FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
James Jones: Returning Next Week
Update: Jones (knee) said he hoped to return to action next week, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Jones has not played since Feb. 1 because of a sore left knee, but said that rest and treatment has alleviated a good deal of the swelling and soreness.
Brandon Roy: Likely To Play Thursday
Update: Roy (viral infection, right ankle) attended Thursday's shootaround, and Blazers coach Nate McMillan expects him to play Thursday night against Seattle, The Oregonian reports.
Analysis: Roy missed Wednesday's practice because of the illness and injury.
Kurt Thomas: Minutes To Be Carefully Allotted
Update: San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said Thomas' playing time will be limited to certain situations at first until the 13-year veteran acclimates to the Spurs' defensive rotations, the San Antonio Express News reports.
Analysis: He'll likely see action in every game, but the amount of time will depend, in part, on the opponent. Overall, Thomas' fantasy value will take a hit with San Antonio.
Tony Parker: Expects to Get Minutes on Thursday
Update: Parker (heel, ankle) is expected to play on Thursday against Minnesota, Yahoo Sports reports.
Analysis: "I think he'll get some minutes in Minnesota," coach Gregg Popovich said. "Not many, but he'll play." Fantasy owners should wait until Parker is able to play a full game before inserting him back into your lineup.
Von Wafer: Traded to Portland
Update: Wafer was traded to Portland from Denver Thursday for Taureen Green.
Analysis: Wafer appeared in only 21 games for the Nuggets this season, averaging less than five minutes in those appearances. Despite his lack of playing time and 1.3 points per game average, Portland GM Kevin Pritchard said, "We had a positional need to fill with some of the injuries we're having to endure, [and] with Von Wafer, we think we're getting a player who can provide us with some offensive firepower." Maybe he sees something that George Karl didn't.
Taurean Green: Traded to Denver
Update: Green was traded from Portland to Denver for Von Wafer Thursday before the trade deadline.
Analysis: Green appeared in only eight games this season, and should not be anywhere near a fantasy roster.
Matt Harpring: Practices Wednesday And Thursday
Update: Harpring (sprained wrist) practiced both Wednesday and Thursday and will be available for Friday's game against the Clippers, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Harpring, who re-sprained the wrist in Tuesday's win over Golden State, is averaging just 8.3 points and 3.1 rebounds off the bench this season.
Carlos Boozer: Practices Thursday
Update: Boozer (sore back) practiced Thursday and expects to play in Friday's game against the Clippers, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: It looks safe to use Boozer as you normally would.
Andrei Kirilenko: Sent Home Thursday
Update: Kirilenko was sent home from Thursday's practice with flu-like symptoms and will be considered a game-time decision for Friday's game against the Clippers, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: With the trade deadline passing earlier Thursday, it appears as if Kirilenko will remain a member of the Jazz, at least for the foreseeable future. Consider Kirilenko, who is averaging 11.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 49 games this season, day-to-day until further notice.
Kirk Snyder: Traded to T-Wolves
Update: Snyder was traded from Houston to Minnesota Thursday in exchange for Gerald Green, according to NBA.com.
Analysis: The T-Wolves will also receive the Rockets' 2010 second-round draft pick and cash considerations as part of the deal. The 16th overall pick from the 2004 draft has hardly justified his high selection by averaging six points, one assist, and two rebounds over his career. He will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
Gerald Green: Traded to Rockets
Update: Green was traded Thursday from Minnesota to Houston in exchange for Kirk Snyder and a 2010 second-round pick, plus cash considerations, NBA.com reports.
Analysis: Green had recently voiced his displeasure of his role on the T-Wolves' roster, and GM Kevin McHale decided to clear the locker room of the malcontent. Green is averaging five points and two rebounds per contest this season. He probably won't see too much of an expanded role with the Rockets. He will be an unrestricted free agent at season's end.
