Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Much of this is Fantasy Basketball News
However, it is great info/capping material which keeps you in the know......
Crunch Time
There are officially five weeks remaining in fantasy basketball, so we are officially in crunch-time. Waiver-wire gems continue to pop up left and right though, so it's key to continue to manage your rosters as we approach our fantasy playoffs. Guys like Brian Cook, Eddie Jones, Chuck Hayes, Earl Watson and Willie Green have picked up their games late and are worthy additions down the stretch. In this edition of The Week Ahead, we'll touch on these players, as well as recap the latest on the injury front for Joe Johnson, Jason Kapono, Delonte West and Jermaine O'Neal, as well as break down the entire league's schedule for week 20.
[SIZE=+1]Keep An Eye On: [/SIZE]
statistics exclusively from 2/22 ? 3/7:
The Blazers have been a very pleasant surprise in the West this season, and have a bright future with their nucleus of young players. Coach Nate McMillan just awarded the starting center duties to rookie LaMarcus Aldridge and the No. 2 selection has responded. The 21-year-old is averaging 13 PPG and 6.2 RPG over the past couple weeks, including his first 30-point performance. In fact, he's never even had a 20-point game. He'll get steady minutes the rest of the way and is going to be something special down the road.
In a perfect world for Phil Jackson, Brian Cook would be coming off the bench sparingly, while Lamar Odom and Luke Walton got the majority of minutes at the swingman positions. However, injuries have put a damper on the zen master's ideal plans. With Odom possibly out for the season and Walton out at least another week, Cook has been awarded a large role in L.A.'s offense once again. He's averaging 18.7 PPG, 9 RPG and 1.7 BPG the past three contests and is one of the most popular pickups in fantasy now. He should continue to have value the final couple months, so scoop up the lanky forward.
The Jazz have been getting some steady scoring from veteran Matt Harpring recently as they continue to cruise away with the Northwest Division (41-19, 11 games in front of Denver). The scrappy forward is averaging a respectable 17.6 PPG on 56% shooting over his past seven contests. Utah will be on an east-coast road trip in week 20 and Harpring is a nice option with the four-game slate.
Sonics coach Bob Hill has been known to shake things up from time to time, and fantasy owners know that Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis are the only two players in Seattle you can always count on, when healthy. Most recently, Luke Ridnour has lost his value with a demotion to the bench in favor of Earl Watson. The new starting point guard is averaging a cool 11.6 PPG, 5.5 APG and 1.5 SPG, while hitting 12 3-pointers over his past eight games. With Ridnour dealing with a pain in the neck ? and I'm not referring to Hill's coaching style ? Watson will continue to be a decent No. 3 fantasy guard.
It took an injury to Rodney Carney to give Willie Green his starting role again, but the fourth-year guard has made the most of his opportunity. He's 16 PPG in his past four contests and will continue being a mainstay with coach Mo Cheeks' first unit for the foreseeable future due to his fine play. The Sixers are slated for four contests next week, so expect strong numbers from Green ? use him as your No. 3 guard.
[SIZE=+1]Game Totals in Week 20: [/SIZE]
Five games: none
Four games: BOS, CHA, DAL, DET, HOU, LAC, MIA, NJ, ORL, PHI, PHO, POR, SAC, TOR, UTA
Three games: ATL, CHI, CLE, DEN, GS, IND, LAL, MEM, MIL, MIN, NO, NY, SA, SEA
Two games: WAS
[SIZE=+1]Interesting Matchups: [/SIZE]
Monday, March 12 - Houston @ Phoenix:
It's your classic confrontation ? offense vs. defense? The Rockets enter Monday's contest with the No. 2 ranked defense in the league, surrendering a paltry 90.8 PPG, while the high-powered Suns are scoring a jaw dropping 110.7 PPG ? more than five PPG more than any other squad. With Yao Ming back in the fold, Houston is a team to be reckoned heading into the postseason.
Wednesday, March 14 - Phoenix @ Dallas:
Who gets your vote for MVP this season? Dirk Nowitzki or Steve Nash? They are undoubtedly the top two selections for the awards. After being teammates for six seasons in Dallas, the two superstars remain very close friends. It's amazing to believe that the Mavs actually landed both players on the same night ? Draft Day 1998 ? before Nash returned to Phoenix as a free agent in 2004. To this point, Dallas has the best record in the league (51-9, 16 straight wins), while the Suns have the second-best (44-14).
