FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Luis Scola: Another Solid Game
Update: Scola had 18 points and nine rebounds in 25 minutes Sunday.
Analysis: Keep in mind that Yao Ming left with a cut, and Tracy McGrady left with a knee injury, so there were more minutes to go around, and the team needed more scorers on the floor. Still, if Scola can ever establish himself as a 25-minute per game player, he's got the skill set to be a productive fantasy player.
Austin Croshere: Inactive Sunday
Update: Croshere was inactive Sunday night because of a sore back, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Croshere has missed two straight games because of the injury.
Willie Green: Misses Saturday Night's Game
Update: Green sat out Saturday night's game with an injury to his left hip area, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The injury wasn't mentioned as being serious so Green remains day-to-day.
Tracy McGrady: Injures Knee Again
Update: McGrady left Sunday's game against the Pistons after re-injuring his left knee, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: More on the status of McGrady, who initially sustained the injury on December 19, as we know it.
Mouhamed Sene: Sent to Idaho
Update: The Sonics have assigned Sene to Idaho of the Developmental League.
Analysis: Sene has averaged 1.7 points and 1.2 rebounds in nine games with Seattle this season. He'll have an opportunity to play and produce more at Idaho.
Kobe Bryant: Youngest Player to Reach 20,000 Points
Update: Bryant scored 39 points in Sunday's win over the Knicks, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to reach the 20,000 point milestone, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: He was two assists shy of a triple-double as well, notching 11 rebounds and eight dimes. His three-pointer early in the third quarter pushed him over the limit at 29 years, 122 days. Wilt Chamberlain (29, 134) and Michael Jordan (29, 326) are the only other players to achieve the feat before turning 30.
Aaron Williams: Misses the Spurs Game
Update: Williams (left wrist) missed this third consecutive game Saturday night at San Antonio.
Analysis: The forward-center was ready to play but discovered he couldn't shoot with his left hand while he was warming up. With the recent rash of injuries on the Clippers, Williams may have some value if he can get healthy.
Vince Carter: Ankle Woes
Update: The Nets are concerned that Carter's ankle could be an issue all season, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Nets president and general manager Rod Thorn said the ankle continues to swell up on Carter, who first hurt the ankle against Boston in November. "It is what it is," Carter said Saturday prior to the Nets' 100-95 victory over Golden State. "The frustration of that is over with. It was frustrating more when I was actually out, you had to come back (here) but you couldn't play afterwards? Now it's just more maintenance to me."
Bostjan Nachbar: Returns to Action
Update: Nachbar (ankle) returned to action Saturday night after missing three games.
Analysis: Nachbar scored seven points on 2-of-7 shooting with three turnovers, so there was clearly some rust. He added a three-pointer, five rebounds and two assists so it wasn't a complete bust. With Antoine Wright sidelined for a bit, Nachbar will get all of the backup wing minutes.
Raja Bell: Back, Not Ankle, The Problem on Saturday
Update: Bell officially missed Saturday's game with back spasms and not a sprained ankle, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: The same thing happened to Bell in November, as trying to compensate for an ankle injury led to back spasms. Coach Mike D'Antoni thinks that Bell will be able to play on Tuesday, however.
Caron Butler: Ankle Issues
Update: Butler (ankles) sat out Saturday's loss to the Pacers, the Washington Times reports.
Analysis: The Wizards don't play again until Wednesday, and Butler hopes to return against the Bobcats. He suffered the injuries to his ankles Thursday in practice and Friday in the first quarter against Atlanta. "I'm pushing to go, doing all the right things and hopefully I'll be able to play," Butler said Saturday. "I wanted to give it a shot tonight, but it was just a little too painful."
CJ Miles: Season-High 20 Points
Update: Miles scored a season-high 20 points (8-for-14 FG, 3-for-6 3pt) in 27 minutes Saturday night in Utah's loss to Miami. Miles is getting all of the backup shooting guard minutes because Gordan Giricek was banished from the team during its road trip.
