FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Kyle Lowry: Starts But Only Plays 14 Minutes on Saturday
Update: Lowry started at point guard on Friday, but only scored five points (1-for-6 from the field) in 14 minutes of action in a loss to Dallas.
Analysis: Lowry's minutes took a serious hit with the return of Mike Conley Jr. Lowry had averaged 14.8 points in 43.4 minutes over his last five games but will most likely return to a reserve role with Conley Jr. back.
Mike Conley: Back In Business
Update: Conley (chest, rib) came off the bench on Friday, but played 33 minutes and scored eight points in a loss to Dallas.
Analysis: Kyle Lowry started at point guard, but only played 14 minutes. Barring any setbacks, Conley should be back in the starting lineup soon and will most likely continue to see 30-plus minutes a night. He is averaging 10.3 points and 5.4 assists as a starter this year (13 starts).
Kendrick Perkins: Suffers Shoulder Injury
Update: Perkins left Friday night's game against the Timberwolves with a strained left shoulder, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Perkins was injured in the third quarter while going for a rebound. He will be evaluated on Saturday.
Manu Ginobili: Fills Up The Stat Sheet on Friday
Update: Ginobili stuffed the stat sheet on Friday with 20 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and five steals in a win over the Knicks.
Analysis: Ginobili broke out of a mini-slump on Friday with a huge game against the Knicks. Ginobili has been a surprisingly good source for assists recently, averaging 7.0 over his last five games.
LaMarcus Aldridge: Team-High 22 Points on Saturday
Update: Aldridge scored a team-high 22 points (9-for-15 from the field) in Friday's loss to Detroit.
Analysis: Aldridge could be in line for another big night on Saturday against Indiana as Portland's go-to guy with Brandon Roy (death in family) not scheduled to play.
Al Thornton: Scores 19 Against Raptors
Update: Thornton scored 19 points with nine rebounds and an assist in the Clippers' 102-98 win at Toronto Friday night.
Analysis: Thornton shot 9-of-13 from the field, but just 1-of-4 from the line in 33 minutes. He turned the ball over five times. Entering Friday, the rookie was averaging 12.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in his last three games.
Jason Kidd: 12th Triple-Double Of The Year
Update: Kidd recorded his league leading 12th triple-double of the year on Friday, scoring 19 points, handing out 13 assists and grabbing 11 rebounds in a win over Charlotte.
Analysis: Kidd has always been a great source for assists and rebounds, but the 19 points were the most he has scored since December 28th.
Kobe Bryant: Finger Not an Issue On Friday
Update: Bryant (finger) put up 36 points, ten rebounds and six assists in Friday's win over Orlando.
Analysis: Bryant's dislocated finger might have affected his shot (11-for-26 from the field), but he was still extremely effective and got to the line 16 times. Even when he's injured, Bryant remains a must play.
Pau Gasol: Explodes for 30 Points on Friday
Update: Gasol had his best game so far in a Laker uniform on Friday, scoring 30 points and pulling down nine rebounds in a win over Orlando.
Analysis: Gasol, who shot 12-for-15 from the field, is averaging 22.0 points and 9.3 rebounds in his three games as a Laker.
Corey Maggette: Ties Season-High In Points on Friday
Update: Maggette tied his season-high in points on Friday, scoring 35 in a win over Toronto.
Analysis: An impressive night for Maggette who shot 9-for-15 from the field, 12-for-13 from the line and made all five of his 3-point attempts. Maggette is averaging 29.0 points in his last three games since returning from the flu.
Sean Williams: Comes Off The Bench On Friday
Update: Williams was replaced in the starting lineup by Nenad Krstic, but had 11 points, six rebounds and three blocks in Friday's win over Charlotte.
Analysis: Williams was only averaging 5.6 points and 5.4 rebounds over his last five games so maybe his demotion will serve as a motivation. Williams will most likely continue to see a diminished role if Krstic (knee) is healthy.
Nenad Krstic: Gets The Start on Friday
Update: Krstic started at power forward on Friday but only scored two points in 15 minutes of action, the Associated Press reports
Analysis: Krstic replaced Sean Williams in the starting lineup but only played 15 minutes to Williams 20. Krstic is still trying to get back in game shape after knee surgery and will be limited to 15-17 minutes until after the All-Star break. "After the All-Star break doctors will evaluate it and see if he can push it a little more," Nets coach Lawrence Frank said on Friday.
Gerald Wallace: Back In Action
Update: Wallace (foot) was in the starting lineup on Friday and scored 21 points in Friday's loss to New Jersey.
