FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Jeff McInnis: Returns to Action Sunday
Update: McInnis returned to action Sunday after missing one game because of food poisoning.
Analysis: McInnis not only returned to the lineup, but returned to the rotation, playing 32 minutes in Charlotte's loss Detroit. Prior to the illness, he was demoted to the third-string point guard behind Earl Boykins.
Gerald Wallace: Sits Out Sunday
Update: Wallace sat out Sunday's game against the Pistons because of a sore right foot, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Wallace may have tried to come back too soon from a foot injury that forced him to miss two games last week. He played Friday night and was fairly productive in 41 minutes in a loss to New Jersey, but felt considerable pain afterwards. There's no word on his availability for Monday night's game against the Lakers.
Matt Carroll: Returns to Action Sunday
Update: Carroll returned to action in Sunday's loss to the Detroit after missing one game because of an ankle injury.
Analysis: Carroll played just six minutes off the bench. He'd fallen out of favor with coach Sam Vincent before the injury, so it's hard to tell if the ankle is still bothering him or if Vincent gave him some token run in a blowout loss.
Nenad Krstic: Efficient Night
Update: Krstic (knee) scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds in 17 minutes Sunday in New Jersey's victory over Dallas.
Analysis: Krstic started for the second straight game and this was by far his most productive effort of the five games he's played since returning from rehabbing his left knee. The Nets will bring him along slowly at least until the All-Star break.
Steven Hunter: Sits Out Sunday
Update: Hunter sat out Sunday's victory over Denver with a sore right knee, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: This was the second straight game Hunter has missed because of the injury.
Jerry Stackhouse: Sits Out Sunday
Update: Stackhouse sat out Sunday's game against New Jersey because of a hamstring injury, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Stackhouse returned to action Friday after missing seven games, but tweaked the hamstring in a win over Memphis. The Mavericks are back in action on Sunday at Philadelphia.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: Back Spasms cause Fourth Quarter No Show
Update: Ilgauskas sat out the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to Denver due to back spasms that flared up.
Analysis: Ilgauskas will have little time to recover, since the Cavaliers play Monday night against Dwight Howard and the Magic. His status for Monday's contest is questionable right now.
Vince Carter: Returns to Score 29 Points After Getting Elbowed
Update: Carter was elbowed in the face by Dallas' Brandon Bass during the first half of Sunday's game, but returned to score 29 points in New Jersey's victory over the Mavericks, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: "I saw stars, stripes, everything," Carter said. "It's one of those things you see coming but you can't move fast enough. When he hit me, I was just trying to hold on and not hit the floor too hard. I was a little dizzy and tried to take my time getting up. I was a little sore but I just wanted to clear my head and go back out there." Carter was dizzy and helped off the court and to the locker room, then returned to score 25 of his 29 points after the incident. We'll follow up to see if there's any lasting problems leading up to the Nets' next game on Tuesday against Minnesota.
Damon Jones: Leaves Fourth Quarter with Ankle Sprain
Update: Jones left the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against Denver with ankle sprain.
Analysis: You can add Jones to the M.A.S.H. unit that continues to plague the Cavaliers. Hopefully, the injury to his ankle is more of a precaution, but we will know soon if he will miss Monday's game in Orlando.
Shannon Brown: May Take Advantage of Injury Woes
Update: Brown who scored nine points although in garbage time looks to grab more playing time, due to all the Cavaliers injuries.
Analysis: Brown's athletic ability and scoring talent was never a question, it has always been just gaining the confidence in the coaching staff. Well they may have no choice now, with Sasha Pavlovic, Daniel Gibson, and Sunday's apparent leg injury to Ira Newble, Brown may finally get a real look.
LeBron James: Nice Effort in Blow-Out Loss
Update: James with little help managed to score 30 points in just three quarters during a lopsided 113-83 loss to Denver.
Analysis: James continues to play well, however expect him to see more double and triple teams due to all the injuries the Cavaliers are mounting up. James also contributed five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Drew Gooden: Missed Sunday's Game
Update: Gooden missed Sunday's contest against the Nuggets with his groin injury that still is a problem.
Analysis: Just like Daniel Gibson, don't be surprised if Gooden won't suit up prior to the All-Star break. At this point, resting his groin will get him back on the court sooner, and hopefully the All-Star break will provide plenty it.
Daniel Gibson: Missed Second Straight Game
Update: Gibson missed his second consecutive game Sunday night with a strained hamstring.
Analysis: Don't be surprised if Gibson doesn't make it back before the All-Star break. We will monitor the situation closely, but make sure you have a back up plan for the next couple of games.
Ira Newble: Left Late in Fourth with Leg Injury
Update: Newble left the Cavaliers game late in the fourth quarter with an apparent leg injury.
