NBA News/Injuries/etc. (1/18/12)

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Rashard Lewis - F - Wizards </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Rashard Lewis (knee) is expected to play on Wednesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Beat writer Michael Lee reports that Lewis had to sit out Monday's game because he was "worn down," adding that Lewis "might have to rest at times through this condensed season." Jan. 18 - 5:32 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Washington Post</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Jason Richardson - G/F - Magic </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">As expected, Jason Richardson (knee) is out again on Wednesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Richardson's earliest expected return date is Friday against the Lakers, but that's still not a guarantee. J.J. Redick (14.0 points per game in his last four games) will get at least one more start in Richardson's absence.
Jan. 18 - 5:29 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Dan Savage on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Hedo Turkoglu - G/F - Magic </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Hedo Turkoglu will not play on Wednesday due to back spasms.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">This is the first we've heard of the injury, but not a shock given the sudden nature of back spasms. After Wednesday, Turkoglu has a day off to try to get ready for a matchup with the Lakers on Friday. Per beat writer Josh Robbins, Quentin Richardson will start in Turkoglu's place.
Jan. 18 - 5:27 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Dan Savage on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Michael Beasley - F - Timberwolves </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Michael Beasley (mid-foot sprain) remains out on Wednesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Minnesota hasn't announced a definitive timetable for Beasley, but his injury is a tricky one and it's unclear when he'll be ready. After Wednesday, Minnesota's next game is Friday night in L.A. against the Clippers.
Jan. 18 - 5:23 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Timberwolves on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Andrea Bargnani - F/C - Raptors </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Andrea Bargnani (calf) could return on Friday against the Blazers or Sunday against the Clippers.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">No return date has been confirmed yet, but it appears that Bargnani is finally getting close. Ed Davis has been starting in his place, but Raptors coach Dwane Casey has been pondering lineup changes, with one possibility being that Aaron Gray starts over Davis Wednesday. Either way, Davis (seven points, 11 rebounds, three steals, four blocks on Monday) should be a solid spot start for at least one more game.
Jan. 18 - 2:50 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: National Post</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Vince Carter - G/F - Mavericks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Vince Carter (foot) is traveling back to Dallas to meet with the Mavericks' team physician.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Carter's status remains unclear at the moment, but there's legit cause for concern after he reportedly heard a "pop" in his foot Monday night. Carter is definitely out for Wednesday's game, and his absence should mean more run for the slumping Lamar Odom.
Jan. 18 - 2:35 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Earl K. Sneed on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Dirk Nowitzki - F - Mavericks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Dirk Nowitzki missed shootaround due to a cold, but is expected to play against the Clippers Wednesday night.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Dirk has gotten off to a slow start this season (17.9 ppg), but scored 21 of Dallas' 70 points on Monday and should eventually get it going on a more consistent basis.
Jan. 18 - 2:33 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Earl K. Sneed on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Dwyane Wade - G - Heat </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Dwyane Wade (ankle) didn't practice on Wednesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">It's the same song for Wade, who remains out indefinitely. The Heat continue to list him as day-to-day and it's unclear when he will return. Miami certainly won't rush him back, so owners will have to consistently check back for updates on his condition.
Jan. 18 - 1:53 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Ira Winderman on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Trevor Ariza - G/F - Hornets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Updating a previous item, Trevor Ariza (groin) is planning to return on Wednesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">"I feel good," he said. Ariza will immediately reclaim his starting small forward spot and was seeing about 32 minutes per game prior to his injury. He's a lock to see as many minutes as he can handle with Eric Gordon (knee) still sidelined and the team desperate for offensive production.
Jan. 18 - 1:23 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 · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Marcus Camby - F/C - Trail Blazers </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Marcus Camby (ankle) said he's doubtful to play on Wednesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Camby's sprained ankle still isn't good enough for him to suit up. Kurt Thomas will likely start once again in Camby's place, but the real winner from a fantasy perspective is Nicolas Batum, who has been a beast off the bench with an increased role since Camby went down. Batum should have another solid game tonight and has scored 48 points over the last two contests.
