FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Erick Dampier: Returns to Action Wednesday
Update: Dampier returned to action Wednesday night against Portland after missing one game because of an ankle injury.
Analysis: Dampier was in the starting lineup and had 10 points with 11 rebounds in 30 minutes.
Leon Powe: Last Big Man Standing
Update: Powe had 18 points and eight rebounds Wednesday night in Boston's victory over New York.
Analysis: The Celtics, who were without Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins when the game started, lost Brian Scalabrine and Glen Davis during the game, leaving Powe as the only healthy big man. We'll have to see how the All-Star break affects the health of Boston's big men, but keep Powe in mind next week.
Kevin Martin: Just 12 Points and Nine Shots
Update: Martin had 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and three turnovers in Sacramento's 89-87 loss to the Rockets Wednesday night.
Analysis: Martin followed up his 33-point performance on Tuesday at Memphis with a meek effort against the Rockets. He took just nine shots, the fourth-highest total on the team, and that's simply not enough for a player of his caliber.
Brian Scalabrine: Groin Pull on Wednesday
Update: Scalabrine suffered a pulled groin Wednesday night in Boston's victory over New York.
Analysis: Scalabrine had been starting in place of the injured Kevin Garnett.
Ron Artest: Pulls Kings Out of Deficit
Update: Artest scored a game-high 30 points to go with four assists, four rebounds and three steals in the Kings' 89-87 loss at Houston Wednesday night.
Analysis: Artest was instrumental in guiding the Kings back from an 18-point deficit in the final period. His off-balance jumper with 24 seconds left gave Sacramento an 87-86 lead. The small forward shot 11-of-18, including 2-of-2 from 3-point range. In his last eight games, Artest is averaging 23.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.3 steals.
Marcus Williams: Starts at Point Guard Wednesday
Update: With Jason Kidd almost traded to Dallas, Williams started at point guard for New Jersey in Wednesday's loss to Toronto. Williams had 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting with five assists, four turnovers, three rebounds and two steals in 31 minutes.
Analysis: Hold the phone on the Kidd deal, which hit a snag when the Mavericks' Devean George blocked the deal, preferring not to give up his "early Bird rights." If the two teams can still work out the deal, Williams will be the starter at point guard for the Nets, while Darrell Armstrong backs him up.
Emeka Okafor: Twenty-Twenty Double-Double
Update: Okafor had 20 points (6-for-11 FG) and 21 rebounds Wednesday night in Charlotte's loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: Most impressive was Okafor making eight of his 10 free-throw attempts. Largely known for his defensive ability -- he blocked five shots Wednesday -- Okafor's worked on his offensive game over his first few years in the league, and can now be considered a threat in the low post. He's one of 15 players in the NBA, averaging a double-double (13.5 ppg, 10.9 rpg).
Jason Richardson: Plays Despite Sore Ankle
Update: Richardson (ankle) had 19 points on 6-of-17 shooting with eight rebounds, three assists and two steals in 42 minutes Wednesday night in Charlotte's loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: Richardson had a sore ankle, but was expected to play all along.
Mike Dunleavy: Knee is Fine
Update: Dunleavy (knee) played 27 minutes Wednesday night in Indiana's loss to Detroit.
Analysis: Dunleavy hurt the knee last Saturday and was questionable heading into the week, but has played in the Pacers' previous two games.
Marquis Daniels: Starts at Point Guard Wednesday
Update: Daniels replaced the injured Travis Diener (ankle) in the starting lineup Wednesday night in Indiana's loss to Detroit.
Analysis: Daniels had three points on 1-of-9 shooting with two steals and one assist in 32 minutes.
Travis Diener: Sits Out Wednesday Night
Update: Diener (ankle) was unavailable for Wednesday night's game against the Pistons.
Analysis: Diener injured the ankle in Tuesday's loss to Boston. Marquis Daniels got the start for the Pacers with Jamaal Tinsley (knee) also out.
Maurice Evans: Ejected Wednesday
Update: Evans was ejected during the third quarter of Wednesday night's victory over Denver after picking up two technicals.
Analysis: Evans was arguing a call when he got the hook. He had two points on 1-of-8 shooting and had four of them blocked.
