FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Kirk Snyder: Out Monday
Update: Synder has been excused from Monday night's game against the Warriors for personal reasons.
Analysis: It doesn't sound like anything long-term, so Synder could be available for Wednesday's game against the Celtics.
Steve Francis: Out Indefinitely
Update: The Rockets announced Monday that Francis is out indefinitely due to bi-lateral quadricep tendinitis.
Analysis: Francis had already been out since December 20 with the flu, but now will begin rehabilitation on his quad. He will not travel with the team on its upcoming road trip.
Kevin Durant: Doubtful for Monday's Game
Update: Durant likely will not play Monday because of a sprained left index finger, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: Coach P.J. Carlesimo said Durant still is in a lot of pain. "I'd call [him] doubtful," Carlesimo said. "It's totally going to be [up to him]. Just looking at Kevin catching the ball [Monday] ... to me [he's] got to have definite improvement to feel good. In my opinion, if [he was] going to go, [he] would have been a little bit perkier [Monday] morning. I didn't see that."
Chris Wilcox: Doutbful with Sprained Knee
Update: Wilcox is doubtful to play Monday with a sprained knee, the Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: An MRI on Sunday showed no structural damage. Nick Collison likely will start in Wilcox's place. "I'd call [him] doubtful," Carlesimo said. "It's totally going to be [up to him]. Just looking at looking at Weezy ... to me [he's] got to have definite improvement to feel good. In my opinion, if [he was] going to go, [he] would have been a little bit perkier [Monday] morning. I didn't see that."
Aaron Williams: Problematic Left Wrist
Update: Williams (wrist) is doubtful on Monday versus Minnesota.
Analysis: Williams missed his fifth consecutive game Friday at Phoenix. The forward-center is experiencing problems shooting with his left hand.
Tim Thomas: Doubtful on Monday Night
Update: Thomas (knee) is doubtful for Monday night's game against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Thomas did some light shooting on Sunday but will likely miss his second consecutive game.
Carlos Arroyo: Gets Another Start
Update: Arroyo got the start again Monday but played just 21 minutes as Jameer Nelson returned to action off the bench and played 31 minutes.
Analysis: Arroyo scored 14 points and handed out four assists, going a perfect 7-of-7 from the field, so it's not like his decreased floor time was due to poor play. Still, the point guard situation in Orlando looks like a time-share, which crushes both players' fantasy value.
Ben Gordon: Pours in 39 off the Bench
Update: Gordon exploded for 39 points (16-of-27 FG) with three 3-pointers during the Bulls' overtime loss to the Magic Monday.
Analysis: Gordon seems to be taking a liking to his new role off the bench, as he's averaging 31.7 points during his three games since leaving the starting lineup. He saw 41 minutes of action Monday, so his fantasy value isn't hindered at all as the team's sixth man.
Andre Owens: Fills in Well
Update: Owens got his second straight start at point guard Monday, filling in for the injured Jamaal Tinsley (hamstring).
Analysis: Owens had 15 points, five 3-pointers, two assists, two steals and one block in 44 minutes of playing time. Marquis Daniels also saw increased PT, as he got nearly 30 minutes of action as well. Both are worth playing in fantasy leagues while Tinsley is out.
Jermaine O'Neal: Big Game in Loss
Update: O'Neal had a big game Monday, scoring 20 points with 13 rebounds and five assists during the Pacers' loss.
Analysis: O'Neal went 10-of-26 from the floor and also added three blocks in a very productive outing. His numbers are down pretty much across the board this season, but he is averaging a career-best 2.9 assists per game.
Gerald Wallace: Scores 36 in Win
Update: Wallace erupted for 36 points with eight rebounds, four assists and four steals during the Bobcats' overtime win over the Pacers Monday.
Analysis: Wallace went 9-of-21 from the field and 16-of-22 from the line in 49 minutes of action. He's averaging a career-best 20.0 points per game this season.
