FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Lamar Odom: Shoots Poorly Against Mavs
Update: Odom had six points on 2-8 shooting in the Lakers' 108-104 win over the Mavs on Sunday. Odom also had 10 rebounds in the win.
Analysis: Odom won't score a ton of points with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol on his team, but expect more than Sunday's output and double-digit rebounds on a nightly basis.
Ronald Murray: Indiana Debut
Update: Murray made his debut for Indiana on Sunday, playing eight minutes off the bench in the Pacers' victory over the Bucks.
Analysis: He's expected to back up Travis Diener at point guard, but how many minutes that translates into is still to be determined.
Shawne Williams: Inactive Sunday
Update: Williams was inactive for Sunday's game against Milwaukee.
Analysis: This was the second straight game he's been held out of action due to a matter involving a person with a murder warrant being arrested after leaving Williams' house.
Antoine Walker: Antoine Walker: Still With T-Wolves, But Doesn't Play
Update: Walker did not play Sunday's loss to Seattle and was in street clothes. He'll remain with the T-Wolves the rest of the season after he was unable to reach a buyout of his contract with Minnesota before Saturday's waiver deadline.
Analysis: Don't expect Walker to play much the rest of the season - if at all. The T-Wolves will go with their younger players the rest of the way. Walker could be traded this offseason, but his $9.3 million expiring contract next year will be valuable to the rebuilding T-Wolves.
Anthony Parker: Team-High 24 Points
Update: Parker led the Raptors with 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting (2-of-6 3pt) with six rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot in 38 minutes Sunday in Toronto's loss to Charlotte.
Analysis: Parker has stepped up his scoring with Chris Bosh (knee) out of the linuep. Parker has 49 points on 21-of-33 shooting in the last two games.
Jared Dudley: Double-Double Sunday
Update: Dudley posted a double-double Sunday night, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in 37 minutes in Charlotte's victory over Toronto.
Analysis: Dudley was near flawless, going 5-of-7 (1-of-1 3pt) from the field and 6-of-6 from the line. As long as Gerald Wallace (concussion) is out, Dudley will have a shot at extended minutes.
Gerald Wallace: Tests This Week
Update: Wallace (concussion) will undergo more tests this week, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent is hoping Wallace, who sat out his fourth straight game on Sunday, can be cleared to play soon.
Devin Harris: More Minutes Than Starter
Update: Harris scored 21 points (6-of-16 FG) with four 3-pointers, five rebounds and two assists in 35 minutes Sunday night in New Jersey's loss to San Antonio.
Analysis: Harris played more minutes than starter Marcus Williams (18 minutes) and will soon become the starter. As it is now, he's providing some scoring punch off the bench, but we expect more ball distribution when playing on the starting unit.
Richard Jefferson: Plays Through Back Tightness
Update: Jefferson (back) had 18 points on 4-of-13 shooting from the field and 9-of-12 from the free-throw line with six rebounds and one steal in 42 minutes Sunday night in New Jersey's loss to San Antonio.
Analysis: Jefferson sat out a practice last week because of the back, but has played in two games since, averaging 41.5 minutes.
Bostjan Nachbar: Sits Out Sunday's Second Half
Update: Nachbar missed the second half of Sunday night's loss to San Antonio, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Nachbar left after scoring two points in 14 minutes. He'll get a day off before New Jersey begins a five-game road trip on Tuesday in San Antonio.
Manu Ginobili: Back to the Bench
Update: Ginobili came off the bench to score 17 points (6-of-13 FG, 2-of-4 3-PT, 3-of-4 FT), four rebounds and three assists in the Spurs' win over the Nets on Sunday.
Analysis: Ginobili returned to the bench as Michael Finley got the start at shooting guard. Look for coach Gregg Popovich to try to keep Ginobili around 30 minutes a night to keep him fresh for the playoffs.
Tony Parker: Second Big Game in a Row
Update: Parker had 25 points (10-of-18 FG, 5-of-6 FT), eight rebounds, seven assists and a steal in the Spurs' win over the Nets on Sunday.
Analysis: Parker has had two straight strong games and appears to be getting back to the Parker that can shoot a very high percentage and score at will in the lane. Parker finally appears to be at full strength.
Tim Duncan: Struggles From Field in Win
Update: Duncan had 13 points (4-of-14 FG, 5-of-6 FT), 14 rebounds and a block in the Spurs' win over the Nets on Sunday.
Analysis: Duncan again struggled from the floor but was able to have a big game on the boards. Duncan gets a nights rest before playing the Nets again on Tuesday.
LeBron James: Big Game Against the Bulls
Update: James scored 37 points on solid 15-of-29 shooting, even though he went 0-of-5 from behind the arc.
