FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Nate Robinson: Second Start in a Row
Update: Robinson was in the starting lineup Wednesday night for the second straight game.
Analysis: Robinson scored just four points on 2-of-10 shooting with six assists, three rebounds and a steal in 31 minutes.
Nenad Krstic: Most Minutes Since Return
Update: Krstic scored six points with two rebounds and one steal in 21 minutes Wednesday night in New Jersey's overtime victory over Chicago.
Analysis: As promised, coach Lawrence Frank increased Krstic's workload after the All-Star break. He may have played more if not for the four fouls he picked up.
Trenton Hassell: Makes Nets Debut
Update: Hassell played 22 minutes off the bench Wednesday night in New Jersey's victory over Chicago.
Analysis: Hassell was making his debut for the Nets, scoring four points with four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a blocked shot. He brings tough on-the-ball defense to New Jersey and that should earn him a spot in coach Lawrence Frank's rotation.
Marcus Williams: Replaces Kidd
Update: Williams started at point guard for New Jersey on Wednesday in the Nets' first game without Jason Kidd.
Analysis: He had a career-high 25 points on 9-of-18 shooting with four rebounds, four assists, two steals and five turnovers in 39 minutes in the Nets' overtime victory over the Bulls. Williams is expected to start for the next week or two until Devin Harris recovers from an ankle injury, although Williams has the benefit of having played with Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter the last two years.
Andrew Bogut: Hip Not a Problem
Update: Bogut (hip) had 14 points and 14 rebounds Wednesday night in Milwaukee's victory over Detroit.
Analysis: Bogut had been bothered by the hip prior to the All-Star break, but the rest appears to have been very beneficial to the hip.
Charlie Villanueva: Back in Starting Lineup
Update: Villanueva returned to action Wednesday night against Detroit after missing one game because of a sore ankle.
Analysis: Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak is moving Villanueva back into the starting lineup, however we can expect a pretty even split between him and Yi Jianlian at power forward. Villanueva scored eight points with three rebounds, two steals and one assist in 23 minutes in Milwaukee's victory over the Pistons.
Jason Kidd: Dallas Debut
Update: Kidd made his debut for Dallas on Wednesday night, starting and playing 36 minutes in the Mavericks' loss to the Hornets.
Analysis: Kidd had eight points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and six turnovers in the loss. He's had just two practices with his new teammates, so there will be some time to adjust, but Kidd should eventually be back to his normal self.
Josh Howard: Returns to Action Wednesday
Update: Howard returned to action Wednesday night against New Orelans after missing two games with a sore back.
Analysis: Howard started and played 35 minutes, scoring eight points on 2-of-11 shooting with three rebounds and one assist in Dallas' loss to the Hornets. Howard said prior to the game that the back was still a little sore, so watch to see how he responds in the coming days. The Mavericks are off until Friday when they play at Memphis.
David Harrison: Sits Out Wednesday Night
Update: Harrison sat out Wednesday night's loss to Cleveland because of a sprained right ankle, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: After a long period of inactivity, Harrison was getting some run prior to the All-Star break. If given some minutes, he may be able to help in the blocks category, but given how little he produces in other categories, those would be awfully expensive blocks.
Drew Gooden: Picking Up the Pace
Update: Gooden scored 17 points Wednesday night against the Pacers.
Analysis: Gooded looks to have found his shooting touch going 7-of-11, however the rebounding side of his game is still bothered by groin he injured several weeks ago. Gooden will soon be back at full strength in all aspects of his game.
Larry Hughes: Continues Strong Play
Update: Hughes on 7-of-16 shooting, scored 19 points in 42 minutes of play.
Analysis: Hughes who picked up his play right before the all-star break, continues to show vast improvement. In addition to scoring 19 points, Hughes had two made 3-point shots, a block and a steal.
Daniel Gibson: Perfect from Long Range
Update: Gibson left Tuesday night's victory over Indiana in the third quarter with a sprained left ankle and did not return, the Associated Press reports. X-rays taken after the game were negative and Gibson will have a day off before Cleveland's next game Friday night against Washington.
Analysis: Before leaving the game, Gibson went 5-of-5 from 3-point range. Gibson continues to display the same touch he showed in New Orleans during All-Star weekend. All of Gibson's 15 points came from his five makes beyond 3-point range. Look for Gibson to move up in several 3-point categories as the season continues.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: 24th Double-Double of Season
Update: Ilgauskas scored 14 points and pulled down 17 rebounds Wednesday night against the Pacers.