Thursday, March 15 - L.A. Lakers @ Denver:
Thursday's TNT matchup consists of three of the top-five scorers in the game. Carmelo Anthony leads the way with a 30.2 PPG average, while defending scoring champion, Kobe Bryant, ranks right behind him at 29.2 PPG. Allen Iverson has fallen to No. 5, but is averaging five points less with Denver than he was in Philly. In his career, the Answer has four scoring titles ? only Michael Jordan (10) and Wilt Chamberlain (seven) have more.
Saturday, March 17 - Phoenix @ Denver:
Saturday's tilt between the Nuggets and Suns is assured to be a fast paced, high-scoring barnburner. The fantasy stud-trios of Melo, Iverson and Marcus Camby will go toe-to-toe with Shawn Marion, Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire. Phoenix won their only meeting this year, 113-108, led by 36 points and 13 boards from Amare.
Sunday, March 18 - Dallas @ Detroit:
Sunday's A.B.C. matinee matchup between the Mavs and Pistons features the No. 1 seeds in each conference, and possibly a preview of this year's Finals. It also features the losers of each of the past two championships. In February, Detroit went 10-1, while the Mavs cruised to a perfect 10-0 mark. Dallas has quietly won 37 of the past 39 games now ? the best run in the history of the league.
[SIZE=+1]Team-by-Team Injuries/Schedule: [/SIZE]
Atlanta Hawks PHI, @bos, @ind
Joe Johnson (leg) ? might be out for the season
Marvin Williams (back) ? day-to-day
Speedy Claxton (knee) ? day-to-day, might be out for the season
Johnson could be out three to four weeks, and possibly the rest of the season with a deep contusion in his right calf muscle. J.J. was kicked by Esteban Batista Monday vs. Miami and was later kneed in the thigh by Eddie Jones. A hematoma formed under the calf muscle later that night, and Johnson had to go to the hospital the next morning. If he doesn't get some rest, it's possible he could develop compartment syndrome, which occurs when the blood builds up in the pocket between the muscle and the bone, requiring draining. In his absence, look for Josh Childress and Salim Stoudamire to see an increase in scoring.
Boston Celtics @chi, ATL, @dal, @sa
Theo Ratliff (back) ? out for the season
Tony Allen (knee) ? out for the season
Wally Szczerbiak (ankle) ? out for the season
Ryan Gomes (foot) ? day-to-day, doubtful for Friday
Delonte West (concussion) ? day-to-day, doubtful for Friday
Charlotte Bobcats ORL, SAC, LAC, @mil
Othella Harrington (knee) ? might return in early March
Sean May (knee) ? out until at least mid-March
Emeka Okafor (calf) ? out indefinitely, might return in week 20
Brevin Knight (abdominal) ? day-to-day
Monday's contest would have featured one of the best up-and-coming rivalries in the league, but it looks like it won't happen now because of a nagging calf injury to Okafor. Dwight Howard and Okafor represent two of the best young bigmen in the game; they were selected No. 1 and 2 in the 2003 draft and then righteously finished 1 and 2 in the Rookie of the Year balloting later that year. This season, both players rank in the top-five in rebounding and are double-double threats every time they lace 'em up. Okafor has been out since Feb. 24, but it sounds like there is a slim chance he could return in week 20.
Chicago Bulls BOS, @phi, @mem
Andres Nocioni (foot) ? hoping to return in early April
Malik Allen (heart) ? day-to-day
Cleveland Cavaliers SAC, @mem, UTA
Daniel Gibson (toe) ? out until mid-March
Dallas Mavericks @gs, PHO, BOS, @det
After starting out 0-4, Dallas has gone 51-5 since. That's ri-freakin-diculous and is also the best run in the history of the NBA. 70 wins are a realistic goal for the best squad in the game. They'll be tested with games against Detroit and Phoenix this week. The Pistons are one of the few squads that actually have beaten them since the first week of the season.
