NBA News/Injuries/etc. (4/12/11)

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Chris Bosh - F/C - Heat

Eric Koreen tweeted that Chris Bosh said he, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will all play in Miami's finale on Wednesday night.
Koreen does mention that he's a bit skeptical himself, so take this with a grain of salt. Obviously, owners still battling for championships hope that Bosh is being honest and that they all take the court. We wouldn't be surprised to see them all sit out despite what CB4 had to say. Apr. 12 - 4:37 p.m. ET
Source: Eric Koreen on Twitter

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Sonny Weems - G/F - Raptors

Sonny Weems is game-time decision for Wednesday's finale against the Heat with his lingering knee injury.
Reggie Evans, Leandro Barbosa, Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon and Amir Johnson are all out, meaning good things for Joey Dorsey, Ed Davis, Jerryd Bayless, DeMar DeRozan and James Johnson, among others. Apr. 12 - 3:43 p.m. ET
Source: Eric Koreen on Twitter

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Reggie Evans - F/C - Raptors

Reggie Evans won't play on Wednesday due to his finger injury, while Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon, Leandro Barbosa and Amir Johnson have also been shutdown for the year.
Joey Dorsey should start again for Evans after ripping down 20 rebounds (10 offensive) on Monday night. Apr. 12 - 3:46 p.m. ET
Source: Eric Koreen on Twitter

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Danilo Gallinari - F - Nuggets

Danilo Gallinari is a game-time decision for Wednesday's finale with a sprained ankle.
We're surprised he hasn't been ruled out yet, but maybe he'll get some limited minutes tomorrow night. Apr. 12 - 3:15 p.m. ET
Source: Aaron J. Lopez on Twitter

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Kenyon Martin - F - Nuggets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Kenyon Martin is not expected to play on Wednesday in order to rest for the playoffs.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The fact he hasn't gotten more rest up to this point is pretty impressive. Al Harrington will start in his place tomorrow, while Chris Andersen could see some extra burn as well.
Apr. 12 - 2:50 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Aaron J. Lopez on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Raymond Felton - G - Nuggets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Raymond Felton is going to get the night off on Wednesday in preparation for the playoffs.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>That should mean a full night of work for Ty Lawson, who now looks like a must-start in Wednesday's finale. Felton's not hurt, but could use a day off.
Apr. 12 - 2:51 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Aaron J. Lopez on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Arron Afflalo - G - Nuggets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Arron Afflalo will not play on Wednesday due to his lingering hamstring injury.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The Nuggets are hoping he'll be ready for the playoffs, while Wilson Chandler is expected to start in his place in Wednesday's finale.
Apr. 12 - 2:47 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Aaron J. Lopez on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Nene Hilario - F/C - Nuggets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Nene has been ruled out of Wednesday's finale with a groin injury.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The Nuggets are just hoping he's ready for the playoffs and there was almost no chance of him playing tomorrow as soon as his injury happened. Kosta Koufos looks like a very interesting play right now.
Apr. 12 - 2:45 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Aaron J. Lopez on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Stephen Curry - G - Warriors </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Stephen Curry suffered a sprained right ankle in the third quarter Monday and lasted just 12 seconds in the fourth before shutting it down for the night.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The injury is being called a "mild" sprain and the Warriors won't practice again before Wednesday's season finale, leaving Curry as questionable for that one. We've basically lost count of Curry's various ankle sprains this season, but this is at least number five or six. He played well without Monta Ellis around last night, finishing with 27 points, five boards and five assists before shutting it down early.
Apr. 12 - 1:30 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

