FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Jarrett Jack: Comes off Bench Monday
Update: Jack was replaced in the starting lineup by Martell Webster on Monday because coach Nate McMillan wanted a bigger body and better defender in the lineup against the Rockets, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Jack, who had seven points, one rebound and no assists in 19 minutes, was moved into the starting lineup last week because McMillan wanted more ball movement from his starting five. Along with that move, McMillan moved Webster to the bench to replace second-unit scorer James Jones (knee). With news that Jones will miss another three-to-five weeks, we could see Jack and Webster in and out of the starting lineup depending on matchups.
Rafer Alston: Playing Well
Update: Alston had 17 points, five rebounds and seven assists during Houston's win Monday.
Analysis: Alston went 6-of-12 from the field, also adding three 3-pointers and two steals in 39 minutes of action. His assist:turnover ratio has been fantastic this month.
Brandon Roy: Returns to Action
Update: Roy came through with 15 points, five rebounds, eight assists and three steals during Portland's loss to Houston Monday. He had missed the previous two games due to personal reasons.
Analysis: It wasn't all good, as Roy went just 5-of-13 from the floor and 5-of-10 from the line. Still, he's been a major fantasy asset in his second year in the league.
Charlie Villanueva: Struggles in Loss
Update: Villanueva came crashing back to earth Monday, finishing with just two points and committing four turnovers during the Bucks' loss to the Clippers.
Analysis: Villanueva received his third consecutive start but played just 16 ineffective minutes. Yi Jianlian saw 27 minutes of action off the bench Monday, so a swap of roles may soon be coming.
Sam Cassell: Doesn't Look Old in Milwaukee
Update: Cassell had 21 points, eight assists, three steals and two turnovers in the Clippers' 96-89 win at Milwaukee Monday night.
Analysis: Cassell was productive in a short period of time. He played just 24 minutes and shot 7-of-13 from the field and 7-of-7 from the line. There may be some life left in the 38-year-old point guard. Earlier in the season, he promised he'd be productive again and he's clearly delivering.
Jameer Nelson: Starts Again
Update: Making his second straight start, Nelson scored 22 points with four rebounds and four assists Monday.
Analysis: Nelson went 7-of-14 from the field and 8-of-10 from the line, also adding one steal and one block in 38 minutes of action. He seems to have officially reclaimed the starting point guard duties.
Chris Bosh: Leaves Game Briefly
Update: Bosh limped off midway through the first quarter Monday after injuring his right knee but returned three minutes later wearing a black wrap, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: He suffered the injury during a knee-on-knee collision with Fabricio Oberto. He had 11 points on 3-of-11 shooting and was able to play 39 minutes, so hopefully it's not a long-term concern.
Chris Kaman: Another Low Point Total
Update: Kaman shot 3-of-8 and scored seven points with 15 rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot in the Clippers' win over the Bucks Monday night. He has scored just 11 points in the past two games.
Analysis: The worst thing that happened to Kaman this season was a shin contusion in late January. A brutal flu bug followed his leg injury, causing him to miss four games. Since he has come back from his illness, the 7-foot center is averaging just 10.8 points and 11.2 rebounds while shooting 41.6% in five games. Kaman will get back on track, but his momentum has definitely been derailed by his health issues.
T.J. Ford: Misses Second Half With Wrist Injury
Update: Ford played eight minutes in the first half Monday but was kept on the bench in the second because of a sore right wrist, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: He went 0-of-4 from the floor (two points) before departing. We'll update his status as soon as more information becomes available, but the injury doesn't appear to be related to the earlier neck/arm ailment that kept him out of 24 games earlier this season.
Jose Calderon: Scores Career-High
Update: Calderon had 27 points (12-of-17 FG) and six assists in the Raptors' loss Monday.
Analysis: Calderon saw extra playing time after T.J. Ford left the game with a sore right wrist. The 27 points were a career-high.
Andre Miller: Big Game in Win
Update: Miller had 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals during the 76ers' victory over the Mavs Monday.