Daniel Gibson: Stis Out Wednesday
Update: Gibson missed Wednesday's night game against San Antonio because of a strained right hamstring injury.
Analysis: This was the fourth consecutive game he's missed because of the injury.
Jason Kidd: Stuck in New Jersey?
Update: Devean George has apparently exercised his option to remain in Dallas, rather than head to New Jersey as part of a deal to bring Kidd to the Mavs, ESPN reports.
Analysis: All day long we have been hearing that the deal was close, but not official. This development is obviously a snag, but things could still be tweaked in order for the transaction to be completed. Stay tuned.
Devean George: Blocks Kidd Deal for Now
Update: George, who was reportedly headed to the Nets in a deal for Jason Kidd, was in the Mavs' starting lineup Wednesday against Portland.
Analysis: Apparently, George exercised his option to remain in Dallas, rather than head to New Jersey as part of the Kidd deal, ESPN reports. This development doesn't necessarily kill the deal, but it's obviously a snag.
Jermaine O'Neal: Trade Rumors
Update: O'Neal (knee) has been mentioned in trade rumors with New Jersey, although the Nets appear to have backed off out of concern of his health, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: O'Neal purportedly was offered for Vince Carter. Expect to hear a number of potential trades involving him between now and the trade deadline, most likely with nothing coming to fruition because of his knee.
Antonio Daniels: Participated In Wednesday's Shootaround
Update: Daniels (ankle) participated in Wednesday's shootaround and is a game-time decision Wednesday night against the Clippers, the Washington Times reports.
Analysis: Daniels has missed two straight games because of bone spurs in his right ankle.
Caron Butler: Limited At Wednesday's Shootaround
Update: Butler (hip) was a limited participant at Wednesday's shootaround and is unlikely to play Wednesday night against the Clippers, the Washington Times reports.
Analysis: Butler has missed four straight games and seven of the last nine because of the injury.
Thabo Sefolosha: Missed Wednesday's Practice, Expected To Play Thursday
Update: Sefolosha skipped Wednesday's practice with a sore groin, although coach Jim Boylan said he'd play Thursday, the Chicago Tribune's Bulls blog reports.
Analysis: Sefolosha also will start alongside Chris Duhon again as Boylan sticks to his plan to make players earn their spots back. Boylan said Kirk Hinrich most likely would come off the bench for the second straight game against the Heat after recently missing three games with bruised ribs. Sefolosha should remain in the starting lineup even when Hinrich resumes starting with Duhon going back to the bench.
Ben Wallace: Will Miss Thursday's Game
Update: Wallace will miss the Bulls' final game before the All-Star break Thursday against the Heat due to a death in the family, the Chicago Tribune's Bulls blog reports.
Analysis: Wallace is expected back after the All-Star Break. In his absence, look for Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas to see more minutes.
Antoine Wright: Reportedly Dealt to Dallas for Second-Round Pick
Update: Wright is rumored to be dealt from New Jersey to Dallas in exchange for a second-round pick, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Wright got off to a quick start this season, but his numbers have since declined. After having to fight for minutes with the Nets, it will be tough for Wright to find consistent time with the more-talented Mavericks.
Kirk Hinrich: Brought Off The Bench In His First Game Back
Update: Coach Jim Boylan backed up his claim that injured players would have to earn their spots back, bringing Hinrich off the bench in his return from a three-game absence with bruised ribs Tuesday, the Chicago Tribune reports. "Kirk doesn't really get out of shape so he'll be ready," Boylan said. "I just feel like it's not time for him to get back in the starting lineup just yet."
Analysis: Boylan insisted Hinrich had no restraints placed on him by the training staff. Hinrich entered midway through the first quarter and scored 15 points in 26 minutes and said after the game, "physically, I felt good. I was able to get through without getting hit, which was the main concern." Look for him regain his starting spot after the All-Star Break.
Malik Allen: Rumored to be Headed to Dallas
Update: Though sources say that final details have yet to be sorted out, ESPN.com reports that New Jersey will send Allen, along with Jason Kidd, to Dallas in exchange for Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, DeSagana Diop, Devean George and Maurice Ager. Dallas is also rumored to be including $3 million in cash as well as two future first-round draft picks.
