FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Tracy McGrady: Back in Action
Update: As expected, McGrady (general soreness) is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Spurs, Howard Beck of the New York Times reports.
Analysis: McGrady owners will have to continue to watch his status on a nightly basis, but he's a solid play when active. Get him in your lineup.
Eddy Curry: Game-Time Decision
Update: Curry, who was previously expected to return Wednesday night, is now listed as a game-time decision with a sore knee, Howard Beck of the New York Times reports.
Analysis: Curry continues to struggle getting into game shape. No need to worry about Curry as a fantasy option until he proves his value on the court.
Monta Ellis: Returning Thursday?
Update: Ellis is leaning towards returning Thursday against the Blazers, but a final decision won't be made until the team sees how his back responds to Wednesday's practice, Marcus Thompson of Contra Costa Times reports.
Analysis: Ellis has slowly been closing in on a return, but it looks like his status won't be known until after Thursday's shootaround.
Darko Milicic: Spot Start
Update: Milicic will start in place of the suspended Ryan Hollins Wednesday against the Nuggets, Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis went with Milicic over Kevin Love for the second straight suspension --- Milicic had started in place of the suspended Al Jefferson last week. Hollins is only going to be out Wednesday and Friday, so Darko's value will likely be short lived.
Johan Petro: Another Start
Update: As expected, Petro will start at center Wednesday against the Timberwolves, Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: He's seeing playing time in place of the injured Kenyon Martin (knee). There's not much to get excited about with Petro's game, but he did manage to snag 10 boards in his first start. Deep leagues may want to consider for help on the glass but expect inconsistency.
Terrence Williams: Starting to Find Stride
Update: Williams is averaging 13 points, 6.5 rebounds and six assists through four games this month.
Analysis: Williams started the season of in promising fashion, but saw his minutes quickly start to dwindle in late November. He's finally receiving ample playing time again for the hapless Nets and is showing off the well-rounded game that made him a lottery pick. With his rare ability to pick up high assist totals from the shooting guard and small forward positions, Williams is a solid addition in most formats.
CJ Miles: Tweaks Knee
Update: Miles will wear a brace on his left knee during Wednesday's game against the Pistons, Ross Siler of the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: Miles was hit in the knee by Derrick Rose during Tuesday's win over Chicago. Since Miles is still able to suit up and play one day after suffering the injury, it doesn't look like owners have much to worry about.
Lamar Odom: Productive Outing Off Bench
Update: Odom's 10 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in his 30 minutes off the bench during Tuesday's win over Toronto.
Analysis: Odom made several big plays late in the game to help the Lakers end a three-game losing streak, however, he is averaging just 8.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in five games this month.
Rodney Stuckey: Returning to Practice Soon?
Update: Stuckey (head) expects to be cleared for a return to practice soon, the Pistons' official site reports.
Analysis: Stuckey still hasn't talked with Pistons strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander, but the young guard doesn't expect to be sidelined much longer now that he's been cleared to exercise. There's still no timetable for Stuckey's return, but most of the news pouring out the past couple days has been positive. Hopefully he's back on the court soon.
Ben Wallace: Out Wednesday
Update: Wallace (knee) will sit out Wednesday's game against the Jazz, the Pistons' official site reports.
Analysis: Wednesday will mark Big Ben's fourth straight missed game. Pistons coach John Kuester originally expected his veteran big man to miss at least three games, so hopefully Wallace is nearing a return. Look for Jason Maxiell to continue filling in as starting center.
Andrew Bynum: Big Scoring Night
Update: Bynum dropped 22 points in Tuesday's win over the Raptors, snapping the Lakers' three-game losing streak.
Analysis: Bynum also grabbed six rebounds and blocked two shots. It was just Bynum's 16th 20-point game of the season, and third since February 1.
Nazr Mohammed: Out Wednesday
Update: Mohammed (back) is not active for Wednesday's tilt against the Sixers.
Analysis: Mohammed has been doing some conditioning work on the side, but there's still no indication when he'll return to game action. Continue to consider him day-to-day.
Pau Gasol: Near Double-Double
Update: Gasol fell a rebound shy of a double-double with 17 points and nine boards in Tuesday's win over the Raptors.
Analysis: Gasol did have his struggles scoring, as he shot 4-for-11 from the field. He did most of his damage at the free throw line, hitting 9-of-11. The stats come from Gasol playing his fewest amount of minutes (31) since a 10-point, nine-rebound game at Memphis, during which he played only 30 minutes. The Lakers play at Phoenix on Friday.
