FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Dirk Nowitzki: Could Miss Two Weeks
Update: The Mavericks' postgame press release does not shed much light on Nowitzki's injury, simply calling it a "lower left leg" injury and stating that it will be re-evaluated Monday, the Dallas Morning News reports. ESPNews is reporting that Nowitzki will miss two weeks.
Analysis: Two weeks actually might be good news for the Mavericks considering how serious the injury looked, but it will still deal a significant blow to fantasy owners relying on Nowitzki down the stretch. Expect him to miss two weeks for now, but be aware that Monday's re-evaluation could change that timetable. Brandon Bass will likely see the biggest increase in playing time while Nowitzki is out.
Robert Horry: Sits Out Sunday
Update: Horry (knee contusion) missed Sunday's game against the Mavericks, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Horry originally hurt the knee Friday night and underwent an MRI, which showed no damage. He tested his knee in pregame warmups, but didn't feel quite right and elected to sit out. The Spurs have Monday off before playing at Orlando on Tuesday.
Dirk Nowitzki: Injures Leg Sunday
Update: Nowitzki was helped to the locker room, while putting no weight on his left leg, after a fall in the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Spurs, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: The Mavs did not immediately have a status report on Nowitzki, who was clearly in pain, calling his problem only a "leg and ankle injury." More on his status as we know it.
Darko Milicic: Double-Double Saturday
Update: Milicic scored 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field and 7-of-8 from the line to go along with 10 rebounds in 30 minutes Saturday night in Memphis' victory over Sacramento.
Analysis: Milicic injured his wrist earlier this week and, after a sub-standard game against the Knicks on Friday, looked very good against the Kings. Besides the injury, March has been Milicic's best month of the season.
Rudy Gay: Third Straight 20-Plus Scoring Game
Update: Gay scored 24 points on 10-of-20 shooting Saturday night in Memphis' victory over Sacramento.
Analysis: Gay has 25, 24 and 24 points in the previous three games and appears to be over a hamstring injury that limited him over a week ago.
Charlie Bell: Sprained Right Knee
Update: Bell, who left Saturday night's game with a sprained right knee, will undergo an MRI Sunday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. His status is day-to-day leading up to Monday's game at Miami.
Analysis: Bell, who is the lone Buck to play in every game this season, had a rough start to the season (6.6 ppg, 36% FG), following a somewhat bitter offseason when the restricted free agent reluctantly returned to Milwaukee, who matched a contract offer from Miami. Since the All-Star break, Bell is averaging 11.0 points on 43.4 percent shooting from the field and 44.1 percent from 3-point range.
Fred Jones: Starts in Place of Nate Robinson
Update: Jones started in place of the injured point guard Nate Robinson (knee) Saturday night in New York's loss to Minnesota.
Analysis: Jones scored 13 points on 3-of-10 shooting (3-of-6 3pt) with two rebounds, two assists and on steal in 31 minutes. Though Jones started in place of Robinson, it was Jamal Crawford who took over the majority of the ball distribution duties.
Kirk Snyder: Scores 15 Points
Update: Snyder scored 15 points with eight rebounds in 23 minutes in Saturday's win over the Knicks.
Analysis: Synder is averaging 13 points and 6.25 rebounds per game over his last four games. He's remained in the starting lineup at small forward and could help those in deeper leagues the final weeks.
Raymond Felton: Running the Show
Update: Felton had eight points and 10 assists Saturday night in Charlotte's victory over Miami.
Analysis: Generally, the Bobcats are a competitive team when Felton is on his game. He's being allowed to play the point full time, so we're looking for him to establish some consistency in that role now that he's not being shuffled between the point and shooting guard.
Nazr Mohammed: Double-Double Saturday
Update: Mohammed posted 16 points (8-of-9 FG), 14 rebounds and two blocked shots in 26 minutes Saturday night in Charlotte's victory over Miami.
