FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Nate Robinson: Most Playing Time in Three Weeks
Update: Robinson had 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting in 25 minutes Wednesday night in New York's loss to Seattle.
Analysis: Robinson, who played just 39 minutes in the last six games, played more than he has in three weeks. With Stephon Marbury taking some time off to deal with the loss of his father, Robinson will get some playing time in the short term.
Emeka Okafor: Getting the Ball
Update: Okafor had 25 points and 16 rebounds Wednesday night in Charlotte's victory over the Clippers.
Analysis: Okafor was 9-of-18 from the floor and 7-of-12 from the free-throw line, indicating the Bobcats' new direction of feeding Okafor the ball. He added four assists, three blocks and a steal in 43 minutes.
Jeff McInnis: Team High Eight Assists
Update: McInnis had eight points and a team-high eight assists in 26 minutes Wednesday night in Charlotte's victory over the Clippers.
Analysis: McInnis continues to get good minutes (23:41) off the bench, but rarely has a game where he produces much. He's averaging a little over four assists and four points per game.
Dan Dickau: Leads the Charge
Update: Dickau scored 16 points and dished out five assists in the Clippers' loss to Charlotte Wednesday night.
Analysis: While starting point guard Brevin Knight labored against the Bobcats, Dickau flourished. Los Angeles coach Mike Dunleavy used him at point guard during a furious comeback attempt that fell just short. In 27 minutes, Dickau shot 5-of-7 from the field, including 4-of-6 from three-point range.
Quinton Ross: Backs Out of Bobcats Game
Update: Ross did not play in the Clippers' loss to Charlotte on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Ross hurt his back on a nasty fall Tuesday night against New Jersey. He was scratched when he couldn't loosen up his back before the game against the Bobcats.
Ron Artest: Struggles Versus the C's
Update: Artest had 16 points, four assists, three rebounds and two blocks in Sacramento's loss at Boston on Wednesday.
Analysis: Artest has been dominating the ball lately and not shooting well in the process. He's content throwing up ill-advised attempts from long range. Against the Celtics, he shot just 7-of-19 from the floor and turned the ball over four times.
Chris Kaman: Seven Consecutive Double-Doubles
Update: Kaman scored 17 points and pulled down 13 rebounds in the Clippers' loss to Charlotte on Wednesday night.
Analysis: The 7-footer registered his seventh straight double-double. In fact, he was one rebound away after the first half. Kaman was 6-of-13 from the floor and picked up two steals.
Darius Songaila: Practices Wednesday, Should Play Thursday
Update: Songaila (sprained ankle) practiced Wednesday and, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: He should be able to play Thursday. He had a good game before exiting Sunday, so he might be a guy to keep an eye on.
Andray Blatche: "Did Something to His Foot"
Update: Blatche said he "did something to his foot" in Tuesday's game, but was not sure as to what it was, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: He said he felt a little soreness in his right foot after the game, but was still able to practice Wednesday.
Quentin Richardson: Leaves Game with Knee Injury
Update: Richardson left Wednesday's game with the SuperSonics with a strained right knee tendon in the second quarter and will not return, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Richardson was injured in Tuesday's game as well and was questionable heading into Wednesday. Apparently, the knee was worse than thought.
Quentin Richardson: Leaves Tuesday's Game
Update: Richardson left Tuesday's game in the second quarter with a strained right knee tendon.
Analysis: His return to the game was questionable. We'll keep you posted. He had six points and a rebound before exiting.
Stephon Marbury: Might Miss the Rest of the Week
Update: Marbury, who is still grieving the death of his father, missed Wednesday's game, and might miss both of the Knicks' games this weekend, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: "He sounds better, but I think he's still going to be out a couple of more games," coach Isiah Thomas said. The Knicks have told Marbury to take as much time as he needs. Fred Jones continues to start in his place.
T.J. Ford: Leaves Hospital, Tests Negative
Update: Ford was released from the hospital Wednesday after spending the night there following a "scary" fall late in Tuesday's game, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Tests at the hospital came back negative, but he will be re-assessed by the Raptors' medical staff. Still no timetable on his return, but we'll keep you updated.
