NBA News/Injuries/etc. (2/2/11)

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Brandon Bass - F - Magic

Updating an earlier item, Magic beat writer Brian Schmitz reports that Brandon Bass (ankle) may be sidelined for a week or week and a half.
There are numerous reports out there about Bass' timetable, with Dan Savage tweeting earlier in the day that Bass might be out through the All-Star break. Either way, Bass is undoubtedly going to miss multiple games, opening up a significant boost in value for Ryan Anderson in a starting role. Feb. 2 - 4:22 p.m. ET
Source: Orlando Sentinel

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Daniel Gibson - G - Cavaliers

Daniel Gibson (quad) won't play on Wednesday against the Pacers.
Byron Scott says that Gibson could return to either Friday or Saturday. In the meantime, look for additional minutes and production for Manny Harris. Feb. 2 - 2:54 p.m. ET
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Ron Artest - G/F - Lakers

Ron Artest, who has been in the midst of rumored trade request and then a denial of that rumor, is currently dealing with a bruised thigh.
We're not expecting the thigh injury to cause him to miss any time (7.9 points per game in his last seven). Feb. 2 - 4:39 p.m. ET
Source: Mike Trudell on Twitter

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Al Harrington - F - Nuggets

Al Harrington (foot) will reportedly try to play on Wednesday against Portland.
Nothing official yet, but this represents an upgrade from a previous report that essentially ruled him out.

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Deron Williams - G - Jazz </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Deron Williams is still in pain and has reportedly not seen any significant improvement in his wrist since he first injured it.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Williams is headed for a visit with a specialist on Wednesday, which should help clear up the situation, but at this point there's definitely some cause for concern.
Feb. 2 - 2:01 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

John Salmons - G/F - Bucks </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>John Salmons (hip) will not play in Wednesday's game.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Scott Skiles has hinted that Salmons is close, but apparently isn't quite ready, which means that Corey Maggette and Carlos Delfino have at least one more game without having to fight too hard for minutes.
Feb. 2 - 1:22 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Andrew Bogut - C - Bucks </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>An MRI revealed that Andrew Bogut has no ligament damage to his knee, and the Bucks' center is considered a game-time decision for Wednesday with what's being called a bone bruise.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>There are varying reports on Bogut's status for Wednesday. Suns beat writer Paul Coro cites Bogut as calling himself "50-50", while Scott Skiles says Bogut is "probable." Bucks writer Gery Woelful says Bogut is "likely" to play as well. However, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel says it's "uncertain" if he'll suit up against the Suns. Feb. 2 - 1:21 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Brandon Jennings - G - Bucks </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Brandon Jennings (foot) will return to the starting lineup on Wednesday, but will have his minutes capped at 24.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Jennings continues to progress, and considering that he had 12 points in just 17 minutes on Monday, it should be safe to activate him in daily leagues. Meanwhile, his backup Keyon Dooling is dealing with an illness but could still play, which should mean some additional run for Earl Boykins.
Feb. 2 - 1:18 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Mehmet Okur - F/C - Jazz </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Mehmet Okur (back) is out for Wednesday's game against the Rockets.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Okur hasn't played more than 16 minutes in a game this season, and according to beat writer Brian T. Smith, the Jazz big man is uncertain how long he'll be out. Between the Achilles surgery and these back woes, Okur's chances of making a real impact this year are minimal.
Feb. 2 - 12:56 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Paul Millsap (fingers) is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Rockets.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Millsap is at far less than 100 percent, but the dude is a warrior. He played through a dislocated left pinkie last time out and has had his right thumb heavily wrapped for weeks. With both Deron Williams (wrist) and Andrei Kirilenko (ankle) out tonight, Millsap will be asked to carry the load. He's a must-start despite his injuries.
Feb. 2 - 12:54 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Andrei Kirilenko (ankle) has been ruled out of Wednesday's game against the Rockets.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Kirilenko's ankle swelled up on him Tuesday after he turned it late in Monday's win. It's a brutal beat for owners as AK47 was carrying the Jazz with Deron Williams out. Feb. 2 - 12:52 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Jason Thompson - F/C - Kings </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Jason Thompson (ankle) is doubtful for Friday's game against the Spurs.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Thompson apparently has a pretty good sprain of that ankle. The Kings started a twin towers lineup of Sam Dalembert and DeMarcus Cousins against the Celtics Tuesday night and it worked. We'd expect to see the same duo starting again Friday.
Feb. 2 - 11:55 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Coach Keith Smart confirmed that he threatened to reduce Andris Biedrins' minutes significantly if the center didn't start performing better.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Biedrins was barely hanging on to his role, but then responded with two straight double-doubles on Friday and Sunday. Still, it's worth noting that Smart is willing to go to Ekpe Udoh more and more if Biedrins regresses again.
Feb. 2 - 11:42 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>New Warriors athletic trainer Troy Wenzel is using new ideas to help Steph Curry's chronic ankle issues.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>We're not sure what happened to the old trainer, but Curry seems to like the new guy better. Under Wenzel's guidance, Curry has dropped a shoe size and is resting the ankle between games instead of trying to strengthen it. The best sign is that the Warriors are going to allow Curry to play in the Rookie-Sophomore game over All-Star weekend.
Feb. 2 - 11:37 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Wesley Johnson - G/F - Timberwolves </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Wes Johnson (knee) returned to practice Tuesday and is fully expected to play on Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Johnson should be fine for his usual 26-32 minutes of the bench. Over his last four games, the rookie is averaging 16.2 points and 2.2 3-pointers per night.
Feb. 2 - 11:24 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Taj Gibson - F - Bulls </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Taj Gibson (ankle) practiced for the second straight day Tuesday and will play against the Clippers.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Gibson will come off the bench to bang with Blake Griffin, but he's a poor bet for 20 minutes. Gibson's role will only get smaller once Joakim Noah returns.
Feb. 2 - 10:37 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Emeka Okafor - C - Hornets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Emeka Okafor (left oblique strain) admitted that he is likely out through the All-Star break.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>By resting through All-Star weekend, Okafor will get extra time to heal without missing any games. The Hornets' first game back after the break is Feb. 23, which would be a little more than three weeks after the initial injury.
Feb. 2 - 10:32 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Tyson Chandler confirmed that his tweaked right ankle is feeling fine and he'll play against the Knicks Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Chandler rolled the ankle against the Wizards on Monday but was able to play through it. "Actually, it's feeling better than I thought it would,: he said. "I thought it might swell up more. But it's OK." Chandler has been on a tear of late, averaging 13.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over his last 14 games.
Feb. 2 - 10:23 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Monta Ellis - G - Warriors </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Monta Ellis dismissed the idea that fatigue or an injury has caused his recent slump.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Ellis is shooting just 31-of-93 (33.3 percent) over his last five games. It's likely nothing more than a natural regression to a realistic percentage. Considering the difficulty of the shots he takes, that 47 percent rate he was shooting for most of the season was never going to hold. Last year, Ellis shot 44.9 percent -- and is a good bet to end up around there this year.
Feb. 2 - 9:19 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Contra Costa Times</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Feb 2, 2011

Richard Hamilton - G/F - Pistons </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Marc Stein of ESPN.com is reporting that the Pistons are actively trying to move Richard Hamilton in a trade, but are also telling teams that they don't want to trade teammate Tayshaun Prince prior to the Feb. 24 trade deadline.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>What a report like this usually means is that they are desperate to move Hamilton, and still want to trade Prince, but they want teams to know that he won't come as cheap. Whatever the case may be, both have long been rumored to be on their way out of Detroit, and will probably remain in rumors until the deadline.
Feb. 2 - 4:16 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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