Denver Nuggets POR, LAL, PHO
Kenyon Martin (knee) ? out for the season
J.R. Smith (knee) ? questionable for Fri vs. Det
Carmelo Anthony (personal) ? day-to-day
Melo missed Wednesday's game against Golden State in order to be present for the birth of his first child, but is expected back for Friday's game against Detroit. Earlier in the week, coach George Karl hinted that he might be removing the league's leading scorer from the starting lineup because he hasn't liked Anthony's attitude and play recently. "I think that's the next move," Karl said of the possibility. "I've told 'Melo in the last two weeks. 'I don't think you're listening as well as you need to listen.' For me, the next step is to change the democracy back to a dictatorship." The Nuggets have gone just 9-12 since he's returned from his 15-game suspension and, despite their immense talent, they are on the bubble for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.
Detroit Pistons @sea, @por, @pho, DAL
Lindsey Hunter (suspension) ? out 10 games
Rasheed Wallace (ankle) ? day-to-day, questionable for Fri vs. Den
Golden St. Warriors DAL, MIN, @ sea
It's been a long, cruel season for Jason Richardson this year. After a slow start due to conditioning and getting acclimated with his new coach and teammates, JRich then missed a month and a half due to a broken hand, he's finally putting up the numbers that we expected from him. His scoring improved in each of his first five seasons in the pros, but Richardson is currently averaging a career-worst 14.1 PPG at this point. Following 28-point and 29-point performances this week, that is steadily climbing though. Over the past couple weeks, he's posting 18.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG and 4.0 APG, and is once again an elite fantasy alternative.
Houston Rockets @pho, LAC, @tor, @phi
Bob Sura (knee surgery) ? out indefinitely, might be out for the season
Bonzi Wells (eye) ? day-to-day
Dikembe Mutombo (knee) ? day-to-day
Indiana Pacers @min, WAS, ATL
Jermaine O'Neal (knee) ? day-to-day
Marquis Daniels (knee) ? day-to-day
O'Neal aggravated a persistent knee injury on Wednesday, but contrary to prior reports that had him out for a week, he is officially listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Philadelphia. He underwent an MRI Thursday and the results are expected back sometime Friday. Let's hope the injury the news isn't as bad as it was for Joe Johnson, Lamar Odom or Dwyane Wade recently.
L.A. Clippers @sa, @hou, @cha, @nj
Shaun Livingston (knee) ? out for the season
Sam Cassell (groin, ankle) ? day-to-day, hopes to return Fri
Zeljko Rebraca (back) ? out indefinitely
Quinton Ross (hip) ? day-to-day
Cassell (strained abdominal, strained groin) who said he hopes to be ready Friday's game, but could remain out until the Clippers begin their final big trip Tuesday at San Antonio. Look for recently acquired Jason Hart to take over the starting point guard job if Cassell misses more time.
L.A. Lakers @den, POR, MIN
Vladimir Radmanovic (shoulder) ? likely out for regular season
Chris Mihm (ankle) ? out for the season
Luke Walton (ankle) ? hoping to play 3/15 vs. Den
Lamar Odom (shoulder) ? might be out for the season
Ronny Turiaf (back) ? day-to-day
Kwame Brown (ankle) ? day-to-day, out Friday
Walton was ruled out for the rest of the Lakers' road trip because of a sprained right ankle that has also been racked by tendinitis. He's hoping to return for next Thursday's contests against the Nuggets. With Odom also sidelined, Brian Cook will continue getting regular minutes at small forward. Odom will wait two to three weeks before deciding a course of action for his torn labrum. It's a similar injury to Dwyane Wade, so he's hoping to return by the end of the regular season to be ready for the playoffs, but feel free to drop him unless you have room on your reserves. ? Kwame Brown (ankle) returned Tuesday night after sitting out the previous two months. He might have come back too early though, as the Philadelphia Enquirer is listing him as out for Friday's contest. That will mean more minutes for Andrew Bynum in the middle.
Memphis Grizzlies NJ, CLE, CHI
Chucky Atkins (ankle) ? day-to-day, might return Sat vs. Cha
Brian Cardinal (knee surgery) ? out for the season
Miami Heat UTA, @nj, SAC, ORL
Dwyane Wade (shoulder) ? hoping to return just before playoffs
Jason Kapono (ankle) ? might return in mid-March
Wayne Simien (salmonella) ? out indefinitely
Dorell Wright (flu) ? day-to-day
Kapono, who suffered a high left ankle sprain on Monday, will be reevaluated in 10 days and is expected to miss at least six games. Coach Pat Riley said that he would be out for an indefinite stretch, adding, "It's going to be a while." In his absence, look for Antoine Walker or James Posey to get extra burn. Walker pitched in with 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists on Wednesday, but is infamously known as a streaky player, while Posey started, logged 37 minutes and drew an impressive four charges on the defensive side of the ball.