Analysis: James playing against Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden for the first time, also collected six rebounds and assists apiece.
Jason Terry: Returns to Action After Collision
Update: Terry briefly left the court after injurying his shoulder Sunday following an on court collision. He returned to action and finished with 18 points including four made 3-pointers.
Analysis: While the injury did not appear to affect Terry, keep a close eye on whether or not his shooting suffers. Prior to Sunday's outing Terry had been held to single digit scoring in two games and had not hit a three pointer in the last four.
Jerry Stackhouse: Poor Outing Against the Lakers
Update: Stackhouse had a rough day shooting Sunday, hitting just two of 12 shots from the field for four points.
Analysis: Stackhouse's work load has increased since Jason Terry returned to his starting role and so far Stack has bit hit or miss. He's averaged 12.1 points off the bench in the last six games largely due to two 23 point efforts.
Dirk Nowitzki: Strong Finish Against the Lakers
Update: After shooting just 4-16 through the first three quarters, Nowitzki got hot finishing Sunday's overtime loss to the Lakers with 30 points and 13 rebounds.
Analysis: Nowitzki continues his hot streak and appears to have rediscovered his long range stroke. He has averaged 1.7 made three's since the All-Star break nearly double what he was averaging (0.8) before the break.
Jason Kidd: 11 Assists in Loss
Update: Kidd had another double digit assist game dishing out 11 assists in Sunday's overtime loss to the Lakers. He chipped in 15 points and four steals as well.
Analysis: Kidd's overall numbers have been largely unaffected by his move to Dallas but what has been impressive is the increase in steals and 3-pointers. Kidd is shooting 54% from long distance and averaging 3.1 steals since coming over from New Jersey.
Erick Dampier: Season High 17 Rebounds
Update: Dampier had a monster game for Dallas scoring 16 points on 7-7 shooting and collecting a season-high 17 rebounds in Sunday's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: Dampier has seen his role and minutes increase since Jason Kidd arrived and has responded by being very productive, particularly on the boards. In the seven games since Kidd's arrival Dampier has averaged 10.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks along with 8.1 points.
Kobe Bryant: Big Sunday
Update: Bryant scored 52 points on 15-of-27 (two 3-pointers) shooting from the field and 20-of-27 from the free-throw line in 51 minutes Sunday in the Lakers' overtime victory over Dallas.
Analysis: Sometimes, the Lakers just need Kobe to do something like this. He scored 30 points in the fourth quarter and the overtime period, hitting the 50-point mark for the 22nd time in his career. It was a big game against a Conference rival on national television, so naturally Bryant played to the larger stage. He also had four assists and five turnovers, so the ball was always working through Kobe.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: Out at Least One Week
Update: Ilgauskas will miss at least a week because of a strained back, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Ilgauskas sat out Sunday's game because of the injury and was replaced by Anderson Varejao in the starting lineup. "More than anything else, it's a precautionary measure. He needs a rest," said Cleveland coach Mike Brown. Without Ilgauskas, Daniel Gibson (sprained left ankle) and Sasha Pavlovic (sprained left foot), all three capable of putting up big games, the Cavaliers are looking to Wally Szczerbiak (17 points, 13 FGA) to fill the role as offensive option to LeBron James.
Willie Green: Stepped Up His Shooting Saturday
Update: Green had 17 points and three assists in Saturday's win over Phoenix.
Analysis: Green was 6-of-10 from the field and made 5-of-6 free throws in the win. He starts for the Sixers but should not start for fantasy owners averaging just 13 points and 28 minutes per game.
Louis Williams: Made Some Big Shots Saturday
Update: Williams had 13 points and three rebounds in 23 minutes Saturday night in a win over Phoenix.
Analysis: Williams is a great player off the bench for the Sixers making big shot after big shot but in terms of fantasy his value is currently limited. He makes for an average spot starter if you have injuries throughout your lineups.
Samuel Dalembert: Continues to Be Bothered By Sore Ankle
Update: Dalembert (ankle) had just five points and eight rebounds in Saturday's win over Phoenix.
Analysis: Dalembert didn't look totally healthy on the floor making just one of his nine field goal attempts. He continues to play through the injury so he should be fine in a few days. Continue to play him and hope for the best.
Drew Gooden: First Start as a Bull
Update: Gooden started at power forward Sunday in Chicago's loss to Cleveland.
Analysis: This was Gooden's first start since being acquired by the Bulls. He had 11 points and 10 rebounds in 32 minutes. Gooden should become the low-post scoring threat Chicago has lacked the last few years. It's something he can do, but wasn't required to do a lot of in Cleveland with Zydrunas Ilgauskas and LeBron James being the primary inside threats.
