NBA News/Injuries/etc. (3/9/11)

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

J.J. Hickson - F/C - Cavaliers

J.J. Hickson is expected to play on Wednesday despite a dislocated left pinkie finger.
He's likely in some discomfort, but should still be able to produce despite the injury (which is to his non-shooting hand). Ke Mar. 9 - 4:24 p.m. ET
Source: The News-Herald

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Jason Richardson - G/F - Magic

Jason Richardson missed Wednesday's shootaround due to a severe head cold, but is planning to try to play against the Kings.
It's hard to bench Richardson given his averages of 17.5 points and 3.8 threes so far in March, but fantasy owners should be prepared for the possibility that he'll be limited Wednesday evening. Mar. 9 - 4:09 p.m. ET
Source: Orlando Sentinel

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Andray Blatche - F/C - Wizards

Andray Blatche has no structural damage and is being called day-to-day with a strained right shoulder.
Obviously this is about the best news that fantasy owners can hope for, and the other good news is that the Wizards don't play again until Saturday. Mar. 9 - 2:22 p.m. ET
Source: Washington Post

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Dwight Howard - C - Magic

Dwight Howard spoke out on Tuesday about his future with the Magic, saying of speculation that he'll go elsewhere, "It does annoy me because I’m only concerned about winning a championship with Orlando. I never thought about leaving here."
On a separate note, Howard also made it clear that avoiding future technical fouls may not be easy. "I’m sure there is going to come a time where I might get another tech. I don’t want to get techs, but the way the game is called, it’s bound to happen," he said. Howard will receive another one-game suspension for every two technicals he picks up the rest of the way. Mar. 9 - 2:16 p.m. ET
Source: Yahoo! Sports

