FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
David Lee: Starts Wednesday
Update: Lee started in place of the injured Eddy Curry (ankle) and had 13 points (4-for-6 FG, 5-of-5 FT) with seven rebounds and a blocked shot Wednesday night in New York's victory over New Jersey.
Analysis: Lee's job was to let Zach Randolph (10-of-15, 25 points) do his thing and convert a few chances near the basket. We usually expect more rebounds from Lee -- especially in 37 minutes -- but it's nice to see him get the playing time. Lee averages 23 minutes per game. The Knicks are back in action Friday night at Philadelphia.
Fred Jones: Starts in Place of Marbury
Update: Jones started at point guard in place of Stephon Marbury (personal reasons) on Wednesday and scored 15 points on 4-of-11 shooting in 41 minutes in the Knicks' victory over the Nets.
Analysis: Jones was a little off from the floor (4-of-11 FG, 1-of-6 3pt), but added two steals, three assists and three rebounds in the win. A report earlier this week said Marbury would miss a week to mourn the death of his father. With Nate Robinson firmly benched, Jones will get a lot of minutes as long as Marbury is out.
Gerald Wallace: Team-High 22 Points
Update: Wallace scored 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, two 3-pointers, eight rebounds and three steals in 36 minutes Wednesday night in Charlotte's loss to Chicago.
Analysis: Wallace missed some time because of foul trouble. In two games as the starting power forward, he has 41 points and 16 rebounds.
Jared Dudley: Second Consecutive Start
Update: Dudley started in place of the ineffective Primoz Brezec for the second straight game Wednesday night in Charlotte's loss to Chicago.
Analysis: In an homage to Brezec, Dudley went scoreless with two rebounds in 20 minutes. In fairness to Dudley, he has been productive when given playing time and was coming off his first career double-double. It looks like he'll be in the rotation for now.
Tim Duncan: Could Return Friday from Ankle Injury
Update: Duncan sat out Wednesday's game because of his sprained right ankle, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Duncan's absence was expected because of the injury he sustained Sunday. Coach Gregg Popovich said Duncan would be 50-50 for Friday's game.
Jason Kidd: Headache Keeps Him Out
Update: Kidd missed Wednesday's game because of a migraine headache, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Eddie Gill started at the point for Kidd. It's very possible he would be ready for Friday's game against Houston.
Stephon Marbury: Out Wednesday
Update: Marbury (personal reasons) was inactive for Wednesday's game against the Nets, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Fred Jones took his spot at guard. Marbury's father's funeral is Thursday, and it is unknown if he will miss more time after that.
Eddy Curry: Curry Sidelined with Sprained Ankle
Update: Curry will miss Wednesday's game against the Nets due to an ankle sprain, the MSG Network reports.
Analysis: Curry turned his ankle during the morning shootaround. There's no word as to whether he'll miss additional games, but he was considered a game-time decision for the Nets game, which indicates the injury isn't too severe.
Kevin Martin: MRI Scheduled Soon
Update: Martin (groin) will undergo a MRI exam in the next few days to determine the extent of his injury, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: At Wednesday's practice, team officials still kept Martin's return at four to six weeks. He strained his right groin Tuesday night against the Jazz. Also, Kings Coach Reggie Theus says he hasn't decided whether it will be Francisco Garcia or John Salmons that starts in Martin's place.
Jose Juan Barea: Game-Time Decision Wednesday
Update: Barea will be a game-time decision Wednesday night against San Antonio after jamming his right shoulder Monday at Chicago, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Barea stayed in the game to play against the Bulls because Devin Harris already had left the game with a neck injury. Barea said he's feeling better Wednesday.
Marquis Daniels: Trial Delayed
Update: Daniels' trial for misdemeanor charges related to a bar fight last year has been delayed to Jan. 14, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The Pacers do not have games Jan. 14 or 15, so the actual trial should not affect his play. However, he may miss time depending on the trial's decision.
Bostjan Nachbar: Expects to Play
Update: Nachbar (ankle) expects to play Wednesday night against the Knicks, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Nachbar rolled his left ankle in Tuesday night's win over Cleveland, but experienced no swelling and expects to play.
Jamaal Tinsley: Trial Delayed
Update: Tinsley's trial for felony and misdemeanor charges related to a bar fight last year has been re-scheduled for Jan. 14, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The trial was originally scheduled for Dec. 10, but the Pacers play the next night against the Cavaliers in Cleveland. The Pacers are off Jan. 14 and 15, so the trial should not affect his play, but any related punishments, whether passed down through the legal system and/or the league, may affect his availability.
Jamaal Magloire: Magloire plays
Update: After sitting out six consecutive games, Magloire scored seven points and grabbed seven rebounds in 21 minutes in the Nets win over the Cavaliers.
Analysis: Head coach Lawrence was encouraged by Magloire's play, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. While Magloire was productive, it is unclear the effect this will have on his playing time.
Ike Diogu: Making Good Progress
Update: Diogu has made good progress in rehabbing his torn calf muscle, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Diogu hopes to be able to return around Christmas. He has started practicing with the team.