Analysis: The injuries are starting to add up for the Cavaliers. The latest was to Newble who left with a little over a minute left in the game with a leg injury going for a loose ball out of bounds and did not return. We will keep you up to date with his status.
Dorell Wright: Back in Starting Role
Update: Wright turned in a nice all-around game against the Lakers Sunday, finishing with 15 points, seven rebounds, two steals plus a block and a 3-pointer.
Analysis: Wright started his third game in a row on Sunday after being asked to come off the bench earlier in the week against the Raptors. He has averaged 15 points and just over eight rebounds a game since returning to the starting lineup.
Erick Dampier: Returns to Action
Update: Dampier (ankle) was back in the Mavericks lineup on Sunday against the Nets, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Dampier is a solid rebounder and defender, but doesn't score enough to provide a big fantasy impact.
Marcus Banks: Miami Debut
Update: Banks had seven points and four assists in 14 minutes of play for his Heat debut Sunday against the Lakers.
Analysis: Look for Banks' minutes to increase as coach Pat Riley breaks down his available talent at point guard with Chris Quinn and Jason Williams, whose contract is up at the end of the season.
Shawn Marion: First Game with the Heat
Update: Marion had 15 points, 14 rebounds and four assists in the Heat's loss to the Lakers Sunday. He started at power forward and played 44 minutes in his first game in a Heat uniform.
Analysis: Marion also threw in three steals and three blocks while showing a change in atmosphere will not stop him from being an elite fantasy contributor.
Luol Deng: Scheduled To Return After the Break, But Could Be Out Longer
Update: Deng (sore left Achilles) will be sidelined through the All-Star Break and there in no clear cut time frame for his return, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: The hope is that Deng will be ready to go after the break but that may only be a pipe dream as no one seems to know when he will be ready to come back to action.
Ben Wallace: On The Block, Utah A Possibility
Update: The Bulls are actively looking to trade Wallace, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: It has been no secret around the NBA the Bulls have engaged in exploratory trade talks regarding Wallace in recent weeks, most notably with the Lakers before they acquired Pau Gasol. There also have been rumors of talks with the Knicks, though perhaps the most intriguing match is with the Jazz in an exchange of Wallace for Andrei Kirilenko. A key factor in favor of a deal like this for the Jazz is the length and amount of Kirilenko's contract, which goes one more season (three) than Wallace's and is at $17.8 million for that final year. Trading Kirilenko for Wallace would save the Jazz $21 million as Kirilenko is paid more annually than Wallace, freeing up money for the team to sign Deron Williams to an extension and further extend Carlos Boozer.
Monta Ellis: Big Game Against Kings
Update: Ellis finished with 34 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in Saturday's win over Sacramento.
Analysis: Ellis is averaging nearly 27 points over his last three games, shooting 81 percent from the field. Ellis has stepped up to become the Warriors top scoring option as of late with Baron Davis struggling.
Ron Artest: Registers Double-Double in Loss
Update: Artest had 23 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks in Sacramento's loss to Golden State Saturday.
Analysis: Artest may be a polarizing figure, but there's no questioning his value. In the midst of trade rumors, he went 10-of-21 from the floor and gave a motivated effort. He has indicated he will be opting out of his contract at the end of the season, suggesting that a trade could come sometime before then.
Nate Robinson: Sits During Knicks Win
Update: Robinson sat out with a respiratory infection in the Knicks road win against the Bucks on Saturday.
Analysis: Robinson's performance has been streaky this season, to say the least. With Fred Jones playing well in his stead, expect Robinson's minutes to further decline.
Leon Powe: Foul Trouble
Update: Powe started at center in place of the injured Kendrick Perkins (shoulder) on Sunday, but picked up early foul trouble and was limited to just 13 minutes in Boston's victory over San Antonio.
Analysis: Powe was making his first start of the season and it comes against Tim Duncan. A tough assignment for the second-year man from California. He's put up some productive games while Kevin Garnett (abdominal strain) has been out, and will continue to be in the mix at least until the All-Star Game.
Brad Miller: Stitched But Playing
Update: Miller (finger) scored 10 points and grabbed 13 rebounds during Sacramento's 105-102 loss to the Warriors Saturday night.
Analysis: Miller is still stitched up in his right index finger, so gripping the ball is a chore, but he has been fairly productive. He played 39 minutes at Golden State and shot 3-of-6 from the field and 4-of-4 from the line. Also, he registered two steals and three assists.
Jamal Crawford: Drops 30 in Road Win
Update: Crawford had 30 points, five assists and four rebounds in the Knick's win over the Bucks on Saturday.
Analysis: The Knicks finally snapped their eight-game losing streak, and on the road no less. Crawford has been one of the Knicks' few consistent performers this season and is a solid fantasy option averaging 21.5 points and five assists in February.