Eric Gordon: Doubtful Wednesday
Update: An MRI on Gordon's injured right leg came back negative, but the sophomore shooting guard is still expected to miss Wednesday's game against the Heat, Lisa Dillman of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: The good news is Gordon is listed as day-to-day, but we still don't know when he'll return to action. Keep him stashed on your bench until a concrete timetable for his return is known.
Ty Lawson: Out Wednesday
Update: As expected, Lawson will miss Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Lawson said his shoulder is improving and he's now "day-to-day." There's a slight possibility Lawson could make a return Friday against the Hornets, but best bet has him sitting out a couple more games. Keep him on your bench.
Sasha Vujacic: Three Minutes in Return
Update: Vujacic (shoulder) logged just three minutes in Tuesday's win over Toronto, but didn't produce any stats.
Analysis: Vujacic missed eight games with the shoulder injury, and likely won't play meaningful minutes for a few more games.
Leandro Barbosa: Limited Minutes Upon Return?
Update: Barbosa, who's expected to return from a wrist injury Friday against the Lakers, could see limited minutes in his return to the court, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: The Suns have Steve Nash, Jason Richardson and Goran Dragic taking up a lot of the playing time in the backcourt, so Barbosa could struggle to see the 25+ minutes he has throughout his career. With limited minutes expected, it's hard to envision Barbosa improving on the 10.6 scoring average he has posted through 29 games this season.
Paul Pierce: Misses At The Buzzer
Update: Pierce notched 12 points, five assists, three rebounds and a block, but could not get the game a potential game-tying shot to fall in Tuesday's loss at Milwaukee.
Analysis: Pierce struggled all game, going 3-for-13 from the field, making him 10-for-33 (30.3%) over the last three games. Boston hosts the Grizzlies on Wednesday.
Brad Miller: Expected to Play Through Thumb Injury
Update: Miller sat out Wednesday's practice with a thumb injury, but he's expected to play Thursday night against the Magic, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Miller banged up his thumb in Tuesday's loss to the Jazz. The veteran center routinely gets practice days off to rest numerous injuries, but still manages to suit up for games. Expect him to be in the lineup on Thursday night.
Kevin Garnett: Double-Double Not Enough
Update: Garnett posted 14 points and 10 rebounds in Tuesday's loss at Milwaukee.
Analysis: KG went 7-for-13 and did not attempt any free throws for the first time since February 5. Boston did look to Garnett down the stretch, and he came through with a big bucket in the final minute. Boston hosts Memphis on Wednesday.
Andris Biedrins: Undergoes Groin Surgery
Update: As expected, Biedrins (groin) will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing successful surgery, Matt Steinmetz of CSNBayArea.com reports.
Analysis: This puts an end to Biedrins disappointing season. He'll have plenty of time to recover before next season, but it's hard to imagine him holding much value unless Golden State makes a head coaching change or Biedrins gets sent to a team that better fits his style of play.
Ryan Hollins: Suspended Two Games
Update: Hollins has been suspended two games for striking DeShawn Stevenson and Dirk Nowitzki in Monday's loss to the Mavericks, Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Hollins has actually put up decent production this month, averaging 14 points and seven boards in the past three games. Look for Kevin Love or Darko Milicic to take over the starting center position while Hollins is serving his suspension on Wednesday and Friday.
Antawn Jamison: Iffy for Friday
Update: Jamison, who did not practice Wednesday, is listed as day-to-day with stiffness in his left knee, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: While his status for Friday's game is up in the air, Jamison said he would play Sunday against Boston.
LeBron James: Sits Out Wednesday's Practice
Update: James (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: That said, James is still expected to play Friday at Philadelphia.
Monta Ellis: Practices On Wednesday
Update: Ellis (back) did some full-court work on Wednesday and should play on Thursday against Portland, CSN Bay Area's Matt Steinmetz reports.
Analysis: Ellis' imminent return will most likely mean that C.J. Watson will see a diminished role. Ellis has missed six straight games due to his back injury.
Randy Foye: Benched in Loss
Update: Foye was benched after just four minutes of the third period on Tuesday in favor of Shaun Livingston, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Foye, who only had two points, two rebounds and three assists in 19 minutes of action, did not return to the game Tuesday night versus the Rockets as the offense ran more smoothly under Livingston. Foye has been struggling over his last three games as he has only averaged 6.3 points, 4.3 assists and 1.7 rebounds. Foye is only shooting 23% (7-for-30) from the field over his last three games and has missed all seven of his attempts from beyond the arc. Hopefully he will rebound soon or he could continue to loose minutes to Livingston.
