FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Andrei Kirilenko: Knocked Out of Game
Update: Kirilenko was knocked out of Monday's game against Dallas after a flagrant foul by Dirk Nowitzki, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Kirilenko managed to make the ensuing free throws but then limped to the locker room to get X-rays on his right hip. We'll have more information when it becomes available.
Gilbert Arenas: Cleared to Practice
Update: Arenas (knee) has been cleared to return to practice and is expected to practice with the Wizards on Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: "They cleared me to go out there and go full speed," Arenas said Monday. "But I am just going to take it slow." He has been participating in non-contract drills for about two weeks, but still has no timetable for his return. If you've been holding onto Arenas all season, this is a good sign that you might get a little production out of him sometime in the coming weeks.
Dorell Wright: Out for Season
Update: Wright will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery Monday.
Analysis: Wright will be in a straight-leg brace for one month before starting rehab. Look for Ricky Davis to get more minutes off the bench in Wright's absence.
Ron Artest: Fined for Negative Comments
Update: Artest was fined $5,000 by Kings coach Reggie Theus after the small forward questioned the coaching staff's desire to make the playoffs, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "We don't make comments about other players and staff in the (news)paper," Theus said. "We don't do it. Not (comments) that would be deemed detrimental." Artest questioned Theus' desire to make the postseason after last Tuesday's loss at Miami. He made his opinion public after offering post game comments to the press following Sunday's win over the Heat at home.
Zach Randolph: Out Monday Against New Orleans Because Of A Bruised Right Foot
Update: Randolph, who missed Saturday's game against Orlando with a bruised right foot, will sit out Monday's contest against New Orleans due to the injury. An MRI confirmed the injury and he is listed as day-to-day, the NY Newsday's Knicks blog reports.
Analysis: Randolph first injured the foot in the fourth quarter of Friday's loss in Atlanta and was unable to go after pregame warmups Saturday. Jared Jeffries got the start in his place Saturday and Malik Rose started Monday. We will post an update as to Randolph's status prior to Wednesday's game against Cleveland.
Juan Carlos Navarro: Back to Bench Wednesday
Update: Teammate Mike Miller is expected back in the linuep Wednesday, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports. This could force Navarro back to the bench.
Analysis: Navarro has stepped in for the injured Miller for the past six games, nailing 11 3-point shots in that span. He averages 4.8 points more as a starter, but should still contribute some shots from behind the arc while coming off the bench.
Mike Miller: Back at Practice
Update: Miller (back) was on the practice court for the first time in almost two weeks Monday, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: He was "without restrictions" in the team's practice, and should return Wednesday against the Nets. Look for him to take Juan Carlos Navarro's spot in the starting lineup when he returns.
Yao Ming: Undergoes Successful Surgery
Update: Yao underwent successful surgery to fix a stress fracture in his left foot, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The Rockets' team doctor inserted screws to hold the bone together. Yao is expected to recover in four months, and doctor's expect him to be ready for the Olympics in August.
Corey Brewer: Misses Practice With Thigh Contusion
Update: Brewer missed practice on Monday due to a thigh contusion suffered late in Sunday's loss to Seattle, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Brewer has been a regular in the starting lineup the last few weeks and has scored 14 and 15 points in his last two games. He'll be a game-time decision for Tuesday's game.
Shawne Williams: Questionable for Road Trip
Update: Williams, who was inactive again on Sunday, might not go on the Pacers' three-game road trip that starts on Wednesday in Houston, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Williams is still dealing with the fallout of a murder suspect being arrested leaving his house, in his car. "We've been talking with Shawne quite a bit," team president Larry Bird said. "When we feel we're satisfied with the results he'll start playing.
"(Investigators) say he's not a suspect in anything. Until we get the final OK, we'll play it by ear."
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: Will Miss Two Weeks
Update: Ilgauskas said Sunday he will be out "at least two weeks" because of back pain, Yahoo! Sports reports.
Analysis: The center also said that he has been experiencing pain in his back for the past "two or three months," but has been playing through it. Andersen Varejao figures to start in his absence.
