FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Loren Woods: Second 10-Day Contract
Update: The Rockets signed Woods to a second 10-day contract, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Woods has played in just two games since joining Houston on March 20, totaling six points in a little over six minutes.
Rasheed Wallace: Deactivated for Tuesday Night
Update: Wallace was deactivated for Tuesday night's game against the Timberwolves, along with Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Head coach Flip Saunders decided to give his stars a rest with the Pistons having essentially locked up second place in the East. Rodney Stuckey, Jarvis Hayes and Theo Ratliff will start in their place.
Richard Hamilton: Deactivated Tuesday Night
Update: Head coach Flip Saunders deactivated Hamilton for Tuesday's game, as well as Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace, to give them some rest before the playoffs, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: It's unlikely anyone will challenge the Pistons for the two seed, and Detroit has a long way to go to catch Boston, so Saunders decided to give his stars a much needed rest. Rodney Stuckey, Jarvis Hayes and Theo Ratliff will start in their place.
Chauncey Billups: Deactivated Against Wolves
Update: Flip Saunders deactivated Billups, along with Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace, for Tuesday night's game against Minnesota, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: With the second seed all but locked up with nine games remaining, head coach Flip Saunders decided to give his stars a rest. Rodney Stuckey, Jarvis Hayes and Theo Ratliff will start in their place.
Aaron Gray: Doubtful For Tuesday
Update: Gray (back spasms) did not practice Monday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Gray suffered the injury almost a week ago and was forced from Saturday's game after 20 seconds. Don't look for him to play Tuesday.
Drew Gooden: Missed Practice Monday, Doubtful For Tuesday's Game
Update: Gooden (abdominal strain) did not practice Monday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Coach Jim Boylan said that Gooden does not have a hernia, so there is a possibility he could play Tuesday. That said, the likelihood is that Gooden will be forced to miss his second straight game with the injury.
Dirk Nowitzki: Near Game-Ready
Update: Nowitzki has been upgraded to "day-to-day" by the Mavericks, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: He will be re-evaluated Wednesday, and there's a chance he could play in a game against the Warriors later that day. The Mavs are clinging to a playoff spot and really need their best player back. Consider nabbing Nowitzki if a desperate owner dropped him when news came in that he may miss the rest of the year.
Ira Newble: Laker Rest of the Way Out
Update: The Lakers signed Newble for the rest of the season and playoffs for about $110,000 Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: The Lakers use Newble, who has played just four minutes over his 10-day contract, mainly for his defense.
Cedric Simmons: Up From Iowa
Update: Simmons was recalled from Iowa of the D-League Tuesday.
Analysis: Simmons averaged 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in six games with Iowa. He was averaging 2:30 a game with the Bulls after his trade from Cleveland, and he probably won't see more than that now.
Shannon Brown: Recalled From Developmental League
Update: Brown was recalled from Iowa of the D-League Tuesday.
Analysis: He averaged 25.7 points in six games with Iowa, but probably won't see a whole lot of time with Chicago's glut of guards.
Bobby Jones: 10-Days With Spurs
Update: The Spurs signed Jones to a 10-day contract Tuesday.
Analysis: Jones is now on his fifth team, and his third set of 10-day contracts. He's had a couple of decent games this year, such as a 15-point performance for the Heat March 21 and a 20-point game Jan. 18. Jones may get some minutes with the Spurs, but probably nothing significant.
David Harrison: Sits Out With an Illness
Update: Harrison did not dress for Monday's win over the Heat due to an illness, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: A virus strain has hit the Pacers, as Shawne Williams was also sick on Monday.
Jason Terry: 20 Points Against the Clippers
Update: Terry started his second consecutive game and scored 20 points in a win over the Clippers Monday night.
Analysis: Terry has replaced Jerry Stackhouse in the starting lineups as the veteran has been hampered by a groin strain. Terry has noticeably struggled with Dirk Nowitzki out, averaging just 11 points while shooting 34.4 percent from the field in the four games since Dirk went down. Hopefully Monday's 20 point performance will get Terry back on track.
Jerry Stackhouse: Sits Again Monday Night
Update: Stackhouse (groin) missed his second consecutive game Monday night, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Stackhouse's availability for Wednesday still remains unknown. Jason Terry will continue to start in his place.
Dirk Nowitzki: Close to Returning?
Update: Nowitzki (ankle, knee) is jogging and will be evaluated on Tuesday in a light workout, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Nowitzki's availability for Wednesday still remains unknown but Coach Avery Johnson said the team will take a cautious approach. "We don't want to put him out there and have him re-injure himself. Sometimes when a guy hurts an ankle or a knee, sometimes they tend to overcompensate and something else goes wrong," Coach Johnson said.
