FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Antoine Wright: Sprained Right Ankle
Update: Wright sprained his right ankle in Thursday night's game against Miami and will not return.
Analysis: The injury leaves the Nets a little thin on the wing as Bostjan Nachbar is also hurt. The Nets are off until Saturday when they host Golden State.
Chris Quinn: Sprains Left Ankle
Update: Quinn sprained his left ankle in Thursday night's game against New Jersey and will not return.
Analysis: Quinn started the game despite the return of Jason Williams (ankle) to the lineup. The Heat are off until Saturday when they host Utah.
Jason Kidd: Misses Shootaround; Will Play Thursday
Update: Kidd will play Thursday night, after taking a red eye from the West Coast and arriving in Miami at 8 AM, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Kidd, who was attending to a family matter in the Bay Area, missed the morning shootaround.
Alonzo Mourning: Undergoes Surgery
Update: Mourning underwent surgery Thursday to repair the torn patella tendon and torn quadriceps tendon in his right knee and will miss the rest of the season, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: As of now, Mark Blount will replace Mourning as Shaquille O'Neal's backup at center, though the Heat could reach out to free agents P.J. Brown or Chris Webber.
Bostjan Nachbar: Likely to Miss Thursday's Game
Update: Nachbar (ankle) is a game-time decision Thursday, but sounded doubtful in the morning, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: "It feels a little bit better every day but it's not going back as fast as I was hoping for," Nachbar said. "It's taking a little more time than we first thought so it's still kind of a day-to-day thing. I have to go through at least a shootaround and a practice without pain before I can get ready for a game...It's like a 50-50 chance I'll be playing tonight." Nachbar has missed two games because of the injury.
Vince Carter: Will Play Wednesday
Update: Carter (ankle) will play Wednesday night against the Heat, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Carter said the ankle is a little sore, but he'll play.
Stephon Marbury: Not Expected to Play Friday
Update: Marbury did not practice Thursday and is not expected to travel to Friday's game at Charlotte, the Associated Press reports. The Knicks said Marbury was absent because of a combination of flu-like symptoms and personal reasons.
Analysis: Marbury was in uniform for Wednesday's win over Cleveland but did not play. He had rejoined the team Sunday and played Monday, but didn't practice Tuesday on what would have been the birthday of his father, who passed away on Dec. 2.
Andre Iguodala: Bad Shooting Night Wednesday
Update: Iguodala had 16 points (3-12 FG, 2-4 3PT, 8-10 FT), five rebounds, five assists and two steals in Wednesday's loss to the Pacers.
Analysis: Iguodala didn't shoot well Wednesday night but contributed in other areas of the game. He's currently averaging 18 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the season.
Rodney Stuckey: Cleared to Practice
Update: Stuckey (hand) has received medical clearance to return to full-contact practice, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Stuckey, who broke his left hand in three places in the Pistons' final exhibition game, probably won't return to the active roster until after Christmas however.
DeShawn Stevenson: Seeing Big Minutes
Update: Stevenson scored eight points (on 3-of-10 shooting) and added four assists in 44 minutes of action in Wednesday's loss to the Bulls.
Analysis: Stevenson cooled down a bit Wednesday, but he has played 89 minutes over the Wizards' last two games and figures to be relied upon heavily in the team's guard rotation while Antonio Daniels is out.
Darius Songaila: Just Two Points
Update: Songaila scored two points (on 1-of-3 shooting) in 15 minutes of action in Wednesday's loss to the Bulls.
Analysis: That gives him eight points over his last three games. More often than not, Songaila isn't going to shoot enough to help fantasy owners.
Nick Young: Struggles With Shot Wednesday
Update: Young made his second straight start Wednesday, scoring three points (on 1-of-10 shooting) and adding four rebounds in 24 minutes of action in the Wizards' loss to the Bulls.
Analysis: So far Young hasn't done a ton with the opportunity presented by the absence of Antonio Daniels, but obviously he'll have much better luck with his shot in a vast majority of his games going forward.
JJ Redick: Seeing Inconsistent Playing Time
Update: Redick did not see any action in Orlando's victory over Houston on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Redick's playing time has been very inconsistent lately, but he's played well when given a good amount of minutes. Unfortunately, the sporadic playing time really hurts his value and he won't be a viable fantasy option until he starts seeing consistent time on the floor.
Carlos Arroyo: Misses Fifth Straight Game
Update: Arroyo (foot) missed his fifth straight game on Wednesday night.
Analysis: He continues to be day-to-day, so there is no set timetable for his return to the lineup.
