FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
J.R. Smith: Double-Digit Scoring
Update: Smith scored 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including three 3-pointers Sunday night in Denver's loss to Golden State.
Analysis: Smith has posted double figures in points in three of the last four games, while connecting on nine 3-pointers in that time. His playing time has dipped in December -- to 14:30 per game after a November averaging 22:23 -- but Smith is still a threat to hit 3s and take lots of shots in limited minutes.
Nene Hilario: Coming off Bench
Update: Hilario played in his third straight game Sunday, after missing 22 games because of a thumb injury.
Analysis: He's coming off the bench despite the unavailability of Kenyon Martin (hamstring), and is splitting time with Eduardo Najera. Nene missed all five of his shots Sunday and scored one point with eight rebounds in Denver's loss to Golden State.
Kenyon Martin: Sits Out Sunday
Update: Martin (hamstring) sat out Sunday night's game against Golden State.
Analysis: Martin, who was questionable entering the game, has missed two straight and four of the last give games.
Matt Bonner: Assuming Ginobili's Role
Update: Bonner had 18 points (5-of-8 FG, 3-of-5 3-PT, 5-of-5 FT), three rebounds and two steals in the Spurs' win over Memphis on Sunday.
Analysis: Bonner is providing instant offense off the Spurs bench much like Emmanuel Ginobili. While Bonner doesn't have the all-around game of Ginobili, he can provide scoring, rebounding and 3-point shooting in the short term.
Mike Conley: Returns to Action Sunday
Update: Conley returned to action Sunday night after missing 20 games with a shoulder injury.
Analysis: Conley had six points and three rebounds in 20 minutes in Memphis' blowout loss to San Antonio. While Damon Stoudamire is the starter at point guard, the 8-22 Grizzlies will soon begin thinking about the team's future, of which Stoudamire will not be a part. Conley and Kyle Lowry will get more minutes as the season develops.
Michael Finley: Season High in Points
Update: Finley had 24 points (8-of-12 FG, 5-of-7 3-PT, 1-of-2 FT) and seven rebounds in the Spurs' win over Memphis on Sunday.
Analysis: Finley and Matt Bonner have gotten the most benefit out of the injuries to Emmanuel Ginobili and Brent Barry. Finley has become a fantasy relevant player for the time being, as he is getting a lot more shots and has been hitting 3-pointers. Finley may be good for a week or so, but will go back to being a role player when Ginobili and Barry return.
Tony Parker: Nice Bounce Back Effort
Update: Parker had 24 points (6-of-12 FG, 0-of-1 3-PT, 12-of-12 FT), four rebounds and nine assists in the Spurs' win over Memphis on Sunday.
Analysis: Parker was able to get in the lane at will and had a great night from the foul line. The Spurs also shot the ball much better than they did against Toronto, which helped Parker's assist totals.
Tim Duncan: Big Performance
Update: Duncan had 24 points (10-of-20 FG, 4-of-7 FT), 17 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in the Spurs' win over Memphis on Sunday.
Analysis: This may have been Duncan's best performance in fantasy terms all season. Duncan has certainly been hitting the boards lately averaging almost 15 rebounds a game in his last six games.
Gordan Giricek: With Team, But Doesn't Play
Update: Giricek, who was traded to Philadelphia from Utah on Saturday, was with the Sixers on Sunday but didn't play in a loss to Portland.
Analysis: The Sixers, who shot just 4-of-18 in the fourth quarter and blew an 11-point third-quarter lead, could have used Giricek. He's a similar player to the man Philadelphia traded to get him, Kyle Korver, right down to the less-than inspired effort on the defensive end. Obviously, the Sixers were more interested in Giricek's expiring contract than his ability to score from the perimeter. He may grab some of Korver's 26 minutes per game, but coach Mo Cheeks should be increasing the minutes of Thaddeus Young, Rodney Carney and Louis Williams.
Travis Outlaw: Sixth Man
Update: Outlaw scored 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting with four rebounds and a blocked shot in 22 minutes Sunday in Portland's victory over Philadelphia.
