FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Tim Thomas: Leaves With an Ankle Sprain
Update: Thomas left Friday's game against Memphis with a sprained right ankle and did not return.
Analysis: Thomas left in the second quarter after scoring two points in 13 minutes. We'll update his condition as it's made available.
Beno Udrih: Leads Second Half Charge
Update: Udrih had 15 points, six assists and four rebounds in the Kings' win over Philadelphia Friday night.
Analysis: Another productive game from Udrih, who scored 11 points in the third quarter, as the Kings pulled away in the second half. The point guard has become a must-start in fantasy leagues this season.
Mikki Moore: Ties a Career-High in Points
Update: Moore tied a career-high with 24 points on 10-of-11 shooting in Sacramento's win over the 76ers on Friday.
Analysis: Moore was the recipient of several sweet passes from Brad Miller on the evening. He camped near the paint and waited for the center's generosity, as both worked the two-man game to perfection. Moore finished with six dunks.
Brad Miller: Scores a Season-High 25
Update: Miller scored a season-high 25 points (9-of-12) with 10 rebounds in the Kings' win over Philadelphia on Friday night.
Analysis: "Mikki (Moore) loves to dunk and I like to pass the ball, so it's a win-win situation for the both of us," Miller said. The 7-footer dished out six assists, looking inside to Moore the whole game, consistently threading passes to the power forward for easy baskets. It was Miller's seventh double-double this season.
Pau Gasol: Out for a Week?
Update: Gasol's official web site says he might be out through next week after jamming his toe in practice Thursday, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: It's looking like Gasol might return either Dec. 21 or 22, but the only thing certain right now is that both the Grizzlies and Gasol owners will be without the Spaniard for at least five games. Coach Marc Iavaroni went with a small starting lineup, and Juan Carlos Navarro found himself starting at the two once again, and Hakim Warrick should be the first big man off the bench.
Quentin Richardson: Misses Game with Strained Knee
Update: Richardson sat out Friday night's contest against the Bulls with a strained tendon in his right knee, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: He missed the second half on Wednesday night's loss to Seattle and also sat out practice Thursday. No word yet on a timetable for his return. Expect Renaldo Balkman and Jared Jeffries to get more time in his absence.
Stephon Marbury: Misses Third Straight Contest
Update: Marbury (personal reasons) missed his third straight game Friday.
Analysis: Still no word on when he may return.
Ray Allen: Sits out with Ankle Injury
Update: Allen (ankle) was not in the starting lineup for Friday night's game against the Bucks and is not expected to play, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The ankle injury has been bothering Allen since a game against Charlotte on November 24. Coach Doc Rivers said "He wants to play, but we've got a lot of games left, if he keeps playing, he keeps doing that routine, I don't think that helps it." Allen may also miss Sunday's contest against the Raptors.
Robert Hite: Dealt to Detroit
Update: Herrmann and Primo Brezec were traded to Detroit in exchange for Nazr Mohammed, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Herrmann contributed 4 points and 2.1 boards per game in 17 contests for the Bobcats. He's also shooting 34.6 percent from three-point range this season, and knocked down 46.1 percent of his triples last year. The Pistons hope to utilize Herrmann mainly for his outside shooting.
Primoz Brezec: Traded to Detroit
Update: Brezec and Walter Herrmann were sent to Detroit in exchange for Nazr Mohammed, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Brezec started 18 of 20 games with Charlotte this year, but averaged only 1.9 points in about 13 minutes of action. The Pistons hope Brezec will contribute as a big-man who can knock down the outside shot.
Nazr Mohammed: Traded to Charlotte
Update: Mohammed was traded to the Bobcats for Primoz Brezec and Walter Herrmann, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Mohammed should get a chance to contribute for Charlotte as they've been needing help in the post since Sean May was lost for the season in training camp. In 21 games for Detroit, Mohammed averaged 3.3 points and 3.5 boards.