Billy Thomas: Signs Second 10-Day Contract with Cleveland
Update: Thomas signed his second 10-day contract with Cleveland on Monday.
Analysis: Thomas has played in only three minutes in the Cavs' last five games.
Kosta Perovic: Reassigned to the NBDL
Update: Perovic was reassigned to Bakersfield of the NDBL on Monday by the Warriors, according to the TSN.ca.
Analysis: Perovic appeared in only one game after being recalled on Jan. 6.
Chris Webber: Tweaks Knee
Update: Webber did not play in the second half of Sunday's game against Portland due to knee pain and his status for this week is unclear, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: "Friday I tweaked it, and then (Saturday) I felt it at practice and today (Sunday) I felt it," Webber said. "We'll see how it goes." Webber, who is only averaging 3.9 points and 3.6 rebounds in 14.0 minutes, will undergo an MRI exam as soon as possible.
Larry Hughes: Another Solid Line As Starting Shooting Guard
Update: Hughes started at shooting guard in place of the injured Thabo Sefolosha (groin) again on Sunday, scoring 23 points while grabbing five boards and dishing out four assists in Chicago's 95-86 loss to Cleveland Sunday.
Analysis: Hughes admitted to being juiced-up for facing his old team and was booed early and often by the Cavaliers' fans. He settled down to post his strong line and should remain as the starter even when Sefolosha is healthy enough to play.
Tony Battie: Though Unlikely, Return Still Possible
Update: Head coach Stan Van Gundy said he hasn't ruled out Battie (shoulder) making a return this season but also noted it's a long shot, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Battie has said that he could make a possible return for the playoffs if he is able to start working out by April 1. Battie isn't likely to return during the regular season and won't have any value the rest of the way.
Jameer Nelson: Expected to Play on Tuesday
Update: Nelson (flu) is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday night, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Nelson missed Orlando's last game with the illness. Expect him to be in the starting lineup if he is able to play.
John Salmons: Fantasy Appeal Has Dwindled
Update: Salmons had eight points, two rebounds and two assists in Sacramento's 120-109 home win over Miami Sunday night.
Analysis: Unfortunately, for Salmons owners, it appears his status as a fantasy starter has officially run its course with little hope for a turnaround. Unless Ron Artest is injured, the swingman will continue his sixth-man role, which entails playing roughly 20 minutes per game. He should be considered a bench player for the remainder of the season.
Drew Gooden: Permament Starter At Power Forward
Update: The insertion of Gooden into the starting lineup at power forward over Tyrus Thomas appears to be a permanent one for the remainder of the season, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Both GM John Paxson and coach John Boylan hinted at Gooden becoming a starter shortly after acquiring him on February 21 but waited a week to make the move. Boylan's comments Sunday explain why the change was made, "Drew is a physical presence around the basket. Going forward, I feel we need that at the start of games." Look for Gooden to try and provide the low-post scoring Chicago has been lacking the past two seasons, giving him a nice bump in value.
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Kevin Martin: Scores 29 Sunday Night
Update: Martin scored 29 points with four rebounds and a steal in Sacramento's 120-109 victory versus the Heat Sunday night.
Analysis: Martin awoke from his fantasy hibernation for the second consecutive game to provide glimpses of his old self. For most of February, the shooting guard has appeared tentative in Sacramento's offense, hanging on the perimeter without attacking the basket. Against Miami, he shot 6-of-12 from the field and 14-of-17 at the line.
Chris Bosh: MRI On Knee Negative
Update: An MRI on Bosh's knee showed no structural damage, only swelling and scar tissue, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: He says the knee bothers him walking up steps and when moving laterally. Bosh will be out for at least two more games.
Cuttino Mobley: Food Poisoning Saturday
Update: Mobley suffered food poisoning on Saturday, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: The veteran shooting guard took a trip to the hospital prior to the Clippers' game versus Detroit that night but managed to play. He was relatively ineffective, scoring six points in 28 minutes. Considering his health and recent play, it may be a good time to reserve Mobley until he hits an upswing. He is averaging just five points in his last three games.
