FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
LeBron James: Sits Out Thursday
Update: James sat out Thursday's game with a sprained right ankle.
Analysis: James suffered the injury in the second quarter of Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers, but he hardly seemed bothered by the ailment, as he scored 17 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Cavs to a victory. He shouldn't miss much additional time with the injury, so consider him day-to-day.
Udonis Haslem: To Miss Multiple Games
Update: Head coach Pat Riley predicted Haslem (high-ankle sprain) will miss several games over the next week, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Haslem is day-to-day so we'll keep you updated on his status. Luke Jackson started in his place on Wednesday.
Jason Kidd: Trade Winds Slowing
Update: The proposed three-way blockbuster that would send Kidd to Dallas appears to have lost some steam, Yahoo! Sports reports.
Analysis: "I think everyone is getting cold feet," a league source said. While both the Nets and Kidd want this deal to happen, it will be hard to get equatable value for their All-Star point guard. A deal will probably happen, but not as soon as we thought.
Jason Collins: Headed to Memphis
Update: The Nets have proposed a trade that would send Collins to Memphis for Stromile Swift, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: If this trade goes through, Collins would probably not see more minutes than the 16 per night he is getting with New Jersey, so his stats would not look terribly different.
Stromile Swift: Nets in Pursuit
Update: The Nets have offered a deal to the Grizzlies that would send Swift to New Jersey in exchange for Jason Collins, the Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: Memphis is reportedly hesitant to pull the trigger on this one because they don't like Collins as much as New Jersey likes Swift. Still, it looks like Swift's days with the Griz are numbered so stay tuned.
Tony Parker: (Ankle) MRI Reveals No Structural Damage
Update: Parker underwent an MRI on his left ankle on Wednesday, the Spurs' official site reports. The results showed that he is suffering from chronic inflammation and confirmed there is no structural damage in his ankle.
Analysis: Parker received anti-inflammatory shots Thursday, which should help decrease the swelling in his ankle joint. No timetable has been set for his return, but Parker will not travel with the Spurs on the team's six-game Eastern road trip which starts on Tuesday.
Beno Udrih: New Role Killing Production
Update: Udrih played just 15 minutes and scored four points with two rebounds and an assist in the Kings' 105-91 win over Charlotte Wednesday night.
Analysis: Udrih, recently sent to the bench in favor of Mike Bibby, hasn't played more than 20 minutes since Jan. 19, a span of five games. In his last four games, he has looked very uncomfortable in a reserve role and his shooting has suffered, evidenced by a 26.3 field-goal percentage in that span. Udrih owners who benefited by his production earlier in the year now have to exhibit patience and stick it out to see if Bibby is traded like many pundits have predicted.
T.J. Ford: Could Return To Practice Early Next Week
Update: Ford (spinal spenosis) is ready to rejoin the Raptors after spending the last two weeks working out with former NBA player John Lucas, and he could begin practicing as early as the beginning of next week, the Toronto Star reports.
Analysis: Depending on how quickly he gets up to speed, he could return to the lineup around the All-Star break in mid-February.
John Salmons: Leaves Early Wednesday
Update: Salmons (personal reasons) played just 16 minutes and scored eight points with two rebounds in Sacramento's 105-91 win Wednesday night.
Analysis: Salmons left at halftime to be with his wife, who was experiencing difficulties with her pregnancy. Apparently, she is doing better now, but Salmons status for Friday's home game against New Orleans seems unclear at this juncture.
LeBron James: Questionable for Game on Thursday
Update: James (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's game against Seattle, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: James suffered minor injuries to both his ankle and wrist on Wednesday night, but was still healthy enough to score 17 points in the fourth quarter and hit the game-winning basket. James was to be re-evaluated Thursday morning and his status should become clearer as game time approaches.
Mikki Moore: Stuffs Four Shots
Update: Moore tied a career-high with four blocked shots to go with 11 points and eight rebounds during the Kings' 105-91 win over Charlotte Wednesday night.
