NBA News/Injuries/etc. (1/15/11)

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

LeBron James - F - Heat

LeBron James is doubtful for Miami's game on Saturday, as he rehabs a sprained ankle.
LeBron didn't go through shootaround and the Heat are reasonably playing it safe. He should return Tuesday vs. the Hawks, though sitting out that game would allow him to rest until next Saturday. Jan. 15 - 1:45 p.m. ET
Source: Michael Wallace on Twitter
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HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Matt Bonner - F/C - Spurs

Matt Bonner will not play on Sunday due to a bone bruise in his right knee.
Jan. 15 - 1:59 p.m. ET
Source: Joe Alexander

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Sonny Weems - G/F - Raptors

Sonny Weems (back) did not travel with the Raptors to Washington for Saturday's game.
Toronto is headed on a five-game road trip -- it's unclear whether Weems might join them at some point, but we're not counting on it. His back injury has turned into a month-long ordeal and he might have a minimal role in the rotation whenever he gets healthy. Jan. 15 - 11:35 a.m. ET
Source: Toronto Star

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Dirk Nowitzki - F - Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki could be ready to play vs. Memphis on Saturday.
"He worked out hard today and we have to see how he feels [Saturday]," coach Rick Carlisle said. Dirk has resumed contact drills but admitted he has "a little trouble" with certain movements. If he doesn't play Saturday, he could return Monday. Jan. 15 - 10:55 a.m. ET
Source: ESPN.com

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Al Harrington - F - Nuggets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Al Harrington has been dropped from the Carmelo Anthony trade talks, though the Nuggets are still looking for a team that will accept his contract.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Harrington is owed $27 million over the next four years, though the final two seasons are only 50% guaranteed. Keep in mind, he signed this contract in July -- it didn't take Denver long to regret the decision.
Jan. 15 - 9:50 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: CBS Sports</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Chris Kaman - C - Clippers </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>The Clippers are reportedly content to keep Chris Kaman through the trade deadline unless they get a "clear upgrade at small forward."</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>L.A. wants to take back a "reasonable" contract, which could rule out someone like Gerald Wallace. Financial flexibility could be critical in re-signing DeAndre Jordan this summer, as he'll receive some hefty offers as a restricted FA.
Jan. 15 - 9:36 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: ESPN.com</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Dwight Howard - C - Magic </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Dwight Howard downplayed the idea that he wants to eventually leave Orlando via free agency.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>"I want to win a championship," said Dwight. "And I'm going to do whatever I can to win the championship here in Orlando. This is where I started my career and I would love to finish my career here." It wouldn't make sense for him to say anything else right now, but this is still heartening for Magic fans.
Jan. 15 - 9:32 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: ESPN.com</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Hornets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>The Hornets didn't get out of Houston until about three hours after they were supposed to depart on Friday night/Saturday morning due to a flight delay, which won't have them in Charlotte until around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. They play the Bobcats at 7 p.m. on the second night of a back-to-back.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>As we saw from the Knicks' performance against the Kings on Friday, this could be an issue. The Knicks got in at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday morning from Utah, and were still lethargic on Friday night. Not only are the Hornets dealing with a B2B, they're going to be running on no sleep. If you have a tough lineup decision on Saturday involving the Hornets, this is something to keep in mind.
Jan. 15</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Sean Kelley on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

youngbutgood · Jan 15, 2011

Do you know when we can find out for sure that a player is out. For example would they confirm Lebron's status in the pre-game warmup?

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

youngbutgood said:
Do you know when we can find out for sure that a player is out. For example would they confirm Lebron's status in the pre-game warmup?

Sometimes it's not announced til closer to game time or just before.

Doubtful though means he's out more than likely.....

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Nick Young - G/F - Wizards

Nick Young (left knee) went through shootaround and is probable on Saturday.
Young skipped Friday's practice with "unbearable pain," which makes this somewhat surprising. He's emerged as possibly Washington's most reliable player, and his scoring prowess is on full display as a starter. Jan. 15 - 4:40 p.m. ET
Source: Michael Lee on Twitter

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Andray Blatche - F/C - Wizards

Andray Blatche (right shoulder) is probable for Saturday's game vs. the Raptors.
Blatche went through shootaround and is safe to activate in fantasy leagues, though coach Flip Saunders has already warned that he may not be 100%. It's been a somewhat disappointing season thus far for Blatche, who has missed six games with a variety of injuries. Jan. 15 - 4:37 p.m. ET
Source: Michael Lee on Twitter

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Carmelo Anthony - F - Nuggets

The Nuggets and Nets are "hammering down on a deal," according to beat writer Benjamin Hochman, and there is speculation that a trade could happen "very soon."
We've heard this before, of course, but the parameters of a deal are in place and both Denver and New Jersey has off from Monday evening through Wednesday -- possibly enough time to rush through player physicals and field a team. Melo is inclined to sign an extension rather than gambling with a new CBA, Denver isn't interested in what the Knicks are offering, and all signs point to Carmelo soon joining the Nets. Jan. 15 - 4:28 p.m. ET
Source: Denver Post

pinozi · Jan 15, 2011

Anyone know for sure if Nowitzki is playing?

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Leandro Barbosa - G - Raptors

Leandro Barbosa will miss 1-2 weeks after an MRI revealed a strained right hamstring.
Barbosa is out at least the next five games, during which time Jerryd Bayless will have plenty of opportunities to step up his game.. Jan. 15 - 6:20 p.m. ET
Source: Mike Ganter

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Andray Blatche - F/C - Wizards

Despite going through shootaround and being listed as probable, Andray Blatche (shoulder) will not play on Saturday.
If you can swap him out for a healthy player, do so immediately. Blatche is day-to-day and hopefully he'll be ready to face the Jazz on Monday. For now, Al Thornton is likely to start in his place. Jan. 15 - 6:29 p.m. ET
Source: Mike Prada on Twitter

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Nick Young - G/F - Wizards

Nick Young will play on Saturday despite his painful left knee injury.
Young is trying to rest his knee, which has bothered him a month now, but fortunately he feels well enough to suit up. If you're in the market for points and 3s. Jan. 15 - 6:26 p.m. ET

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Tyson Chandler - C - Mavericks

Mavericks center Tyson Chandler will not play vs. the Grizzlies on Saturday due to an illness.
Chandler struggled on Friday and his absence should mean Brendan Haywood finally gets to start at center for Dallas. Young big men Alexis Ajinca and Ian Mahinmi should also pick up a few extra minutes off the bench. Jan. 15 - 6:53 p.m. ET
Source: Earl K. Sneed on Twitter

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

Dirk Nowitzki - F - Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki (sprained knee) is active and will make his return tonight in Memphis vs. the Grizzlies.
There was speculation that Dirk's injury was more serious than the Mavericks were letting on, but they were simply being cautious with their MVP. Jan. 15 - 6:50 p.m. ET
Source: Earl K. Sneed on Twitter

HacheMan · Jan 15, 2011

LeBron James - F - Heat

LeBron James (ankle) has been upgraded to a game-time decision vs. the Bulls on Saturday.
This is good news for fantasy owners, but it seems unlikely the Heat will risk aggravating his injury -- after this game they have off until Tuesday. Jan. 15 - 6:53 p.m. ET
Source: Aggrey Sam