FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Paul Davis: Injured at Dallas
Update: Davis left Friday night's game at Dallas in the second quarter with a right knee injury.
Analysis: Davis was helped off the court after he fell down in a heap following a collision with Mavericks center Erick Dampier. We'll update his condition as information unfolds.
Ben Wallace: Wallace out for Celtics game
Update: Wallace will not play against Boston on Friday night because of the sore foot, according to ESPN 1000 AM in Chicago.
Analysis: If you have a chance, find someone else to replace Wallace. He has bone spurs in his left foot that are still affecting him.
Ike Diogu: Coming Back from Injury
Update: Diogu (torn calf muscle) could return to action on Friday night against Minnesota, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Diogu missed about a month-and-a-half with the injury. It comes at a good time, with David Harrison out with back spasms.
Jamaal Tinsley: Back in Action
Update: Tinsley (thigh bruise) will return to action on Friday night against Minnesota, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Tinsley missed Wednesday's game against the Sixers with the injury. So far, he's only missed one game with injury - in the past, he's regularly missed a handful of games.
David Harrison: Back Spasms
Update: Harrison did not make the trip for Friday's game against Minnesota, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: The impact of Harrison's absence has been mitigated by the return of Iko Diogu.
Cheikh Samb: Recalled by Pistons
Update: The Pistons have recalled Samb from Fort Wayne of the NBDL, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: He'll give the team another big man, but he's strictly a depth guy.
Bobby Simmons: Could See Increased Playing Time
Update: Simmons may see more minutes at small forward due to the injury to Desmond Mason.
Analysis: Mason will be out at least six weeks so Simmons and Charlie Bell are most likely to get his minutes. Simmons needs to pick up his three point shooting if he wants to see more playing time.
Charlie Bell: Could See Increased Playing Time
Update: Bell may start to see more minutes due to the injury of Desmond Mason.
Analysis: Bell has not lived up to expectations this season, playing only 19 mpg and shooting a paltry 29.1% from the field. It's possible that the increase in playing time will help him pick up his game.
Desmond Mason: Out 6-8 Weeks With Thumb Injury
Update: Mason will undergo surgery on his left thumb and is expected to be out of action for six-to-eight weeks, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Coach Larry Krystkowiak said he has not decided who will replace Mason in the starting lineup against Charlotte on Saturday night. The Bucks experimented with a few combinations in practice, including one that had Jake Voskuhl at power forward and Yi Jianlian at small forward. Charlie Bell and Bobby Simmons are considered candidates to start.
Quincy Douby: Playing Time Dwindling
Update: Douby has seen little action in December, and it doesn't appear he will see extended minutes any time soon.
Analysis: Douby hasn't played much since Kevin Martin's absence from a groin injury. The second-year guard is averaging 9.5 minutes in December compared to 13.5 minutes in November. Recent stellar production from players like Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia and John Salmons has relegated Douby to limited stints in Sacramento's playing rotation. Cut bait if he's on your fantasy team.
Chris Kaman: Double-Double Due in Dallas?
Update: Kaman will attempt to register his 11th straight double-double Friday at Dallas.
Analysis: Kaman is vying for the NBA's Most Improved Player award, a year after averaging 10.1 points and 7.8 rebounds. Those numbers have spiked to 18.3 points and 14.0 rebounds this season. He has 20 double-doubles - four more than he had in 2006-07. Making the All-Star team for the Western Conference is a strong possibility as well.
Allen Iverson: Another Night, Another Huge Game
Update: Iverson posted 36 points, nine assists, five rebounds, two steals and only one turnover during Denver's double-overtime win against Houston on Thursday night.
Analysis: The beat moves on for Iverson who played 56 minutes, was 14-of-30 from the field and 8-of-8 from the line. Even though he missed all four of his three point attempts he continues to have one of the best seasons of of his brilliant career. One word of warning though, with Chucky Atkins return there is the possibilit of Iverson's minutes, and therefore his overall numbers, being reduced. Keep an eye on the situation over the next two weeks to see what develops.
Chucky Atkins: Returns, Plays 23 Minutes
Update: Atkins (groin) played his first game in over a month and a half on Thursday night against Houston and posted 13 points, two assists and one rebound.