Deron Williams: Solid Game
Update: Williams scored 15 points (6-of-13 FG) with 11 assists, three boards, two steals and a block in Saturday's win over Chicago.
Analysis: Williams has put up double-doubles in 14 of his last 16 games, guiding the Jazz to a 14-2 record over that span.
Mehmet Okur: Mediocre Performance in Win
Update: Okur finished Saturday's game against Chicago with seven points (3-of-11 shooting), eight rebounds and four turnovers.
Analysis: Okur did add two blocks and a steal in the win, but Saturday's game was the first in his last eight that he has failed to score in double figures. Still, Okur is having his best month of the season, averaging 14.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals in six games.
Ronnie Price: Sparks Jazz Off Bench
Update: Price scored 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting in 12 minutes off the bench Saturday against Chicago.
Analysis: Price, who added two assists and a steal, seems to have become coach Jerry Sloan's preferred backup at the point, ahead of Jason Hart. We'll be sure to monitor the situation, but Price could warrant some fantasy value in the deepest of leagues if he continues to see 12-plus minutes a night. He's certainly shown that he can be effective in the limited court time.
Carlos Boozer: Another Double-Double
Update: Boozer had 22 points (9-of-15 FG) and 12 rebounds in 28 minutes Saturday against the Bulls.
Analysis: It was Boozer's 35th double-double of the season -- only Dwight Howard (45) and Al Jefferson (36) have more.
Sam Cassell: Returns from Suspension
Update: Cassell was back in action on Saturday night after serving a one-game suspension on Friday and scored six points with seven assists in the Clippers' loss to the 76ers.
Analysis: Cassell, who was disciplined for his flagrant foul on Rajon Rondo Wednesday, shot 2-of-6 from the field and 2-of-2 from the line in 24 minutes. Since the beginning of January, he is averaging 13.0 points and 5.1 assists to go with 47.2% shooting in 18 games.
Cuttino Mobley: Stellar Play in February Continues
Update: Mobley had 19 points and two steals during the Clippers' 101-80 loss at Philadelphia Saturday night.
Analysis: Although it remains to be seen how long his rise in production will last, Mobley has been an above-average fantasy swingman lately. In six February games, he is averaging 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 52.6% from 3-point range and 95.8% from the foul line.
Maurice Ager: Assigned to D-League
Update: Ager was assigned to Tulsa of the D-League on Sunday.
Analysis: The former first-round pick is averaging only 1.3 points in 12 games this season. If he is in the NBA or the NBDL, his status shouldn't affect your fantasy roster.
Kendrick Perkins: Will Not Play Sunday
Update: Perkins (shoulder) will not play in Sunday's game against the Spurs, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: With both Perkins and Kevin Garnett (abdominal strain) sitting out, expect big minutes for Glen Davis and Leon Powe.
Kevin Garnett: Will Not Play in All-Star Game
Update: Garnett (abdominal strain) will not play in next Sunday's All-Star Game, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: Garnett did some jogging Sunday prior to Boston's game against San Antonio and could take part in light practicing as early as Monday.
Luis Scola: Jams Finger
Update: Scola jammed a finger on his left hand in the third quarter of Saturday's win over the Hawks and did not return, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: He's day to day with the injury.
Ron Artest: Has Something Else to Say
Update: Artest provided a glimpse into a recent conversation with Kings President Geoff Petrie regarding his status in Sacramento, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "Everybody is going around saying, 'Artest doesn't want to be in Sacramento. He wants to be traded.' But I like Sacramento," Artest said. "You just want to know what's happening. Geoff said he didn't know, either. My agent says I should (command) something like $14 or $15 million this summer." In fairness to Artest, he has never made any inflammatory remarks concerning his membership with the Kings, but when he recently admitted he would opt out of his contract at the end of the season, rampant trade rumors started circulating.
John Salmons: Puts 19 Points in Box Score
Update: Salmons had 19 points, eight rebounds, four turnovers and a block in Sacramento's 105-102 loss at Golden State Saturday.
Analysis: The run-and-gun pace the Warriors favored suited Salmons fine. He is exceptional in the transition game and it showed. Although he isn't scoring at the clip he was earlier in the season, Salmons can still be considered a middle-tier fantasy player at this juncture. In his last five games, he is averaging 12.6 points, 4.8 assists and 1.2 blocks while shooting 44.4 percent. Francisco Garcia (back) is doubtful for the next three games, so Salmons should see roughly 30 minutes per game.
Kendrick Perkins: Day-To-Day With Strained Shoulder
Update: Perkins (shoulder) was diagnosed with a strained left shoulder and is day-to-day, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Healthy or injured, Perkins is too often an afterthought in the C's offense to be much of a fantasy contributor.
