Author: Matt Buser

Setting the stage for Week 20 of the fantasy basketball season.

Schedule Breakdown

Four-game teams: BOS, CHA, LAC, MEM, MIA, MIN, NJN, NOR, NYK, ORL, PHI, POR, SAC, SAS, TOR, UTH, WAS

Three-game teams: ATL, CHI, CLE, DAL, DEN, DET, GSW, IND, MIL, OKC

Two-game teams: HOU, LAL, PHO

Also see: Basketball Monster’s team schedules and ease rankings | Rotowire’s value meter

Pickups/Plug-ins – Players owned in fewer than 40% of Yahoo! leagues

• Anthony Tolliver(notes) – It took a while for Tolliver to adjust
once he arrived from the D-League, but he’s settled in and is playing
plenty for the short-handed Warriors. Over the past 14 games, he’s
averaged 12.1 points, 1.6 threes, 6.6 boards, 2.2 assists, 0.9
turnovers, 0.5 steals, and 1 block in 32 minutes. Of particular note is
that he’s made 47 percent of his threes (22 of 47) over that stretch. Week 20: @NOR, POR, TOR

• Delonte West(notes) – West’s role has been increasing in recent weeks as the primary backup for both guard spots for the Cavs, and he could be rounding into form just in time to provide a spark for fantasy owners. Over the past eight games, he’s averaged 13.5 points on 49-percent shooting, 0.5 threes, 4.4 boards, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 turnovers in 28 minutes per game. Week 20: SAS, @PHI, BOS

• JaVale McGee(notes) – Although foul trouble has kept his minutes
in check, McGee has certainly been useful since the Wizards gutted
their roster at the trading deadline. Over the past nine games, he’s
averaged 10.8 points on 53-percent shooting, 6.6 boards, and 2.6 blocks
in 24 minutes, and that many blocks certainly can help swing your
average matchup. One thing to note is that he’s horrific from the foul
line (51% on the season). Week 20: HOU, ATL, @DET, ORL

• Rodrigue Beaubois(notes) – Beaubois is a fantastic short-term option
while Jason Terry(notes) is out of the lineup for the next two weeks or so
(see below). Over the past three games, Beaubois has averaged 21 points
on 63-percent shooting, 2.3 threes, 86-percent foul shooting, 3 boards,
3.3 assists, 1 turnover, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 29 minutes. Keep
in mind that his role will take a substantial hit as soon as Terry is
ready to return to the active roster. Week 20: @MIN, NJN, NYK

• Brandon Rush(notes) – The ups and downs continue for Rush except
for one area, and that’s minutes. The Pacers are a fairly hopeless
situation right now, but Rush has been a mainstay amid the turmoil in
Jim O’Brien’s starting five. Going back to January 15, a span of 25
games, Rush has averaged 11.1 points, 1.9 threes, 4.7 boards, 0.6
steals, and 0.8 blocks in 32 minutes. If you are looking for some
three-point production to round out your roster, Rush isn’t a bad option. Week 20: PHI, @BOS, @MIL

• Kris Humphries(notes) – Humphries figures to be the major benefactor
of playing time while Yi Jianlian(notes) deals with a high ankle sprain (see
below). In six games where he’s seen at least 25 minutes of playing
time for the Nets, Humphries has averaged 16 points on 52-percent
shooting, 80-percent foul shooting, 7.7 boards, 0.8 steals, and 0.7
blocks in 28 minutes. 

• Nicolas Batum(notes) – Batum’s game log shows some pretty serious range in game-to-game contributions, but his averages as a starter overall show his multi-cat potential: 12.6 points on 53-percent shooting, 2 threes, 3.1 boards, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks. While the Blazers’ schedule couldn’t be much better in Week 20, one downer here is that they play the fewest games during the default h2h playoff weeks (8). Week 20: SAC, @GSW, @SAC, TOR

• Jonas Jerebko(notes) – Jerebko has endeared himself to John Kuester as an energy and hustle player, but it’s taken a lot longer for fantasy owners to come around thanks to his solid-but-unspectacular contributions. In 17 games since rejoining the Pistons’ starting five on January 31, he’s averaged 10.5 points on 52-percent shooting, 0.5 threes, 7.2 boards, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks. Week 20: UTH, WAS, @ATL

• Jrue Holiday(notes) – Just when you think it’s time to write him
off, Holiday goes and has a game like he did Sunday (35 minutes, 21
points, 3 treys, 7 boards, 6 assists, 4 turnovers, 1 steal, 2 blocks).
He’s been reasonably effective over the past month, averaging 10.4
points on 51-percent shooting, 1.2 threes, 3.9 assists, 2.2 turnovers,
0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 28 minutes, and could be a pleasant
surpise for fantasy owners if Eddie Jordan gives him starters’ minutes
the rest of the way. Week 20: @IND, CHA, CLE, @MIA

• Matt Bonner(notes) – Bonner’s production over the past three games
(23 minutes, 11.7 points, 46% FG, 2.7 threes, 4.7 boards, 1 block) has
been huge for the Spurs, and his skills should be more in demand now
that Tony Parker(notes) is out for six weeks (see below). Deep-leaguers should
seriously consider an add here, and most fantasy owners should at least
add Bonner to their Watch List – Antonio McDyess(notes) has made his
preference of coming off the bench known, and Bonner was a solid
pairing with Tim Duncan(notes) for most of last season. Week 20: @CLE, NYK, @MIN, LAC

• Terrence Williams(notes) – Williams has been pretty solid over the
past three games (12.7 points, 1 three, 6.7 boards, 6 assists, 2.7
turnovers) and could be in line for more playing time with Yi Jianlian
sidelined (see below). He’s horribly inefficient but has the potential
to deliver some counting stats for the talent-starved Nets, and he
appears to be past the attitude issues that cost him playing time
earlier in the season. Week 20: @MEM, @DAL, @OKC, @HOU

• Wesley Matthews(notes) – There isn’t tremendous upside here, but
there is job security, so deep-leaguers should at least consider
Matthews for that reason. He’s locked in as the Jazz’s starting
shooting guard, and over the past eight games has averaged 10.9 points
on 48-percent shooting, 0.8 threes, 84-percent foul shooting, and 0.8
steals in 29 minutes. Week 20: @CHI, @DET, @MIL, @OKC

• Will Bynum(notes) – This is purely a speculative mention. While Rodney Stuckey(notes) has checked out fine so far after his incident Friday (see below), Bynum would step in if team doctors determine that Stuckey needs time away from the game. In the 21 games where he’s seen at least 25 minutes of playing time, Bynum has averaged 13.6 points, 3.2 boards, 5.1 assists, 2.4 turnovers, and 1 steal. Week 20: UTH, WAS, @ATL

Status Updates

• Trevor Ariza(notes) – Ariza will miss his seventh consecutive game due to a severe hip pointer Sunday, but he’s targeting Tuesday for a return. 

• Leandro Barbosa(notes) – Barbosa (wrist) is expected to return to practice on Monday and could be back in the lineup when the Suns return to the court on Friday. He’ll struggle to find consistent minutes unless the Suns decide to rest Steve Nash(notes) extensively and Goran Dragic’s(notes) ankle injury lingers.

• Andris Biedrins(notes) – Biedrins (groin) will miss his fifth consecutive game Monday and remains out indefinitely. He’s likely to be re-evaluated once the Warriors’ return to Oakland, but his fantasy prospects remain dim even if he is closer to a return, given his struggles and Don Nelson’s continued criticism before the injury.

• Chris Bosh(notes)
– Bosh was set to return from his ankle injury Friday, but ended up visiting a hospital because of a stomach virus and dehydration instead. He was feeling well enough to practice with the team Saturday, however, and was back in the lineup Sunday.

• Monta Ellis(notes) – Ellis (back) will miss Monday’s matchup with the Hornets, the last of a five-game road trip for the Warriors. The team is then off until Thursday, when they begin a week-long, four-game homestand, and Ellis will be re-evaluated and have his availability updated during that time.

• Eric Gordon(notes) – Gordon sat out Saturday’s game with a sore right leg and is day-to-day. The Clippers have Sunday and Monday off, so he’ll shoot to be back in the lineup Tuesday.

• Brendan Haywood(notes) – Haywood missed Saturday’s game with lower back tightness and is day-to-day.

• Allen Iverson(notes) – AI’s season is over. Louis Williams(notes) is now locked in for the rest of the season as a plus-performer, and Jrue Holiday and Willie Green(notes) will see consistent minutes in the 76ers’ guard rotation.

• LeBron James(notes) – James missed his first game of the season Saturday night, possibly but not necessarily because he turned his ankle on Friday. Mike Brown offered the following:

"He has carried a big load, not only scoring, but the minutes he has
played. He has played a high volume of minutes for us because of the
injuries, because of the new guys coming in and me trying to shuffle
things around. Even though at times he may not like it, even he needs
to sit down and rest and recuperate."

Brown is also entertaining the idea of holding James out again on Monday, as the Cavs then have three consecutive off days. We aren’t likely to know if that will be the case until gameday, so keep an eye open for updates.

• Al Jefferson(notes) – Jefferson will return to the lineup Monday, having served his two-game suspension in the wake of his arrest for driving while impaired.

• Yi Jianlian – Yi suffered a high ankle sprain Saturday and did not accompany the team as it departed for a four-game road trip that begins on Monday. X-rays were negative, but he’s out indefinitely and high ankle sprains do have a tendency to linger. Kris Humphries and Terrence Williams should see their roles increase for as long as Yi is sidelined.

• Kenyon Martin(notes) – Martin and the Nuggets are awaiting the results of an MRI on his painful left knee that could determine his fate for the remainder of the season, as a serious issue that will require season-ending surgery has yet to be dismissed as a possibility. Chris Andersen(notes) and Joey Graham(notes) stand to inherit the majority of K-Mart’s minutes for however long he’s sidelined.

•
Joakim Noah(notes) – Noah is out for at least two more weeks and possibly longer as he attempts to ease his painful plantar fasciitis. Fantasy owners need to keep in mind that he’ll be eased into the lineup when he does return, so it’s difficult to see a scenario where he’ll once again be useful in standard leagues during the current season.

• Jermaine O’Neal(notes) – O’Neal suffered a left knee injury Saturday but plans to play Tuesday at this point. The Heat are off on Sunday and Monday, so expect some more specific details to emerge over the next 36 hours.

• Shaquille O’Neal(notes) – Shaq’s surgery on his right thumb has ended his regular season for all intents and purposes. Anderson Varejao(notes) and J.J. Hickson(notes) will man the middle for the Cavs, and will soon be re-joined by Zydrunas Ilgauskas(notes).

• Tony Parker – Parker is expected to miss about six weeks after breaking a bone in his right (shooting) hand on Saturday. His regular season is over for all intents and purposes (read: he’s droppable), and George Hill(notes) now deserves to be universally owned even more than he used to. Richard Jefferson(notes) could be headed back to the starting five, with Keith Bogans(notes) moving to shooting guard, and Manu Ginobili(notes) and Roger Mason(notes) will see their roles increase over the remainder of the season.

• Chris Paul(notes)
– Reports that Paul was close to returning appear to have been premature. He remains without a specific timetable and has yet to be cleared
to begin running, the next major step in his rehabilitation. Once Paul
is cleared – and assuming he has no set-backs – then a return to the active roster wouldn’t be likely to take long, but for now fantasy owners can only take solace in the fact
that Paul will do everything within his own power to get back on the
court.

"I don’t care if I come back and there are three games left – I’m
playing before the season is over. But I can’t come back
until I can help the team. I don’t want to come back until I’m fully
healed. It would be pointless to come back, not be 100 percent and
reinjure my knee."

• Rodney Stuckey – Stuckey was released from the Cleveland Clinic Saturday after all his tests returned normal. He did not have a seizure and never lost consciousness during his incident on Friday. He’s scheduled to undergo more tests in Detroit and a timetable for his return will then be determined by team doctors. Will Bynum is next on the depth chart at point guard.

• Jason Terry – Terry had surgery Friday to repair a broken orbital bone and will be able to return to basketball activities within 10 to 14 days. If all goes well, he’ll return to the active roster very quickly after getting that medical clearance.

• Jason Thompson(notes) – Thompson practiced Saturday and could return to the lineup as soon as Sunday, although he’ll be a game-time decision. 

• Marcus Thornton(notes) – Thornton was diagnosed with an upper back strain after falling hard to the court while attempting to block a shot during Saturday’s game. He’s day-to-day, pending a re-evaluation, in advance of the Hornets’ matchup with the Warriors Monday.

• Hedo Turkoglu(notes) – Hedo sat out Sunday’s game because of a nagging ankle injury. The hope is that he’ll be ready to return to the lineup Tuesday after having had three consecutive days to rest, and that this won’t turn into something that lingers for the remainder of the season.

• Ronny Turiaf(notes) – Turiaf played just eight minutes Saturday before having to shut it down with left knee soreness, and he is questionable for Monday. Chris Hunter(notes) will get the start at center for the Warriors if Turiaf can’t go. 

• Ben Wallace(notes) – Big Ben has missed two consecutive games because of a right knee injury and is expected to miss several more. Jason Maxiell(notes) and Kwame Brown(notes) will see the minutes at center for the Pistons in the interim.

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Photos via Getty Images

Andrew Bogut(notes) is in full beast mode, Rodney Stuckey(notes) had a scare, and Baron Davis’(notes) struggles continue.

• Andrew Bogut continued his shot-blocking rampage Friday,
turning away five in the Bucks’ 102-74 win over the Wizards. It was the
fifth time in nine games that he’s blocked five shots, averaging 3.9
blocks during the stretch. Strong play is nothing new, however, as he’s
delivered a first-round impact since January 1 – in 31 games, he’s
averaged 16.8 points on 55-percent shooting, 10.8 boards, and 2.8
blocks, while making a reasonable 71 percent of his free throws. On the season, he currently ranks 10th among center-eligible players in per-game rank at 29th overall, and he and Dwight Howard(notes) are the only two players in the league currently averaging a double-double and at least two blocks per game.

• Andray Blatche(notes) had his worst game since becoming completely awesome
Friday, scoring 13 points on 5-of-16 shooting and grabbing six boards
in 35 minutes. Meanwhile, JaVale McGee(notes) posted his second double-double
in four games (13 points, 11 boards) and added four blocks in 31
minutes, while Al Thornton(notes) was more-or-less invisible for the second
straight game (27 minutes, 6 points, 3 boards, 1 block).

• Rodney Stuckey was taken to the Cleveland Clinic Friday after feeling lightheaded and collapsing into a Pistons trainer’s arms during a timeout in the third quarter. A Pistons spokesman said that Stuckey was conscious, his vital signs were stable and he was breathing on his own, and he’ll remain in the hospital overnight for tests and observation. What is particularly troubling in Stuckey’s case is that he had a similar event happen during a game last season. Will Bynum(notes) will likely take over point guard duties for the Pistons while Stuckey’s availability is addressed, with Ben Gordon(notes) also being in line for more playing time … Also for the Pistons: Ben Wallace(notes) (knee) missed his second straight game and is expected to miss several more.

• J.J. Hickson(notes) followed up a pair of solid efforts in his first two games as the the Cavs’ starting center with a certified stinker on Friday (16 minutes, 4 points, 1-of-6 FG, 1 rebound). Anderson Varejao(notes) picked up the slack off the bench, however (39 minutes, 16 points, 10 boards, 3 assists, 1 turnover). Count on more ups and downs from Hickson before he eventually cedes playing time to Zydrunas Ilgauskas(notes).

• Tyson Chandler(notes) played 15 minutes off the bench for the Bobcats Friday (6 points, 4 boards, 1 block). For some reason, Chandler’s percent-owned number is currently 31 percent, so he’s already rostered in more leagues than he’s likely to warrant even if he is able to stay healthy enough to remain in the rotation from here on out.

• Game two of Tracy McGrady’s(notes) stint at point guard for the Knicks was a bit less successful, as he scored 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting, grabbed six boards, and had four assists and six turnovers in 33 minutes of a 102-96 loss. Sergio Rodriguez(notes) was reasonably effective in limited action (18 minutes, 10 points, 7 assists, 2 turnovers) and is undoubtedly looking at a bench role for as long as T-Mac can keep himself on the court.

• Chris Bosh(notes) was slated to return to the lineup Friday after
missing the past six games due to a left ankle sprain, but he missed
the team’s shootaround and ended up going to the hospital because of severe stomach cramps. Amir Johnson(notes) got the start in his stead (31 minutes, 14 points, 8 boards, 1 steal).

• Surprise, surprise. The Warriors and Hawks got together and there were plenty of good numbers to go around in the 127-122 Atlanta win. The notables for the Warriors: Anthony Tolliver(notes) posted a complete line (44 minutes, 20 points, 4 threes, 7 boards, 5 assists, 0 turnovers, 1 block), Ronny Turiaf(notes) continued his solid play (37 minutes, 6 points, 10 boards, 5 assists, 1 turnover), and Corey Maggette(notes) came back early from his hamstring injury (23 minutes, 18 points, 7 boards). If he has no set-backs, Maggette will likely push Anthony Morrow(notes) back to the bench before too long. For the Hawks, Mike Bibby(notes) (23 points, 7 threes) helped pick up the slack on an off night for Joe Johnson(notes) (10 points, 3-of-14 FG).

• Do you think the Magic are happy to have Jameer Nelson(notes) back? Over the past nine games, he’s averaged 16.2 points on 54-percent shooting, 1.4 threes, 7.3 assists, and 2.1 turnovers, while the team has gone 7-2. It probably hasn’t hurt that Dwight Howard has been downright dominant, too (22.2 points, 61% FG, 67% FT, 12.3 boards, 3.3 blocks).

• Courtney Lee(notes) (ankle) missed his third straight game Friday and will be a game-time decision Saturday against the Knicks.

• Jason Terry(notes) had surgery Friday to repair a broken orbital bone and will be able to return to basketball activities within 10 to 14 days. If all goes well, he’ll return to the active roster very quickly after getting that medical clearance. Rodrigue Beaubois(notes) provided the spark off the bench for the Mavs Friday (24 minutes, 22 points, 3 treys, 1 steal) and will play consistently while Terry is sidelined, as will Jose Juan Barea(notes) (30 minutes, 8 points, 7 assists, 0 turnovers) … The Mavs lost Brandan Haywood after just seven minutes Friday, due to back tightness, and he’s questionable for Saturday at this point.