Analysis: Atkins had been out with a severe groin injury that he suffered in the last preseason game. His return now gives the Nuggets the full compliment of guards George Karl thought he was getting in October. It should be interesting to see how the minutes are distributed amongst Allen Iverson, Anthony Carter and Atkins, and whether past starters J.R. Smith and Yakouba Diawara, who were both healthy scratches on Thursday, will break into the rotation.
Kenyon Martin: Injures Hamstring
Update: Martin left the Nuggets' game against Houston during the third quarter on Thursday night with an apparent hamstring injury and did not return.
Analysis: There was no word after the game on the severity of the injury other than the club listed him as questionable for Friday's game at Portland. We recommend you keep him far from your line-up until you see him play a full 30-35 minutes without complications.
Marcus Camby: Big Board Night
Update: Camby led the Nuggets with 18 rebounds during their thrilling double-overtime win over Houston on Thursday night.
Analysis: It appeared that Camby was going for another zero point, 20 rebound performance as he only had two points and didn't score those until 59 seconds were left in the 2nd overtime. While Camby was clearly not a focus in the offense on Thursday he did add six blocks, two assists, and a steal in the win.
Delonte West: Still Out with Foot Injury
Update: West (plantar fasciitis, right foot) is not likely to return for Friday's game, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: West participated in non-contact drills Thursday, but still hasn't returned to full practice. He might be able to return for Seattle's Christmas Day game.
Robert Swift: Out Yet Another Month
Update: Swift could miss another month while his surgically repaired knee continues to heal, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Swift was supposed to return in late December/early January, but now that's on hold. Swift is in the fourth year of his rookie contract and will be a restricted free agent after this season. The Sonics need him healthy and in action for an extended period to adequately evaluate his future with the team.
Chris Wilcox: Wants to be More Involved in Offense
Update: Wilcox is not happy with his production and wants to be more involved in the offense, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: In his last nine games, Wilcox averaged 15.5 points and 11.7 rebounds in four games, but only 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in the five remaining games. That's partly due to tendinitis in both knees and a mildly sprained right ankle that have sapped his strength in the second halves of games. But Wilcox, who's better on the pick-and-roll than posting up, is more concerned with how he's utilized. "I just want to be more involved," Wilcox said. "If the guys on your team are not looking for you, you look at yourself like, 'What can I do to get open? What can I do to get the ball?'" But he also understands the team's situation, namely the disarray point guard. "We're not on the same page right now, but then that's to be expected with everything they're going through."
Raja Bell: Injures Left Ankle in Thursday's Loss
Update: Bell left Thursday's game late in the fourth quarter after injuring his left ankle, the East Valley Tribune reports.
Analysis: On the bright side, it was his right ankle that bothered him earlier in the year not his left, but the repeated minor injuries Bell has suffered this season have to be a concern for the Suns (and frustrating for his fantasy owners). No word yet on whether the latest problem might cause him to miss any games.
Ronald Murray: Probably Headed to Inactive List
Update: With Rodney Stuckey set to return, the odd man out could be Murray, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: Murray has been reduced to playing in the fourth quarter during blowouts, so he's the natural choice to go onto the inactive list. He could have some value to another team, so don't be surprised if the the Pistons trade him.
T.J. Ford: Still Consulting With Specialists
Update: Ford (arm stingers) saw New York-based specialist Dr. Patrick O'Leary on Wednesday, and will be out indefinitely while the Raptors and Ford consider his basketball future, the Toronto Sun reports.
Analysis: Ford won't even rejoin the team until after Christmas, and it's unclear how much basketball activity he'll be allowed to do at that time. "We are consulting with a number of specialists to get as much information as possible regarding T.J.'s condition. Once enough information is compiled, we will chart a course for his return to basketball activity," Raptors president and GM Bryan Colangelo said Thursday. Although no one in the Raptors organization really wants to think about it right now, retirement could be a serious option for Ford.
Rodney Stuckey: Cleared to Play in Games
Update: Stuckey (hand) has not only been cleared to practice, he's been cleared to play in games, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis: Expect Stuckey to get his first taste of NBA action in the next Detroit blowout. He's expected to make an impact down the road, but don't expect much over the next few weeks.
Aaron Williams: Still Troubled by Wrist
Update: Williams (wrist) did not practice on Thursday.
Analysis: Williams, a forward-center, has missed the last two games and has accumulated just 28 minutes of playing time in December. There is no fantasy value on his horizon.