Analysis: Wallace looked to be back to his old self, contributing three blocks, two steals and two 3-pointers. Wallace played a team-high 41 minutes so it looks safe to put him back in your lineup.
Tim Thomas: Leaves Game with Sore Back
Update: Thomas left Friday's game against the Raptors with a sore back, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Thomas left Monday's game after experiencing back spasms and sat out Wednesday's contest at Boston with lingering soreness. He felt healthy enough to start at Toronto, but did not come out for the second quarter and was not expected to return. Consider him day-to-day.
Erick Dampier: Out Friday
Update: Dampier (ankle) missed Friday's game against Memphis, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Dampier sprained his right ankle Wednesday against the Bucks. He tested it out during pregame drills but ultimately decided to sit out. DeSagana Diop took his place.
Drew Gooden: Sits Out Friday
Update: Gooden (groin) missed Friday's game against the Hawks, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Gooden tested the injury before the game, but wasn't in uniform at tip-off. Saturday's off day gives him another day of rest, but he will likely be a game-time decision for Sunday's contest against Denver.
Daniel Gibson: Sits Out Friday
Update: Gibson (hamstring) missed Friday night's game against the Hawks, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Gibson strained his right hamstring in Thursday's loss at Houston. He will have Friday and Saturday to recover in hopes of returning Sunday against Denver.
Beno Udrih: Probable Friday Night
Update: Udrih (illness) is probable for Friday's home game against Utah, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Udrih, who is currently battling a virus, did not practice on Thursday after missing Wednesday's game versus Seattle. Now that he is coming off the bench instead of starting, he is a low-end fantasy option.
Daniel Gibson: Doubtful for Fridays Game
Update: Gibson is listed as doubtful for tonight's game in Atlanta, according to the team's official injury list, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Gibson suffered a strained right hamstring in the fourth quarter of the Cavs' 92-77 loss in Houston on Thursday. He was taken to the locker room with 8:23 remaining and did not return.
Brandon Roy: Out Saturday Also
Update: Roy, who will not be available for Friday's game against the Pistons, will also miss Saturday's matchup with the Pacers.
Analysis: Roy did not travel to Detroit with the team due to a death in his family. Because of the timing of the memorial service, he will be unavailable Saturday as well. Martell Webster will take Roy's place until he returns - likely for Monday's game against the Rockets.
Ronnie Brewer: Out Friday
Update: Brewer will not play in the Jazz's game against Sacramento Friday due to a severely bruised tailbone, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: It will be the first game missed this season by Brewer. C.J. Miles will start in his place. More on Brewer's status as we receive it, but consider him day-to-day until further notice.
Ronnie Brewer: Doubtful for Friday's Game
Update: Brewer, who sustained a "severely bruised" tailbone Wednesday against the Nuggets, is considered doubtful for Friday's game against Sacramento, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: We recommend reserving Brewer for now, just to be safe. More on his status as we receive it, but consider Brewer day-to-day until further notice.
Brandon Roy: Out for Friday
Update: Roy will miss Friday's game on account of a death in his family.
Analysis: He should return to the lineup for Saturday's game against the Pacers. Martell Webster will take his spot for the second consecutive game. Roy is averaging 19.7 points, 5.8 assists and 4.6 boards a game this season.
Sam Cassell: Suspended One Game
Update: Cassell will miss Friday's game against the Raptors serving the one-game suspension he received for his flagrant foul on Wednesday.
Analysis: Adjust your lineup accordingly. Cassell is averaging 13.1 points a game with 4.5 assists.
Matt Carroll: Out With Ankle Tendinitis
Update: Carroll (ankle tendinitis) will not play in Friday's game against the Nets, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Carroll was averaging 8.2 points with 2.5 boards a game. His loss presents a major hole in the Bobcats lineup, who take the floor with only nine healthy players on Friday.
Jeff McInnis: Illness Rules Him Out for Friday
Update: McInnis (illness) will not play in Friday's game, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: McInnis holds no fantasy value at the moment, but his loss cuts a hole into the Bobcats' depth for Friday. They will take the hardwood Friday against the Nets with only nine healthy players.
Stephen Jackson: Finally 100% Healthy
Update: Jackson, who has battled knee and toe injuries over the past two months, is finally healthy, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: "I never want to make excuses, but I am finally healthy," Jackson said this week. "I finally feel healthy with my foot and my knee; I finally feel back to how I want them to be. My body's feeling stronger now." The biggest indicator of Jackson's health seems to be his field goal percentage. Jackson shot 39.7% from the field in December, 40.0% in January, but has shot 46.9% from the field over his last five games.