Keyon Dooling: Another Double-Digit Effort off the Bench
Update: Dooling scored 15 points in Orlando's victory over Houston on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Dooling only shot 3-of-9 from the field, but he shot a sparkling 9-of-10 from the free throw line. Dooling is averaging 11.4 points per game in December, but will only really help your fantasy team if you're desperate to find some points.
Rashard Lewis: Bothered by Sore Neck
Update: Lewis (neck) scored 13 points in Orlando's victory over Houston on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Lewis had a down game, but he did make two three-pointers in the game. Once he returns to full health, his fantasy production should return to normal.
Hedo Turkoglu: Producing in Many Ways
Update: Turkoglu scored 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds in Orlando's victory over Houston on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Turkoglu also had four assists and three steals in the game, but he now has 32 turnovers in his last nine games. Turkoglu continues to do most everything very well, but the high amount of turnovers is hurting his fantasy value. Still, Turkoglu is playing too well right now for fantasy owners to even consider putting him on the bench.
Dwight Howard: Free Throw Shooting Improving
Update: Howard scored 21 points and added 11 rebounds in Orlando's victory over Houston on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Howard also had three blocks in the game and only one turnover. As another bonus, he made 7-of-9 from the free throw line and has now made 32 of his last 42 foul shots since starting 1-for-9 against Charlotte. If this recent hot streak is a sign that Howard is improving from the line, he is about to enter a whole new level of fantasy dominance.
Spencer Hawes: Poor Defense = Bench
Update: In December, Hawes is averaging just 8.4 minutes and 1.9 points.
Analysis: The 19-year-old rookie will see more floor time as his defense improves. Right now, he tends to jump out at the high post to help out, leaving his man free underneath the basket. Also, opposing teams take advantage of his lack of foot speed by catching him out of position. Too often, he's caught trailing his assignment. Stash him on fantasy rosters if there's space. His time will come.
Keith Bogans: Second Double-Double of the Season
Update: Bogans (quad) scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Orlando's victory over Houston on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Bogans shot 6-of-9 from the field and also knocked down two three-pointers. He appears to be completely healthy now, so feel free to use him as you normally would.
Jameer Nelson: Seeing More Court Time Again
Update: Nelson scored 11 points and dished out six assists in Orlando's victory over Houston on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Nelson had four turnovers and only shot 5-of-14 from the field, as turnovers and field goal percentage continue to be the weak spot in his game. Fortunately, Nelson has scored in double digits in four straight games and has played at least 30 minutes in each contest.
Antoine Walker: Misses Another Game With Sore Ankle
Update: Walker missed Wednesday's game with a sprained ankle.
Analysis: He's missed three consecutive games with the injury, but is still listed as day to day.
Marko Jaric: Misses Game With Flu
Update: Jaric missed Wednesday's loss to Golden State due to the flu.
Analysis: Perhaps this explains Jaric's poor showing in his previous two games. He's day to day.
Mikki Moore: Apologizes to Teammates
Update: Moore apologized to the team on Wednesday after making disparaging remarks about the Kings' coaching staff, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "I talked to the guys about going to the media (with his feelings)," Moore said. "Coach said he didn't want it to spawn into anything else (with his teammates), so I nipped it in the bud. It's in the past now." The power-forward complained about his lack of involvement in Sacramento's offense during Tuesday's win at New Jersey. Moore scored four points against the Nets, the team he played for last season. It's not the first time he's chirped about his role on the Kings. In mid-November, Moore was frustrated about his lack of shot attempts, complaining to the media as well.
Ron Artest: Solid in the Defensive Columns
Update: Artest had 26 points, eight assists, three steals and two blocks in the Kings' win over Milwaukee on Wednesday night.
Analysis: "The guys stayed with it and stayed with the defense," Kings coach Reggie Theus said. "Ron Artest was tremendous tonight on Michael Redd." Redd still scored 27 points, but Theus' comments hold fantasy relevance. Artest will generally defend the opponents top guard or forward, often times, leaving him exhausted at the end of games. Benefiting fantasy owners, will be his penchant to generate healthy defensive stats. Artest averages 2.2 steals and 1.1 blocks.
Joakim Noah: Minimal Minutes Again Wednesday
Update: Noah, despite Ben Wallace missing the game with a foot injury, only played eight minutes in the Bulls' 95-84 win over the Wizards Wednesday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Noah was one of six players who arrived late for Tuesday's evening shootaround at the United Center because of bad traffic. Coach Scott Skiles said that's not why Noah, who received a fine as per team policy, sat against the Lakers by coach's decision for the first time since Nov. 15. With too many big men to play and Skiles looking to go small Tuesday and Wednesday and with Andres Nocioni able to play power forward, Noah saw his minutes cut from what he had been receiving.
