FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Shaun Livingston: Working to Return This Year
Update: Livingston (knee) is working hard to return this season, the Orange County Register reports. He continues to strength and power train in addition to running speed and agility drills to get his conditioning back.
Analysis: "I'm hopeful. That's the goal,'' Livingston said when asked about the possibility of returning before the end of the season. "We're prepared for anything. But I think this year's definitely possible." During the summer, he targeted January for his return, but that was unrealistic given the extent of the injury. The 22-year-old point guard tore his ACL, MCL, PCL and lateral meniscus as well as dislocated his knee cap last Feb. 26. His next appointment to have his knee checked is on March 6.
Kobe Bryant: Torn Ligament in Finger, Will Play Through Pain
Update: Bryant was diagnosed Thursday with a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament and a volar plate injury at the MCP joint of the small finger of his right hand. However, the Los Angeles Times reports that he will not undergo surgery.
Analysis: He will try to play through the pain for the rest of the season, the playoffs and the Olympics this summer. The injury will undoubtedly hurt his scoring and field goal percentage.
Al Harrington: Gets The Start on Wednesday
Update: Harrington started at center on Wednesday and scored 12 points (5-for-10 from the field) in a win over Phoenix.
Analysis: Warriors coach Don Nelson inserted Harrington into the starting lineup to counteract the Suns athletic frontcourt. Harrington will most likely go back to being the Warriors sixth man, but you never know what Nelson might do from game to game. Harrington is averaging 14.5 points as a starter and 15.2 points as a reserve so he is effective in either role.
Austin Croshere: Croshere: Returns to Action
Update: Croshere returned to action Wednesday night, playing seven minutes and not scoring a point.
Analysis: Croshere is not a fantasy option.
Josh Childress: Childress: MRI Reveals Bone Bruise on Knee
Update: An MRI revealed that Childress has a bone bruise on his right knee, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: "He'll get it evaluated again Monday," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said, "and we'll see how it goes from there." The All-Star break certainly comes at a good time for Childress and the Hawks, as it will allow Childress to rest the knee without missing many games. The Hawks, however, embark on a five-game road trip following the festivities in New Orleans, and would certainly like to have Childress along for the trip. Check back Monday for the results of the reevaluation.
Chris Webber: Inactive on Wednesday
Update: Webber was inactive on Wednesday not due to bad play or an injury but because Warriors coach Don Nelson thought the pace of the game against Phoenix would be too fast for him, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: "I didn't think the pace was good (for Webber)," Nelson said. "If we were going to win it, we were going to win it with our small lineup. And that's pretty much what we did." Webber could be back in the starting lineup for the Warriors next game, but he's only averaging 2.7 points and 13.7 minutes in three games this year.
Rashard Lewis: Lewis: Wants Bigger Role in Magic's Offense
Update: Lewis told the Orlando Sentinel that would like to play a bigger role in the Magic's offense.
Analysis: Lewis, the recipient of a $118 million, six-year contract last offseason, has seen his scoring average drop from 22 points a night last season, to 18 points per contest this season. "I want to try to be more aggressive with the ball and go to the basket more or get a post-up early in the shot clock and get things rolling for myself," Lewis said. If Lewis's request is implemented, this is good news for fantasy owners, but Magic fans must be apprehensive with the recent (minimal) friction between Dwight Howard and Stan Van Gundy, and now Lewis's discontent.
Josh Howard: Doesn't Make Trip To Phoenix
Update: Howard (back) did not make the trip with the Mavs to Phoenix on Thursday, The Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: It appears that Dallas will play it safe with Howard and let him get some extended rest over the All-Star break. Howard's fantasy value looks to get a shot in the arm if the Jason Kidd trade can overcome Devean George's protest.
Luol Deng: Has No Idea If He Will Be Back Right After The Break
Update: Deng, who said he had "no idea" if he would play when the season resumes Feb. 20 in New Jersey, remains out indefinitely with left Achilles' tendinitis, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: When Deng does return, he will not automatically be handled back his starting job as coach Jim Boylan instituted a new philosophy whereby "if you're out for an extended period of time, you need to work your way back into the lineup." That being said, once Deng is ready to return, don't look for him to come off the bench for too long.
