FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Damon Stoudamire: Signs with San Antonio
Update: The Spurs signed Stoudamire on Sunday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Stoudamire gives San Antonio another option at point guard behind Tony Parker, who is currently nursing a left heel injury.
Josh McRoberts: Back from D League
Update: McRoberts has been recalled by the Trail Blazers after spending eight games in the D-League.
Analysis: McRoberts, who was assigned to Idaho on Jan. 9, has played only three games with Portland, averaging 1.3 points and 2.3 minutes per game. Don't expect him to see a ton of playing time this time around either.
Richard Hamilton: (Hip) Starts Sunday
Update: Hamilton (hip) scored 10 points with seven assists, five rebounds and one steal in 36 minutes Sunday in Detroit's victory over Dallas.
Analysis: Hamilton was kicked in the hip during Thursday's victory over the Lakers and was limited to 29 minutes. The hip doesn't appear to be a problem, however Hamilton was just 4-of-13 from the field.
Jerry Stackhouse: Sits Out Sunday
Update: Stackhouse (hamstring) sat out Sunday's loss to the Pistons.
Analysis: Stackhouse, who has missed five consecutive games because of the injury, had practiced on Saturday and is close to a return.
Luke Walton: Returns to Action Sunday
Update: Walton returned to action Sunday after missing two games because of a hip injury.
Analysis: Walton came off the bench to score four points in 14 minutes in the Lakers' victory over Washington. We'll check on his status the day after, but it looks like Walton will be starting again soon.
Vladimir Radmanovic: Another Start
Update: Radmanovic started at small forward again, scoring 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including three 3-pointers, in 31 minutes Sunday in the Lakers' victory over the Wizards.
Analysis: This was Radmanovic's third straight start, but could be his last for a bit. The injured Luke Walton (hip) returned to action Sunday, coming off the bench in the win.
Nick Young: Fourteen Points off Bench
Update: Young had 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including two 3-pointers, in 30 minutes Sunday in Washington's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: Young has shown flashes this season, but the rookie has never established consistency from night to night. He's a capable scorer, who will be part of the Wizards' future, but is not fantasy ready yet.
Zach Randolph: Scores 24 in Losing Effort
Update: Randolph had 24 points and five rebounds in the Knicks' loss to the Sonics on Saturday.
Analysis: Randolph shot 9-for-13 from the floor, but had a poor day rebounding against the Sonics. Randolph can get it done when he puts in the effort. However, Randolph has had enough trouble staying motivated even when the Knicks are winning, much less during a five-game losing streak.
Travis Diener: Tweaks Right Foot
Update: Although Diener played 27 minutes in Saturday's loss to the Magic, he also tweaked his right foot and briefly left to get x-rays, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: The x-rays were negative and Diener returned to the game, but keep in mind that this injury has bothered him earlier this season - it's possible he could have a relapse.
Willie Green: Ankle Seems To Be Okay
Update: Green, who suffered a sprained left ankle last Monday at practice, has been able to start the last two games for the Sixers and seems to be over his ankle injury.
Analysis: Green had 10 points Wednesday and 12 points on Friday and shot over 50 percent in both games, so his ankle injury seems to be behind him for now.
Eddy Curry: Sits Out Again
Update: Curry sat out his second straight game Saturday with the flu.
Analysis: Zach Randolph slid over to center, and David Lee moved into the starting five. The Knicks next game is Monday against the Clippers, and Curry should be able to return by then.
Jason Smith: Missed Friday Night's Game
Update: Smith (sprained left ankle) missed Friday night's game against the Magic.
Analysis: Smith made his first start Wednesday night but did not play well and left the game in the fourth quarter with the sprained left ankle. Thaddeus Young started on Friday and played well, so Smith may return to the bench when he does get back in the lineup.
Quentin Richardson: Back in Action
Update: Richardson returned to action Saturday after missing Friday's game with the flu.
Analysis: Richardson finished with 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and three 3-pointers in 37 minutes of court time. He's improved his play of late.
Desmond Mason: Returns from Thumb Injury
Update: Mason (thumb) returned on Saturday after missing more than a month and scored six points in 23 minutes.