Analysis: Miller, named the Eastern Conference player of the week, is a big reason why the Sixers are suddenly thinking about a playoff push. Philadelphia has won the first four games of a five-game homestand and moved a half-game behind idle New Jersey for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference.
Josh Howard: Leaves Game With Back Injury
Update: Howard left Monday's game in the fourth quarter with a back injury, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Howard left after he collided with Reggie Evans and crashed on his back. He returned after a first trip to the locker room, but a bruised lower back forced him out for good with 7:17 left. He had 17 points, six rebounds and four assists before departing. Consider him day-to-day.
Al Thornton: Drops 25 on Bucks
Update: Thornton scored 25 points with four rebounds, three assists and a steal in the Clippers' 96-89 win at Milwaukee Monday night.
Analysis: The rookie forward played 36 minutes and shot 12-of-20 from the field. Thornton is an excellent barometer for Los Angeles' success. In the last five games he has scored 20 or more points, the Clippers have won four times.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: Starts Monday Despite Back Spasms from Sunday
Update: Ilgauskas, who did not play in the fourth quarter Sunday due to back spasms, started the game Monday in Orlando but was largely ineffective.
Analysis: Mainly because of foul trouble, Ilgauskas managed only five points and four rebounds. The bright side is he was able to block three shots. The all-star break will give Big-Z much needed rest.
LeBron James: Another Day at the Office
Update: In the second game of a back-to-back, James scored 29 points, dished out 10 assists, pulled down seven rebounds and collected three steals.
Analysis: James turned in yet another King-like performance, which fantasy owners may begin to take for granted. There is nothing else that would surprise anyone at this point. Just count your blessings and pray he stays injury free.
Tim Duncan: On a Roll
Update: Duncan had 22 points (11-of-19 FG, 0-of-1 3-PT, 0-of-1 FT), 13 rebounds, a steal and two blocks in the Spurs' win over the Raptors on Monday.
Analysis: Duncan has four straight games of at least 20 points and has at least 13 rebounds in four of his last five games. We expect this hot streak to continue with Tony Parker out of the lineup.
James Jones: Will Miss Another 3-5 Weeks
Update: Jones (knee) will miss another three-to-five weeks, according to the Associated Press.
Analysis: Jones was second in the NBA in three-point percentage before suffering the knee injury.
Earl Boykins: Less Than Ten Minutes
Update: Boykins was scoreless in eight minutes Monday night in the Bobcats' loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: Charlotte coach Sam Vincent was talking Boykins up less than a week ago, but pulled him after a turnover and three missed shots Monday. We'll continue to monitor Boykins' usage in the coming games.
Manu Ginobili: Huge Effort in Win
Update: Ginobili had 34 points (13-of-22 FG, 6-of-12 3-PT, 2-of-2 FT), 15 rebounds, six assists and two steals in the Spurs' win over the Raptors on Monday.
Analysis: The 15 rebounds were a career-high as Ginobili and Tim Duncan helped the Spurs bounce back from a tough loss to Boston. Ginobili has been on a roll lately averaging 25 points a night in his last three games.
Ira Newble: Starts at Power Forward
Update: After leaving Sunday's contest with a leg injury, Newble started at power forward Monday and scored 10 points against Orlando.
Analysis: Newble seems to be fine and not bothered by the leg injury that took him out of Sunday's game. Newble grabbed five rebounds, dished out a couple of assists and connected on a 3-pointer. This is the type of production you can expect to see while he is starting in place of Drew Gooden.
Jeff McInnis: Starts at Shooting Guard
Update: McInnis started at shooting guard Monday night and scored 10 points (5-for-8 FG) with six assists in 35 minutes in the Bobcats' loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: McInnis was a forgotten man just a week ago, but is getting playing time again, after coach Sam Vincent dropped him to the No. 3 point guard. Jason Richardson moved to small forward to start in place of the injured Gerald Wallace (strained right foot), leaving an opening at the two. We've come to learn that Vincent changes his mind and isn't necessarily married to a plan if things aren't working, so we suggest staying away from McInnis.