Analysis: Ilgauskas seems to be well rested from the all-star break. Considering that this performance came on the second of back-to-back games is very positive. Along, with his 24th double-double of season he blocked three shots and had a steal
LeBron James: Back-to-Back Triple-Doubles
Update: James notched his second triple-double in as many nights with 31 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists.
Analysis: James latest performance gives him six triple-doubles for the season. James shot 11-of-22, with two blocks and a steal.
Daniel Gibson: Suffers Apparent Ankle Injury
Update: Gibson left in the third quarter of Wednesday's game against the Pacers with an apparent ankle injury.
Analysis: More on the status of Gibson, who was helped off the court, as we know it.
Mike Bibby: Heel Injury
Update: Bibby hurt his heel during Tuesday night's loss to the Lakers, but is expected to play Wednesday night against the Kings, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
Analysis: Bibby suffered the injury in the third quarter and did not return to the game, which was a blowout loss to L.A. He was actually listed as questionable for Wednesday's game, and was not impressive during Atlanta's morning shootaround, but Bibby insists he'll play.
Jerry Stackhouse: Will Not Play Wednesday
Update: Stackhouse (hamstring) participated in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday morning's shootaround, but will not play Wednesday night against the Hornets, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson hopes to have Stackhouse back by Friday in Memphis.
Josh Howard: Will Start Wednesday
Update: Howard (back) will be in the starting lineup Wednesday night against New Orleans, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Howard's back is still a little sore after sitting out the last couple of games prior to the All-Star break. "I'm going to give them whatever I have," Howard said before icing his back following the morning shootaround. "I've already missed too many games."
Devin Harris: Grade 2 Ankle Sprain
Update: An MRI on Tuesday revealed that Harris has a Grade 2 ankle sprain, and not a bone bruise as previously reported, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: The Nets are saying Harris is at least a week, and maybe two, from playing because of the injury. "I'm still not ready to play," Harris said Wednesday morning. "Obviously doing some stuff on the court, but it looks like it's going to be another week or two." Until that time, it appears that Marcus Williams start at point guard for New Jersey.
Brent Barry: Traded to Seattle
Update: The Spurs traded Barry (calf) and Francisco Elson to Seattle in exchange for Kurt Thomas, according to league sources, the Yahoo! Sports reports.
Analysis: The Sonics also get a first-round pick in 2009. Barry, who is still out with a calf injury, will likely get less playing time in Seattle than he was getting in San Antonio.
Francisco Elson: Traded to Seattle
Update: The Spurs traded Elson and Brent Barry to Seattle in exchange for Kurt Thomas, according to league source, Yahoo! Sports reports.
Analysis: We don't Elson getting much run with the Sonics, who have no shortage of bodies to play center.
Kurt Thomas: Traded to Spurs
Update: The Spurs and Supersonics have reached an agreement that would send Thomas to San Antonio in exchange for Brent Barry, Francisco Elson and a first-round pick in the 2009 draft, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: The Spurs acquired him in order to have a big-man to match up with Shaq and Yao Ming.
Kurt Thomas: Acquired by San Antonio
Update: The Sonics traded Thomas to San Antonio in exchange for Brent Barry, Francisco Elson and a 2009 first-round draft pick, according to league sources, Yahoo Sports! reports.
Analysis: Essentially, the Spurs are upgrading from Elson. Thomas gives them a solid defender, who can help counter Phoenix' addition of Shaquille O'Neal, the Lakers' addition of Pau Gasol and Houston's Yao Ming.
David Harrison: Questionable With Ankle Injury
Update: Harrison (ankle) is questionable for Indiana's Wednesday night game against Cleveland, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Harrison shouldn't be active in fantasy lineups right now regardless of his health. After a semi-productive start to his season, Harrison was suspended for five games in January for violating the league's anti-drug policy and hasn't been the same since.
Jermaine O'Neal: Starts On-the-Court Work
Update: O'Neal (knee) recently began on-the-court work, though it remains unknown when he'll be ready to return to in-game action, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Don't have any sort of expectations for O'Neal this season, though he could provide your team a nice late-season push if he comes back healthy.
Zach Randolph: Gets Into Alteration with Teammate
Update: Randolph got into a heated argument with teammate Nate Robinson after Tuesday's overtime win. Randolph then threw a cup of water at Robinson, who tossed a towel at Randolph before the two were separated, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: This comes as bad news to the Knicks who, on the verge of the trade deadline, are rumored to be shopping Randolph. He has always been portrayed as not the greatest guy to have in the locker room and this news further validates that stigma.
