FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
James Posey: Nears Double-Double in Allen's Absence
Update: Posey had 10 points and seven rebounds in the Celtics' 90-77 win over the Raptors on Sunday.
Analysis: Posey played 29 minutes on Sunday in the absence of Ray Allen (ankle), and we expect Posey to see less minutes and, in turn, less opportunities to score and rebound, when Allen returns.
Rajon Rondo: Scores 14 in Allen's Absence
Update: Rondo had 14 points, four assists and two steals in the Celtics' 90-77 win over the Raptors on Sunday.
Analysis: Rondo's 14 points came in the absence of Ray Allen (ankle), and Rondo may see additional offensive opportunities if Allen remains out.
Kevin Garnett: Scoring the Same With Ray Allen Out
Update: Garnett had 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists in the Celtics' 90-77 win over the Raptors on Sunday.
Analysis: The absence of Ray Allen (ankle) hasn't necessarily led to more opportunities for Garnett, who seems content with less scoring in exchange for a Celtics win.
Paul Pierce: Scores 18 Against Raptors
Update: Pierce had 18 points, six rebounds and four assists in the Celtics' 90-77 win over the Raptors on Sunday.
Analysis: Another solid performance from Pierce, who has held on to the mantle of Celtics' top offensive player, and should see additional opportunities so long as Ray Allen (ankle) is out.
Steve Novak: Recalled From D-League
Update: The Rockets recalled Novak from the D-League.
Analysis: Novak averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in nine games for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
Ray Allen: Expected To Return Wednesday
Update: Allen (ankle) is expected to return for Wednesday night's home game against Detroit, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The Detroit/Boston matchup should be one of the bigger games on the NBA schedule this week. Allen will have a complete week of rest by the time the Pistons visit Boston.
Tony Allen: Starts Sunday
Update: Allen started in place of the injured Ray Allen (ankle) on Sunday and scored 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting, with two 3-pointers, five rebounds, two assists and two steals in Boston's victory over Toronto.
Analysis: Ray Allen is expected to come back Wednesday night against Detroit. Tony Allen has 21 points in the last two games while starting in Ray Allen's place.
Tayshaun Prince: Team-High in Blowout Win
Update: Prince led the Pistons with 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including three 3-pointers Sunday in Detroit's 109-87 victory over Golden State.
Analysis: Prince took advantage of the situation where the Pistons were playing a poor defensive team that was getting blown out at halftime. Prince dropped 22 on the Warriors in November when the Pistons beat them in Oakland.
Rafer Alston: Should Play Wednesday
Update: Alston (groin) is expected to be ready to play on Wednesday against the Magic, the Houston Chronicle reports.
"I had a lot of swelling after the game (against Detroit on Wednesday)," Alston said. "There was no pain, but my leg was huge. No pain, no structural damage, just swelling. The doctor (Mark Adickes) said it was best to let it rest and get the swelling down."
Analysis: Alston's been seeing the bulk of the point guard minutes of late, so he's worth using once he's completely healthy.
Antonio Daniels: Shoots for Two Weeks, Not Four
Update: Daniels, who is expected to miss two-to-four weeks with a sprained right MCL, is hoping to make his return closer to the two-week mark, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Nick Young started in place of Daniels Saturday, but Roger Mason Jr. actually saw the bulk of the fill-in time. Look for the Wizards to roll with the hot hand between the aforementioned duo while Daniels is out.
Kurt Thomas: Expects to Miss Only One Game with Ankle Injury
Update: Thomas expects to be available Wednesday after missing Saturday's game with a sprained ankle, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Thomas was injured late in Friday's game, though he didn't tell anyone until the next day and didn't decide not to play until after pre-game warm-ups. "I'm looking at it as one game," Thomas said.
Kris Humphries: Humphries on a Roll
Update: Humphries was a rebound away from getting his second double-double in three games after scoring 12 points and picking up nine rebounds in Sunday's loss to Boston.
Analysis: Humphries is playing some of the best basketball of his career and is making the most of his increased playing time with T.J. Ford out after falling and landing on his head in Tuesday's game in Atlanta.
Jerome James: Practicing Again
Update: James (foot) has returned to full practice and said he'll return "soon," possibly in two weeks, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: There aren't many people involved in the real or fantasy world awaiting James' return to action, but he could provide some spot defense to support the Knicks' interior. James underwent surgery to remove a cyst on his foot in November.