Malik Allen: Allen: Trade to Dallas Blocked For Now
Update: The trade that would have sent Allen and teammate Jason Kidd to Dallas has been blocked, at least temporarily, by Devean George, who exercised his "Bird" right to veto the trade, according to ESPN.com.
Analysis: George utilized an obscure league rule that allows for players who are playing on a one-year contract and also finished the previous season with the same team to veto any trade. While the likelihood remains that the deal will be pushed through in some form, George's move has the potential to kill the deal. Updates as the situation progresses.
Maurice Ager: Ager: Trade to New Jersey Hits Roadblock
Update: The trade that would have sent Ager, among others, to New Jersey for Jason Kidd and Malik Allen has been blocked by Devean George, who exercised his "Bird" rights to veto the trade, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: George exercised his right as an "Early Bird" free agent to block the trade. The little-known league rule allows players who are playing on a one-year contract, but who also finished the previous season with the same team, to veto any trade. While the likelihood remains that the deal will get finished in some form or another, George's move could kill the deal.
Jerry Stackhouse: Stackhouse: Trade to New Jersey Put on Hold for Now
Update: The trade that would have sent Stackhouse along with five teammates to New Jersey has been blocked by Devean George, who exercised his "Bird" rights to block the trade, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: George exercised a little-known league rule that allows players who are playing on a one-year contract with the team they finished the previous season with to veto trades. It is still likely that the trade will be consummated, but George's move could kill it. Should Stackhouse get traded to the Nets, the team would likely buy out his contract, making him eligible to re-sign with the Mavs after 30 days, which he has indicated he would like to do, saying, "I get 30 days to rest, then I'll be right back. I ain't going nowhere."
Devin Harris: Harris: Trade to New Jersey Blocked
Update: The trade that would have sent Harris, among others, to New Jersey for Jason Kidd and Malik Allen has been blocked by Devean George, who exercised his "Bird" rights to block the trade, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: George utilized a little-known league rule that allows players who are on a one-year contract with the team they finished the previous season with to veto a trade. While odds are the deal will be completed, there is a chance that George's move could kill the deal. Updates as the situation progresses.
Andrei Kirilenko: Bothered by Toe
Update: Kirilenko, who had eight points, three boards and one assist in Wednesday's win over Seattle, has recently been hindered by a toe injury, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: "He's had a toe that's been bothering him," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said of the previously undisclosed injury. "But maybe the rest will give him a chance to recover a bit." More information on Kirilenko's status as we hear more, but the injury doesn't appear too serious.
DeSagana Diop: Trade to New Jersey Hits Snag
Update: The trade that would have sent Diop, among others, to New Jersey has been blocked because of Devean George's "Bird" rights, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: George blocked the trade by exercising a little-known league rule that allows players on a one year contract with the team they finished the previous season with to block a trade. While it is still likely that the trade will go through in some form or another, there is a possibility that this move could kill the deal. Stay tuned for updates.
Coby Karl: Karl: Back to the D-League
Update: Karl was assigned to the D-Fenders of the D-League Thursday.
Analysis: Karl averaged 18 points, six rebounds and 4.5 assists in 10 games with the D-Fenders earlier this season. Karl was a non-factor on the Lakers' roster, appearing in only 11 games, averaging one point and one rebound.
Anthony Parker: Scoring Slump Continues Wednesday
Update: Parker scored just six points on 2-for-9 shooting in Wednesday's win over the Nets.
Analysis: He's averaging just 6.8 points on .333 shooting (12-for-36) over his last four games. Parker's streakiness on offense this season can mostly be attributed to the fact that he's been staying behind the arc more often, settling for three point attempts rather than driving the lane. His overall numbers are very similar to last season, however.
Thaddeus Young: Nice Game In Wednesday's Win
Update: Young had 12 points, eight rebounds and three steals in Wednesday's win over the Grizzlies.
Analysis: Young did a nice job in the win grabbing five defensive rebounds while shooting 6-of-10 from the floor. He continues to play well in the starters role and the Sixers continue to win with their fifth in a row.