Devin Harris: Game-Time Decision Wednesday
Update: Harris (upset stomach) is a game-time decision Wednesday night against Toronto, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Harris missed the team's Wednesday morning practice with an upset stomach. It's tough to tell at this point if he will play or not, but don't expect him to be 100 percent if he does.
Monta Ellis: Questionable For Wednesday With Strained Thigh
Update: Ellis strained his left thigh in the second half of Tuesday's game against San Antonio and is questionable for Wednesday's game at Portland, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Analysis: If Ellis can't go, look for Kelenna Azubuike to get the bulk of the minutes at shooting guard.
Anfernee Hardaway: Waived by Miami
Update: Hardaway was waived by the Heat Wednesday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The move means Hardaway's comeback is likely over, as he is now 36 and well past his prime. He was waived to make room on the roster for guard Luke Jackson. Hardaway started in eight games for the Heat this year, averaging just 3.8 points per contest.
Eddie Gill: Waived by Nets Wednesday
Update: Gill was waived by New Jersey Wednesday.
Analysis: Gill averaged just 2.9 points and 1.7 rebounds in 13 games with the Nets. This move shouldn't affect any fantasy rosters.
Jermaine O'Neal: Plays Through Soreness
Update: O'Neal played through soreness in his surgically repaired knee on Tuesday night, scoring 16 of his 18 points in the first half, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: The Pacers play again at home on Wednesday night against the Bulls. Don't be surprised if O'Neal's minutes are limited, with the back-to-back games.
Jason Maxiell: Starts in Place of Ailing Wallace
Update: With Rasheed Wallace limited with flu-like symptoms, Maxiell got his sixth start of the season Tuesday.
Analysis: Maxiell only missed one field on his way to 15 points and five rebounds in 30 minutes. Wallace came off the bench and also played 30 minutes. Wallace also has a few minor injuries right now, so Maxiell should see more playing time in the short term.
Chris Bosh: Double-Double Tuesday
Update: Bosh scored 20 points with 13 rebounds in Tuesday's win over the Hawks.
Analysis: He played 38 minutes and didn't seem to be slowed down by his groin at all. With the Raptors continuing to be bit by the injury bug, losing both TJ Ford and Jason Kapono Tuesday for unknown amounts of time, the team will need Bosh to stay healthy to have a chance of retaining their Atlantic division crown.
Nick Young: Quiet Game Tuesday
Update: Young did not make any of his four shots in four minutes of action in Tuesday's win over the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Young has shown promise as a scorer in his rookie season, but his playing time/production remains too volatile for him to be a reliable fantasy option.
Andray Blatche: Back in Rotation Tuesday
Update: Blatche scored four points and added six rebounds and three blocks in 22 minutes of action in Tuesday's win over Minnesota.
Analysis: His minutes were back up after playing only eight minutes Sunday, but for now at least it looks like Blatche is only going to get a chance display his upside sporadically.
Darius Songaila: Suits Up, But Doesn't Play Tuesday
Update: Songaila was in uniform Tuesday night, but coach Eddie Jordan said that the forward's sprained left ankle was still too tender for him to play, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: The fact that he suited up is a sign that Songaila's injury is probably not too serious, but for now we'll consider him day-to-day.
T.J. Ford: Reportedly Doing Better after Scary Tumble
Update: Ford is reportedly "doing better" after a scary fall in Tuesday's game at Atlanta, the Canadian Press reports. Ford is scheduled to return to Toronto on Wednesday.
Analysis: Given Ford's history of neck and spinal injuries, this one didn't look good initially as he was carted off the court on a stretcher. Fortunately, it appears that he escaped serious injury. His playing status for the near future is uncertain though. More on his status as we know it.
Luol Deng: Lower Back Still a Bit Sore
Update: Deng, who said his lower back felt a bit sore during the second leg of back-to-back games Saturday, scored 20 points in 28 minutes in the Bulls' 123-96 win over Seattle Tuesday.
Analysis: Deng did not need to play major minutes as Chicago cruised to the win will probably feel some soreness for a while longer but should be able to play through it without being forced to miss action or games.
Sam Cassell: Might be Back on Sunday
Update: Cassell (calf) could return Sunday against the Lakers, the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: Cassell will not play on Wednesday and Friday, but Clippers head athletic trainer Jasen Powell said there is a possibility the 38-year-old point guard will be ready by this weekend. Don't treat the news as gospel, just be on alert.