Mehmet Okur: MRI Confirms Strained Shoulder; Return Unknown
Update: An MRI on Okur's left shoulder confirmed a strained trapezius muscle, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: There is also deep bruising in the shoulder area. Okur will accompany the Jazz on its four-game road trip beginning Monday, but the team is unsure when he'll be able to play again.
Ricky Davis: Adjusting Game to Shaquille O'Neal
Update: Heat coach Pat Riley said he's still working with Davis to adjust his game with an offense driven to get Shaquille O'Neal the ball, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Davis is a scorer that usually does his best work as a freelancer and not within a structured system. "We're working with him a little bit on that," Riley said. "He's got to understand what he's doing out there. But he's a shot-maker and, so, if you take that instinct away from him, then he might not get to where he has to get to. But when the Big Guy's open underneath the basket, we don't want him jacking threes."
Stephon Marbury: Returned to Practice Sunday, Plans to Play Monday
Update: Marbury returned to practice on Sunday after missing a week to mourn the death of his father, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Marbury plans on returning to the lineup on Monday when the Knicks host the Pacers. He has missed five of the Knicks' last seven games and has apparently lost some weight since his father's death on Dec. 2. Knicks coach Isiah Thomas has acknowledged that Marbury has a ways to go physically and will decide on Monday if he will start.
Alexander Johnson: Sprained Wrist
Update: Johnson sprained his left wrist during pregame warmups and was deactivated for Saturday night's loss to the Knicks, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Johnson is in the unenviable position of looking for minutes behind Udonis Haslem, Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning. As such, he is averaging a little over seven minutes per game in nine games played for the Heat this season.
Luke Jackson: A Week to Get Acclimated
Update: Jackson, who signed with the Heat on Thursday, said it will take a week before he's completely comfortable with Miami's system, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Jackson didn't play Saturday night after going 2-for-6 in his debut with the Heat in Thursday's loss to Washington. "I'm still getting acclimated with everybody and getting used to playing here," Jackson said. "I expect it's going to take a couple more games."
Mehmet Okur: Misses Saturday's Game
Update: Okur (shoulder) sat out Saturday night's game against Seattle.
Analysis: Okur missed his third straight game with a strained left trapezius muscle and he continues to be listed as day-to-day. Jarron Collins started in his place.
Matt Harpring: Misses Saturday's Game
Update: Harpring sat out Saturday night's game against Seattle with gastric distress, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Harpring will miss Utah's next game against Atlanta on Monday night while he undergoes a gastric scope exam. He is expected to rejoin the team in time for its game at Charlotte on Wednesday.
Jermaine O'Neal: Late Scare
Update: O'Neal appeared to have escaped major injury late in Saturday night's win over Miami after taking a blow to the head from Shaquille O'Neal, the Indianapolis Star reports. After getting briefly examined, Jermaine O'Neal stayed in the game, made two free throws, and then drew a charge on the other end.
Analysis: O'Neal finally left the game after that play, and said that his head snapped back when he took the charge. "Jermaine O'Neal, that was a heroic effort at the end from the standpoint that they weren't sure if he lost consciousness and then he comes back, makes two foul shots, then the next possession he puts his body in front of the driver to take the charge," coach Jim O'Brien said. "I think that is a phenomenal example of leadership and what he means to our basketball team."
Chris Quinn: Limited Role in Rotation Saturday
Update: Quinn, coming off a career-high 22 points Thursday, was scoreless in 11 minutes Saturday night in Miami's loss to Indiana.
Analysis: Starting point guard Jason Williams had six points and six assists in 24 minutes. Quinn has played well when given minutes, but Heat coach Pat Riley is standing by Williams as the starter.
Quentin Richardson: Returns to Action Saturday
Update: Richardson returned to action Saturday night after missing one game with a knee injury.
Analysis: Richardson was back in the starting lineup and had eight points, two rebounds and an assist in 31 minutes in the Knicks' victory over the Nets.
Eddy Curry: Bounces Back
Update: After going scoreless in 13 minutes on Friday, Curry scored 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting (5-of-8 FT) in 37 minutes Saturday night in New York's victory over New Jersey.
Analysis: Curry has been having trouble finding his shots with Zach Randolph around and is danger of losing his starting spot. His eight free-throw attempts Saturday were the first times he's been to the free-throw line in four games, so it was a different Curry -- last season's Curry -- that we saw on Saturday. Despite his nine rebounds and one blocked shot Saturday night, Curry does very little defensively. So he really needs to look for his offense if he wants to stay on the floor.