Milwaukee Bucks TOR, SA, CHA
Bobby Simmons (heel) ? out for the season
Dan Gadzuric (shoulder) ? return late March
Earl Boykins (thumb) ? out until at least late March
Minnesota Timberwolves IND, @gs, @lal
Eddie Griffin (team decision) ? not expected to return
Mark Madsen (ankle) ? out until mid-March
Trenton Hassell (ankle) ? out indefinitely, doubtful this weekend
NOK Hornets NJ, @ny, @was
Peja Stojakovic (back) ? out indefinitely, might be out for the season
New Jersey Nets @mem, @no, MIA, LAC
Nenad Krstic (knee) ? out for the season
Richard Jefferson (ankle) ? might return Sat @ S.A. or Mon @ Mem
Jefferson (ankle) went through Thursday's practice and could return Friday against the Rockets, although it sounds like Saturday vs. the Spurs is more realistic.
New York Knicks @tor, NO, TOR
David Lee (ankle) ? out indefinitely
Jamal Crawford (ankle) ? out for regular season
Nate Robinson (flu) ? day-to-day
Stephon Marbury has been on a tear recently, especially from the perimeter. Coney Island's Finest is averaging a cool 29.1 PPG and 5.0 APG in his past seven contests, including 30-of-59 from 3-point range. With Crawford sidelined the remainder of the regular season, Steph is doing his best to carry New York into the postseason. With three games this week, he's a must-start in all formats. ? Lee is probably out for Saturday's game against Washington and could miss another week with his high ankle sprain.
Orlando Magic @cha, UTA, SAC, ORL
Hedo Turkoglu (face) ? day-to-day
Tony Battie (thumb) ? return mid-March
Philadelphia 76ers @atl, CHI, UTA, HOU
Shavlik Randolph (ankle) ? hoping to return in mid-March
Rodney Carney (shoulder) ? out indefinitely
Phoenix Suns HOU, @dal, DET, @den
Portland Trailblazers @den, DET, @lal, SEA
Darius Miles (knee surgery) ? out for the season
Joel Przybilla (knee) ? out for the season
Raef LaFrentz (heel) ? out indefinitely
Sacramento Kings @cle, @cha, @mia, @orl
Ron Artest (team suspension) ? out indefinitely
The police have responded to five 911 calls from the Artest household since last August, two of which were in regards to domestic disturbance. Trouble seems to find Mr. Artest. If you rolled the dice on him, he's definitely been a bit of a nightmare at times. He's out indefinitely now after the most recent arrest and his comeback is very up in the air. John Salmons has taken his place in the starting lineup and is a decent pickup all a sudden. He should get 30-plus minutes per contest and is known to fill up the stat sheet when given the playing time. Grab him if you still can.
San Antonio Spurs LAC, @mil, BOS
Seattle Sonics DET, GS, @por
Luke Ridnour (neck) ? out indefinitely
Danny Fortson (knee) ? out indefinitely
Robert Swift (knee) ? out for the season
Ridnour (neck) will not travel with the Sonics for their weekend games against Boston and Toronto. He plans to stay in Seattle and rehab the herniated disc in his neck before returning to action on Tuesday. Ridnour needs to have a full range of motion before he gets back on the court. Watson should be a fine play again next week because of this.
Toronto Raptors @mil, NY, HOU, @ny
Anthony Parker (ankle) ? day-to-day
With Parker sidelined with an ankle injury, it has opened the door for former Blazer Juan Dixon to get some decent playing time. He was inserted into the starting-five on Tuesday and has logged 30-plus minutes in three of the past four contests now. He erupted for 24 points against Cleveland last week, then followed it with 14 points in his first start. This production could be short-lived though, as Parker is expected to return on Sunday.
Utah Jazz @mia, @orl, @phi, @cle
Washington Wizards @ind, NO
Etan Thomas (personal) ? day-to-day
Just two games on the slate for Washington. Although it's hard to bench any of the big-trio, their value will be somewhat limited this period.