Corey Maggette: On the Mend
Update: Maggette (hamstring) said that his strained hamstring is gradually getting better, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: The small forward suffered the injury on Nov.16, missing four games to rest his leg. Since he has come back from his time off, Maggette has been very effective, averaging 21.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 12 games. In that span, he is shooting 45.7% from the field. Maggette is a must-start in every rotisserie league, providing robust numbers in most categories.
Andrew Bynum: May Lose Starting Spot When Kwame Brown Returns
Update: Bynum may lose his starting spot once center Kwame Brown (ankle, knee) returns, which could be as early as next week, according to the Los Angeles Times. Lakers coach Phil Jackson noted that "I would imagine Kwame would go back to being a starter. I'm not going to make a comment on that yet."
Analysis: Bynum has averaged more than 14 points and 11 rebounds over the last six games, and his splits as a starter are significantly better than his numbers as a reserve. Why the Lakers would reinsert Brown into the starting lineup is beyond us, and would certainly hurt Bynum's fantasy value.
Kobe Bryant: Struggles From Field Against Cavs
Update: Bryant (groin) had 21 points on 8-22 shooting in the Lakers' 94-90 loss to the Cavs on Thursday.
Analysis: Bryant seems certainly affected by his groin, given his 36.5% (15-41) shooting over the last two games. Given that the Lakers play two more road games in the next three days, we expect Kobe to similarly struggle.
Lamar Odom: Another Double-Double
Update: Odom had 19 points and 11 rebounds in the Lakers' 94-90 loss to the Cavs on Thursday.
Analysis: Odom is averaging more than 16 points and 11 rebounds over his last five games, and should be an every-game fantasy starter right now.
Andrew Bynum: Double-Doubles Against Cavs
Update: Bynum had 17 points and 11 rebounds in the Lakers' 94-90 loss to the Clippers on Thursday.
Analysis: Bynum is now averaging double digits in both scoring and rebounding, and should be an every-night starter in any fantasy format.
Derek Fisher: Scores 18 Against Cavs
Update: Fisher had 18 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals in the Lakers' 94-90 loss to the Cavs on Thursday.
Analysis: Fisher seemed unaffected by the knee bruise suffered last week against the Spurs, and is a decent second-tier point guard, especially from a scoring perspective.
LeBron James: Three Games in a Row of 30 or More
Update: For the third game in a row, James has scored over 30 points. Thursday against the Lakers, James scored 33 points.
Analysis: Along with his 33 points, James also grabbed 10 rebounds, five assists, to go with a block and a steal. Don't expect anything less of James for the rest of the season.
Bostjan Nachbar: Misses Third Straight Game
Update: Nachbar (ankle) missed his third straight game on Thursday.
Analysis: Nachbar says the ankle is getting better, which is a good thing for the Nets, who lost Antoine Wright to an ankle injury in Thursday's victory over the Heat. The Nets are off Friday before playing Golden State on Saturday. Any player with an offensive bone in his body will want to play against the Warriors.
Jason Kidd: Late Arriving
Update: Kidd, who arrived in Miami early Thursday morning and skipped the Nets' shootaround, played 43 minutes Thursday night in New Jersey's overtime victory over Miami.
Analysis: Kidd had five points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, five turnovers and a steal in the victory. He had attended to a family matter on the West Coast and took the red eye back east.
Marcus Williams: More Minutes
Update: Williams (foot) played 10 minutes Thursday night in his second game back from a foot injury.
Analysis: Williams is working his way back into playing shape and will get more playing time in the coming weeks, though there's only so much time he'll get with Jason Kidd ahead of him.
Antoine Wright: X-Rays Negative
Update: X-rays of Wright's right ankle came back negative, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Wright was forced to leave Thursday night's victory over Miami in the third quarter after turning his right ankle. "It's a sprain -- it's pretty bad, but it didn't swell, so that's pretty good," Wright said. He was fitted for a walking boot after the game and expects to miss a couple of games. If Bostjan Nachbar returns from his ankle injury, he'll be the most likely beneficiary of minutes.
Stephon Marbury: Return to Team Unknown
Update: Knicks coach Isiah Thomas said he wasn't sure when Marbury, who will not play Friday night for personal reasons, will rejoin the team, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Marbury has taken his third leave of absence since the passing of his father. He's attempted to play twice since, but both times has found it hard to perform. The Knicks said he missed Wednesday night's game because of flu-like symptoms, but clearly he's still feeling the grief from the loss of his father. "He's really having a rough time, said Thomas, who spoke with his Marbury on Thursday. "I just hope that he can come out of this because he's having a very difficult time." After Friday's game against the Bobcats, the Knicks play the Lakers on Sunday.
