FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Rafer Alston: Nearly a Triple-Double
Update: Alston flirted with a triple-double Tuesday, scoring 17 points with eight rebounds and 12 assists in Houston's victory.
Analysis: Alston also added two 3-pointers and two steals in a terrific outing.
Yao Ming: Plays Well Sick
Update: Yao, who was questionable with an illness, played and had a big game Tuesday, scoring 36 points and grabbing 19 rebounds during Houston's win.
Analysis: Although he committed seven turnovers, Yao more than made up for it by going 11-of-19 from the floor and 14-of-15 at the line. It's safe to say he dominated Golden State's front court.
Stephen Jackson: Big Game in Loss
Update: Jackson had 25 points, six rebounds and seven assists during the Warriors' loss to the Rockets Tuesday.
Analysis: Jackson went 7-of-14 from the field, also adding five 3-pointers, one steal and one block in a nice all-around performance.
Randy Foye: Makes Season Debut
Update: Foye (knee) saw the floor for the first time this season Tuesday, scoring 11 points in 18 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Foye figures to move into the starting five as soon as he's fully back in game shape and shouldn't be available in anything but the shallowest of fantasy leagues.
Joakim Noah: Double-Double in Win
Update: Noah had 10 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and one steal during the Bulls' win Tuesday.
Analysis: Noah has become the biggest beneficiary of the Bulls' injuries on the interior, and this marked his second big game in a week. He's worth a look in deep fantasy leagues.
Ben Gordon: Sits Out Again
Update: Gordon missed his fourth straight game with a wrist injury Tuesday.
Analysis: His return date is still uncertain, as the wrist has officially become a problem.
Bostjan Nachbar: Returns to Rotation
Update: Nachbar (thumb) had 14 points on 4-of-10 shooting, including two 3-pointers, in 17 minutes Tuesday night in New Jersey's victory over Milwaukee.
Analysis: Nachbar had missed one game because of the injury. He played less than a minute in the Nets' loss to Minnesota on Monday.
Richard Jefferson: Scores 20 in Win
Update: Jefferson (hip) had 20 points (8-of-12 FG), five rebounds and one steal during the Nets' win Tuesday.
Analysis: Jefferson, who entered the contest averaging a career-best 24.1 points per game for the season, seems to be getting over his recent hip injury.
Royal Ivey: Gets Another Start
Update: Ivey got another start Tuesday, resulting in 19 points on 8-of-16 shooting.
Analysis: Ivey also handed out six assists, grabbed three boards and recorded two steals in 39 minutes of action. He's worth using in fantasy leagues for as long as Michael Redd (knee) is out.
Luke Jackson: Career-High in Three Pointers
Update: Jackson knocked down a career-high 4 treys in 20 minutes of action Tuesday night against the Celtics. He finished with 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting.
Analysis: Tuesday night's game could give Jackson a shot at more playing time as the Heat desperately need a 3-point threat. We will continue to monitor Jacksons' progress.
Leon Powe: Scores Career-High
Update: Powe went off for a career-high 25 points (9-of-13 FG) with 11 rebounds during the Celtics' easy win over the Heat Tuesday.
Analysis: The Celtics played without Kevin Garnett (strained abdominal muscle) and Ray Allen (flu), and the third member of their star triumverate, Paul Pierce, was scoreless for most of the first half, but it didn't matter, as Boston easily handled a beatdown Miami squad. Powe's run in the spotlight figures to be short-lived.
Dwyane Wade: Held to Single Digits
Update: Wade was held to just seven points on 1-of-9 from the field and 5-of-5 from the line in a 30 point loss to Boston Tuesday night.
Analysis: Head coach Pat Riley made good on his promise to rest Wade if the Heat were being blown out as he logged just under 28 minutes Tuesday night. His minutes should return to normal tomorrow night in Orlando if the Heat can stay close.
Rasheed Wallace: Plays Well in Win
Update: Wallace came through with 24 points and 10 rebounds when the Pistons beat the Pacers 110-104 Tuesday.
Analysis: Wallace went 10-of-18 from the field, also adding one steal and three blocks in a terrific overall effort.