However, it is great info/capping material which keeps you in the know......
Crunch Time
There are officially five weeks remaining in fantasy basketball, so we are officially in crunch-time. Waiver-wire gems continue to pop up left and right though, so it's key to continue to manage your rosters as we approach our fantasy playoffs. Guys like Brian Cook, Eddie Jones, Chuck Hayes, Earl Watson and Willie Green have picked up their games late and are worthy additions down the stretch. In this edition of The Week Ahead, we'll touch on these players, as well as recap the latest on the injury front for Joe Johnson, Jason Kapono, Delonte West and Jermaine O'Neal, as well as break down the entire league's schedule for week 20.
[SIZE=+1]Keep An Eye On: [/SIZE]
statistics exclusively from 2/22 ? 3/7:
The Blazers have been a very pleasant surprise in the West this season, and have a bright future with their nucleus of young players. Coach Nate McMillan just awarded the starting center duties to rookie LaMarcus Aldridge and the No. 2 selection has responded. The 21-year-old is averaging 13 PPG and 6.2 RPG over the past couple weeks, including his first 30-point performance. In fact, he's never even had a 20-point game. He'll get steady minutes the rest of the way and is going to be something special down the road.
In a perfect world for Phil Jackson, Brian Cook would be coming off the bench sparingly, while Lamar Odom and Luke Walton got the majority of minutes at the swingman positions. However, injuries have put a damper on the zen master's ideal plans. With Odom possibly out for the season and Walton out at least another week, Cook has been awarded a large role in L.A.'s offense once again. He's averaging 18.7 PPG, 9 RPG and 1.7 BPG the past three contests and is one of the most popular pickups in fantasy now. He should continue to have value the final couple months, so scoop up the lanky forward.
The Jazz have been getting some steady scoring from veteran Matt Harpring recently as they continue to cruise away with the Northwest Division (41-19, 11 games in front of Denver). The scrappy forward is averaging a respectable 17.6 PPG on 56% shooting over his past seven contests. Utah will be on an east-coast road trip in week 20 and Harpring is a nice option with the four-game slate.
Sonics coach Bob Hill has been known to shake things up from time to time, and fantasy owners know that Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis are the only two players in Seattle you can always count on, when healthy. Most recently, Luke Ridnour has lost his value with a demotion to the bench in favor of Earl Watson. The new starting point guard is averaging a cool 11.6 PPG, 5.5 APG and 1.5 SPG, while hitting 12 3-pointers over his past eight games. With Ridnour dealing with a pain in the neck ? and I'm not referring to Hill's coaching style ? Watson will continue to be a decent No. 3 fantasy guard.
It took an injury to Rodney Carney to give Willie Green his starting role again, but the fourth-year guard has made the most of his opportunity. He's 16 PPG in his past four contests and will continue being a mainstay with coach Mo Cheeks' first unit for the foreseeable future due to his fine play. The Sixers are slated for four contests next week, so expect strong numbers from Green ? use him as your No. 3 guard.
[SIZE=+1]Game Totals in Week 20: [/SIZE]
Five games: none
Four games: BOS, CHA, DAL, DET, HOU, LAC, MIA, NJ, ORL, PHI, PHO, POR, SAC, TOR, UTA
Three games: ATL, CHI, CLE, DEN, GS, IND, LAL, MEM, MIL, MIN, NO, NY, SA, SEA
Two games: WAS
[SIZE=+1]Interesting Matchups: [/SIZE]
Monday, March 12 - Houston @ Phoenix:
It's your classic confrontation ? offense vs. defense? The Rockets enter Monday's contest with the No. 2 ranked defense in the league, surrendering a paltry 90.8 PPG, while the high-powered Suns are scoring a jaw dropping 110.7 PPG ? more than five PPG more than any other squad. With Yao Ming back in the fold, Houston is a team to be reckoned heading into the postseason.
Wednesday, March 14 - Phoenix @ Dallas:
Who gets your vote for MVP this season? Dirk Nowitzki or Steve Nash? They are undoubtedly the top two selections for the awards. After being teammates for six seasons in Dallas, the two superstars remain very close friends. It's amazing to believe that the Mavs actually landed both players on the same night ? Draft Day 1998 ? before Nash returned to Phoenix as a free agent in 2004. To this point, Dallas has the best record in the league (51-9, 16 straight wins), while the Suns have the second-best (44-14).