C.J. Miles - G/F - Jazz </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>C.J. Miles sat out the final 4:15 of Monday's win due to a left leg injury.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Miles was finally had a good night, posting 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and three treys. But with just one game to go, a leg injury is a major concern. Owners shouldn't bail on Miles quite yet, but be ready for a Plan B. Derrick Favors would likely start Wednesday if Miles can't go, kicking Paul Millsap to small forward.
Apr. 12 - 1:25 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Mickael Pietrus - G/F - Suns </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Mickael Pietrus (quad) will not play in Wednesday's season finale.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Pietrus is still having trouble even walking. He ends up playing in 38 games with the Suns after the trade, averaging just 7.5 points in 18.1 minutes a night. He'll likely exercise his $5.3 million player option to return to Phoenix next season.
Apr. 12 - 1:19 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Brendan Haywood - C - Mavericks </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Brendan Haywood was inactive for Monday night's win over the Rockets.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The Mavs didn't need Haywood to match up with the smallish Rockets, so he took a seat. Whenever Tyson Chandler has been healthy this year, Haywood has been a non-factor.
Apr. 12 - 12:59 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Tim Duncan - F/C - Spurs </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Tim Duncan may rest in Tuesday's game against the Lakers, according to the Express-News.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Coach Gregg Popovich hasn't tipped his hand yet, but we'd expect to see limited minutes for Duncan at most tonight. The Spurs already have the No. 1 seed in the West locked up and don't seem too concerned about getting home court against the Bulls in a potential Finals matchup. We may not know what Pop is thinking until he meets with the media an hour before tip.
Apr. 12 - 12:43 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: San Antonio Express-News</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Anthony Parker - G - Cavaliers </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Anthony Parker admitted that his career may be over if there is a lockout.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Parker is an impending free agent and will be entering his age-37 season. If the NBA takes a full year off, it's unclear if teams will show interest. Meanwhile, Parker remains questionable for Wednesday's season finale.
Apr. 12 - 12:12 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Kobe Bryant - G - Lakers </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>The NBA has rescinded Kobe Bryant's 15th technical foul, bringing his total back to 14.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>If Bryant gets to 16 techs before the regular season is over, he would serve a one-game suspension in the first game of next season. With just two games left, he's safe there. In the playoffs, the technical foul totals are reset to zero and there is no punishment until a player's seventh tech.
Apr. 12 - 12:17 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: ESPN Los Angeles</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Derrick Rose - G - Bulls </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Derrick Rose will play through a head cold against the Knicks Tuesday night.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The Bulls still have their sights set on the best record in the NBA, which would give them home-court advantage throughout the entire playoffs. Rose figures to play as much as necessary tonight. "Oh, he's got the sniffles? If he's practicing, he's playing," said coach Tom Thibodeau.
Apr. 12 - 11:34 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 · Apr 12, 2011

Carmelo Anthony - F - Knicks </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Beat writer Frank Isola expects Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups to sit out Wednesday's regular season finale.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Anthony and Billups will play tonight against the Bulls, but look for limited minutes. Against the Celtics on Wednesday, look for full shutdown mode. Guys like Shawne Williams, Toney Douglas and Landry Fields are going to be very valuable in fantasy come Wednesday.
Apr. 12 - 11:29 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Amare Stoudemire - F/C - Knicks </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Amare Stoudemire (ankle, rest) will not play Tuesday and is not expected to play in Wednesday's regular season finale.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Stoudemire will rest up and get ready for the first-round matchup with the Celtics. His monster regular season will end with averages of 25.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks a night in 77 games. Meanwhile, look for Shawne Williams to start at power forward over the next two nights and get a ton of 3-point attempts up in big minutes.
Apr. 12 - 11:21 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Luis Scola (knee) is not expected to play in Wednesday's regular season finale.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Scola was battling knee pain for much of the last month or so -- he deserves the time off. Look for Patrick Patterson to start at power forward Wednesday, with Courtney Lee also getting plenty of burn off the bench at guard. Scola finishes up his fourth NBA season averaging 18.3 points, 8.2 boards and shooting 50.4 percent from the field. His lack of blocks (0.6) and steals (0.7) make him a low-upside fantasy option.
Apr. 12 - 11:11 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Apr 12, 2011

Mike Miller - G/F - Heat </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Mike Miller aggravated his left thumb injury and rolled his left ankle in Monday's game against the Hawks.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>At this point, it's fair to call Miller injury prone. He'll almost certainly sit out Wednesday's finale before playing a bit role in the playoffs.
Apr. 12 - 10:54 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>