Aaron Brooks: Called up from D-League
Update: Brooks was called up from Rio Grande of the NBA Developmental League on Friday.
Analysis: He has only appeared in two games with the Rockets this year, averaging 2.5 points. However, the D-League didn't seem to challenge him much as he averaged 23 points, 5.5 boards, and 5 assists in two games.
Pau Gasol: Inactive after Jamming Toe
Update: Gasol (toe) was inactive for Friday night's game against the Clippers, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Gasol tangled feet with a teammate in Thursday's practice and was seen wearing a boot afterwards. When coach Marc Iavaroni was asked how long Gasol would be out, he said "We're saying indefinitely because we don't know."
Richie Frahm: Signs with the Clips
Update: Frahm signed with the Clippers on Friday.
Analysis: Frahm spent time with Phoenix in training camp but was waived before the start of the regular season. The 6-foot-5 guard has averaged 3.5 points and 1.2 rebounds in 130 career games with Minnesota, Houston, Portland and Seattle. He is strictly a fantasy vagabond who has no value.
Jermareo Davidson: Assigned to D-League
Update: Davidson was assigned to Sioux Falls of the NBA Developmental League.
Analysis: In 11 games with Charlotte this season, Davidson has averaged 3.5 points and 1.9 rebounds.
Daniel Gibson: Game-Time Decision for Friday's Game
Update: Gibson was able to take part in practice Thursday, and the Cavaliers have upgraded him to questionable for Friday night's game, Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: It looks like Gibson will be a game-time decision. We will let you know of his game-time status as soon as word gets out.
Luol Deng: Misses Practice Thursday for Treatment on Sore Lower Back, Expected to Play Friday
Update: Deng sat out Thursday's practice to get treatment on his sore back but is expected to play Friday against New York, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Deng has been and will continue playing through the injury and will have three days off to get treatment following Friday's game to get ready for the Lakers.
Ben Wallace: Misses Practice Thursday with Sore Back, Expected to Play Friday
Update: Wallace sat out Thursday's practice for precautionary reasons due to his sore back but is expected to play Friday against New York, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: With the New York front line struggling of late, especially defensively, Wallace could be in a for a solid game Friday.
Chris Duhon: Misses Practice Thursday with Bruised Left Thigh, Expected to Play Friday
Update: Duhon is wearing a wrap on his bruised left thigh and sat out Thursday's practice, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Duhon is expected to play Friday against the Knicks, but if Kirk Hinrich can continue his recent solid play, Duhon's minutes will be cut again.
Ron Artest: Needs K-Mart to be Open
Update: Artest, who has become the focus of opposing defenses, is shooting poorly since guard Kevin Martin (groin) was injured on Dec. 4, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The small forward has less room to operate without Martin grabbing the reins of the offense and attracting the opposition's primary defenders. In the nine games Artest played with Martin, he averaged 22.3 points and shot 48.3% from the field. In the four games since Martin was hurt, he has averaged 14.5 points and shot just 33.3% from the floor. Artest is still a fantasy starter, but again, he has a lot of factors affecting his personal life, including his daughter's battle with kidney cancer. Mental focus may be contributing to his offensive woes.
Zaza Pachulia: Expected to Return with Horford Suspended
Update: Pachulia (concussion symptoms) is expected to start on Friday against the Pistons, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: Al Horford has been suspended for one-game for his flagrant foul against Toronto point guard T.J. Ford. Pachulia has missed the last five games due to his injury.
Bruce Bowen: Hits Five 3-Pointers in Loss
Update: Bowen had 23 points including five 3-pointers in the Spurs' loss to the Lakers on Thursday.
Analysis: With Emmanuel Ginobili having an off night and both Tim Ducnan and Tony Parker out, Bowen along with Brent Barry supplied the firepower that almost allowed the Spurs to steal a win on the road.