Thursday, March 15 - L.A. Lakers @ Denver:
Thursday's TNT matchup consists of three of the top-five scorers in the game. Carmelo Anthony leads the way with a 30.2 PPG average, while defending scoring champion, Kobe Bryant, ranks right behind him at 29.2 PPG. Allen Iverson has fallen to No. 5, but is averaging five points less with Denver than he was in Philly. In his career, the Answer has four scoring titles ? only Michael Jordan (10) and Wilt Chamberlain (seven) have more.
Saturday, March 17 - Phoenix @ Denver:
Saturday's tilt between the Nuggets and Suns is assured to be a fast paced, high-scoring barnburner. The fantasy stud-trios of Melo, Iverson and Marcus Camby will go toe-to-toe with Shawn Marion, Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire. Phoenix won their only meeting this year, 113-108, led by 36 points and 13 boards from Amare.
Sunday, March 18 - Dallas @ Detroit:
Sunday's A.B.C. matinee matchup between the Mavs and Pistons features the No. 1 seeds in each conference, and possibly a preview of this year's Finals. It also features the losers of each of the past two championships. In February, Detroit went 10-1, while the Mavs cruised to a perfect 10-0 mark. Dallas has quietly won 37 of the past 39 games now ? the best run in the history of the league.
[SIZE=+1]Team-by-Team Injuries/Schedule: [/SIZE]
Atlanta Hawks PHI, @bos, @ind
Joe Johnson (leg) ? might be out for the season
Marvin Williams (back) ? day-to-day
Speedy Claxton (knee) ? day-to-day, might be out for the season
Johnson could be out three to four weeks, and possibly the rest of the season with a deep contusion in his right calf muscle. J.J. was kicked by Esteban Batista Monday vs. Miami and was later kneed in the thigh by Eddie Jones. A hematoma formed under the calf muscle later that night, and Johnson had to go to the hospital the next morning. If he doesn't get some rest, it's possible he could develop compartment syndrome, which occurs when the blood builds up in the pocket between the muscle and the bone, requiring draining. In his absence, look for Josh Childress and Salim Stoudamire to see an increase in scoring.
Boston Celtics @chi, ATL, @dal, @sa
Theo Ratliff (back) ? out for the season
Tony Allen (knee) ? out for the season
Wally Szczerbiak (ankle) ? out for the season
Ryan Gomes (foot) ? day-to-day, doubtful for Friday
Delonte West (concussion) ? day-to-day, doubtful for Friday
Charlotte Bobcats ORL, SAC, LAC, @mil
Othella Harrington (knee) ? might return in early March
Sean May (knee) ? out until at least mid-March
Emeka Okafor (calf) ? out indefinitely, might return in week 20
Brevin Knight (abdominal) ? day-to-day
Monday's contest would have featured one of the best up-and-coming rivalries in the league, but it looks like it won't happen now because of a nagging calf injury to Okafor. Dwight Howard and Okafor represent two of the best young bigmen in the game; they were selected No. 1 and 2 in the 2003 draft and then righteously finished 1 and 2 in the Rookie of the Year balloting later that year. This season, both players rank in the top-five in rebounding and are double-double threats every time they lace 'em up. Okafor has been out since Feb. 24, but it sounds like there is a slim chance he could return in week 20.
Chicago Bulls BOS, @phi, @mem
Andres Nocioni (foot) ? hoping to return in early April
Malik Allen (heart) ? day-to-day
Cleveland Cavaliers SAC, @mem, UTA
Daniel Gibson (toe) ? out until mid-March
Dallas Mavericks @gs, PHO, BOS, @det
After starting out 0-4, Dallas has gone 51-5 since. That's ri-freakin-diculous and is also the best run in the history of the NBA. 70 wins are a realistic goal for the best squad in the game. They'll be tested with games against Detroit and Phoenix this week. The Pistons are one of the few squads that actually have beaten them since the first week of the season.