Analysis: Mohammed is back in the starting lineup these days because the Bobcats want to avoid using Gerald Wallace at power forward. Mohammed has had some productive games during March, but there hasn't been enough consistency to warrant a nightly start in fantasy leagues.
Joel Anthony: Back to Bench Saturday
Update: After starting on Friday, Anthony was back on the bench Saturday night in Miami's loss to Charlotte.
Analysis: Because of injuries, several no-name players are getting occasional starts and are part of the Miami's playing rotation. Anthony had four points and two rebounds in 23 foul-plagued minutes against the Bobcats, and is averaging 26.8 minutes in the previous six games.
Earl Barron: Starts Saturday
Update: Barron started at power forward Saturday night in Miami's loss to Charlotte.
Analysis: With several players suffering from injuries, Barron has seen his playing time increase. Since returning from a sore that cost him five games, Barron is averaging 26.2 minutes per game in the last five. In that time, he's made two starts and is averaged 11.6 points and 6.4 rebounds.
Shawn Marion: (Back) Sits Out Saturday
Update: Marion (back) was unavailable for Saturday night's game against Charlotte.
Analysis: Earl Barron started at power forward in place of Marion, who has missed five of the last six games because of the back.
Alexander Johnson: (Knee) Sits Out Saturday
Update: Johnson (knee) was unavailable for Saturday night's game against Charlotte.
Analysis: Johnson's injury has created playing time for benchmates Joel Anthony and Earl Barron.
Andrew Bogut: (Thigh) Returns to Action
Update: Bogut (bruised thigh) returned to action Saturday night after missing two games.
Analysis: Bogut scored 16 points to go along with 15 rebounds and three blocked shots in 41 minutes in the Bucks' win over the Cavaliers.
Charlie Villanueva: (Ankle) Plays 22 Minutes
Update: Villanueva (ankle) played 22 minutes Saturday night in Milwaukee's victory over Cleveland.
Analysis: Villanueva turned his ankle in practice earlier this week, but has played in both games since. With Yi Jianlian (wrist) back in action, Villanueva's run of 30-plus minutes may be over.
Jianlian Yi: (Wrist) Plays 29 Minutes
Update: Yi (wrist) played 29 minutes Saturday night in Milwaukee's victory over Cleveland.
Analysis: Yi returned to action last Tuesday (13 scoreless minutes in a loss to Miami) after missing six games. He had eight points on 4-of-11 shooting with three rebounds, two steals and one blocked shot in the win over Cleveland. It looks like he'll continue to come off the bench while Charlie Villanueva starts at power forward for the Bucks.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Awesome Night From Free Throw Line Saturday
Update: Stoudemire scored 38 points with 13 rebounds and four blocks in Saturday's win over the Rockets, and set a Suns record by going 20-of-20 from the free throw line.
Analysis: Stoudemire has now scored 25 or more points in six straight games, averaging 30.7 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over that stretch.
Gordan Giricek: Return to Action Saturday
Update: Giricek (thigh) played 22 minutes on Saturday, scoring 10 points.
Analysis: Giricek has regained some value with the Suns, averaging 12.4 points and shooting 7-for-15 from three point range in his last five games. If you need some threes down the stretch in a deeper league, Giricek could be a nice pickup.
Leandro Barbosa: Solid Game as Starter
Update: Barbosa, getting the start as shooting guard with Raja Bell sidelined, scored 21 points with four assists and three three-pointers in Saturday's win over the Rockets.
Analysis: Barbosa has thrived this season when he's gotten a chance to start, averaging 25.0 points in eight games versus 15.1 points in 61 games as a sub. Bell could return to action Monday however, sending Barbosa back to the bench.
Shaquille O'Neal: Big Game Saturday
Update: O'Neal scored 23 points on 8-for-10 shooting with 13 rebounds in Saturday's win over the Rockets.
Analysis: He even went 7-for-9 from the free throw line. It's his first 20-point, 10-rebound game in a Suns uniform. Phoenix has finally figured out how to play with Shaq, winning seven straight games. O'Neal is averaging 12.9 points and 10.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks during the streak.