Analysis: Allen was a throw-in in the deal that clearly focused around Kidd, Harris and Stackhouse. It will be tough for Allen to log significant minutes on Dallas' talented roster.
Maurice Ager: Rumored to be Dealt to New Jersey
Update: Though sources say that final details have yet to be sorted out, ESPN.com reports that Dallas will send Ager, along with Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, DeSagana Diop and Devean George to New Jersey in exchange for Jason Kidd and Malik Allen. Dallas will reportedly include $3 million in cash as well as two future first-round draft picks.
Analysis: Ager's value cannot get any lower than it is at the moment, so a change of scenery could be what the second-year swingman needs. Things just didn't work for Ager in Dallas, as he received just a handful of minutes this season while being sent down to the D-League on several occasions.
Devean George: Included in Rumored Deal with New Jersey
Update: Though sources say that final details have yet to be sorted out, ESPN.com reports that Dallas will send George, along with Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, DeSagana Diop and Maurice Ager to New Jersey in exchange for Jason Kidd and Malik Allen. Dallas will reportedly include $3 million in cash as well as two future first-round draft picks.
Analysis: It is tough to say how George will be utilized in New Jersey. If Richard Jefferson were to get hurt, George could act an as ideal, similarly athletic replacement. For the time being, he will likely compete with Bostjan Nachbar as Jefferson's backup.
DeSagana Diop: Included in Rumored Deal with New Jersey
Update: Though sources say that final details have yet to be sorted out, ESPN.com reports that Dallas will send Diop, along with Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, Devean George and Maurice Ager to New Jersey in exchange for Jason Kidd and Malik Allen. Dallas will reportedly include $3 million in cash as well as two future first-round draft picks.
Analysis: Should he indeed land in New Jersey, Diop makes for an interesting sleeper in deeper leagues. After receiving very inconsistent minutes in Dallas this year, Diop would find himself as part of New Jersey's weak front court. He should get an opportunity to fight for playing time.
Jerry Stackhouse: Will Likely be Dealt to New Jersey
Update: Though sources say that final details have yet to be sorted out, ESPN.com reports that Dallas will send Stackhouse, along with Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop, Devean George and Maurice Ager to New Jersey in exchange for Jason Kidd and Malik Allen. Dallas will reportedly include $3 million in cash as well as two future first-round draft picks.
Analysis: If the trade goes through, the Nets are expected to immediately buy out Stackhouse, allowing him to possible re-sign with Dallas if he waits 30 days. His skills have been in decline over the last six years, though he could provide veteran leadership to a team if he doesn't re-sign with the Mavs.
Devin Harris: Rumored to be Dealt to New Jersey
Update: Though sources say that final details have yet to be sorted out, ESPN.com reports that Dallas will send Harris, along with Jerry Stackhouse, DeSagana Diop, Devean George and Maurice Ager to New Jersey in exchange for Jason Kidd and Malik Allen. Dallas will reportedly include $3 million in cash as well as two future first-round draft picks.
Analysis: It is tough to say what this move will do for Harris' fantasy value. On one hand, he will be leaving Dallas' high-powered offense and find himself as the point guard for the weaker, yet still potentially explosive Nets. On the brighter side, however, Harris will no longer have Jason Terry breathing down his neck for playing time and should definitely see an increase in his minutes once he is healthy enough to return to action.
Jason Kidd: Likely on His Way to Dallas
Update: Though sources say that final details have yet to be sorted out, ESPN.com reports that New Jersey will send Kidd, along with Malik Allen, to Dallas in exchange for Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, DeSagana Diop, Devean George and Maurice Ager. Dallas will reportedly include $3 million in cash as well as two future first-round draft picks.
Analysis: As long as no setbacks occur, it appears that Kidd's desire to be dealt from New Jersey to a contender have been answered. Kidd will return to Dallas, where he spent his first two and a half seasons, and give the team another elite player to go along with Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard. There is no reason to think that Kidd will not flourish in the Mavericks high-powered system.
Josh Childress: Will Miss at Least One Game
Update: Childress suffered a mild hyperextension to his knee in Tuesday's contest against Detroit and will miss Atlanta's Wednesday night contest at Charlotte, the AP reports.