• Although the Nuggets have officially declared Kenyon Martin(notes)
day-to-day because of patella tendinitis, sources say that he has a partial tear of his left patella tendon
and may be facing surgery. The report indicates that they’ll decide on
a course of action within 48 hours. Chris Andersen(notes) is the obvious
upgrade if K-Mart were to go under the knife (or simply miss time), but
he’s no sure thing himself – he’s been playing through pain and doesn’t expect to be 100 percent until the off-season, although he was certainly effective Friday (27 minutes, 13 points, 10 boards, 3 blocks). Joey Graham(notes) started in Martin’s place (22 minutes, 8 points, 3 boards, 2 steals).

• Has T.J. Ford(notes) replaced Earl Watson(notes) as the Pacers’ starting point guard? Does it matter? Ford was in the starting five Friday (24 minutes, 7 points, 4 assists, 2 turnovers, 3 steals), his fourth start in five games, while Watson was a reserve for the first time since late December (23 minutes, 10 points, 3 boards, 3 assists, 3 turnovers). As you can see by the numbers, it was a fairly unimpressive timeshare.

• A solid game for DeJuan Blair(notes) (32 minutes, 10 points, 12
boards, 1 steal, 1 block), as he got a second consecutive start while
Antonio McDyess(notes) rested his hyper-extended left knee.
McDyess was in uniform for the game but did not leave the bench, and
it’s unknown when he’ll return and if he’ll step back into the starting
five … Tim Duncan’s(notes) fantasy owners should look for Saturday updates, as Greg Popovich may choose to keep Duncan out of action in an effort to keep him fresh(er) for the playoffs

• Perhaps rumors of Chris Paul’s(notes) impending return were premature? Paul remains without a timetable and has yet to be cleared
to begin running, the next major step in his rehabilitation. Once Paul
is cleared – and assuming he has no set-backs – then it might not be
too long, but for now fantasy owners can only take solace in the fact
that Paul will do everything within his own power to get back on the
court.

"I don’t care if I come back and there are three games left – I’m
playing before the season is over. But I can’t come back
until I can help the team. I don’t want to come back until I’m fully
healed. It would be pointless to come back, not be 100 percent and
reinjure my knee."

Meanwhile the Hornets have dropped six of their past seven games and now sit 5.5 games behind the Blazers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Don’t make any concrete plans for Paul or Darren Collison(notes) until we hear of Paul running with no limitations.

• Russell Westbrook(notes) had seven more steals Friday, pushing his average to 2.3 over the past 18 games. In 30 games between November 22 and January 22, he averaged just 1 per game.

• Baron Davis continues to funk up the place, with another poor line (6 points, 2-of-11 FG, 6 assists, 4 turnovers) in the comfortable loss to the Thunder Friday. While he’s been accumulating some assists lately, his own offense has not been there in seven games since his return from time off to rest his back (11 points, 35% FG, 1 three, 4.6 boards, 8.9 assists, 3.1 turnovers, 1 steal, 0.9 blocks). With the Clips well out of playoff consideration, keep an eye on Davis’ status in the event that he decides to shut it down and give way to Steve Blake(notes), who would instantly become waiver gold.

• Drew Gooden’s(notes) Friday line (29 minutes, 9 points, 13 boards) marked the first time in seven games as a Clipper that he failed to reach double figures in scoring and was the sixth time he had at least eight boards. His averages in the seven games include 32 minutes, 14.9 points, 9.6 boards, and 0.9 steals.

• Marcus Camby(notes) injured his left ankle in practice Friday. X-rays were negative but he’s currently listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

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Photos via Getty Images

AI is officially done for the year, Monta is done for a while, and CP3 could be back sooner than later.

• The 76ers announced Tuesday that Allen Iverson(notes) will not return to the team this season, a move that should not have come as a surprise to anyone. It’s the best decision for both parties, as AI has a guaranteed contract and can now focus completely on his family, while the Sixers lose the distraction and can focus on their younger (and better) players. Louis Williams(notes) is now locked in for the rest of the season (17.4 points, 52% FG, 88% FT, 1.6 threes, 5 boards, 5 assists, 1.3 turnovers, 1 steal over the past eight games) and will play a significant factor in fantasy championships. Those of you that were patient through the past few months (or picked him up after someone wasn’t) will be handsomely rewarded.

Jrue Holiday(notes) should also draw some consideration from most fantasy owners. He’s coming off 23 points, five threes, six assists, and two steals on Monday and has averaged 10.3 points on 51-percent shooting, 1.2 threes, 3.9 assists, 2 turnovers, and 1.1 steals in 28 minutes over the past 10 games. You speculative types will want to note that he’s quietly made 39 percent of his threes on the season and 50 percent of his attempts (12 of 24) over the past month. Playing off Williams could lead to more open threes for Holiday, as Monday’s output can attest, so I’d advise at least adding him to your Watch List. Willie Green(notes) is back from his shoulder injury but has lost his starting job to Williams and his line isn’t diverse enough to warrant fantasy interest as a reserve.

• Elsewhere in Philly: Elton Brand(notes) missed Monday’s game with right Achilles tendinitis, and he’ll also be out of the lineup Wednesday. It’s not the same Achilles tendon that he tore a few years back, but that’s only so much of a silver lining here. Thaddeus Young(notes) and Marreese Speights(notes) stand to benefit from Brand’s time off.

• Three consecutive days off couldn’t be coming at a better time for the Raptors. They lost their fourth game in a row Monday, a 116-92 drubbing at the hands of the Rockets, playing without Chris Bosh(notes) (his sixth consecutive game off due to an ankle sprain), Jose Calderon(notes) (a cut on his elbow), and Hedo Turkoglu(notes) (for the most part, as he played just 16 minutes because of an ankle sprain). The hope is that all three players will be active Friday, but we won’t know for sure about any of them until closer to game-day.

• Leandro Barbosa(notes) was given full medical clearance Monday, but it will be at least another week before he returns to the Suns’ active roster. Monday marked the first time in five weeks that he attemped a perimeter jumpshot, so there’s going to be some rust, and the team’s schedule means that the earliest he’ll return is next Friday. And when he does return, how much fantasy upside will he really have? Although he’s both hungry and thirsty to play, the team has gone 13-5 since his wrist surgery and have been getting solid production out of Jason Richardson(notes), Goran Dragic(notes), and Jared Dudley(notes). Barbosa has averaged 18 minutes in his 24 games as a sub thus far on the season [splits], and I have a hard time seeing him lif that average before it’s all said and done.

• J.J. Hickson(notes) will continue to start at center for the Cavs, with Mike Brown citing how well he plays with the other starters as part of his reasoning. The matchups are likely to dictate how the minutes are ultimately split between Hickson and Anderson Varejao(notes) at center, however – Hickson will have his hands full when he’s forced to match up with the 7-foot, 265-pound Brook Lopez(notes) on Wednesday. Fantasy owners should look at the situation as Varejao’s fantasy impact holding steady, while Hickson’s gets a moderate upgrade.

• The latest un-official info on Chris Paul(notes) is that sources have indicated that he’s about 10 days or so from returning. Of course this is nothing concrete, but it certainly seems feasible given that there have been no reports of setbacks (he’s been running and taking part in warmups) and we’re now one month removed from his Feb. 4 surgery. If/when Paul returns for his 30-35 minutes, we’re likely to see Darren Collison(notes) return to the bench for 25-30 minutes, Marcus Thornton(notes) return to the starting five for 30-35 minutes, and Morris Peterson(notes) back to the bench and largely removed from the rotation.

• Kurt Rambis "likes" Kevin Love(notes) coming off the bench, which is why Darko Milicic(notes) will likely start at power forward for the Timberwolves for the two games that Al Jefferson(notes) misses due to suspension. Alrighty then. The T-Wolves are far from a good team, but Rambis has become quite proficient at minimizing the effectiveness of his best players. Rambis added that he wasn’t locked into starting Darko, but was "kind of leaning that way" and that it could be "just a short minute thing."

• Paul Pierce(notes) (thumb) was a late addition to the Celtics’ starting five Tuesday but wasn’t exceptionally effective in his 29 minutes (9 points, 1 boards, 1 assist, 2 turnovers). It’s good to see him back, but hopefully he’s a bit better when the Celtics take the court Wednesday (CHA) … Kendrick Perkins(notes) missed the game with flu-like symptoms and we’ll have to wait for a Wednesday update to see if he’ll only miss the one game.

• Those of you holding Nate Robinson(notes) in standard leagues may want to think about other options. In his four games with the Celtics, he’s averaged 9.5 points, 1.5 threes, 2.3 boards, 1.5 assists, and 1.3 steals in 18 minutes, and there isn’t much upside from there on a healthy roster. While everyone on the Celtics certainly speaks highly of the departed Eddie House(notes), he was averaging just under 17 minutes per game at the time of the trade and averaged just over 18 last season.

• Monta Ellis’(notes) fantasy owners can only wait and hope as they
watch Andris Biedrins(notes) come off fantasy rosters en masse. A Monday MRI
revealed a lower back strain and Ellis is now expected to be sidelined
for all five games of the Warriors’ current road trip, while Biedrins was declared out
on Monday. Ellis certainly isn’t in the same position as Biedrins right
now (read: droppable), but things could get dicey if we don’t see a
positive update emerge once he’s re-evaluated. As expected, C.J. Watson(notes) (40 minutes, 20 points, 1 three, 6 steals) and Ronny Turiaf(notes) (28 minutes, 15 points, 7 boards, 2 steals, 1 block) got the starts Tuesday and delivered solid lines. Anthony Tolliver(notes) started at power forward (32 minutes, 10 points, 1 three, 8 boards, 1 block) and the team added yet another D-Leaguer (Reggie Williams(notes)) just to have as many as eight healthy players.

• Neither Stephen Curry(notes) (43 minutes, 18 points, 3 treys, 8 assists, 3 turnovers, 2 steals) nor Tyreke Evans(notes) (39 minutes, 27 points, 6 boards, 5 assists, 4 turnovers, 2 steals) hurt their cases for the real-life Rookie of the Year Tuesday. For fantasy purposes, Curry’s advantage in threes (1.8 to 0.5), free-thow percentage (87% to 76%), and steals (1.8 to 1.5) give him a fairly comfortable edge.

• A tough night for the Pacers (122-99 loss to the Lakers) and Danny Granger(notes) in particular (30 minutes, 9 points, 2-of-9 FG, 0 boards), who is currently struggling with a private issue away from the game. That said, he was coming off a big-time performance his last time out (30 points, 3 treys, 8 boards, 4 steals), so fantasy owners should look at this as a bump in the road… for now.

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Photos via Getty Images

Setting the stage for Week 19 of the fantasy basketball season.

Schedule Breakdown

Four-game teams: ATL, BOS, CHA, CLE, DAL, DEN, DET, GSW, HOU, IND, LAC, LAL, MEM, NYK, OKC, ORL, PHI, PHO, SAC

Three-game teams: CHI, MIA, MIL, NJN, NOR, POR, SAS, TOR, UTH, WAS

Two-game teams: MIN

Also see: Basketball Monster’s team schedules and ease rankings | Rotowire’s value meter

Pickups/Plug-ins – Players owned in fewer than 40% of Yahoo! leagues

• Taj Gibson(notes) – There’s simply no good reason for Gibson to not
be rostered in most fantasy leagues at this point. He’s averaged 12.4
points on 59-percent shooting, 10.3 boards, 0.8 steals, and 2 blocks
over the past eight games, and he’s going to see plenty of opportunity
for production even in an unlikely scenario where Joakim Noah’s(notes) plantar
fasciitis becomes a non-factor (see below). Week 19: ATL, MEM, DAL

• George Hill(notes) – Hill remains an excellent fantasy option with
little downside, and that’s regardless of Tony Parker’s(notes) availability
moving forward. Hill’s per-game rank over the past month is 69th,
thanks to averages that include 16.8 points on 48-percent shooting, 1.1
threes, 3.5 assists, 1.7 turnovers, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 36
minutes. Week 19: @NOR, NOR, @MEM

• Drew Gooden(notes) – Gooden has been installed as the Clippers’
starting power forward and, as a club largely made up of veterans, they
have shown every intention of giving him the lion’s share of the
minutes moving forward. In three games since joining the team, he’s
averaged 15 points and 10.3 boards in 30 minutes, and 12/8 with
occasional steals and blocks are reasonable expectations. Week 19: UTH, PHO, OKC, @UTH

• C.J. Watson(notes) – Watson has averaged 20.7 points on 54-percent
shooting, 1.4 threes, 4.1 boards, 4.9 assists, 1.7 turnovers, and 2.1
steals in 38 minutes over the past seven game, seeing an uptick in
minutes with Monta Ellis(notes) dealing with injury woes (see below). With
that said, the Warriors are a skeleton crew even when Ellis plays, with
Watson as the sole backup guard, so he will continue to play steady
minutes the rest of the way. Week 19: @MIA, @ORL, @ATL, @CHA

• Sergio Rodriguez(notes) – The returns after four starts for the
Knicks have been so-so for Rodriguez, as he’s averaged 8.5 points on
50-percent shooting, 1.3 threes, 4 assists, 2.3 turnovers, and 3 steals
in 30 minutes. With that said, he’s only been with the team for a few
weeks, so his numbers should improve as he becomes more familiar with
those around him, and his opportunities for numbers will increase as
Tracy McGrady’s(notes) availability decreases (26.8 usage% with the Knicks). Week 19: @CLE, DET, @TOR, NJN

• JaVale McGee(notes) – McGee has been productive since the Wizards’
roster turnover (11 points on 56-percent shooting, 6.2 boards, 2.3
blocks over the past six games) and should continue to see 25ish
minutes the rest of the way. Week 19: @MIL, MIL, BOS

• Ronny Turiaf(notes) – With Andris Biedrins’(notes) availability suddenly
in doubt (see below), Turiaf could step into a larger role. He’s
clearly a specialist, but his contributions in blocks can
single-handedly shift the category in a matchup and he’ll chip in a few
other places, as well. In 16 games where he’s seen at least 20 minutes
of playing time, he’s averaged 6.1 points on 54-percent shooting, 5.4
boards, 2.3 assists, 1.3 turnovers, and 1.8 blocks. Week 19: @MIA, @ORL, @ATL, @CHA

• Luc Richard Mbah a Moute(notes) – Mbah a Moute has settled in as
the team’s starting power forward, averaging 10.6 points on 66-percent
shooting, 8.7 boards, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 30 minutes over the
past 11 games. What bodes well for his role and minutes to remain
steady is that the Bucks went 9-2 in those 11 games. Week 19: WAS, @WAS, CLE

• Dorell Wright(notes) – Quentin Richardon’s continued uninspired play led to his benching on Saturday and could open things up for Wright, who is one game removed from the following massive line: 26 points, 6 threes, 7 boards, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. At the very least, it’s a situation worth monitoring – in the 16 games where Wright has seen at least 25 minutes of playing time, he’s averaged 11.9 points on 54-percent shooting, 1.3 threes, 4.9 boards, 2.2 assists, 0.7 turnovers, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks. Week 19: GSW, LAL, ATL

• Eddie House(notes) – I’m not expecting wonders here, but House has
put up some counting stats thus far for the Knicks (28 minutes, 11.4
points, 1.8 threes, 4 boards, 3.6 assists, 1.8 turnovers, 1.2 steals)
and he’ll certainly be in line for opportunities to produce any time
Tracy McGrady can’t go. Week 19: @CLE, DET, @TOR, NJN

• Kyle Korver(notes) – Keep an eye on Korver in the event that Andrei Kirilenko’s(notes) back problems (see below) don’t change for the better. In the past three games that AK has missed, Korver has averaged 13 points on 50-percent shooting, 3 treys, 4.3 boards, 3.7 assists, 1 turnover, and 2 steals in 29 minutes. Week 19: @LAC, @PHO, LAC

Status Updates

• Trevor Ariza(notes) – Ariza has missed the past three games because of a severe hip pointer. He’s set to be re-evaluated Sunday or Monday in order to determine his status for the coming week. 

• Leandro Barbosa(notes) – Barbosa (wrist) is set for a re-evaluation Monday, after which he may begin practicing with the Suns. He’s expected to need about two weeks before returning to the active roster.

• Shane Battier(notes) – Battier missed Saturday’s game with flu-like symptoms and is currently day-to-day.

• Andris Biedrins – Biedrins left Saturday’s game with a groin injury. Although no specific details have emerged as of yet, this could be the final impetus for fantasy owners to cut him to waivers, given his recent struggles and his severe groin/abdominal injury earlier in the season. Ronny Turiaf and Chris Hunter(notes) are next in line on the Warriors’ depth chart. 

• Chris Bosh(notes) – Bosh (ankle) will miss the team’s back-to-back road games on Sunday and Monday, instead remaining in Toronto to receive treatment. The hope is that the extended rest will have him ready for the Raptors’ home game on Friday.

• Elton Brand(notes) – Brand missed Sunday’s practice because of a right calf strain, but the injury is not thought to be serious and he’s currently listed as day-to-day.

• Caron Butler(notes) – Butler has missed the past two games due to a bad reaction to medication, and he’ll be a game-time decision Sunday.

• Tyson Chandler(notes)
– Chandler doesn’t need more surgery, but we have little to go on otherwise regarding his availability moving forward.

• Erick Dampier(notes) – Damp is out indefinitely following surgery to close an open dislocation of his right middle finger. Couple the injury with Brendan Haywood’s(notes) arrival, and his fantasy season is done for all intents and purposes.

• Luol Deng(notes) – Deng has been playing with a sore left knee and his status for Monday’s game is currently up in the air. 

• Tim Duncan(notes) – Duncan will get rest in the Spurs’ upcoming back-to-back situations, with Greg Popovich calling it a priority no matter what the Spurs record happens to be. With six sets on the horizon between now and the end of March, DeJuan Blair(notes) and Antonio McDyess(notes) stand to benefit.

• Monta Ellis – Ellis missed Saturday’s game with a sore back and his status for Tuesday won’t be determined until after he’s had a few more days of rest.

• Allen Iverson(notes) – AI’s status for the remainder of the season could be determined this week. He’s almost certainly done providing anything positive for fantasy owers, regardless of whether he’s still on the 76ers a week from now or not.

• Al Jefferson(notes) – Jefferson was arrested on Sunday morning on suspicion of DWI. He’s set for a court appearance on April 23, so his status during this current season is not likely to be affected by this situation.

• Andrei Kirilenko – AK was back on the inactive list Saturday, once again because of back spasms. He received a pain-killing injection Saturday and is currently listed as a game-time decision for Monday.

• Courtney Lee(notes) – Lee left Saturday’s game with a sprained left ankle and is questionable for Sunday.

