FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Mike Miller: Stis Out Sunday
Update: Miller missed Sunday's game against Cleveland with a sore back.
Analysis: This was the third straight game he's missed because of the injury. The Grizzlies' next game is Tuesday against Phoenix.
Antoine Walker: Inactive For Second Straight Game
Update: Walker was a DNP - coach's decision for a second consecutive game on Sunday.
Analysis: Walker may be stuck on the bench the rest of the season as the T-Wolves look to give younger players more minutes. Minnesota has talked to Walker about buying out his contract, but Walker has said he's not willing to take much a discount from the $9,330,500 he's due to earn next season.
Quincy Douby: Minutes Bloom in Orlando
Update: Douby played 14 minutes and scored seven points with two rebounds and a blocked shot in the Kings' 112-93 loss to the Magic Sunday.
Analysis: The second-year player was the first reserve off the bench to spell starting point guard Beno Udrih. In the three games prior to Orlando, Douby had totaled one minute of action. Regardless of his output, he is strictly a fantasy project with Udrih firmly entrenched as the starter.
Mikki Moore: Slight Production Sunday
Update: Moore scored two points and grabbed four rebounds in Sacramento's 112-93 loss at Orlando Sunday.
Analysis: Moore produced the kind of numbers that can make fantasy owners cringe when they insert him into their starting lineups. He played 25 minutes, shooting 1-of-5 from the field and picking up an assist and a blocked shot. In his last seven games, the 7-foot power forward is averaging 5.0 points and 5.5 rebounds.
Spencer Hawes: Nine Points and Seven Boards
Update: Hawes had nine points, seven rebounds and three blocks during the Kings' 112-93 loss to the Magic Sunday.
Analysis: Hawes has been sneaking into the playing rotation with more frequency. In his last four games, he is averaging 14.3 minutes, 5.5 points and 5.6 rebounds. Against Orlando, the rookie shot 4-of-11 in 19 minutes.
Kevin Martin: A Second Double-Double
Update: Martin scored 21 points with 10 rebounds, five assists and three turnovers in Sacramento's 112-93 loss at Orlando Sunday.
Analysis: Martin registered his second double-double of the season. He shot 8-of-13 from the field, 2-of-3 from 3-point range and 3-of-5 from the line.
Raja Bell: Alright After Head Injury
Update: Bell, who was knocked out of Wednesday night's game after getting hit in the head by Shaquille O'Neal, has played in two straight games since.
Analysis: Bell played 44 minutes Friday night and followed that up with a 31-minute stint in Sunday's loss to Detroit.
Antonio McDyess: Double-Double Sunday
Update: McDyess had 12 points and 13 rebounds Sunday in Detroit's victory over Phoenix.
Analysis: McDyess is no stranger to the boards, but scoring in double-digits, as he has done in the last two games, is a rare treat for fantasy owners.
Acie Law: Injury Woes Continue
Update: Law (wrist) will miss Monday's game at San Antonio while visiting a hand specialist in Los Angeles, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: He is still feeling some pain in his right wrist and could miss more playing time. We will keep you posted on his status.
Dorell Wright: Loses Teeth in OT Loss
Update: Wright lost several front teeth after taking an elbow to the face in Saturday's overtime loss to the Sixers, the Palm Beach Post reports.
Analysis: There is no word on how much, if any, playing time he might miss. If he does sit out, it shouldn't be for a significant amount of time given the nature of the injury. We will keep you posted on his status throughout the week.
Jason Smith: Mediocre Game Saturday Night
Update: Smith played eight minutes of Saturday's win over Miami and finished with two points and two rebounds.
Analysis: Smith has been fine as a role player for the Sixers, but he hasn't shown enough to say that he'll have fantasy value next season.
Kevin Ollie: Playing But Rarely
Update: Ollie played six minutes of Saturday's victory over Miami but went scoreless in the game.
Analysis: Ollie occasionally sees some time on the court whether the game is close or a blowout because of his veteran leadership, but he doesn't play enough to have value in fantasy leagues.