Sam Cassell: League Reviewing His Foul
Update: Cassell faces the possibility of a fine or suspension after his flagrant foul on Rajon Rondo Wednesday, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: "I thought it was a hard foul, but if you know my past, I wouldn't try to hurt anybody," Cassell said. Cassell flattened Rondo during the first half of Wednesday's loss at Boston, prompting his immediate ejection. NBA officials are reviewing the play and may take action.
Ron Artest: Leaves Practice Early
Update: Artest left practice early Thursday due to a sore right knee and foot but is probable for Friday against Utah, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The best fantasy advice for Artest owners may be to assume he will always have a personal issue or health problem on any given day and roll with it. Late in January, he claimed he would miss a couple of games because of the same soreness.
Thabo Sefolosha: Defense On Baron Davis A Key In Bulls Win Over Golden State
Update: Sefolosha had nine points, seven rebounds and five assists, but it was his early defense on Baron Davis that helped trigger the Bulls' 114-108 win over Golden State Thursday, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: Davis was scoreless in the first quarter and clearly had trouble getting his shot off over the 6-7 Sefolosha. Davis finished with 22 points but shot just 8-for-24 from the floor, largely due to Sefolosha's defense, which is another reason why he has been seeing so many minutes lately.
Kirk Hinrich: Doubful For Saturday Due To Bruised Ribs
Update: Coach Jim Boylan said Thursday that Hinrich's bruised ribs are not much better and he is doubtful for Saturday's game against Utah, the Chicago Tribune reports
Analysis: After Saturday, the Bulls have two games before the All-Star Break and then return to action on the 20th. Chicago may be better off letting Hinrich fully heal over the next 11 days to make sure he is 100 percent for the playoff stretch run.
Ben Gordon: Probable For Saturday
Update: Gordon (sprained right wrist) took all of his warm-up shots before Thursday's game left-handed but coach Jim Boylan said that he might be able to play Saturday against Utah, the Chicago Tribune reports
Analysis: Boylan added that "the problem [for Gordon] is he has a really strong wrist snap coming through the ball. It's stiff and bothering him again," but believes Gordon is probable for Saturday. Chicago might be better off letting Gordon sit until after the All-Star Game to rest the wrist and a determination of his status for Saturday may not come until right before game-time so stay tuned.
Michael Redd: Bucks Hoping for Saturday Return
Update: The Bucks are hoping that Redd (knee) will be able to play on Saturday, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Analysis: Redd has missed the last five games with a nagging knee injury. His name is coming up in some trade rumors as well, so the Bucks would like to show that he's healthy.
Ben Wallace: Sat Out Fourth Quarter Of Bulls Win Thursday Due To Hot Play Of Tyrus Thomas
Update: Wallace had 10 points and eight rebounds but went 0-for-7 from the line, including two airballs, and played just 17 minutes in Chicago's 114-108 win over Golden State Thursday.
Analysis: Wallace is coming off a stretch of three solid games in a row and was on pace for an even bigger night Thursday but his weak free throw shooting coupled with a hot Tyrus Thomas kept him anchored to the bench on the fourth quarter.
Kobe Bryant: May Miss All-Star Game
Update: Bryant (dislocated finger) noted that he may miss the All-Star game or the All-Star shooting contest, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Bryant also noted that he couldn't feel the ball late in Wednesday's game against Atlanta, so fantasy owners should expect much lower production until this injury heals.
Joe Smith: Big Game Thursday
Update: Smith had 27 points and eight rebounds to help lead the undermanned Bulls to a 114-108 win over Golden State Thursday.
Analysis: The Bulls were without their top three players with Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng all out with injuries, but Smith and Chris Duhon - career-high 34 points - contributed mightily to the win. Since returning from the flu four games ago, Smith has notched 67 points while grabbing 28 boards, including 58 and 23 his past three contests, and should be back in your lineups.
Jerry Stackhouse: Will Return Friday
Update: Stackhouse (hamstring) will play in Friday's game against Memphis, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: Stackhouse will return to his bench role, and fantasy owners should be wary of the aging guard.
Chris Duhon: Outstanding Game as Injury Replacement
Update: Duhon started Thursday night in place of Kirk Hinrich (ribs), and exploded for 34 points (11-for-16 FG, 8-for-9 FT), nine assists, four treys, three steals and two boards in 41 minutes of action.
