FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Dirk Nowitzki: Returns to Lineup
Update: Nowitzki, who missed the previous four games with a high left ankle sprain, returned to action Wednesday against the Warriors, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Nowitzki acknowledged that he is less than 100%, but with the Mavs in a three-way battle for the final two playoff spots in the West, he pushed his return.
Anderson Varejao: Almost Perfect from the Field
Update: Varejao who started again in place of injured Ben Wallace (back), missed just one field goal , going 8-of-9 from the field.
Analysis: Varejao, producing his second double-double in the last three games he's started, scored 17 points and 12 rebounds. Varejao looks to be a solid start if you need help at power forward for now.
Brandon Roy: Will Not Return Thursday
Update: Roy (groin) will have a precautionary MRI taken on Wednesday and has ruled out any possible return for Thursday's home game against Houston, The Columbian reports.
Analysis: Roy had hoped to test his strained right groin muscle on Tuesday, but said the team first wanted to make sure the problem was not more extensive than the initial diagnosis showed before clearing him for activity. The Blazers' leading scorer said he hopes to be able to return for Sunday's home matchup with San Antonio. "I just hate to keep pushing it back," Roy said. "But San Antonio, and if not then I'm aiming for the Lakers. I'm just doing anything I can to try to get back out there."
Jianlian Yi: Sprains Left Knee
Update: Jianlian sprained his left knee in the first half of Wednesday's game against the Wizards, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: More on the rookie forward's status as we know it.
Gilbert Arenas: Full of Surprises
Update: Arenas (knee) made a surprise return Wednesday against Milwaukee, playing in his first game since having knee surgery in November, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Showing a flare for the dramatic, Arenas waited until the 5:30 into the first quarter to emerge from the locker room in uniform. By halftime, he had 12 points in just over eight minutes of court time, so obviously his scoring ability is still there despite the lengthy absence.
Antonio Daniels: Should be Ready Against Milwaukee
Update: Daniels (wrist) participated in the Wizards' morning shootaround on Wednesday and is expected to play against Milwaukee on Wednesday night, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Daniels has averaged a solid 6.3 assists to go along with 10.7 points in three games played against the Bucks this season. With Arenas still out, Daniels should see plenty of action.
Caron Butler: Expects to Play on Wednesday
Update: Butler (hamstring) participated in the Wizards' morning shootaround on Wednesday and is expected to play in their game against Milwaukee on Wednesday night, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Butler said he felt pretty good after the morning shootaround. He blew up for 40 points, eight rebounds and five steals in his last contest against the Bucks, an overtime game on Jan. 27.
Dirk Nowitzki: Not Looking Good For Wednesday Return
Update: Nowitzki (ankle, knee) worked out with the team at Wednesday's shootaround but remains pessimistic about returning to Wednesday night's game against the Warriors, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: In a post-workout media session, Nowitzki said he some soreness remained and he wasn't at 100 percent. "The workout yesterday wasn't great. It's still sore in a couple of movements. So I really don't know what to tell you. It's not great as far as I'm concerned," said Dirk. Monitor Nowitzki's staus closer to game time for a final decision.
Jerry Stackhouse: Out at Least One Week
Update: Stackhouse (groin) had an MRI performed and he will miss at least another week, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Stackhouse had done an admirable job in his starting role but this groin injury has been nagging him all season. Look elsewhere for the stretch run.
Ben Wallace: Likely Out for Wednesday Night
Update: Wallace (back) is not likely to suit up on Wednesday night when Cleveland takes on Charlotte, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The Cavaliers want to make sure Wallace is ready to go when they open the playoffs in a few weeks.
Daniel Gibson: Expected to Play on Wednesday
Update: Gibson (ankle) is expected to play on Wednesday night against Charlotte, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Gibson was forced to leave Sunday's game with recurring pain in his ankle, the same injury that caused him to miss 18 games earlier this season. Wait until he proves he is completely healthy before putting him back into your fantasy lineup.
Brian Cook: Could Miss Opening Round of Playoffs
Update: Cook (finger) said Tuesday that he could be out for some or all of Orlando's opening round series in a few weeks, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Cook was originally expected to miss about two weeks with the broken finger, but he said Tuesday that his doctors want to keep the cast on for three weeks. Either way, Cook won't be able to help any fantasy squads whose playoffs coincide with the end of the regular season.
Andres Nocioni: Efficient Lately
Update: Nocioni scored 19 points in the Bulls' 106-92 loss to the Celtics Tuesday and has now scored in double-digits in four straight contests.