Mo Williams: Out on Monday
Update: Williams will miss Monday's game against the Pistons with tendinitis in his left Achilles' tendon, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: More on the status of Williams, who was replaced in the starting lineup Monday by Charlie Bell, as we know it.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Another Big Game Sunday
Update: Stoudemire led the Suns with 31 points and 17 rebounds in Sunday's win over the Kings.
Analysis: The only blemish on his line was a 5-for-11 performance from the free throw line. Over his last six games Stoudemire is averaging a massive 26.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.7 blocks while shooting .633 (62-for-98) from the floor.
Dan Dickau: Will Stay Dunleavy's Rotation
Update: Dickau will receive minutes despite Sam Cassell's return to the lineup from a calf injury, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: "Dan's been good for us. He's made shots, and he's done a good job in running the club. On a given night, if we need more offense, it will probably be Dan we go with," Los Angeles coach Mike Dunleavy said. In December, while Cassell was sidelined for the majority of the month, Dickau averaged 20.5 minutes, 6.5 points and 3.5 assists.
Marcus Camby: Another Big Night on the Boards
Update: Camby grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds to go along with his eight points, six blocks and two assists Sunday night against the Warriors.
Analysis: Camby is still not shooting particularly well (2-of-9 FG on Sunday) but he's been very solid in all other categories so far this year. We'll always consider him one of the bigger health risks in the league but when he's on the court he's dominant.
Allen Iverson: Has Tough Shooting Night vs Warriors
Update: Iverson finished just 2-of-12 from the field and 9-of-12 from the line for 13 points during Denver's 105-95 loss to Golden State on Sunday night.
Analysis: It was Iverson's worst shooting game since November 23rd when he also went 2-of-12 against Minnesota. Overall Iverson has been a steady 45% shooter all year and we consider Sunday night just a slight blip in the radar. He did add six boards, five assists and four steals so the night wasn't a total disaster. Keep him active and in your line-ups.
Carmelo Anthony: Solid Stat Line in Loss to Warriors
Update: Anthony led the Nuggets with 26 points to go along with 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block on Sunday night against Golden State.
Analysis: Anthony was 8-of-17 from the field and 10-of-11 from the line in the 105-95 loss. While he did have seven turnovers he does seem to be getting his shot back so his owners can't be too upset.
Jeff Foster: Reduced Playing Time
Update: Foster is getting fewer minutes lately, playing just 18, 16 and 11 minutes in the past three games, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: In deeper leagues, you might have had Foster active for rebounding help, but he's getting fewer chances to help you there now.
Andre Owens: Starting With Tinsley Out
Update: Owens will get the starts at point guard over the next week while Jamaal Tinsley nurses his hamstring injury, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: Owens has passed Travis Diener on the depth chart, and while Marquis Daniels might end up with more minutes, Owens will be the one in the starting lineup.
Quincy Douby: Failing the Point Guard Test
Update: Douby played 24 minutes and scored four points on 2-of-10 shooting in the Kings' loss to Phoenix Sunday night.
Analysis: Entering the season, Kings coaches were developing Douby as a point guard despite his distinct off-guard skills. After watching Francisco Garcia run the offense against Phoenix with Douby in the game, it has become apparent the experiment is failing. The second-year player isn't helping his cause by shooting 34.4% from the floor, including 22.5% behind the arc.
Mikki Moore: Completes a Solid December
Update: Moore had 20 points and 12 rebounds in the Kings' 117-102 loss to the Suns on Sunday night.
Analysis: Moore recorded his second double-double of the season. In December, he averaged 29.9 minutes, 10.0 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 53.8% from the field. Suddenly, Moore looks like a decent option as a fantasy forward-center. Sacramento is ravaged by injuries and Moore stands to benefit from the Kings' short playing rotation in the next couple of weeks.
Brad Miller: Chilly in Late December
Update: Miller shot just 4-of-16 and scored nine points with seven rebounds in the Kings' loss to Phoenix Sunday.
Analysis: After a brilliant five-game road trip in mid-December, Miller's shooting has cooled off considerably. In his last three games, the 7-foot center is averaging 8.7 points while shooting 27.3% from the field. Regardless of his recent demise, continue to start him. His rebounding and assist totals have been steady.
