FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Eddy Curry: Misses Monday's Game
Update: Curry (knee) did not play Monday during the Knicks' win over Philadelphia.
Analysis: Curry hasn't played since December and while his injury has shown some progress, he is still a long way from being a relevant fantasy player even when healthy.
Dorell Wright: Same Role
Update: Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Wright, who is coming back from a two-game suspension, will likely slip back into his sixth-man role Tuesday night against the Spurs, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Analysis: We were curious if Wright's arrest for DUI would have any impact on his spot in the rotation, and for now it looks like it will not.
Paul Pierce: Leaves Game with Tightness in Back
Update: Pierce left Monday's game against the Pistons in the second quarter with tightness in his back, but he's expected to return after halftime, A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN reports.
Analysis: Considering the Celtics are even considering running Pierce back out to the court in a blow out, proves the injury isn't serious. It doesn't hurt to check back for details, but it doesn't appear owners have much to worry about.
Tayshaun Prince: Suffers Back Injury
Update: Prince left Monday's game against the Celtics in the first quarter with back injury.
Analysis: He needed assistance from the Detroit medical staff to get back to the locker room. A return Monday night has been ruled out. Prince missed 26 games with a back injury earlier this season, but early reports say this injury isn't as serious. More details should surface after the game.
Shaun Livingston: Promoted to Starting Five
Update: Livingston will start at point guard Monday night against the Jazz, Michael Lee of the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: He'll replace Randy Foye as the starter. Livingston is coming off his best game of the season, totaling 18 points and eight assists against the Magic on Saturday. As long as he's getting starter's minutes, Livingston will be a solid source of assists and deserves consideration in mid to deep sized leagues.
Mehmet Okur: Active Monday
Update: As expected, Okur (back) will return to the lineup Monday against the Wizards, Ross Siler of the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: Andrei Kirilenko (calf) is out, so Okur could be in line for some extra playing time. Get him in your lineups.
Ronnie Price: Out Monday
Update: Price (wrist) is out for Monday's game against Washington, Ross Siler of the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: Price underwent an MRI that confirmed his bruised right wrist. He's planning to test out the wrist on Tuesday in hopes of returning for Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves.
Andrei Kirilenko: Out Monday
Update: Kirilenko (calf) will not play Monday against the Wizards, Ross Siler of the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: That's back-to-back games AK47 has missed with a calf injury. Kirilenko worked out before the game and thinks he'll be back on the court soon, possible for Wednesday's tilt against Minnesota.
Ben Wallace: Out Monday
Update: Wallace (knee) will not play in Monday's game against the Celtics, the Pistons' official site reports.
Analysis: That marks seven straight games on the sidelines for Big Ben. Reports last week had Wallace on the mend, but the team is liekly waiting for him to take part in a full practice before playing in a game. The Pistons next practice is scheduled for Thursday, so we should have a better idea when Wallace will next play before Friday's game against the Pacers. Jason Maxiell will continue to start at center.
Jonas Jerebko: Active Monday
Update: Jerebko (shoulder) is in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Celtics, the Pistons' official site reports.
Analysis: Jerebko tweaked his shoulder during Saturday's game against Atlanta but was able to finish the game. This shouldn't be much of a concern for owners going forward.
Dwight Howard: The New 'Sheed?
Update: Howard picked up his 14th technical foul of the season on Sunday, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Analysis: League rules call for an automatic one-game suspension once a player racks up 16 techs. There's a chance Howard could have Sunday's tech rescinded, but either way he'll be close to getting a one-game suspension thrown his way. Owners will want to keep a close eye on Howard's technical foul count for the remainder of the season.
Jose Calderon: Promotion Looming?
Update: Raptors coach Jay Triano hinted that changes could be made to his starting lineup Tuesday against the Hawks, Holly MacKenzie of SlamOnline reports.
Analysis: Given Calderon's play the past two games, he's the most likely candidate for a promotion to the starting five. A move to the starting lineup would give Calderon a nice boost in value, and likely send Jarrett Jack to the waiver wire.
Mehmet Okur: Eying Monday Return
Update: Okur (back) said he's feeling better and expects to play Monday against the Wizards, Ross Siler of the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Analysis: Okur sat out Sunday's game against the Thunder due to back spasms. He opted against a painkilling injection in hopes of being ready for Monday's tip. It looks like he made the right decision.
Shaquille O'Neal: Returns to Team
Update: O'Neal, who underwent successful thumb surgery on Feb. 25, returned to the Cavs on Monday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: O'Neal met with team doctors to start his rehab, which is expected to last until the middle of April. The odds of O'Neal coming back before the regular season are slim-to-none, so don't feel bad about dumping him for a healthy option.