Analysis: Mason grabbed five rebounds and blocked two shots in the loss to the Rockets.
Nate Robinson: Starts But Struggles
Update: Robinson moved into the starting lineup Saturday but finished with just five points in 33 minutes of action.
Analysis: Robinson went 0-of-9 from the floor, including 0-of-6 from downtown. He missed a 3-pointer with 1.9 seconds remaining that would have won it for the Knicks, who lost all five games on their trip through the West.
Thaddeus Young: Second Career Start Friday Night
Update: Young started his second career game at power forward for the Sixers on Friday night and had 15 points (6-12 FG, 3-3 FT), three rebounds and two assists in a loss to the Magic.
Analysis: Young played 34 minutes, a career high, and may have come off the bench if Jason Smith (ankle) was healthy. Either way, Young played well and continues to improve the more he plays.
Michael Redd: Still Sitting Out with Knee Injury
Update: Redd (knee) did not play in Saturday's loss to the Rockets.
Analysis: There is no word as to when he may be returning from his current knee injury. It was thought that he would just miss two games, but now it's at three and counting.
David Lee: Crashing The Boards
Update: Lee got another start in place of Eddy Curry Saturday, resulting in 10 points and 10 rebounds during the Knicks' loss.
Analysis: Lee recorded his fourth straight double-double in the contest and is now averaging 12.4 rebounds over the past five games. He's simply one of the best rebounders in the game, but his floor time largely dictates his fantasy value.
Pau Gasol: Gasol Out Sunday
Update: Gasol will miss Sunday's game with a sore back, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Head coach Phil Jackson also emphasized that he wants Gasol to gain some familiarity with the team before he suits up in a Lakers uniform. "We want him to practice first," Jackson said. Unless his sore back becomes more of an issue, he should be ready to go for Tuesday's game against the Nets.
Luke Ridnour: Not Producing Much in Reserve Role
Update: Ridnour played just 17 minutes Saturday, totaling six points and one assist.
Analysis: Ridnour hasn't done much since returning from injury 11 games ago. He's scored in double figures twice in that span and has averaged less than five assists a game.
Caron Butler: Back in Action
Update: Butler returned to the Wizards' lineup Sunday after missing three games with a strained left hip flexor, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Butler got the start Sunday against the Lakers, so barring a setback, he looks safe to deploy this coming week.
Nick Collison: Still Doing the Dirty Work
Update: Collison totaled nine points and 12 rebounds as he continues to put up decent numbers in a reserve role.
Analysis: Collison's offense has taken a hit since he left the starting lineup five games ago, primarily because he isn't getting as many shots. But his rebounding is still about where it was despite the drop in minutes. Collison has been bothered by an injured knee lately. It keeps him out of practice but so far hasn't sidelined him for games.
Josh Powell: Starts at Center Again
Update: Powell had 13 points, five rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot during the Clippers' 98-84 loss at Cleveland Saturday night.
Analysis: Powell continues to start at center for Chris Kaman, who is out with the flu. He was 6-of-11 from the field and 1-of-2 from the line while playing a season-high 37 minutes. His role will diminish once Kaman is healthy enough to play, which should be soon.
Mike Bibby: One Bullseye From the Field
Update: Bibby (finger) scored just four points on 1-of-9 shooting with seven assists and four steals in the Kings' 105-101 win over Chicago Saturday night.
Analysis: Sacramento's starting point guard missed his first eight field goal attempts, but the Kings rallied late to beat the Bulls without Bibby's usual production. He has been nursing a sprained right pinkie, so it may be affecting his shooting form. Regardless, keep him in the lineup.
Vince Carter: Ten Assists
Update: Carter had 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting and 10 assists Saturday night in New Jersey's loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: While the 10 assists will no doubt help fantasy owners, the 12 shots attempted is a number of concern. Carter averages nearly 20 shots a game over his career, and this year he appears content to pass up shots. Carter is scoring more than five points less per game this season.
Quincy Douby: DNP: Douby Not Playing
Update: Douby was a DNP versus the Bulls on Saturday night.
Analysis: It was the second-year guard's second consecutive DNP. Although he has talent, there isn't enough room for Douby in the Kings' playing rotation. He should be released from all fantasy rosters.