Primoz Brezec: Traded to Toronto
Update: Brezec was traded from Detroit to Toronto for Juan Dixon Thursday.
Analysis: Brezec's primary value for Toronto rests in his expiring contract. This will be Brezec's third team this season, as he was traded to Detroit from Charlotte earlier in the season.
Juan Dixon: Traded to Detroit
Update: Dixon was traded from Toronto to Detroit for Primoz Brezec Thursday.
Analysis: "We feel Juan will add quality depth at the guard position both offensively and defensively," Pistons GM Joe Dumars said Thursday. It will be a three-way competition for bench minutes between Dixon, Lindsey Hunter, and Rodney Stuckey. Even if Dixon gets a significant increase from the 12 minutes per contest he saw in Toronto, it won't likely be enough for him to make an impact on any fantasy roster.
Nene Hilario: Will Undergo One Treatment of Chemotherapy
Update: Nene will undergo one treatment of chemotherapy Tuesday as a preventative measure, the team announced Thursday.
Analysis: Nene, who had surgery Jan. 15, will have a short period of recovery and will need to be cleared by physicians before returning to the court.
Cedric Simmons: Traded to Chicago
Update: Simmons is part of an 11-player, three-team deal that will send him from Cleveland to Chicago, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Simmons and his 0.6 point average have no business on any fantasy roster.
Shannon Brown: Traded to Chicago
Update: Brown is part of an 11-player, three-team deal that will send him to Chicago from Cleveland, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Brown is averaging just 15 minutes per contest, and won't see any increase in time with the Bulls as they are well-stocked at the 2-guard position.
Donyell Marshall: Traded to Seattle
Update: Marshall is part of an 11-player, three-team deal that will send him to Seattle from Cleveland, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Marshall may see an increase in playing time with a young Sonics team, but not enough to increase his four points and three rebounds per game to a level worthy of a fantasy roster.
Adrian Griffin: Traded to Seatle
Update: Griffin is part of an 11-player, three-team trade that will send him to Seattle from Chicago, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Griffin is averaging only two points in 10 minutes per game, but his contract expires and the end of the 2008 season. The trade will not in any way make him worth your consideration.
Ira Newble: Traded to Seatle
Update: Newble has been traded to Seattle from Cleveland as part of a blockbuster, 11-player, three-team deal, according to ESPN.com.
Analysis: Newble is part of the deal because of his contract comes off the books at the end of the season. His four points and three rebounds a night do not belong on your roster.
Delonte West: Traded to Cleveland
Update: West is part of an 11-player, three-team deal that will send him to Cleveland from Seattle, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: West, averaging seven points and three assists in 21 minutes a night, isn't a fixture on most fantasy rosters, and this move probably won't change that. The Cleveland backcourt is fairly full, and West probably won't see a boost in minutes after relocating to Cleveland.
Drew Gooden: Headed To Chicago
Update: Gooden has been reportedly traded to Chicago in an 11-player deal, according to ESPN.com.
Analysis: The Bulls have reportedly sent Ben Wallace and Joe Smith to the Cavaliers and Adrian Griffin to Seattle in a three-way deal that would bring Gooden and Larry Hughes to the Bulls with Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West going from Seattle to Cleveland. Gooden would give Chicago another big man but might have to battle Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas for minutes.
Joe Smith: Traded to Cleveland
Update: Smith has been traded to Cleveland from Chicago as part of an 11-player, three-team deal, according to ESPN.com.
Analysis: Smith has been surprisingly productive for the Bulls this season, averaging 11 points and five boards in 23 minutes a night. While his production won't see a spike in Cleveland, he will provide some veteran leadership in the locker room, and provide the Cavs with some depth in the frontcourt as they try to return to the Finals for the second year in a row.
Larry Hughes: Sent to the Bulls
Update: Hughes was a part of a blockbuster deal that sent him to Chicago. The multi-player deal was between the Sonics, Bulls and Cavaliers, ESPN reports.