Analysis: Outlaw cooled off somewhat in the last five games after a nice stretch of ball beginning when the calendar flipped to December, but he's getting plenty of run and taking 12 shots per game (15.0 ppg) during the month. He's part of an exciting Blazers team that bears no resemblance to the group anchored down by Zach Randolph the last few seasons.
Channing Frye: Bigger Role
Update: Frye had eight points and nine rebounds in 28 minutes Sunday in Portland's victory over Philadelphia.
Analysis: Ever since filling in as a starter when LaMarcus Aldridge missed a few games with a knee injury, Frye has figured prominently in the Blazers' rotation. Frye has played more than 20 minutes off the bench in four straight games and is averaging 10.3 points (18-for-30, 60 percent) and 8.5 rebounds during that stretch. Frye is eating into Joel Przybilla's minutes and, on Sunday anyway, kept Alrdidge on the bench during a pivotal fourth-quarter run to put the Sixers away. Frye isn't a traditional low-post big man and faces the basket a lot, so he can be a matchup problem for some of the slower bigs.
Raymond Felton: Coach Considers Him a Combo Guard
Update: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent described Felton, who started at shooting guard Saturday night, as a combo guard, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: "A 1-2 or a 2-1," Vincent said in response to a question about how the coach views Felton. "A combo guard who can play the point." Vincent has been using Felton as a point guard all season, but feels Felton is less aggressive when asked to be a ballhandler. He's also said Felton's development as a playmaker has suffered because he's been asked to play shooting guard this year. If that sounds like conflicting sentiments, that's because they are. Clearly Felton is an important part of the team, but Vincent really needs to settle him in at one spot.
Matt Carroll: First Sub at Guard
Update: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent said he will use Carroll as the first guard off the bench, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Vincent changed up his starting lineup, inserting Jeff McInnis in the backcourt alongside Raymond Felton and moving Jason Richardson to small forward. Carroll, who had 10 points in 20 minutes Saturday night, has been a slump of late and Vincent hopes to restore his confidence in the new role.
Jason Richardson: Moves to Small Forward
Update: Richardson made his first start of the season at small forward on Saturday in Charlotte's loss to Orlando.
Analysis: Richardson erupted for a season-high 34 points against the Magic, as the Bobcats revamped the starting five. The new lineup is something coach Sam Vincent plans to use Monday against the Pacers, but we get the feeling he's not done tinkering.
Derek Anderson: Will Stay in Rotation
Update: Anderson, who is averaging 15.3 minutes per game in the last three games, will remain part of the Bobcats' rotation, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent is making some changes to his starting lineup and rotation, and Anderson will benefit right now. However, we expect Vincent to continue tinkering, so Anderson, who has been a DNP-CD 15 times this season, should not be a player to count on.
Luke Walton: Game-Time Decision Sunday
Update: Walton (ankle) will be a game-time decision Sunday night against the Celtics, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Walton has missed three straight games because of the injury, but did some light shooting on Saturday.
Sasha Vujacic: Game-Time Decision Sunday
Update: Vujacic (ankle) will be a game-time decision Sunday night against the Celtics, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Vujacic injured the ankle Friday night and sat out Saturday's practice.
Marquis Daniels: Backing Up at Point Guard
Update: With Jamaal Tinsley (hamstring) sitting for a week, Daniels will back up Andre Owens at point guard for the Pacers, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Owens has not been used significantly this season, so his promotion to starter is mildly surprising. Daniels scored nine points with seven rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes off the bench, while Owens had 10 points and two assists in 23 minutes.
Jamaal Tinsley: Shutting Down for A Week
Update: The Pacers are shutting Tinsley (hamstring) down for at least a week, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Tinsley, who sat out Saturday night's loss to Detroit, has been trying to play through the pain, but was finally forced to leave Friday's game because of the injury. "Unfortunately, I have allowed him to play at less than his best over the last five games," Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said. "To his credit, he wants to play, will play injured, but it's really hampering his ability to play at his best... If it takes seven-to-10 days to get that right, that's what we'll do." Andre Owens started in his place Saturday night.
Chris Quinn: No Indication of Return
Update: Miami coach Pat Riley said he didn't have an indication of when Quinn (ankle) will be healthy enough to play, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Quinn has missed five straight games because of the injury, but recently shed the walking boot he was using. He'll have another three days to recover before Miami's next game on Wednesday against Milwaukee.