Analysis: In addition to Giricek's absence, Miles has taken advantage of low output from starter Ronnie Brewer the last two games. Miles has 30 points (12-for-20) in 51 minutes over the past two games, while Brewer has just six points (3-for-9) in 44 minutes. As long as Miles plays hard on the defensive end, Utah coach Jerry Sloan will continue to give him minutes, though we don't expect Brewer to be this bad every night. "[C.J.'s] run our offense pretty well. He's executed. He's made some shots, and hopefully, his confidence gets better, Sloan told the Deseret Morning News. "He has worked harder on the other end of the floor, too, so he can stay out there - I mean, not just trying to exchange baskets, but he's trying to work on the defensive end."
Mehmet Okur: Return Still Unknown
Update: The Jazz aren't sure whether Okur, who missed his seventh straight game on Saturday because of a strained shoulder, will be available for Utah's next game on Wednesday against Dallas, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Apparently, the Jazz were surprised by how long the shoulder is taking to heal. He accompanied the team on its four-game road trip and was never close to playing. "We'll just have to wait and see," said Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. Meanwhile, Jarron Collins continues to start in his place.
Earl Barron: Revival Continues
Update: Barron, who was inactive or a healthy scratch for the season's first 25 games, had 13 points, three rebounds and one blocked shot in 14 minutes Saturday night in Miami's victory over Utah.
Analysis: Barron keyed a second-quarter run, scoring all 13 of his points, that left the Heat with an eight-point halftime lead. With Alonzo Mourning out for the season, Barron has picked up all the backup center minutes, while Mark Blount languishes on the bench. He's not going to get big minutes, but could if Shaquille O'Neal goes down with injury.
Jason Williams: (Knee) Back in Starting Lineup
Update: Williams (knee) returned to the starting lineup and played 33 minutes Saturday night in Miami's victory over Utah.
Analysis: With Chris Quinn (sprained ankle) out for at least another week, Williams, barring his own injury, should be a full-time point guard during that stretch. Williams, who returned from a knee injury Thursday night, scored nine points and had four assists in the win.
Daequan Cook: Will Play Some Point Guard
Update: Cook will be asked to handle some point-guard duties while Chris Quinn recovers from a sprained ankle, the Miami Herald reports. Quinn is expected to miss another week.
Analysis: Cook had 15 points and one assist in 22 minutes Saturday night in Miami's victory over Utah. There could be a slight bump in assists for Cook over the course of the next week, but in reality, when Jason Williams isn't on the floor, Dwyane Wade does much of the ball distribution.
Chris Quinn: Will Miss Another Week
Update: Quinn (sprained left ankle) will miss another week, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Quinn, who missed Saturday's victory over Utah, hurt the ankle in Thursday night's loss to New Jersey. His injury leaves the team short at point guard. Miami coach Pat Riley likes to use Dwyane Wade at the point late in games, but other than a hurting Jason Williams, the coach has nobody. Riley did say, however, that Daequan Cook will play some point until Quinn returns.
Kevin Martin: Return Date Unclear
Update: Team officials have not set a date for Martin's return from a groin injury, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: Martin is currently rehabilitating with a trainer, using rubber bands to strengthen the weakened area. Originally, team officials projected him to return around mid-January.
Jeff McInnis: Plantar Fasciitis
Update: McInnis left Saturday night's game in the third quarter with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: This probably explains why we saw Derek Anderson, who hadn't played in the previous three games, enter the game in the second half to spell Raymond Felton for a stretch. We'll check on McInnis' status leading up to Charlotte's next game on Wednesday at home against Washington.
Mike Bibby: Gives Thumbs Up on Jan. 15
Update: Bibby (thumb) has set Jan. 15 as his target return date, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: "He's anxious; he's champing at the bit," Kings coach Reggie Theus said. "Remember, it's his left hand, so it really helps that it's not his shooting hand. That makes a big difference." Sacramento's starting point guard has missed the past eight weeks after injuring his left thumb during a practice on Oct. 25. Beno Udrih has taken Bibby's place in the lineup while he recuperates.
Josh Powell: Starts at San Antonio
Update: Powell, a little-used power forward, started and played 12 minutes in the Clippers' loss to the Spurs Saturday night.