Analysis: Hughes along with Drew Gooden, Shannon Brown and Cedric Simmons is now gone and replaced by Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West and Joe Smith. This is a huge shake up in Cleveland and on paper looks very positive. Hughes may lose some playing time in Chicago with Thabo Sefolosha already starting at the two-guard spot and Ben Gordon as the sixth man.
Wally Szczerbiak: Traded to Cleveland
Update: Szczerbiak has been reportedly shipped off to Cleveland from Seattle as part of an 11-player, three-team deal, according to ESPN.com.
Analysis: Szczerbiak will bring playoff experience (albeit limited to mostly the first round), and three-point shooting to a Cavs team that will try to compete with Boston and Detroit to represent the East in the NBA Finals. The 30-year old is averaging 13 points and three rebounds a game while shooting 43 percent from behind the arc.
Ben Wallace: Traded to Cleveland
Update: Wallace has been reportedly traded to Cleveland from Chicago in an 11-player, three-team deal, according to ESPN.com.
Analysis: Cleveland beefs up its rebounding and defense with this deal, while ridding itself of Larry Hughes's contract. Though many would contend Wallace's is equally appalling. Wallace, who is averaging five points and nearly nine rebounds a game, won't likely see any increase in production, but his acquisition makes Cleveland more formidable in the playoffs.
Ron Artest: A King for More Than a Day
Update: Artest, who said he will opt out of his contract at the end of the season, was not dealt before the trade deadline on Thursday. His closest destination beyond Sacramento appeared to be Denver, but Nuggets brass didn't want to part with small forward Linas Kleiza, who has a close relationship with owner Stan Kroenke. Kleiza was believed to be coveted by Kings President Geoff Petrie.
Analysis: Despite all the banal chatter from talking heads and the like, Artest will remain with the Kings until further notice. Lately, Artest has been emphatic about mentioning his respect for everyone in Sacramento, so maybe there was a change of heart along the way for some of the participants involved.
Eddy Curry: Knicks Lose by 40
Update: Curry had 12 points and six rebounds during the Knicks' 124-84 loss to the 76ers Wednesday.
Analysis: The good news is that Curry's 25 minutes of action was the most he's seen in two weeks. The bad news is that New York had turnovers on almost every possession in some stretches, took ugly shots and trailed by 46 points in the third quarter.
Acie Law: Out Indefinitely With Wrist Injury
Update: Law (wrist) will not play on Friday and is out indefinitely after injuring his right wrist in Wednesday's loss to Sacramento, the Macon Telegraph reports.
Analysis: Law figured to see a bump in playing time as the primary backup to new point guard Mike Bibby, but this injury will now ensure that he doesn't see any playing time for a while. The full extent of the injury should be known after Law undergoes tests on Thursday.
Andris Biedrins: Starts and Produces
Update: Biedrins scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in Golden State's victory over Boston on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Biedrins hadn't started a game since February 7. He replaced Al Harrington in the lineup and though Harrington had a good game as well, Biedrins really showed what he can do when he's in the starting lineup. Biedrins is inconsistent as a reserve but he thrives as a starter, so pay attention to Golden State's rotation to see if Biedrins remains in the starting lineup for any length of time.
Anderson Varejao: Practices Again on Wednesday
Update: Varejao worked out before Wednesday's game against Indiana and didn't report any problems afterwards, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: Varejao hopes to get in a hard practice on Saturday and then return next Tuesday against Milwaukee. His return would be a welcome sight to a Cleveland team that has struggled at times this year with Varejao out of the lineup. Fantasy owners should keep note of how he plays when he returns to the court as he was a good source of rebounds prior to the injury.
Kevin Durant: Likely to Play Thursday Night
Update: Durant (illness) returned to practice on Wednesday and is probable for Thursday night's game against Portland, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Don't hesitate to put Durant back into your lineup before Thursday's game with the Trail Blazers.