Jason Williams: Return Unclear
Update: Miami coach Pat Riley said he didn't have an indication of when Williams (knee) will return to action, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Williams, who has missed the last three games with the injury, will have another three days to recover before the Heat's next game Wednesday night against the Bucks.
Shaquille O'Neal: Return Still Not Known
Update: Heat coach Pat Riley said he had no indication of when O'Neal (hip) will return to action, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: O'Neal, who has missed the last two games because of the injury, will have another three days before Miami hosts Milwaukee on Wednesday.
Smush Parker: Drawing Interest
Update: Heat coach Pat Riley confirmed several teams are interested in acquiring Parker, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Cleveland, Boston, Houston and Golden State are believed to be among the teams interested in dealing for Parker, who has missed 18 games since an altercation with a parking valet. He was recently reinstated to the team, but did not play in Saturday's loss to Washington.
Jameer Nelson: Not Assured of Starting Job
Update: Nelson, who was deactivated Saturday night because of a strained back, is not guaranteed the starting job once he returns, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: "That's up to the coach," Magic general manager Otis Smith said. "That's why you have 15 guys on the roster. It's an opportunity for somebody to step up." Nelson is listed as day-to-day with the injury, but his recent ineffective play had caused coach Stan Van Gundy to consider replacing him in the starting lineup.
JJ Redick: Defense Still a Problem
Update: Redick's play on the defensive end is the main thing preventing him from playing more, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Redick got off the bench for the first time in four games on Saturday, going scoreless in four minutes and posted a minus-9 while in the game. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy is pleased with Redick's progress, but is reluctant to give him much playing time. "He's played well," Van Gundy said. "The thing is, we have better defensive options on the roster. I don't think he's as good defensively as [Keith] Bogans or [Keyon] Dooling."
Kevin Durant: Questionable Monday
Update: Durant (finger) is considered questionable for Monday's game against Philadelphia, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
Analysis: Durant has a sprained left index finger and said the injury has been lingering for about six weeks. He missed the final three quarters of Saturday night's victory over Minnesota. "It was hurting more than it usually does," Durant said. "I kind of hit it every game and it's a one- or two-minute thing and it stops but this was throbbing and started swelling up a little bit. I wanted to play. But our trainer (Mike Shimensky) told me to sit out the rest of the game and go from there."
Ben Gordon: Big Night Off Bench Again
Update: Gordon scored a team-high 25 points on 11-of-15 shooting Sunday in Chicago's victory over New York.
Analysis: This was the second consecutive game in which Gordon has come off the bench and Chicago's second straight win. Considering the opponents (Milwaukee and New York) aren't the most fearsome, we're hesitant to chalk up the victories to Gordon coming off the bench. But as long as the team is winning, we can expect interim coach Jim Boylan to continue brining Gordon off the bench.
Eddy Curry: Comes Off Bench Sunday
Update: Curry came off the bench Sunday in New York's loss to Chicago.
Analysis: Knicks coach Isiah Thomas continues to tweak his starting lineup, this time starting Zach Randolph at center and bringing Curry off the bench. Curry had 12 points and eight rebounds in 21 minutes -- his most productive effort in two weeks. Expect Thomas to continue shuffling lineups, but Curry should be part of the rotation regardless of his status as a starter or reserve.
Zach Randolph: Back in Starting Lineup
Update: Randolph was back in the starting lineup Sunday after coming off the bench for one game.
Analysis: Randolph started at center -- his second start this year at the position -- and had 18 points and 12 rebounds, but was just 8-of-23 from the field. He should continue to get ample playing time whether whether it be as a starter or a reserve, so don't sweat the label.
Nate Robinson: Starts in Place of Jamal Crawford
Update: Robinson started in place of the injured Jamal Crawford (hand) on Sunday in New York's loss to Chicago.