Jan. 18 - 12:56 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Trail Blazers on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Stephen Jackson - G/F - Bucks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Coach Scott Skiles said he benched Stephen Jackson Tuesday night because he "looked fatigued, I guess."</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Jackson did not play a single minute in the second half after going 0-of-6 from the field in the first half. Jackson certainly didn't sound fatigued or happy after the game. "If they want to blame it on somebody, I'll take the blame. ... I don't know what they were trying to prove," he said. Skiles said that Andrew Bogut was also benched late for the same reason. We suspect this is just a random jolt from Skiles in an effort to spark his team. Both should be in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Knicks.
Jan. 18 - 12:27 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Kobe Bryant - G - Lakers </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Coach Mike Brown said he wants to reduce Kobe Bryant's minutes.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Bryant is 33, working on a condensed schedule and dealing with a tender wrist, knee and ankle. But he's playing 37.7 minutes per game this season, nearly four more than he played last year. It's unlikely even Bryant can keep up this pace. "I do want to get it down, because he's played a ton of minutes too early," Brown said. We'd expect Kobe to settle into the 34-35 minute range eventually.
Jan. 18 - 11:27 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: ESPN Los Angeles</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Evan Turner - G - 76ers </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Doug Collins said that "it looks like" Evan Turner (quad) will be able to play on Wednesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Turner was a late scratch on Monday, but it sounds like he's ready to return after just a single game absence. He's averaging 10.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 26 minutes per game in his second season.
Jan. 18 - 11:23 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Michael Preston on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Steve Nash - G - Suns </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">The Knicks reportedly "plan to target" Steve Nash, Jameer Nelson or Raymond Felton with its $5 million midlevel exception during the offseason.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">It might be wishful thinking. All three players would likely command more than just the midlevel exception as free agents, but the idea of a reunion between Steve Nash and Mike D'Antoni has been floated for some time. Nash has never won a title, and that could definitely be a factor in his choice as to where he'll play next season. It's another reminder that the Knicks need a long-term upgrade at the point guard position.
Jan. 18 - 9:40 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: New York Post</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Monta Ellis - G - Warriors </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Monta Ellis (face) will play against the Nets on Wednesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Ellis took a nasty shot to the face from Anderson Varejao on Tuesday but is playing through it. Look for a bounce-back effort after a 2-for-12, 10-point disappointment against the Cavs.
Jan. 18 - 6:39 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Marcus Thompson on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Chris Paul - G - Clippers </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">ESPN's Ric Bucher tweets that it "doesn't look likely" for Chris Paul to play against Dallas.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Bucher is clear to point out that it's not yet official, but fantasy owners should be prepared for CP3 to miss his third straight game as the Clippers continue to exercise caution. Randy Foye could get another start if Paul does sit, though Mo Williams is slated to return Wednesday and is a candidate to start as well.
Jan. 18 - 6:32 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Ric Bucher on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Marcus Camby - F/C - Trail Blazers </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Marcus Camby will be in uniform and available in an emergency on Wednesday against the Hawks.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">He's missed several games with a sprained ankle and it sounds like he's close to a return. The thing to keep an eye on is seeing what his return does to the minutes of Nicolas Bynum, who has been outstanding in Camby's absence.
Jan. 18 - 7:04 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Joe Freeman on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Chris Paul - G - Clippers </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">As expected, Chris Paul will not face the Mavs on Wednesday due to his hamstring injury.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">That makes three straight misses, as his five-game week is now going to be a two-gamer at best.
Jan. 18 - 7:16 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Brad Turner on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jan 18, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Trevor Ariza - G/F - Hornets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Trevor Ariza will return from a groin injury and start for the Hornets on Wednesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">His shooting is always a concern and he's inconsistent, but should put up solid numbers, especially while Eric Gordon is out with his sore knee.
Jan. 18 - 7:24 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: John Reid on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>