Sean Williams: Continued Playing Time
Update: Williams played 18 minutes Saturday night and had eight points, five rebounds and two blocked shots in New Jersey's loss to New York.
Analysis: Williams and Josh Boone (10 points, six rebounds, 31 minutes) have become more involved the last few games and are outproducing starters Jason Collins and Malik Allen.
Bostjan Nachbar: Sits Out Saturday
Update: Nachbar (ankle) missed Saturday night's loss to New York.
Analysis: Nachbar's absence means more playing time for Antoine Wright, who had six points in 27 minutes.
Jared Dudley: Starts Saturday
Update: Dudley started at small forward Saturday night in Charlotte's loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: Emeka Okafor will start at center until the recently acquired Nazr Mohammed settles in. That means Dudley, on occasion, will start at the three. Once Mohammed is acclimated to his new surroundings, Dudley should resume a role off the bench. Dudley had seven points and six rebounds in the loss.
Mikki Moore: Getting Comfortable
Update: Moore scored six points, grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked two shots in the Kings' loss at Washington Saturday night.
Analysis: Moore, who signed as a free agent in the offseason with Sacramento, appears to be settling into his role on the Kings. He is proficient at being in the right place at the right time and has developed terrific chemistry with center Brad Miller in the passing game. In December, he is averaging 9.9 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 54.2% from the floor. On defense, Moore won't register many steals or blocks.
Francisco Garcia: Scores 11 in Washington Loss
Update: Garcia played 23 minutes and scored 11 points with three rebounds in Sacramento's loss at Washington on Sunday.
Analysis: The swingman is an 11.4-point, 2.9-rebound and 1.5-steal per game performer in December compared to a 13.0-point, 3.6-rebound and 1.1-steal per game player during November. Although his scoring and rebounds are down, Garcia's shooting has improved markedly. He is hitting 45.8% and 90.0% from three-point range and free-throw line, respectively. Last month, those numbers were 29.7% and 74.0%, respectively.
Ryan Gomes: Reduced Playing Time
Update: Gomes scored 15 points with two assists in 21 minutes in Saturday's loss to Milwaukee. He's played over 20 minutes in just two of his last six games.
Analysis: Gomes' playing time is taking a hit with Craig Smith and Corey Brewer playing better. He's also coming off the bench after starting at small forward frequently early in the season.
Marko Jaric: Poor Scoring Night
Update: Jaric scored just one point and was 0-for-3 from the field while playing 35 minutes in Saturday's loss to Milwaukee. He did have seven assists.
Analysis: Jaric and Sebastain Telfair continue to both get playing time in the Minnesota back court. Usually Jaric has taken more shots, so this looks like just an off night.
Matt Bonner: Back to Bench
Update: Bonner did not play in Saturday's win over Denver due to a coach's decision.
Analysis: With Tim Duncan back, Bonner's minutes will return to a smaller role.
Carmelo Anthony: Leads Nuggets in Rebounding
Update: Anthony led the Nuggets with nine rebounds to go along with 15 points, four assists, one steal and one block Saturday night at San Antonio.
Analysis: Anthony finished 7-of-15 from the field, including 1-of-2 from downtown, but did not attempt a free throw against what is normally considered a very physical San Antonio defense.
Linas Kleiza: Starts at PF, Plays 32 Minutes
Update: Kleiza started in place of Kenyon Martin (suspension) at power forward and posted 16 points on 7-of-12 FGs including 2-of-3 from downtown Saturday vs the Spurs.
Analysis: With Martin suspended head coach George Karl inserted Kleiza into the line-up and he had a fairly productive night. Kleiza also added four rebounds, three assists and two steals but don't count on this type of production continuing on a nightly basis.
Marcus Camby: Limited by Foul Trouble
Update: Camby finished with just four points, six rebounds and five blocked shots in 29 minutes on Saturday night against San Antonio.
Analysis: Camby picked up some early fouls and never seemed to get into the flow of the game. He took just two shots (making both) and never went to the free throw line. Just chalk it up as a tough night against a tough team and keep him in your lineups.
Allen Iverson: Has Big Night Against Spurs
Update: Iverson led all scorers with 30 points while adding five assists, three rebounds and three steals Saturday night against San Antonio.
Analysis: Iverson did have seven turnovers but he's been so steady and consistent this season it's hard to nitpick. He finished 10-of-22 from the field (1-of-2 3pt) and 9-of-11 from the line in the loss.