Analysis: Moore's four defensive stuffs were an aberration considering he is barely averaging half a block per game. Nevertheless, his energy has been a welcome sight for Sacramento coach Reggie Thues, and his production may increase if the current Ron Artest trade speculation becomes a reality. Artest has been working down in the blocks for most of the season, taking away shot opportunities and rebounds. Theus will have to lean on Moore if Sacramento doesn't land a big man in a deal.
Grant Hill: Will Come off Bench Thursday
Update: Although Hill is healthy enough to start, Suns head coach Mike D'Antoni will go with Boris Diaw Thursday night against San Antonio, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Hill is fine in whatever role he has and can still be productive as a reserve, evidenced by his 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots in 21 minutes off the bench Tuesday night. "I'm fine," Hill said. "Whatever we have to do to try to win a championship. I feel like I can be effective both ways. Ultimately, it's what's best for the team."
Boris Diaw: Will Start Thursday
Update: Suns head coach Mike D'Antoni said Diaw will remain in the starting lineup for at least one more game, Thursday night against the Spurs, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Grant Hill is healthy enough to return to the starting lineup, but D'Antoni stick with Diaw, who is a 49.2 percent shooter as a starter compared to 41.6 percent coming off the bench. "We're just doing what we think is best," D'Antoni said. "I think each player will go along with it. Whatever's good for the Suns is good for these players. That's why we have great guys. They don't care. The main thing is trying to figure out what's the best way to go. We have time to look at that and experiment with it. By the end of the year, hopefully we'll have that down pretty solid. I think we do it another game because it's going well right now."
Ray Allen: To Play Thursday
Update: Allen (flu) will play Thursday night against Dallas, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: Allen missed one game because of the flu. Kevin Garnett will not be around for Boston, so Allen will have additional scoring responsibility.
Kevin Garnett: Will Sit Out Thursday
Update: Garnett (abdominal strain) will not play Thursday night against the Mavericks, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: Garnett did shoot some at Thursday's morning shootaround, but coach Doc Rivers says he doesn't know when he'll return to game action.
LeBron James: Tweaks Ankle in Win
Update: James tweaked his right ankle before halftime Wednesday night, but returned to finish Cleveland's victory over Portland, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: James later collided with Sergio Rodriguez and was seen grimacing has he held his left wrist. "It's still warm [after the game]," James said of his sore ankle, "but I'm sure I'm not going to be enjoying it in the morning. Hopefully it won't keep me from playing [against the Sonics on Thursday]."
Jerry Stackhouse: Could Play Sunday
Update: Stackhouse (hamstring) traveled with the Mavericks and could be ready to play Sunday at Detroit, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
Analysis: Stackhouse, who has missed three games because of the injury, will miss a fourth game on Thursday when the Mavericks take on the Celtics.
Aaron Williams: Season-High in Minutes
Update: Williams (wrist) played a season-high 27 minutes and scored eight points with five rebounds in the Clippers' 95-88 loss to Atlanta Wednesday.
Analysis: It was by far Williams' longest stint of the season. Los Angeles has been playing without starting center Chris Kaman, who has missed three consecutive games with a shin contusion and flu-like symptoms. Consequently, Kaman's absenteeism has prompted Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy to insert Williams into his rotation despite a nagging wrist injury.
Tim Thomas: Productive in January
Update: Thomas had 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and a blocked shot in the Clippers' 95-88 win over Atlanta Wednesday.
Analysis: Thomas played 39 minutes, finishing 6-of-12 from the field and 2-of-3 from the line. The 30-year-old power forward is enjoying his most productive season since 2003-04. In January, he is averaging 14.8 points and 5.4 rebounds to go with a 52.4% field-goal percentage.
Jameer Nelson: Minimal Playing Time in First Game Back
Update: Nelson returned to the court Wednesday night but only played 12 minutes in Orlando's victory over Miami.
Analysis: It appears that the Magic will ease Nelson back into the rotation, so wait until his playing time returns to normal before re-inserting him back into your fantasy lineup.