Analysis: Luckily for both Childress and his owners, Atlanta has six days off following Wednesday's game. Since Childress is a tweener, it is tough to say who will benefit with more time on the court in his absence.
Ben Gordon: Plans On February 20 Return
Update: Gordon said he plans to play at New Jersey on Feb. 20 after the second specialist he visited confirmed his sprained right wrist hasn't worsened, the Chicago Tribune reports
Analysis: Gordon has missed nine of the last 11 games with the injury and given the wrist snap at the end of his jumper, he needs to be nearly 100 percent to have his shot be effective. With another week to heal, the hope is that he will be ready and we will post any relevant updates as to his status.
Devin Harris: Hopes to Play in First Game After Break
Update: Harris (ankle) will workout over the All-Star break in hopes of returning to the Mavericks' lineup when they resume play next week, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Harris said that he is "planning to play that first game back," which is next Wednesday, February 20, at New Orleans. Dallas has struggled without Harris in the lineup, so his return should be a boost to the Mavericks and his fantasy owners alike.
Jerry Stackhouse: Will Miss Game on Wednesday Night
Update: Stackhouse (hamstring) will not play on Wednesday night against Portland, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Both Stackhouse and Josh Howard will miss the game, so expect Jason Terry and Devean George to see a bump in playing time. Stackhouse has missed the last two games and nine of the last ten, so his pending absence isn't a surprise.
Josh Howard: Will Not Play Wednesday Night
Update: Howard (back) missed the morning shootaround and will not play Wednesday against Portland, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Dallas has another game before the break on Thursday at Phoenix and it's not known if Howard will play in that game. Jerry Stackhouse will not play either, so expect Jason Terry and Devean George to see increased minutes against the Trail Blazers.
Tony Parker: Could Return After All-Star Game
Update: Parker (heel) is expected to return to the Spurs lineup soon after this weekend's All-Star break, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: The Spurs are 4-2 without Parker, with one of those losses coming at Boston, owner of the NBA's best record. Tim Duncan and Emmanuel Ginobili have been the primary beneficiaries of Parker's absence.
Corey Maggette: Not in Trade Talks
Update: Maggette is not currently involved in any trade discussions according to Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy, the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: Sam Cassell's name has been bandied about for the past few months, but Maggette has been considered a candidate for a new zip code as well. He can opt out of his contract at the end of the season, and several title contenders have expressed interest in his services for the short term.
Travis Diener: Re-injures Right Ankle
Update: Diener re-injured his right ankle in Tuesday's loss to the Celtics when he stepped on referee Bennett Salvatore's foot in the fourth quarter, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Diener is doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Pistons. With Jamaal Tinsley already out, this means that the Pacers would be down to their third string point guard.
Keyon Dooling: Sprained Left Foot
Update: Dooling did not play in Monday's game against Cleveland due to a sprained left foot, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Dooling is listed as day-to-day with the injury. Orlando plays only once more before the All-Star break, on Wednesday night, but Dooling's status for the game is not known. Even if he doesn't play on Wednesday night, expect Dooling to return following the break.
Chris Duhon: Played 31 Minutes Tuesday Despite Minor Injuries
Update: Duhon (bruised left knee and sore back) was able to play and saw 31 minutes of action in the Bulls' 100-86 loss to New Orleans Tuesday.
Analysis: Despite the injuries and return of Kirk Hinrich, Duhon saw big minutes, but his ability to do so after the break will depend on if Luol Deng and/or Ben Gordon are ready to return.
Mike Bibby: Scores 18 at Memphis
Update: Bibby scored 18 points with four assists, four rebounds and a steal in the Kings' 107-94 loss to the Grizzlies Tuesday night.
Analysis: Bibby played 39 minutes and shot 7-of-16 from the field, including 4-of-8 from 3-point range. Sacramento is 8-6 since he returned from thumb surgery on Jan. 16. He averages 14.8 field goal attempts in losses and 11.6 field goal attempts in wins. Considering Bibby is shooting just 40.1%, those figures may shed some light on Sacramento's successes and failures.