Analysis: The third-year player didn't score but grabbed six rebounds. Powell has accumulated just 44 minutes of action in nine games this season. Frontcourt players Paul Davis (knee), Aaron Williams (wrist) and Corey Maggette (knee) were unavailable against San Antonio, and Tim Thomas sprained his knee midway through the first quarter of Saturday's game. Injured players are piling up for the Clippers, so Powell is likely to see more time in the immediate future.
Speedy Claxton: Out For Season
Update: Claxton (left knee) said noted sports surgeon Dr. Richard Steadman recommended earlier this week that he have microfracture surgery on his left knee if he wants a chance to continue his NBA career, one that has been derailed the last year and half by recurring issues with his knee, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: Anthony Johnson should remain the starter in Atlanta while Tyronn Lue and Acie Law continue to back Johnson up. Eventually, Law is expected to become the starter.
Ime Udoka: Best Game of Season
Update: Udoka had 17 points (7-of-11 FG, 1-of-3 3-PT, 2-of-2 FT) and eight rebounds in the Spurs' win over the Clippers on Saturday.
Analysis: Udoka filled in well for an injured Emmanuel Ginobili. The problem is that with the Spurs' depth, Udoka may not play in the next several games. Other than Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Ginobili, no other Spur will get enough consistent minutes to be fantasy relevant for any length of time.
Tim Duncan: Dominant Effort
Update: Duncan had 34 points (13-of-22 FG, 8-of-9 FT), 18 rebounds and five assists in the Spurs' win over the Clippers on Saturday.
Analysis: Duncan is beginning to return to a dominant fantasy level. Duncan is hitting the boards and is a much better free throw shooter this season. With Emmanuel Ginobili struggling with a finger injury, Duncan's production could remain extremely high.
Tony Parker: Returns From Injury
Update: Parker (sprained left ankle) had 18 points (6-of-17 FG, 0-of-1 3-PT, 6-of-7 FT) and six assists in the Spurs' win over the Clippers on Saturday.
Analysis: Parker's shot was a little off but that is to be expected. Parker should give you enough production to be able to be put back into your lineup.
Yao Ming: Injures Thumb
Update: Yao, who went out in the third quarter with a sprained thumb, returned to the floor with it wrapped in the fourth quarter, the Houston Chronicle reports. X-rays on the thumb were negative, showing no further damage.
Analysis: "In the first quarter, I jammed my little finger, then the third quarter, the thumb," Yao said. "I think it was not my lucky day (Saturday). It feels sore, but the good news it's not hurt. The bad news is it's my shooting hand." Consider Yao day-to-day, but leave him in your lineup until further notice.
Bonzi Wells: Another Productive Game
Update: Wells had 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, six rebounds and three steals in 23 minutes Saturday.
Analysis: With Tracy McGrady back Wells' role was modest, but he made the most of it. Expect Wells to play between 20 and 25 minutes per game most nights when everyone's healthy.
Luis Scola: Solid Game for Scola
Update: Scola had 14 points and 11 rebounds in 27 minutes Saturday.
Analysis: The Rockets blew out the Bulls, so we don't want to read too much into this, as Scola's role had been minimal over the last several games. Still, if Scola puts together a couple good games, he'll be worth a look given his polished offensive skill set.
Tracy McGrady: Back in Action
Update: McGrady (knee) had 20 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals in 30 minutes Saturday night.
Analysis: We'll see whether McGrady experiences any lingering effects of playing through a sore knee, but until you hear otherwise, make sure he's back in your lineup.
Darko Milicic: Comes Off Bench For First Time
Update: Milicic did not start Saturday's game, the first time he has not started while healthy in his short tenure with the Grizzles.
Analysis: He scored just two points and collected just one rebound, but clearly had a defensive edge coming off the bench, swatting four Sixers' shots. However, he still played just over 11 minutes and he is unstartable in fantasy leagues until he can find a scoring rhythm and stay out of foul trouble.
Mike Miller: Scores 19, Knee OK
Update: Miller scored 19 points (7-13 FG, 3-6 3pt, 2-2 FT) in 44 minutes in Saturday's loss to the Sixers.
Analysis: A bumped knee that briefly knocked him from Friday's game seems to have not been an issue. He also had five rebounds and four assists in the losing effort.
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