Fabricio Oberto: Hits the Boards Against Lakers
Update: Oberto had 16 rebounds to go along with nine points in the Spurs' loss to the Lakers on Thursday.
Analysis: Oberto benefitted from Tim Duncan's absence as Matt Bonner did in the previous game. With Duncan expected back Saturday, expect Oberto to go back to his normal production.
Manu Ginobili: Another Off Night
Update: Ginobili had 14 points (5-of-17 FG, 1-of-7 3-PT, 3-of-3 FT), six rebounds, and three assists in the Spurs' loss to the Lakers on Thursday.
Analysis: Ginobili has been off and was clearly the focal point of the Lakers defense since both Tim Duncan and Tony Parker were out. Ginobili should get some help as Duncan is expected to return on Saturday.
Tim Duncan: Probable Against Denver on Saturday
Update: Coach Gregg Popovich said Duncan would suit up Saturday against the Nuggets at the AT&T Center if he responds well after a workout today and again Saturday morning, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: "With his workout (Thursday night), if he feels good again (today), and same thing after (Saturday's) workout, I would think he would probably suit up. But if he doesn't react well to those workouts, we will probably sit him another game. But he is pretty close (to coming back)" Popovich said.
Tony Parker: Doubtful Against Denver on Saturday
Update: Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Parker (sprained left ankle) is unlikely to suit up against Denver on Saturday in San Antonio. After that, his status will be game by game, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Expect the Spurs to take their time with this injury. The Spurs are much more concerned about games in May and June than in December.
Brendan Haywood: Finding Consistency?
Update: Haywood scored 12 points (on 6-of-8 shooting) and added 10 rebounds in 32 minutes of action in Thursday's win over the Heat.
Analysis: After opening December with a two-point effort, Haywood has scored in double figures in all five games since, notching three double-doubles in that span.
Andray Blatche: Working Behind Haywood
Update: Blatche (foot) scored eight points (on 3-of-3 shooting) and added four rebounds in 14 minutes of action in Thursday's win over the Heat.
Analysis: Brendan Haywood's health and solid play continues to block Blatche from getting consistent enough minutes to be a reliable fantasy option.
Darius Songaila: Back From Ankle Injury
Update: Songaila (ankle) returned to action Thursday, scoring four points in 10 minutes of action.
Analysis: Songaila has averaged just under 19 minutes per game since joining the Wizards, and as long as his ankle holds up, his playing time should return to normal in the coming games.
Rashard Lewis: Probable With Sore Neck
Update: Lewis is probable for Friday night's game against Charlotte despite a sore neck, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: This is a minor injury and Lewis likely won't miss any time, but check Orlando's starting lineup before their game tonight to make sure Lewis is in it.
Carlos Arroyo: Day-to-Day With Sore Foot
Update: After sitting out Wednesday night's game, Arroyo is day-to-day with a sore left foot, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Arroyo has missed three of the last five games due to the injury and an illness in the family, and has been limited in the other two. Head coach Stan Van Gundy has hinted at lineup changes if the Magic continue to struggle, and a healthy Arroyo would figure to have a shot at replacing the inconsistent Jameer Nelson. Nothing is certain yet, but Arroyo's fantasy value would be much higher if he was the starting point guard.
Greg Buckner: Out Again With Calf Injury
Update: Buckner will miss a third consecutive game on Friday with a calf injury, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Analysis: He remains day to day, but there hasn't been a timetable yet for his return.
Ray Allen: Rested for Thursday's Practice
Update: Allen (ankle) was rested for Thursday's practice, according to the Boston Globe.
Analysis: Celtics coach Doc Rivers noted that "we just gave him rest. Since he twisted his ankle a while ago (Nov. 24), my thought with Ray is just to give him as much rest as possible and take it day to day with him, as well."
Kendrick Perkins: "50-50" for Friday's Game Against Bucks
Update: Perkins (toe) told the Boston Globe that he's "50-50" for Friday's game against the Bucks.