Maceo Baston: Gets On the Court Wednesday
Update: Baston played two minutes, making his only field goal attempt, in Wednesday's blowout win over the Nets.
Analysis: It's just the second time he's seen action since New Year's.
Andre Miller: Double-Double in Wednesday's Win
Update: Miller had 14 points, 11 assists and six rebounds in
Wednesday's win over the Grizzlies.
Analysis: Miller continues to pile up the stats in the assists department and always contributes in other areas making him a nice fantasy asset.
Grant Hill: Back in Top Form Wednesday
Update: Hill picked up his first double-double of the season Wednesday, scoring 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting while adding 15 rebounds and four assists.
Analysis: It's his first 20+ point scoring night since he returned from his appendectomy. Barring another injury, look for Hill to come out firing after the All-Star break.
Samuel Dalembert: Another Double-Double In Wednesday's Win
Update: Dalembert had 16 points (6-10 FG, 4-6 FT), 12 rebounds and four blocked shots in Wednesday's win over the Grizzlies.
Analysis: After a couple quiet games, Dalembert bounced back in a nice way with a double-double and a few blocks.
Andre Iguodala: Big Game Wednesday Night In A Win
Update: Iguodala had 29 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as the 76ers won their fifth straight and completed a perfect homestand before the All-Star break with a victory over the Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Iguodala shot 13-of-25 from the floor and 3-of-7 from the three point line but, uncharacteristically, did not make it to the free throw line.
Raja Bell: Off Night Wednesday
Update: Bell scored just eight points on 3-for-9 shooting, with six rebounds, two assists and two three-pointers, in Wednesday's loss to the Warriors.
Analysis: Bell had been off to a good start in February, averaging 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 three pointers and 2.0 assists through the first four games of the month. If the Suns have to slow down their offense to accomodate Shaquille O'Neal when he suits up following the All-Star break it could impact Bell's numbers, but more likely it should be business as usual for Bell and the Phoenix shooters.
Tyronn Lue: Big Game Off The Bench
Update: Lue had 19 points (8-of-14 FG, 3-of-4 3-PT, 0-of-2 FT) in the Hawks' loss to the Bobcats on Wednesday.
Analysis: The point guard position for the Hawks has not produced any significant fantasy numbers this season. Currently, the time is being split between Lue, Anthony Johnson and Acie Law. As long as the split continues, fantasy owners can't count on any of these players to produce consistent numbers.
Shaquille O'Neal: Will Make Suns Debut After All-Star Break
Update: The Suns confirmed after Wednesday's game that O'Neal (hip) would not play Thursday, and would instead make his Suns debut on Feb. 20 against the Lakers, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: "Physically, I feel OK," O'Neal said Wednesday night after a pregame workout at Oracle Arena and a morning of corrective exercises. "Hip feels pretty good. I've got to get my wind up a little more. I've just got to get in tune to what's going on. You want to be the piece of the puzzle that fits in. You don't want to be the piece of the puzzle that's too small or too big so I just slide right in like I've been here awhile." While his health is certainly an issue, we have to think the potential drama associated with the Laker game (Shaq vs. Kobe, the O'Neal trade being looked at as Phoenix's response to the Gasol trade, and the fact that the clubs are separated by one game in the standings at the moment) is just as big a factor in the delay.
Al Horford: Another Double-Double
Update: Horford had 12 points (6-of-11 FG), 14 rebounds and three blocks in the Hawks' loss to the Bobcats on Wednesday.
Analysis: Horford continues to provide fantasy owners with nice rebounding totals and his offense is getting better. Horford certainly has the potential to produce a double-double on any given night.
Josh Smith: Foul Trouble Dooms Night
Update: Smith played just under 16 minutes and fouled out in the Hawks' loss to the Bobcats on Wednesday.
Analysis: Smith had just four points, three rebounds and one assist.
Joe Johnson: Good Night in Loss
Update: Johnson had 23 points (9-of-19 FG, 3-of-3 3-PT, 2-of-3 FT), four rebounds and four assists in the Hawks' loss to the Bobcats on Wednesday.
Analysis: This was one of Johnson's best performances in February, but fantasy owners still have to be concerned about Johnson's heavy minutes, and the effect this will have on his performances as the season winds down.