Analysis: There is no way that anyone can expect this kind of production regularly from Duhon, even if he continues to start. But, he is something of a streak shooter, and if he is available in your league he could make a decent spot start until Hinrich and Ben Gordon return.
Al Harrington: Strong Off the Bench
Update: Harrington came off the bench Thursday night in Chris Webber's debut, and scored 20 points (8-for-16 FG) with four boards, three steals and three treys in 27 minutes.
Analysis: Harrington should remain a solid fantasy option even in a sixth man role, though he does lose some consistency when he comes off the bench.
Udonis Haslem: Out for Another Two Weeks
Update: Head coach Pat Riley said Thursday that he expects Haslem (high-ankle sprain) to be out for another two weeks, the Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: The injury seems to be more serious than the team first thought. We will keep an eye on his progress.
Chris Webber: Quiet in Return
Update: Webber returned to the NBA Thursday night as the starting power forward for the Warriors. Webber played only 13 minutes in his debut, scoring four points with two assists, a steal and a rebound with three fouls.
Analysis: Webber is clearly rusty and has to get back into form. His days as a fantasy impact player may be behind him, but if he remains in the starting line-up for the high-octane Warriors he should eventually produce more than this.
Alexander Johnson: Leaves Game with Sprained Ankle
Update: Johnson (sprained ankle) left Thursday night's game against Philadelphia in the second quarter and did not return.
Analysis: Johnson has been the Heat's starting power forward the last two games.
Martell Webster: Will Start if Roy Unavailable
Update: If Brandon Roy (personal) is unavailable for Friday night's game against the Pistons, Webster will start in his place, The Columbian reports.
Analysis: Webster had been moved to a bench role after James Jones went down with a knee injury and scored eight points in 21 minutes in Wednesday's victory over the Bulls. It's not known when Roy will return to the team, but when he does, Webster will return to the bench. The plan calls for Webster to remain on the bench until Jones' return, which is expected after the All-Star break.
Jeff McInnis: Food Poisoning
Update: McInnis missed Thursday's practice because of food poisoining, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: There was no word on his availability for Friday night's game against the Nets, however it may not matter much. McInnis has slipped behind Earl Boykins to become the team's third point guard.
Derek Anderson: Bruised Right Knee
Update: Anderson sat out Thursday's practice because of a bruised right knee, but will be available Friday night against the Nets, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Anderson has been in and out of the rotation this year, but doesn't have value when he does get to play. He's averaging just under 14 minutes a game.
Matt Carroll: Right Ankle Tendinitis
Update: Carroll did not practice on Thursday because of tendinitis in his right ankle, but is expected to play Friday night against the Nets, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Carroll's playing time has been reduced recently to the point where he didn't get off the bench Monday night in Phoenix. With coach Sam Vincent looking to give the recently acquired Earl Boykins playing time and the return of Gerald Wallace from a foot injury, Carroll will be on the fringes of the coach's rotation until he can break out of a 7-for-29 shooting slump.
Gerald Wallace: Will Play Friday
Update: Wallace (strained right foot) will play Friday night against the Nets, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Wallace had missed two games because of the injury.
Tracy McGrady: Plays Through Illness
Update: McGrady spent the day at Memorial-Hermann Hospital being treated for an upper respiratory infection and did not arrive at Toyota Center until less than a half-hour before Thursday night's tip, the Houston Chronicle reports. He struggled throughout the night, scoring eight points to go with seven rebounds.
Analysis: "I was going to give it a shot," said McGrady, looking glassy-eyed and guzzling chicken noodle soup. "How did I feel? Not too shabby. We were making plays for each other. Ball movement. Awareness on the defensive end. We did it all in the second half. Whatever it took to win, that's what we did in the second half." Consider McGrady day-to-day, but he should be fine to play Saturday against Atlanta.
Drew Gooden: Misses First Game of Season
Update: Gooden, out because of a groin injury, missed his first game of the season on Thursday.
Analysis: With Gooden and Anderson Varejao out, the Cavaliers had no chance on the boards against Houston. Gooden is still day-to-day. The problem with his injury is that his status of playing will continue to be a game-time decision until he is fully cleared.
Daniel Gibson: Leaves Fourth Quarter with Strained Hamstring
Update: It was a homecoming party for the Houston native Gibson, but it was one where he left early due to a strained hamstring.
Analysis: Gibson playing only 18 minutes and scoring five points left the game in the fourth quarter Thursday night because of a strained hamstring. It does not seem too serious, however hamstring issues due tend to linger. As of now he is considered day-to-day.
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