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Andrea Bargnani - F/C - Raptors </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Andrea Bargnani (flu) is a game-time decision for Wednesday's matchup with the Jazz.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Bargnani hasn't practiced since the Raptors' trip to London, making him very questionable for Wednesday night. Look for Ed Davis to get the start if Bargnani can't go.
Mar. 9 - 2:01 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Eric Smith on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Tyson Chandler - C - Mavericks </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Tyson Chandler (ankle) is being called a game-time decision for Wednesday's matchup with the Hornets.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Chandler went through shootaround and said he "felt good," but sounded a note of caution on when he said, "there's no need for me to get out there and then have it linger on for a long time." Look for Brendan Haywood to again see increased minutes if Chandler can't go.
Mar. 9 - 1:35 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Dallas Morning News</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Kendrick Perkins - C - Thunder </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Kendrick Perkins (knee) is reportedly "getting closer" to making his debut for the Thunder.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>He won't play on Wednesday, but coach Scott Brooks was noncommittal when asked about Perkins' chances of playing on Friday against Detroit. We'd be surprised if Perkins is rushed back hastily, but it's clear that owners who want to capitalize on his rebounds/blocks potential for the fantasy playoffs need to act soon.
Mar. 9 - 1:32 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Chris Paul - G - Hornets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Chris Paul (concussion) is progressing the way doctors want him to, but he is still set for more testing later Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Paul simply is not fully recovered, so the Hornets are holding him out. They have hired a neurologist from outside the team to monitor their franchise point guard daily and a timetable likely won't be set until tonight at the earliest. Due to the tricky nature of concussions, it's impossible to guess when Paul will be back on the court.
Mar. 9 - 12:46 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Chauncey Billups - G - Knicks </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Chauncey Billups is reportedly dealing with a sore left knee in addition to a bruised thigh and will miss his fifth straight game on Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The knee pain is directly related to the injury to Billups' thigh (details of which can be found in the article linked below). Billups believes he'll likely miss Thursday's matchup with Dallas, but Mike D'Antoni sounds certain that the veteran PG will ready by Sunday. However, Billups added that "I'm not going to say definitely anything. When I'm able to play, I'll play." In the meantime, Toney Douglas will be at the controls and serve as a high-end fantasy replacement.
Mar. 9 - 12:18 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: New York Post</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Anthony Morrow - G/F - Nets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Anthony Morrow (head) will return to the starting lineup Wednesday night.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Morrow missed Saturday's game in London, but is good to go tonight. He'll start in the backcourt with Jordan Farmar and be flanked on the wing by Sasha Vujacic. In 33 starts this season, Morrow is averaging 13.1 points and 2.0 treys per game. It's a reasonable expectation going forward.
Mar. 9 - 12:11 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Trevor Ariza - G/F - Hornets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Trevor Ariza (groin) is listed as a game-time decision for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Ariza says he is going to try to give it a go, but isn't certain that he'll play. Owners shouldn't be holding their breath anyway. Quincy Pondexter is a non-factor in fantasy and Ariza was averaging just 11.0 points on 39.5 percent shooting before going down. He's only worth using if you need his 1.6 steals per game.
Mar. 9 - 11:53 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: WWL-TV on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Chris Paul - G - Hornets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Chris Paul (concussion) will not play in Wednesday's game against the Mavericks and Trevor Ariza (groin) is a game-time decision.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>There is no word yet on what Paul's Wednesday tests revealed. The only work he did at shootaround was riding on a stationary bike, a sign that he has not yet been cleared for on-court activity. This has the look of a "day to day" listing for the next few days. Meanwhile, Jarrett Jack will start as a high-end fantasy play.
Mar. 9 - 11:50 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: WWL-TV on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Stephen Jackson - G/F - Bobcats </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Stephen Jackson (hamstring) said at shootaround that he is game-time decision for Wednesday's game against the Bulls.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Yesterday, coach Paul Silas said that Jackson will play. Perhaps there is just some gamesmanship going on here, or maybe Captain Jack woke up not feeling too great. Either way, we're guessing he will give it a go. We won't know for certain until about 30 minutes before tip.
Mar. 9 - 11:25 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Mike Cranston on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Andrei Kirilenko - F - Jazz </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Coach Tyrone Corbin said that Andrei Kirilenko (back) likely will not play in Wednesday's game against the Raptors.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Kirilenko is still technically a game-time decision, but it's not looking good. Owners can only take solace in the fact that AK47 has not suffered a serious injury and could play on Friday. C.J. Miles makes for a very nice spot start tonight.
Mar. 9 - 11:17 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Brian Smith on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Paul Millsap - F - Jazz </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Paul Millsap (knee) will not play against the Raptors Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>It's a wise move by the hobbled Millsap to take a day off and let his knee recover a little bit. Dragging his leg around out there wasn't helping his team or owners. Jeremy Evans will start tonight and we should consider the Sapper questionable for Friday's game in Minnesota.
Mar. 9 - 11:11 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Salt Lake Tribune</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Tyrus Thomas - F - Bobcats </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Tyrus Thomas has suffered a setback with his knee and will not make his return against the Bulls Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>There's no word yet on exactly what happened, but this is a major blow. Thomas was on the verge of a major role and was reportedly looking great in practice, but now we have to be concerned that his knee may not be right at all this year. If possible, owners should wait for a specific report on the severity before dropping Thomas.
Mar. 9 - 11:08 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: K.C. Johnson on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Baron Davis - G - Cavaliers </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Baron Davis has left the Cavs to return to Los Angeles because his grandmother has passed away.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>There is no return date for Davis right now, leaving him out indefinitely. After tonight's game against the Bucks, the Cavs do have three full days off before taking on the Thunder Sunday. Consider B-Diddy very questionable for that one. Ramon Sessions, who has been a fantasy monster when working as the sole point guard this season, should be in all lineups tonight.
Mar. 9 - 11:01 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Jason Lloyd on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Channing Frye - F/C - Suns </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Channing Frye confirmed that he won't need surgery on his dislocated right (shooting) shoulder.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Frye said he wants to get back before the 2-3 week timetable is up, but we doubt that will happen. Without surgery, the shoulder will need to be healed fully so it doesn't pop back out again. It also doesn't help that Frye dislocated the same shoulder two years ago and the damage is on his shooting side.
Mar. 9 - 10:45 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Arizona Republic</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Kevin Love - F/C - Timberwolves </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>The Wolves have listed Kevin Love (knee contusion) as a game-time decision for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>There is nothing structurally wrong with Love's knee, so he just has to get the swelling and soreness out. The first step will be to participate in the morning shootaround.
Mar. 9 - 10:32 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 9, 2011

Luis Scola - F/C - Rockets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>The Rockets have listed Luis Scola (knee) as day-to-day.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The Rockets are off until Saturday, giving Scola a good chance to get his knee right. He's one of the league's tougher players, having played 311 consecutive games before last night, so we'd tentatively expect him to play. Jordan Hill started in Scola's place Tuesday but had just six points in 19 minutes.
Mar. 9 - 10:24 a.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>