Darko Milicic: Returns to Practice
Update: Milicic (illness) returned to practice on Monday, Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Milicic is expected to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Suns. Teammate Kevin Love (foot) is also expected to make a return on Tuesday, so Milicic's minutes may be limited.
Kevin Love: On the Mend
Update: Love (foot) took part in Monday's practice and is expected to play Tuesday against the Suns, Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: This is good news for owners with weekly lineups. Love's presence at Monday's practice lowers the risk of playing him significantly. Look for the final decision on his availability for Tuesday's game to surface after the morning shootaround.
Marreese Speights: Out Monday
Update: Speights (knee) will miss Monday's game against the Knicks, the Sixers' official site reports.
Analysis: That will mark six consecutive games Speights has missed with a sprained right knee. He's still being evaluated on a day-to-day basis with no timetable for his return.
Jianlian Yi: Out Tuesday
Update: Yi (ankle) has been ruled out of Tuesday's game against the Hawks, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: Yi has missed four straight games with a sprained left ankle. The original timetable had Yi missing 7-to-10 days, so he might not be ready for either of the Nets next two game on Wednesday or Friday either. Continue to keep him stashed on your bench.
Michael Beasley: Questionable Tuesday
Update: Beasley (thigh) said he's "50-50" for Tuesday's game against San Antonio, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Beasley has missed back-to-back games with a bruised left thigh. Be on the lookout for a more concrete decision following Tuesday morning's shootaround.
Jermaine O'Neal: Won't be Suspended
Update: O'Neal will not receive further discipline for Sunday's ejection, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: O'Neal was ejected after picking up his second technical of the night during an altercation with the Sixers' Samuel Dalembert. Feel free to slot O'Neal into your lineup this week.
Derrick Rose: Doubtful Tuesday
Update: Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said Rose (wrist) "probably" won't play Tuesday against the Grizzlies, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: The Bulls will wait until after Tuesday's morning shootaround before making a final decision, but it looks like the All-Star point guard will sit out.
Louis Williams: Out Monday
Update: Williams will miss Monday's game against the Knicks because of back spasms, Kate Fagan of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: This is the first mention of a back problem for Williams all season. The Sixers have a day off on Tuesday, so hopefully the extra rest will be enough for Williams to be back on the court Wednesday. Andre Igudola will slide to shooting guard to open up the starting small forward gig for Thad Young.
Eddy Curry: Doubtful For Monday
Update: Eddy Curry is doubtful to play against Philadelphia on Monday due to sharp pain in his calf along with tightness, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Knicks president Donnie Walsh still has aspirations of making Curry into a starting center next year or getting some value out of him via a trade. Curry also knows that his future is largely dependent on how good he looks going forward, so while he wants to make sure he is healthy when he gets that shot, look for him to try and get back to action as soon as he feels good to go.
Jannero Pargo: Should Start Again Tuesday
Update: Pargo, who had a big game with Derrick Rose out Friday, should start again Tuesday.
Analysis: With Rose unlikely to play due to his wrist injury and Kirk Hinrich suspended, the Bulls are a bit shorthanded at guard, which should result in big minutes for Pargo.
Luol Deng: (Calf) Did Not Practice Monday
Update: Deng (calf) did not practice Monday, the Chicago Breaking Sports reports.
Analysis: Deng missed Thursday's and Friday's game with the ailment and is not slated to play Tuesday. The hope is that he will be able to play Friday against Cleveland, but the more he is unable to practice, the less of a chance he has to play. Look for James Johnson to start again in his place against Memphis Tuesday.
Willie Green: Does Not Play Friday, Coach's Decision
Update: Green's absence from Sunday's rotation was just the latest of coach Eddie Jordan's unique rotation decisions, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Green received his first healthy scratch from the lineup this season. He's averaged nearly 22 minutes per game over his seven-year career and always finds a way to carve out a significant role. Green's exclusion from Sunday's rotation is more a reflection of the Sixers' desperate search for a win then it is an indictment of his play. Jason Kapono received some extra floor time in place of Green, and it's becoming too hard to tell who will receive the most minutes in Jordan's erratic rotation.
Dorell Wright: Returns to Practice
Update: Wright returned to practice on Monday and is expected to be in uniform on Tuesday against San Antonio, NBC Sports reports
Analysis: It is unclear at this point where Wright will fit into the rotation going forward. He has averaged nearly 20 minutes of playing time off the bench this season, but the Heat have been growing more comfortable with a two-point guard lineup featuring Carlos Arroyo and Mario Chalmers as their second unit.