Gordan Giricek: Another DNP-CD Saturday
Update: Giricek was a DNP-CD for Saturday's win over Miami.
Analysis: Giricek has not played much since being traded to the Sixers and will likely not be with the team next season.
Reggie Evans: Misses Friday's Game But Returns Saturday
Update: Evans (finger) returned to the 76ers lineup on Saturday after missing Friday's game, finishing with six points, eight rebounds and two steals in 25 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Evans will most likely come off the Sixers bench the rest of the season while Thaddeus Young starts. Young has more fantasy value but neither player should be starting in fantasy leagues until they show more consistency.
Calvin Booth: DNP-CD Saturday
Update: Booth was a DNP-CD for Saturday's win over Miami after playing 15 minutes in Friday's game.
Analysis: Booth played some nice minutes in Friday's game because the Sixers needed help defending Dwight Howard but he won't see much more action than that when he does see the court. He averages under a point per game.
Louis Amundson: Still No Playing Time
Update: Amundson has played just once in the past 25 games and played just over a minute in the lone game he saw action in.
Analysis: Amundson obviously has no fantasy value so avoid him at all costs in fantasy leagues.
Leandro Barbosa: Cleared to Play Sunday
Update: Barbosa (stitches) has been cleared to play in Sunday's game, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: On Friday he took a shot from Paul Pierce just above his eye that required three stitches. Barbosa should be fine to use Sunday.
Josh Powell: Eight Boards in Loss
Update: Powell played 15 minutes and scored five points to go with eight rebounds during the Clippers' 113-95 loss to the Lakers Saturday night.
Analysis: Powell's appearance on the court has coincided with the absence of center Chris Kaman, who has been afflicted by numerous health issues since late January. Currently, Kaman is suffering back and shin injuries, so Powell may see his minutes stretch into the 25-minute range if he can prove to be more consistent. In his last 13 games, the third-year forward-center is averaging 20.3 minutes, 6.0 points and 4.5 rebounds.
Jianlian Yi: Diminished Minutes
Update: Yi played just eight minutes Saturday night in Milwaukee's victory over Denver.
Analysis: Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak made the move to start Charlie Villanueva at power forward and bring Yi off the bench after the All-Star break. At the time, we thought the playing time would be pretty evenly distributed, but Yi has played just 51 minutes in the last three games compared to Villanueva's 77 minutes during that stretch. The distribution may even out over the long haul, but we suggest reserving Yi for now.
Cuttino Mobley: Nets 12 in Laker Loss
Update: Mobley shot 6-of-12 and scored 12 points in the Clippers' 113-95 loss to the Lakers Saturday night.
Analysis: If guard Sam Cassell is cut loose by a contract buyout and center Chris Kaman misses more time with shin and back issues, Mobley should see favorable numbers in his box scores since two main offensive weapons would be absent. February has been the shooting guard's best month this season. He is averaging 15.1 points, 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals. Plus, his 3-point and free-throw percentages are 40.0 and 90.9, respectively. He's a great start during Week 18 as Los Angeles plays four times.
Linas Kleiza: Sore Ankle
Update: Kleiza rested his sprained left ankle Saturday night against the Bucks, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Kleiza first suffered the injury Tuesday night against Boston and labored on it Friday night (0 points, 0-for-7 FG) in a loss to Chicago. "It's just sore," said Kleiza. "I'm just trying to get over it. I don't have any explosion. I can't really run or take off. So it's probably better that I sit out." The Nuggets' next game is Monday at home against Detroit.
Dan Dickau: Doesn't Score in 22 Minutes
Update: Dickau played 22 minutes and was scoreless against the Lakers on Saturday night. Considering Sam Cassell may be leaving town after a contract buyout, Dickau stands to benefit with regards to playing time.