• Kenyon Martin(notes) – K-Mart missed Friday’s game because of a bruised left knee and he’ll be a game-time decision Sunday.

• Corey Maggette(notes) – Maggette’s hamstring injury will keep him out until at least March 8, and he’s a 50/50 shot to miss significantly more time than that at this point.

• Tracy McGrady – T-Mac played just 15 minutes Saturday (0 points), sitting out the entire second half because of stiffness and pain in his left knee that he "wasn’t going to try to push through." Assuming he doesn’t just shut it down at some point, T-Mac’s status the rest of the way will likely be established on a game-to-game basis. Eddie House and Toney Douglas(notes) are next in line on the Knicks’ depth chart.

•
Joakim Noah – Noah (plantar fasciitis) was inactive for Saturday’s game after playing 27 minutes Friday and, by design, he’s expected to sit out at least one more game as the Bulls attempt to find a balance in terms of his availability.

• Shaquille O’Neal(notes) – Shaq traveled to Baltimore Sunday to see a hand surgery specialist, and we should see some details emerge regarding his sprained thumb in the wake of that meeting. Anderson Varejao(notes) would benefit substantially if Shaq were to need surgery, and his fantasy fortunes are positively impacted by this injury, regardless.

• Chris Paul(notes)
– Paul has been making progress since his February 4 surgery and has increased his activity in recent days, including shooting during early pre-game warmups. He seems on track to return within the next 10 days to two weeks, as his original timetable was four to six weeks of downtime.

• Paul Pierce(notes) – Pierce has missed three straight games because of a sprained right thumb and with the Celtics not wanting to take any chances with aggravating the injury. He’ll be with the team as they travel for Tuesday’s matchup with the Pistons in Detroit, but he’s currently questionable for the game.

• Derrick Rose(notes) – Rose sat out the final minutes of Saturday’s game after bumping knees with Earl Watson(notes), but the injury is not considered serious at this point.

• Dwyane Wade(notes) – Wade (calf) is expected to miss his fifth consecutive game Sunday, but the hope is that he’ll be back in the lineup Tuesday.

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Photos via Getty Images

Jason Kidd’s(notes) monster triple-double and Robin Lopez’s(notes) career night were among the highlights of this NBA Friday.

• Plenty of offense to go around in the early games Friday night, with four games going into overtime. The Wizards and Knicks got things started, with New York pulling out the 118-116 win, and the teams combined for just 10 points in the overtime period. Sergio Rodriguez(notes) had a Duhon-like line (5 points, 1 three, 7 assists, 2 turnovers, 2 steals), but you get the feeling he’s going to improve, the exact opposite of the feeling you got from Duhon. David Lee(notes) (25 points, 16 boards, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block) and Al Harrington(notes) (37 points, 5 threes, 7 boards, 2 steals) were huge for the Knicks, while Tracy McGrady(notes) was reasonably effective in his 26 minutes (23 points, 8-of-17 FG, 3 boards, 3 assists).

James Singleton(notes) got the start but played only 10 minutes (4 points, 2 boards, 1 steal, 3 blocks) because of an ankle sprain (it did not appear to be serious). JaVale McGee(notes) was huge off the bench (27 minutes, 18 points, 10 boards, 5 blocks) and was a reserve in the game because he was late to the team’s shootaround. Andray Blatche(notes) continued his ridiculous roll (26 points, 1 three, 18 boards, 6 assists, 8 turnovers, 1 steal, 3 blocks) – over the past six games, he’s averaged 25 points on 57-percent shooting, 11.2 boards, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 38 minutes. There’s no reason to "sell high" here – just ride it out, as the Wizards have the most games remaining and the most games during the default h2h playoffs (12).

• The Cavs will find out soon exactly how significant Shaquille O’Neal’s(notes) right thumb injury is. He’ll have an MRI Saturday
and he could miss anywhere from a few weeks to the remainder of the
season, depending on the results. If he has just a sprain, he may not
be out long; if he has a ligament tear, he could need surgery and be
out for a while. Anderson Varejao(notes) is the clear beneficiary here, no
matter how long Shaq is sidelined. He made his first start since the sixth game of the season Friday (23 minutes, 11 points, 8 boards, 1 steal, 1 block, 6 fouls). Mo Williams(notes) (22 points, 6 threes) and Antawn Jamison(notes) (22 points, 1 three, 11 boards) were big-time in the win over the Raptors and should see their usage increase while Shaq is sidelined. 

• Chris Bosh(notes) missed his fourth consecutive game because of a left ankle sprain. He may be able to go Sunday, but he was a limited participant in the Raptors’ Thursday practice and isn’t going to force anything when it comes to re-joining the active roster.

• If you have Jason Kidd on your team (19 points, 4 threes, 16 boards, 17 assists, 3 turnovers, 2 steals Friday) and don’t win your h2h matchup this week, then something is definitely wrong. During the Mavs’ current six-game win streak, he’s averaged 15.3 points on 46-percent shooting, 3.2 threes, 7.7 boards, 11 assists, 2 turnovers, and 2.8 steals.

• Yes, I’m okay with you dropping Marvin Williams(notes). Maybe all that untapped potential will show itself next year, but a more likely situation is that we just stop hearing about there being lots of potential that remains untapped. Sure, he’d have more usage opportunities elsewhere, but nothing really stands out about his game on offense or defense, and we’re now 340 games into his NBA career.

• Josh Smith(notes) looks poised to really finish the season on a serious upward trend. In 11 February games, he’s averaged 18.3 points on 55-percent shooting, 9.6 boards, 5.4 assists, 2.2 turnovers, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 38 minutes. After last years regression, this was considered by most to be a pivotal season in his maturation process, and it would be difficult to script a better season thus far for the 24-year-old.

• Another big night from Brandon Roy(notes) (45 minutes, 23 points, 1 three, 4 boards, 6 assists, 1 turnover, 1 steal, 1 block) and a triumphant return from Marcus Camby(notes) (42 minutes, 9 points, 11 boards, 3 steals, 3 blocks) have to have a number of fantasy owners feeling pretty good. Nate McMillan kept the rotation tight in overtime loss to the Bulls, with four starters playing at least 42 minutes and only three reserves seeing more than 5 minutes of action.

• Joakim Noah(notes) played a solid 27 minutes for the Bulls (8 points, 11 boards, 1 steal), which in turn limited Brad Miller’s(notes) night (19 minutes, 1 points, 2 boards). Taj Gibson(notes) dealt with foul trouble (25 minutes, 8 points, 6 boards, 1 block, 5 fouls), clearing the way for Hakim Warrick(notes) to get solid run (34 minutes, 15 points, 4 boards). 

• Another ugly one for the Timberwolves Friday, so Kurt Rambis went 12 deep in the blowout loss to the Thunder. Al Jefferson(notes) played just 18 minutes (12 points, 3 boards, 1 steal, 1 block), while Darko Milicic(notes) saw 25 minutes of action (6 points, 9 boards). 

• Another big game for Russell Westbrook(notes) (18 points, 7-of-11 FG, 8 boards, 15 assists, 2 turnovers, 2 steals), who is definitely peaking right now. His per-game rank over the past month is 28th, thanks to averages that include 19.4 points, 6.4 boards, 9.7 assists, 2.6 turnovers, and 2 steals in 37 minutes. 

• Speaking of peaking… Stephen Jackson(notes) put a pair of bad shooting nights behind him and was also huge on Friday (32 points, 3 treys, 11 boards, 4 assists, 1 turnover, 2 steals) and his per-game rank over the past month is 17th. His averages during that span include 23.9 points on 46-percent shooting, 2.1 threes, 5.5 boards, 4.6 assists, 3.2 turnovers, 2.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 42 minutes.

• The 36-year-old Theo Ratliff(notes) got his third consecutive start Friday and posted a "typical" line (29 minutes, 5 points, 4 boards, 4 blocks). He also did a good job on Marc Gasol(notes) for much of the night (31 minutes, 6 points, 3-of-10 FG). Oh, and I almost forgot: Tyson Chandler(notes) doesn’t need more surgery, so that’s cool, I guess.

• Tony Parker(notes) was out Friday, but this time due to food poisoning. George Hill(notes) was very good, yet again (38 minutes, 26 points, 3 treys) and I’m going to go ahead and suggest that his percent-owned number should be higher than 34 percent. Hill was actually the only Spurs starter that got significant run, as the team was down 17 to Houston after the first quarter. Tim Duncan(notes) (24 minutes, 17 points, 8 boards, 1 block) was clearly flustered during the game and played just six minutes in the second half … The Rockets were a three-man show, getting 94 of their 109 points from three players: Kevin Martin(notes) (33, 14-of-14 FT), Aaron Brooks(notes) (21, 13-of-23 FG), and Luis Scola(notes) (30, 14-of-14 FT).

• Robin Lopez, just two games removed from two points and two boards against the Thunder, was in full beast mode Friday, going off for 30 points on 13-of-16 shooting and 12 boards in 37 minutes. You would think it had something to do with Chris Kaman(notes) (19 minutes, 12 points, 5 boards) getting ejected in the first minute of the second half, but Lopez scored 19 of his 30 before halftime. Obviously Lopez has been inconsistent to this point – hopefully this big game gives him some confidence and inspires a bit more steady production the rest of the way.

• Take a look at the Clippers’ box score. That nine-man rotation is what you should expect to see the rest of the way, with Kaman playing more minutes and DeAndre Jordan(notes) and Craig Smith(notes) playing a few less.

• Kenyon Martin(notes) sat out Friday’s game because of a left knee bruise and is currently day-to-day. And in case you didn’t notice, Chris Andersen(notes) (26 minutes, 8 points, 5 boards, 2 steals, 3 blocks) is back to doing his thing – over the past month, he’s averaged 7.8 points on 54-percent shooting, 6.5 boards, and 2.2 blocks in 23 minutes.

• Chris Paul(notes) remains on schedule with his rehab and could return in roughly two weeks, according to Jeff Bower. That would be at around the five week period, and his surgery was expected to necessitate four to six weeks off. Meanwhile, Darren Collison(notes) just keeps plugging along, as he had 16 points and seven assists Friday.

• Spencer Hawes(notes) is back in the starting lineup for the Kings, as Jason Thompson(notes) is out for up to two weeks because of two non-displaced fractures in his lower back. Hawes responded well after being inactive for the team’s previous game, posting 15 points, one three, 12 boards, five assists, one turnover, and a block in 37 minutes of a very good win over the Jazz. It appears that he and Westphal worked out their differences beforehand. Also in the starting five for the Kings: Beno Udrih(notes), in yet another shuffle by Paul Westphal. Considering the outcome, Udrih (42 minutes, 25 points, 4 assists, 1 turnover, 2 steals) could stick alongside Tyreke Evans(notes). Donte Greene(notes) was saddled with a DNP-CD, while Omri Casspi(notes) and Francisco Garcia(notes) each played 18 minutes.

• Another start and excellent night for Louis Williams(notes) (37 minutes, 16 points, 1 three, 5 boards, 7 assists, 1 turnover, 3 steals). Not so much for Elton Brand(notes) (31 minutes, 2 points, 1-of-6 FG, 4 boards), who struggled against the pair of 7-footers on the Lakers. Samuel Dalembert(notes) did not struggle – he bested his scoring output of the past four games combined (22) with 24 points, and added 11 boards and a block in 34 minutes.

• The Celtics are going to take the cautious approach with
Paul Pierce’s(notes) sprained right thumb, with Doc Rivers saying he’ll miss
at least the next couple of games.
Marquis Daniels(notes) will continue to get the starts in his place, and we
can only assume at this point that Pierce will be out for much of Week
19.

• Dwyane Wade(notes) (calf) has ruled himself out of Saturday’s game, but he’s at least not yet ready to give up on Sunday as of yet.

"The only thing I’m going to do (Saturday) is come in and get some more
work in, a great workout in before the game, and continue to see how it
feels. Then, Sunday, I’ll do the same thing, see how it
feels. I’ll decide what I can do with my body."

Daequan Cook(notes) and Dorell Wright(notes) will continue to see Wade’s minutes for as long as he does sit.

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Photos via Getty Images

Andris Biedrins(notes) is really struggling on the court, and Don Nelson isn’t shy when it comes to talking about it.

• Andris Biedrins played just nine minutes Tuesday (0 points, 5 boards), two days after one of his better games in some time (33 minutes, 4 points, 13 boards, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks), and Don Nelson continues to call him out for tentative and uninspired play. Biedrins has spoke of a lack of confidence since returning from a severe groin/abdominal injury, and this public working-over by Nelson may or may not help in that regard. Nellie has Ronny Turiaf(notes) and Chris Hunter(notes) available if he doesn’t feel that Biedrins is going to turn it around, so the next few games should prove to be pivotal for all parties involved.

• Tracy McGrady(notes) on how he’s feeling these days: "I’m not going to be 100% this year. Not at all."

• Brandon Roy’s(notes) fantasy owners are breathing a bit easier these days, thanks to averages of 36 minutes over the past four games and 23.4 points on 52-percent shooting, 9.7 free throws, 4 boards, and 4.3 assists over the past three. H2h owners may want to think about shopping him to see what is out there now that he’s looking healthy – the Blazers play the fewest games during the default h2h playoffs (8).

• James Singleton’s(notes) averages over the past two games: 27 minutes, 9 points, 11 boards, and 3.5 blocks. Al Thornton(notes) is the obvious upgrade in the wake of Josh Howard’s(notes) season-ending injury, but Singleton will play plenty as the backup to both forward spots. As a bonus, the Wizards are tied for the most games remaining in the default h2h season (19) and play four games in each of the three default playoff weeks.

• Luc Richard Mbah a Moute(notes) posted his second consecutive double double Wednesday (10 points, 10 boards) and has been playing well for the improved Bucks. Over the past nine games, he’s averaged 11.3 points on 69-percent shooting, 8.9 boards, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 30 minutes, while the team has gone 7-2. Think about an add here if you’ve got offense largely covered and could use some complementary defensive stats.

• Tony Parker(notes) played through pain (hip, plantar fasciitis) Wednesday, with decidedly poor results (26 minutes, 4 points, 0-of-1 FT, 0 assists, 2 turnovers). Not much to say to his fantasy owners here except keep your fingers crossed, as his availability for the rest of the season will be determined mostly by his tolerance for pain. It’s fairly safe to say that George Hill(notes) merits universal ownership at this point.

• Do you think the Mavs are happy to have Brendan Haywood(notes) on board (and vice-versa)? In his five starts, he’s averaged 12 points on 59-percent shooting, 11.6 boards, and 3.2 blocks in 36 minutes. The Mavs are 5-0 in those games and have limited their opponents to 89 points per game.

• Caron Butler(notes) missed Wednesday’s game because of a bad reaction to some medication.
It’s not expected to be a long-term issue, and he should be back in the
lineup Friday. What remains to be seen is how not being allowed to chew on a straw while he plays will affect his numbers moving forward.  

• I wouldn’t read too much into Kyle Korver’s(notes) performance over the past two games (30 minutes, 15.5 points, 3.5 threes, 4.5 boards, 1.5 steals), as it’s come with Andrei Kirilenko(notes) (back spasms) on the inactive list. AK is feeling better and should be back in the lineup Friday, removing 30-plus minutes from the rotation. One reason that Korver isn’t likely to pass the 6-foot-5, 224 pound Wesley Matthews(notes) in the pecking order is because of defense.

• I’m not seeing Drew Gooden’s(notes) line from Wednesday (37 minutes, 20 points, 13 boards) as a fluke. Kim Hughes said before he even joined the team’s active roster that he’d play him "a ton of minutes" and said after Wednesday’s game that he’s the team’s starting power forward for the forseeable future. Although the Clips would need something of a miracle to make the playoffs this season, they aren’t exactly a franchise in rebuild mode, so the vets are going to get playing time here.

• The latest update we have regarding Chris Paul(notes) isn’t really much of an update, as it is just a beat
reporter saying he "thinks" Paul has three weeks to go without offering anything to substantiate it. Take that for what it’s worth. The Hornets are still in the playoff race as of right now and I don’t see Paul as the
"shut it down" type. Thursday (today) marks three weeks since his surgery, and there’s been no indication one way or another as to which side of that timetable will be more accurate, as there have been no official updates, positive or negative.

• Both Paul Pierce(notes) and Marquis Daniels(notes) missed the Celtics’ practice Wednesday because of flu-like symptoms, and both players are questionable for Thursday night. Tony Allen(notes) will play plenty if both players do end up sitting this one out.

• Dwyane Wade(notes) (calf) was a limited participant in the Heat’s Thursday practice and his status for Saturday remains up in the air.

"It doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t feel great. It’s kind of in
that stage right now where I have to continue to get it stronger
because it fatigues a lot, real quick. So I’m just glad I can get out
there and run up and down a little bit and try to get my wind back. But
I’m still a little ways away." 

Either Daequan Cook(notes) or Dorell Wright(notes) will get the starts if Wade
remains out through the weekend, and they’ll both certainly play more
no matter who starts. Wright is coming off 26 points in 30 minutes (6
threes, 7 boards, 2 steals, 3 blocks) against the T-Wolves on Tuesday.

• Spencer Hawes(notes) was inactive Wednesday, one day after voicing his frustration with the Kings’ fluctuating roles and minutes. Paul Westphal offered the following:

"I saw where he’s having a hard time understanding his role. He should understand it (after) tonight." 

Tyreke Evans(notes) and Sean May(notes) also commented in the original piece, but they were spared
Westphal’s wrath. Hawes has yet to talk with Westphal about the
incident, but plans to, and his status for Friday remains up in the
air. 

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Photos via Getty Images

Allen Iverson’s(notes) departure from the 76ers should mean good things for Louis Williams’(notes) fantasy owners.

• Welcome back, Louis Williams! He got the start Tuesday with
Allen Iverson (family) and Willie Green(notes) (shoulder) out of the lineup
and went off to the tune of 26 points, five threes, 10 boards, 7
assists, and three turnovers in 40 minutes of 110-102 win over the
Warriors. It seems quite possible that even Eddie Jordan will recognize
this as a sign that Williams is the rightful owner of an everyday
starting spot. All signs point to Iverson having played his last game of the current season.

• Corey Maggette’s(notes) hamstring injury will keep him out until at least the second week of March and maybe much more.
He underwent the same platelet-rich plasma treatment that Brandon Roy(notes)
did for his hammy, and it’s doubtful that anyone will push the issue in
terms of a return this season if he shows anything less than
significant progress in the interim. This
news is a boon for Anthony Morrow(notes), who has averaged 21.2 points on
49-percent shooting, 3 treys, 6.3 boards, 3.2 assists, and 2.3
turnovers while starting the past six games.