Joe Johnson: Out Tuesday, Possibly Wednesday
Update: Johnson (Achilles) will not play Tuesday against the Nets, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Michael Cunningham reports. He's also unlikely to play Wednesday against Toronto.
Analysis: Johnson goes from being an elite fantasy option this week to one who may be limited to two games. Jamal Crawford will probably be the biggest beneficiary of Johnson's absence.
Jon Brockman: Hope To Return In a Week
Update: Brockman (knee) said that he hopes to return to the practice floor in the next "seven to 10 days," the Sacramento Bee reports.
Analysis: He sprained his right MCL on Febuary 19 and was expected to miss two to four weeks. He is running without pain, reaching 11 miles per hour on the treadmill. The next test, Brockman said, will be integrating more basketball moves. "I haven't done any jogging or planting or cutting, so we'll see," he said. "I'm real good at running a straight line. If I could just run in a straight line the whole time I'd be fine."
Derrick Rose: (Wrist) Likely Out Tuesday
Update: The Bulls might hold Rose and his recovering left wrist out from Tuesday's game against Memphis, the Chicago Beaking Sports reports.
Analysis: Rose sprained the wrist last Thursday in Orlando and missed Friday's loss in Miami. He was hoping to play against the Grizzlies but Chicago is being cautiously with his return to make sure he is as close to 100 percent as possible.
Devin Harris: Misses Practice Monday
Update: Harris missed practice on Monday with an illness, the Newark Star Ledger reports.
Analysis: The Nets are calling the injury an upper-respiratory issue. He'll rest Monday and likely Tuesday morning before making a decision regarding his status for Tuesday's game against the Hawks.
Brad Miller: Sits Out Practice Monday
Update: Miller (thumb) sat out of practice on Monday, cites Bulls beat writer KC Johnson.
Analysis: We don't know if he sat out of practice because of his thumb injury, or if the veteran was just given some extra rest. Either way, we expect him to be in the lineup on Tuesday.
Marc Gasol: Day-To-Day With Neck Injury
Update: Gasol is listed as day-to-day after an MRI reveled a neck strain, reports the Grizzlies' Team Site.
Analysis: He played through the injury on Saturday, but the injury sounds more serious than initially expected. It wouldn't be surprising if he sat out Tuesday and Wednesday's games against Chicago and Houston. We'll know more about his status on Tuesday.
Mike Bibby: Sits Out Practice With Sore Back
Update: Bibby sat out Monday's practice with a sore back, Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: Bibby is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Nets. If Bibby does not play, expect Jamal Crawford and Jeff Teague to see expanded minutes.
LeBron James: Continues M.V.P. Play
Update: James continued his solid play Sunday, scoring 30 points, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out seven assists.
Analysis: James has been an absolute fantasy beast this season. Sunday was no different for the King. To go with everything else, James collected three blocks and two steals. James was also solid from the charity stripe going 11-of-16 on the day.
Antawn Jamison: Double-Double Against Boston
Update: Jamison scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the Cavaliers showdown against the Celtics.
Analysis: Jamison did not shoot particularly well going 6-of-17 from the floor, including 2-of-8 from long range. The most encouraging thing about Jamison though is he is getting plenty of looks (60 field-goal attempts) second to only Lebron James in the last five games. This also includes missing a game being held out with a minor knee injury. He is a solid go for all fantasy playoff formats.
Joe Johnson: Sits Out Monday's Practice
Update: Johnson sat out Monday's practice with a sore Achilles' tendon, Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: Johnson is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Nets. If he's still sore on Tuesday, it would not be surprising to see Johnson rest considering the Nets have won just seven games all season.
Anderson Varejao: Peaking at Right Time
Update: Varejao helped the Cavaliers to victory Sunday with 17 huge points and 10 rebounds (six on the offensive side).
Analysis: Varejao has been playing extremely well with three out of his last five contests being double-doubles. In his last two games Varejao has collected 22 rebounds and scored 29 points. With Shaquille O'Neal still out, Varejao may be that wild card to plug into you lineup with playoffs now here, especially if you have a question at your flex position in your lineup.
Mo Williams: Decent Game in Showdown
Update: Williams made four 3-pointers Sunday against Cleveland's Eastern Conference rival Boston and finished with 14 points.
Analysis: Williams was 4-of-7 on the day from long range. He also accounted for six assists and five rebounds. These are encouraging numbers for owners who will be relying on Williams in fantasy playoffs that start this week.