Randy Foye: Randy Foye: Not Yet Ready For Starting Job
Update: Foye scored just seven points in 21 minutes in Tuesday's loss to the Nets. He continues to come off the bench as he works his way back from a knee injury. "I think he's getting comfortable. He's just not where he's going to be physically as we move on," head coach Randy Wittman told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "He doesn't have his legs under him yet. That's just a matter of working himself into condition as we move along."
Analysis: After a season-high 27 minutes on Sunday, Foye was back to a limited role. While he'll get back into the starting lineup at some point this season, it sounds like it may take a few more weeks as the T-Wolves play it safe.
Shaquille O'Neal: Won't Play Wednesday
Update: O'Neal (hip) won't play against Golden State on Wednesday, but he could still make his Suns debut Thursday against the Mavericks, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: "He's not quite ready," said coach Mike D'Antoni after Tuesday's practice. "He knows it's a big splash when he gets out there, and he wants to play well. I think when he's comfortable, he'll do it." The Suns' first game after the All-Star break, a home contest against his former Laker teammates, still seems to us the most likely date for Shaq's Phoenix debut however.
T.J. Ford: Did Not Practice Tuesday
Update: Ford (wrist) didn't practice on Tuesday, and his status for Wednesday's game isn't yet known, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: With the All-Star break approaching, we expect the Raptors to be cautious with Ford just on principle, but there's been no real indication yet of how serious his wrist injury actually is.
Juan Carlos Navarro: Breaks From Slump
Update: Navarro had 19 points (6-13 FG, 2-8 3pt, 5-5 FT) to go with six rebounds in 30 minutes Tuesday.
Analysis: This busts him out of a five-game slump during which he shot no higher than 33 percent from the field and scored more than seven points just once. His move to the bench in Tuesday's game was accompanied by Hakim Warrick's (who scored 24 in the game) elevation to it, and it remains to be seen who will stick there.
Kyle Lowry: Scoreless in Loss
Update: Lowry was scoreless in 17 minutes off the bench Tuesday, but did have six rebounds.
Analysis: Mike Conley has taken back his starting position in a big way since returning from injury. While Lowry can be expected to get mid-teens minutes off the bench, his production will be much more inconsistent than when he was starting in Conley's absence.
Kwame Brown: Won't Play Until He Gets in Shape
Update: Grizzlies head coach Marc Iavaroni said Brown won't play until he gets in shape and used to the offense, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: "He needs to get in better shape," Iavaroni said. "I told him to be patient and learn. That way you can play without having to think." Brown played just two minutes in Tuesday's win and has played just over 25 minutes since being traded to Memphis Feb. 1. He owns little to no fantasy vale until he gets more minutes.
Joe Johnson: Second Straight Bad Night
Update: Johnson had just 11 points (3-of-13 FG, 0-of-3 3-PT, 5-of-6 FT), nine rebounds and four assists in the Hawks' loss to the Pistons on Tuesday.
Analysis: The heavy minutes may be catching up with Johnson. He is averaging 40.5 minutes a night and shooting just 40.2 percent from the floor. Things have been worse in February as Johnson is only shooting 36.1 percent from the floor.
Josh Smith: Big Bounce Back in Loss
Update: Smith had 30 points (12-of-21 FG, 1-of-3 3-PT, 5-of-6 FT), six rebounds and three blocks in the Hawks' loss to the Pistons on Tuesday.
Analysis: After scoring just seven points in his previous game this outburst is not a surprise for one of the best all-around fantasy players. Smith's shooting this calender year continues to soar. In February he is shooting 53.1 percent from the floor.
Ray Allen: Scores 23 Against Pacers
Update: Allen had 23 points in the Celtics' 104-97 win over the Pacers on Tuesday.
Analysis: Allen had been mentioned as a possibility for Kevin Garnett's All-Star replacement, but the break should do Allen and his many ailments some good. Expect him to play well after the break.
Rajon Rondo: Fills Up Stat Sheet Again
Update: Rondo had 12 points, seven assists, seven rebounds and three steals in the Celtics' win over the Pacers on Tuesday.
Analysis: This should be the type of game to expect from Rondo, who is playing like one of the league's most improved players.
|
   |
||||||
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use.
NBA.com is part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network