• Andris
Biedrins(notes) and Ronny Turiaf(notes) combined for zero points and zero blocks in
32 minutes in the loss to the 76ers. Biedrins playing just nine minutes
and was benched by Don Nelson
for not showing "any life" while he was on the court. In five games
since the All-Star break, Biedrins has averaged 2 points on 42-percent
shooting, 8 boards, 1 steal, and 0.8 blocks in 22 minutes. Keep an eye
on this situation – we could see Turiaf or even Chris Hunter(notes) join the
starting five, as Biedrins is clearly on Nelson’s bad side.

• There’s a decent chance that Marcus Thornton’s(notes) 37 points in 31 minutes Tuesday will be enough to push him back into the starting five. It seems even more likely when you factor in Morris Peterson’s(notes) two points on 1-of-5 shooting … Another big night from Darren Collison(notes) (22 points, 4 boards, 10 assists, 6 turnovers, 1 steal), pushing his averages in his past 11 starts to 20.5 points on 48-percent shooting, 0.9 threes, 85-percent foul shooting, 4.5 boards, 9.7 assists, 5 turnovers, and 1.8 steals in 42 minutes. 

• Antawn Jamison’s(notes) first start for the Cavs was a success by any measure (37 minutes, 18 points, 7-of-14 FG, 1 three, 6 boards, 2 steals) and a good sign for all involved parties. He’ll have to share the usage even more once Mo Williams(notes) (2-of-9 FG) gets back to 100 percent, but Jamison should still be a fantasy contributor of some consequence for the Cavs.

• The Timberwolves beat the Heat 91-88 without any one standout performance, but Dorell Wright(notes) was huge off the bench in the loss. He scored 26 points in his 30 minutes, adding six threes, seven boards, two steals, and three blocks. Wright is still only 24 years old – the same age as Darko Milicic(notes) – but the Heat are in "win right now" mode and have deferred minutes to veteran Quentin Richardson(notes). While a performance like this is certainly notable, it’s only actionable if the Heat also start thinking about demoting Q-Rich.

• Dwayne Wade was able to ditch his walking boot Monday, but he’ll need to go through a practice or two
before he’ll think about returning to the court. With the Heat off
until Friday, he’ll get the chance, but he’s still dealing with
soreness and had yet to resume running as of Tuesday.

• So how do you see the Tracy McGrady(notes) story playing out
for the rest of the season? What we’ve got thus far: they hype around
his 32-minute debut pushed it to mythic proportions, he was much less effective and limped off the floor
in his second game, and he labored through his third game (the second
of a back-to-back) and finished with six points on 3-of-8 shooting. My guess is that we get sporadic production and appearances the rest of the way … Danilo Gallinari(notes) scored fewer than 10 points (6) for the fourth straight game, and I’ll go as far as to say that his fantasy impact will be directly tied to Tracy McGrady’s availability. With T-Mac around, he’s drawing tougher assignments as the power forward on defense and seeing fewer looks on offense.

• If you’ve been waiting to pick up Sergio Rodriguez(notes), now mught
be a good time to do it. He played 38 minutes Tuesday (18 points, 3
treys, 5 boards, 6 assists, 3 turnovers, 2 steals, 1 block) while Chris
Duhon(notes) was saddled with a DNP-CD. The potential for inconsistency
remains, but so does some pretty serious upside, and the playing time
doesn’t appear likely to be an issue.

• Paul Pierce(notes) sat out Tuesday’s game in the hopes that a few days off would help get his sprained right thumb closer to 100 percent, but he was also feeling a bit under the weather. Marquis Daniels(notes) got the start and scored 14 points in his absence … Nate Robinson’s(notes) Celtics debut was fairly anti-climactic (16 minutes, 4 points) and I have a tough time seeing him being much of a factor as long as Ray Allen(notes) remains healthy.

• Brandon Roy’s numbers were a sight for sore eyes (37 minutes, 28 points, 4 boards, 4 assists, 0 turnovers), and the fact that he went to the line 13 times is a great sign that he’s getting strength back in his hamstring. Sadly, the Blazers lost Marcus Camby(notes) to an ankle sprain after just five minutes. X-rays were negative, but he called himself doubtful for Wednesday … As a team, the Blazers shot 54 percent and had 23 assists against just three turnovers against the Nets. Portland’s starters combined for zero turnovers in 149 minutes.

• Kobe Bryant(notes) returned to the Lakers’ lineup in emphatic fashion Tuesday, scoring 32 points and adding three treys, seven boards, six assists, two turnovers, three steals, and two blocks in 40 minutes of the 99-98 win over the Grizzlies. And that’s all I have to say about that.

• Goran Dragic(notes) was excellent (40 minutes, 16 points, 2 threes, 4 boards, 10 assists, 6 turnovers) in his spot start for Steve Nash(notes), who missed the game to rest abdominal and back injuries … The Suns went small in their matchup with the Thunder, and Robin Lopez’s(notes) line is bound to suffer in that scenario (18 minutes, 2 points, 2 boards). As a starter overall (17 G), he’s been rosterable but not overly-productive (12.3 points, 61-percent shooting, 6 boards, 1 block).

• Russell Westbrook(notes) has been trending upward lately. His double-double Tuesday (21 points, 10 assists) was his fifth in seven games, and over the past 12 games he’s averaged 19.3 points on 48-percent shooting, 5.6 boards, 8.8 assists, 2.6 turnovers, and 2 steals.

• Just so you know, the Kings’ constant lineup changes and erratic player roles have been wearing on the players, too. It’s in everyone’s best interests that Paul Westphal make some decisions and actually stick with them for more than a game or two.

• Josh Howard(notes) has suffered a torn ACL in his left knee
and will miss the rest of the season. Howard’s hugely disappointing
campagin ends with a per-game rank of 205th, thanks to averages that
included 12.7 points on 41-percent shooting, 0.7 threes, 3.6 boards,
and 0.7 steals in 26 minutes. Al Thornton(notes) will step in as the starting
small forward for the Wizards moving forward, and should be a decent
source of points with little in the way of supporting stats.
Deep-leaguers should give James Singleton(notes) a look, as he’s got some
multi-cat potential and will back up both forward spots – in four games
since joining the Wizards, he’s averaged 7 points, 8 boards, 0.8
steals, and 1.3 blocks in 22 minutes. 

• Chris Bosh(notes) (ankle) did not practice again Tuesday and it would be a surprise if he were to play Wednesday. 

• Danny Granger(notes) missed the Pacers’ game Monday because of a "serious" family situation
and it’s unknown when he will return to the team. Mike Dunleavy got the
start for Granger and scored eight points on 3-of-9 shooting in 26
minutes. 

• Joakim Noah(notes) doesn’t think his foot will be 100 percent for the rest of the season, and he’s going to see his minutes limited for at least the near future.

"They don’t want to push it too much right now and I have to sit for
another three or four weeks. They want me to be ready for when it
really counts."

This
isn’t your cue to drop Noah – they will gradually work him back into
his regular role if his foot reacts well. But all parties involved do
want to be cautious in how quickly they bring him along, so fantasy
owners are going to have to be patient… for now. And this is your cue to go pick up Taj Gibson(notes) if it’s an option.

• Trevor Ariza’s(notes) severe left hip pointer will keep him out for the rest of the week,
at which point he’ll be re-evaluated. He first suffered the injury on
February 6, it’s stuck with him since, and he aggravated it on
Saturday. Kevin Martin(notes) will replace Ariza in the starting lineup, and
Chase Budinger(notes) should see a few more minutes as a reserve. Budinger has
scored in double figures in five straight games, averaging 12.2 points
on 49-percent shooting, 2 threes, and 4.2 boards in 26 minutes during
that stretch.

—

Photos via Getty Images

Setting the stage for Week 18 of the fantasy basketball season.

Schedule Breakdown

Five-game teams: MIL

Four-game teams: ATL, CHI, DAL, DET, IND, LAC, LAL, MEM, MIN, NOR, NYK, OKC, PHO, POR, UTH, WAS

Three-game teams: BOS, CHA, CLE, DEN, GSW, HOU, MIA, NJN, ORL, PHI, SAC, SAS, TOR

Also see: Basketball Monster’s team schedules and ease rankings | Rotowire’s value meter

Pickups/Plug-ins – Players owned in fewer than 40% of Yahoo! leagues

• Francisco Garcia(notes) – Garcia has immediately stepped into the hole at shooting guard
that Kevin Martin’s(notes) departure created. He’s clearly not yet 100
percent, as he’s just returned from four months of rehab following
wrist surgery, but Paul Westphal likes his versatility and the matchup
problems he creates alongside Tyreke Evans(notes). In 73 career starts, he’s
averaged 13.8 points, 1.3 threes, 4.3 boards, 1.4 steals, and 1 block
in 35 minutes. Week 18: DET, UTH, LAC

• Taj Gibson(notes) – Gibson has been huge during the Bulls’
four-game winning streak, averaging 13.5 points on 63-percent shooting,
12 boards, 1 steal, and 2.3 blocks in 31 minutes, and the Tyrus Thomas(notes)
trade gives him complete ownership of the power forward position. He’ll lose
some of those boards when/if Joakim Noah(notes) gets back to full strength,
but there’s plenty to like here – in 16 games where he’s seen at least
30 minutes of playing time on the season, he’s averaged 12.1 points on
52-percent shooting, 10 boards, 0.8 steals, and 1.9 blocks. Week 18: @WAS, IND, POR, IND

• George Hill(notes) – Hill hasn’t been huge, but he’s been steady
since joining the Spurs’ starting five. Over the past 14 games, he’s
averaged 15.5 points on 48-percent shooting, 1.1 threes, 3 assists, 1.6
turnovers, and 0.7 steals in 34 minutes. Tony Parker’s(notes) continued
struggles with nagging injuries and the demotion of Richard Jefferson(notes)
to the bench only serve to lock in Hill’s production moving forward. Week 18: OKC, @HOU, PHO

• Sergio Rodriguez(notes) – T-Mac’s Knicks debut got the publicity, but
what was also quite notable for fantasy purposes was that Rodriguez is
already playing more minutes than Chris Duhon(notes) (26 to 21). He was
Duhon-like from the field (2 of 8 FG) but also logged three boards, six
assists, two turnovers, and one steal. He’s a much more
dynamic player than Duhon and could be the team’s starting point guard
in very short order, although his game is not without question marks – consider an add here if you need assists or
simply have a roster spot available for speculation. Week 18: MIL, @BOS, @WAS, MEM

• Rasual Butler(notes) – Butler has been on fire from outside in February, averaging 14.5 points, 2.8 threes, and 0.9 blocks in 34 minutes. That said, he’s been a useful fantasy player for some time now. Over the past 33 games, he’s averaged 13.2 points, 2 threes, and 0.8 blocks in 33 minutes per game. Week 18: CHA, DET, @PHO, @SAC

• JaVale McGee(notes) – The Wizards’ roster overhaul has resulted in McGee being the team’s starting center, and he’s averaged 11 points on 52-percent shooting, 7.3 boards, 0.7 steals, and 2.7 blocks in 23 minutes over the past three games. He’s still a raw player and probably won’t see starter’s minutes, but the boards and blocks will be there as long as he’s out there for 25ish minutes every night. Week 18: CHI, MEM, NYK, @NJN

• DeAndre Jordan(notes) – Marcus Camby’s(notes) departure has opened up some playing time for Jordan. His starting at power forward was a short-lived experiment, but he’ll still be a primary big for this team on most nights. Over his past five games, he’s averaged 7 points on 59-percent shooting, 7.4 boards, and 1.8 blocks in 24 minutes. Deep-leaguers just need to be aware of his free-throw shooting – he’s made 34 percent of his attempts on the season and is a career 37-percent shooter. Week 18: CHA, DET, @PHO, @SAC

• David Andersen(notes) – The T-Mac trade has left Andersen as the primary big off the bench for the Rockets, and he does have some skills of interest for deep-leaguers, as evidenced by his 18 points, three treys, seven boards, and two steals against the Jazz this past Tuesday. He’s averaged 10.3 points, 1 three, 7 boards, 1 steal, and 0.7 blocks in 22 minutes over the past three games and could build on those numbers as he adjusts to some new-found consistency of minutes. Week 18: ORL, SAS, @UTH

Status Updates

• Chris Bosh(notes) – Bosh missed the past two games with an ankle sprain that is not considered serious. He’s day-to-day and could return for the Raptors’ next game (Wednesday, POR).

• Ronnie Brewer(notes) – Brewer will miss at least three weeks because of a partially torn right hamstring. His fantasy value was falling fast in Utah, took another hit with the trade to Memphis, and now he’s universally droppable in the wake of this injury.

• Kobe Bryant(notes) – Bryant’s ankle has kept him out of the past five games, but he participated in the Lakers’ practice Saturday without incident and hopes to be back in the lineup Tuesday. 

• Tyson Chandler(notes) – Chandler played 40 minutes in three games before returning to the Bobcats’ inactive list because of ankle and foot issues. He’s missed the past two games and is very likely to miss at least a few more.

• Erick Dampier(notes) – Damp is out indefinitely following surgery to close an open dislocation of his right middle finger. Couple the injury with Brendan Haywood’s(notes) arrival, and his fantasy season is done for all intents and purposes.

• Baron Davis(notes) – Davis has missed two consecutive games because of a sore lower back, but the hope is that he’ll return to the lineup Monday.

• Devin Harris(notes) – Harris tweaked his left knee Friday and didn’t practice Saturday, but said he’ll be in the lineup Sunday.

• Yi Jianlian(notes) – Yi did not participate in Saturday’s practice because of shoulder and back issues, but doesn’t think he’ll need to miss games. Yi has made 31 percent of his shot attempts during the month of February.

• Corey Maggette(notes) – Maggette’s hamstring strain will keep him out Sunday and possibly beyond. Don Nelson said that he’d get "some time off probably" because "he really can’t run or jump very much" at this point. 

• Steve Nash(notes) – Nash continues to deal with back and abdominal issues that have limited him to 8.5 points on 33-percent shooting over the past four games. He said he felt a "shearing pain" early in Friday’s game (27 minutes, 6 points, 3-of-10 FG, 6 assists, 6 turnovers), did not practice Saturday, and is questionable for Sunday.

• Joakim Noah – Noah returned to the Bulls’ active roster Saturday, after having missed seven games because of plantar fasciitis. He played just seven minutes, as the team still held him out for the most part because it was in a blowout win. His foot is still not 100 percent, so he won’t be back to starter’s minutes right away, but he’s at least feeling good enough to give it a go.

• Mehmet Okur(notes) – Okur missed Friday’s game because of the birth of his son, and he will also miss Sunday’s game. 

• Tony Parker – Parker is still limited by a sore left hip flexor, an injury that was supposed to go away during the All-Star break, as evidenced by his two points on 1-of-9 shooting in 27 minutes Friday. Parker has also dealt with ankle issues and a bout of plantar fasciitis in his left foot, so he may be looking at down time in the not-too-distant future. He was a light participant in practice Saturday was not in the lineup on Sunday.

• Chris Paul(notes) – Paul had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee on February 4 and is expected to miss between four and six weeks of action. He’s no longer using crutches and there have been no reports of set-backs to this point.

• Nate Robinson(notes) – Robinson will be out of the lineup again Sunday, as he’s still dealing with flu-like symptoms, but he’s expected to make his debut with the Celtics Tuesday.

• Brandon Roy(notes) – Roy will continue to play with pain in his hamstring until either it subsides or forces him to sit again. He spent a long day in the gym Saturday working on his conditioning and jumpshot and will be in the lineup Sunday.

• Dwyane Wade(notes) – Wade has missed the past two games because of a strained left calf, and a Sunday MRI will help determine the extent of the injury and the expected timeframe for his return.

—

Photos via Getty Images

We’ve got Friday updates on Brandon Roy(notes), Dwyane Wade(notes), and Chris Bosh(notes) among others.

• What we do know is that Brandon Roy will be in the lineup on Friday.  After that, things are up in the air – things like how much he’ll play and what kind of shape his hamstring actually is in right now. Two days after wondering if his season was in jeopardy, Roy offered this matter-of-fact quote:

"It’s something that I’m going to continue to try to play with and play through and try to put it behind me and go out there and try to make the plays that hopefully I’m capable of making."

• Dwyane Wade’s strained left calf will keep him out of action at least Friday and Saturday. He remains in a walking boot and is currently undergoing treatment, and he’ll undergo further evaluation once the team returns to Miami Sunday. Daequan Cook(notes) will get the starts at shooting guard in Wade’s stead … Rafer Alston(notes) will also miss the next two games because of a bruised right hand. Carlos Arroyo(notes) will start at point for the Heat.

• Chris Bosh is out Friday because of a mildly sprained right ankle, and his status for Saturday’s game is unknown at this point. Rasho Nesterovic(notes), Reggie Evans(notes), and Amir Johnson(notes) will share the load while Bosh sits.

• Joakim Noah(notes) is out again Friday and, while his plantar
fasciitis is technically better than it was, the team is still
considering shutting him down
for a long period of time to concentrate on rest and rehab. Brad Miller(notes)
will continue to see starts at center and has averaged 11.5 points, 0.7
threes, 5.3 boards, and 1.2 steals during the past six games that Noah
has missed. Tyrus Thomas’(notes) departure, coupled with Noah’s continued
health issues, means Taj Gibson(notes) will be looking at all the minutes he
can handle moving forward.

• Mehmet Okur(notes) won’t be in the lineup Friday, as he’s in Utah
following the birth of his son, and his status for Sunday is currently
unknown, as well. In his absence, Paul Millsap(notes) will start at power
forward, with Carlos Boozer(notes) moving to center. 

• Both Nazr Mohammed(notes) (back spasms) and Tyson Chandler(notes) (ankle) felt optimistic about playing Friday night after the team’s shoot-around. Their availability should help determine how much playing time Tyrus Thomas is looking at in his debut with the Bobcats.

• Monta Ellis(notes) will be in the lineup Friday after missing the past three games with a left knee sprain; Corey Maggette(notes) (hamstring) will also be in the starting five. 

—

Photos via Getty Images

Tracy McGrady(notes) and Kevin Martin(notes) headlined the final day of NBA trades, while Amar’e Stoudemire(notes) stayed put.