Rodney Stuckey: Scoring in Double Digits Again
Update: Stuckey scored 12 points Wednesday, and has scored 10 or more points in six out of his last seven games.
Analysis: Stuckey's slump is a thing of the past. In his last seven games he's averaging 10.6 ppg and 3.6 apg. Not bad for someone who plays about 20 minutes a night.
Jason Maxiell: Double-Double in Blowout Win
Update: Maxiell scored 11 points and added 11 rebounds in Wednesday's blowout victory over Indiana.
Analysis: It's been three weeks since Maxiell last scored in double digits, and two months since he rebounded in double digits. He'll have decent games every now and then, but with his minutes and production dwindling, it's hard to count on him as a fantasy asset right now.
Amir Johnson: Seven Blocks
Update: Continuing a recent trend of playing well in a Detroit blowout, Johnson played a season-high 31 minutes and blocked seven shots.
Analysis: Johnson added eight points, nine rebounds, and a steal. He's getting very close to fantasy relevance, and should be considered if you need help in the block category.
Richard Hamilton: Gearing up for Three-Point Contest
Update: Despite playing only 19 minutes Wednesday, Hamilton scored 14 points and made all four of his three-point attempts.
Analysis: Hamilton had food poisoning Tuesday, but has gritted it out to play the last two games. He could probably use the All-Star Break as well as anyone, but he'll be participated in the festivities in New Orleans this weekend.
Marko Jaric: Scores Just Two Points
Update: Jaric scored just two points in 20 minutes in Wednesday's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: It's noteworthy that it was Jaric's playing time that decreased with Randy Foye playing a season-high 28 minutes instead of Sebastian Telfair. We think Jaric will see reduced minutes when Foye returns to the starting lineup, but Foye's return from a knee injury has been slow.
Brian Cook: Scores Season-High on Wednesday
Update: Cook had his best game of the season on Wednesday, scoring a season-high 18 points in Orlando's victory over Denver.
Analysis: With Hedo Turkoglu in foul trouble, Cook also set season-highs for minutes and three-pointers made. He played nearly 29 minutes and shot 4-of-5 from behind the three point arc. Cook's playing time has increased lately and he's scored in double figures in three of the last four games. He's still not a fantasy contributor just yet, but he's a player to keep an eye on if his increased minutes remain consistent.
Hedo Turkoglu: Scores 18 Despite Foul Trouble
Update: Turkoglu scored 18 points, including 12 in the final quarter, in Orlando's victory over Denver on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Turkoglu was in foul trouble and sat for much of the third quarter, but still hit two three-pointers and grabbed four rebounds. Despite playing a season-low 24 minutes Turkoglu, as he's done all season, still found a way to contribute to the game.
Rashard Lewis: Finally Breaks Twenty Points Again
Update: Howard shot 9-of-14 from the field and scored 25 points in Orlando's victory over Denver on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Lewis hadn't scored 20 points in a game since January 15, a span of 14 contests. He also didn't shoot over 50 percent in any of those games, which is the main reason his scoring totals were down. Lewis is still hitting three-pointers consistently, but hopefully this game leads to an increase in his scoring average once again.
Andrew Bogut: Plays Through Injury
Update: Bogut grabbed seven rebounds and scored eight points in Wednesday's loss to the Hornets.
Analysis: Bogut has been bothered by a hip injury and his play has dropped off recently. He should be helped by the rest he will get during the All-Star break.
Charlie Villanueva: Should Return After Break
Update: Villanueva (ankle) is hoping to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Pistons, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Analysis: It's doubtful that Villanueva will return to the starting lineup after he comes back from his injury. He'll likely go back to a bench role with Yi Jianlian getting the starts.
Dwight Howard: Responds to Coach's Rant
Update: Howard scored 23 points and grabbed a season-high 24 rebounds in Orlando's victory over Denver on Wednesday.