LeBron James: Will Miss Fourth Straight Game
Update: James (sprained index finger) will miss Cleveland's game against Washington Wednesday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: It will be the fourth straight game James has missed after spraining the index finger on his left hand against Detroit Nov. 28. Cleveland is 0-3 without him during that stretch.
Travis Diener: Struggling With Shot
Update: Diener is only shooting 32 percent from the floor so far this season, and only 24 percent from beyond the arc, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Given that Diener was acquired for his shooting ability, he's been a pretty big disappointment. Marquis Daniels has taken over running the point guard duties whenever Jamaal Tinsley is out. Coach Jim O'Brien suggested that Diener's usage has been a cause of his struggles, but at any rate Diener has been a pretty big bust so far.
Andrea Bargnani: Will Not Play Wednesday
Update: Bargnani (knee) will miss Wednesday's game against Phoenix with a knee injury, the Toronto Star reports.
Analysis: This means Joey Graham will again be in the starting lineup in place of Bargnani. Toronto will also be without Chris Bosh Wednesday.
Chris Bosh: Will Not Play Wednesday
Update: Bosh (groin) will not play Wednesday against Phoenix, the Toronto Star reports.
Analysis: It will be the fourth straight game Bosh has missed with a groin injury. The Raptors play again Friday, so stay tuned for Bosh's status for that game.
Eddy Curry: Game-time Decision With Sprained Ankle
Update: Curry is questionable for Wednesday's game after spraining his ankle in the team's morning shootaround, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The decision will likely not be made until right before the game starts, so continue to check back on his status.
Anderson Varejao: Cavaliers Match Offer on Varejao
Update: The Cavaliers matched the offer sheet Wednesday that Varejao signed with the Bobcats, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: This ends the long contract holdout by Varejao, meaning the forward will stay in Cleveland. On Tuesday, the Cavaliers were given one week to match the Bobcats' offer, but did so just one day later. Demetris Nichols was released to make room on the roster for Varajeo, who averaged a career-high 6.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game last season.
T.J. Ford: Game Time Decision on Wednesday
Update: Ford (arm stinger/thumb) will once again be a game-time decision on Wednesday, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: "It all depends on how he (Ford) feels," coach Sam Mitchell said. "It's like that New Jersey game (last year in the playoffs). He woke up that morning (of Game 6) and he was sensitive to the touch. He came in that night and said he felt fine and played. For him it's just a day to day thing to see how he feels." Even if Ford does suit up, he'll likely see limited minutes off the bench.
Al Thornton: Likely to Miss Seattle
Update: Thornton (ankle) did not play Tuesday and is expected to be unavailable for Wednesday night's game at Seattle.
Analysis: The Clippers, in the midst of a six-game losing streak, desperately need Thornton's athleticism. Beyond Chris Kaman and Corey Maggette (hamstring), no one is consistently creating offense.
Cuttino Mobley: No Sizzle Just Fizzle
Update: Mobley (groin, elbow) played 26 minutes, scored six points and dished two assists in the Clippers' loss to Milwaukee Tuesday night.
Analysis: He is a shell of the player who started the season sizzling-hot, making 62% of his shots through the first four games. Mobley was 2-of-9 from the floor against the Bucks. Currently, during the Clippers' six-game losing streak, he is shooting 28% (17-of-60). He's doing more damage than good, so reserve him in all fantasy leagues.
Brevin Knight: A Piece of the Puzzle
Update: Knight (groin) had nine points, eight assists and two steals in the Clippers' loss to Milwaukee Tuesday night.
Analysis: Sam Cassell (calf) should miss a few more games, so Knight will continue to start in his place. The two were sharing time at point guard, but Knight is just a complementary player in the Clippers' offense. He is nothing more than a short-term source of assists and steals.
Tim Thomas: Likes Hanging Outside
Update: Thomas had 16 points (6-of-13 FG, 2-of-8 3-PT), four rebounds and four assists in the Clippers' loss to the Bucks Tuesday.
Analysis: He is a 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward that hangs out on the perimeter at any opportunity. Thomas is averaging 34.4 minutes and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 40.0% from the field, proving why he's played for six teams in eleven years. Thomas is certain to see reduced minutes if he continues to produce low rebound totals.
Delonte West: Game-Time Decision with Foot Injury
Update: West is a game-time decision Wednesday with a right foot injury, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: West couldn't complete practice Tuesday due to a plantar fasciitis flare-up in his right foot. If West is unable to play, Earl Watson will start at point guard. West has started the last four games, but hasn't impressed, averaging 5.7 points, 2.7 assists and 2.0 turnovers.
Chris Wilcox: Ankle Injury Costs Minutes
Update: Wilcox's minutes will be limited Wednesday, and possibly in the next few games, because of a lingering ankle injury, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Wilcox plays about 30 minutes a game. With Nick Collison due to return from injury and Kurt Thomas getting healthy, the Sonics have some leeway with Wilcox. Although Wilcox doesn't limp or show any outward signs of being limited by the injury, he hasn't been as productive offensively the past week or so.