Nenad Krstic: Returns to Action Saturday
Update: Krstic (knee) made his first game appearance since November, going scoreless in a little under three minutes Saturday night in New Jersey's loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: Krstic, who had knee surgery in the offseason, is under a minutes restriction (no more than 15), and will not have fantasy value until he's ready to go 25-30 minutes a night -- if that even happens this season.
Jason Collins: Starts Saturday
Update: Collins was in the starting lineup Saturday night, scoring two points in 10 minutes in New Jersey's loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: The start was largely a ceremonial thing as Collins, who has been with the Nets for seven seasons, will be traded to Memphis, likely on Monday. His fantasy production is very limited, but Collins is quite popular among teammates and the coaching staff.
Malik Allen: Rejoins Team
Update: Allen (flu) rejoined the Nets in Atlanta for Saturday night's game against the Hawks, but did not play in New Jersey's loss.
Analysis: Allen stayed home and missed Friday night's victory over Miami.
Francisco Garcia: Brief Stint Nets Zero Points
Update: Garcia played just 13 minutes and was 0-of-5 from the field with zero points during Sacramento's 105-101 win over Chicago Saturday night.
Analysis: Surprisingly, Garcia's minutes have taken a huge hit in the last four games. Along with point guard Beno Udrih, the third-year swingman is more capable than the 10-15 minutes he has been slated for recently. He is a willing defender, an adept ballhandler and outside scoring threat. If his role morphs into an insignificant one, it will be a definite blow to his psyche. Remember, the key to Garcia's future will be whether Mike Bibby and/or Ron Artest are traded in February.
Ron Artest: Leads Kings in Scoring
Update: Artest, a persistent subject regarding trade rumors, scored a team-high 28 points to go with six rebounds, two assists and a steal in the Kings' 105-101 win over the Bulls Saturday night.
Analysis: Artest was 10-of-20 from the floor, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range. The Kings are in a bit of a quandary. They have won four consecutive games and 10 of their last 14. If they decide to move Artest, not only will they upset team chemistry, but management would be perceived as admitting they are giving up on the season. Sacramento has a shot at the eighth playoff spot, but that goal is unrealistic considering the amount of teams they would have to pass in the standings.
Raymond Felton: Point Guard Once Again
Update: Charlotte coach Sam Vincent is moving Felton back to point guard after a month-long experiment at shooting guard, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Felton started at the point Saturday night while Jeff McInnis, who had been starting at point guard, was moved to the bench and never got off. "We're looking to get the ball more into his hands," Vincent said, referring to Felton. "Let him make decisions."
Jeff McInnis: DNP Saturday
Update: McInnis was a DNP-CD Saturday night against Denver.
Analysis: There's no injury that we are aware of, so we're left to speculate that Earl Boykins has moved ahead of him in the guard rotation. Jared Dudley started at shooting guard Saturday.
Nazr Mohammed: Starts Saturday
Update: Mohammed was in the starting lineup Saturday night against Denver, scoring seven points with five rebounds, four assists, one steal and two blocked shots in the Bobcats' loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: The Bobcats were without Gerald Wallace (ankle) and coach Sam Vincent went big to replace him. Emeka Okafor started at power forward to accommodate Mohammed at center. Wallace is expected to miss a week, but it's not known whether Mohammed starting is the result of the Wallace injury or Denver's big front court.
Jared Dudley: Starts in Place of Jeff McInnis
Update: Dudley started at shooting guard in place of Jeff McInnis Saturday night, scoring 11 points with eight rebounds in 30 minutes in Charlotte's loss to Denver.
Analysis: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent, who was without an injured Gerald Wallace (ankle), went with a bigger lineup against the Nuggets. Vincent also started Nazr Mohammed at center alongside Emeka Okafor in the front court. We aren't sure if the new starting arrangement will continue, but we do know that Wallace will be out a week, so Dudley may be in line for minutes whether starting or coming off the bench. We also know that Raymond Felton has moved back to point guard and Jeff McInnis was a DNP-CD. There are some changes brewing in the starting lineup, so we'll be tracking them in the coming games.