Mickael Pietrus: Starts for Jackson on Wednesday
Update: Pietrus started at small forward for the injured Stephen Jackson (ankle) and scored 12 points in 36 minutes in Wednesday's win over Boston.
Analysis: Pietrus has publicly asked to be traded so this could have been his last game in a Warriors uniform. Pietrus, who is only averaging 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds this season, hasn't gotten consistent minutes all year playing behind Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes.
Beno Udrih: Matches Up Against Bibby
Update: Udrih, who played against Mike Bibby most of the game, had 18 points, 10 assists, three rebounds and a steal in the Kings' 119-107 home win over the Hawks Wednesday. Bibby was struggling with his mobility because of a bruised right heel.
Analysis: The first noticeable difference between Udrih and the departed Mike Bibby is the way they play on the offensive end. Because of Udrih's strength, he is able to penetrate the lane easier than his former cohort. Against his old team, it was clear Bibby was content to fire away from outside, while Udrih was willing to attack the hoop and break down the defense.
Brad Miller: Double-Double Versus Atlanta
Update: Miller scored 12 points, yanked down 13 rebounds and dealt four assists in Sacramento's 119-107 win over Atlanta Wednesday night.
Analysis: In the past two games, with Beno Udrih as the new starting point guard and Mike Bibby departed, Miller has set up shop down low more often. When Bibby ran the offense for the Kings, the veteran center was usually used at the high post to distribute the ball to open teammates or take an open shot if it was available. If his trend of mixing it up under the rim continues, it's possible Miller may see less assists and more rebounds as a result.
Theo Ratliff: Expects to Return on Thursday
Update: Ratliff's recovery from a knee injury seems to have taken a turn for the better and he says he will play on Thursday night when the Timberwolves take on San Antonio, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
Analysis: Ratliff has missed the last 45 games with injury. Though Ratliff has an expiring contract and isn't likely to return to the team next season, the Timberwolves want to see how a shot-blocker fits in with the other pieces on the team, meaning he could see some decent minutes at least in the short term. Ratliff blocked a lot of shots in minimal action earlier this season, but see how he performs in his return before considering him for your fantasy roster.
Steve Nash: Third Straight 20+ Scoring Effort Wednesday
Update: Nash scored 26 points with eight assists on Wednesday, the third straight game in which he's scored at least 20 points.
Analysis: The Suns' offense wasn't completely in sync on Wednesday as they began adjusting to the addition of Shaquille O'Neal, so look for Nash to get back to his usual double digit assists once he gets used to having Shaq down low.
Grant Hill: Double-Double Wednesday
Update: Hill picked up a double-double Wednesday, scoring 17 points with 10 rebounds.
Analysis: He shot 8-of-13 from the field, and added two assists and two blocks. The rebounds are a surprise with Shaquille O'Neal now taking up space under the basket, but the attention Shaq commands should open up the court for other Suns, including Hill.
Brian Skinner: Did Not Play Wednesday
Update: Skinner did not play in Wednesday's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: While he might still be battling that flu bug, more likely the addition of Shaquille O'Neal has bumped him from the regular front court rotation.
Carlos Delfino: Leads Raptors Bench on Wednesday
Update: Delfino once again led the Raptors' bench in scoring on Wednesday, racking up 23 points with five assists, five three pointers and three rebounds.
Analysis: He's been an invaluable member of Toronto's second unit this season, averaging 9.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 threes through 52 games.
Jose Calderon: Another Double-Double Wednesday
Update: Calderon responded to his All-Star snub with his 21st double-double of the season and ninth in his last 11 games, scoring 19 points with 13 assists in Wednesday's win over the Magic.
Analysis: More impressive still has been his shooting. Calderon was 8-for-10 from the floor Wednesday, and is shooting an incredible .709 (73-for-103) from the floor over those 11 games and .550 on the season.
