.3 percent. We can visualize the value on his fantasy meter running out as this update is filed.
Quentin Richardson: Nice Game in Loss Sunday
Update: Richardson turned in a rare productive game Sunday, scoring 14 points with seven rebounds, four assists and two 3-pointers.
Analysis: Despite the nice effort, Richardson can be ignored in most fantasy leagues. He's still starting, and despite seeing nearly 29 minutes per game, Richardson is averaging a meager 6.9 points per contest for the season.
David Lee: Pulls Down 13 Boards Sunday
Update: Lee scored eight points and grabbed 13 rebounds Sunday.
Analysis: Lee has been a fantasy disappointment this season, averaging 2.6 fewer rebounds per game compared to last year. In fact, his numbers are down across the board. He's only worth using in fantasy leagues if he sees increased floor time.
Nate Robinson: Playing Well Off Bench
Update: Robinson led the Knicks with 22 points and also dished out eight assists during New York's loss Sunday.
Analysis: Robinson continues to come off the bench, but he's averaging more than 30 minutes per game during 14 contests in January. He's scored in double figures in 18 out of the last 19 games and is worthy of a roster spot in fantasy leagues.
Devin Harris: Out 2-3 Weeks With Bruised Bone
Update: Harris will likely sit the next two to three weeks with a bruised bone in his left ankle, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Despite the negative X-ray results Harris received on Sunday, an MRI on Monday revealed the injury. We will be following status over the next few weeks and will keep you posted on when you can expect him back in the lineup.
Devin Harris: Out for up to Three Weeks
Update: Harris will likely miss two-to-three weeks with a left ankle bone bruise.
Analysis: Harris suffered the injury in a Sunday night victory over the Nuggets, and initial x-rays were negative. However, an MRI on Monday revealed the injury. There is no additional structural damage related to the injury. Expect Jason Terry and Jerry Stackhouse to carry some of Harris' scoring load while he's out.
Jamal Crawford: Solid in Defeat
Update: Crawford had 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks during the Knicks' loss to the Warriors Sunday.
Analysis: Crawford went just 9-of-22 from the field, including 0-of-7 from downtown but continues to be the most reliable fantasy property on the Knicks.
Devin Harris: Harris: Will Miss Monday's Game With Ankle Sprain
Update: Harris (ankle) will miss Monday's match up with Memphis.
Analysis: X-rays taken after Sunday's game were negative, and Harris was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. The former Wisconsin guard categorized the injury as a "bad sprain." Look for Jason Terry to assume the point guard responsibilities for however long Harris is out. Stay tuned in the next few days for further developments.
Ian Mahinmi: Mahinmi: Returns to San Antonio
Update: Mahinmi was recalled from the Spurs' D-League team in Austin Monday.
Analysis: In his first stint with the Spurs, Mahinmi averaged 3.5 points in 3.8 minutes over six games. In 23 games in the Development League, the 6'11" center averaged eight rebounds and just under 19 points in 32 minutes per night. The Frenchman is raw and likely won't see much time, but there is room for growth, especially as an understudy to Tim Duncan.
Andris Biedrins: Career-High 26 Rebounds on Sunday
Update: Biedrins pulled down a career-high 26 rebounds in Sunday's win over the Knicks, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: Biedrins had some extra motivation after Warriors coach Don Nelson hinted that signing free agent Chris Webber would help make the Warriors a better rebounding team. "Of course, I take it a little bit personally, because it's my job," Biedrins said. "My job is defense and rebounds and blocked shots, so I'll try to do my job as good as I can." Biedrins has pulled down 10 or more rebounds in his last four games.
Luis Scola: Starts at Center Sunday
Update: Scola started in place of Yao Ming Sunday and had 18 points and six rebounds in 40 minutes.
Analysis: Yao's day to day with a respiratory illness, so there's a chance Scola could start again on Tuesday. If your league allows daily transactions, Scola could be worth a look if Yao is declared out.
Yao Ming: Questionable for Tuesday's Game
Update: Yao is not expected to practice Monday and is questionable to play Tuesday against Golden State, the Houston Chronicle reports. "He is just sick," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. "He came in this morning not feeling good. We had our walk-through and he felt worse. The doctors looked at him, and they don't think it's worth the chance."
Analysis: If you have another decent option, you might want to sit him this week as he might not play his usual minutes Tuesday even if he is able to suit up.
Arron Afflalo: Back in Rotation
Update: Afflalo has earned his way back into the rotation, even guarding small forwards at times, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: Fellow rookie Rodney Stuckey is struggling right now, and the Pistons like Afflalo's versatility. Afflalo has 11 points and seven rebounds over 31 minutes in his last two games.