Analysis: Nocioni has been efficient while on the floor as he has not played more than 24 minutes in any of those four games. His lack of playing time will limit his ancillary numbers, but if you need points and threes, have Nocioni active in your lineup.
Ben Gordon: Limited To 16 Minutes Due To Foul Trouble Tuesday
Update: Gordon was limited by foul trouble and played just 16 minutes in the Bulls' 106-92 loss to the Celtics Tuesday.
Analysis: Gordon was just 3-for-8 from the floor with all three baskets coming from three-point range. He has played under 30 minutes in five of his last six games, but his ability to post big numbers means that he usually must be active in your lineup unless you have a much better option in your reserves.
Pat Garrity: Playing Time Should Increase
Update: Garrity played 14 minutes and scored two points in Orlando's loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Garrity has barely seen any minutes this season, but the injury to Brian Cook (finger) leaves Garrity as the only big man off the bench. He should see an increase in minutes over the remainder of the regular season but don't expect him to contribute anything fantasy-wise.
Rashard Lewis: Raining Threes
Update: Lewis shot 9-of-12 from the field, including 6-of-8 from behind the three point arc, and scored 24 points in Orlando's loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Analysis: Lewis is second in the league with 206 three-pointers made this season. Though he hasn't been the dominant offensive player the Magic expected, Lewis has fit in well with his new team this season.
Shelden Williams: Increased PT
Update: Williams scored eight points, grabbed six rebounds and registered two steals in Sacramento's 99-98 win over Houston Tuesday night.
Analysis: Co-owner Joe Maloof must be happy. Recently, he mentioned that he would like to see more of Williams on the court. Kings coach Reggie Theus obliged his boss by playing the second-year power forward 24 minutes against the Rockets. Although, Brad Miller's ejection and Mikki Moore's foul trouble may have contributed to Williams' rise in activity.
Hedo Turkoglu: Big Game in Defeat
Update: Turkoglu (wrist) scored 26 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out seven assists in Orlando's loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Turkoglu shot 10-of-19 from the floor and hit two three-pointers in the contest. It looks like the wrist injury he suffered last week isn't affecting him any longer.
Maurice Evans: Three-Pointers Keep Falling
Update: Evans scored 11 points and hit two three-pointers in Orlando's loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Evans has hit at least one three-pointer in 12 of his last 13 games and has hit 22 total threes over that span.
Chauncey Billups: More Rest
Update: Though Billups and the other starters will get more rest down the stretch, he's not going to completely shut it down, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: The strategy appears to be to get starters a lot rest, but the Pistons want to make sure their starters keep their rhythm heading into the playoffs. It's a frustrating strategy for fantasy owners, but something we'll monitor as the season winds down. Expect Billups, Richard Hamilton, and Rasheed Wallace to all play on Friday.
Boris Diaw: Poor Shooting Night Tuesday
Update: Diaw played 31 minutes off the bench Tuesday, scoring nine points on 4-for-14 shooting with 10 rebounds.
Analysis: He's been fairly productive recently, averaging 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists over his last five games while shooting .491 (28-for-57) over that stretch. Once Grant Hill returns from his groin injury Diaw's minutes might slip a bit, however, and with them some of his fantasy value.
Brian Skinner: Gets Off Bench Tuesday
Update: Skinner played 16 minutes Tuesday, scoring nine points with two rebounds and two blocks.
Analysis: It's the first time since mid-March he's played more than five minutes in a game. Skinner will likely keep his increased role only as long as Grant Hill is sidelined.
Ron Artest: Won't Mind Remaining a King
Update: Artest, who scored 30 points in Tuesday's win over Houston, wants to remain in Sacramento, the Sacramento Bee reports. Depending on his agent's advice, he can opt out of the final season of his contract if he desires.
Analysis: "Most likely we won't (opt out)," said Artest, also referring to his agent. "Most likely we won't. We're not really worried about the money or anything like that. We're just worried about playing ball. That's how I've been this whole season, just worried about playing ball and we'll see what happens." The bottom line for Artest is winning. Although he has changed his mind before, with regards to staying in Sacramento, the small forward has adamantly stressed he will remain a King if the team has a legitimate shot at the postseason.
Gilbert Arenas: Cleared to Play, but Won't Suit up Wednesday
Update: Arenas (knee) has been medically cleared to play by team doctors but won't appear in Wednesday's game against Milwaukee, according to the Washington Post.
Analysis: Much of this could be contract-related, as Arenas publicly stated that he does not want to harm his contract value by playing at less than 100%. Still, we'll keep you posted on his playing status.