Jason Kidd: Season-High 27 Points
Update: Kidd had a season-high 27 points in a win over the Clippers Monday night. He added four assists, three rebounds, and four steals.
Analysis: While the points were nice to see, his assist and rebound totals were the lowest they have been since joining the Mavericks. Look for Kidd to continue to score more until Dirk Nowitzki returns from an ankle injury.
Josh Howard: 25 Points in Win Over the Clippers
Update: Howard put forth another strong performance in the absence of Dirk Nowitzki. He scored 25 points to go with eight rebounds in a win over the Clippers.
Analysis: Howard has been a scoring machine with Nowitzki out averaging 30.7 points and 7.2 rebounds in the four games since Dirk was hurt. His shooting percentages have been impressive for the amount of shots he putting up, as Howard is shooting 45% from the field and 90% from the free-throw line over the same span.
Shawne Williams: Stomach Virus
Update: Williams was limited to three minutes of playing time on Monday due to a stomach virus, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Williams was forced to miss the morning shootaround as well due to the illness.
Spencer Hawes: Might Take Off Rockets Game
Update: Hawes (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday game against Houston, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "You have a twisted ankle this time of year, there's no reason for him to push it," Kings coach Reggie Theus said. "I know he wants to play. I don't think he's ready to go 100 percent on it. If he can't go 100 percent, there's no reason to go." Hawes missed Sunday's game against Seattle after he aggravated a sprained left ankle Friday versus Washington.
Andrea Bargnani: Zero Points Monday
Update: Bargnani missed both his shot attempts Monday and finished with zero points and two rebounds in under eight minutes of court time.
Analysis: Rasho Nesterovic has been a more effective front court partner for Chris Bosh recently, and Bargnani's fantasy value has fallen through the floor as a result.
Rasho Nesterovic: Double-Double Monday
Update: Nesterovic scored 14 points with 11 rebounds in 28 minutes of court time Monday.
Analysis: His productivity is coming at the expense of Andrea Bargnani, who scored zero points in eight minutes on Monday. As long as the Raptors win using this arrangement, don't look for coach Sam Mitchell to rock the boat too much.
Beno Udrih: Return a Mystery
Update: Udrih (back) is questionable for Tuesday's home game against the Rockets, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "I don't think anyone knows what's going on with him," Kings coach Reggie Theus said regarding Udrih's back injury. Keep Udrih on the bench until further notice. He has missed six of the past seven games because of a strained lower back.
Nick Fazekas: Double Digit Boards
Update: Fazekas scored six points and grabbed 10 rebounds during the Clippers' 93-86 loss to Dallas Monday night.
Analysis: The rookie, drafted by Dallas this past June in the second round, but subsequently waived in mid-February, had to impress his old team. He shot 3-of-5 and blocked two shots in 20 minutes. Chris Kaman (ankle, back) is likely out for the remainder of the season, increasing the chances that Fazekas will see a boost to his playing time.
T.J. Ford: Solidifying Hold on Starting Job
Update: Ford played 34 minutes on Monday, scoring 16 points on 6-for-12 shooting with seven assists and only two turnovers.
Analysis: Coach Sam Mitchell leaned heavily on all his starters in this one, and Ford seemed to thrive. Don't look for Jose Calderon to return to the starting lineup any time soon.
Josh Powell: Filling in for Kaman?
Update: Powell played 18 minutes scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds in the Clippers' loss to the Mavericks Monday night.
Analysis: Starting center Chris Kaman suffered a badly sprained ankle during the first quarter, requiring Powell and rookie Nick Fazekas to step in his place. When Kaman has missed time this season, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy has had a tendency to go with Powell as the starting center. Elton Brand (Achilles) is expected to return soon, so that may dampen the third-year forward-center's chances of playing meaningful minutes.
Al Thornton: Scores 26 on Dallas
Update: Thornton scored a team-high 26 points to go with seven rebounds and two steals during the Clippers' 93-86 home loss to Dallas Monday night.
Analysis: Thornton will accumulate some healthy scoring totals now that Chris Kaman (ankle, back), Tim Thomas (Achilles) and Cuttino Mobley (heel) are out of the picture with injuries. Against the Mavs, Thornton shot 8-of-19 from the floor, 2-of-3 from behind the arc and 8-of-8 at the line.
Tim Thomas: Bothered by Sore Achilles
Update: Thomas (Achilles) did not play in Monday's loss to Dallas.
Analysis: Thomas, who missed his second straight game, is battling a sore Achilles. Rookie Al Thornton is starting in his absence.
Elton Brand: On the Verge of Returning
Update: Brand, officially healed from a ruptured Achilles he suffered in August, is on the verge of returning, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: "I love to hoop," said Brand. "I'm excited to go out there and really give it a test." Recently, the power forward was medically cleared by doctors and is anticipating a return either Thursday against Sacramento or Sunday versus Houston.