Carlos Arroyo: Minutes Reduced to Zero
Update: Arroyo did not play in Orlando's loss to Toronto on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Arroyo has not played in four of Orlando's last five games. Jameer Nelson is playing well since returning from an ankle injury and Stan Van Gundy has eliminated Arroyo from the rotation completely. Despite having some value only a few weeks ago, Arroyo shouldn't be anywhere near a fantasy roster at this point.
Dwight Howard: Monster Game in Defeat
Update: Howard scored 37 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in Orlando's loss to Toronto on Wednesday.
Analysis: Howard shot a ridiculous 13-of-16 from the field and a solid 11-or-15 from the free throw line. Of his 15 rebounds, 10 were on the offensive end. Following a poor offensive outing the night before, Howard did nothing but make up for it on Wednesday night.
Andrea Bargnani: Unimpressive Coming Out of the All-Star Break
Update: Bargnani played under 19 minutes on Wednesday, scoring just four points on 1-for-8 shooting with two rebounds and three fouls.
Analysis: He had been on a roll heading into the All-Star break, scoring in double digits in seven straight games (17.9 point average over that stretch). The Raptors need to hope Bargnani gets back on track quickly as they push for home court in the first round of the playoffs.
Maurice Evans: Playin Well as a Starter
Update: Evans had 12 points and seven rebounds in Orlando's loss to Toronto on Wednesday.
Analysis: Evans has been nothing but efficient since moving into the starting lineup on Jaunuary 9. He is averaging 10.8 points per game, shooting better than 50 percent, and only averaging .7 turnovers per game as a starter.
Jamario Moon: Double-Double on Wednesday
Update: Moon posted his second career double-double on Wednesday, scoring 17 points with 12 rebounds and four assists.
Analysis: He shot 6-for-12 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Moon is averaging 12.8 points and 5.8 rebounds over his last five games.
Jameer Nelson: Playing Well as of Late
Update: Nelson had 13 points and four assists in Orlando's loss to Toronto on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Nelson has had at least 10 points in each of his six games back since recovering from an ankle injury. He also has a 32:7 assist/turnover ratio over that span and has shot at least 50 percent in four of those six games. Though Nelson isn't putting up huge numbers, he's playing much better and more consistently than he was earlier this season.
T.J. Ford: Out of Action Wednesday
Update: Ford (abdominal strain) did not play on Wednesday.
Analysis: No word yet on how this latest injury will keep him out of action, but don't be surprised if the Raptors pick up some back court insurance at the trade deadline.
Chris Bosh: Outshines Dwight Howard Wednesday
Update: In a head-to-head matchup with Dwight Howard on Wednesday Bosh erupted for 40 points, shooting 14-for-16 from the field (including hitting his only three point attempt) and 11-for-11 from the free throw line.
Analysis: He also added five rebounds, five assists and a block. Bosh is now averaging a career-best 22.9 points per game.
Brevin Knight: On the Fantasy Radar
Update: Knight played 29 minutes and scored four points with eight assists and two steals in the Clippers' win over Memphis Wednesday night. The stress fracture in his leg appears to be healed, making him available for more action.
Analysis: Knight should be in the back of fantasy owner's minds. If Sam Cassell is traded on Thursday and it's not likely according to Clips officials he would probably see an increase in minutes. In the 13 games Cassell has missed this season, Knight is averaging 28.7 minutes, 6.2 points, 5.6 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting more than 90% from the foul line. Most of those numbers aren't sparkling, but he can definitely help win some roto categories down the stretch if Cassell is sent packing.
Shaun Livingston: Will be Treated Carefully
Update: Livingston (knee) won't be rushed back this season according to Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: "Our tendency would probably be to be more conservative with Shaun," Dunleavy said. Dunleavy was comparing the rehabilitation schedules of Livingston and Elton Brand. Recently, Brand, who is recovering from Achilles surgery, made it clear he intends to return before the season's end. Livingston is on a similar path to Brand with regards to drills, but his injury was much more complex in nature.
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