Taj Gibson: (Foot) Might Not Play Thursday
Update: Gibson (foot) might not play against Orlando Thursday, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: With plantar fasciitis in both feet, it's hard to see the point in Gibson playing. He's not a fantasy option if his health doesn't improve.
Antawn Jamison: Could Miss Friday's Game
Update: Jamison will be a game-time decision for Friday's game against the 76ers, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Fortunately, Jamison avoided serious injury on Monday night, but he has a cyst in the knee that periodically fills with fluid and could prevent him from playing against Philadelphia. If he does miss the game, he expects to return Sunday against Boston, but daily leaguers will have to check back closer to game time on Friday to learn more about his status.
Luol Deng: (Calf) Will Miss at Least Two Games
Update: Deng (calf) will miss at least two games, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: The earliest return would be Tuesday's game against Memphis, but there's not an especially optimistic tone regarding that possibility at the moment, either. The technical prognosis given by coach Vinny Del Negro was "a while."
Andre Iguodala: Benched for Fourth Quarter
Update: Iguodala was benched in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's loss to the Pacers as coach Eddie Jordan chose to attempt a comeback with his best player on the bench.
Analysis: Iguodala still played 30 minutes in the game, but there have been a number of reports of late concerning the players giving up on their coach and failing to believe in his perplexing lineup decisions. Iguodala finished the game with five points (2-of-8 FG, 0-of-2 3PT, 1-of-2 FT), five rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block in 30 minutes of action. Owners should be used to seeing a random night like this from Iguodala this season. Jordan's unusual lineups remain mystifying but are no longer surprising this deep into the season.
Samuel Dalembert: Returns to Starting Lineup and Records Double-Double
Update: Dalembert returned to the starting lineup in Tuesday's loss to the Pacers and recorded his 17th double-double of the season in just 22 minutes of action.
Analysis: Dalembert was brought off the bench in Sunday's win over the Raptors as punishment for arriving late to a team meeting. Luckily, for fantasy owners, his banishment to the bench only lasted one game. Dalembert recorded four blocks to go along with his 16 and 11 double-double on Tuesday, and he should continue to put up quality defensive fantasy lines over the rest of the season.
Maurice Evans: Not Expected to Play Thursday
Update: Evans (flu-like symptoms) is not traveling with the team to Washington D.C. and is not expected to play against the Wizards on Thursday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Michael Cunningham reports.
Analysis: Evans' 4.8 points per game and 1.8 rebounds per game aren't enough to make him worth consideration in most leagues.
Brendan Haywood: Likely to Play Wednesday
Update: Although he's officially a game-time decision, Haywood (back) will likely play Wednesday against the Nets, the Dallas Morning News reports. "I'm going to play and see how it feels," Haywood said.
Analysis: The Mavericks have sorely missed Haywood defensively, giving up 109.3 points in the three games that he's missed. Fantasy owners in daily leagues are welcome to roll with him on Wednesday, but keep in mind that he may not play his usual number of minutes if the back is still sore. With nine games on tap, you may want to opt for a healthier option if you have one.
Erick Dampier: Expected to Return on Wednesday
Update: Dampier (finger) is expected to return on Wednesday after missing the last 12 games, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: It remains to be seen if Dampier has lost his starting lineup position to Brendan Haywood.
Tracy McGrady: Will Start Wednesday
Update: McGrady (general soreness) is expected to start Wednesday at San Antonio, the New York Times' Howard Beck reports.
Analysis: McGrady missed last Saturday's game, but has been playing around 28 minutes a night this month. Expect him to see about that much court time on Wednesday, though it's anyone's guess how effective he'll be, as his scoring has fluctuated between three points and 21 points in four March games.
Jose Juan Barea: Out on Wednesday
Update: Barea (ankle) will not suit up on Wednesday when the Mavericks host the Nets, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Barea injured his ankle on Monday and is considered day-to-day. Roddy Beaubois will see extended minutes in his absence.
Beno Udrih: Plays through Ankle Injury
Update: Udrih (ankle) had 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks in Tuesday's loss to Portland.
Analysis: Udrih banged his ankle in the Kings' previous game, but was able to play 29 minutes on Tuesday and should be safe to use going forward.
Rodney Stuckey: Cleared to Workout
Update: Stuckey (head) has been cleared to return to a progressive exercise program, Mlive.com reports.
Analysis: All of the tests Stuckey has went through have came back negative. He has already been ruled out of the Pistons game on Wednesday, but a return could be just around the corner if no complications arise during his workouts. Continue to monitor the situation before returning Stuckey to your lineup.