Brad Miller: Tossed Tuesday
Update: Miller was ejected during the second half of Tuesday's 99-98 home win over Houston.
Analysis: Miller was sent packing with 7:21 remaining in the third quarter after official Scott Wall gave him back-to-back technicals for vehemently disputing a no-call. The 7-foot center scored 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds before his early exit.
Beno Udrih: Doesn't Want to Sit
Update: Udrih, who has missed seven of the last eight games with a sore lower back, including Tuesday's home win over the Rockets, hopes to play before the season ends, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "(Not returning) is definitely not (happening), because I'm not going to allow that to happen," Udrih said. "I want to be out there." The Kings' starting point guard did mention he wants to play when he feels 100 percent. Anthony Johnson will take Udrih's place in the rotation until that happens.
Andrew Bynum: Starting to Run
Update: Bynum (knee) has started to run on flat surfaces and perform slide drills, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: The Lakers hope to have Bynum in uniform within the next two weeks, but he probably won't be fully recovered until sometime in the playoffs.
Pau Gasol: Expects to Play Wednesday Night
Update: Gasol (ankle) is expected to play in Wednesday's game against Portland, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Expect Gasol to be somewhat limited in his first few games, as he's still encountering swelling in the ankle and probably will for the next few weeks.
Manu Ginobili: Good All-Around Game
Update: Ginobili had 16 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and a steal in the Spurs' win over the Warriors on Tuesday.
Analysis: Ginobili continues to play at a high level off the bench, and the Spurs will need his excellent play to continue, if they hope to move deep into the playoffs.
Tim Duncan: Big Night in Win
Update: Duncan had 17 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks in the Spurs' win over the Warriors on Tuesday.
Analysis: Duncan was a solid 8-of-12 from the floor, and the Warriors had no answer for him on the block. Duncan has begun shooting the ball much better from the floor, a sign that playoff time is nearing.
Nene Hilario: Performs Well in Limited Minutes
Update: Nene (tumor) finished with four points, five rebounds and two assists in just 10 minutes of work during Denver's win over Phoenix on Tuesday night.
Analysis: In the back-to-back set with the Suns, Nene averaged 4.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists in just 7.5 minutes a night. We expect his minutes to continue to increase slowly over the next few weeks and it's likely he could be up to 15-20 minutes a night by the time the playoffs start.
Carmelo Anthony: Ball Security an Issue on Tuesday
Update: Anthony posted 25 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals but also turned the ball over eight times during Denver's win over Phoenix on Tuesday night.
Analysis: It was a game the club had to have and Anthony tried to do a little too much at various points in the game leading to some costly TOs. He finished 6-of-12 from the field and 13-of-19 from the line in 36 minutes of action.
Ray Allen: Scores 22 Against Bulls
Update: Allen had 22 points and shot 5-7 from three-point range in the Celtics' 106-92 win over the Bulls on Tuesday.
Analysis: Tuesday was the first time in five games that Allen had scored more than 14 points, and he finished March with an average of 14.6 points per game, by far his worst month of the season.
Allen Iverson: Has Game-High 31 vs Phoenix
Update: Iverson had 31 points on 9-of-18 FGs (2-of-4 3-pt) and 11-of-11 FTs during Denver's win over Phoenix on Tuesday night.
Analysis: It was a must-win game for the club and Iverson responded with a big scoring game. He also contributed three assists, two steals and one rebound in the win that put the club back into 8th place in the West.
Andre Iguodala: Head Still Sore
Update: Iguodala said his head was still a little sore Tuesday after taking an elbow from Cleveland's Zydrunas Ilgauskas in Sunday's loss to the Cavs, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Iguodala played 42 minutes in Tuesday's win over New Jersey, so this should not be a concern at this time.
Bostjan Nachbar: Still Plays With Sore Back
Update: Nachbar (back) scored 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including three 3-pointers, Tuesday night in New Jersey's loss to Philadelphia.
Analysis: Nachbar has not been able to shake a sore back for the last few weeks and it's affected his shot, though not so much on Tuesday. The loss to the Sixers leaves the Nets 3 1/2 games out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Once the Nets are officially out of contention, we may see Nachbar take the rest he needs to heal his back.
Luis Scola: Viable Option Down the Stretch
Update: Scola had 20 points on 5-of-9 shooting, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal in 35 minutes Tuesday. He also went 10-for-10 from the free-throw line.
Analysis: Scola has been producing at a high level of late and should continue to be a good option down the stretch.
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