Matt Harpring: Sprains Wrist Tuesday
Update: Harpring sprained his wrist in Tuesday's game against the Warriors but planned to practice Wednesday, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Harpring finished with 12 points (6-of-8 FG), three boards, two assists and a steal in Tuesday's win. We'll be sure to keep you updated on the injury as we hear more, but it appears as if Harpring will be fine for Friday's game against the Clippers.
Carlos Boozer: Sits Out Wednesday Practice
Update: Boozer sat out Wednesday's practice due to a sore lower back, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Boozer, who had 16 points and 12 rebounds in Tuesday's win over Golden State, is considered day-to-day. More information on Boozer's status for Friday's game against the Clippers as we get it.
Ron Artest: Again, His Name Spurs Interest
Update: The Spurs are expressing interest in Artest, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The proposed deal is a little insulting if it's accurate. Apparently, the Spurs want to offer center Francisco Elson and veteran shooting guard Brent Barry. The Kings want expiring contracts like Elson's and Barry's because they can wipe them off the books at the end of the season. However, both players would purely be seen as the wrapping in a deal which would be an absolute gift for San Antonio. The Spurs may offer a draft choice to sweeten the deal.
Delonte West: Starts for First Time Since December
Update: West (knee) started on Tuesday, at shooting guard, for the first time since December 2.
Analysis: West had a decent game, scoring nine points to go along with five rebounds and seven assists. West's fantasy value has been all over the place this season, but it takes another move upwards if he remains in the starting lineup in the near future.
Josh Childress: Returns to Lineup
Update: After missing the previous game, Childress returned to the Hawks' lineup on Tuesday and scored 16 points in Atlanta's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: It looks like the injury Childress suffered prior to the All-Star break won't affect him in the second half. Feel safe to return him to your active lineup.
Nene Hilario: Begins Light Workouts
Update: Nene (personal) began light workouts on Monday, the Boston Globe reports.
Analysis: Nene's status for the rest of this season is still up in the air, but his return to the court is a good sign that his recovery is progressing well.
Stephen Jackson: Questionable for Wednesday Night
Update: Jackson aggravated his ankle injury in the third quarter of Tuesday's loss to Utah and is questionable for Wednesday's game against Boston, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Analysis: Jackson, who was limping after the game, injured his ankle nine days ago and said he "never gave it time to heal." Check the starting lineups before Wednesday's game to see if Jackson is in the Warriors'.
Marquis Daniels: Could Play More This Week
Update: With Jamaal Tinsley (knee) out of the lineup and Travis Diener (ankle) hobbled, Daniels could see an increase in playing time this week.
Analysis: Daniels wasn't very effective in his last start, but his short-term value increases if he starts again this week. Of course, if Diener is healthy enough to return, Daniels will likely come off the bench and won't see much of a difference in his fantasy value.
Jamaal Tinsley: Won't Play This Week
Update: Tinsley's injured knee will keep him out of the lineup for games this week against Cleveland and New Jersey, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Head coach Jim O'Brien thought Tinsley would be ready to play this week, but apparently the knee isn't completely healed. Travis Diener and Marquis Daniels will continue to share the point guard duties while Tinsley remains out of the lineup.
Kevin Martin: Ablaze in Second Half
Update: Martin had 21 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal in the Kings' 105-94 win over Portland Tuesday night.
Analysis: The fourth-year shooting guard was errant with his field goal attempts in the first half, but found his groove in the final 24 minutes, scoring 19 points. Martin finished 6-of-15 from the field and 8-of-9 from the line. His perimeter game has suffered in the last four contests, evidenced by his 4-of-18 mark from 3-point range.
Marcus Williams: Will Continue to Start Until Harris Returns
Update: Williams will start at point guard on Wednesday while Devin Harris remains out of the lineup with an ankle injury, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Williams should be able to put up decent statistics while Harris remains out of the lineup, but once his ankle is healed, expect Harris to replace Williams in the starting lineup.
Corey Maggette: Probable on Wednesday
Update: Maggette (knee) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies.
Analysis: Maggette banged up his knee at practice on Tuesday but appears to be fine.
Devin Harris: Will Be Out At Least Another Week
Update: Harris (ankle) won't replace Kidd in the Nets' lineup for at least another week, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Harris is still recovering from an ankle injury that he suffered three weeks ago. Marcus Williams will start at point guard until Harris is ready to return to the floor.