Antoine Walker: Aggravates Ankle Injury
Update: Walker missed Saturday's loss to Milwaukee due to a sore left ankle.
Analysis: He apparently aggravated an injury that caused him to miss to games last week. Keep him on reserve until he appears in a game again.
Tony Parker: Did Not Play Against
Update: Parker (sprained ankles) did not play against the Nuggets on Saturday.
Analysis: We'll keep you posted on when Parker will get back in the lineup.
Michael Finley: Season-High in Win
Update: Finley had 21 points, six rebounds and four assists in the Spurs' win over the Nuggets on Satruday.
Analysis: Finley hit four 3-pointers en route to his season-high. Finley's production was needed as Tony Parker missed the game with ankle injury.
Drew Gooden: 10th Double-Double
Update: Gooden scored 21 points and collected 10 rebounds in Saturday's loss to the 76ers.
Analysis: Notching his 10th double-double of the season, Gooden played well Saturday night. Gooden was very efficient going 8-11 from the field.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas: Four Blocks for Big Man in the Middle
Update: Ilgauskas scored 12 points, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked four shots Saturday night.
Analysis: Ilgauskas just missed his 14th double-double with nine rebounds. However, the four blocks more than covered being just shy of another double-double Saturday night.
Marvin Williams: Solid Effort in Win
Update: Williams had 20 points (7-of-12 FG, 6-of-8 FT), five rebounds, three assists and two steals in the Hawks' win over the Bobcats on Saturday.
Analysis: Williams has adjusted well as the number three scorer for the Hawks. Williams continues to average career-highs in most relevant fantasy categories.
Michaela Pavlickova: Not Playing Well
Update: Pavlovic scored five points in a 2-9 shooting effort from the field in Saturday night's loss to Philadelphia.
Analysis: In the last two games, Pavlovic has totaled five points on 2-of-11 shooting after going scoreless Friday night. Pavlovic is bringing nothing to the table as far as production goes. He is in a slump right now, but hopefully, being the starting shooting guard, his game will come around.
Josh Smith: Bounce Back Night
Update: Smith had 19 points (5-of-9 FG, 0-of-1 3-PT, 9-of-12 FT), 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks in the Hawks' win over the Bobcats on Saturday.
Analysis: Smith had been struggling but on Saturday returned to the performer that has made him one of the top fantasy players this season.
Joe Johnson: Scoring Continues
Update: Johnson had 31 points (12-of-24 FG, 5-of-9 3-PT, 2-of-2 FT), four rebounds, six assists and two steals in the Hawks' win over the Bobcats on Saturday.
Analysis: This was Johnson's fourth straight game of 20+ points. Johnson also provides fantasy owners with a good source of 3-pointers, assists and steals.
Primoz Brezec: About 10 Minutes a Night
Update: Brezec should play about 10 minutes a game for Detroit, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Brezec will already be behind Antonio McDyess, Rasheed Wallace, and Jason Maxiell in the big-man rotation, so minutes may be hard to come by. With his contract coming off the books at the end of the season, the Pistons may be making a push to pick up another veteran big man such as Chris Webber for the stretch run.
Robert Hite: Will Play Power Forward
Update: Coach Flip Saunders hopes Herrmann can defend well enough to play power forward, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Herrmann probably won't take too many minutes away from Jarvis Hayes at the 3, so if he can't play the 4, he won't play much at all. Herrmann's contract comes off the books at the end of this season, so he won't have much of an opportunity to prove he should stay with Detroit.
LeBron James: Average Night in Loss
Update: James scored 21 points and collected six rebounds and six assists in a losing effort to Philadelphia.
Analysis: James, with little help from his teammates, had an average night scoring 21 points Saturday night. With the numbers James has posted this season, Saturday's performance was luke warm. But to say 21-points/six-rebounds/six-assists is an average night just really tells you what you can expect this season from the MVP candidate who has a much higher statistical ceiling.
Ray Allen: Not Expected to Play Against Raptors
Update: Allen (ankle) is not expected to play in Sunday's game against Toronto, according to the Boston Herald.
Analysis: Allen originally sprained the ankle on Nov. 24th against Charlotte, and played seven games on the injured ankle (albeit struggling mightily). The team may therefore take it very slowly with this injury, as it may have gotten worse over the last few weeks.
Kobe Bryant: Game Time Decision Sunday
Update: Bryant (strained left groin) may miss Sunday's game against the Clippers, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Bryant missed Saturday's practice, and would at least be slowed if he plays tonight.
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