Chris Kaman: May Not Play Wednesday
Update: Kaman (illness, shin) is questionable on Wednesday versus Atlanta, the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: The center missed Tuesday's practice and may not be ready to go thanks to flu-like symptoms and a shin contusion. Kaman, Al Thornton and Corey Maggette are all battling the same illness, so Los Angeles coach Mike Dunleavy could have as few as eight players at his disposal against the Hawks.
Mike Dunleavy: Career-Year Continues
Update: Dunleavy had 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists during the Pacers' loss to the Pistons Tuesday.
Analysis: Dunleavy went 9-of-15 from the floor, including 4-of-4 from behind the arc. He's currently in the midst of the best season of his life.
Corey Maggette: Questionable for Wednesday
Update: Maggette (illness) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Hawks, the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: Not only have the Clippers been ravaged by debilitating tears and sprains this season, but now they have to fight the flu bug. Maggette and Chris Kaman missed Monday's game after falling ill, leaving Los Angeles with nine serviceable players on the roster.
Andray Blatche: Starts Tuesday
Update: Blatche replaced an injured Caron Butler in the starting lineup Tuesday, resulting in 19 points and eight rebounds in 35 minutes of action.
Analysis: Blatche also contributed two assists, one steal, one block and one 3-pointer. He'll be a fantasy option as long as Butler remains sidelined.
Antawn Jamison: Pulls Down 20 Boards
Update: Jamison scored 24 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in the Wizards' victory Tuesday.
Analysis: Jamison, who entered averaging a career-high 10.4 rebounds per game on the year, recorded his first 20/20 of the season.
Al Thornton: Third Clipper Hit With Flu
Update: Thornton missed Tuesday's practice with the flu and is questionable for Wednesday's game versus Atlanta, the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: The rookie is the third player on the Clippers to be hit with a stomach virus. Chris Kaman and Corey Maggette missed Monday's home game against Charlotte with flu-like symptoms.
Chris Bosh: Huge Game in Loss
Update: Bosh scored 37 points (11-of-22 FG) and pulled down 12 rebounds during Toronto's loss Tuesday.
Analysis: Bosh went 14-of-18 from the line, also adding three steals and one block in a monster performance. He's been on fire during January.
Jose Calderon: Dropping Dimes
Update: Calderon had 23 points, six rebounds and 13 assists during the Raptors' overtime loss to the Wizards Tuesday.
Analysis: Calderon went 8-of-11 from the field, also adding four 3-pointers and a steal in 42 minutes of action. He's averaging 12.0 assists per game over his last six contests.
Tony Parker: Won't Play Tuesday
Update: Parker (heel) won't play Tuesday against Seattle.
Analysis: He played his worst game of the season on Monday, so perhaps shutting down for a game two will be enough to get him healthy again. We'll have more on his availability as we know it.
Udonis Haslem: Sprained Left Ankle
Update: Haslem sprained his left ankle Tuesday night and will not return to Miami's game against Boston.
Analysis: Haslem is the only member of the Heat to start every game. He won't get much time to recover before Miami's next game Tuesday at Orlando.
Tracy McGrady: Out With Flu
Update: McGrady (flu) won't play Tuesday against Golden State.
Analysis: Be sure to sit him down, although Yao Ming missed a game with the same bug. He should return to the lineup later on this week.
Jamaal Tinsley: Won't Play Tuesday
Update: Tinsley (knee) will not play on Tuesday night against Detroit, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Pacers coach Jim O'Brien expects Tinsley to be back in the lineup on Friday, but we'll keep an eye on this situation in case that assessment changes.
Ray Allen: Out With Flu
Update: Allen sat out Tuesday's game against the Heat because of the flu, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The Celtics' next game is Thursday against the Mavericks, and Allen's status is unknown for that game. Tony Allen should start at shooting guard for Boston.
Caron Butler: Out Tuesday and Wednesday
Update: Butler sat out Tuesday's game against the Raptors with a strained left hip flexor, and is doubtful for Wednesday also against Toronto, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Andray Blatche will step into the starting lineup for the hobbled Butler. The Wizards have two games this weekend, so we'll re-check his status for those games.
Stromile Swift: Suspended for Wednesday's Game
Update: The Grizzlies suspended Swift for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: This is a result of some of his actions during Monday's loss to the Mavericks, and also may explain why he played under two minutes in the game. Hakim Warrick should pick up a couple extra minutes in Swift's absence.