Raja Bell: Swelling in Ankle Almost Gone
Update: The swelling in Bell's ankle is greatly reduced, and he'll be a gametime decision on Monday, the East Valley Tribune reports.
Analysis: The Suns will take a look at him in the morning shootaround before making the call, but we'd be surprised if he didn't see some action on Monday.
Joel Przybilla: Pulls Down 25 Boards
Update: Przybilla exploded for 14 points and a career-high 25 rebounds during the Trail Blazers' win over the Clippers Saturday.
Analysis: Przybilla went 7-of-10 from the field and also blocked a shot. He abused a decimated Clippers' front line that is super thin thanks to injuries.
David Lee: Double-Double in Loss
Update: Lee had 14 points and 11 rebounds during the Knicks' loss Saturday.
Analysis: Lee shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the field and also added two assists in 32 minutes of action. He's averaging 12.7 points and 9.9 rebounds as a starter this season.
Francisco Garcia: Limping in Memphis
Update: Garcia (knee) shot 7-of-13 and scored 15 points to go with four rebounds and four assists in the Kings' loss at Memphis Saturday.
Analysis: The third-year swingman is battling a knee injury but playing despite his obvious pain. He's a gamer who lays it on the line every time he takes the floor. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him average more than 30 minutes per game next season given his ability to play three positions, including point guard.
Shawne Williams: Stretch Run Action
Update: After not playing at all on Friday, Williams was in the game during the critical moments of the fourth quarter in the Pacers' comeback win over the Bulls, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Williams had 10 points in 12 minutes, helping spark the comeback.
John Salmons: Starts for Artest
Update: Salmons started at small forward and scored 12 points in Sacramento's 117-111 loss to the Grizzlies Saturday night.
Analysis: Salmons opened at the three for Ron Artest, who is suffering from a stiff elbow and sore knee. In 27 minutes, he shot 5-of-14 and grabbed six rebounds. Salmons' fantasy value has been intermittent lately, so don't bank on him returning to his early season success unless Artest misses a few more games.
Quincy Douby: Records 11 in the Box
Update: Douby shot 4-of-5 and scored 11 points in 17 minutes during Sacramento's 117-111 loss at Memphis Saturday night.
Analysis: Entering Memphis, the second-year guard had played double-digit minutes in four of the previous 10 games. This season, he is averaging 11.2 minutes and 4.4 points while shooting just 38.6 percent. At the beginning of the season, the Sacramento coaching staff attempted to convert the off-guard into a point, but that experiment appears to have failed. Douby doesn't have the innate skills to make the switch.
Devin Harris: (Ankle) Plays 34 Minutes
Update: Harris (ankle) played 34 minutes and scored 14 points with six rebounds and five assists Saturday night in the Nets' loss to the Sixers.
Analysis: Harris tweaked an already gimpy ankle Friday night, but has not missed any time because of the injury.
Nenad Krstic: Lost Weight During Illness
Update: Krstic said he lost weight while missing three games because of an upper respiratory infection, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Krstic, who returned to action Friday night to play 15 minutes against Denver, played 27 minutes Saturday night in a loss to Philadelphia. "I lost about five or six pounds, I think," Krstic said. "Getting back and forth (against Denver) wasn't good, but it will get better. I missed about a week, didn't even practice with the team. So the timing wasn't good." Krstic scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds with two blocks, a steal and an assist in New Jersey's loss to Philadelphia.
Dan Dickau: Slight Saturday Production
Update: Dickau had seven points, four assists and three rebounds during the Clippers' 83-72 home loss to Portland Saturday.
Analysis: Dickau, who is starting at point guard in place of the injured Brevin Knight, out with a stress reaction, shot 3-of-8 in 23 minutes. With regards to consistency, Dickau simply isn't doing enough beyond racking up some assists to warrant attention on the free agent front. In his last 12 games, he is averaging 7.9 points and 3.6 assists while shooting 46.8 percent.