Analysis: Robinson, who had been marginalized in coach Isiah Thomas' rotation, has been getting good minutes coming off the bench of late thanks to Stephon Marbury's absence. He scored 19 points with five assists, four rebounds and three steals in 39 minutes Sunday, but we'll have to see what happens once Crawford and Marbury return. Marbury, who has been on a bereavement leave, was with the team on Sunday, but didn't dress. Crawford's injury is not considered serious.
Ron Artest: Elbow Still Causing Problems
Update: Artest, who has bone chips in his right elbow, does not expect to play on Sunday against the Suns, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: The small forward said he would be ready after a light practice on Saturday but changed his tune on Sunday during a morning shooting session. His ailing elbow caused him to miss Friday's game versus the 76ers. Fantasy owners must have grown accustomed to this kind of frustrating news from Artest by now.
Al Thornton: Still Adjusting to NBA Life
Update: Thornton, who started at power forward in a recent home-and-home series against Phoenix, is still adjusting to the NBA according to his coach, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: "He doesn't have a book on any of these guys yet," Los Angeles coach Mike Dunleavy said. "Who is a good defender, who comes, who strips, who does what. (It is a leaning experience) at both ends of the floor for him." Thornton averaged nine points and shot 35% in the two games versus the Suns. The rookie is too inconsistent right now, but he should have plenty of opportunities to impress Dunleavy the rest of the season.
Stephon Marbury: Rejoins Team, but Doesn't Suit Up Sunday
Update: Marbury is back with the Knicks after missing most of the month following the death of his father, but wasn't in uniform Sunday and it isn't known when he will rejoin the team's lineup, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: With Jamal Crawford (bruised hand) also out, Nate Robinson and Quentin Richardson started at guard for the Knicks Sunday.
Jamal Crawford: Sits Out Sunday's Game
Update: Crawford missed the Knicks' game against the Bulls on Sunday because of a bruised right hand, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Crawford was hurt Friday during practice when he banged his hand into a teammate's knee. X-rays before Sunday's game came up negative, but the Knicks didn't say how long Crawford would be out.
Chris Bosh: Double-Double in Loss Saturday
Update: Bosh led the Raptors with 19 points and added 12 rebounds in Saturday's loss to the Rockets.
Analysis: He also added three steals, but shot just 7-for-20 from the floor. Bosh isn't the only Raptor struggling to find his shot right now, but at least his free throw shooting (5-for-6 Saturday, and a career best 85.2% on the season) is helping to make up the slack.
Jose Calderon: Another Double-Double Saturday
Update: Calderon picked up 11 points and 10 assists in Saturday's loss to the Rockets.
Analysis: While he continues to put up good numbers, the Raptors' offense has been sluggish this season and especially with TJ Ford out of the lineup. If and when he does return, despite Calderon's numbers, look for him to head back to the bench and his previous role.
Kenyon Martin: Questionable for Sunday's Game
Update: Martin (hamstring) is questionable to play Sunday, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Martin sat out Friday's contest for the third time in four games with a hamstring injury. "We'll see," Martin said. "I ain't never had anything like this, so I don't know how to approach it. Just taking it day by day, doing stuff to see how it feels that day."
Stephon Marbury: Returns to Practice
Update: Marbury (bereavement) returned to practice Saturday and may be available for Sunday's game against Chicago, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Knicks coach Isiah Thomas doesn't plan on using Marbury against the Bulls, but with Jamal Crawford (hand) hurting, Marbury could be pressed into duty.
Nene Hilario: Thumb Still Sore
Update: Nene has played only twice since returning from a left thumb ligament tear, and he already has an idea where he stands, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: "It's good, good, sore a little bit," Nene said of his thumb. "People take the opportunity to hit my hands, but it's OK."
The forward has averaged 8.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in his first two games back in action. He's averaging about 18 minutes per game. Nene said he wants to see improved play from himself.
"For me, every time I go out there, I know I can do better," he said.
Jamal Crawford: May Sit Against Chicago
Update: The Knicks say that Crawford may miss Sunday's game against the Bulls because of a bruised right hand suffered in Friday's practice, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Crawford slammed his hand into a teammate's knee on Friday and was limited at Saturday's practice.
