FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Al Jefferson: Lands Awkwardly on Leg
Update: Jefferson said he landed awkwardly on his leg Wednesday night and did not play in the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves' loss because of it, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
Analysis: "It kind of shook me a little, but it's nothing," he said. We expect Jefferson to be in the lineup Friday night against Sacramento.
Michael Redd: Day-to-Day
Update: Redd was listed as day-to-day Thursday with a nose laceration heading into Friday night's game against Portland.
Analysis: Redd suffered the injury late in the third quarter of Wednesday night's victory over Seattle when he was accidentally head-butted by the Sonics' Kevin Durant. He left the game and received six stitches to close the cut.
Keyon Dooling: May Play Saturday
Update: Dooling (foot) may return to the court on Saturday against the Warriors, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Analysis: Carlos Arroyo has taken the backup minutes during Dooling's three-game absence. With the three-headed monster at point guard for Orlando, it's difficult to gauge which one -- Dooling, Arroyo, or starter Jameer Nelson -- will see substantial time on any given night. Dooling is averaging the least amount of minutes between the three, so he's probably the weakest bet.
Elton Brand: Return in Two-to-Four Weeks?
Update: Brand said Wednesday that he thought that he'd return to the Clips' lineup in two weeks, but coach Mike Dunleavy said it would be closer to a month, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
Analysis: If Brand can return by his mid-March prediction, it will certainly be a boost to those who took a chance on the forward in the later rounds of their draft.
Deron Williams: Records Another Double-Double
Update: Despite missing practice Tuesday to tend to a family matter, Williams scored 21 points (9-of-15 shooting) with 11 assists in only 30 minutes of action to guide the Jazz to a 105-76 win over Minnesota Wednesday night.
Analysis: Williams is simply on fire right now as he's averaged 17.4 points and 14.8 assists over his last five games.
Ronnie Brewer: Playing Well
Update: Brewer had 16 points (7-of-11 FG) and eight rebounds in 29 minutes during Wednesday's drubbing of Minnesota.
Analysis: The eight boards were Brewer's season-high. Through three games in February, Brewer is averaging 15.7 points on an impressive 69 percent shooting.
Caron Butler: Hopes to Return to Practice Next Week
Update: Butler (hip) said Thursday that he hopes to return to practice with the team by next week.
Analysis: "I am trying to get back out there," said Butler, who has a small tear in his left hip joint. "I am going to wait until next week to start participating in practices, and I am going to play it by ear. My body is going to determine whether I am able to play or not." Butler, who is averaging 21 points and seven boards this season, has missed 13 straight games due to the injury.
Andrei Kirilenko: Will Miss at Least One More Game
Update: Kirilenko will miss at least one more game due to his strained right hip, the Jazz announced Thursday.
Analysis: Kirilenko will receive treatment before being re-evaluated Saturday morning. The team currently has him listed as doubtful for Saturday night's game against the Nuggets.
Rasheed Wallace: Treatment on Ankle
Update: Wallace landed awkwardly on his ankle in the second quarter Wednesday and will have treatment on it on Thursday, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Wallace was able to stay in the game and score 23 points, so the injury is not considered serious.
Josh Powell: Serious Minutes
Update: Powell started at power forward and played 51 minutes during the Clippers' double-overtime victory over Sacramento Wednesday night.
Analysis: Tim Thomas, the usual starter at four, is nursing a groin tear, opening the door for Powell to start. He shot 4-of-10 and pulled down 11 rebounds. The third-year forward-center is averaging 8.9 points and 6.8 rebounds in the 10 games he has started this season.
Tim Thomas: Misses Third Straight
Update: Thomas (groin) did not play during Wednesday's game against Sacramento.
Analysis: The 6-foot-10 power forward has missed three consecutive games. Groin injuries can linger, so it's best to keep Thomas reserved until further notice.
Mike Bibby: 21 Points in Loss
Update: Bibby had 21 points (8-of-14 FG, 1-of-6 3-PT, 4-of-5 FT), three rebounds, four assists and a steal in the Hawks' loss to the Hornets on Wednesday.
Analysis: Bibby also had five turnovers. Bibby has not given the Hawks any improvement in terms of record, as they are just 3-7 since he joined the team.