Marko Jaric: Slumping Again
Update: Jaric did not score and had three assists in 21 minutes in Sunday's win over New Jersey.
Analysis: After two near-triple doubles in a row last week, he's had two poor games. He continues to run hot and cold, but remains in the starting lineup.
Gerald Green: Getting More Minutes
Update: Green scored eight points in 14 minutes in Sunday's win over New Jersey.
Analysis: He's played 14 minutes or more in two consecutive games and averaged 8.5 points over that span, after not playing in seven of his previous 11 games. While his playing time is still too uncertain, he's a possible pick up in deeper leagues if he gets consistent minutes off the bench.
Spencer Hawes: Returns Home
Update: Hawes played five minutes and scored four points in Sacramento's win at Seattle Sunday night.
Analysis: The 19-year-old rookie returned home to play in front of family and friends for the first time in his short career. Hawes season should only be observed from a fantasy standpoint. He won't help any owners this year, but his offensive game is very polished, making him an attractive retention league prospect.
Kenny Thomas: Collecting Dust
Update: Thomas has been on the inactive list for the past two games.
Analysis: It appears Thomas' days are numbered in Sacramento. The 30-year-old power forward hasn't played since Jan. 2.
Mikki Moore: Double-Double in the Emerald City
Update: Moore (personal reasons) scored 10 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and blocked a shot in the Kings' 103-101 win over the SuperSonics Sunday night.
Analysis: Moore was a late addition to the Sacramento lineup on Friday night due to personal reasons, but he was on the floor at tip-off on Sunday at Seattle. He was 4-of-7 shooting and 2-of-2 from the line. Over his last eight games, the forward-center is averaging 8.0 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 65.9% from the floor. Those numbers are important because they have come as the injury-riddled Kings have benefited from a full complement of players for the first time in 2007-08.
Guillermo Diaz: Clipped Off the Roster
Update: Diaz will not be offered a new deal after the guard's second 10-day contract expired, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Diaz, 22, was a second-round draft choice in 2006. He was signed to add depth to the back court once Brevin Knight was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his leg. Diaz averaged 0.8 points in six games.
Marcus Banks: Gets Back Into Rotation Sunday
Update: Banks replaced DJ Strawberry in the rotation Sunday, scoring four points with three assists in 12 minutes.
Analysis: Whichever of them gets the nod doesn't see enough action as the fourth guard to matter much from a fantasy perspective.
Shawn Marion: Productive Game Sunday
Update: Marion scored 15 points with 11 rebounds and six steals in Sunday's win over the Bulls.
Analysis: He's still struggling with his shot, hitting just six of 15 attempts from the floor, but even when his scoring is down Marion usually finds a way to make an impact.
Grant Hill: Could Practice on Monday
Update: Hill is expected to practice with the Suns Monday after missing Sunday's game due to back spasms, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: "It was better," Suns trainer Aaron Nelson said on Sunday. "He just didn't want to go out and aggravate it and set him back a bit. So we figured we'd let him rest today and get him back on Tuesday (when Phoenix plays Atlanta at home)." Check back in before Tuesday's game for Hill's status, but right now it looks like he'll be in the lineup.
Rashard Lewis: Scoring Average Down
Update: Lewis scored 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting in Orlando's victory over Boston on Sunday.
Analysis: Lewis has really struggled from the field lately, only shooting 38.8 percent from the field over his last six games, and is only averaging 15 points per game over that stretch. Expect his numbers to return to normal relatively soon as Lewis is a obviously a much better shooter than what he's showing lately.
Carlos Arroyo: Rough Game on Sunday
Update: Arroyo only scored two points in Orlando's victory over Boston on Sunday.
Analysis: Arroyo had four assists, but also turned the ball over six times in the game. Arroyo has had some decent efforts, but expect Jameer Nelson to get a good bit of playing time when he makes his return this week.
Kurt Thomas: Posts 15 and 10 Despite Bruised Knee
Update: Thomas, who was questionable Sunday with a bruised right knee, totaled 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Analysis: After Saturday's practice, the Sonics indicated Thomas might rest. But he played 28 minutes, which is about his usual. Thomas is usually good for a fair number of rebounds, but his scoring is erratic. He had just two points in the last game after scoring 16 in the game before that.
Jameer Nelson: Hopes to Play Wednesday
Update: Nelson (foot) missed his fifth straight game on Sunday and is now targeting a return on Wednesday against Miami, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Carlos Arroyo hasn't played overly well in Nelson's absence, so expect Nelson to see a decent amount of playing time when he returns to the floor.