Analysis: Even if Perkins does play, he will probably see limited minutes, and therefore should not be much of a fantasy consideration tonight.
Derek Fisher: Briuses Knee Against Spurs
Update: Fisher bruised his left knee in the third quarter of Thursday's 102-97 win over the Spurs, but later returned.
Analysis: Fisher had nine points and four steals in 31 minutes of play and should be good to go for Friday's game against the Warriors.
Ronny Turiaf: Scores Eight Against Spurs
Update: Turiaf (concussion) had eight points and six rebounds in the Lakers' 102-97 win over the Spurs on Sunday.
Analysis: Turiaf showed no ill effects of the concussion on Thursday night, though doesn't play enough minutes to be a fantasy regular.
Kobe Bryant: Scores 30 Against Spurs
Update: Bryant had 30 points, seven rebounds and four steals in the Lakers' 102-97 win over the Spurs on Thursday night.
Analysis: Bryant seemed to show no ill effects of the shoulder injury he suffered last week, and should continue to be any fantasy team's top play.
Lamar Odom: Scores 15 Against Spurs
Update: Odom had 15 points and eight rebounds in the Lakers' 102-97 win over the Spurs on Thursday.
Analysis: Odom seems to be regaining his 15-10 potential after a sluggish start.
Andrew Bynum: Ejected from Game Against Spurs
Update: Bynum was ejected during the third quarter of Thursday's 102-97 win over the Spurs.
Analysis: Bynum had six points and 11 rebounds in 24 minutes of play before his ejection. We don't expect any further disciplinary action to follow, as Bynum was just arguing a charging call.
Stephon Marbury: Still Out
Update: Knicks coach Isiah Thomas gave no indication of when Marbury (personal) may return to the team, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Marbury has missed the Knicks' previous two games while mourning the passing of his father. "[Marbury] is feeling a little better, but he's still kind of going through it and said he didn't feel emotionally or physically that he was ready to come back and play," Thomas said. Fred Jones has been starting in Marbury's place.
Quentin Richardson: Questionable Friday
Update: Richardson (knee) sat out Thursday's practice and is questionable for Friday night's game at Chicago, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Richardson suffered a strained ligament in his right knee Wednesday night. Renaldo Balkman and Jared Jeffries will receive more playing time as a result.
Jason Hart: Will Miss Friday's Game
Update: Hart will miss Friday's game against Portland so that he may attend the funeral of his grandfather, the Deseret News reports.
Analysis: Ronnie Price will get the backup point-guard minutes for Utah. Hart will rejoin the Jazz Saturday in Utah when the club faces Seattle.
Mehmet Okur: Uncertain Friday
Update: Okur (shoulder) is listed as day-to-day and his status for Friday night's game at Portland is uncertain, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: The Jazz don't expect Okur to be long-term with the injury, but recalled Kyrylo Fesenko from the D-League as a precaution.
Luther Head: More Minutes for Head
Update: Head is going to get an extended look as part of the Rockets rotation, the Houston Chronicle reports. "I think Luther deserves a chance to play," coach Rick Adelman said.
Analysis: Head is making 46.1 percent of his shots this season, by far the best among the Rockets' guards. Averaging 12.8 minutes, he has averaged 4.5 points per game. In the past two games, however, he has played 43 minutes, making eight of 15 shots for 24 points.
Steve Francis: Misses Practice with Knee Injury
Update: Francis missed Thursday's practice to get therapy on his right knee the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis: He's day to day for now and in any event has been surpassed in the rotation by Luther Head.
DeShawn Stevenson: Leads Wizards Over Heat
Update: Stevenson led the Wizards with 26 points (8-for-15 FG, 4-for-4 FT) with six treys, three boards, three assists and two steals in 35 minutes Thursday night.
Analysis: Stevenson had his shot working on Thursday, finally giving some indication that the player that shot almost 50% from the field a year ago is still in there somewhere.
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