Francisco Elson: Could Earn Start in Duncan's Absence
Update: Elson could earn the start at power forward for the injured Tim Duncan against Dallas, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Don't expect Elson to get 35+ minutes because the Spurs also intend to increase the minutes of Matt Bonner and Robert Horry. Elson still will not do enough to help a fantasy roster even in the short term.
Manu Ginobili: Game-Time Decision Against Dallas
Update: Ginobili (sore left index finger) is a game-time decision against Dallas, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Tuesday that the strained ligament in Ginobili's left index finger, injured in Sunday's game against Portland, was so sore the shooting guard would have stayed on the bench had the game been last night. "It's very sore," Popovich said. "He will be a game-time decision. We'll have to see how he feels when the game comes." Even if Ginobili plays, don't expect a big performance, as his shooting will clearly be affected.
Zaza Pachulia: Does Not Play Against Detroit
Update: Pachulia (concussion symptoms) did not play against Detroit.
Analysis: He didn't miss much as the Hawks were routed by the Pistons. We'll keep you posted on Pachulia's status. Right now his fantasy value is taking a real hit as Al Horford appears to have secured at least 30 minutes a night.
Acie Law: Bounces Back Against Detroit
Update: Law had 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting in the Hawks' loss to the Pistons on Tuesday.
Analysis: Law played almost 21 minutes and he made the most of his opportunity despite the Hawks' loss. As Law works his way back from his ankle injury we expect his playing time to increase.
Josh Smith: Slowed Down by the Pistons
Update: Smith had 13 points (5-of-10 FG, 3-of-3 FT), four rebounds, a steal and a block in the Hawks' loss to the Pistons on Tuesday.
Analysis: Smith did not have his normal stat stuffing game in part because he sat out the entire fourth quarter due to the rout. Smith has been shooting the ball better of late, and this is a good sign for his owners, as this was the only weakness in his game.
Joe Johnson: Worst Offensive Game of the Season
Update: Johnson had five points (2-of-10 FG, 0-of-3 3-PT, 1-of-1 FT), two assists and a steal in the Hawks' loss to the Pistons on Tuesday.
Analysis: Johnson had his worst offensive game of the season. You can expect Johnson to struggle in back-to-back games because he plays so many minutes for the Hawks. The day of rest for Johnson is needed as the team prepares for Minnesota on Thursday.
Sasha Vujacic: Scoeres 16 Against Timberwolves
Update: Vujacic had 16 points and shot 3-3 from three-point range in the Lakers' 116-95 win over Minnesota on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Vujacic was hot on Tuesday night, and played more minutes because of the game's blowout nature. Don't expect him to produce like this on a regular basis.
Luke Walton: Starts First Game Since Nov. 6th
Update: Walton started at forward in the Lakers' 116-95 win over the Timberwolves Tuesday night, and had 10 points and four rebounds in the win.
Analysis: Walton had struggled mightily coming off the bench, though it remains to be seen whether this will be a permanent move to the starting lineup.
Jeff Foster: Off Bench Against Phoenix
Update: Foster was not in the starting lineup Tuesday night in Indiana's loss to Phoenix.
Analysis: The decision to bring him off the bench is likely the product of the Suns' uptempo pace. Shawne Williams was inserted into the lineup, while Foster played 24 minutes off the bench. In a vintage Foster night, he had 12 rebounds in his reduced minutes.
Troy Murphy: DNP Against the Suns
Update: Murphy was a DNP-CD Tuesday night in Indiana's loss to the Suns.
Analysis: This could be a decision coach Jim O'Brien made based on the pace Phoenix sets, but it seems odd that Murphy wouldn't even get off the bench.
Nate Robinson: Matchup Problems
Update: New York coach Isiah Thomas said matchups were the reason for Robinson's two straight DNPs, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Thomas said nothing should be read into Robinson's sudden benching. "It's matchups," the coach said. "Most teams now play with bigger guards, and you have to have a bigger defensive guard out there to match up perfectly." It should be noted that Robinson is only 5-9 and will be a matchup problem every night in the NBA. He's guarded taller guards before, so the coach's words are a bit disingenuous.
Stephon Marbury: Coach Isn't Ruling Out Marbury
Update: Knicks coach Isiah Thomas isn't ruling out Marbury (personal reasons) playing Wednesday night, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: It had been reported that Marbury would miss a week to mourn the passing of his father. If Marbury does not play Wednesday, the Knicks will turn the reigns over to Nate Robinson, Fred Jones or Mardy Collins, who is nursing a sore left ankle.
Mardy Collins: Practices Tuesday; Game-Time Decision
Update: Collins (sprained left ankle) practiced for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Collins will be a game-time decision for the Knicks on Wednesday against the Nets. The Knicks are likely to be without Stephon Marbury, who is mourning the death of his father, so Collins could be in line for some playing time or a start Wednesday.
Anderson Varejao: Source Says Cavs Will Match Offer
Update: A source said the Cavaliers will eventually match the offer sheet Varejao signed with the Bobcats, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: The Cavs must work to open a roster spot in the coming days and then are expected to match the three-year, $17.4 million offer sheet.
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