• New York receives Tracy McGrady and Sergio Rodriguez(notes); Houston
receives Kevin Martin, Jordan Hill(notes), Hilton Armstrong(notes), and Jared
Jeffries(notes); Kings receive Carl Landry(notes), Joey Dorsey(notes), and Larry Hughes(notes)

So the Knicks get McGrady, the crowning achievement in their quest to not pay as many players as possible after the current season. He’ll play and may even start ahead of Wilson Chandler(notes) or Danilo Gallinari(notes), even though he most certainly should not if the Knicks’ focus is truly on the future. I’d expect McGrady, Chandler, and Gallinari to eventually end up with similar minutes – T-Mac should be able to put together some counting stats with the Knicks, but poor percentages and plenty of turnovers will keep his fantasy impact in check. With Jeffries gone, Al Harrington(notes) could return to the starting five at power forward, and that would certainly qualify as an upgrade for his fantasy prospects. 

Rodriguez is an intriguing player in New York. Chris Duhon(notes) may be a pure point guard, but he’s an ineffective one. Rodriguez has skills but hasn’t had many chances to put them to use – that could change, and there is plenty of fantasy potential currently being wasted on Duhon. Deep-leaguers should be all over Rodriguez, and standard-leaguers in a speculative mood shouldn’t hesitate to grab him, as well.

Let’s take a look at Houston’s new depth chart:

PG: Aaron Brooks(notes), Kyle Lowry(notes)
SG: Kevin Martin, Chase Budinger(notes), Garrett Temple(notes)
SF: Trevor Ariza(notes), Shane Battier(notes), Chase Budinger,
PF: Luis Scola(notes), Jordan Hill, Jared Jeffries, Brian Cook(notes)
C: Chuck Hayes(notes), David Andersen(notes), Hilton Armstrong

Martin’s high-usage ways may take some getting used to by the other Rockets, and it’s a fairly safe bet that Brooks and Ariza stand to lose at least a few touches. Battier is the obvious option to return to the bench and he’ll lose a few minutes in the exchange. Landry’s departure opens up some minutes, and Hill and Andersen should effectively share those. Hill is raw and Andersen is low-ceiling, but those initial box scores will be worth monitoring. 

How things break down in Sac-town is up in the air. Beno Udrih(notes) could return to the starting five at point guard, where he’s been effective this season, with Tyreke Evans(notes) taking over shooting guard for good. Francisco Garcia(notes) stands to gain more minutes in any scenario and would likely start at shooting guard if the team decides to stick with Evans at the point. Garcia is the immediate add here, as he’s got across-the-board potential and will be very solid with around 30 minutes per game. If Udrih does get the nod as the starter, he’s back on most radars, but he’s a fringe option as a reserve. Greene’s role and numbers have been volatile and that’s not likely to change any time soon. Landry joining the fray is a downgrade for him and for Jason Thompson(notes) – can you say platoon?

• Bucks send Hakim Warrick(notes) and Joe Alexander(notes) to the Bulls for John Salmons(notes)

The deal became official Thursday, with Alexander replacing the previously speculated Francisco Elson(notes). Salmons should replace Charlie Bell(notes) as the starter at shooting guard and is clearly upgraded with the move. Warrick will see some reserve minutes at power forward for the Bulls, but there’s only so much production to be had here, as Taj Gibson(notes) now has complete ownership of the position for the Bulls.

• Bulls trade Tyrus Thomas(notes) to Charlotte for Flip Murray(notes), Acie Law(notes), and draft pick

Thomas gets a change of scenery but not much of a positive change of expected production. He’ll be behind Boris Diaw(notes) (35 minutes per game) at power forward and Gerald Wallace(notes) (42 minutes per game) at small forward. The counter-argument to pointing out how ineffective Diaw has been to this point is that he’s been asked to do so little since Stephen Jackson(notes) arrived. Deep-leaguers take note: Flip Murray’s departure should free up a reasonable amount of minutes for D.J. Augustin(notes). 

• Knicks trade Nate Robinson(notes) and Marcus Landry(notes) to Boston for Eddie House(notes), J.R. Giddens(notes), and Bill Walker(notes) 

Nate’s role won’t change much in Boston, although his 20-25 minutes should at least be allotted more consistently. Eddie House can hit threes, and that’s never a bad thing when you play for the Knicks, but he’s not going to crack the rotation to a point of mattering for fantasy.

• Memphis acquires Ronnie Brewer(notes) for a draft pick 

Brewer goes from being a marginal starter in Utah to being a marginal reserve in Memphis. Feel free to purge him from any and all fantasy rosters. Wesley Matthews(notes) will likely return to the starting five for the Jazz, and he’s managed just 9.5 points in 29 minutes in his 19 starts to this point of the season.

• Bucks send Jodie Meeks(notes) and Francisco Elson to Philadelphia for Royal Ivey(notes), Primoz Brezec(notes), and draft pick

Meeks has some offensive skills but will be well down the depth chart in Philly. 

More fallout: Caron Butler for Josh Howard | Antawn Jamison to CLE | Marcus Camby to POR

—

Photos via Getty Images

Antawn Jamison(notes), John Salmons(notes), Drew Gooden(notes), and Darko Milicic(notes) were among the players to change addresses on Wednesday.

• A three-team trade has brought Antawn Jamison to Cleveland. In the deal, the Cavs also acquired Sebastian Telfair(notes) from the Clippers; Washington received Zydrunas Ilgauskas(notes), Al Thornton(notes), a 2010 first-round pick from Cleveland, and the rights to 2009 second-rounder Emir Preldzic(notes); and the Clippers receive Drew Gooden.

The Cavs’ depth chart doesn’t change much. Jamison will take over for J.J. Hickson(notes) at power forward, while Anderson Varejao(notes) will absorb the excess playing time at center. Telfair’s salary was necessary to facilitate the deal but he probably won’t see the court at all, particularly with Mo Williams(notes) about to return from his shoulder injury. In general this is a slight downgrade for Jamison (less usage), a downgrade for Hickson (back to the bench), and that’s the extent of it.

Although the weather is better, Gooden probably won’t be much happier with the Clippers than he was during his brief stint with the Wizards. He’s a candidate to be bought out, as the Clips have no shot at the playoffs, but he also could be in line for some playing time at power forward if the team opts to keep him around. While we’re on the subject: DeAndre Jordan(notes) got the start at power forward for the Clips Wednesday night (27 minutes, 5 points, 4 boards, 1 block, 6 fouls) – he has intriguing boards+blocks potential but seems a poor fit alongside Chris Kaman(notes) and at the four. There are worse speculative adds at this point, but don’t bank on a full-fledged breakout while Kaman is the team’s starting center.

Here’s your new, new-look Washington Wizards:

PG: Randy Foye(notes), Earl Boykins(notes), Mike James(notes), Gilbert Arenas(notes)
SG: Mike Miller(notes), Nick Young(notes), Quinton Ross(notes)
SF: Josh Howard(notes), Al Thornton, Dominic McGuire(notes)
PF: Andray Blatche(notes), James Singleton(notes)
C: JaVale McGee(notes), Fabricio Oberto(notes)

If Wednesday night was any indication, then Andray Blatche (33 points, 13 boards, 2 steals, 1 block) deserves universal ownership consideration and JaVale McGee (14 points, 11 boards, 1 steal, 5 blocks) needs to be most fantasy radars. There is plenty of usage available for the taking here, and the Wizards have nothing to lose when it comes to letting players work through growing pains. Howard came off the bench Wednesday but that should change fairly quickly. Miller and Howard are suddenly the vets on this team and should be in a position to assert themselves moving foward. Thornton will back up both forward positions but isn’t in any more of a position to succeed here than he was in Los Angeles (plus, he’s still the same player).

• Reports are that the Bulls have agreed to trade John Salmons to the Bucks for Hakim Warrick(notes) and Francisco Elson(notes). I do expect Salmons to start in Milwaukee, and my guess is that it’s ahead of Charlie Bell(notes) at shooting guard, so this should be an upgrade for his fantasy owners. Warrick could see some minutes for the Bulls if Tyrus Thomas(notes) is dealt, but his shortcomings are well-established and he won’t be looking at major minutes in almost any circumstance.

• The Knicks have traded Darko Milicic to the Timberwolves for Brian Cardinal(notes), a move that clears luxury tax savings for the Knicks and also a roster spot, as they are expected to waive Cardinal. As for Darko, who plans to return to Europe at the end of the season, the T-Wolves actually have plans for him. David Kahn, Minnesota’s president of basketball operations, had this to say:

"There’s a lot of enthusiasm among our coaches. Let’s see
what he can bring. Even if he ends up
returning to Europe, I hope he wants to end his NBA career on a positive note.
In our situation, he’ll play."

Keep in mind that this is a team that is currently starting Ryan Hollins(notes) [game log] at center, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Darko does carve out a role with his new team.

• For a complete wrap of the latest trade buzz, click here. 

Notes from Wednesday’s games: 

• Jarrett Jack(notes) was a -25 in 18 minutes of the overtime loss to the Grizzlies, turning in a minuscule line (2 points, 2 assists). Meanwhile, Jose Calderon(notes) played 35 minutes and had one of his best games as a reserve (12 points, 2 threes, 6 boards, 9 assists). The discrepancy in playing time and production is noteworthy, but this needs to happen a few more times before we start doing anything like speculating on role changes.

• Dwight Howard’s(notes) massive line (33 points, 17 boards, 7 blocks) pushed his averages over the past 15 games to 22.1 points on 61-percent shooting, 14.2 boards, and 3.6 blocks.

• Tim Duncan(notes) posted quite a bizarre line. He made just four of 23 shots, grabbed 26 boards – including 11 offensive – and didn’t go to the free throw line once. He also added five assists, two turnovers, two steals, and two blocks in 34 minutes … DeJuan Blair(notes) owners take note: Matt Bonner(notes) was in the starting five, although he played just 13 minutes (3 points, 1 three, 2 boards).

• Joakim Noah(notes) (plantar fasciitis) missed another game, paving the way for Brad Miller(notes) to take advantage of a stellar matchup with the Knicks (37 minutes, 21 points, 2 threes, 10 boards). Noah hopes to play Thursday, although the team is not going to push him.

• Chris Duhon(notes) scored two points on 1-of-5 shooting, and he’s scored in double-figures once in the past 18 games. During that time, he’s averaged 7.7 points on 35-percent shooting, 1.4 threes, 6.2 assists, and 1.8 turnovers in 33 minutes.

• Dwyane Wade(notes) played just seven minutes before aggravating a nagging left calf injury. He said he felt a little pop after he collected a rebound, took two steps, and then had to be helped from the court. He left the arena in a walking boot and will remain with the team as it stays on the road for games Friday and Saturday. He’ll undergo an MRI after the team returns to Miami if things haven’t improved dramatically by then. Daequan Cook(notes) played 35 minutes (11 points, 2 threes, 5 boards, 1 steal) and likely will fill in for Wade for as long as he’s sidelined. D-Wade owners, keep your fingers crossed here.

• Make a note of it: Luke Ridnour(notes) (34 minutes, 12 points, 6 assists, 0 turnovers) saw significantly more playing time than Brandon Jennings(notes) (20 minutes, 13 points, 2 assists, 4 turnovers) for the second consecutive game.

• You can scratch that talk of a platoon between Brendan Haywood(notes) and Erick Dampier(notes) for at least a few weeks. Damp had finger surgery Wednesday and is out indefinitely. Meanwhile, Haywood had 10 points, nine boards, and five blocks in 34 minutes in the 107-97 win over the Suns.

• C.J. Watson(notes) went absolutely nuts while Monta Ellis(notes) (knee) sat out his third consecutive game, scoring a career-high 40 points and adding two threes, seven boards, six assists, and two steals in 43 minutes. Ellis is officially day-to-day but is expected to miss another week … Corey Maggette(notes) sat out the second half with a sore left hamstring.

• Baron Davis(notes) sat out the Clippers’ loss to the Hawks with a sore back. Steve Blake(notes) got the start without having practiced with his new team, and had three points, nine assists, and three turnovers in 32 minutes. 

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Photos via Getty Images

The Wizards and Mavericks have made the first big move of the trade season, with Caron Butler(notes), Brendan Haywood(notes), and DeShawn Stevenson(notes) headed to Dallas in exchange for Josh Howard(notes), Drew Gooden(notes), James Singleton(notes), and Quinton Ross(notes). Let’s take a look at the adjusted depth charts and how fantasy fortunes will be affected by this deal.

Washingon Wizards
PG: Randy Foye(notes), Earl Boykins(notes), Mike James(notes), Gilbert Arenas(notes)
SG: Mike Miller(notes), Nick Young(notes), Quinton Ross
SF: Josh Howard, James Singleton, Dominic McGuire(notes)
PF: Antawn Jamison(notes), Drew Gooden
C: Andray Blatche(notes), JaVale McGee(notes), Fabricio Oberto(notes)

The deal was clearly motivated by finances for the Wizards. Howard’s salary is actually higher than Caron’s, but he’s a team option next season at $11.8 million, so it’s a pretty good bet that it won’t be exercised. The Wiz would then have shed almost $17 million in salary for next season in the deal. Howard has been a huge disappointment this season but should improve in the second half – he’ll once again be looking at starters’ minutes, plenty of usage, and has to realize that he’s likely playing for his next contract (at age 30). Haywood’s departure obviously creates an opportunity at center. If the rebuilding Wizards are truly thinking about their future, then they’ll let Blatche and McGee monopolize the minutes there. Gooden’s value to the team should be as an expiring contract, and it’s unlikely that he’ll be heavily utilized. Keep in mind that this is what the team should do – it would be surprising if they plug in Gooden at center, but stranger things have happened. The immediate upgrades here are Howard and Blatche, and Foye and Miller should also see a bit more usage in the Butler/Howard exchange. Jamison should be largely unaffected by the deal.

Dallas Mavericks
PG: Jason Kidd(notes), Jose Juan Barea(notes), Rodrigue Beaubois(notes)
SG: Caron Butler, Jason Terry(notes), DeShawn Stevenson, Matt Carroll(notes)
SF: Shawn Marion(notes), Tim Thomas(notes)
PF: Dirk Nowitzki(notes), Eduardo Najera(notes)
C: Brendan Haywood, Erick Dampier(notes)

While it may not happen immediately, figure on Butler replacing Terry in the starting five. It represents a significant upgrade on defense and allows Terry to return to his role as a catalyst off the bench. And even if Butler is in for a drop in usage overall, it will be offset
by a substantial increase of the quality of his looks, as well as a general upgrade by virtue of his going from a disaster in Washington to
a contender in Dallas. The trade should represent a lateral move for Haywood for the most part, as he’ll step right in ahead of Dampier, who continues to be slowed by left knee problems. The Mavs now have little reason to push Damp to his limits. Don’t count on Marion being positively affected by this deal – Butler’s versatility will have him on the floor at small forward plenty moving forward (Kidd-Terry-Butler-Dirk-Haywood), giving the Mavs a very potent offensive mix, backed by the strong defense of Haywood in the middle.

—

Photos via Getty Images

The All-Star break is finally upon us. Given the state of NBA inactive lists, it couldn’t be coming at a better time.

• Lamar Odom’s(notes) success as a starter [splits] and Andrew Bynum’s(notes) continued inconsistencies (and injuries) [splits] have led to talk of Odom replacing Bynum in the starting lineup among the team’s coaching staff. Here’s what Phil Jackson had to say:

"My coaches are kind of pushing me in that direction, but I’m not ready
yet to do that. We won last year with Andrew when he
came back at the end of the season, going out there and playing the
first quarter and starting the games. Even though he wasn’t 100 percent
when came back off his injury last year, he still gave us a lot; he
gives us a big front. So I have to measure that and see what’s going to
happen with this team in the next couple weeks."

Bynum’s psyche and overall team chemistry are the major considerations at stake here, and Jackson’s response seems to address both of those concerns. It should surprise no one if the change is not made, particularly with Odom completely deferential on the subject, but what we could eventually see if Bynum playing a few less minutes (with Odom playing a bit more) if/when this team has everyone healthy … As for Kobe Bryant(notes), his ankle is still giving him enough issues that he’s already been ruled out of the All-Star game.

• Jamal Crawford(notes) was a late scratch Wednesday because of a sore left shoulder, apparently the result of a poor sleeping position on Tuesday night. With Crawford out, Mike Bibby(notes) saw the most playing time he’s seen in six weeks (35 minutes, 12 points, 6 assists, 2 turnovers, 3 steals), but the Hawks bench scored only eight points total and the team lost to the Heat 94-76.

• Louis Williams(notes) scored 26 points Wednesday (27 minutes, 2 threes, 5 boards), the most he’s scored in a game since returning from his broken jaw. Over the past five games, he’s averaged 15.2 points, 1.2 threes, 5.4 free throws (89%), 3.2 assists, 1.8 turnovers, and 1.6 steals in 27 minutes. Of course, this has all come with Allen Iverson(notes) away from the team for personal reasons, and it’s difficult to see him maintaining this level of production once AI rejoins the team. 

• Hedo Turkoglu(notes) missed Wednesday’s win over the 76ers for family reasons and should be back after the All-Star break.

• The Kings went small in their 103-97 win over the Pistons Wednesday, with Tyreke Evans(notes) (13 points, 5 boards, 6 assists, 4 steals), Kevin Martin(notes) (26 points, 9-of-15 FG, 7-of-7 FT), and Beno Udrih(notes) (22 points, 2 threes, 6 assists, 3 steals) all seeing more than 33 minutes of playing time. Donte Greene’s(notes) streak of productive games came to an end (15 minutes, 6 points) despite another start.

• Brandon Jennings(notes) scored seven points on 3-of-8 shooting in 20 minutes during the Bucks’ 97-77 win over the Nets Wednesday, punctuating an exceptionally long downward trend. In 21 games since January 1, he’s made just 32 percent of his shots attempts, although the counting numbers have been solid (13.1 points, 1.5 threes, 3.2 boards, 6.4 assists, 2.2 turnovers, 1.6 steals). For those Jennings owners out there – how many of you are regretting passing up on some great trade offer at the end of November, and how many of you are regretting making an offer at that point that was actually accepted?

• Devin Harris(notes) was solid in this most recent blowout loss, going for a season-high 27 points on 9-of-17 shooting, while making 8-of-10 free throws and adding nine assists, five turnoves, 1 three and one steal in 35 minutes. Whether or not he can get and stay healthy and productive in the season’s second half still seems to be a 50-50 proposition, at best.

• Darren Collison(notes) recorded a double-double in a bad way Wednesday, scoring 25 points but totaling 10 turnovers. He technically just missed a triple-double, as he had nine assists, and another good was that he snagged four steals for the second consecutive games. He’s now up to 15 starts on the season, during which he’s averaged 16.9 points, 0.9 threes, 3.3 boards, 7.9 assists, 3.9 turnovers, and 1.3 steals in 36 minutes … As for Chris Paul(notes), he’s looking forward to making a playoff push when he comes back.

