NBA News/Injuries/etc. (1/13/11)

HacheMan · Jan 13, 2011

Dirk Nowitzki - F - Mavericks </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>The Mavericks once again declined to update the status of Dirk Nowitzki (knee) Thursday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>"Could be soon, could be a while," coach Rick Carlisle said. Dirk spent Thursday's practice running circles around the court, jumping rope and doing other cardio. In other words, it does not look like Nowitzki is going to play against the Spurs Friday. The Mavs are still calling their superstar day-to-day, as they have been for the last two weeks.
Jan. 13 </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Jan 13, 2011

Amir Johnson - F - Raptors </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Amir Johnson tweaked his back in Thursday's practice but is expected to be fine for Friday's game against the Pistons.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Unless the Raptors are playing a team with great size, Johnson is locked in as the starting power forward. The problem is that Johnson has failed to capitalize on that opportunity and this nagging back issue is partially to blame. In 21 starts this year, Amir is averaging 9.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.
Jan. 13 </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Jan 13, 2011

Chuck Hayes - F/C - Rockets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Chuck Hayes (ankle) returned to practice Thursday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Hayes has missed the last eight games, but had established himself as the starting center before that. Considering Brad Miller is out a week and Jordan Hill has been uneven at best, Hayes has an opportunity for minutes once he gets back in the flow. In 20 starts this year, Hayes averaged 7.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 0.9 steals.
Jan. 13 </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Jan 13, 2011

Nazr Mohammed - C - Bobcats </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Nazr Mohammed (knee) went through practice Thursday and barring swelling, will play against the Celtics Friday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>As suspected, coach Paul Silas confirmed Mohammed will come off the bench behind Kwame Brown upon his return. The Bobcats have won four straight games with Brown drawing rave reviews for his post defense. Mohammed is looking at a bit role.
Jan. 13 </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Jan 13, 2011

Andris Biedrins - C - Warriors </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Andris Biedrins is averaging just 2.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in the four games since returning from an ankle injury.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Biedrins isn't even looking for his shot as he hasn't attempted more than two in any of the four games. For what it's worth, the Warriors want to get Biedrins more involved. "I need to look for him more," Stephen Curry said. "I've got to find him some easy buckets," David Lee said. Biedrins is locked in as a starter, but we'd leave him reserved until he finds a groove offensively.
Jan. 13 - 12:03 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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