Joe Johnson: Hot Shooting Continues
Update: Johnson scored 24 points (11-of-20 FG, 2-of-4 3-PT, 0-of-1 FT), four assists and two steals in the Hawks' loss to the Hornets on Wednesday.
Analysis: Johnson has shot nearly five percentage points better from the floor since the All-Star break and has averaged 20.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game in those nine games.
Quincy Douby: Theus Wants Him to Play More
Update: Douby is expected to see an increase in minutes as the season winds down, the Sacramento Bee reports. With Kevin Martin (thumb) and Ron Artest (foot) missing from the rotation, Douby played 24 minutes and scored 14 points in the Kings' double-overtime loss to the Clippers Wednesday night.
Analysis: "My goal here is to try and win every game, but with the mind-set that we have to try to continue to develop our young guys," Kings coach Reggie Theus said. "With that in mind, I sit there sometimes and look down the bench and see (Douby) sitting there, and I'm trying to find out where I can get him a few minutes here and there." Don't expect a large rise in minutes, but keep an eye on his box scores. Douby is likely to see time at both guard positions in order to give him more opportunities to develop his skills.
Dan Dickau: Puts 20 on the Box Score
Update: Dickau scored a season-high 20 points with four rebounds and four assists in the Clippers' double-overtime win over Sacramento Wednesday night. He also registered a season-high with 35 minutes.
Analysis: It was just the second time this season that the sixth-year point guard played more than 30 minutes in a game. Although Brevin Knight started at point guard, Dickau saw more action. His 3-pointer with a little more than a minute remaining kept Los Angeles close in the waning moments of the fourth quarter. He finished 8-of-13, including 4-of-8 from behind the arc.
Josh Howard: Slump May Be Linked to Personal Struggles
Update: In addition to an injured back, Howard has been struggling with personal issues including the death of two family members and the trade of Devin Harris, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: While many speculated the stiff back had been the cause of Howard's recently slump it appears there was more to it than just the injury. However, it seems Howard may have turned a corner with his recent play against the Jazz. "I think it's over now. He was in a bad stretch there. He snapped out of it against Utah," said Coach Avery Johnson.
T.J. Ford: Not Content Coming Off Bench?
Update: Ford has had a couple of hour long pre-game meetings with coach Sam Mitchell and director of basketball operations Mark Eversley Wednesday, and may not be as happy backing up Jose Calderon as he's said in public, the Toronto Star reports.
Analysis: Ford said afterwards that the meetings were prompted by "personal issues", but his body language on the court the last couple of games has indicated he's not content with his current role. With Ford under contract and Calderon approaching free agency the Raptors' priority has to be keeping Calderon happy in the short term, but the situation will bear watching next season if Calderon keeps the starting PG job.
Al Thornton: Registers a Game-High 27 Points
Update: Thornton scored a game-high 27 points with five rebounds and four blocks in the Clippers' 116-109 double-overtime victory over Sacramento Wednesday night.
Analysis: The rookie showcased his athleticism and defensive ability against the Kings. At times, he seemed impossible to guard, and he used his length and leaping ability to contest several shots. Thornton was 10-of-21, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range. He made 5-of-10 at the line.
Nick Young: Scores 15 in Blowout Loss
Update: Young had 15 points and four rebounds in the Wizards' 122-92 loss to the Magic on Wednesday.
Analysis: Young doesn't receive enough consistent playing time to be a regular fantasy play, as evidenced by his 10-minute, two-point performance just two games ago.
DeShawn Stevenson: Scores 17 Against Magic
Update: Stevenson (knee) had 17 points, five rebounds and four assists in the Wizards' 122-92 loss to the Magic on Wednesday.
Analysis: Wednesday was Stevenson's best game in a while, as he shot 7-12 from the field after shooting no better than 35% over his previous three games. Stevenson had sat out Tuesday's practice to rest his knee, and the rest apparently did him some good.
Chris Bosh: Knee Still Sore
Update: Bosh's knee has not improved, and he'll remain sidelined for the foreseeable future, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: "It takes time, but I'm used to these things taking time," he said. "I just have to be patient and make sure I do the right things so when the time comes I'll be ready." Keep Bosh on your bench for now.
Beno Udrih: Blazing Hot
Update: Udrih scored 25 points to go with four rebounds and four assists in the Kings' 116-109 double-overtime loss to the Clippers Wednesday night.