Rashard Lewis: Scores 19 Points in Victory Over Heat
Update: Lewis scored 19 points and pulled down eight rebounds in Orlando's victory over Miami on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Lewis hasn't scored 20 points in any of his last seven games, mainly because Hedo Turkoglu is averaging almost 25 points per game over that stretch. Lewis is still hitting threes and is grabbing more rebounds lately, so fantasy owners shouldn't worry about his dip in scoring.
Hedo Turkoglu: Double-Double Wednesday Night
Update: Turkoglu scored 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in Orlando's victory over Miami on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Turkoglu shot 8-of-13 from the field and 11-of-12 from the free throw line in the game. Though it's a long shot, Turkoglu is giving all he can in a final effort to make his first All-Star team this season.
Dwight Howard: Another Big Game for Howard
Update: Howard had 16 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks in Orlando's victory over Miami on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Howard's numbers are down this month compared to the last two, but even January's numbers are spectacular by league standards. Howard might be tiring a little as the season progresses, so don't be surprised if his playing time continues to decrease in the next few months in order to rest him for the stretch run and the playoffs.
Carlos Arroyo: Return of Nelson Should Affect Playing Time
Update: Despite the return of Jameer Nelson, Arroyo still played 35 minutes and scored six points in Orlando's victory over Miami on Wednesday.
Analysis: It looks like the Magic will take their time getting Nelson back into the lineup. However, Nelson's minutes should increase over the next few games. Considering that Arroyo has only scored in double figures three times this month and hasn't had more than seven assists in a game, he becomes expendable when Nelson's minutes return to normal.
Maurice Evans: Putting up Solid Numbers
Update: Evans scored 13 points and made three three-pointers in Orlando's victory over Miami on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Evans has now scored in double figures in eight of his 12 starts this season. He's averaging 10.3 points per game and shooting 52.1 percent as a starter and is worthy of a pickup in most leagues.
Marcus Williams: Not Thinking About Kidd
Update: If the Nets trade Jason Kidd, Williams figures to benefit most from the deal if New Jersey doesn't pick up a top flight point guard in return, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: "I don't think I'm really focused on (Kidd) leaving, saying that he's leaving, because he's still here," Williams said. "I'm going to continue to prove that I can play with him here or not. With his time here, I think it's been great for me, I've enjoyed every moment of it, and I'll continue to enjoy it while he's here." Williams has had a difficult year, beginning with the broken foot he suffered last September. Once he returned, Williams had trouble with conditioning and timing, and still has to prove he's ready to run the team full time.
Luol Deng: Won't Join The Bulls On Their Road Trip
Update: Deng is not ready to test his sore left Achilles and wrote in his NBA.com blog that there is only a slight chance he will play during the six-game road trip that began with Wednesday's loss in Minnesota, the Arlington Daily Herald reports.
Analysis: Deng was expected to miss one-to-three weeks with the injury, so it's not surprising that he won't join Chicago on the road trip as the diagnosis came just eight days ago.
Joe Smith: Expected to Rejoin Chicago Saturday
Update: Smith, who missed the back-to-back contests against Minnesota this week with the flu, is expected to join the Bulls Saturday in Sacramento, the Arlington Daily Herald reports.
Analysis: Chicago has played the last two games without Smith, Gordon and Luol Deng, and with only Gordon possible for Saturday, the team is in need of Smith's scoring and rebounding.
Nenad Krstic: Will Practice Again
Update: Krstic (knee) is expected to practice Thursday for the second time since being shut down last November, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Krstic traveled with the team on its road trip and got in one practice then. The Nets hope after another three or four workouts he will be ready to play. Fantasy players should be cautious once Krstic does return. First, because he's returning from serious knee surgery. And second, because the Nets have two young players (Sean Williams, Josh Boone) on the front line that are playing well.