John Salmons: Scorches Suns in Loss
Update: Salmons scored 23 points with seven rebounds, two assists and five turnovers in the Kings' 117-102 loss to Phoenix Sunday.
Analysis: Salmons spent the first 12 minutes on fire, hitting 5-of-6 shots from the floor. The sixth-year swingman has scored 20 or more points in 10 of his 20 starts. As a starter, Salmons is averaging 19.1 points, 4.8 points, 3.6 points and 1.6 steals. Keep him in fantasy lineups until further notice.
Beno Udrih: Focused on Defending Nash
Update: Udrih had six points, four assists and four rebounds in Sacramento's loss to the Suns Sunday night.
Analysis: Udrih was chasing Steve Nash around most of the evening, so a good portion of his energy was expended on the defensive end. He finished just 3-of-10 from the field and generally stayed out of the paint, a rarity for him. Despite the drab box score, Udrih is a must-start in Week 10. In 12 of the last 20 games he has played in, Udrih has dished out five or more assists.
Andrew Bynum: Fouls Out Against Celtics
Update: Bynum had only eight points and two rebounds in 22 minutes of play before fouling out of Sunday's 110-91 loss to the Celtics.
Analysis: Foul trouble plagued Bynum last year, but Sunday was really the first time this year in which Bynum's minutes were significantly limited by fouls. Expect the improving Bynum to stay out of foul trouble against lesser competition.
Kobe Bryant: Shoots Poorly Against Celtics
Update: Bryant had 22 points on 6-25 shooting in the Lakers' 110-91 loss to the Celtics on Sunday.
Analysis: Bryant is not the only big scorer to be solved by the Celtics this year, and we expect Kobe's numbers to improve against lesser competition.
Lamar Odom: Posts Double-Double Against Celtics
Update: Odom had 14 points and 10 rebounds in the Lakers' 110-91 loss to the Celtics on Sunday.
Analysis: Odom shot only 6-17 from the field on Sunday, and fantasy owners should expect his shot to improve against lesser competition.
Kevin Garnett: Big Game Against Lakers
Update: Garnett had 22 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three blocks in the Celtics' 110-91 win over the Lakers on Sunday.
Analysis: While his stats are down across the board, Garnett proved on Sunday that he can still put up the type of performances he became famous for in Minnesota.
Paul Pierce: Scores 33 Against Lakers
Update: Pierce had 33 points, eight rebounds, four steals and three assists in the Celtics' 110-91 win over the Lakers on Sunday.
Analysis: Pierce has been on a roll lately, averaging nearly 27 ppg over his last five games.
Jamal Crawford: Hopes for Wednesday Return
Update: Crawford (bruised right hand) is hoping to return to action Wednesday after missing one game, Newsday reports.
Analysis: Crawford jammed his right hand on a teammate's knee during Friday's practice and missed Sunday's game against Chicago. X-rays were negative, but he's still having trouble making a fist or opening the hand completely.
CJ Miles: Impacted by Korver's Arrival
Update: It appears the Miles will be the one Jazz player impacted most by the arrival of Kyle Korver, who was acquired via trade with Philadelphia over the weekend, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Korver will be making his Jazz debut on Monday against Portland, so we'll have to see how much he plays and whose playing time is lost, but Miles is the most likely candidate to lose minutes. Korver will fill in at shooting guard and small forward, however to what extent is yet to be determined. "We'll just have to see how the minutes work out as move forward," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. "I don't know how he'll work in - as a 2, or 3. I would say probably he plays both of those positions a little bit."
Matt Harpring: No Worries About Korver
Update: Utah coach Jerry Sloan said the addition of Kyle Korver should not impact Harpring's playing time, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: "Matt only plays 15, 16 minutes a game," Sloan said, "so that part of it won't be difficult." Korver will be backing up shooting guard Ronnie Brewer and small forward Andrei Kirilenko, but to what extent has yet to be determined.