Anderson Varejao: Starts At Center Sunday
Update: Varejao started at center in place of the injured Zydrunas Ilgauskas (back) Sunday in Cleveland's victory over Chicago.
Analysis: Varejao had five points, eight rebounds and two steals in 33 minutes. Ilgauskas does not have a projected return date, so expect extended minutes for Varejao in the near term.
Thabo Sefolosha: Misses Sunday's Game
Update: Sefolosha missed Sunday's game because of a strained left groin, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: This was the second straight game he's missed because of the injury. Larry Hughes, once again, started in place of Sefolosha.
Wally Szczerbiak: Returns to Action Sunday
Update: Szczerbiak returned to action Sunday after missing one game to be with his wife for the birth of their third child.
Analysis: Szczerbiak had 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting with three 3-pointers in 26 minutes in Cleveland's victory over Chicago. With all the attention paid to LeBron James, Szczerbiak has the chance to be a productive scorer, if he can get open looks from his spots on the floor. With Zydrunas Ilgauskas (back, out a week) joining Daniel Gibson (sprained left ankle) and Sasha Pavlovic (sprained left foot) in dress suits, Szczerbiak, who took the second most shots on Sunday, becomes the team's primary option to LeBron James on offense. This is a good week to start Wally.
Spencer Hawes: Will Get His Chance
Update: Hawes, a 19-year-old rookie, has been surprisingly effective this season, and Kings coach Reggie Theus will try to develop his game for the remainder of the season, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "We've made a concerted effort to develop 'Spence' of late," Theus said, "and it's starting to pay off. His biggest improvement has been on the defensive end. He's so long, with such an incredible wingspan, that he can influence shots. He just needs to get stronger and concentrate on defense and develop a go-to move." In February, Hawes is averaging 11.7 minutes, 5.4 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 50.9 percent.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Second Straight Double-Double Saturday
Update: Stoudemire continued his inspired play on Saturday, scoring 26 points with 11 rebounds.
Analysis: In the six games since Shaquille O'Neal joined the roster Stoudemire is averaging 29.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks while shooting .545 (66-for-121) from the floor and .902 (46-for-51) from the free throw line.
Steve Nash: Double-Double Saturday
Update: Nash scored 21 points with 11 assists in Saturday's loss to the 76ers.
Analysis: He's racked up 37 assists over his last three games after getting just 19 in the three games before that, so Nash at least seems to be adjusting to the addition of Shaquille O'Neal to the roster.
Andre Iguodala: Continues to Lead the Sixers On A Winning Path
Update: Iguodala had 32 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in Saturday's win over Phoenix.
Analysis: Iguodala continues to play like the leader of the Sixers along with Andre Miller and the team has had some big wins over the past couple of weeks. The two actually have the Sixers in line for a playoff spot.
Boris Diaw: Good Game Saturday
Update: Diaw blew hot again on Saturday, scoring 17 points on 8-for-10 shooting while adding seven rebounds and four assists.
Analysis: He's been alternating good games with bad ones, scoring 17, 2, 15, 2 and 10 points over his last five games. The Suns will need to get a more consistent effort from Diaw if they want to get back to the top of the heap in the Western Conference.
Leandro Barbosa: Fourth Straight Solid Game
Update: Barbosa scored 22 points off the bench Saturday, with five rebounds and three three-pointers.
Analysis: Over his last four games he's averaging 18.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.8 threes while shooting .509 (27-for-53) from the floor.
Rasho Nesterovic: Starting While Bosh Is Out
Update: Nesterovic will move back into the starting lineup with Chris Bosh sidelined due to a knee injury, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: He still isn't likely to make a big fantasy impact, but in deep leagues the extra minutes might make him useful.
Manu Ginobili: 30 Points in Win
Update: Ginobili had 30 points (10-of-17 FG, 1-of-5 3-PT, 9-of-11 FT), four rebounds, four assists and three steals in the Spurs' win over the Bucks on Saturday.
Analysis: Ginobili had been just 10-of-33 in his past two games, so it is nice to see him bounce back. Since the Spurs have back-to-back games it will be interesting to see how Ginobili fares on Sunday against New Jersey, as he had been looking a little tired before his performance on Saturday.
Chris Bosh: Out For At Least Three Games
Update: Bosh will miss at least three games due to his right knee injury, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: The Raptors are electing to be cautious with Bosh and make sure he's healthy for the playoffs. Sit him down for the upcoming week.
Tim Duncan: Just Nine Points in Win
Update: Duncan had just nine points, seven rebounds and four assists in the Spurs' win over the Bucks on Saturday.