• Paul Pierce(notes) continues to play through pain in his left foot (4-of-11 FG, 8 turnovers Wednesday), and it hasn’t changed his plans
for All-Star weekend, where he’s slated to participate in the 3-point
shootout and Sunday’s game … Ray Allen(notes) missed Wednesday’s game with back spasms, but it’s not expected to be a long-term issue at this point. 

• Raymond Felton(notes) missed Wednesday’s game because of a nagging ankle sprain, clearing the way for D.J. Augustin(notes) to make his first start of the season. Augustin was useful in his 42 minutes (12 points, 3 threes, 7 assists, 1 turnover, 1 steal) but clearly it was Nazr Mohammed(notes) that stole the show (40 minutes, 21 points, 20 boards, 2 steals, 1 block). Mohammed averaged 13.1 points on 64-percent shooting, 10.9 boards, and 0.9 blocks in 28 minutes over the Bobcats past seven games, but is going to give way to Tyson Chandler(notes) now that he’s back from his foot injury. Despite Mohammed’s recent success, this situation has timeshare written all over it.

• Johnny Flynn has been seeing playing time in the 20’s more than in the 30’s of late, including Wednesday, when he didn’t leave the bench in the fourth quarter and finished with 22 minutes (9 points, 1 three, 4 assists, 1 turnover). Ramon Sessions(notes) saw 26 minutes of playing time, including the entire fourth quarter, and finished with 13 points, five assists, and two turnovers. Over the past eight games, Flynn has averaged 11.1 points on 38-percent shooting, 1 three, 5.3 assists, 2.4 turnovers, and 0.6 steals in 26 minutes. During the same stretch, Sessions has averaged 10.9 points on 55-percent shooting, 5 assists, 1.6 turnovers, and 0.9 steals in 24 minutes. 

• An MRI on Derrick Rose’s(notes) right hip/back showed no significant injury.
He’ll be re-evaluated Saturday and remains hopeful that he’ll be able
to defend his All-Star Skill Challenge title and participate in the
All-Star game, but that will depend on how his symptoms resolve over the next four days. 

• The Warriors turned in a dream box score Wednesday, as you might expect when a team scores 132 points and four players are on the court for at least 45 minutes. Stephen Curry’s(notes) triple-double was the highlight, but there was plenty of awesomeness to go around. C.J. Watson(notes), Anthony Tolliver(notes), and Anthony Morrow(notes) will use significant usage once Monta Ellis(notes) and Corey Maggette(notes) get back, but how Don Nelson will stir this pot when that happens remains no less of a mystery.

• Something to watch for Thursday night: Delonte West(notes) will be back in the lineup for the Cavs. 

• Trade deadline links: link1, link2, link3, link4, link5, and link6. 

—

Photos via Getty Images

LeBron James(notes) and Kevin Durant(notes) are both in fantasy’s top tier, although there are some striking differences between the two.

• LeBron James’ numbers during the Cavs’ current 12-game winning
streak include the following: 30.8 points on 50-percent shooting, 2.3
threes, 6.5 boards, 9.8 assists, 3.9 turnovers, 1.8 steals, and 1
block. The one downer: while averaging 12.1 free throws per game, his
conversion rate is slightly down (to 76 percent) over that stretch.

• Kevin Durant is just a shade behind James and Chris
Paul(notes) in terms of per-game impact since the first of the year (and the trio is comfortably ahead of the rest of the pack). Over his
past 19 games, Durant has averaged 31.9 points on 50-percent shooting,
1.7 threes, 91-percent foul shooting (11.2 FTA), 8.2 boards, 1.2
steals, and 0.8 blocks. He’d have the top tier all to himself if he
could improve on that assist-to-turnover ratio (2.6:3.9).

• Nicolas Batum(notes) got the start for the Blazers because of his defensive prowess,
but it was offense that doomed Portland in their 89-77 loss to the
Thunder. Martell Webster(notes), Steve Blake(notes), Rudy Fernandez(notes), and Jerryd
Bayless(notes) combined for 8 points on 3-of-22 shooting in 79 minutes. Batum
himself turned in a useful fantasy line (36 minutes, 12 points, 1
three, 4 boards, 1 steal, 1 block) and should be on a few more fantasy
radars in the event that Nate McMillan sticks with him as the starter
after Brandon Roy(notes) returns.

• Jarvis Hayes(notes) had another reasonable game for the Nets (41 minutes, 19 points, 3 treys, 1 steal) and should get a look from deep-leaguers. Over the past six games, he’s averaged 13 points on 53-percent shooting, 2 threes, 4.3 boards, and 1 steal in 32 minutes. Chris Douglas-Roberts(notes) has fallen far enough in the rotation that he was a DNP-CD Tuesday.

• Devin Harris(notes) (shoulder) missed his second consecutive game Tuesday. While he hopes to play Wednesday, the Nets won’t play him if he’s at risk of aggravating his injuries.

• Some positives (33 minutes, 7 assists, 0 turnovers) and
negatives (5 points, 2-of-9 shooting) for Randy Foye(notes) Tuesday. The
numbers have been down overall over the past eight games (29 minutes,
10.1 points, 40% FG, 0.6 threes, 4.1 assists, 1.8 turnovers, 0.4
steals) and the Wizards are a complete trainwreck. The trade deadline
could provide a major shakeup here, but either way I expect Foye to
come out the other side with a major role. Don’t make a drop here if
it’s not for a player with long-term prospects.

• Tyson Chandler(notes) returned to the lineup for the Bobcats
Tuesday (10 minutes, 5 points, 5 boards), his first game action since
December 22. He won’t be rushed back
into heavy minutes, however, particularly with Nazr Mohammed(notes) showing
some signs of late (10.9 points, 8.3 boards over the past 11 games), so
it’s hard to see him being much more than a marginal option for boards
and blocks in standard leagues.

• Tyrus Thomas(notes) was effective following his one-game suspension for a verbal tirade addressed at Vinny Del Negro. He scored nine points on 4-of-5 shooting, grabbed seven boards, blocked a shot, and had a steal in 28 minutes. What uniform he’ll be wearing 10 days from now remains to be seen.

• Don’t look now, but the 76ers have won five in a row, four of which have come with Allen Iverson(notes) away from the team for personal reasons. Andre Iguodala(notes) has been huge while Iverson has been away, averaging 19.3 points on 48-percent shooting, 1.5 threes, 7.8 boards, 6.8 assists, 2.3 turnovers, 2 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 42 minutes. Thaddeus Young(notes) has had three straight solid games off the bench (28 minutes, 17 points on 72-percent shooting, 6.3 boards, 2 steals), and Louis Williams(notes) had an unusually productive game Tuesday (26 minutes, 16 points, 1 three, 7 assists, 1 turnover, 3 steals) in the blowout of the T-Wolves. 

• Kevin Martin(notes) came off the bench for the Kings Tuesday after missing teh team’s shoot-around because of a migraine. He posted another sub-par line in his 31 minutes (17 points, 1 three, 2-of-4 FT, 4 boards, 1 steal) … Spencer Hawes(notes) played just six minutes in the overtime win (0 points, 1 board) before being benched for a lack of defensive effort. 

• You certainly won’t be blamed for taking a chance on Donte Greene(notes), who continues to show flashes (by way of averaging 22.7 points on 57-percent shooting, 2.7 threes, and 6.7 boards in 34 minutes over the past three games). The matchups couldn’t have been much better (PHO, @TOR, @NYK), he’s just as likely to score four points in the next game as he is to score 24, and the Kings’ rotation remains in a constant state of flux, but his across-the-board potential is hard to ignore.

• Mike D’Antoni kept the Knicks’ rotation to eight players Tuesday, despite the matchup with the Kings going to overtime. His "true" point guard Chris Duhon(notes) played 37 minutes (7 points, 2-of-10 FG, 0-of-6 3PT, 9 assists, 1 turnover), while Nate Robinson(notes) garnered 27 minutes off the bench (11 points, 4-of-15 FG, 1-of-6 3PT, 4 assists, 3 turnovers).

• Houston shot an atrocious 30 percent from the floor en route to just 66 points against the Heat. As you might imagine, there were nothing but lowlights. Trevor Ariza(notes) missed the game with a hip pointer and was replaced in the starting five by Carl Landry(notes) (26 minutes, 11 points, 6 boards). The Heat went deep into their rotation in the easy win, although Dwyane Wade(notes) was able to pack production into his 29 minutes (17 points, 4 boards, 7 assists, 2 turnovers, 5 steals, 1 block). 

• While it seems like some of the other Pistons are starting to come around, Charlie Villanueva(notes) is once again playing through pain, and his Tuesday line reflected that fact pretty clearly (19 minutes, 0 points, 0-of-5 FG). 

• Charlie Bell(notes) has been monopolizing the minutes at shooting guard for the Bucks, rendering Luke Ridnour(notes) nearly useless for fantasy and putting up a few numbers of his own. In 35 minutes over the past seven games, Bell has averaged 13 points on 47-percent shooting and 2 threes, but he remains a long shot to make an impact in anything but deep leagues.

• Another big game for Andrew Bogut(notes) Tuesday (17 points, 18 boards, 3 blocks) pushed his averages over the past 20 games to 16.8 points on 56-percent shooting, 11 boards, and 2.4 blocks. 

• Denver’s crushing 127-91 defeat of the Mavericks had both coaches going to the bench early and often and led to the fantasy pie being cut into a lot of pieces. Notable performers in the game included Chauncey Billups(notes) (16 points, 3 treys, 6 assists, 2 turnovers, 3 steals), Nene Hilario(notes) (21 points, 8 boards, 1 steal), Chris Andersen(notes) (14 points, 10 boards, 2 steals, 1 block), and James Singleton(notes) (11 points, 1 three, 5 boards, 2 steals) … Carmelo Anthony(notes) played 31 minutes (19 points, 3 threes, 4 boards, 6 assists, 3 turnovers) in his return from an ankle injury.

• Carlos Boozer(notes) returned for the Jazz Tuesday, turned in a big performance (38 minutes, 34 points, 14 boards, 4 steals), and had the anticipated ripple affect. Paul Millsap(notes) was back to his reserve role (21 minutes, 8 points, 4 boards) and Mehmet Okur(notes) was an afterthought (31 minutes, 8 points, 4 boards). 

• Yes, it’s time to cut Ronnie Brewer(notes) loose. Since Andrei Kirilenko(notes) re-entered the Jazz’s starting five 13 games ago, Brewer’s averages have included 8.1 points and 0.8 steals in 27 minutes per game. With AK locking up the small forward spot and once again playing passing lanes like a maniac, Brewer is losing minutes and has few opportunities to contribute fantasy numbers.

• Kobe Bryant’s(notes) severely sprained left ankle
has been slow to respond to treatment and he still can’t push off on
it. That’s why he’s sat out the past two games, is questionable for
Wednesday, and may even be forced to sit out the All-Star game.

"I’m not
an idiot. I’m not going to run through a wall just to run through a
wall. Injury-wise, if I feel I can play through it, I will. If it can
heal while I’m playing, I’ll play. But if it’s the type of injury that playing will make it worse, I won’t play.”

Bryant will travel with the team to Utah and is officially listed as
a game-time decision … Andrew Bynum(notes) (hip) will also travel to Utah
butis not expected to play. Lamar Odom(notes) (foot) is listed as a game-time decision but is expected to play.

• An MRI on Monta Ellis’(notes) left knee revealed a mild sprain,
mild enough that he could be back in the lineup Wednesday. This is
probably a relevant time to note that Ellis is second in the league in
minutes per game (41.8) and has averaged a league-high 43 per game
since November 17, a span of 39 games … Corey Maggette(notes) will miss Wednesday’s game
because of a dislocated finger on his left hand, meaning Anthony Morrow(notes)
(45 minutes, 33 points, 5 threes, 11 boards on Monday) should be in
line for another start.

• Paul Pierce(notes) (foot) practiced briefly Tuesday and is questionable for Wednesday’s game. Here’s what Doc Rivers had to say:

"Paul didn’t do a lot, we actually pulled him out early. He wasn’t moving around very well. I think he’s going to play, but
right now we’ll wait and see."  

• Some links that deal with the most recent trade deadline chatter: link1, link2, link3, link4, link5, link6, link7, and link8.

—

Photos via Getty Images

Setting the stage for Week 16 of the fantasy basketball season.

Schedule Breakdown

Three-game teams: ORL

Two-game teams: ATL, CHA, CHI, CLE, DAL, DEN, DET, GSW, LAC, LAL, MIA, MIL, NJN, NOR, PHI, POR, SAC, SAS, UTH

One-game teams: BOS, HOU, IND, MEM, NYK, OKC, PHO, TOR, WAS

Also see: Basketball Monster’s ease rankings | Rotowire’s value meter

Pickups/Plug-ins – Players owned in fewer than 40% of Yahoo! leagues

• George Hill(notes) – Tony Parker’s(notes) return from a sprained ankle pushed Hill back to shooting guard, and he averaged 19 points on 61-percent shooting and 2.5 threes over the past two games. In his 14 starts on the season, he’s averaged 16.9 points on 49-percent shooting, 1.2 threes, 3.1 assists, 1.4 turnovers, 0.7 steals, and 0.4 blocks in 34 minutes. Hill is locked in the starting five and technically has upside, with Parker still dealing with plantar fasciitis and could necessitate more downtime moving forward. Week 16: @LAL, @DEN

• Ryan Gomes(notes) – Gomes has been up and down this season, but he’s back in the starting five and has helped spur the T-Wolves to their current four-game winning streak. He scored 26 points and hit five threes on Saturday, and over the past six games has averaged 14.2 points on 54-percent shooting, 2.5 threes, 4 boards, 2.2 assists, 0.3 turnovers, and 1 steal in 29 minutes per game. Week 16: @PHI, CHA

• Andray Blatche(notes)/JaVale McGee – Blatche and McGee are two
players to really consider rostering in advance of the NBA trade
deadline, with the Wizards in tear-down mode and both Brendan Haywood(notes) and Antawn Jamison(notes) rumored to be on
the block. Blatche’s career averages as a starter (68 G) include 10.8 points, 6.7 boards, 0.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks, while McGee’s career per-26 minute averages include 10.8 points, 6.4 boards, 0.8 steals, and 2 blocks. Week 16: @CHA

• Jarvis Hayes(notes) – Hayes should get a look from deep-leaguers, as he has moved ahead of Chris Douglas-Roberts(notes) in the starting five and isn’t likely to concede the position soon. Over the past five games, he’s averaged 11.8 points on 51-percent shooting, 1.8 threes, 5.2 boards, and 1 steal in 30 minutes. Week 16: @CLE, MIL

• Joey Dorsey(notes) – A super-deep league special here. Dorsey has totaled 11 points, 19 boards, two steals, and one block in 37 minutes over the past two games and could be in line for more playing time moving forward. He’s easily the Rockets’ best banger and some numbers that jump out are averages of 14.8 boards and 2.6 blocks in summer league action and 14.9 points, 13.3 boards, 1.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks in the D-League. Week 16: @MIA

Status Updates

• Carmelo Anthony(notes) – Anthony has missed seven consecutive games because of a left ankle sprain, but he’s been fully participating in practices and is targeting Tuesday for a return.

• Trevor Ariza(notes) – Ariza left the Rockets’ arena in uniform Saturday, as his hip pointer was too painful for him to change clothes. Be looking for updates prior to what is the team’s only game over the next eight days, Tuesday at Miami.

• Leandro Barbosa(notes) – Barbosa is expected to miss two to four more weeks due to surgery to remove a cyst from his right wrist.

• Chauncey Billups(notes) – Billups missed Saturday’s game because of a pair of sore ankles, but George Karl "hopes" to have him back in the lineup Tuesday.

• Kobe Bryant(notes) – Kobe sat Friday to deal with his various ailments, is currently listed as day-to-day, and it will be up to him if he plays in either of the Lakers’ two games prior to the All-Star break.

• Andrew Bynum(notes) – Bynum missed the second half of Friday’s game because of a bruised right hip, but is not expected to miss more time at this point.

• Tyson Chandler(notes) – Chandler (foot) almost played Saturday and should be active for the Bobcats’ two games this coming week. He might not supplant Nazr Mohammed(notes) as the starter immediately, but it’s doubful that he’ll be a reserve much past the All-Star break.

• Francisco
Garcia(notes) – Garcia suffered a setback on Jan. 28 when he fell on his right wrist
in practice. There was some optimism prior to his fall that he was close to a return, but he now remains out indefinitely.

• Devin
Harris(notes) – Harris sprained the AC joint in his left shoulder Saturday, but X-rays were negative, it’s not considered a serious injury, and he’s currently listed as day-to-day. He’ll be re-evaluated before the Nets’ return to the court on Tuesday.

• Nene Hilario(notes) – Nene was limited to 21 minutes Saturday because of a left foot injury, but the injury isn’t considered serious and George Karl "hopes" to have him in the lineup Tuesday.

• Allen Iverson(notes) – Iverson has missed the past three games to be with his ill daughter, and there is currently no timetable for him to return.

• Joe Johnson(notes) – Johnson has been dealing with flu-like symptoms and will be re-evaluated Monday, and there’s a chance that he won’t be in the lineup Tuesday.

• Joakim Noah(notes) – Noah will be out at least through the All-Star break as he attempts to deal with a worsening case of plantar fasciitis.

• Chris Paul(notes) – Paul had arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday and is expected to miss between four and six weeks of action. He’s expected to be on crutches for two or three weeks, and how soon he loses the crutches could our first clue as to whether he ends up on the short or long side of the four- to six-week timeframe.

• Leon Powe(notes)
– Powe, roughly nine months removed from ACL replacement and
microfracture surgery on his left knee, has been practicing and is
expected to be added to the Cavs’ active roster sometime after the All-Star break.

• Anthony Randolph(notes) – Randolph’s multiple left ankle injuries are now expected to keep him out for the remainder of the season.

• Brandon Roy(notes) – Roy has apparently made little progress in his attempt to return from a right hamstring injury. His timetable has been pushed back again (through the All-Star break) and he and the team are currently considering a second platelet rich plasma treatment.

• Tyrus Thomas(notes) – Thomas was suspended for Saturday’s game for conduct detrimental to the team, but he’ll be back on the active roster Tuesday.

• Marcus Thornton(notes) – Thornton has missed the past two games because of a sore lower back. Jeff Bower said there is a chance that he’ll be back in the lineup Monday.

• Delonte West(notes) – West has been practicing with the Cavs and appears close to a return.