Kyle Korver: To Play Monday
Update: Korver, who was acquired by Utah in a trade from Philadelphia over the weekend, will make his Jazz debut Monday night against Portland, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: How much playing time he gets and what exactly his role will be is to be determined, but he'll likely be taking minutes away from backup shooting guard C.J. Miles and possibly starter Ronnie Brewer. "We'll just have to wait and see how he fits in with our team and what we're trying to do," coach Jerry Sloan said. "It's hard to cast a guy before you get a chance to have him with your team."
Andrei Kirilenko: Doubtful for Monday
Update: Kirilenko, who suggested he would be ready to play Monday against Portland, sounds less sure about that possibility because of his strained right biceps, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Analysis: Kirilenko sat out Saturday night's game against Boston because of the injury, which Kirilenko says is more centered on his shoulder than arm. "Right now I'm out for a couple days," Kirilenko said, "so I'll try to get recovered as much as possible as fast as possible and get back to playing."
Nazr Mohammed: Coming Off Bench
Update: Mohammed will come off the bench in Monday's meeting with the Pacers, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent tweaked his starting lineup Saturday against Orlando and liked it enough to try it again on Monday. With Mohammed and Emeka Okafor both starting, Okafor was being asked to play defensively along the perimeter -- something he's not entirely comfortable with. The challenge is to keep both involved in the offense. The two combined for eight points on 4-of-9 shooting in Charlotte's loss to Orlando.
Tony Allen: Fills In For Rondo
Update: Allen started at point guard in place of the injured Rajon Rondo (hamstring) in Sunday's victory over the Lakers.
Analysis: Allen had 16 points, four assists, four turnovers and a steal in 42 minutes. He handled whatever ball pressure the Lakers threw at him and, for this game anyway, not having its starting point guard didn't hurt the Celtics. He was asked to get the ball over half court and pass to one of the big three. Allen will not thrive in this role long term, but can fill in here and there as long as the Celtics aren't asking him to do too much with the ball.
Luke Walton: Returns to Action Sunday
Update: Walton returned to action after missing three games with a sprained right ankle.
Analysis: Trevor Ariza continued to start at small forward, but Walton was able to get the ankle loose enough to play. He had three points and three rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench in the Lakers' loss to Boston.
Sasha Vujacic: (Ankle) Plays Seven Minutes
Update: Vujacic (ankle) played seven minutes in Sunday's loss to Boston.
Analysis: Vujacic sprained his ankle in the Lakers' previous game and missed Saturday's practice.
Stephen Jackson: Dealing With Hyperextended Knee
Update: Jackson, who scored 23 points on Sunday, is still bothered by a hyperextended knee, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: Jackson injured the knee back on December 22nd and will continue to wear a brace for the next couple of weeks. The injury doesn't seem to be effecting his production as he is averaging 24.8 points in 43.4 minutes over his last five games.
Monta Ellis: Playing With Sprained Left Finger
Update: Ellis, who scored 13 points on Sunday, was initially going to miss the game with a sprained left finger, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: Ellis played 38 minutes on Sunday, but only shot 5-for-14 from the field. It looks safe to keep him in your lineup for now.
Tracy McGrady: Could Miss Two More Weeks
Update: Although listed as "day-to-day" and out Monday against the Warriors, McGrady said his time away to rehabilitate a sore left knee likely will be measured in weeks rather than days, the Houston Chronicle reports. McGrady said Sunday he was told after his exam early last week that he could miss as much as three weeks because of a "deep bone bruise." He doubts he will play Wednesday against the Celtics or Friday against the Magic.
Analysis: "I'm the same," McGrady said. "They told me three weeks. I don't have a timetable. I can't do anything about it. It's not tendinitis. It's a deep bone bruise. I'm just doing therapy every day. I lost the strength in my leg. I'll see how I feel toward the end of the week, but Boston, doubtful, Orlando, doubtful." If McGrady is out two more weeks, he could miss as many as seven additional games. Keep him on your bench until further notice.
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