Kareem Rush: Playing Through Pain
Update: Rush is expected to play on Tuesday night despite his sore knee, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Rush's shot suffered on Saturday because of the injury, so temper your expectations for Tuesday's game against the Pistons.
Jamaal Tinsley: Doubtful for Tuesday Night
Update: Tinsley (knee) is doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Pistons, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Tinsley sat out practice on Monday and has missed the last two games with the injury.
Randy Foye: Reportedly Back In Action Tuesday
Update: Foye said he will make his season debut Tuesday after months of rehabilitation to heal his injured left kneecap, the Pioneer Press reports. "Yeah, I'm going to play, get out there, do what I can do," Foye said after Tuesday's shootaround.
Analysis: There has been no official confirmation from coach Randy Wittman but Wittman had said earlier in the day that Foye was close to returning. Foye, who has missed the first 43 games this year, will be limited to coming off the bench and 15 minutes of action in his debut and should provide Minnesota more scoring punch along the perimeter and the ability to break down defenses off the dribble for Minnesota.
Jason Kidd: Attended Tuesday's Shootaround
Update: Updating a prior report, Kidd did in fact attend the Nets' shootaround Tuesday morning, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The original report indicated that Kidd did not attend the shootaround but that information turned out to be inaccurate. Look for Kidd to be in the lineup Tuesday against Milwaukee but his stint as a Net may be coming to a quick end as he has requested a trade, which team management is trying to acquiese to but having difficulty finding a suitable partner.
Ray Allen: Suffering From Flu
Update: Allen (flu) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Miami, according to Celticsblog.com. Allen missed the team's morning shootaround though the team hopes he can play against the Heat.
Analysis: The C's will already be missing Kevin Garnett against the Heat, so losing Allen as well would put the onus on Paul Pierce.
Chris Webber: "Done Deal" Done
Update: Webber signed a contract with the Warriors Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Webber still has some gas left in the tank, as he averaged just over 25 minutes per game in the Pistons' 16-game playoff run last year. Of course he'll have to get back in the basketball mindset and reacquainted with coach Don Nelson's style before he warrants fantasy value.
Jason Kidd: Skips Morning Practice
Update: Kidd was absent from the Nets' shootaround Tuesday morning, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: This comes the day after Kidd said he wants to be traded by the Feb. 21 deadline. The Nets face the Bucks tonight, and no word yet if Kidd will be in the lineup.
Kevin Garnett: Won't Play Tuesday
Update: Garnett will sit out his second straight game Tuesday against the Heat to rest his abdominal strain, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: Coach Doc Rivers said no decision has been made on whether Garnett can play Thursday against the Mavericks.
Thaddeus Young: Gunning For NBA Rookie Team
Update: Young has a chance to make the NBA rookie team and it's something that he would love to accomplish, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Young is averaging 5.4 points and 3.2 rebounds, far from eye-popping statistics. Yet a closer look reveals how well he has played after becoming a member of the regular rotation. Young didn't play in eight of the first 18 games. In the last 13 games, he has averaged 8.4 points and 4.6 rebounds. Only seven rookies entered last night averaging more than 8.4 points; five were averaging more than 4.6 rebounds.
Gordan Giricek: Missed Practice Monday With the Flu
Update: Giricek missed practice Monday with the flu, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Even if he plays, he isn't seeing much playing time so fantasy owners shouldn't be bothered by this news.
Willie Green: Sprains His Left Ankle in Practice
Update: Green suffered a sprained left ankle in practice Monday. He returned to the court after being retaped, then rested the ankle, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: The 76ers play Wednesday night but there was no indication if Green would be available or not. Consider him day-to-day for now.
Cheikh Samb: Sent Back to D-League
Update: The Pistons have assigned Samb to Fort Wayne of the D-League.
Analysis: Samb has appeared in two games with the Pistons this season, averaging 1.5 points and 2.0 rebounds. The 7-foot-1 center will obviously see a more significant role with Fort Wayne.
Jeremy Richardson: Decision Time For Spurs
Update: The second of the 10-day contracts Richardson signed will expire on Wednesday, at which time the Spurs must either sign him for the remainder of the season or let him go, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Richardson has played in only five games since joining the Spurs and played only 43 minutes.
Tony Parker: Worst Game of Season
Update: Parker (heel) had just five points on 1-of-7 shooting from the floor in the Spurs' loss to the Jazz on Monday.