Larry Hughes: Best Game of the Year with 40 Points
Update: Hughes turned in a dominating performance against the Magic with 40 points that included going 4-of-5 from behind the arc.
Analysis: After leaving Sunday's game late in the fourth quarter after stubbing his toe, Hughes finally put together a great all-around game. To go along with his season-high 40 points, Hughes went 12-of-13 from the free-throw line, collected six rebounds and handed out three assists. Hughes looks to be finally getting out of his season long slump.
Ronnie Brewer: Making Progress
Update: Brewer, who severely bruised his tailbone last week against Denver, said that he's still day-to-day, even though he's been making progress, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: "I'm starting to feel a lot better," Brewer said. "I just want to make it back so I can help the team. Brewer, who missed the past two games because of the injury, said that he's close to 100 percent, though a decision as to whether he'll play on Wednesday against Seattle will likely be made closer to game time.
Stephen Jackson: Sprained Ankle
Update: Jackson's status for Monday's game against Washington is unknown after he sprained his left ankle in Saturday's game against Sacramento, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: Jackson sprained his ankle in the third quarter of Saturday's game but continued to play. "I knew if I came out of the game, it would have got stiff and I wouldn't have been able to get back loose again," Jackson said. "It would have just been hurting more. I just wanted to keep going and deal with the pain (later)." Jackson's status is day-to-day.
Chucky Atkins: Atkins: Expects to Begin Working Out in a Few Weeks
Update: Atkins (sports hernia) said that he expects to begin on-court work in a couple of weeks, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Atkins underwent surgery on Jan. 11 for the injury, and it appears that he is on schedule to return by late March. In nine games for Denver this season, Atkins averaged four points, two assists, and one rebound. He cannot make an impact on your roster.
Tracy McGrady: McGrady: Almost Over Respitory Infection
Update: McGrady (upper respitory infection) participated fully in the Rockets' light practice Sunday, and said he is nearly completely over the condition, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Analysis: The illness did not force McGrady out of any games, though it did limit him to 30 minutes Saturday against Atlanta. It always seems to be something with McGrady, but he is still putting up big numbers that make him a valuable fantasy commodity.
Shaquille O'Neal: O'Neal: Participates in First Practice With Phoenix
Update: O'Neal (hip) participated in his first practice with Phoenix since being traded from Miami. O'Neal said he was winded, but otherwise felt fine, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: O'Neal's fantasy value will be difficult to gage until he can be seen in action with the run-and-gun Suns. He told reporters after Monday's practice that he now views himself as a role player. The Big Diesel should provide a steady stream of rebounds and blocks, but it remains to be seen what he will contribute on the offensive end.
Theo Ratliff: Ratliff: Practicing Daily
Update: Ratliff (knee) is practicing daily, and is still on schedule to return by late February, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
Analysis: Ratliff, who appeared in only two games with Boston last season, has played in only six games this season after coming to Minnesota in the Kevin Garnett trade. Ratliff's injury history and utterly unimpressive numbers make him a fantasy afterthought. Keep an eye on him, however, if you are in need of blocks and are desperate.
Quentin Richardson: Richardson: Returns to Action
Update: Richardson (ankle) played 20 minutes Saturday against Milwaukee after missing the previous two games.
Analysis: Richardson sat out most of the second half with the injured ankle wrapped in ice, but told the New York Daily News that he felt fine and didn't think the injury would force him out of any more games. The 27-year old's numbers this season don't warrant much fantasy consideration.
Antonio Daniels: Daniels: Could Return Wednesday
Update: Daniels (ankle) said he could return to the Wizards' lineup by Wednesday, when the team faces off against the Clippers, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Roger Mason, Jr. got the start in Daniels' sted, but he is a nonfactor in most fantasy leagues. Daniels is worth holding onto if the injury only sidelines him for Monday's game with Golden State. Daniels is scoring 8.7 points while dishing out five assists and grabbing three rebounds per game this season.