Kirk Hinrich: Expected To Return To Starting Lineup Wednesday
Update: Hinrich is expected to return to the starting lineup Wednesday against New Jersey after coming off the bench in his first two games back since missing three contests with bruised ribs, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Hinrich had two solid games off the bench and may have the services of Ben Gordon Wednesday, which could boost his assist total.
Keith Bogans: Big Game Tuesday Night
Update: Bogans scored 19 points and hit three three-points in Orlando's victory over Detroit on Tuesday.
Analysis: Bogans was 6-of-8 from the field and 4-of-4 from the free throw line. Unfortunately, these types of games are rare for Bogans these days and his fantasy value has taken a big hit considering where it was earlier this season.
Rashard Lewis: Solid Effort Against Detroit
Update: Lewis shot 8-of-10 from the field and scored 20 points in Orlando's victory over Detroit on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Lewis hit all four of his three-point attempts and also grabbed four rebounds and dished out four assists in the contest. Lewis said before the All-Star break that he'd like to be a bigger part of the offense, so keep an eye on him to see if his increased scoring production stays steady.
Corey Brewer: Starts at Small Forward
Update: Brewer started at small forward and scored four points with eight rebounds in Tuesday's win over Philadelphia.
Analysis: He played just 18 minutes, but this could be a sign the coaching staff plans to give him a larger role in the second half of the season.
Antoine Walker: Fails to Score
Update: Walker did not score and played just eight minutes in Tuesday's win over Philadelphia.
Analysis: His playing time has decreased in February with the T-Wolves almost back to full health and as a number of younger players earn more minutes. If he isn't moved at the trading deadline, his role off the bench may continue to fade in the second half of the season.
Hedo Turkoglu: Rough Shooting Night
Update: Turkoglu only made four of his 13 field goal attempts and scored 12 points in Orlando's victory over Detroit on Tuesday.
Analysis: Turkoglu did have four rebounds and six assists in the game, but he just couldn't find his jumper. Considering Orlando hasn't played in nearly a week, expect Turkoglu to shake off the rust relatively soon.
Luol Deng: Game-Time Decision Wednesday
Update: Deng (left Achilles' tendinitis), who practiced Tuesday but did not speak with the media, will be a game-time decision for Wednesday's game according to coach Jim Boylan, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: A better sense as to Deng's availability may come after the morning shootaround to see how his leg responded to Tuesday's pratice. Even if he does play, Deng may see limited minutes and be a bit rusty - as was Kevin Garnett Tuesday - following his long layoff.
Rashad McCants: Scores 20 Points
Update: McCants scored 20 points with five assists in 20 minutes in Tuesday's win over Philadelphia.
Analysis: McCants has had erratic production the last few weeks amid an ankle injury, but his outing could get him back into the regular rotation.
Dwight Howard: All-Star Game Hangover
Update: Howard had only eight points and eight rebounds in Orlando's victory over Detroit on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Howard only played about 31 minutes in the game because Orlando was up by 21 heading into the fourth quarter. It was the first time this season that Howard has finished a game with single digits in both points and rebounds, but Orlando didn't really need him in the blowout victory. Though Howard didn't do much on the offensive end, he did block four shots, his highest total this month. Following the game, head coach Stan Van Gundy praised Howard for his defensive effort in the third quarter, so it looks like the coach and his superstar are back on the same page.
Sebastian Telfair: Plays 36 Mintues Despite Foye In Starting Lineup
Update: Telfair scored 10 points with four assists and two steals in 36 minutes in Tuesday's win over Philadelphia. He remained in the starting lineup even with Randy Foye making his first start of the season.
Analysis: It looks like Marko Jaric rather than Telfair will see fewer minutes with Foye's return to the starting lineup, but that could change.
Ben Gordon: Wrist Still Sore But Will Play Wednesday
Update: Gordon said his sprained right wrist is still sore, but he feels well enough to play Wednesday night in New Jersey, and there is a possibility that he might be traded by Thursday's deal deadline, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: GM John Paxson, according to league sources, has gauged interest in Gordon but has been underwhelmed by what he is fetching. Gordon said he's more concerned with finding his offensive rhythm and rallying the Bulls down the stretch than trade rumors while also admitting he has considered signing the Bulls' one-year tender offer next summer and becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2009. Gordon will still come off the bench after he returns, but the question is, how long will he stay with Chicago?
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