FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Chris Wilcox: Will Not Start Friday
Update: Wilcox (finger) will not start Friday night against the Lakers, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Wilcox did not participate in the morning shootaround and probably will not play at all. Nick Collison is expected to start in his place.
Nenad Krstic: Will Play Friday
Update: Krstic (upper respiratory infection) will play Friday night against Denver, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Krstic has missed the previous three games because of the illness.
Ron Artest: Expected to be Available
Update: Artest (elbow) is expected to be available Friday night against San Antonio, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Artest was questionable with the injury last Tuesday when he played 42 minutes in a win over Golden State. Start him without concern.
Brad Miller: Expected to be Available
Update: Miller (elbow) is expected to be available Friday night against the Spurs, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Miller has been getting treatment for bursitis in the elbow and was listed as questionable as recently as Friday morning.
Beno Udrih: Expected to Miss Friday's Game
Update: Urdih (back) is expected to miss Friday's game against San Antonio, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Anthony Johnson will start at point guard for teh Kings.
Andrew Bogut: Probable Saturday
Update: Bogut (thigh) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Bogut has missed the last two games because of the injury.
Ira Newble: 10-Day Contract With Lakers
Update: The Lakers have signed Newble to a 10-day contract.
Analysis: He'll be a depth guy with Lakers, so there's no need to rush out and claim him.
Raja Bell: Probably Out On Saturday
Update: Bell (ankle) is unlikely to play Saturday, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: "I'd be very surprised if he plays, but I don't think I can say he's out," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. If Bell can't go Gordan Giricek, who should be ready to return from a thigh bruise, would be the big beneficiary.
Nick Collison: Questionable with Thigh Bruise
Update: Collison was unable to practice Thursday because of a left thigh bruise, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Injuries have thinned the Seattle frontcourt. Collison might have to play Friday whether he feels up to it or not.
Chris Wilcox: Season Could End Early
Update: Wilcox is considering sitting out the rest of the season after re-injuring his right pinkie finger, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Wilcox missed four games in January when he initially suffered the injury. He's had a typical Wilcox year -- 13.4 points and seven rebounds per game. He seems capable of much more, but he's routinely outplayed by the top forwards in the league.
Brad Miller: Receives Treatment Thursday
Update: Miller, who is questionable for Friday at San Antonio, received treatment on his swollen right elbow Thursday, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The veteran center, suffering from bursitis, will test his injury at Friday's shootaround to determine whether he will be fit enough to play against the Spurs.
Beno Udrih: Back Off for Now
Update: Udrih (back) did not practice on Thursday and is listed as questionable Friday at San Antonio, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Udrih, who did some light mobility work Thursday, missed Tuesday's home win over the Warriors. Reserve him until further notice.
Spencer Hawes: Practices Thursday
Update: Hawes left foot sprain is improving and there is a good chance he may play Friday against the Spurs, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "It felt good today (Thursday), it didn't hurt or anything like that," the rookie said. Hawes appeared very agile Thursday as he participated in the Kings' practice session. Starting center Brad Miller is ailing with bursitis in his right elbow, so if Hawes is healthy, he may see significant action in San Antonio.
Ron Artest: Suffering Elbow Stiffness
Update: Artest (elbow) is questionable Friday at San Antonio, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Artest is suffering stiffness in his right elbow. If he is unable to play, John Salmons (ankle) and Francisco Garcia are likely to take his place in the starting lineup. In March, Artest has been a fantasy beast, averaging 23.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 steals while shooting 50.0% from the field and 41.4% beyond the arc.
Zach Randolph: Getting Benched
Update: Coach Isiah Thomas is benching Randolph for the next two games to take a look at Randolph Morris, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: And the circus continues. The Knicks have officially moved into tank mode.
Gilbert Arenas: Will Not Play Friday
Update: Arenas (knee) practiced on Thursday but will not play in Friday's game against Miami, according to the Washington Post.
Analysis: Arenas could be back as early as Tuesday's game against Portland.