Gilbert Arenas: On Pace for Late February
Update: Arenas put in an extensive workout prior to Sunday's game and said he is on schedule to play again in late February, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: With Caron Butler and Antonio Daniels also out, the Wizards could use a healthy Arenas as soon as possible. He's repeatedly said that he won't rush his return, but we like seeing reports of "extensive workouts." If he's still on the waiver wire in your league, you might want to snatch him up before anyone else can.
Chris Duhon: Sore Knee And Back, Expects To Play Tuesday
Update: Duhon, who may still play Tuesday, is battling a sore knee and back, the Chicago Tribune's Bulls blog reports.
Analysis: The Bulls are shorthanded already with Luol Deng and Ben Gordon out but should get Kirk Hinrich back from his bruised ribs Tuesday, which would ease the burden somewhat if Duhon is unable to go.
Beno Udrih: Numbers Not in the Cards
Update: Udrih, who gave way to Mike Bibby as a starter in mid-January, is averaging just 20.1 minutes, 7.1 points and 1.7 assists in 11 games off the bench.
Analysis: The fourth-year point guard's season has turned into a poker match. When do fantasy owners fold and give up on his numbers? The trade deadline is Feb. 21 and Mike Bibby has been on the table for months. Udrih will prove valuable if Bibby is jettisoned. Otherwise, if Bibby stays, Udrih can be stashed in deeper fantasy leagues only.
Mikki Moore: Sacramento's Iron Man
Update: Moore has played in every game this season and is averaging 8.0 points and 5.9 rebounds.
Analysis: Moore's attendance record might not seem like a big deal but on the Kings it is. Sacramento's starters have been decimated by injuries all season, making him the one constant in the opening lineup. Although the forward-center won't duplicate last season's league-leading field-goal percentage (60.9), Moore is still shooting a respectable 54.5 percent. Generally, his boundless energy and effort has been contagious in the Kings' locker room.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Hot Streak Continues
Update: Stoudemire put up his fourth straight big game Sunday, scoring 31 points with 13 rebounds and four blocks in 43 minutes of court time.
Analysis: Over those four games he's averaging 28.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks, while shooting 52.9% (36-of-68) from the floor and an amazing 93.2% (41-of-44) from the free throw line. If Shaquille O'Neal doesn't steal too much of his offensive spotlight, he might just be able to stay close to that pace for a while.
Leandro Barbosa: Battling the Flu
Update: Barbosa, trying to play through a flu bug, made just 2-of-12 shots in Sunday's win over the Wizards.
Analysis: He had been on a bit of a roll, averaging 22.3 points in his previous three games. No word yet one whether he might miss any game action, but with Phoenix off until Wednesday he should have plenty of time to shake it off.
T.J. Ford: Leads Raptors in Assists Sunday
Update: Ford (spinal stenosis) played 22 minutes off the bench Sunday and recorded 13 assists against just one turnover.
Analysis: He also scored seven points and pulled down four rebounds. He got extra playing time in a blowout win over Minnesota with Jose Calderon sitting for the entire fourth quarter, but looked like he was easily capable of handling that kind of workload on a regular basis.
Jason Kapono: Productive Off the Bench Sunday
Update: Kapono led the Raptors' bench with 12 points, shooting 6-for-10 from the field, in Sunday's win over the T-wolves.
Analysis: Kapono has stopped shooting three-pointers -- he's just 2-for-3 from beyond the arc over his last 10 games -- but he's scored in double digits in two of his last three games. Not coincidentally, TJ Ford returned to the lineup three games ago. With a reliable point guard now running the second unit, look for Kapono's scoring to pick up.
Josh Powell: Hard Work Paying Off
Update: Powell is averaging 8.0 points and 6.3 points in seven games as a starter this season.
Analysis: The third-year forward-center has worked very hard this season, and his sweat and toil might be paying off. Although he isn't going to make people forget Elton Brand, or even Tim Thomas (back) at this point, Powell is shooting 50.0% from the field and 83.3% from the line as a starter. He may receive extra time at power forward since Thomas is ailing with a sore lower back and likely to miss a game or two.
Al Thornton: May Receive Some Starts
Update: Thornton is a candidate to start at power forward at Milwaukee Monday night.