Analysis: This was the first time since February 19 that Duncan failed to score in double figures. In his next game he exploded for 24 points and 14 rebounds. Don't be surprised if Duncan comes up big on Sunday against New Jersey.
Udonis Haslem: Expected to Miss Sunday's Game
Update: Haslem is expected to miss Sunday's game against Sacramento because of sprained left ankle, the Palm Beach Post reports.
Analysis: Haslem missed Friday night's game because of the injury. Alexander Johnson and Earl Barron are expected to fill in for Haslem.
Dwyane Wade: Will Not Be Shut Down... Yet
Update: Wade said he has no plans of shutting down before the end of the season or playing reduced minutes despite his struggles with shoulder and knee injuries during the season, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: "If I'm going to play only 20 minutes a game, I don't want to be out on the floor," Wade said. "I want to play my 35, 40 minutes and help my team win." Wade's comments came after coach Pat Riley said prior to Friday night's game that he might consider resting Wade before the end of the season.
Smush Parker: Possible Release Ahead
Update: Parker's agent and the Heat are still negotiating a contract buyout, according to the Miami Herald. Parker would have had to be released by midnight Saturday to still be playoff eligible with another team.
Analysis: Parker was banished from the team after an incident with a valet attendant in November.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: Out For Sunday's Game
Update: Ilgauskas will not play against Chicago on Sunday due to a back strain, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: Ilgauskas missed practice on Saturday, and the Cavs are not saying how long he might be out. Ben Wallace is likely to start in his place.
Ronald Murray: Backup Point Guard
Update: Murray, signed by the Pacers on Saturday, will back up Travis Diener at point guard, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Murray can play both guard spots, but the Pacers are well stocked with guys that can play the two. His addition to the roster is a sign that Jamaal Tinsley (left knee) is not close to returning.
Shawne Williams: Practices Saturday
Update: Williams (personal) practiced Saturday, but Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said he's not sure if Williams will be in the lineup Sunday against Milwaukee, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Team officials had Williams remain in Indiana on Thursday and Friday so that he could tend to the matter of a person with a murder warrant being arrested outside his home. "I really don't know yet if he'll be in uniform," O'Brien said. "I haven't talked in depth with management yet."
Stromile Swift: Second on Depth Chart
Update: Nets coach Lawrence Frank confirmed that Swift has moved ahead of rookie Sean Williams and is the second power forward off the bench behind starter Nenad Krstic, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: "Right, Stromile [Swift] is the backup four [behind Nenad Krstic]," said Frank. Swift, who had missed some time because of a stomach virus, returned to the court Thursday night playing 19 minutes while scoring four points with seven rebounds, one assist and one block in a win over Milwaukee. Krstic is still not playing much more than 18-20 minutes a game, so there may be some significant time available for Swift.
Sean Williams: Drops to Third String
Update: Nets coach Lawrence Frank confirmed the power forward depth chart, noting that Williams has dropped to third behind Nenad Krstic and Stromile Swift, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: "Right, Stromile [Swift] is the backup four [behind Nenad Krstic]," said Frank. Williams has not played more than 13 minutes in any of the five games since the All-Star break and saw a combined seven minutes in the past two games.
Devin Harris: Come off Bench Sunday
Update: Harris will come off the bench Sunday night in New Jersey's game against San Antonio, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: This will be Harris' second game with the Nets, after returning to action from an ankle sprain on Thursday. Marcus Williams will start for New Jersey, but it's only a matter of days before the roles are switched. Harris scored 21 points and had five assists in Thursday's victory over Milwaukee.
Marko Jaric: Marko Jaric: Questionable With Knee Injury
Update: Jaric is questionable for Sunday's game after banging his knee earlier in the week, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Analysis: Jaric played just six minutes in Friday's game due to the injury, but also because he's losing playing time with Randy Foye's return to the starting lineup.
Brevin Knight: Start Number Two
Update: Knight, who started his second game since Sam Cassell was let go, had eight points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal in the Clippers' loss to Detroit.
Analysis: He was 2-of-4 from field and 4-of-4 at the line in 27 minutes. Knight is never going to excite anyone or illicit comparisons to elite point guards, but if he continues to start the remaining 25 games Los Angeles has on the schedule, he might pad some roto categories down the stretch.
Corey Maggette: Charity Pads His Points
Update: Maggette had a team-high 22 points and five rebounds in the Clippers' 103-73 home loss to Detroit Saturday night.
Analysis: Since Maggette was off-target shooting (5-of-15), the small forward attacked and slashed to the rim with his usual bravado, picking up enough whistles to collect 14 free-throw attempts. In 38 minutes, he registered three assists, two turnovers and a steal against the Pistons.
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