Pau Gasol: No Set Timetable For Return
Update: Gasol (ankle) has no set timetable for his return, Lakers coach Phil Jackson told the Los Angeles Times. "I don't anticipate in the next four games that he will play, but if he does, so much the better."
Analysis: We expect Gasol to return after next Wednesday's game against Charlotte, depending on the progress of his injured ankle. Gasol has missed three games so far.
Vladimir Radmanovic: Scores 13 Against Jazz
Update: Radmanovic had 13 points and three rebounds in the Lakers' 106-95 win over the Jazz on Thursday.
Analysis: Radmanovic has now scored in double digits in three of his last four games, and his streaky shot seems to be finding its mark recently, as he's shot 59% from the field in those contests. He could be a decent late-season addition in the deepest of leagues.
Kobe Bryant: Scores 27 Against Jazz
Update: Bryant had 27 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in the Lakers' 106-95 win over the Jazz on Thursday.
Analysis: Bryant is averaging 31.4 points per game in March, his best month of the season by far.
Sam Cassell: Shoots 1-9 Against Mavs
Update: Cassell had four points on 1-9 shooting in 26 minutes of play during the Celtics' 94-90 win over the Mavs on Thursday.
Analysis: Cassell may see more minutes soon as starter Rajon Rondo was slowed by a sore back. However, his erratic shot makes him a fantasy risk.
Kevin Garnett: 20 Points, 13 Rebounds Against Mavs
Update: Garnett had 20 points and 13 rebounds in the Celtics' 94-90 win over the Mavericks on Thursday.
Analysis: Garnett has now topped 20 points in his last three games, not coincidentally all wins over top teams.
Joakim Noah: Drop In Minutes And Production Last Five Games
Update: After three strong games earlier in the month, Noah has struggled his past five games.
Analysis: Noah has seen a drop in minutes, with his playing time limited to less than 25 minutes in four of the five contests while he played 33 minutes in the other. The fine play of Drew Gooden and Luol Deng has left little available time on the front line with the reserves minutes coming at the expense of Noah's playing time. It may be time to look elsewhere for center production.
Tony Allen: Not Expected to Play Saturday
Update: Allen (back) is doubtful for Saturday's game against New Orleans, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Allen is suffering from bruising and muscle tightness in his back, and the team may be overly cautious with him given their stranglehold on the East's top spot.
Rajon Rondo: Slowed by Back Injury
Update: Rondo battled a back injury to play 22 minutes in Thursday's 94-90 win over the Mavs, according to the Boston Herald. He finished the game scoreless with three assists.
Analysis: The injury wasn't considered serious, and Rondo noted that occurred "when I slept wrong last night." Still, with the top spot in the East all but wrapped up, don't be surprised if the team rests Rondo or reduces his minutes in the home stretch.
Kirk Hinrich: May Be Back Saturday
Update: Hinrich, who sat out Thursday's game against the Spurs with a sprained right ankle, said he's "definitely" confident his ankle will be healed sufficiently for him to play Saturday against the Pacers the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Ben Gordon got the start in place of Hinrich and struggled defensively against Tony Parker. With Ronald Murray starting at point guard for the Pacers, if Hinrich does miss the game, Gordon should have an easier time defensively. A decision n Hinrich's status probably won't be made until Saturday morning's shoot-around, but all signs point to him playing.
Shawn Marion: Questionable for Friday
Update: Marion (back) is questionable for Friday's game against the Wizards, the Miami Herald reports. He missed Wednesday's game against the Raptors with a sore back after playing Tuesday in the Heat's win over Milwaukee.
Analysis: Earl Barron will likely get the start if Marion is unable to play. The Heat were down to seven players on Wednesday which led the NBA to grant a roster exemption allowing coach Riley to add a 16th player to the roster.
Paul Pierce: Double-Double Against Mavericks
Update: Pierce had 22 points and a season-high 13 rebounds in the Celtics' 94-90 win over the Mavs on Thursday.