Mike Bibby: A Team-High 24 Points
Update: Bibby scored a team-high 24 points with seven assists, two rebounds and a steal in the Kings' 105-102 loss to the Warriors Saturday night.
Analysis: It was the Bibby of old at Golden State. He appeared motivated to prove himself, especially after being removed during Friday's win against Utah for the entire fourth quarter. In 33 minutes against the Warriors, he was 10-of-21 from the field and 2-of-6 from 3-point range. February will be an month to assess where Bibby stands as a fantasy player. Since he missed the first 36 games of the season, he is just beginning to round into playing shape. In February, he is averaging 12.0 points and 6.0 assists and shooting a shabby 36.2 percent.
Josh Smith: Off Night For Star
Update: Smith had just seven points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals in the Hawks' loss to the Rockets on Saturday.
Analysis: This might have been the Hawks worst performance of the season. They were down by 25 at the half and 33 at the end of three quarters. Chalk this one up as a bad night for all the Hawks and look for Smith to bounce back in his next contest.
Joe Johnson: Just Eight Points in Loss
Update: Johnson had just eight points, three rebounds and four assists in the Hawks' loss to the Rockets on Saturday.
Analysis: Johnson was just 3-of-12 from the floor and wasn't alone in his struggles, as the Hawks were routed by the Rockets.
Travis Diener: Nearly First Career Double-Double
Update: Diener had 15 points and nine assists Saturday night in Indiana's victory over Portland.
Analysis: Diener hoisted 13 shots to get those 15 points, but also made three 3-pointers. He didn't turn the ball over and as a starter over the past eight games, he has a 5.9:1.0 A:TO rate. With the Indianapolis Star reporting that Jamaal Tinsley (knee) will be out until the All-Star break at a minimum, Diener should continue to see good minutes as Indiana's starter at point guard.
Jamaal Tinsley: Out Until After All-Star Break
Update: Tinsley's sore left knee will keep him out of the lineup until at least after the All-Star break, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Tinsley sat out his fifth game in the last eight on Saturday night. "They saw some inflammation in (the knee)," Tinsley said about the MRI performed Friday. "It's something they say will have me out a couple of more games, hopefully until right after the All-Star break, but I really don't know right now." Travis Diener will continue to start at point guard while Tinsley is on the mend.
LaMarcus Aldridge: Briefly Leaves Saturday's Game
Update: Aldridge briefly left Saturday's loss to the Pacers after bruising his right knee, but returned with it bandaged up to play 39 minutes, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Aldridge showed no signs of being limited once he returned so he should be okay. In another note, Aldridge will have his nose examined for a break, after being elbowed by Detroit's Amir Johnson on Friday. Aldridge said the nose was still painful on Saturday.
Troy Murphy: Continues Production
Update: Murphy had 13 points and eight rebounds in 31 minutes Saturday night in Indiana's victory over Portland.
Analysis: Over the last seven games, Murphy is averaging 14.0 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. With Jermaine O'Neal (knee) out of action, Murphy has been starting against traditional lineups, coming off the bench only against Orlando and Golden State. Unfortunately, the Pacers are a perimeter oriented team -- even more so without O'Neal -- so we don't see Murphy getting much more than 25 minutes a night.
Danny Granger: Team-High 29 Points in Upset Over Portland
Update: Granger scored 29 points on 8-of-17 shooting (4-of-7 3pt) and 9-of-9 from the free-throw line in 42 minutes Saturday night in Indiana's victory over Portland.
Analysis: Granger has not missed a free throw (50-for-50) in the last nine games and has gotten to the line nearly seven times per game in the last five. He's been a consistent shooter (44.5% FG, 39.1% 3pt, 85.1% FT) this season, while being more than just a scorer. He had four rebounds, three steals and a blocked shot against the Blazers, and is averaging 5.8 rpg, 1.09 spg and 1.04 bpg on the season.
Kareem Rush: First Career Double-Double
Update: Rush scored 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds Saturday night in Indiana's victory over Portland.
Analysis: It wasn't a very efficient scoring night for Rush, who was 4-of-19 from the field, including 2-of-9 from 3-point range. Since becoming more entrenched in the rotation, Rush has been a pretty consistent source of 3-pointers made, averaging 2.32 per game since the beginning of the new year.
Jamaal Tinsley: Sits Out Saturday
Update: Tinsley missed Saturday night's game against Portland because of a sore left knee, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Tinsley has missed five of the Pacers' previous eight games because of the injury. Meanwhile, Travis Diener has been filling in at point guard.
Kirk Hinrich: Will Return Tuesday
Update: Hinrich (bruised ribs) is expected to return to action Tuesday night against the Hornets.
Analysis: Hinrich, who sat out Saturday night's loss to the Jazz, has missed three games because of the injury. He's the Bulls' leading assist man with 6.1 per game.
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