Analysis: Usual starter Tim Thomas is doubtful for the Bucks game and might miss more time, so Thornton, even though he may not start, is likely to average 25-30 minutes in the next few games. In 11 games as a starter, Thornton is averaging 11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 37.6% from the field and 66.7% from the line. He has been inconsistent all season, but he can produce in bunches if he finds his groove.
Tim Thomas: Doubtful at Milwaukee Monday
Update: Thomas (back) is doubtful for Monday's game at Milwaukee.
Analysis: His balky back has kept him out of two of the last four games. Rookie Al Thornton will likely see the brunt of minutes in his absence. It's an abbreviated week with the NBA All-Star game looming, so pull Thomas from all fantasy lineups.
Manu Ginobili: Plays Well Despite Loss
Update: Ginobili had 21 points (7-of-15 FG, 5-of-11 3-PT, 2-of-2 FT), four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block in the Spurs' loss to the Celtics on Sunday.
Analysis: Ginobili's scoring is back (41 in two games) after having a two game stretch where he totaled just 24 points.
Michael Finley: Better Off The Bench?
Update: Finley had 19 points (8-of-13 FG, 3-of-6 3-PT,) two rebounds and steal in the Spurs' loss to the Celtics on Sunday.
Analysis: Finley has been a much better player off the bench this season shooting almost five percent better while scoring more and making more 3-pointers. With Tony Parker out, look for Finley to continue to come off the bench as Emmanuel Ginobili starts.
Tim Duncan: Great Effort in Loss
Update: Duncan had 22 points (10-of-20 FG, 2-of-4 FT), 14 rebounds, six assists and two blocks in the Spurs' loss to the Celtics on Sunday.
Analysis: Duncan continues to score, rebound, and shoot the ball extremely well. Look for the scoring to continue as Jacque Vaughn and Damon Stoudamire are not providing the scoring punch in the absence of Tony Parker.
Erick Dampier: Misses Second Half of Loss
Update: Dampier (ankle) missed the second half of Sunday's 101-82 loss to the Nets on Sunday.
Analysis: Dampier may have come back too early from a sprained ankle that sidelined him for only one game. He is questionable for Monday's contest against the Sixers.
Marcus Camby: 17 Boards for 3rd Straight Game
Update: Camby pulled down 17 rebounds for the third straight game when the Nuggets beat down on the Cavs 113-83 Sunday night.
Analysis: Camby added eight points, two assists, two blocks and two steals in the victory. He is now averaging 14.4 rebounds a game this season to go along with 9.2 points.
Jason Terry: Scores 11 in Loss
Update: Terry had 11 points and five assists in the Mavs' 101-82 loss to the Nets on Sunday.
Analysis: Terry shot only 1-5 from three-point range against the Nets, though he's shooting a strong 40% from three on the season.
Allen Iverson: Posts Another Double-Double
Update: Iverson led the Nuggets with 13 assists to go along with 25 points, two steals and one rebound during Denver's 113-83 win over Cleveland on Sunday night.
Analysis: A.I. only played 36 minutes (compared to his average of 42) and still put up great numbers. He continues to play some of the best basketball of his career and should be a staple in your starting line-ups.
Dwyane Wade: Turnovers an Issue for Wade
Update: Wade continues to lead the league in turnovers and had a season-high nine Sunday against the Lakers.
Analysis: Wade is averaging a career-high 4.5 turnovers a game and it doesn't seem to be bothering him, according to the Miami Herald. "I don't worry about it -- turnovers are the least of my worries, I tell you that," Wade said. "I have the ball a lot. If I have the ball 50 times and I turn it over nine, that's good odds to me. I'm trying to make plays."
Brandon Bass: Scores 13 Against Nets
Update: Bass had 13 points and six rebounds in the Mavs' 101-82 loss to the Nets on Sunday.
Analysis: Bass has now scored in double figures in five of his last six games, and is averaging 12.6 points per game over his last five contests. His numbers may drop however as Erick Dampier is reinserted to the lineup.
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