Charlie Villanueva: Out with Ankle Sprain
Update: Villanueva missed Wednesday night's game against the Kings due to a sprained right ankle.
Analysis: The Bucks don't think that the injury is serious and he may be able to play again as early as Saturday.
Aaron Gray: Double-Double Standing in for Ben Wallace Wednesday
Update: With Ben Wallace sidelined by a foot injury, Gray piled up 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes, teaming with Tyrus Thomas to ignite a second-half rally, in the Bulls' 95-84 win over the Wizards Wednesday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Gray provides Chicago a low post scorer as well as someone who is adept at passing out of the double-team. Gray and Thomas helped key a 12-0, fourth quarter run that gave the Bulls a lead they never relinquished, and with Wallace battling bone spurs, Gray could be in line for more playing time.
Erick Dampier: Nears Double-Double, Blocks Five Shots
Update: Dampier had eight points, ten rebounds and five blocks in the Mavs' 108-105 win over the Suns on Wednesday.
Analysis: Wednesday was easily Dampier's best all-around performance this season, though we would like to see more consistency before recommending him as a regular fantasy option.
Josh Howard: Another Solid Outing Against Suns
Update: Howard had 23 points and seven rebounds in the Mavs' 108-105 win over the Suns on Friday.
Analysis: Howard has been consistently good this season, with none of the occasional mail-in games that Dirk Nowitzki has provided. He is the most solid, consistent Mavs fantasy option.
Jason Terry: Struggling in Return to Sixth Man Role?
Update: Terry scored 13 points on 3-10 shooting in the Mavs' 108-105 win over the Suns on Wednesday.
Analysis: In Terry's last two games coming off the bench, he has shot 7-21 from the field. He may be going through an adjustment period in returning to a sixth man role, and fantasy owners may want to hold off for a game or two until he regains his footing.
Dirk Nowitzki: Scores 31 Against Suns
Update: Nowitzki had 31 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in the Mavs' 108-105 win over the Suns on Wednesday.
Analysis: Wednesday was probably Dirk's best game of the season, especially given the level of competition. He made two of four behind the three-point stripe, after making only one of his previous eight. We however are still worried about Nowitzki's consistency, and would like to see him keep up this pace like he did last season.
Paul Pierce: Struggles Against Pistons
Update: Pierce had 11 points on 5-16 shooting in the Celtics' 87-85 loss to the Pistons on Wednesday. He also had four rebounds and four assists in the loss.
Analysis: Pierce has been generally solid to this point, so we expect his shooting to bounce back in coming games.
Rajon Rondo: Scores 14 Against Pistons
Update: Rondo had 14 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals in the Celtics' 87-85 loss to the Pistons on Wednesday night.
Analysis: A solid performance from the streaky Rondo, who shot 7-10 from the field against a tough Pistons team.
Tony Parker: Ready to Return?
Update: Parker (sprained left ankle) says his stint on the injured list is over, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Analysis: Asked if he was prepared to play Saturday at home against the Los Angeles Clippers, Parker smiled and said, "Yes, definitely." Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, however, isn't ready to pronounce Parker good to go just yet. The Spurs need Parker as Emmanuel Ginobili needs a rest, and the team does not get fast break baskets without Parker. We'll keep you posted.
Manu Ginobili: Looks Tired
Update: Ginobili had 20 points (7-of-21 FG, 2-of-8 3-PT, 4-of-6 FT), five rebounds, five assists and three steals in the Spurs' loss to Memphis on Wednesday.
Analysis: Ginobili is continuing to struggle with his shot and looks tired. Ginobili has taken on more responsibility since Tony Parker has been out, and he needs a rest. Ginobili may get that rest, as the Spurs don't play until Saturday, and Parker may be back for that game.
Tim Duncan: Second Strong Game in a Row
Update: Duncan had 16 points (7-of-14 FG, 2-of-2 FT), 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in the Spurs' loss to Memphis on Wednesday.
Analysis: Duncan sat for much of the third quarter as the Spurs were down by as many as 23. What must be encouraging for fantasy owners is how Duncan is getting back on the boards. He is averaging 15.5 rebounds per game in his last two games.
Acie Law: Comes Back From Injury
Update: Law (knee, ankle) scored four points in his eight minutes in the Hawks' win over the Heat on Wednesday.