• Mo Williams(notes) – Williams remains on schedule to miss four to six weeks
with a left shoulder strain, suffered on Jan. 19.

—

Photos via Getty Images

News of the day and a look at some of the most popular of the current NBA trade rumors.

• Joakim Noah(notes) has been shut down "at least" through the
All-Star break in the hope that he can turn the tide in what has become
a losing battle with plantar fasciitis. It’s a big loss for the Bulls
and fantasy owners, but he clearly was starting to feel the affects.
While it’s wise to take advantage of the schedule and get Noah some
extended rest, having the next 11 days off provides no guarantees.
Here’s a quote from Vinny Del Negro:

"If you shut him down for two or three weeks, that doesn’t guarantee
it’s going to go away. That’s not how it works. It
takes a while to get rid of. You just have to battle through it, get
your therapy, wear your orthotics and let the trainers do their work."

Brad Miller(notes) will get the starts for the next four games, and what
makes him particularly interesting these days is that he’s suddenly
shooting more threes. Over the past six games, he’s made eight of 19
attempts from long range (42%) and averaged 12.3 points, 1.3 threes, 4
boards, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 26 minutes. Another reason to
consider Miller as a roster add – the Bulls’ first three games after
the break involve a back-to-back with New York and a visit to Minnesota
[ease rankings].

Tyrus Thomas(notes) should also see more opportunities
in the games to come – in 20 games since returning from injury, he’s
averaged 8.8 points on 46-percent shooting, 6.6 boards, 1.4 steals, and
1.8 blocks in 24 minutes per game. You’d hope for more offense at this
point, but those defensive numbers are big-time, and he’ll either be
playing for a bigger rotation spot moving forward or auditioning for
another team. Taj Gibson(notes) (16 minutes, 0 points Wednesday) is also
dealing with plantar fasciitis, but he’s not (yet) at a point where
they’ve discussed shutting him down.

• Phil Jackson said that it "occurred" to him during Kobe Bryant’s(notes) five-point effort Wednesday that it might be prudent to give him some down time to help him deal with a broken finger, strained elbow, back spasms, and sprained ankle. That’s why he gets paid the big bucks, people. Bryant will be in the lineup Friday – he wants to see "what it’s going to be like" according to Jackson – but fantasy owners should not be surprised if Kobe does eventually end up with a DNP or two. If they don’t come soon, his deteriorating physical condition could force the issue down the line.

• The Hornets’ official timetable for Chris Paul’s(notes) recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery is four to six weeks. He’ll be on crutches for two to three weeks, and how quickly he loses the crutches should help determine on which end of the overall timetable proves to be more accurate. If Paul is back in four weeks, it would be roughly 10 days before the start of the h2h playoffs … Marcus Thornton(notes) (back) will not play Friday but isn’t expected to miss extensive time because of his injury.

• Fantasy owners will want to pay attention to A.J. Price’s(notes) performance over the next two games, while he fills in for Earl Watson(notes) as the starter. Watson has been serviceable for the Pacers and they like his professionalism, but this serves an opportunity for them to get a closer look at Price [per-36 comparison]. An injury limited him in his final year in college, but he projects fairly well otherwise and we know he can hit the three (35% thus far). It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Price supplants Watson at some point down the line, and this certainly will qualify as his first audition. T.J. Ford(notes) will also see run for the first time in over a month, but the Pacers have been satisfied with their decision to remove him from the rotation thus far.

• Mike Dunleavy has stepped aside as the Clippers’ head coach.
He’ll concentrate on his duties as GM, while long-time assistant Kim
Hughes will take over as interim coach. One adjustment
Hughes said he’ll make is to have the Clips push the tempo and play
more to the strengths of Baron Davis(notes) – the team currently rests just below the league average in pace. 

• Status updates: Paul Pierce(notes) (foot) said he could play if it were a playoff game, but he’s currently targeting Sunday’s matchup with the Magic for his return … Carmelo Anthony(notes) (ankle) is out, currently targeting Tuesday … Brandon Roy(notes) (hamstring) will practice Friday and could play Saturday, depending on how his body reacts to the workout … Delonte West(notes) (finger) scrimmaged Friday but remains day-to-day for the Cavs.

• And now for some players and teams making trade rumor headlines:

Amar’e Stoudemire(notes): The latest news is that Amar’e may decide to opt in
for the final year of his contract, after all. This move is seen as
Stoudemire’s way of exerting some control over what has become a very
convoluted situation, whether he actually wants to stay in Phoenix or
not. The list of willing suitors shrinks in a scenario where he’s owed
~$18 million next season. The latest rumor is a potential deal with the 76ers.
If Amar’e were to be traded, you have to like the chances that Channing
Frye’s(notes) fantasy impact gets a boost, but any deal is also likely include
a big coming back. In general, things can’t get much better for
Stoudemire’s fantasy fortunes than playing in Phoenix, so I’d
anticipate a downgrade if he is moved.

Tracy McGrady(notes): I’ve
been under the assumption since the Rockets told T-Mac to go away that
he’d remain a Rocket through the deadline, be bought out, and then sign
somewhere as a free agent. Keep in mind that $23 million of new-found cap room is as useful
to the Rockets as anyone else, so they aren’t going to deal him unless
a trade is a no-brainer that nets them some actual talent. 

Carlos Boozer(notes): Why
I don’t see Boozer going anywhere: he’s played well, the team has
played well, and his expiring contract is as useful to Utah as anyone
else. His going away at the end of the season wouldn’t be Utah getting
"nothing" in return, as treating him like a rent-a-player would open the starting spot for
Paul Millsap(notes) next season and clear $12 million in cap space. 

Josh Howard(notes): Howard is in play, but what is the deal
that makes sense? And, at age 29, are we still sitting here waiting for
Howard to "break out"? He is what he is, and would be just that
anywhere other than Dallas, too. 

Kirk Hinrich(notes):
The Bulls really want to move Hinrich because he’s owed $17 million
over the next two seasons, and rumors have linked him to Portland,
Boston, and the Lakers. He’d likely play solid minutes no matter where
he ended up, and his current ownership level of 53 percent needs to
come up, regardless. A Hinrich deal could push John Salmons(notes) back into
the starting five, although Salmons is on the market, as well. Is Tyrus
Thomas?

Cleveland Cavaliers: The
Cavs appear to be fixated on acquiring either Antawn Jamison(notes) or Troy
Murphy(notes), either of which would help them stretch the floor on offense
and be solid on the defensive glass. There would be a bit less usage
available on the Cavs for either player, but it shouldn’t be a serious
downgrade in either case. The Cavs’ movable pieces would likely include
Zydrunas Ilgauskas(notes), J.J. Hickson(notes), and draft picks.

New York Knicks: The Knicks
still have grand plans for the coming off-season, and have big expiring
contracts in the form of Larry Hughes(notes), Al Harrington(notes), and Darko
Milicic(notes). But it’s hard to see anyone (else) wanting to pay Eddy Curry(notes)
$11 million or Jared Jeffries(notes) $7 million next season because an
expiring contract was also included in a deal (like Nate Robinson’s).(notes)
Factor in that the Knicks only want expiring contracts back themselves,
and it seems unlikely that another team is going to step in and do the
Knicks any favors. 

Portland Trail Blazers:
Juwan Howard(notes) has been serviceable, but this team is still in the
playoff mix and needs a truer center if they have any aspirations beyond
Round 1. Brendan Haywood(notes) and Brad Miller are the obvious options – vets
with expiring deals – but with Andre Miller(notes) likely to be the most
movable piece, a third team in need of a point guard may need to get
involved to get something done. A potential trade could also serve to
ease the logjam coming together at small forward.

Washington Wizards: Caron Butler(notes), Antawn Jamison, and Brendan Haywood appear to be in play,
and Mike Miller(notes) and Mike James(notes) represent expiring contracts. Andray
Blatche(notes) and JaVale McGee(notes) would benefit from playing time coming
available at the four/five, so add them to your Watch List as we move
closer to the deadline. 

—

Photos via Getty Images

Nate Robinson(notes) appears to have come full circle for Mike D’Antoni, the Knicks, and fantasy owners. 

• What a difference a month can make. Nate Robinson was a DNP-CD for all but one of the Knicks’ games in December, and now he’s been named the team’s starting point guard. Robinson played the entire second half at point for the Knicks Wednesday, finishing with 23 points, eight assists, and two steals in 35 minutes, and the Knicks outscored the Wizards 66-40 after halftime. Chris Duhon(notes) was just 1-of-6 on the night and has averaged 3.8 points on 23-percent shooting over his past 13 games. Mike D’Antoni said he likes the energy that Robinson can bring to the starting five, and added that he’ll be okay with Robinson making mistakes "as long as he is aggressive." After having totaled 15 minutes of playing time in January, Larry Hughes(notes) has also been added back into the rotation (18 minutes, 11 points Wednesday), so Duhon could now be the one who is saddled with numerous DNP-CDs. How long this arrangement lasts remains to be seen, but Robinson absolutely deserves universal ownership consideration as a starter in New York. 

• His grand total of one assist aside, Randy Foye(notes) was okay against the Knicks (31 minutes, 15 points, 1 three, 2 steals) in the follow-up to his stinker against the Celtics (18 minutes, 2 points). He was pulled against Boston because, according to Flip Saunders, he was struggling to defend Rajon Rondo(notes), but it remains in the Wizards’ best interests to continue to give Foye the lion’s share of the run at point guard, and it’s highly unlikely that the trade deadline does anything but provide him with more usage opportunities … Caron Butler(notes) sat out Wednesday with a left knee injury, but it’s not considered serious and he’s expected to at least attempt to play on Firday.  

• A question for you, the commenter: who has been the more disappointing Hawk this season, Mike Bibby(notes) or Marvin Williams(notes)? Bibby was serviceable at the start of the season but has lost minutes and usage to Jamal Crawford(notes), and his current season averages include 8.9 points on 41-percent shooting, 1.5 threes, 4.3 assists, 1.1 turnovers, and 0.9 steals in 27 minutes. The 23-year-old Williams has largely been a non-factor for the Hawks, and has regressed overall and on a per-minute basis. His season averages include 10.2 points on 44-percent shooting, 0.7 threes, 5.1 boards, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 30 minutes. Bibby was drafted earlier (ADPs of 69.4 and 101.1), but Williams was thought to be an eighth-round bargain because of his "upside", and that certainly hasn’t turned out to be the case.

• Joakim Noah’s(notes) plantar fasciitis has worsened to the point that the team has talked about shutting him down. Although Vinny Del Negro said the move is not imminent, they may be left with no choice if his condition continues to deteriorate:

"Yeah, absolutely. We’re just going to try to see what we can get out
of him until he can get some rest at the All-Star break. We’ll monitor
it every day. Some days, you feel better than others with it. We’ll use
him as much as he can move."

Noah’s minutes are down over the past eight games (28, versus 33 on the season) but he’s remained productive (11 points, 10.9 boards, 0.8 steals, 1.5 blocks). Brad Miller(notes) has seen more playing time recently and would be the starter if Noah eventually needs time off. Over the past six games, Miller has averaged 12.3 points, 1.3 threes, 4 boards, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 25 minutes. Noah’s injury concerns may or may not complicate Miller’s candidacy to be traded before the deadline, as well.

• Louis Williams(notes) remained a reserve for the 76ers Wednesday, despite Allen Iverson’s(notes) absence to be with his sick child (Iverson is expected to return to the team for Friday’s game). Eddie Jordan said the decision to start Willie Green(notes) over Williams was a "recommendation from the coaching staff," so take that however you see fit. Williams did end up with solid run (32 minutes, including all of the fourth quarter and overtime) and some production (14 points, 1 three, 3 steals), but as for now it appears that Williams is fourth in the pecking order among the guards in Philly. Jordan has mostly attributed Williams’ reserve role to defensive matchup issues that arise alongside Iverson, but his continued tinkering with his rotation (to put it lightly) makes it nearly impossible to project how things will work out over the season’s second half. I’d continue to roster Williams for now in standard leagues – the 76ers were 6-7 in his 13 games as a starter after returning from a broken jaw and are 3-3 since he was moved to the bench.

• The Celtics don’t expect Paul Pierce(notes) to play Friday, but he could return shortly thereafter. Tony Allen(notes) (27 minutes, 6 points, 6 boards, 2 steals Wednesday) is likely looking at at least one more start, and it shouldn’t shock anyone if the Celtics decide to be extra cautious and keep Pierce inactive leading up to the All-Star break.

• Marcus Thornton(notes) had an extremely productive game Wednesday (22 points, 2 threes, 6 assists, 0 turnovers, 1 steal, 2 blocks) but also suffered a hard fall in the fourth quarter and is questionable for Friday’s game because of a sore lower back … Darren Collison(notes) had a tough matchup in Russell Westbrook(notes) and finished with nine points on 4-of-12 shooting, nine assists, and five turnovers in 32 minutes.

• Jason Thompson(notes) missed Wednesday’s game
and will also be out Friday because of a family funeral. He’s expected
to rejoin the team in time for Sunday’s game in Toronto. 

• Tony Parker(notes) (ankle) is probable for the Spurs Thursday, meaning George Hill(notes) is likely to shift back to shooting guard.

• Ronny Turiaf(notes) replaced Anthony Tolliver(notes) as the starting power forward for the Warriors Wednesday, a move that may spell doom for Tolliver’s flirtations with fantasy relevance and could put Turiaf back on the radar. Turiaf didn’t do much against the Mavs (30 minutes, 2 points, 4 boards, 2 blocks) and you never know what Don Nelson is going to do from game to game, but Turiaf averaged 8.1 points in 56-percent shooting, 6 boards, 2.8 assists, 1 turnover, 0.6 steals, and 1.8 blocks in his 26 starts last season.

• Brandon Roy(notes) will be a game-time decision when the Blazers take on the Spurs Thursday … Yet another reason to attempt to sell high on Martell Webster(notes) (20 points, 3 treys, 2 steals Wednesday): Travis Outlaw(notes) has made significant progress in his return from a stress fracture in his left foot and is on target to rejoin the Blazers’ rotation by the end of February.

• Nazr Mohammed(notes) has been starting for the Bobcats for over a month, with only sporadic bouts of production, and his 23-point, 17-rebound effort against the Lakers Wednesday should not be seen as anything but a one-off situation. He played 40 minutes against the large Lakers’ front line and had more rebound opportunities with Gerald Wallace(notes) out with a sore left hamstring. The Bobcats are off Thursday and Friday, and G-Wall is hopeful that he’ll be back in the lineup Saturday (NOR). Tyson Chandler(notes) is finally getting close to a return, so Mohammed is a bit late to the party.

• Kobe Bryant(notes) seems to be about at his breaking point in terms
of injuries. The broken right index finger is an ever-present issue,
he’s still dealing with a sore lower back, and now his left ankle
sprain is "back to square one"
after he aggravated it on Wednesday. Kobe was 2-for-12 in the game and
finished with five points despite 37 minutes of playing time (0-of-2
FT). It’s unlikely that Kobe is considering any kind of down time in an
attempt to get closer to 100 percent, but at his current pace it seems
like he may eventually be left with no choice.

• Carmelo Anthony(notes) missed his sixth straight game Wednesday and is still dealing with swelling and soreness in his left ankle. Anthony doesn’t want to give it a go before he’s 100 percent and expects to miss two more games,
with Tuesday (DAL) his current target for a return. Joey Graham(notes) will
continue to start in Anthony’s absence, but has no fantasy relevance
outside the absolute deepest of leagues.

• The Raptors are off until Sunday (SAC). Jay Triano expects
to have Hedo Turkoglu(notes) and DeMar DeRozan(notes) back for that game, but Jose
Calderon’s(notes) status is up in the air. He had an MRI on his sprained right
ankle Wednesday night, and the results have yet to be made known. 

—

Photos via Getty Images

Thanks for the quick Paul Pierce(notes) status update, Boston. Now what about Chris Paul(notes), New Orleans?

• Tony Allen’s(notes) percent-owned figure went on a meteoric rise from
one percent to four percent over the past few hours, in the wake of
reports that Paul Pierce’s left foot may have been broken. It turns out that Pierce has just a mid-foot strain
and is day-to-day. It appears unlikely that Pierce will play Wednesday,
meaning Allen is likely to get the start, but Pierce shouldn’t be out
long, even though the team won’t rush him back.

• The Hornets are expected to update Chris Paul’s status on Wednesday. Several top orthopedists are reviewing Paul’s MRI, and Jeff Bower said the team is "in the process of finalizing things" regarding the next course of action. Expectations are that Paul will be out at least a month because of cartilage damage in his left knee, but we won’t know for sure until the team gets around to releasing something definitive. In the meantime, Darren Collison(notes) merits near-universal ownership.

**Wednesday Update** Paul will undergo arthroscopic surgery Thursday to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee. Paul will likely miss a month of action, although the team said a specific time frame for his return will not be set until after the surgery.

• The Raptors were without starters Hedo Turkoglu(notes) and DeMar DeRozan(notes) in their 130-115 loss to the Pacers Tuesday. Chris Bosh(notes) (35), Andrea Bargnani(notes) (34), and Belinelli (21) scored 90 of the team’s points, as the rest of the team combined to make seven of 36 shots (19%) … Jose Calderon(notes) sprained his ankle in the loss and is a decent bet to miss Wednesday’s game. Turkoglu may return Wednesday with a mask to protect his broken orbital bone, while DeRozan is likely to remain out through the weekend.

• The Pacers got solid numbers from all their starters in the win over the Raptors, including Earl Watson(notes), who turned in his first double-double of the season (15 points, 11 assists, 2 steals). Brandon Rush(notes) hit three more treys and has now averaged 14.4 points and 2.7 threes over the past seven games.

• A tough night for the Grizzlies in their follow-up to a big win over the Lakers on Monday. The Cavs held them to 38-percent shooting, and they made just two of 14 threes in the 105-89 loss. 

• LeBron James(notes) set the tone for the Cavs, scoring 22 points and dishing 15 assists. Daniel Gibson(notes) made his sixth straight start at point guard (16 points, 2 threes), and has averaged 13.5 points and 2.7 threes in the six games. Meanwhile, the Cavs still have no timetable regarding Delonte West’s(notes) return from a broken finger.

• The Bucks one-upped the Grizz in terms of offensive woes on the evening, shooting just 36 percent in the 99-82 loss to the Magic. The lowlights featured what was arguably Brandon Jennings’(notes) worst game of the season (2 points, 1-of-7 shooting, 4 assists) and 2-of-13 shooting from Carlos Delfino(notes).