Analysis: Cassell's exit doesn't necessarily mean the six-year veteran will be productive enough to pluck off the wire. In the last two games, which Cassell has missed with a wrist injury, Dickau is 2-of-13 shooting with nine assists in 39 minutes.
Stromile Swift: Inactive Saturday
Update: Swift (stomach virus) was inactive Saturday night.
Analysis: Swift has missed three games because of the illness.
Aaron Williams: Takes Kaman's Place
Update: Williams started for the injured Chris Kaman (back, shin) at center and scored two points in 14 minutes of the Clippers' loss to the Lakers Saturday night.
Analysis: Williams, 36, was overwhelmed by the Lakers' frontcourt. He shot 1-of-3 and picked up three fouls in his short stint. It's possible he may start again on Monday against the Celtics as Kaman is debilitated by two injuries and is listed as questionable. However, Williams is not much of a fantasy option at this juncture.
Sasha Vujacic: Scoring in Bunches
Update: Vujacic had 17 points in 24 minutes of play during the Lakers' 113-95 win over the Clippers on Saturday.
Analysis: Vujacic has been making the most of his playing time this year, averaging 24.6 points per 48 minutes, including 27.7 per 48 in the month of February.
Jermaine O'Neal: Return to Full Practice Soon
Update: O'Neal met with doctors in New York along with Indiana's therapist consultant and all signs point to a recovery of his left knee, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: "It was great," O'Neal said before going through a workout Saturday. "Obviously there's a little bit more work to be done, but now I can start picking it up. The goal right now is to start practicing, and once I get to practicing, the next goal would be to play." O'Neal says he might be able to play again in "three to four weeks or sooner depending on the progression."
Lamar Odom: Relishing Role of Third Option
Update: Odom had 20 points and 11 rebounds in the Lakers' 113-95 win over the Clippers on Saturday.
Analysis: Free to score and grab rebounds now that he shares the frontcourt with Pau Gasol, Odom has posted double-digit rebounds in his last six games and eight of his last nine.
Pau Gasol: Scores 23 Against Clippers
Update: Gasol had 23 points, six assists, five rebounds and three blocks in the Lakers' 113-95 win over the Clippers on Saturday.
Analysis: Another strong performance from Gasol, who should be an every-night fantasy starter now that he's with Los Angeles.
Kobe Bryant: Lets Teammates Do Work
Update: Bryant (finger) had 17 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the Lakers' 113-95 win over the Clippers on Saturday.
Analysis: Bryant only took 11 shots from the field Saturday, deferring often to Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Don't expect this to be a trend however, as Kobe is still the Lakers' top scoring option.
Danny Granger: Team-High 29 Points
Update: Granger scored a team-high 29 points on 11-of-22 shooting, including four 3-pointers, Saturday night in Indiana's loss to New Jersey.
Analysis: Granger, whose consecutive free-throw streak ended Friday night, began another one Saturday, going 3-for-3 from the line. Granger has become a bigger part of Indiana's offense this season and that has become more apparent with Jermaine O'Neal missing so much time because of a knee injury. In an interview with the Indianapolis Star on Friday, team president Larry Bird said he believes Granger can be the team's leader of the future. It looks like the future is now for Granger.
Antawn Jamison: 22 Points Against Bobcats
Update: Jamison had 22 points and nine rebounds in the Wizards' 110-95 win over the Bobcats on Saturday.
Analysis: Jamison also had two steals in the game, and is averaging 3.4 steals per game over his last five.
Vince Carter: Back to Shooting
Update: Carter scored 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting with nine rebounds, five assists and two steals in 43 minutes Saturday night in New Jersey's victory over Indiana.
Analysis: Carter has been asked to do some ball handling and distribution now that Jason Kidd is gone, but with Marcus Williams dishing (13 assists) against the Pacers on Saturday, Carter could get back to doing what he does best.
Sean Williams: Where Did the Minutes Go?
Update: Williams scored two points with five rebounds and one assist in 13 minutes Saturday night in New Jersey's victory over Indiana.