Manu Ginobili: Cooled Off
Update: Ginobili had just 13 points (4-of-14 FG, 1-of-3 3-PT, 4-of-6 FT), three rebounds, a steal and a block in the Spurs' loss to the Warriors on Tuesday.
Analysis: With the exception of Matt Bonner, all the Spurs struggled offensively against the Warriors. Ginobili has been so hot lately that you had to expect a little drop off. Expect Ginobili to bounce back Thursday against the Lakers.
Tony Parker: Held to 11 in Loss
Update: Parker (sore ankles) had 11 points (5-of-14 FG, 1-of-2 FT) and six assists in the Spurs' loss to the Warriors on Tuesday.
Analysis: Parker also had six turnovers on a night when the Spurs shot just 38 percent and had 21 turnovers.
Tim Duncan: Does Not Play Against Golden State
Update: Duncan (sprained right ankle) did not play in the Spurs' loss to Golden State on Tuesday.
Analysis: We'll keep you posted on whether Duncan will be ready for Thursday night against the Lakers.
Gordan Giricek: Back as Backup Shooting Guard
Update: Giricek replaced C.J. Miles as Utah's backup shooting guard during the second half of Tuesday's loss to Portland.
Analysis: Miles was the third candidate that coach Jerry Sloan used as Ronnie Brewer's backup, but he's now gone full circle back to Giricek. At any rate, there just isn't enough minutes for the backup to have fantasy value.
Joe Johnson: Hits Five 3-Pointers in Loss
Update: Johnson had 23 points (7-of-18 FG, 5-of-8 3-PT, 4-of-4 FT), four rebounds and five assists in the Hawks' loss to the Raptors on Monday.
Analysis: Johnson continues his overall struggles from the floor, but the five 3-pointers certainly help any fantasy roster. With all the minutes that Johnson plays, his shot may continue to struggle as many of his misses are due to fatigue.
CJ Miles: Replaced by Gordan Giricek
Update: In his new role as the backup shooting guard, Miles went 2-for-7 Tuesday night and was replaced by Gordan Giricek in the second half, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Utah coach Jerry Sloan has used up all of his candidates for the backup job and will go back to Giricek for now.
Josh Smith: Cold Night
Update: Smith was just 2-of-11 from the floor and scored just five points with eight rebounds and two blocks before fouling out in the Hawks' loss to the Raptors on Tuesday.
Analysis: Smith also had seven turnovers in perhaps his worst perforamnce of the season. Fantasy owners should not be alarmed though, as Smith has consistently produced all season.
Andrei Kirilenko: Leaves Tuesday's Game
Update: Kirilenko was struck on the bridge of the nose after bumping heads with Portland's Channing Frye and did not return to Tuesday's loss to the Trail Blazers, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Kirilenko said he was disoriented, but could have returned to the game. He will be available to play Wednesday night at Phoenix.
Mehmet Okur: Strained Trapezius
Update: Okur was forced to leave Tuesday night's game during the third quarter because of a strained trapezius muscle, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: The trapezius is the muscle that spans across the neck, shoulder and back. The Jazz are saying he will be available for Wednesday night's game in Phoenix.
Jarron Collins: Leaves Tuesday's Game
Update: Collins left Tuesday night's game during the fourth quarter after taking a blow to the head that resulted in stitches to close a cut over his right eyebrow, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Collins was in the game because starter Mehmet Okur had to leave with a strained trapezius -- the large muscle spanning the neck, shoulder and back. The Jazz are back in action Wednesday at Phoenix and expect Collins to be available.
Sebastian Telfair: Season High 10 Assists
Update: Telfair scored 11 points with a season high 10 assists while playing 38 minutes in Tuesday's loss to Washington.
Analysis: Telfair continues to get playing time along with Marko Jaric in Minnesota's back court. Randy Foye is out at least another three weeks, so Telfair should continue to get significant minutes along with Jaric.
Antoine Walker: Returns From Ankle Injury
Update: Walker scored two points in eight minutes in Tuesday's loss to Washington. He had missed two games with a sprained ankle.
Analysis: Walker was likely eased back into action and should see his minutes increase the next few games.
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