Denver Nuggets POR, LAL, PHO
Kenyon Martin (knee) ? out for the season
J.R. Smith (knee) ? questionable for Fri vs. Det
Carmelo Anthony (personal) ? day-to-day
Melo missed Wednesday's game against Golden State in order to be present for the birth of his first child, but is expected back for Friday's game against Detroit. Earlier in the week, coach George Karl hinted that he might be removing the league's leading scorer from the starting lineup because he hasn't liked Anthony's attitude and play recently. "I think that's the next move," Karl said of the possibility. "I've told 'Melo in the last two weeks. 'I don't think you're listening as well as you need to listen.' For me, the next step is to change the democracy back to a dictatorship." The Nuggets have gone just 9-12 since he's returned from his 15-game suspension and, despite their immense talent, they are on the bubble for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.
Detroit Pistons @sea, @por, @pho, DAL
Lindsey Hunter (suspension) ? out 10 games
Rasheed Wallace (ankle) ? day-to-day, questionable for Fri vs. Den
Golden St. Warriors DAL, MIN, @ sea
It's been a long, cruel season for Jason Richardson this year. After a slow start due to conditioning and getting acclimated with his new coach and teammates, JRich then missed a month and a half due to a broken hand, he's finally putting up the numbers that we expected from him. His scoring improved in each of his first five seasons in the pros, but Richardson is currently averaging a career-worst 14.1 PPG at this point. Following 28-point and 29-point performances this week, that is steadily climbing though. Over the past couple weeks, he's posting 18.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG and 4.0 APG, and is once again an elite fantasy alternative.
Houston Rockets @pho, LAC, @tor, @phi
Bob Sura (knee surgery) ? out indefinitely, might be out for the season
Bonzi Wells (eye) ? day-to-day
Dikembe Mutombo (knee) ? day-to-day
Indiana Pacers @min, WAS, ATL
Jermaine O'Neal (knee) ? day-to-day
Marquis Daniels (knee) ? day-to-day
O'Neal aggravated a persistent knee injury on Wednesday, but contrary to prior reports that had him out for a week, he is officially listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Philadelphia. He underwent an MRI Thursday and the results are expected back sometime Friday. Let's hope the injury the news isn't as bad as it was for Joe Johnson, Lamar Odom or Dwyane Wade recently.
L.A. Clippers @sa, @hou, @cha, @nj
Shaun Livingston (knee) ? out for the season
Sam Cassell (groin, ankle) ? day-to-day, hopes to return Fri
Zeljko Rebraca (back) ? out indefinitely
Quinton Ross (hip) ? day-to-day
Cassell (strained abdominal, strained groin) who said he hopes to be ready Friday's game, but could remain out until the Clippers begin their final big trip Tuesday at San Antonio. Look for recently acquired Jason Hart to take over the starting point guard job if Cassell misses more time.
L.A. Lakers @den, POR, MIN
Vladimir Radmanovic (shoulder) ? likely out for regular season
Chris Mihm (ankle) ? out for the season
Luke Walton (ankle) ? hoping to play 3/15 vs. Den
Lamar Odom (shoulder) ? might be out for the season
Ronny Turiaf (back) ? day-to-day
Kwame Brown (ankle) ? day-to-day, out Friday
Walton was ruled out for the rest of the Lakers' road trip because of a sprained right ankle that has also been racked by tendinitis. He's hoping to return for next Thursday's contests against the Nuggets. With Odom also sidelined, Brian Cook will continue getting regular minutes at small forward. Odom will wait two to three weeks before deciding a course of action for his torn labrum. It's a similar injury to Dwyane Wade, so he's hoping to return by the end of the regular season to be ready for the playoffs, but feel free to drop him unless you have room on your reserves. ? Kwame Brown (ankle) returned Tuesday night after sitting out the previous two months. He might have come back too early though, as the Philadelphia Enquirer is listing him as out for Friday's contest. That will mean more minutes for Andrew Bynum in the middle.
Memphis Grizzlies NJ, CLE, CHI
Chucky Atkins (ankle) ? day-to-day, might return Sat vs. Cha
Brian Cardinal (knee surgery) ? out for the season
Miami Heat UTA, @nj, SAC, ORL
Dwyane Wade (shoulder) ? hoping to return just before playoffs
Jason Kapono (ankle) ? might return in mid-March
Wayne Simien (salmonella) ? out indefinitely
Dorell Wright (flu) ? day-to-day
Kapono, who suffered a high left ankle sprain on Monday, will be reevaluated in 10 days and is expected to miss at least six games. Coach Pat Riley said that he would be out for an indefinite stretch, adding, "It's going to be a while." In his absence, look for Antoine Walker or James Posey to get extra burn. Walker pitched in with 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists on Wednesday, but is infamously known as a streaky player, while Posey started, logged 37 minutes and drew an impressive four charges on the defensive side of the ball.