Andrea Bargnani: Wakes Up Tuesday
Update: Bargnani scored 21 points with eight rebounds, two blocks and two threes in Tuesday's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: He's been in a bit of a funk recently, scoring 20+ for the first time in five games, and his rebounding total was his highest in nine games.
Chris Bosh: Scores 22 on Tuesday
Update: Bosh's offense still seemed a bit rusty Tuesday, as he scored 22 points on 7-for-16 shooting while adding seven rebounds and four assists.
Analysis: He was a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe however, and amazingly sank two three-pointers. He should be back in his normal double-double form soon enough.
Hedo Turkoglu: Poor Scoring Night Tuesday
Update: Turkoglu (ankle) played 29 minutes Tuesday but scored just six points on 2-for-7 shooting with five rebounds, four assists and two threes.
Analysis: On a night when the Raptors lost by just two points, they could have used a little more from Turkoglu, who failed to get to the free throw line for the third time in his last five games.
Kris Humphries: Benefits From Yi's Injury
Update: With Yi (ankle) out the next seven to 10 days, Humphries should see some extended playing time off the bench.
Analysis: Humphries burst onto the scene like gangbusters after his trade to New Jersey in mid-January, but has seen his production level out since then. He has recorded four double-digit rebounding games in that span, and could be a sneaky source of rebounds and blocks in deeper leagues for the next two weeks.
James Singleton: Solid Game Off the Bench in Loss
Update: Singleton had 12 points, four rebounds, three blocks, two steals and an assist in 28 minutes off the bench in the Wizards' 96-88 loss to the Rockets Tuesday.
Analysis: Singleton was an efficient 3-of-4 from the field and made all six of his free-throw attempts. Though averaging about 21 minutes a game for the Wizards since coming over from Dallas, Singleton is averaging a robust 2.1 blocks per game and a respectable 6.2 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game over his first 11 games with the team.
Johan Petro: Expected to Start on Wednesday
Update: Petro is expected to make his second start of the year on Wednesday.
Analysis: If Petro does get the call he'll start at center with Nene moving to Kenyon Martin's vacant PF position. While Petro did play well in his first start on Sunday against Portland he'll more than likely share Martin's minutes with the Joey Graham and Malik Allen, so don't get to excited about the possibilities.
Jianlian Yi: Yi Out 7-10 Days
Update: Coach Kiki Vanderweghe expects Yi to miss the next 7-to-10 days with a high ankle sprain, according the USA Today.
Analysis: Yi will be re-evaluated again in a few days - in the meantime, Josh Boone and Kris Humphries stand to benefit and should see extended playing time.
Nick Young: Ties For Team-High in Points
Update: Young tied for the team lead in scoring Wednesday as he had 18 points in 23 minutes off the bench in the Wizards' 96-88 loss to the Rockets.
Analysis: Don't get too excited as Young as never proved he can be a consistent player. This was Young's first game in double figures, and first game he played at least 20 minutes, since he had 12 points back on Feb. 19.
Al Thornton: Just Misses Double-Double in Loss
Update: Thornton had 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 39 minutes of action in the Wizards' 96-88 loss to the Rockets Tuesday.
Analysis: This game follows on the heals of Thornton's 24-point, 11-rebound, 3-steal, 2-assist performance against the Celtics Sunday and would seem to signal a return to form after the previous two games to that in which he struggled.
Taj Gibson: Struggling While Playing Through Plantar Fasciitis
Update: Gibson, hampered by plantar fasciitis, fouled out in just 13 minutes of action in the Bulls' 132-108 loss to the Jazz Tuesday, the Arlington Daily Herald reports. "It gets tougher and tougher to push through it as the season wears on," Gibson said after the loss.
Analysis: With Joakim Noah still out with his plantar fasciitis, Luol Deng getting an MRI on his strained right calf and the Bulls on a five-game losing streak, Gibson will have to play through the injury but don't expect much production.
Luol Deng: Strained Right Calf, MRI Wednesday
Update: Deng left the Bulls' 132-108 loss to the Jazz Tuesday in the third quarter with a right calf strain and will have an MRI Wednesday, the Arlington Daily Herald reports
Analysis: The Bulls, whose losing streak hit five Tuesday and are now ninth in Eastern Conference, can ill-afford to lose Demg for an extended period of time with Joakim Noah still out with and Taj Gibson playing through plantar fasciitis.
Charlie Bell: Gets 18 Minutes in Win
Update: Bell had two points in 18 minutes off of the bench in Tuesday's win over the Celtics.
Analysis: Bell has lost almost all of his minutes since the Bucks acquired Jerry Stackhouse, but Stackhouse was out with a strained hamstring. Bell will get bumped back down once Stackhouse returns.
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