Analysis: Parker doesn't look the same since the heel injury. Even on nights were Parker is productive, he does not have the same explosiveness and ability to get down the lane. Fantasy owners should monitor this situation closely, as it may be time for Parker to go to the bench.
Tim Duncan: Plays Well Despite Loss
Update: Duncan had 26 points (9-of-15 FG, 8-of-10 FT), 11 rebounds, a steal and a block in the Spurs' loss to the Jazz on Monday.
Analysis: Duncan was the only Spur starter to score more than five points. Duncan's only negative for the night was the seven turnovers he committed. Despite the Spurs struggles of late, Duncan has been very productive in January averaging 21.6 points and 12.7 rebounds a game.
Grant Hill: Ready To Play Tuesday
Update: Hill (back spasms) felt strong at Monday's practice and expects to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Hawks, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: The time off to deal with his back may also have helped him recover further from his appendectomy. "I felt really good," Hill said after Monday's practice. "It was good to get out. The main thing is the stomach is better... the back feels a whole lot better. I was very encouraged by (Monday). A little rusty, but movement was good, powerful, strong." Coach Mike D'Antoni said that Hill would play 20-30 minutes on Tuesday but may not start, so you should probably leave him on your bench Tuesday and wait and see how he performs.
Aaron Williams: Wrist Still Giving Him Trouble
Update: Williams played nine minutes on Monday night against Charlotte but is still bothered by a wrist injury, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Had Chris Kaman (shin, flu) and Corey Maggette (flu) not been missing from the Clippers' frontcourt, it is doubtful Williams would have played. The forward-center has been bothered by a bruised left wrist since Dec. 16. Against the Bobcats, he scored five points and grabbed a rebound.
Chris Duhon: Took Pain-Killing Injections In Bruised Left Knee
Update: Chicago coach Jim Boylan revealed Monday that Duhon had been receiving pain-killing shots to play before shutting down his bruised left knee for "at least a couple games," the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: No time table has been provided for Duhon's return to action. Given this bit of news, look for him to be sidelined at least a week if not more.
Aaron Gray: Hoping Chicago hires A Big Man As A Tutor
Update: Bulls GM John Paxson said he likely will decide by Wednesday whether to hire former Bull Mike Brown to work with the team's young big men in a player-development role, a move that Gray strongly endorses, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: Gray said he would benefit from learning from a fellow big man rather than learning post play, defense etc. from a guard. Even if Brown joins Chicago, don't look for Gray to see a big bump in playing time unless the team falls out of contention and ends up in an evaluation mode.
Ben Gordon: Doubtful For Tuesday And Probably Wednesday As Well
Update: Gordon, who has missed three games with a sprained right wrist, didn't sound overly optimistic that he would play Tuesday against Minnesota, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: ''I'm feeling better,'' Gordon said after practice Monday. ''I was able to do a little bit more ballhandling and [took] close layups. I still can't really shoot with it. I want to come back when it's 100 percent so I don't have to worry about it in the back of my mind. Every day I'm just trying to get better with treatment.'' With Chicago also slated to play Minnesota Wednesday, the likelihood is that Gordon will miss that game as well based on his comments about how he feels.
Jason Kidd: Nets Lacking Good Trade Offers
Update: The trade offers coming into the Nets for Kidd are not what they perceive to be equal value for the guard, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: This is not a big surprise. Other teams know that Kidd wants out -- that was confirmed on Monday in a story on ESPN.com. Nets president Rod Thorn will try to accommodate Kidd's request, but we're not expecting anything to happen soon. "Rod is not going to make a stupid deal, and that's all he's getting -- we're talking 10-cents-on-a-dollar kind of stupid," said one Eastern Conference executive, who requested anonymity so as not to interfere with Nets business. "The only teams interested are teams that could win it all. And those are teams that don't want to give up pieces." Dallas may have renewed interest after Devin Harris went down with an injury, while Denver and Cleveland remain possible destinations. Kidd has the kind of salary that only makes sense for a team that can win it all this year and next to trade for him.
Jose Juan Barea: Sees Playing TIme
Update: Barea had nine points in 21 minutes during the Mavericks' 104-83 win over the Grizzlies on Monday.
Analysis: Barea has seen barely any playing time recently, but should see some decent run this week in the absence of Devin Harris and Jerry Stackhouse.
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