Kevin Durant: Poor Shooting Continues
Update: Durant (bruised right thigh) scored 19 points Sunday, but he was just 5-of-20 from the field and had five turnovers.
Analysis: Durant was questionable with a bruised thigh, but, as expected, he played anyway, logging nearly 36 minutes. Durant's shooting continues to suffer, though. In 13 January games, he's shooting 38 percent (91-of-240), and he's shot better than 40 percent in just five games. The problem is he settles for bad shots because he isn't strong enough to drive to the hoop.
Brian Cook: Comes Up Big Against Boston
Update: Cook scored 11 points and was 3-of-4 from behind the three point arc in Orlando's victory over Boston on Sunday.
Analysis: Cook continues to see an increase in playing time for the Magic. He's still not playing enough to be a consistent contributor, but at least he's back on the fantasy radar.
Dwight Howard: Big Game Against Celtics
Update: Howard had 18 points and 16 rebounds in Orlando's victory over Boston on Sunday.
Analysis: Howard, who also had five blocks in the game, was able to have his way with Kevin Garnett out of the lineup. Howard also shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line, making Sunday's effort one of his most productive games of the month.
Hedo Turkoglu: Hits Orlando's Second Buzzer-Beater of the Week
Update: Turkoglu scored 27 points and made three three-pointers, including one to win the game as time expired, in Orlando's victory over Boston on Sunday.
Analysis: Turkoglu, who was 8-of-9 from the charity stripe, has come back with a vengeance in his last five games. He is averaging 24.4 points per game and shooting 50.6 percent from the field over that stretch.
Jason Kidd: No Knowledge of Trade Request
Update: Kidd said he had no knowledge of a trade request purportedly made by his agent, Jeff Schwartz, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: A report in the Newark Star-Ledger claimed Kidd's agent has asked the Nets to trade his client. "I have no idea," Kidd said when asked if his agent had asked the Nets for a trade. "I haven't talked to Jeff. Jeff's been traveling. Not to my knowledge has Jeff asked for any trades or anything like that." Kidd later said he wants to stay with the Nets, despite the team's nine-game losing streak.
Eduardo Najera: Plays Through Elbow Pain
Update: Denver coach considered giving Najera the night off Sunday because of his hyperextended right elbow, but Najera played 19 minutes without aggravating the injury, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
Analysis: Najera has fought through the injury the past three games, averaging 7.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.7 steals during that time. With Carmelo Anthony expected to return from an ankle injury -- possibly Monday -- Karl may opt to sit Najera if the elbow is really bad.
Carmelo Anthony: Questionable Monday
Update: Anthony (ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against New Orleans, though Denver coach George Karl thinks he'll play, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Anthony, who has missed three games because of the injury, will test the ankle before Monday night's game.
Tony Allen: Has Scratched Eye
Update: Allen has a scratched right eye that forced him to wear an eye patch after Sunday's game, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Allen apparently had injured the eye previously and had the eye re-scratched on Sunday. It is unclear whether the injury will cause him to miss any time.
Dirk Nowitzki: Scores 32 Against Nuggets
Update: Nowitzki had 32 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in the Mavs' 90-85 win over the Nuggets.
Analysis: Nowitzki shot 2-4 from three-point range on Sunday after making only one three-pointer in his previous seven games. He's shooting only 31% on the year from three, well below his career average.
Chris Mihm: Will Return Midway Through Road Trip
Update: Mihm (Achilles') is expected to rejoin the Lakers four or five games into their upcoming nine-game road trip, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Mihm has already missed 13 games with his Achilles' strain, and will provide valuable depth in the thin Lakers' frontcourt.
Renaldo Balkman: Productive Night Off Bench
Update: Balkman scored 11 points with four rebounds, three blocks, two steals and an assist in 27 minutes Sunday night in New York's loss to Golden State.
Analysis: This was his most playing time since the third game of the season, so we're not rushing out to grab him off the free agent pile. He's the Knicks' best defender and would help in the steals and blocks category if given a regular role in the rotation.
Fred Jones: Sits Out Sunday's Game
Update: Jones missed Sunday's game against Golden State because of flu-like symptoms, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: It was the second straight game he's missed because of the illness. Mardy Collins started in the backcourt for New York, while Nate Robinson and Renaldo Balkman got more playing time as a result.
Antawn Jamison: 21 Points Against Bucks
Update: Jamison had 21 points and nine rebounds in the Wizards' 105-102 overtime loss to the Bucks.
Analysis: Sunday was the sixth time in seven games that Jamison topped the 20-point mark.
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