Analysis: Following Orlando's previous game in which Howard was benched in the fourth quarter, head coach Stan Van Gundy needed to focus on rebounding and defense more in order to help Orlando win games. Maybe Van Gundy knows what he's talking about. Howard dominated the glass and neutralized Marcus Camby on the defensive end and not surpisingly, Orlando won the game. Howard still scored over 20 points, and if he continues picking up the other areas of his game in response to Van Gundy's public criticism, look for his fantasy numbers to spike once again.
Jameer Nelson: Playing Well Since Returning to Lineup
Update: Nelson scored 13 points and dished out five assists in Orlando's victory over Denver on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Since returning to regular playing time four games ago, Nelson is averaging 15.8 points and 6.5 assists per game. He appears to finally be healthy and is playing well, so go get him if he for some reason is still on your league's waiver wire.
John Salmons: Scoreless at Houston
Update: Salmons played 21 minutes and went scoreless during Sacramento's 89-87 loss to the Rockets Wednesday night.
Analysis: Salmons missed all four of his shots, including three from downtown. In back-to-back games at Memphis and Houston, the swingman combined to shoot 1-of-8 and score two points. Also, against the Rockets, he didn't register an assist, rebound or steal.
Corey Maggette: Avoids Notching a Board
Update: Maggette scored 20 points but had no rebounds in the Clippers' 89-87 loss to the Wizards Wednesday night.
Analysis: Maggette, despite his affinity for avoiding the glass, managed to score 13 points in the fourth quarter to keep the Clippers close to victory. He shot 7-of-16 from the floor and 6-of-7 at the line in 40 minutes. Since the beginning of 2008, Maggette is seventh in the NBA in scoring at 24.1 points. Additionally, he is shooting 54.4% from the field, including 43.6% from 3-point range, in that span. His 85.9-percent foul shooting since Jan. 1 is a gigantic boost to fantasy teams considering he averaging a beefy 9.2 attempts.
Theo Ratliff: Return A Couple Weeks Away
Update: Ratliff (knee) is still "a couple weeks away" from playing in games, head coach Randy Wittman told the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Analysis: He's returned to limited practice and it was thought he'd return in late February, but it sounds like his return will come a bit later.
Chris Kaman: Gradually Getting Better
Update: Kaman (illness) had 11 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two blocked shots and a steal in the Clippers' 91-89 loss to Washington Wednesday.
Analysis: The fifth-year center played 38 minutes and shot 4-of-8 from the floor and 3-of-4 at the line. Kaman, who lost 15 pounds during his recent bout with the flu, is gradually regaining his strength and agility. Compared to Corey Maggette, who also had the same illness, the 7-footer has had much more difficulty recovering.
Randy Foye: Scores Season-High 18 Points
Update: Foye scored 18 points with three assists in a season-high 28 minutes in Wednesday's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: While head coach Randy Wittman says Foye's knee isn't ready yet to return to the starting lineup, he's played over 27 minutes in two of his last three games. He may start to play over 30 minutes and return to the starting lineup shortly after the All-Star break.
Rashad McCants: Returns From Ankle Injury
Update: McCants (ankle) scored six points in 18 minutes in Wednesday's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: He had missed the last two games with the injury and it may take him another game or two to get back to full strength.
Marcus Camby: Dominated by Howard
Update: Camby had just six points and eight rebounds during Denver's 109-98 loss to Orlando on Wednesday night.
Analysis: While Camby did add four blocks and four steals his rival on the other side, Dwight Howard lit him up for 23 points, 24 boards, three assists and two blocks. We'll cut Camby some slack because it was Denver's third game in four nights, but clearly Camby proved to have less game than the youngster on Wednesday.
Kenyon Martin: Just Misses Double-Double
Update: Martin posted 17 points, nine rebounds and four steals in 37 minutes during Denver's loss to Orlando on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Martin continues to be a decent fantasy bench player. He'll give you a solid game like this every now and then but with Camby, Anthony and Iverson all higher on the fantasy food chain don't get fooled into thinking Martin is more than a 12 point, six rebound guy on most nights.
Carmelo Anthony: Pours in 32 vs Orlando
Update: Anthony had a game-high 32 points during Denver's 109-98 loss to Orlando on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Anthony finished 9-of-19 from the field, including 3-of-5 from downtown, while making 11-of-14 FTs. He also added six rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in Denver's third game in four nights.
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