Ben Gordon: May Be Back Saturday
Update: Gordon, who sat out his fifth straight game on Wednesday because of a sprained right wrist, believes he'll play Saturday against Sacramento, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Gordon has been able to go through some warm-ups but been unable to shoot right-handed. With Chicago shorthanded due to injury, he has been itching to return to action, but hold off on activating him until you know for certain he will play and you might want to wait to see how healthy he is coming out of his first game back.
Ron Artest: It's Official, He's Being Shopped
Update: Artest, who recently said he would opt out of his contract at the end of the season, is being actively shopped around the NBA, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "I've talked to Ron twice in the last two weeks about a lot of different things," Kings President Geoff Petrie said. "The biggest thing for him and everybody else is to keep playing as well as you can. Everybody knows the trading deadline is coming up. Like I've said before, we're not averse to trading anybody if it benefits us in some way and our future, and I think (Artest) is comfortable with that." Petrie, always careful with his comments, can't be too happy with Artest's recent behavior, which includes an ejection last Friday at Utah. Lately, Sacramento has been rumored to have had recent trade discussions with the Nuggets regarding Artest and forward Nene Hilario. When Petrie speaks so candidly, it's time to pay attention.
Viktor Khryapa: Second Straight Game With Meaningful Minutes
Update: Coach Jim Boylan put Khryapa in the game in the first quarter Wednesday. It was the second consecutive game Khryapa saw meaningful minutes as he earned another look after he scored 11 points on 5-for-6 shooting in 15 minutes Tuesday, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: Khryapa was hardly a Scott Skiles favorite, averaging seven minutes in the 33 games Skiles used him last season. Wednesday marked his seventh appearance this season and he played 13 minutes - scoring two points - in the Bulls' 83-67 loss to Minnesota. With Chicago shorthanded due to injury, Khryapa could earn more playing time if he plays well in the next few games.
J.R. Smith: Plays Through Back Injury
Update: Smith (lower back contusion) scored two points on 1-of-7 shooting in 10 minutes Wednesday night in Denver's victory over Memphis.
Analysis: The back injury was not considered serious as Smith was able to return after falling hard to the floor in the Nuggets' previous game. He didn't play much after missing two dunk attempts against the Grizzlies, but coach George Karl said that was more for defensive reasons than a punishment. "He was 1-of-7 (shooting). He didn't seem like he was in a good rhythm," Karl told the Rocky Mountain News. Yakhouba Diawara replaced him in the game.
Carmelo Anthony: Still Bothered by Ankle
Update: Anthony shot jumpers during the morning shootaround Wednesday, but his sprained left ankle didn't respond the way he wanted, forcing him to miss his fifth straight game, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: "Sometimes I think that I can go out there and still be me," Anthony said. "But it's still kind of hard for me to push off, but it's getting better and better each day. It felt better today. I made progress today. Before, I couldn't even do what I did (at shootaround), jumping up and down, shooting. Now I'm going to start working on cutting and doing things like that." Anthony, who said he won't come back until he's fully recovered, will have two days' rest before Denver's next game, Saturday at home against Charlotte.
Dan Dickau: Less Than Four MPG in January
Update: Dickau was a DNP Wednesday night versus the Hawks.
Analysis: It doesn't bode well for a player's future when they don't see any action despite being just one of nine players available. Such was the case with Dickau against Atlanta. In January, the point guard is averaging 3.8 minutes per game.
Al Thornton: Motivated by a Snub?
Update: On the same day he was left off the first-year squad for the All-Star Rookie Challenge, Thornton (illness) made a statement by scoring 33 points against the Hawks, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: "I bet they sure are glad they left Al off the rookie team," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "I'm going to have to give him some more sick days." Despite playing with flu-like symptoms, Thornton tore up Atlanta's defense during the Clippers' 95-88 win Wednesday night. His block of Acie Law's layup attempt with 15 seconds preserved a narrow lead and ultimately sealed the victory.
Thabo Sefolosha: Remaining In Starting Lineup?
