Fantasy related but good info...
Dose: I'm (not) Streaking!
Monday's Daily Dose focuses on the injury report from around the league as you prepare to set fantasy hoops lineups. It's a short week in most leagues, while it's the beginning of a two-week marathon in others, as the All-Star Game takes place on Sunday.
The Wizards, Raptors, Cavaliers, Celtics, Knicks, Thunder, Magic and Grizzlies have just one game before Friday's break starts, while all other teams play two games this week.
If you're looking for hot pickups this week, check out Waiver Wired.
I'm (no longer) Streaking!
In case you missed it over the weekend, the Cavaliers actually won a basketball game on Friday night when they took down the Clippers in an overtime thriller. J.J. Hickson has been beasting and Mo Williams is back and rolling for the Cavs, who snapped a 26-game losing streak. Well, at least for that one night. On Sunday, it was the Wizards' turn to steal the spotlight, as they took down the Cavs behind 31 points from Nick Young, snapping a 25-game road-losing streak.
Black Sunday
If you owned Paul Pierce, Sunday's nightmare of a fantasy line might have cost you a win, and if you were playing against Pierce's owner, it was one of those great days where things probably worked in your favor all the way around. Pierce was 0-for-10 and scored just one point in 40 minutes on national television against the Heat. I still can't really believe it happened, nor can I believe the –0.0 fantasy points he racked up for me/us. And to add insult to injury, he's having an MRI on his left foot Monday, and also hurt his right hand on Sunday. That makes him very iffy for Wednesday against the Nets, which is the only game the Celtics have before next week. Hopefully he's ready to go once the All-Star break is behind us.
I don't know what it is, but it seems like most of my studs tend to disappear on Sundays, which was not the case last year. There's nothing worse than going into Sunday with a games-played advantage and a good chance to win, only to see your guys lay eggs and hang you with a loss.
Livingston To Start Monday
D.J. Augustin is out on Monday with a hand injury, meaning Saturday's hero, Shaun Livingston, will start for the Bobcats tonight. I wasn't sold on Livingston as a must-own player when I woke up on Monday, but I'm pretty close to being there now. Yes, DJA is still the starting point guard, but if Livingston goes off tonight against the Lakers (and he should), he could end up replacing DJA as the starter. Put Augustin on your bench for now and consider grabbing Livingston. I just cut Paul George in order to pick up Livingston in one league. Which, by the way, should also ensure that George has a nice week.
Diaw's Misery Continues
Boris Diaw overslept and missed shootaround Monday, causing Paul Silas to bench him tonight for Eduardo Najera. No, Najera doesn't have any fantasy value, but given the benching and Diaw's struggles recently, he might not either. Get him on your bench.
Amare's Toe
Amare Stoudemire missed Saturday's game with a toe injury and is very iffy for Wednesday against the struggling Hawks. That's the Knicks only game this week and if Amare skips it, he might also use the injury as a way to get out of the All-Star Game. That would give him 12 full days of rest, which will come in handy later in the season. Consider him a game-time decision for Wednesday, but the safest move in weekly leagues is to bench him if you have other options.
Is Josh Howard Relevant?
Josh Howard returned to action on Sunday and thanks to a Rashard Lewis knee injury, moved directly into the starting lineup despite appearing in just eight games this season. Well that number is up to nine now, and he played quite well in the win, finishing with 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, a block and three 3-pointers. In fact, that could easily end up being his best line of the year when it's all said and done. I'm pretty confident he's going to get hurt again and end up being a major fantasy headache, but he is still probably worth picking up in all leagues for now. Just keep in mind that the Wiz only play one game this week, and that Lewis will eventually return from his knee injury. But it's also worth noting that the Wiz have a very nice fantasy playoff schedule, meaning Howard is worth a flier.
Clipped
Eric Gordon (wrist) is not likely to play for the Clippers on their current road trip, which doesn't end until Feb. 26, when they will face Boston in L.A. This is one of the longest road trips you'll ever see in the NBA, and while it's technically 11 games long, the Clips are "at the Lakers" on Friday, Feb. 25, which means they're back at the Staples Center. Either way, Gordon doesn't appear to be close to a return, so let's just hope he's ready to go for that game against the Lakers.
Chris Kaman (knee) is likely out for the remainder of the trip as well, and still remains a trade candidate. And just because Kaman might be coming back for the Clips doesn't mean he's automatically going to start over DeAndre Jordan. In fact, I'd be surprised if it happens.