Analysis: Udrih has been blazing a positive fantasy trail the past five games. He is averaging 22.6 points and 5.8 assists while shooting a blistering 56.5% in that span.
Andray Blatche: Horrible Shooting Night Against Magic
Update: Blatche had two points on 1-10 shooting in the Wizards' 122-92 loss to the Magic on Wednesday.
Analysis: Blatche, who has lost his starting spot to Darius Songaila, played 24 minutes in the loss and is splitting time down the middle with Songaila.
Antawn Jamison: Scores 19 Against Magic
Update: Jamison had 19 points and six rebounds in the Wizards' 122-92 loss to the Magic on Wednesday.
Analysis: Jamison shot only 6-18 from the field, and has had much shooting trouble since Caron Butler has been out. Defenses have been keying on Jamison, as he's the Wizards' only healthy scoring option at this point.
Rajon Rondo: Scores 16 Against Pistons
Update: Rondo had 16 points and five assists in the Celtics' 90-78 win over the Pistons on Wednesday.
Analysis: Wednesday was the first time in five games that Rondo scored in double figures, and hasn't topped 20 points in seven games.
Ray Allen: Struggles With Shot Against Pistons
Update: Allen had three points on 1-9 shooting in the Celtics' 90-78 win over the Pistons on Wednesday. He also had eight rebounds and five assists in the win.
Analysis: Wednesday's game aside, Allen has been pretty consistent since the All-Star break, averaging 19.9 points and shooting 54% from the field. Continue to keep him in your lineups.
Marcus Camby: Posts Respectable Numbers Across the Board vs Suns
Update: Camby posted nine points, eight rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal during Denver's 126-113 win over Phoenix on Wednesday night.
Analysis: It wasn't his best game but Camby still provided his owners with plenty of numbers across the board on Wednesday.
Kendrick Perkins: Grabs 20 Rebounds Against Pistons
Update: Perkins had 10 points and 20 rebounds in the Celtics' 90-78 win over the Pistons on Wednesday.
Analysis: While Perkins' play is often inconsistent, he is averaging a double-double over his last five games, and could be worth a risk for rebound-hungry fantasy squads in deeper leagues.
J.R. Smith: Hits Six 3-Pointers on Wednesday
Update: Smith came off the bench to score 20 points on 7-of-12 FGs (6-of-8 3pt) during Denver's win over Phoenix on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Smith remains a viable fantasy option in leagues that put high value on 3-pointers. Over his last 11 games Smith has gone 46-of-94 (48.9%) from beyond the arc while averaging 17.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists.
Kevin Garnett: Comes Up Huge Against Pistons
Update: Garnett had 31 points, six rebounds and three assists in the Celtics' 90-78 win over the Pistons on Wednesday.
Analysis: Garnett is finally showing no ill effects of the abdominal strain that kept him out for most of February, and seems to play his best against top competition.
Allen Iverson: Has Huge Night Against Suns
Update: Iverson posted 31 points, 12 assists, five rebounds, one steal and zero turnovers in Denver's 126-113 win over Phoenix on Wednesday night.
Analysis: After a sub-par performance on Sunday in Houston, Iverson bounced back nicely and outplayed his counterpart, Steve Nash, in a huge win for the Nuggets. Iverson finished 12-of-25 from the field and 7-of-9 from the line in the victory.
Carmelo Anthony: Posts Double-Double vs Suns
Update: Anthony contributed 30 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks and one assist to Denver's 126-113 win over Phoenix on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Anthony finished 12-of-20 from the field and 6-of-8 from the line in a game the club desperately needed to win. It was the third time in five games that Anthony had cleared double figures in rebounds and the second time in three games he's hit 30 points.
Gordan Giricek: Suns Debut
Update: Giricek made his debut for Phoenix on Wednesday, scoring 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting with two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 20 minutes off the bench in the Suns' loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: In theory, Giricek is an outside bomber that can stretch defenses and give Shaquille O'Neal more room to operate. In reality, he gives little thought to defense and shoots more than he looks to pass. His 20 minutes on Wednesday was the most playing time since November, when he was still considered useful to Utah. Monitor his first few games with the Suns before adding him to your roster.