Analysis: Law has been batttling several nagging injuries. In the meantime, Anthony Johnson has played well at the point. It may be sometime before Law gets back to playing 20-25 minutes and therefore has little fantasy value at the moment.
Joe Johnson: Plays All 53 Minutes in Win
Update: Johnson had 26 points (11-of-24 FG, 0-of-7 3-PT, 4-of-7 FT), nine assists and three steals in the Hawks' win over the Heat on Wednesday.
Analysis: Another big scoring night for Johnson. It will be interesting to see if there are any effects for Johnson in his next game after playing all 53 minutes against the Heat. The Hawks play Friday at Washington.
Eddy Curry: Early Foul Trouble
Update: Curry picked up a couple of quick fouls and finished with 10 points and five rebounds in 16 minutes Wednesday night in New York's victory over Cleveland.
Analysis: Once David Lee entered the game for Curry, it was hard for coach Isiah Thomas to pull him. Lee scored 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting with 11 rebounds for the Knicks.
Stephon Marbury: Sits Out Wednesday
Update: Marbury (personal) was unavailable for Wednesday night's victory over Cleveland.
Analysis: Marbury is grieving the loss of this father, whose birthday it was on Wednesday. There's no word on Marbury's status for Friday night's game in Charlotte.
Josh Boone: Second Straight Start
Update: Boone will start at center for the second straight game on Thursday against Miami, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Boone, who had five points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal in 31 minutes in Tuesday's loss to Sacramento, will be lining up against Shaquille O'Neal Thursday.
Jason Kidd: Family Matter
Update: Kidd missed Wednesday's practice while in California dealing with a family situation, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Kidd will not be at Thursday's shootaround, but will be in Miami for the Nets' game against the Heat Thursday night.
Vince Carter: Tweaks Ankle; Will Play Thursday
Update: Carter tweaked his sore right ankle, but is expected to play Thursday night against Miami, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Carter played 36 minutes on the ankle Tuesday, so this shouldn't cause alarm.
Bostjan Nachbar: Misses Practice
Update: Nachbar (ankle) sat out Wednesday's practice and is considered questionable for Thursday night's game against the Heat, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Nachbar has missed two games because of the injury.
Jarron Collins: Hip Strain
Update: Collins sustained a muscle strain on his right hip Wednesday night, but finished the game, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Collins, who was making his fourth straight start in place of the injured Mehmet Okur, is expected to play Friday night at Orlando. Collins had nine points, four rebounds and three assists in his most productive night while filling in for Okur.
Michaela Pavlickova: Continues to Struggle Scoring Points
Update: Pavlovic shot 3-of-10 for seven points in a loss against the Knicks on Wednesday.
Analysis: Pavlovic continues to struggle in trying to manufacture any type of offense. Pavlovic is only averaging 4.5 points/game in the Cavaliers' last four games. It's obvious that he is in a slump right now. We think its time to bench him, if you have another option at shooting guard until he comes back around.
Gordan Giricek: Sent Home During Road Trip
Update: Giricek was sent to the locker room during Wednesday night's loss to Charlotte, then later was ordered back home to Utah, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Giricek, who is no stranger to coach Jerry Sloan's bad side, exchanged words with the coach during a timeout in the second quarter of Wednesday night's game. There are no comments on the situation from the Jazz, while Giricek maintains he did nothing wrong. In any event, it looks like Giricek will not be playing Friday night at Orlando, meaning the backup shooting guard minutes will go to C.J. Miles.
LeBron James: Six Steals in Loss
Update: James scored 32 points, grabbed eight rebounds, collected six assists, and had six steals Wednesday night.
Analysis: James has scored 30 points or more in back-to-back games. Shooting a solid 12-of-21 from the field and 3-of-6 from behind the arc, it looks like James' hand is feeling bit better. James also tied his season high with six steals. He is now back in M.V.P. form coming back from that hand injury.
Tracy McGrady: Likely Out Thursday
Update: McGrady (knee) does not expect to be an option for Thursday's game at Denver, though he did travel with the team and said he is not ruling out playing, the Houston Chronicle reports. "Doctors, coaches and trainers saw how I was moving out there and decided to shut me down," McGrady said. "Obviously, I wasn't myself out there and did more hurting my team than anything."
Analysis: McGrady continued: "We're going to try something tonight, put some patches on (the knee) and get some medicine in there to knock out the pain a little bit. We'll see how it feels. Every time I put pressure on it, there's constant pain, sharp pain. I don't have any lift. Laterally, I can't really do anything." Expect McGrady to miss at least one game and possibly more. But that he's traveling with the team and even trying to test the knee is a sign that the injury's probably not a long-term one.
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