Analysis: In the three games since the All-Star break, Williams has played a total of 36 minutes and hasn't recorded a block. Part of that is related to playing the Pacers, a perimeter oriented team without Jermaine O'Neal, twice during that stretch, but it also seems to be a trend that started once Nenad Krstic returned to action. Now with DeSagana Diop around, the Nets have a veteran that can replicate Williams' biggest asset -- the ability to block shots.
Chris Kaman: A Question Mark on Monday
Update: Kaman (back, shin) is questionable for Monday's home game against Boston, the Los Angeles Times reports. He did not play on Saturday versus the Lakers because of a sore lower back.
Analysis: "It will take three or four days for the joint to calm down," Clippers head trainer Jasen Powell said. It should be noted that Kaman experienced back problems in the preseason as well. Additionally, he is suffering from a shin injury that may linger for the remainder of the season. Recent MRI and X-ray results on his lower leg were negative, but Kaman is clearly laboring on the court. Keep him reserved if any productive options are available at center.
John Salmons: Gloomy Forecast in Sunshine State
Update: Salmons (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game at Orlando.
Analysis: Salmons, a 6-foot-6 swingman, took a knee in the left thigh during the third quarter of Friday's win at Charlotte. His fantasy value has tumbled precipitously. In February, despite playing more than 25 minutes per game, Salmons is averaging just 7.0 points on 38.0% shooting. In other words, keep him on the bench for now.
Mike Bibby: Solid Effort in Loss
Update: Bibby (bruised right heel) had 18 points (6-of-14 FG, 4-of-7 3-PT, 2-of-2 FT) and nine asssits in the Hawks' loss to the Jazz on Saturday.
Analysis: Bibby had his best performance as a Hawk and should be able to get a high number of assists with scorers Joe Johnson and Josh Smith.
Josh Smith: Breaks Out of Slump
Update: Smith had 30 points (13-of-20 FG, 1-of-2 3-PT, 3-of-5 FT), 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks in the Hawks' loss to the Jazz on Saturday.
Analysis: Smith had been in a major slump averaging just 10 points a night in his last four games. The Hawks will need Smith to get hot if they have any chance of making the playoffs.
Tony Parker: Starts on Saturday
Update: Parker (heel) played nearly 30 minutes and had 10 points and four assists in the Spurs' win over the Hornets on Saturday.
Analysis: Parker shot just 4-of-13 from the floor and may need a little time before he is ready to be inserted back into your starting lineup.
Tim Duncan: Another Big Night
Update: Duncan had 25 points (10-of-16 FG, 5-of-5 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists and four blocks in the Spurs' win over the Hornets on Saturday.
Analysis: Duncan continues his superb all-around play, as in his last three games he has averaged six assists and 4.3 blocks to go along with 13.3 rebounds a night.
DeShawn Stevenson: Scores 20 Against Bobcats
Update: Stevenson (knee) had 20 points, including 4-7 shooting from three-point range, in the Wizards' 110-95 win over the Bobcats.
Analysis: Stevenson's shot is far too inconsistent to be considered a fantasy regular.
Marcus Banks: Sees Rise in Playing Time
Update: Banks had 17 points, which included three 3-pointers, in 25 minutes of play against Philadelphia Saturday.
Analysis: Aside from Thursday night's game in Houston, Banks has seen a steady rise in playing time since coming over from Phoenix earlier this month.
Shawn Marion: Disappoints in Loss to 76ers
Update: Marion scored only four points in a 101-96 overtime loss to Philadelphia Saturday night. He also had six rebounds, four assists and five steals in 40 minutes of play.
Analysis: This was Marion's fifth game with the Heat. Until Saturday he was averaging 19.8 pts and 12.3 rebounds a game since coming to Miami.
Mike Miller: Tests Negative, Remains Day-to-Day
Update: An MRI and x-ray on Miller's back revealed a pinched nerve, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: This is nothing all that serious, but he remains day-to-day as he rests up and receives treatment.
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