Jason Richardson: 20 Points on Sunday
Update: Richardson scored 20 points and added four rebounds, four assists and two threes in Sunday's win over the Hornets.
Analysis: He's been rock-steady for the Suns recently, popping for 20+ points in eight of his last 11 games and hitting at least two threes in each of those 11 games.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Tops 30 Again Sunday
Update: Stoudemire shot 14-of-14 from the free throw line to go along with 36 points added 12 rebounds in Sunday's win over the Hornets.
Analysis: Stoudemire has scored 30 or more points in five of his last seven games and is second only to Kevin Durant in 30+ point games since the All-Star break. Stoudemire has also attempted double-digit free throws in four straight games, a clear sign that he's taking it to the rim often.
Steve Nash: 1000th Career Game Sunday
Update: Nash, playing in the 1000th game of his career, scored 13 points with 12 assists in Sunday's win over the Hornets.
Analysis: He also played only 29 minutes, as Goran Dragic's return to action has allowed the Suns to lessen Nash's load a little. He'll be dealing with his back and abdomen issues for the rest of the season, but with Leandro Barbosa set to return as well Tuesday Phoenix should be able to keep Nash in one piece for the playoffs.
Leandro Barbosa: Plans To Return Tuesday
Update: Barbosa (wrist) says he will be back on the court Tuesday, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: "(The wrist) is feeling good," Barbosa said. "I'm very happy about the results and can't wait to come back. I'm going to wait one more game. For sure, I'm going to play (Tuesday). The playoffs are right there, so I want to make sure that when I came back, I come back good so I don't need to worry about the playoffs. I want to get healthy, feel good about my wrist and play like I used to - be aggressive and everything." Barbosa's numbers won't be what they once were, especially with Goran Dragic's emergence as a reliable player, but Barbosa should be available this week if you need him in your lineup.
Jose Calderon: Outplays Jarrett Jack Again Sunday
Update: Calderon scored 11 points with seven assists and three rebounds in 31 minutes of court time Sunday.
Analysis: He got the nod to start the third quarter instead of Jarrett Jack, and with coach Jay Triano looking to shake up the lineup after a brutal stretch of basketball, re-inserting Calderon into the starting lineup seems like the next logical step.
Earl Clark: Headed to the D-League
Update: Clark will head to the D-League on Monday, and he is scheduled to stay there for three games, the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: "He just needs some minutes," said Suns General Manager Steve Kerr, who will attend two of the games in Iowa. "The best way to develop is to play. He's done a great job in practice, but we haven't had a lot of practice time." Extra minutes can only help Clark, who is only averaging 2.6 points per game with the Suns.
Chris Bosh: Scores 28, But Raptors Lose Again
Update: Bosh led the Raptors with 28 points, adding six rebounds, in Sunday's 109-98 loss to the Trail Blazers.
Analysis: This has been a disastrous road trip for Toronto, who are in danger of falling out of the playoff picture (not to mention making Bosh so frustrated that he leaves town when his contract is up). Bosh isn't the type to pack it in early though, so even if this becomes a lost season for the Raptors don't expect any erosion in Bosh's numbers.
Eric Gordon: Questionable on Monday
Update: Gordon (leg) is listed as questionable for Monday's contest against the Hornets, ClipsNation.com reports.
Analysis: Gordon has missed five straight games with the injury. It sounds as if Monday was his target date to return, so there's a decent chance Gordon will be on the hardwood against the Hornets. If Gordon can't go, Steve Blake and Mardy Collins would likely see more minutes in his absence.
Ben Wallace: Questionable on Monday
Update: Wallace, who missed Saturday's game with a strained right knee, is listed as questionable for Monday's tilt against the Celtics, NESN.com reports.
Analysis: He has missed six straight games with the knee injury, so even if he returns, his minutes and production will likely be limited, so look elsewhere for a healthier option.
Jason Terry: Targets Wednesday to Return
Update: Terry (fractured orbital bone) will return on Wednesday, DallasBasketball.com reports.
Analysis: Terry will once get return early from an injury. Fantasy owners may want to wait before inserting the JET back into their lineups, as the Mavs play just two games and Terry is sure to have an adjustment period as he learns to play with a protective mask.
Toney Douglas: More Playing time to Come?
Update: After Saturday's performance, Douglas looks set for more playing time, according to the New York Post.
Analysis: As the season comes to a conclusion Coach Mike D'Antoni will have to see what he has for the future so Douglas should get ample time to show what he's got.
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