Kyle Korver: Expected to Be with Jazz Monday
Update: Korver, who was acquired by Utah in a trade from Philadelphia on Saturday, was not with the Jazz for Saturday night's loss to Boston, but is expected to join the team in time for Monday's game against Porltand, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Korver has the ability to hit from the perimeter, which should open up things for the Jazz's big men. He was averaging a little over 26 minutes for the 76ers, but may not see that much time for the Jazz.
CJ Miles: Starts in Place of Kirilenko
Update: Miles started at small forward in place of the injured Andrei Kirilenko (biceps) in Saturday's loss to Boston.
Analysis: Kirilenko is saying the injury, sustained Friday night, is not too bad and that he could play as soon as Monday. Miles, making his first start of the season, scored 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting with two rebounds, two steals and an assist in 23 minutes. Aside from Kirilenko's injury, Miles is getting minutes as the primary backup at shooting guard and will continue in that role because the Jazz traded Gordan Giricek on Saturday. Miles has scored in double digits in four of the last five games.
Craig Smith: Minutes Back After Flu
Update: Smith scored 12 points with four rebounds in 23 minutes in Saturday's loss to Seattle.
Analysis: After a 30-point game on Dec. 15, Smith had scored less than 10 points in four of seven games as he struggled with the flu. He's not in the starting lineup after Rashad McCants and Sebastian Telfair returned, but he's had 23 or more minutes in there straight games.
Andrei Kirilenko: Sits Out Saturday
Update: Kirilenko (biceps) sat out Saturday night's loss to Boston, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: C.J. Miles started at small forward for the Jazz, who are calling Kirilenko's injury "day-to-day." Kirilenko said he doesn't expect to miss much time because of the injury and suggested he could return as soon as Monday's game against Portland.
Marko Jaric: Stuck On Bench
Update: Jaric scored nine points and played just 12 minutes while coming off the bench in Saturday's loss to Seattle.
Analysis: Sebastian Telfair and Corey Brewer are getting more minutes at guard while Jaric has struggled in recent weeks. You may want to put him on reserve until he starts getting more minutes.
Sean Williams: (Ankle) Plays 34 Minutes
Update: Williams (ankle) started and played 34 minutes Saturday night in New Jersey's victory over Milwaukee.
Analysis: Williams rolled his right ankle during Friday night's victory over Washington, but was able to finish that game. He didn't appear to be affected by the injury on Saturday, scoring six points to go along with 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots in the win over the Bucks.
Emeka Okafor: Starts at Center
Update: Okafor was back as the starting center Saturday night in Charlotte's loss to Orlando.
Analysis: The reason for the change was partially because of matchups. Okafor is less effective defensively when chasing around quicker, jump-shooting power forwards along the perimeter, and that's the case with the Magic who start Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu in the front court. Though Vincent said he plans to use the same lineup and rotation against the Pacers on Monday.
Raymond Felton: Moved to Shooting Guard
Update: Felton started at shooting guard Saturday night in Charlotte's loss to Orlando, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent says Felton becomes less aggressive when he's the primary ballhandler, so he went with a lineup featuring Jeff McInnis at the point. Felton had 13 points and six assists in 43 minutes Saturday. "When Jeff and Ray are on the floor together, they're pretty productive with Jeff pushing it up to him and Raymond attacking and scoring. Whatever (position) that makes him, it makes him, but it makes us a better team," said Vincent, who plans to use the same lineup Monday night against the Pacers.
Jeff McInnis: Starts at Point Guard
Update: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent inserted McInnis into the starting lineup at point guard Saturday night in Charlotte's loss to Orlando, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Vincent moved Raymond Felton to shooting guard, saying that Felton is not at his best when he's the primary ball handler. McInnis had three points and three assists in 32 minutes Saturday night. Although the shake up was partially due to the Magic's perimeter oriented offense, Vincent intends to use the same lineup and roation Monday against the Pacers.
Andray Blatche: Scores 18 Points Saturday
Update: Blatche scored 18 points (on 5-of-8 shooting) and added seven rebounds and three blocks in 24 minutes of action in Saturday's win over the Heat.
Analysis: Blatche, who had totaled 15 points in his previous five games, provides us with a reminder that he has some upside this season, in particular in the event of a Brendan Haywood injury.
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