Travis Diener: Hurts Back, Continues to Play
Update: Diener hurt his back diving for a ball during the second quarter of Saturday's victory over Chicago, but returned to play, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Diener scored four points with five rebounds and an assist in 17 minutes. He's lost the starting point guard job to Flip Murray, but is still in the rotation.
Danny Granger: Wrist OK
Update: Granger (wrist) scored 18 points (7-for-20 FG, 1-of-6 3pt) with 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots Saturday night in Indiana's victory over Chicago.
Analysis: Granger's shot was off, but we don't think it's indicative of the wrist still being sore as he was 11-for-23 the night before. He's played 80 minutes in the two games since sitting out Wednesday against Charlotte.
Smush Parker: Receives 30 Minutes
Update: Parker played 30 minutes and scored seven points during the Clippers' 83-72 loss to Portland Saturday night.
Analysis: The Fordham product admits he's rusty, but his box scores might be of interest to fantasy owners entering the regular season's stretch run. Right now, the only point guard in his way is Dan Dickau, who hasn't exactly set the world on fire guiding the Clips. Since Parker signed with Los Angeles on March 12, he is averaging 22.0 minutes, 6.2 points, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals in six games.
Brevin Knight: Out Again Saturday Night
Update: Knight (leg) did not play Saturday night at home against the Trail Blazers.
Analysis: It was the third consecutive DNP for Knight. Smush Parker, who signed with the Clippers on March 12, has been soaking up Knight's minutes.
Chris Wilcox: Sits Out Saturday
Update: Wilcox (finger) was unavailable for Saturday night's game against Utah.
Analysis: This was the second straight contest he's missed because of a sprained pinkie finger on his right hand. Nick Collison started at power forward for the Sonics.
Deron Williams: Bruised Right Hand
Update: Williams suffered a bruised right hand Saturday night in Utah's victory over Seattle Saturday night, the Deseret News reports.
Analysis: Williams, who was 5-of-11 from the field for 15 points, said he could feel pain in the hand from an injury that occurred early in the game. "It was hurting the whole game," said Williams, who had the hand wrapped in ice following the Jazz's win. "I couldn't really follow through and put much pressure on it." X-rays indicate it's only a bruise. The injury didn't affect the other part of his game as Williams dished 14 assists.
Tim Thomas: Sent Home Sick Saturday
Update: Thomas (illness) did not play in Saturday's home loss to the Trail Blazers.
Analysis: Thomas scored six points in 12 minutes Friday at Portland but had to leave after the first quarter when he started feeling nauseous. He arrived at Staples Center with every intention of playing Saturday, however, head trainer Jasen Powell had another idea and sent him home. Expect the power forward to suit up when the Clippers play next on Tuesday versus Dallas.
Mehmet Okur: Feeling Better
Update: Okur scored 24 points (19 in the second half) to spark Utah's victory over Seattle Saturday night.
Analysis: Okur, who had been feeling the effects of a stomach flu earlier in the week, has been feeling better later in the week and it certainly showed against the Sonics. "I have finally been able to eat regular food and work out the last couple days. I missed some shots in the first half but I stayed hungry and made my first few shots after halftime," Okur told the Associated Press.
Louis Williams: Spark Off Bench
Update: Williams scored 15 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line with four rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes off the bench Saturday night in Philadelphia's victory over New Jersey.
Analysis: Like other times during the Sixers' season, Williams was able to provide a spark to the team as it was down by seven entering the fourth quarter. He's averaging 11.0 points per game this season, and while he's not a fantasy stud producing in several categories nightly, Williams can fill in when a regular starter is out for a stretch of games.
Josh Powell: Double-Double Saturday
Update: Powell had 13 points and 10 rebounds in the Clippers' 83-72 loss to the Trail Blazers Saturday night. He has filled in admirably for Chris Kaman at center.