John Salmons: Starts in Place of Kevin Martin
Update: Salmons scored 13 points on 4-of-14 shooting with six rebounds, three assists and two steals in 52 minutes Wednesday night in the Kings' loss to the Clippers.
Analysis: Salmons started at shooting guard in place of injured Kevin Martin, who was sidelined with a bruised right thumb. Salmons, who was once a must-start earlier this season, has been a bit player in the Kings' rotation for the last three weeks. There's no word on Martin's return date, but the injury doesn't sound too serious.
Damon Jones: Five 3-Pointers in the Garden
Update: Jones scored 15 points in New York, all by which came from behind the arc.
Analysis: The bright lights in New York didn't seem to distract Jones, who went 5-of-8 from behind the arc for 15 points. Jones is shooting 53 percent from 3-point range since the Cavaliers big trade at the deadline.
LeBron James: Goes for 50 in the Garden
Update: James did what Michael Jordan routinely achieved at Madison Square Garden, playing his best in the Mecca of basketball. On Wednesday night James lit up the Knicks for 50 points to pace the Cavaliers to a victory.
Analysis: This was arguably James' best performance of the season. To go along with his 50 points, James connected on seven huge 3-pointers, while going 16-of-30 from the field. James didn't stop there dishing out 10 assists, pulling down eight rebounds, and collecting four steals. James has a great shot, ending the season with a 30-point/8-rebound/8-assist average.
Bostjan Nachbar: Shoots Around
Update: Nachbar (hip) shot around prior to Wednesday night's game, but is not expected to play until at least Saturday in Dallas, the Bergen Record reports.
Analysis: That means he'll be missing Friday night's game in New Orleans.
Gerald Wallace: Will Wear A Mouthpiece
Update: When Wallace (concussion) returns to action, he'll have to wear a mouthpiece to guard against future concussions, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Wallace might be cleared to play in time for next week's trip to Texas where the Bobcats face Dallas and Houston. He hasn't practiced yet, but the club is working him out to test whether exertion will trigger more post-concussion symptoms. "The main thing is to get my conditioning up," Wallace said. "Push me as hard as they can to see if I get headaches."
Linas Kleiza: Plays Through Foot Injury
Update: Kleiza (sprained left foot) played 20 minutes off the bench Wednesday night in Denver's victory over Phoenix.
Analysis: Kleiza was limited in his time, scoring six points on 2-of-3 shooting with two rebounds, a steal and a blocked shot. He was questionable entering the game, but given Denver is chasing down the eighth playoff spot, Kleiza will try to play. Denver's next game is Friday against San Antonio.
Kirk Snyder: Second Consecutive Start
Update: Snyder started at small forward for the second consecutive night on Wednesday, scoring 16 points (4-of-8 FG, 8-of-10 FT) with four rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes in Minnesota's loss to Utah.
Analysis: Snyder has been filling in for the injured Corey Brewer (thigh) for the past two games. Brewer is on the Timberwolves' three-game road trip, so we anticipate him back at some point soon.
Rashad McCants: Returns to Action Wednesday
Update: McCants returned to action Wednesday night against Utah after missing one game because of an illness.
Analysis: McCants scored 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including two 3-pointers in 27 minutes off the bench in the Timberwolves' loss to the Jazz. He's been a pretty consistent double-digit scorer for Minnesota even while coming off the bench.
Corey Brewer: Sits Out Wednesday Night
Update: Brewer was inactive for Wednesday night's loss to Utah because of a bruised thigh.
Analysis: Brewer also missed Tuesday night's game against the Bobcats. He's with the team on its three-game road trip which next stops in Sacramento on Friday.
CJ Miles: Fills In For Kirilenko
Update: Miles, starting in place of the injured Andrei Kirilenko (hip), scored nine points with three rebounds, a steal and a blocked shot in 25 minutes Wednesday night in Utah's victory over Minnesota.
Analysis: Kirilenko is expected to miss at least one more game, so Miles may get another start. Beyond these fill-in starts, Miles holds little value.
Kevin Martin: Sits Out Wednesday Night
Update: Martin sat out Wednesday night's loss to the Clippers with a bruised right thumb, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: John Salmons started at shooting guard in place of Martin, who hurt the thumb in Tuesday's loss to the Lakers. The Kings are in action next on Friday against Minnesota.
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