Milwaukee Bucks TOR, SA, CHA
Bobby Simmons (heel) ? out for the season
Dan Gadzuric (shoulder) ? return late March
Earl Boykins (thumb) ? out until at least late March
Minnesota Timberwolves IND, @gs, @lal
Eddie Griffin (team decision) ? not expected to return
Mark Madsen (ankle) ? out until mid-March
Trenton Hassell (ankle) ? out indefinitely, doubtful this weekend
NOK Hornets NJ, @ny, @was
Peja Stojakovic (back) ? out indefinitely, might be out for the season
New Jersey Nets @mem, @no, MIA, LAC
Nenad Krstic (knee) ? out for the season
Richard Jefferson (ankle) ? might return Sat @ S.A. or Mon @ Mem
Jefferson (ankle) went through Thursday's practice and could return Friday against the Rockets, although it sounds like Saturday vs. the Spurs is more realistic.
New York Knicks @tor, NO, TOR
David Lee (ankle) ? out indefinitely
Jamal Crawford (ankle) ? out for regular season
Nate Robinson (flu) ? day-to-day
Stephon Marbury has been on a tear recently, especially from the perimeter. Coney Island's Finest is averaging a cool 29.1 PPG and 5.0 APG in his past seven contests, including 30-of-59 from 3-point range. With Crawford sidelined the remainder of the regular season, Steph is doing his best to carry New York into the postseason. With three games this week, he's a must-start in all formats. ? Lee is probably out for Saturday's game against Washington and could miss another week with his high ankle sprain.
Orlando Magic @cha, UTA, SAC, ORL
Hedo Turkoglu (face) ? day-to-day
Tony Battie (thumb) ? return mid-March
Philadelphia 76ers @atl, CHI, UTA, HOU
Shavlik Randolph (ankle) ? hoping to return in mid-March
Rodney Carney (shoulder) ? out indefinitely
Phoenix Suns HOU, @dal, DET, @den
Portland Trailblazers @den, DET, @lal, SEA
Darius Miles (knee surgery) ? out for the season
Joel Przybilla (knee) ? out for the season
Raef LaFrentz (heel) ? out indefinitely
Sacramento Kings @cle, @cha, @mia, @orl
Ron Artest (team suspension) ? out indefinitely
The police have responded to five 911 calls from the Artest household since last August, two of which were in regards to domestic disturbance. Trouble seems to find Mr. Artest. If you rolled the dice on him, he's definitely been a bit of a nightmare at times. He's out indefinitely now after the most recent arrest and his comeback is very up in the air. John Salmons has taken his place in the starting lineup and is a decent pickup all a sudden. He should get 30-plus minutes per contest and is known to fill up the stat sheet when given the playing time. Grab him if you still can.
San Antonio Spurs LAC, @mil, BOS
Seattle Sonics DET, GS, @por
Luke Ridnour (neck) ? out indefinitely
Danny Fortson (knee) ? out indefinitely
Robert Swift (knee) ? out for the season
Ridnour (neck) will not travel with the Sonics for their weekend games against Boston and Toronto. He plans to stay in Seattle and rehab the herniated disc in his neck before returning to action on Tuesday. Ridnour needs to have a full range of motion before he gets back on the court. Watson should be a fine play again next week because of this.
Toronto Raptors @mil, NY, HOU, @ny
Anthony Parker (ankle) ? day-to-day
With Parker sidelined with an ankle injury, it has opened the door for former Blazer Juan Dixon to get some decent playing time. He was inserted into the starting-five on Tuesday and has logged 30-plus minutes in three of the past four contests now. He erupted for 24 points against Cleveland last week, then followed it with 14 points in his first start. This production could be short-lived though, as Parker is expected to return on Sunday.
Utah Jazz @mia, @orl, @phi, @cle
Washington Wizards @ind, NO
Etan Thomas (personal) ? day-to-day
Just two games on the slate for Washington. Although it's hard to bench any of the big-trio, their value will be somewhat limited this period.