• Vince Carter(notes) had his best game in over a month, scoring 17 points and adding two threes, 10 boards, seven assists, one steal, and one block in 40 minutes. It was his first double-double of the season, and VC admitted before the game that his shoulder is still not 100 percent … Jameer Nelson(notes) was a game-time decision because of his hyper-extended left knee and ended up not playing. The Magic have the next two days off and then play five games in seven days, so this may have been at least partially precautionary, but there aren’t many reasons for Nelson’s fantasy owners to be feeling good these days. Jason Williams(notes) was solid in Nelson’s stead (33 minutes, 11 points, 2 threes, 5 boards, 5 assists, 0 turnovers, 3 steals). 

• Richard Hamilton(notes) had seven more assists Tuesday (along with 22 points, 1 three, and five boards) and has now averaged 6.8 over his past 10 games. Hamilton has adjusted his game alongside the more scoring-oriented Rodney Stuckey(notes), and his season average of 5.2 assists is a career high and leads the Pistons.

• Devin Harris(notes) returned to the Nets’ lineup in strong fashion (39 minutes, 24 points, 5 boards, 14 assists, 3 turnovers) but wasn’t enough to propel the Nets to their fifth win of the season. And neither was Brook Lopez’s(notes) 27 points, 7 boards, and two blocks … Chris Douglas-Roberts(notes) was moved to the bench for Jarvis Hayes(notes), in what is being called an effort to create more looks for CDR with the team’s second unit. He took one shot and scored zero points on 10 minutes Tuesday, so the initial results were not good.

• Interestingly enough, Yi Jianlian(notes) led the Nets as a +8 in the four-point loss, but was 1-of-12 from the floor and did not log an assist. How long ago do those solid games he posted immediately upon his return from a knee injury seem now? In 15 games since January 2, his averages include 12.7 points on 37-percent shooting, 0.3 threes, 6.5 boards, 0.9 assists, 1.7 turnovers, 0.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks. 

• Don’t overlook Chicago when settling on your pick for the worst offensive performance as a team of the night. The Bulls made 38 percent of their shots in the 90-82 loss to the Clippers while logging more turnovers (19) than assists (18). Brad Miller(notes) followed up an intriguing four-game stretch (15.8 points, 1.8 threes) with three points on 1-of-7 shooting in 24 minutes. Oh yeah, and Joakim Noah’s(notes) plantar fasciitis isn’t getting any better. 

• Chris Kaman(notes) was big-time in his return from two games off with an ankle sprain, scoring 21 points and adding 11 boards and a block in a non-conservative 41 minutes. My advice: add him to your Trading Block immediately … And just when it seems like you should kick Rasual Butler(notes) to the curb, he goes and posts another solid line (36 minutes, 16 points, 3 treys, 1 steal, 2 blocks).

• Tuesday was just the sixth game of the season in which Mike Bibby(notes) (32 minutes, 12 points, 2 threes, 4 boards, 6 assists, 1 turnover) scored more points than Jamal Crawford(notes) (28 minutes, 9 points, 1 three) and was the first time it had happened since January 1. 

• Corey Maggette(notes) was out Tuesday for the Warriors because of a hip pointer and is day-to-day … Don Nelson said he’s shutting down Vladimir Radmanovic(notes) – calling his recent play "disgraceful" – because of his sore Achilles tendon. Look for Anthony Tolliver(notes) to keep getting playing time as a result. Coby Karl(notes) could get some more run, too, and he’s averaged 9 points, 4 boards, 6.5 assists, 1.5 turnovers, and 1.5 steals in two games since joining the Warriors from the D-League.

• Tony Parker(notes) (ankle, plantar fasciitis) will travel with the team
on its eight-game road trip, which starts Wednesday and runs through
February 21. While he’s expected to be back on the active roster
sometime during the trip, when exactly that will be has yet to be
determined. George Hill(notes) will continue to fill in at point guard while
Parker is sidelined.

• Wednesday status updates: Carmelo Anthony(notes) (ankle) is expected to return to the lineup … Tyreke Evans(notes) expects to play, despite a bruised left hip and a sore right ankle … Al Harrington(notes) (knee) is questionable.

—

Photos via Getty Images

Setting the stage for Week 15 of the fantasy basketball season.

Schedule Breakdown

Four-game teams: ATL, BOS, CHI, DEN, LAL, MEM, MIA, MIL, NJN, NOR, POR, SAC, WAS

Three-game teams: CHA, CLE, DAL, DET, GSW, HOU, IND, LAC, NYK, OKC, ORL, PHI, PHO, SAS, TOR, UTH

Two-game teams: MIN

Also see: Basketball Monster’s ease rankings | Rotowire’s value meter

Pickups/Plug-ins – Players owned in fewer than 40% of Yahoo! leagues

• Marcus Thornton(notes) – The Devin Brown(notes) trade has cleared the way
for Thornton to take over as the Hornets’ starting shooting guard, and
he hasn’t disappointed. In his four starts since the trade, the rookie
has averaged 17.8 points, 2.3 threes (50%), 92-percent foul shooting,
4.3 boards, and 1.1 steals-plus-blocks in 39 minutes. Thornton’s
overall line may not be massive, but you can pencil him in among the
league’s leaders in threes made from here on out. Week 15: PHO, OKC, PHI, @CHA

• Brandon Rush(notes) – So maybe Rush just needed a few months before he was ready to live up to preseason expectations. He’s back in the Pacers’ starting lineup, monopolizing the team’s minutes at shooting guard, hitting lots of threes, and putting up very useful fantasy numbers overall. Over the past five games, he’s averaged 14.8 points, 2.8 threes (48%), 5.4 boards, 0.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 36 minutes. Rush appears poised to be a real second-half difference maker, just as he was last season. Week 15: TOR, DET, @MIL

• George Hill(notes) – Hill has been in the starting lineup for the Spurs for each of the past six games, averaging 15.5 points on 49-percent shooting, 1.3 threes, 2.7 assists, 1.2 turnovers, and 1 steal in 33 minutes. He’s currently running the point in place of the injured Tony Parker(notes), but his role as a starter in general seems very secure, and Parker’s issues with plantar fasciitis only serve to reinforce Hill’s long-term fantasy potential. Week 15: @SAC, @POR, @LAC

• Goran Dragic(notes) – Dragic inherited Leandro Barbosa’s(notes) role of instant offense off the bench when Barbosa went under the knife, and it’s a role he’s taken to very well. Over the past four games, Dragic has averaged 19.3 points on 63-percent shooting, 3 treys, 84-percent foul shooting, 2.5 assists, 1.8 turnovers, and 1 steal in 24 minutes. As with Barbosa, some matchups will lend themselves more towards his skills than others, but overall the numbers should continue to look good. Week 15: @NOR, @DEN, @SAC

• Anthony Tolliver(notes) – Tolliver has averaged 14.7 points on
58-percent shooting, 1 three, and 9 boards in his three starts and is
the only Warrior to have posted back-to-back double-doubles on the
season. His willingness to defend and rebound should give him the edge
over Vladimir Radmanovic(notes) for playing time, and there’s upside any time
you are talking about a reasonably athletic big with three-point
abilities in the Warriors’ system. There are certainly worse ways to
speculate with a roster spot. Week 15: @HOU, @DAL, OK

• Kris Humphries(notes) – Humphries has established himself as a key
reserve for the Nets, averaging 26 minutes over the past seven games.
During that time he’s posted numbers that include 13.9 points on
51-percent shooting, 6.1 boards, and 1.3 steals-plus-blocks. How much
upside you see here should be directly tied to how likely you think it
is that Yi Jianlian(notes) will remain both healthy and productive in the
season’s second half. Week 15: DET, @TOR, @BOS, @DET

• Arron Afflalo(notes) – Afflalo has endeared himself to George Karl and his teammates with a very productive January. In 14 games, he’s averaged 11.9 points on 52-percent shooting, 2.2 threes, 3 boards, and 1.2 steals-plus-blocks in 29 minutes. While there’s not significant upside here alongside the team’s usage hogs, there’s also not significant downside because he’s locked in as the starting shooting guard. Week 15: SAC, PHO, @LAL, @UTH

• Craig Smith(notes) – While Smith’s playing time has been a bit erratic in recent weeks, his averages over the past nine games (13.8 points, 60% FG, 5.3 boards) should have deep-leaguers taking notice. If Chris Kaman’s(notes) current ankle injury could be a sign of more issues to come, and Smith is among the major benefactors when Kaman misses time. Week 15: @CHI, @ATL, SAS

• Keyon Dooling(notes) – Dooling has averaged 9.5 points, 1.5 threes, 5 assists, 1.8 turnovers, and 1 steal in his four starts on the season, and the Nets are not going to bring Devin Harris(notes) back before he’s absolutely ready. He’s a solid short-term add for the Nets’ upcoming four-game week. Week 15: DET, @TOR, @BOS, @DET

Status Updates

• Carmelo Anthony(notes) – Anthony has missed the past three games with a sprained left ankle, but he’s optimistic that he’ll return Sunday against the Spurs. He practiced Saturday but will see how he feels after Sunday’s pregame workout before a final decision is made.

• Leandro Barbosa – Barbosa is expected to miss three to five more weeks due to surgery to remove a cyst from his right wrist.

• Michael Beasley(notes) – Beasley has missed the past two games because of a hyperextended right knee. He’s hopeful that he’ll be able to return Monday, but he’s yet to try serious jumping and cutting and questionable at this point.

• Carlos Boozer(notes) – Boozer is currently out with a right calf strain. He’ll be re-evaluated Monday, after which should see a timeframe for his return emerge, but odds are that he’ll be out most (if not all) of Week 15.

• Tyson Chandler(notes) – Chandler (foot) has been working out and is hoping to return to practices sometime in the coming week.

• Tyreke Evans(notes) – Evans was limited to four points in 29 minutes Saturday because of a sore left hip. Consider him day-to-day and look for updates in advance of the Kings’ Monday game.

• Francisco
Garcia(notes) – Garcia suffered a setback Thursday when he fell on his right wrist
in practice. While there was optimism in
recent weeks that he’d be able to return around February 1, there is no
specific timetable and Paul Westphal simply said "He’ll be ready when
he’s ready." The small forward position remains in flux
for the Kings, but standard-leaguers who recently rostered Garcia won’t
be faulted if they make a move here and look for more immediate help.

• Al Harrington(notes) – Harrington missed Saturday’s game because of a sore left knee and is questionable for Sunday’s game.

• Devin
Harris – Harris continues to deal with pain in his wrist when he shoots from any distance and could sit out at least the Nets’ next two games. He played with tendinitis in the wrist for a month that was then complicated when he fell on it on January 22, and the team has no interest in putting him back on the court before he’s closer to 100 percent. Keyon Dooling will continue to start for as long as Harris sits.

• Chris Kaman – Kaman missed Friday’s game with a sprained left ankle and is questionable for Sunday. 

• Kyle Lowry(notes) – Lowry will be sidelined for at least a week by a sprained left knee.

• Anthony Morrow(notes) – Morrow (knee) is out for at least another week and will be re-evaluated on February 6.

• Steve Nash(notes) – Nash sat out two days of practice over the weekend for precautionary reasons because of a lower-abdominal strain, but he’s probable for Sunday.

• Jermaine O’Neal(notes) – Although O’Neal has been dealing with a hyperextended left knee, there has not been talk of him missing any games.

• Tony Parker – Parker (ankle) will miss his second consecutive game Sunday, but could be back for the Spurs’ following game (Wednesday).

• Chris Paul(notes) – Paul missed Saturday’s game because of a bruised left knee. The injury is not serious and he’s currently day-to-day.

• Leon Powe(notes) – Powe, just under nine months removed from ACL replacement and microfracture surgery on his left knee, has resumed practicing and is expected to be added to the Cavs’ active roster sometime after the All-Star break.

• Anthony Randolph(notes) – Randolph’s multiple left ankle injuries are expected to sideline him for about two months, a timeframe Don Nelson called "pretty close" to season-ending.

• Brandon Roy(notes) – Roy (hamstring) will not play Monday, but could return during the team’s back-to-back games in the middle of the week.

• Dwyane Wade(notes) – Wade played through back spasms Saturday, saying that it was "tight the whole night." He’s hoping that it will loosen up by the time the Heat play Monday, and there has yet to be talk of him missing any games.

• Delonte West(notes) – The Cavs remain cryptic when it comes to West’s status – some of him teammates thought he would be back already, but he’s out again Sunday and is still being called day-to-day.

• Mo Williams(notes) – Williams will miss four to six weeks
with a left shoulder strain, suffered on January 19.
He’s due to be re-evaluated sometime this week, at which point we should have a
more precise timeframe for his return.

—

Photos via Getty Images

Paul Millsap(notes) was huge in Carlos Boozer’s(notes) absence Friday, and nobody was expecting anything different.

• Carlos Boozer’s calf strain has been designated as moderate – there is a slight tear in the muscle, but all things considered it’s "not as bad as it could have been." He missed Friday’s game and will be re-evaluated on Monday, at which time the team should have a better read on how quickly things might heal and how much longer he’s expected to be sidelined. Paul Millsap got the start Friday and went off, posting a line that included 32 points, 14 boards and seven assists in 43 minutes.

Jerry Sloan heaped the praise on Millsap after the game and added that "He needs to get more minutes." There won’t be a shortage of minutes while Boozer is out and he’s been effective as a sub this season (26 minutes, 10.4 points, 55% FG, 6.0 boards, 1.7 steals-plus-blocks as a reserve), but fantasy owners are very likely to have to wait until next season before Millsap is pushing starters’ minutes. Boozer’s departure from the Jazz is close to inevitable, but his current injury and likelihood to test free agent waters, with or without a change of address at the trade deadline, makes it much more likely that it will happen this off-season. 

• Brandon Roy’s(notes) return from his hamstring injury has been pushed back yet again. He’s already been ruled out through the weekend, and Nate McMillan said it would be a surprise if he were available Monday. His new targets are now either Wednesday (@UTH) or Thursday (SAS). … Rudy Fernandez(notes) took his turn in attempting to pick up the slack for Roy on Friday, scoring 25 points in his 25 minutes of playing time (5 threes, 5 boards, 1 steal, 1 block).

• Nicolas Batum(notes) had another solid showing Friday (28 minutes, 12 points, 1 three, 9 boards, 5 assists, 1 steal) and outplayed starter Martell Webster(notes) (21 minutes, 2 points, 1-of-7 FG). Although he was the expected starter before a shoulder injury cost him roughly three months of action, Nate McMillan isn’t in a hurry to swap out Webster and Batum. Although there figures to be fewer minutes available for all parties when Roy is back, there is another lineup possibility that could help Batum deliver some consistent fantasy impact, via The Oregonian:

McMillan has batted around the idea of playing Batum at power forward,
so it’s at least a possibility that McMillan could start Webster and
Batum at forward and slide LaMarcus Aldridge(notes) over to center ­—
particularly against a team with a small front court like the Rockets. But McMillan resisted the idea on Friday. He said he likes Batum’s
production off the bench, particularly as he continues to search for
consistent play from both first and second units.

• Chris Kaman(notes) missed Friday’s game with an ankle injury that is not considered serious. He felt good enough to test it in warmups but wasn’t happy with how strong it felt. He hopes to be back in the lineup Monday. 

• Welcome back, Kevin Martin(notes). After having made just one field
goal in three consecutive games, K-Mart delivered a more expected line
Friday (33 points, 4 threes, 9-of-9 FT, 7 boards, 2 steals). His
production did not limit Tyreke Evans(notes) (25 points, 13-of-15 FT, 6
assists, 2 steals), but the backcourt pair got little help from their
teammates in the 101-94 loss.

• Francisco Garcia(notes) suffered a setback Thursday when he fell on his right wrist in practice. While he technically didn’t suffer any futher injury, the fall compounded soreness that he has been feeling while he’s been practicing with the team and has forced him and the team to re-focus on a cautious approach regarding his return. While there was optimism in recent weeks that he’d be able to return around Feb. 1, there is no specific timetable and Paul Westphal simply said "He’ll be ready when he’s ready." The small forward position remains in flux for the Kings, but standard-leaguers who recently rostered Garcia won’t be faulted if they make a move here and look for more immediate help. 

• Brandon Rush’s(notes) solid production in big minutes continued Friday (12 points, 2 threes, 6 boards, 1 steal, 2 blocks). Over the past nine games, he’s averaged 13 points on 52-percent shooting, 2.1 threes, 4.9 boards, and 1.4 steals-plus-blocks in 33 minutes. … Troy Murphy(notes) has been starting at center for the Pacers in recent games, but was pushed to the bench for the matchup with Shaquille O’Neal(notes) and the Cavs, who proceeded to trounce the Pacers 94-73.

• Marcus Thornton(notes) hit five threes Friday (20 points, 5 boards, 1 steal) and his averages in three games since joining the Hornets’ starting five include 19 points on 54-percent shooting, 3 treys, 89-percent foul shooting, and 1 steal in 40 minutes.

• Maybe a stern talking-to was exactly what J.R. Smith(notes) needed to turn things around. He hit 5-of-10 threes Friday (18 points, 2 steals) and has averaged 17.3 points, 3.3 threes, 4.7 boards, and 2.3 steals in 32 minutes over the past three games. … Carmelo Anthony(notes) (ankle) missed his third straight game Friday and his status for Sunday should be established sometime on Saturday. 

• George Hill(notes) was effective while filling in for Tony Parker(notes) on Friday (18 points, 5 assists, 2 turnovers, 3 steals, 1 block) and should be running the point for at least a few more games. Over his past six games (all starts), Hill has averaged 15.5 points on 49-percent shooting, 1.3 threes, 2.7 assists, 1.2 turnovers, and 1 steal in 33 minutes. 

• Anthony Tolliver(notes) was back in the starting lineup Friday and delivered exactly the kind of line (27 minutes, 13 points, 1 three, 6 boards, 1 steal, 1 block) that could make him a sneaky-good roster add moving forward. Of course, the Warriors were beaten handily by the Bobcats in the contest (121-110) and Don Nelson’s opinion of Vladimir Radmanovic(notes) seems to change by the day. As it stands, Tolliver is a good "system" fit is the team’s best option at power forward, a move that would allow Corey Maggette(notes) to continue his high-level production at small forward, his "natural" position.

• Devin Harris(notes) (wrist) missed his third consecutive game Friday, but Kiki Vandeweghe said that Harris might be able to return either Sunday or Tuesday.

• Saturday status updates: Chris Paul(notes) (knee) is questionable. … Michael Beasley(notes) (knee) is questionable.

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