Raymond Felton: Ankle No Problem
Update: Felton (ankle) started and played 38 minutes Saturday night in Charlotte's loss to Denver.
Analysis: Felton sat out part of the second half of the Bobcats' previous game with mildly sprained ankle. He scored 14 points on 7-of-18 shooting with nine assists, three rebounds, two steals and one turnover in the loss to the Nuggets.
Caron Butler: Coach "Very Hesitant" to Play Him Sunday
Update: Butler (hip) may not play Sunday, as Wizards coach Eddie Jordan told the Washington Post that he was "very hesitant" to play Butler after the forward was highly limited in practice.
Analysis: We expect to see the surprising Andray Blatche get the start on Sunday, and for Butler to return sometime next week.
Pau Gasol: Probably Won't Play Sunday
Update: Gasol (back) passed a physical on Saturday but still probably won't play Sunday, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Gasol would be "totally uninitiated" if he tried to play in Sunday's game, not to mention the owner of a back injury that has kept him out of three of his last four. Expect him to don a Laker uniform later Tuesday against the Nets.
Jerry Stackhouse: Could Play Sunday
Update: Stackhouse (hamstring) went through most of Saturday's practice and could play Sunday, according Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: We would still suggest waiting on Stackhouse, as he'll probably be limited if he does return on Sunday against the Pistons.
Joe Johnson: Shots Didn't Fall
Update: Johnson (ankle) had just 10 points (4-of-15 FG, 0-of-2 3-PT, 2-of-2 FT), three assists and two steals in the Hawks' win over the Nets on Saturday.
Analysis: Johnson looks like his ankle is bothering his shot, and he looks tired. In his last five games he is shooting just 32.9 percent and scoring just 13.6 points per game, hardly All-Star numbers. It may be time to think about resting Johnson on your fantasy roster until he heals up and catches his second wind.
Josh Smith: Good All-Around Effort
Update: Smith had 23 points (9-of-14 FG, 5-of-6 FT), eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks in the Hawks' win over the Nets on Saturday.
Analysis: Smith was one of three Hawks over 20 points and continues to shoot the ball much better in 2008 than he did in 2007, which only helps his already high fantasy stock.
Andrei Kirilenko: Scores Just Two Points
Update: Kirilenko was held to just two points on 1-of-5 shooting in 23 minutes Saturday versus Memphis.
Analysis: He did chip in six assists and three rebounds, but Saturday's performance is surely one that both Kirilenko and his fantasy owners would like to forget. Look for him to bounce back nicely when Utah hosts the Hornets on Monday.
Ronnie Brewer: Five Steals in Win
Update: In 24 minutes Saturday, Brewer had 16 points (7-of-11 shooting), three boards, three assists and tied his season-high with five steals in a win over the Grizzlies.
Analysis: Brewer has been rather effective with the limited minutes he's gotten this season. Though he will continue to give up playing time to Utah's deep bench unit, Brewer is still a solid option in most fantasy leagues this year.
Carlos Boozer: Rebounds with Nice Game
Update: Boozer was solid across the board in Saturday's win in Memphis, finishing with 19 points (8-of-18 FG), 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block in 34 minutes of play.
Analysis: We expected Boozer to bounce back strong after a dismal game Wednesday in Washington, and he did just that. Keep starting him as you normally would.
Mehmet Okur: Third Consecutive Good Performance
Update: Okur had 15 points (6-of-13 FG) and 13 rebounds in 35 minutes Saturday against the Grizzlies.
Analysis: Okur, who added two assists and two steals in the win, has now put up three double-doubles in a row, his longest streak of the season.
Juan Carlos Navarro: Scores 11 in Loss
Update: Navarro had 11 points (4-13 FG, 2-7 3pt, 1-1 FT) to go with four rebounds, five assists and a steal in 32 minutes Saturday.
Analysis: With Pau Gasol out of town, Navarro may be in the starting lineup for good, as Rudy Gay and Mike Miller both moved up one slot to fill the vacuum left by Gasol.
Jason Hart: Misses Saturday's Game
Update: As expected, Hart (lower back inflammation) was inactive for Saturday's win over Memphis.
Analysis: Hart, who is still day-to-day, has now missed four consecutive games with the injury.
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