Update: Sefolosha's strong play as a starter in place of the injured Chris Duhon might keep him in the starting lineup even though Duhon returned to action Wednesday, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: Sefolosha started his 10th consecutive game Wednesday and coach Jim Boylan said, ''I like Thabo's size [6-7, 215 pounds] in the backcourt to start the game. It puts a little less pressure on either Kirk [Hinrich] or Du (hon). One of those guys usually has to match up with a big guard, so having Thabo out there gives us some versatility from that perspective. We'll see how things go and cross that bridge when we get to it.'' Even if Sefolosha doesn't remain in the starting lineup, look for him to continue to see big minutes.
Luke Walton: Questionable for Thursday's Game
Update: Walton (hip pointer) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Pistons, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Walton did travel with the team for their upcoming nine-game road trip, but we still would advise holding off on Walton until he seems healthy.
Lamar Odom: Has Shin Injury, Expected to Play
Update: Odom suffered a shin injury against the Knicks on Tuesday, but an X-Ray and MRI were negative and he is expected to play Thursday against Detroit, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Odom joined the team for their upcoming nine-game road trip, and, barring a setback to this injury, should see heavy minutes due to the team's rash of frontcourt injuries.
Andray Blatche: Produces in Second Straight Start
Update: Blatche had 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in the Wizards' 122-83 loss to the Raptors on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Blatche will lose his starting assignment when Caron Butler (hip) returns, which could be as early as Friday night.
Antonio Daniels: Limited Play in Blowout Loss
Update: Daniels had four points in 18 minutes during the Wizards' 122-83 loss to the Raptors on Wednesday.
Analysis: With Daniels still recovering from a knee injury, the Wizards limited his minutes in a game Wednesday that got out of hand early. Expect him to play and produce more Friday against the Jazz.
Antawn Jamison: Scores 11 in Blowout Loss
Update: Jamison had 11 points and four rebounds in the Wizards' 122-83 blowout loss to the Raptors on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Jamison shot only 3-10 from the field on Wednesday, his worst shooting percentage in a game since November 30th. Expect him to return to form Friday against the Jazz.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: 13 Rebounds in Win
Update: Ilgauskas pulled down 13 rebounds in Wednesday's win over the Trail Blazers.
Analysis: Ilgauskas, who did not shoot very well going 3-of-9 Wednesday night, came up solid in other areas. To go along with his 13 rebounds, Ilgauskas had three assists, two steals and a block.
Larry Hughes: Poor Shooting Creeps Up Again
Update: Hughes, coming off two solid performances, shot 2-of-11 against Portland on Wednesday.
Analysis: It seems that Hughes has still not shaken this slump. The two field goals Hughes did make were dunks from fast breaks. With Hughes playing only 23 minutes, Daniel Gibson and Devin Brown were the beneficiaries of more playing time Wednesday night. You may want to continue to keep a close eye on Hughes and his playing time.
Chris Wilcox: Misses Practice with Injured Elbow
Update: Wilcox injured his elbow Tuesday and missed Wednesday's practice, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: The injury isn't believed to be serious, though Wilcox is questionable for Thursday's game.
Wally Szczerbiak: X-Rays on Injured Ankle
Update: Szczerbiak had X-rays Wednesday on his right ankle and is questionable for Thursday's game, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: The injury is not serious, though Szczerbiak sat out Wednesday's practice as a precaution.
Tracy McGrady: Practices Wednesday
Update: McGrady returned to practice Wednesday, a day after he was unable to play against Golden State because of illness, the Houston Chronicle reports. McGrady had gone to Tuesday's shootaround, but could not return when his condition worsened during the day.
Analysis: "(I feel a) little bit better," he said. "I didn't eat anything before I came (to Tuesday's shootaround). Then when I got home, I ate breakfast and I couldn't keep anything down. Everything was coming up, so I just got into bed. I decided it wasn't good for me to play." McGrady's day-to-day, but that he practiced Wednesday bodes well for him playing Friday against the Pacers.
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