Shaun Livingston: At the Final Stage With Knee
Update: Livingston (knee) has reached the final stage of his rehabilitation and hopes to be cleared to play before the end of the season, the Los Angeles Times reports. Last February against Charlotte, he suffered a gruesome knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, PCL and lateral meniscus.
Analysis: "I'm pretty sure I'll probably go through summer league and everything for the organization to get a feel on where my legs are, especially if I don't get back this season, but we'll see," Livingston said. "Maybe not." The point guard is scheduled to visit orthopedic surgeon James Andrews Thursday for his latest checkup. Recently, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy made it clear team officials will not rush Livingston back this season if there are any doubts about his condition.
Elton Brand: Reaching End of Rehab
Update: Brand (Achilles) is in the final stage of rehabilitation and still plans on returning to action before the end of the season, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: "He's making progress," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "It's not totally fluid, but you can definitely see he's in the right direction." Brand is set to resume full practices in mid-March. The power forward ruptured his Achilles tendon in August, requiring surgery. The nine-year power forward averaged 20.5 points and 9.3 rebounds last season.
Dorell Wright: Hyper-Extended Left Knee
Update: Wright left in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Kings with a hyper-extended left knee. He did not return and said after the game that he would be examined on Monday in Miami.
Analysis: Wright was already seeing less playing time with Shawn Marion taking his spot in the starting rotation, now he'll be nursing a knee injury as well.
Mike Bibby: Nine Assists in Loss
Update: Biibby had 14 points (5-of-14 FG, 2-of-7 3-PT, 2-of-2 FT), nine assists and four rebounds in the Hawks' loss to the Celtics on Sunday.
Analysis: While Bibby continues to struggle from the field (36.5 percent in his last five games) he is averaging almost 14 points and nine assists. Bibby should be a good source of assists with the Hawks, but it may cost you in the shooting categories.
Al Horford: Becoming Double-Double Machine
Update: Horford had his fourth straight double-double scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in the Hawks' loss to the Celtics on Sunday.
Analysis: Horford has hit perhaps his best stretch of the season. In his last five games he has averaged 13.2 points and 11.6 rebounds on 53.1 percent shooting.
Josh Smith: Back-to-Back 20+ Point Nights
Update: Smith had 22 points (8-of-22 FG, 1-of-1 3-PT, 5-of-8 FT), nine rebounds and three blocks in the Hawks' loss to the Celtics on Sunday.
Analysis: This was Smith's first back-to-back 20+ scoring nights in a month. Fantasy owners can only hope that this is a sign of a more consistent Smith as the season winds down.
Udonis Haslem: (Ankle) Plays Sunday Night
Update: Haslem, who was expected to miss Sunday's game because of a sprained left ankle, started and played 27 minutes in Miami's loss to Sacramento.
Analysis: Haslem sat out Friday night's game because of the injury. He had six points and five rebounds in Sunday's loss. He has a few days off before Miami's next game Wednesday night against Toronto.
Bostjan Nachbar: No X-Rays Necessary
Update: Nachbar, who left Sunday's game against San Antonio with a strained left hip flexor, will not need x-rays, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Nachbar is listed as questionable for the first game of New Jersey's road trip beginning Tuesday in San Antonio.
Jianlian Yi: Leaves Sunday's Game
Update: Yi left Sunday's loss to Indiana with a sprained left ankle and did not return, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak was unable to establish a return for Yi. The Bucks are off until Wednesday when they play Seattle.
Luis Scola: Pulls Down 14 Boards
Update: Scola had 18 points and 14 rebounds in 34 minutes Sunday.
Analysis: With Yao Ming out, Scola will be the Rockets' primary front court scorer, and as such, he'll see more consistent minutes than he did earlier in the year.
Shane Battier: Big Game for Battier
Update: Battier had 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks, five three-pointers and a steal Sunday against the Nuggets.
Analysis: He also guarded Carmelo Anthony and held him to 19 points on 7-of-17 shooting. Battier's going to see a lot of minutes and continue to contribute on both ends of the floor.
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