Cuttino Mobley: Exits With Sore Heel
Update: Mobley (heel) was injured during the third quarter of Monday's loss to Dallas, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Mobley did not play the final 15 minutes and is considered day-to-day with a sore left heel. He finished the game scoring six points on 1-of-6 shooting.
Chris Kaman: Ankle Injury Might End Season
Update: Kaman (ankle) left during the first quarter of Monday night's game against Dallas, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Kaman, who rolled his right ankle late in the first period, left on crutches. With just eight games left to play, the injury may signal an end to his season. The center's ankle was swollen badly, and it appears he will miss a significant amount of time as a result.
Robert Horry: Still Out
Update: Horry, who has missed five games with a left knee contusion, is still listed as day-to-day, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Horry has battled injuries all season and has not been able to contribute much to the Spurs this season.
Brent Barry: May Play by The End of The Week
Update: Barry (calf), who has not played since he re-signed with the Spurs on March 23, could return to action by the end of the week, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Barry would give the Spurs another weapon on the perimeter, and he may be a big key to the Spurs in their quest to repeat as champions.
Antawn Jamison: Scores 22 in Loss
Update: Jamison had 22 points in the Wizards' 129-87 loss to the Jazz on Monday.
Analysis: Jamison also had two rebounds Monday, and his production noticeably dips when Caron Butler is out of the lineup.
Nick Young: Another Solid Scoring Night
Update: Young had 18 points and three steals in the Wizards' 129-97 loss to the Jazz on Monday.
Analysis: Young's production could dip Wednesday if Antonio Daniels (wrist) returns.
Caron Butler: Could Return Wednesday
Update: Butler (hamstring) hopes to return for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee, according to the Washington Post.
Analysis: Butler's hamstring apparently tightened up during overtime Sunday night, but he's taking 48 hours to rest it and should be good to go Wednesday night, especially with the Wizards in a playoff fight.
Antonio Daniels: Misses Monday's Game
Update: Daniels (wrist) missed Monday's game against Utah, but reportedly plans on playing Wednesday night, according to the Washington Post.
Analysis: Expect Daniels' production to be lower, as he noted that his wrist sprain "can't get any worse," but that he intends to play through it.
Joe Johnson: Four 3-Pointers in Win
Update: Johnson had 19 points, including four 3-pointers, in the Hawks' win over the Grizzlies on Monday.
Analysis: Johnson's 7-of-15 from the floor was his best shooting night in several games. He also contributed with eight assists and finished March averaging almost 25 points and seven assists a game.
Mike Bibby: Continues Solid Play
Update: Bibby (left thumb) had 17 points (6-of-12 FG, 3-of-8 3-PT, 2-of-2 FT), seven assists and two steals in the Hawks' win over the Grizzlies on Monday.
Analysis: Bibby continues his solid play and has been a major reason why the Hawks look like they will make the playoffs.
Carmelo Anthony: Posts Double-Double vs Phoenix
Update: Anthony finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in Denver's 132-117 loss at Phoenix on Monday night.
Analysis: The double-double is nice but Anthony finished just 7-of-18 from the field, missed both of his 3-point attempts and made only 4-of-8 free throws as Denver blew a 19 point halftime lead. The club's square off again on Tuesday night in Denver, and we wouldn't be surprised if Anthony and the rest of his club come out extremely focused as they can't afford to lose two in a row now that they've dropped back into 9th place in the West.
Bostjan Nachbar: Playing Through Pain
Update: Nachbar has been taking anti-inflammatory medication for a disk problem in his lower back, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Nachbar has been dealing with the pain for a few weeks now and it can effect his shot, as evidenced by his 31 percent shooting in the last eight games. "Speaking to the doctors, it's at least a two-week-rest type of thing," Nachbar said Monday, when his team prepared for Tuesday's game against the Sixers. "If it were a December thing, (I'd) take off. But now is not the time to do it so. I'm willing to suck it up a little bit and hope for the best." At some point, the Nets may be out of playoff contention and the Nachbar will shut it down.
Javaris Crittenton: Season-High 33 Minutes
Update: Crittenton played a season-high 33 minutes Monday against Atlanta, scoring seven points (2-9 FG, 1-4 3pt, 2-4 FT) to go with eight rebounds and three assists.
Analysis: As Mike Conley has struggled down the stretch (minus-25 rating Monday night), Crittenton has picked up the offense and has seen an uptick in playing time and has responded with averages of 10.5 points, 4.5 boards and 1.8 assists over his past four games. This is an indication that the kid has talent and might be of use in deeper leagues for the rest of this season, and could be a sleeper heading into next year depending on the Grizzlies' offseason moves.
|
   |
||||||
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use.
NBA.com is part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network