Analysis: Pierce's scoring was not in any way affected by the return of Ray Allen, and we expect him to keep around the 20-point mark for the rest of the season.
Ben Gordon: Abused By Tony Parker Defensively, Struggled Offensively Thursday
Update: With Kirk Hinrich out, Gordon started for the first time since February 28 and was forced to guard Tony Parker. The energy he expended while getting abused repeatedly on the defensive end might have contributed to his poor offensive performance Thursday.
Analysis: Gordon went just 5-for-16 from the floor, scoring just 12 points in 39:25 of playing time, but did add eight rebounds. If Gordon is used to defend quick point guards, his offense could suffer again.
Jason Williams: Questionable for Friday
Update: Williams (thumb) is questionable for Friday's home game against the Wizards. He jammed his thumb in the Heat's win against the Bucks on Tuesday and sat out the next game against the Raptors because he couldn't dribble, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Chris Quinn will likely get the start if Williams is unable to go.
Udonis Haslem: Surgery to End Season
Update: Haslem (ankle) will be sidelined for the remainder of the season as an MRI revealed a bone spur on his left ankle, which will require season-ending arthroscopic surgery, according to the Miami Herald.
Analysis: The surgery could come as early as Thursday, ending his most productive season at 12 points and nine rebounds a game. He had previously only missed 13 over four seasons with the Heat.
Carlos Boozer: (Back) Plays Thursday Night
Update: Boozer (back) started and played 39 minutes Thursday night in the Jazz's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: Boozer left Utah's previous game after straining his back. He should be fine going forward.
Mehmet Okur: (Flu) Plays Thursday Night
Update: Okur (stomach flu) scored 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 28 minutes Thursday night in Utah's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: Okur left the Jazz's previous game because of the illness, which has stayed with him for a few days now. "It's hard to explain. I'm here, but I'm not." Okur told the Salt Lake Tribune prior to Thursday's loss, adding, "It's great to be here, but I'm not 100 percent right now."
Vince Carter: On a Roll
Update: Carter has been more aggressive lately, averaging 28.7 points and 21 shots per game over the last three games.
Analysis: With the Nets competing for the final playoff spot in the East, their chances would be helped greatly if Carter can get on a roll. "At this point in time," Carter told the Bergen Record, "you see everyone step up another level or we go home at the end of the year." Carter scored 39 points with 10 rebounds and eight assists Wednesday night in a win over Atlanta.
Tony Parker: Continues Solid March
Update: Parker had 23 points (8-of-18 FG, 0-of-3 3-PT, 7-of-10 FT) and six assists in the Spurs' win over the Bulls on Thursday.
Analysis: While most of the Spurs have struggled in March, Parker has played extremely well, and the Spurs will need this production come playoff time.
Tim Duncan: Best Game This Month
Update: Duncan had 22 points (9-of-14 FG, 4-of-4 FT), 10 rebounds and three blocks in the Spurs' win over the Bulls on Thursday.
Analysis: Considering Duncan played only 26 minutes because of the rout, this was probably his most productive game this month. Duncan will get little rest, however, as the Spurs tip it up against the Kings on Friday.
Loren Woods: Set to Sign a 10-Day Contract with the Rockets
Update: Woods on Thursday received the clearance from FIBA needed to sign a 10-day contract with the Rockets Friday.
Analysis: Woods should spell Dikembe Mutombo and provide some shot-blocking in the middle. He's not likely to see more than a handful of minutes per game, however.
Carl Landry: Could Return Friday
Update: Landry, who has missed seven games with a sore right knee, is expected to test it at Friday's shoot-around in hopes of playing against the Warriors, the Houston Chronicle reports. "We'll go hard at shoot-around," Rockets athletic trainer Keith Jones said. "We'll see how he does. If he feels the way he does now, which is pretty good, we'll give it a go."
Analysis: Landry's offense is needed in the front court, and he could see 20-25 minutes per game before long.
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