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What's Up, Cuz?
DeMarcus Cousins missed Sunday's game after getting into a fight with teammate Donte Greene and then being banned from the team flight. Samuel Dalembert didn't mind, as he got a start and blew up for 18 points, 15 boards and three blocks in a win over the Suns. Dalembert is worth hanging onto for now, as the Kings still haven't decided what to do with Cousins. Until we get official word on when Cousins will return, he should probably be benched by fantasy owners.
Wolves, Lower
Michael Beasley said he was nearly pain free on Saturday, then proceeded to tweak his ankle again in Sunday's practice. My guess is he'll sit out tonight against the Blazers, but he's technically a game-time decision. The Wolves have two games this week and if Beasley can't go tonight, it would be a little surprising to see him miss Wednesday's game against the Clippers.
Darko Milicic's remains day-to-day with his hip injury. He's being dropped like a hot potato in fantasyland and cannot be started this week with his injury. If you still own him, watch for updates this afternoon. Martell Webster is expected to play through a sore back tonight, while coach Kurt Rambis hasn't yet decided whether to start Jonny Flynn or Luke Ridnour.
Black Hole Sun
Corey Maggette's back injury remains a complete mystery, which is pretty frustrating in all aspects. We should learn something later on Monday, but for now, he can't be in starting lineups. Carlos Delfino is the sneaky own/start of the week, but it's only sneaky if Maggette misses games with his injury. If Scott Skiles' funky rotations weren't enough to scare you away from drafting Bucks, the lack of news coming out of Milwaukee might do the trick next year.
Portlandia
Marcus Camby is hoping to return soon from his knee injury, but it hasn't happened as of yet. He keeps saying he's close to a return, while the Blazers don't seem so sure. He's been working out and ramping up his activity, but also still looks hobbled while doing so. The Blazers have two games this week and while there's a chance Camby will play in them, keep him benched until you see him on the court.
Brandon Roy's knees are feeling better and he's on the brink of playing again for the Blazers. He's targeting a Wednesday return and will come off the bench when it happens. This is no longer his team and I think he's going to be a headache to own in fantasy going forward. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I'd rather own Josh Howard or Shaun Livingston at this point.
Kirilenko Out
Andrei Kirilenko's ankle injury didn't sound good when it happened and he has already been ruled out for Tuesday at Phoenix. The Jazz have two games this week, but Kirilenko should be planted firmly on your bench until further notice.
Okafor Out
Emeka Okafor's oblique strain will likely keep him out through the All-Star break. Aaron Gray and Jason Smith are filling in for him at center in New Orleans, but neither player is worth using in fantasy leagues.
Vinsanity Living Up To Nickname
Vince Carter was awful on Sunday when he scored just seven points, and while he's averaging just 18 minutes per game over his last three, he could easily bounce back from this one with a big line on Tuesday. But if I own him in a weekly league, I'm probably planting him on the bench if I have comparable two-game options.
Might I Suggest Miracle Whip?
O.J. Mayo is set to return from his 10-game suspension on Tuesday when the Grizzlies host the 76ers, but his value is still in the toilet thanks to the strong play of Sam Young and Tony Allen. Mayo is a big-time trade candidate, as Memphis has run out of use for him. If he doesn't get traded it's a completely wasted year, and if he does get moved, there are no guarantees that he suddenly becomes relevant.
Injury Roundup
Delonte West is targeting a Wednesday return from his broken wrist for the Celtics, and he should see some action due to Marquis Daniels' neck injury. But I doubt West will be worth owning this season.
Roddy Beaubois is nearing a return for Dallas from a foot injury, but is going to struggle to find his way into the mix. There are only two months left in the season and the Mavs' lineup and rotations are set. Had he come back in December, or even January, there would have been some hope that he could put up some solid numbers this season, but as it stands, I think he's going to struggle to offer much value at all this late into the season.
OKC's James Harden left Sunday's game with a back injury, putting his one-game week in jeopardy. He's a borderline fantasy player when healthy, so get him on your bench if you own him.
Daniel Gibson left Sunday's game with a strained quad and is day-to-day for the Cavs once again. That means Ramon Sessions and Manny Harris are still clinging to some fantasy value. Those two guys just won't go away, although neither is a must-own player, either.
Joakim Noah (thumb) is still on track for a return on Feb. 23, which means he's only going to miss two more games for the Bulls. If you've been thinking of acquiring him, now's the time to do it. And this also might be your last chance to sell high on Carlos Boozer.