Matt Harpring: Expected to Join Team Friday
Update: Harpring (gastric distress) was expected to arrive in Orlando late Thursday and join the Jazz for Friday night's game against the Magic, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: The Jazz could use Harpring, after the club booted Gordan Giricek from the road trip after another run-in with coach Jerry Sloan. Harpring is still limited by his knee, but, once without restrictions, has an opportunity to play more minutes at shooting guard with Giricek not around.
Gordan Giricek: Future With Jazz Cloudy
Update: After being sent home from Utah's current road trip, Giricek's future with the Jazz is unknown, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Giricek and coach Jerry Sloan got into a verbal exchange during a time out in Wednesday's loss to Charlotte and was ordered to the locker room, then later back to Utah. Some details of the exchange have come out, and we are sitting by awaiting to determine how this impacts fantasy owners. "Basically where it's at is we didn't come to any conclusions," general manager Kevin O'Connor said Thursday night. "So I don't have an answer."
Mehmet Okur: Doubtful Again
Update: Okur is listed as doubtful for Friday night's game in Orlando because of a strained trapezius muscle in his left shoulder, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Okur did not take part in contact drills during Thursday's practice, but is hopeful he can play against the Magic. "Hopefully I'll be better in the morning for shootaround," said Okur, who has missed five straight games with a strained left shoulder. "If not, probably I am going to miss (Friday)."
Earl Barron: Season Debut
Update: Barron made his season debut, scoring four points with three rebounds and a blocked shot in 18 minutes Thursday night in Miami's overtime loss to New Jersey.
Analysis: The real interesting note is that without Alonzo Mourning (knee, out for season), Mark Blount never got off the bench as Shaquille O'Neal's backup. Barron got all the backup minutes. We'll be keeping an eye on this situation, but it probably won't result in anything for fantasy owners.
Jason Williams: Returns to Action Thursday
Update: Williams returned to action Thursday after missing one game with a knee injury.
Analysis: Williams did not start, but ended up playing over 30 minutes because of an ankle injury that felled Chris Quinn. Williams had six points and five assists in Miami's overtime loss to New Jersey.
Al Horford: Steady as a Rookie
Update: Horford has consistently been a steady producer for the Hawks, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: Horford is the leading rebounder for the Hawks (9.7), fifth leading scorer (8.8) and second-leading shot blocker (1.1). Among all NBA rookies, Horford ranks among the top five in every statistical category. For fantasy owners he has provided consistent rebounding, good shot blocking and steal numbers with consistent shooting. Once his offense catches up, Horford has all the makings of a fine fantasy player.
Rafer Alston: Logs 50 Minutes
Update: Alston (groin) had 18 points on 7-of-18 shooting, including three three-pointers, seven rebounds, 10 assists and three steals Thursday night.
Analysis: So much for the Rockets taking it easy on him as he comes back from an injury. Alston is the team's undisputed starting point guard at this point.
Bonzi Wells: Scores 17 in McGrady's Absence
Update: Wells had 17 points, eight rebounds and two steals in 30 minutes Thursday night.
Analysis: It was the second strong game in a row for Wells who's bound to see more minutes as long as Tracy McGrady (knee, day-to-day) is out.
Tracy McGrady: Knee Still Sore
Update: McGrady, who missed the second half of Wednesday's loss to Orlando and was inactive for Thursday's game, does not feel any improvement in his sore left knee, the Houston Chronicle reports. But he is hopeful the rest will enable him to play at Chicago on Saturday.
"Nothing's changed," McGrady said. "I was optimistic about (playing Thursday). Keith (Jones, the Rockets' trainer) told me the best thing to do is give it another day and we'll try again on Saturday. So that gives me two days to treat it and get the medicine in there."
Analysis: Said Jones: "It's a bone bruise. There's not any swelling, no deformity, no clicking. We're treating a bruise. Any time you get hit on the knee or around the knee, it's going to be sore. Only the guy who got hit knows how sore. Tracy McGrady has shown he'll play. It's obviously bothering him. We're treating him, doing everything we can to give him the best opportunity to get back out there safely." McGrady's still day-to-day, and we should know more in the coming days.
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