Analysis: It would be a wise move for Kaman owners to grab Powell and use him to augment their center position. The third-year player's success is related to Kaman's absence due to a back injury, and according to team officials that situation may continue for another week. In his last five games, Powell is averaging 12.8 points and 8.8 rebounds. The injury-depleted Clippers are decimated by injuries, further enhancing his appeal.
Andre Miller: Back Is Better, Abdomen Now Hurts
Update: Miller said his back is feeling much better these days, but now his abdomen is hurting, the Philadelphia Daily News reports.
Analysis: "The back is better, but it's more the abdomen that is aggravating me," Miller said. "It's more sore than the back." Miller, who expects the injury to stay with him until the season ends, says the best cure is rest.
Samuel Dalembert: Strained Right Shoulder
Update: Dalembert had his right shoulder wrapped after Saturday night's victory over New Jersey, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Dalembert, who played 43 minutes in the win, said he hurt the shoulder during the second quarter. He'll have a day to rest before the Sixers and Celtics hook up Monday.
Elton Brand: Ready for Action?
Update: Brand (Achilles) remains questionable to return this season, but he already has one stamp of approval, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: "He looks real good," Clippers center Chris Kaman said. "I think he can play now, but that's just my opinion. Maybe not at full speed, but he can give us some minutes." The power forward worked out on the court and took shots prior to Saturday's game against Portland and afterward lifted weights. If Brand does play, it should be in a limited fashion since the Clippers are lottery-bound, and their power forward is the franchise.
Chris Kaman: Cautious Approach to Injury
Update: Kaman (back) believes he's ready to play, but Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy says it will probably be another week before the center will see action, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: "They (coaching staff) just want to make sure I'm healthy for the rest of the year and make sure that I don't get hurt again, which is understandable," Kaman said. Although the 7-footer is enthusiastic about his return, bet that he will sit some more games out before returning to action.
Corey Maggette: Plays After Receiving Cortisone Shot
Update: Maggette (shoulder) scored 21 points, pulled down seven rebounds and dished out three assists in the Clippers' 83-72 home loss to Portland Saturday night.
Analysis: The Clippers' leading scorer was sidelined with a sore left shoulder Friday at Portland but was able to play the second of back-to-back games against the Trail Blazers. Maggette received a cortisone shot prior to Saturday's contest and decided to tough it out.
Al Horford: Third Straight Double-Double in Win
Update: Horford had 11 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block in the Hawks' win over the Magic on Saturday.
Analysis: Horford had his third straight double-double and continues to provide his owners with solid shooting from the floor.
Mike Bibby: 20 Points in Win
Update: Bibby had 20 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and two steals in the Hawks' win over the Magic on Saturday.
Analysis: Bibby was just 7-of-21 from the floor, but did hit three 3-pointers, and he had an overall solid line for the Hawks. Bibby has started to help the Hawks win, as they have won four out of their last five.
Paul Pierce: Will Still Play Major Minutes Down the Stretch
Update: Pierce, along with fellow Celtics stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, will continue to play major minutes long after the Celtics have clinched the East's top spot, according to the Boston Globe.
Analysis: C's coach Doc Rivers noted "We are just going to play our guys. Clearly, you want to cut down minutes. But I'm not a big believer, the same like the Patriots. You don't change what you're doing...you need rhythm. It's a rhythm game." This should be great news for Pierce owners, who in any other situation would be wary of Pierce being rested for the season's home stretch.
Kevin Garnett: Will Still Play Major Minutes Down the Stretch
Update: Garnett, along with fellow Celtics stars Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, will continue to play major minutes long after the Celtics have clinched the East's top spot, according to the Boston Globe.
Analysis: C's coach Doc Rivers noted "We are just going to play our guys. Clearly, you want to cut down minutes. But I'm not a big believer, the same like the Patriots. You don't change what you're doing...you need rhythm. It's a rhythm game." This should be great news for Garnett owners, who in any other situation would be wary of Garnett being rested for the season's home stretch.
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