NBA News/Injuries/etc. (2/21/12)

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Richard Hamilton - G/F - Bulls </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Richard Hamilton (thigh) is expected back after the All-Star break.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Hamilton continues to work out before games but not suit up when it counts. The Bulls know Rip only has a certain number of minutes left in him. He's appeared in just 11 of the team's 34 games this year due to various nagging issues.
Feb. 21 - 4:59 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Nene Hilario - F/C - Nuggets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Coach George Karl said he hopes to get Nene (calf) back for one of the Nuggets' two remaining games prior to the All-Star break.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">The fact that the Nuggets' medical staff hasn't ruled Nene out through the All-Star break is a sign that his calf issue is not overly serious. Consider him questionable for Wednesday's game against the Clippers. Rookie Kenneth Faried will likely start at power forward if Nene can't go.
Feb. 21 - 4:23 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: NBA.com</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Brook Lopez - C - Nets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Brook Lopez (foot) is expected to play in Wednesday's game against the Magic.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Lopez wasn't happy about being held out of Monday's game against the Knicks as a planned precaution. He said he felt good and tried to talk his way into the lineup. "I did what I could," Lopez said. "I'm not good at convincing people to do anything." Lopez made his season debut Sunday, posting nine points, two rebounds and a block in 21 minutes.
Feb. 21 - 4:04 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Newark Star-Ledger</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Raja Bell (adductor) is a listed as a game-time decision for Wednesday's game against the Wolves.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Bell did admit that he may sit out Wednesday as he eyes the upcoming All-Star break. Josh Howard started at small forward Monday night, posting 12 points and seven rebounds in 28 minutes.
Feb. 21 - 3:40 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 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Andris Biedrins - C - Warriors </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Andris Biedrins (flu) participated in a light workout Tuesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Biedrins appears to be on track to play in Wednesday's game against the Suns. The bigger question is if he'll maintain his starting gig or if Ekpe Udoh will take over. Biedrins is averaging just 2.4 points and 4.6 rebounds despite starting all 25 games he's appeared in this year.
Feb. 21 - 3:19 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Darko Milicic - F/C - Timberwolves </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Darko Milicic is dealing with a stomach-muscle injury.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">There's a big difference between a flu bug and a muscle strain in the oblique region. Milicic is day-to-day, but has never been a fast healer and plays poorly through injury. It's unclear if Darko could go if Nikola Pekovic (ankle) can't on Wednesday.
Feb. 21 - 3:00 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Andray Blatche - F/C - Wizards </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Andray Blatche (calf) is expected to return shortly after the All-Star break.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Blatche has been out since tearing his left muscle on Jan. 28. He still hasn't done any on-court work, but that should be coming very soon. Blatche and his $35 million contract project to eventually take back the starting power forward job from Trevor Booker. In 13 starts this season, Blatche struggled to 11.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
Feb. 21 - 2:26 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Gerald Henderson - G/F - Bobcats </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Gerald Henderson (hamstring) will not play in Wednesday's game against the Pacers.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Henderson is improving, but he still hasn't put in a full practice. We're tentatively expecting him back right after the All-Star break. At that point, Reggie Williams will be forced back to a reserve role. Still, Henderson's meager 0.3 3-pointers, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.4 blocks cap his fantasy upside.
Feb. 21 - 2:25 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Jamal Crawford - G - Trail Blazers </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Jamal Crawford will replace Raymond Felton as the Blazers' starting point guard Tuesday, according to the Oregonian.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">The Blazers are 6-9 over their last 15 games and Felton has rightfully taken much of the blame. This has the feel of a long-term depth chart change. Crawford is a scorer more than a point guard, but is averaging 5.3 assists to go with 19.3 points per-36 minutes this season. As the starter, we can safely expect a boost to 31-35 minutes. There's a lot of upside here.
Feb. 21 - 2:18 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: The Oregonian</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Kevin Garnett - F - Celtics </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">The Celtics are not ruling Kevin Garnett (personal) out for Wednesday's game against the Thunder.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Garnett is dealing with a family matter, meaning the Celtics really don't know when he'll be back with the team. We do know that Chris Wilcox (adductor) and Jermaine O'Neal (wrist) both went down on Monday night, leaving the Celts' frontcourt extremely thin.
Feb. 21 - 2:15 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Greg Oden (knee surgery) won't play again until February of 2013 at the earliest.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Oden underwent the third microfracture procedure of his career on Monday. Considering he's currently on a one-year contract, there's a good chance the Blazers release the former No. 1 overall pick to free up a roster spot. Although neither the Blazers nor Oden will say it, it's possible we never see him on an NBA court again.
Feb. 21 - 2:08 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Blazersedge.com</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Joe Johnson - G/F - Hawks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Joe Johnson has left the Hawks and returned to Atlanta for an MRI on his left knee.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Johnson will miss the final two games before the All-Star break and may end up skipping Sunday's All-Star game. The Hawks will be hoping that the MRI confirms the original diagnosis of mere tendinitis and no structural damage. In the meantime, Tracy McGrady, Kirk Hinrich and Willie Green are all candidates to get burn at the shooting guard position.
Feb. 21 - 2:03 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Linas Kleiza - G/F - Raptors </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Linas Kleiza (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pistons.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Kleiza was tentatively expected to return, so the fact that he's questionable indicates that his knee may not be progressing as the team had hoped. He was limited to only shooting at practice on Tuesday and has missed the last two games. He's averaging 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 treys in 22 minutes per game this year.
Feb. 21 - 1:44 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Anthony Parker - G - Cavaliers </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Anthony Parker (back) is questionable for both Tuesday and Wednesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Parker hasn't played in a game since January 29 due to ongoing back woes, and the Cavs will not rush him back before he's 100 percent ready. With Daniel Gibson (ankle) expected back and Alonzo Gee playing well, Cleveland will ensure that the veteran gets all the rest he needs before returning to the lineup. Parker is averaging just 6.0 points on 36.8 percent shooting over 23 minutes this season.
Feb. 21 - 12:20 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Andres Nocioni - F - 76ers </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Andres Nocioni will start the next two games in place of Elton Brand (thumb).</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Nocioni has appeared in just a handful of games this season and has not played more than 10 minutes in any of them. He's an extremely poor bet to reach true starter's minutes Tuesday as the Sixers rely on their "Night Shift" unit of Thaddeus Young and Nikola Vucevic up front.
Feb. 21 - 11:59 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 · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Drew Gooden - F/C - Bucks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Drew Gooden (wrist) is headed to get a second opinion on his injury.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Not good news for his owners. We've been warning that the injury to his shooting wrist could prove to be troublesome, and the fact that he's getting an outside opinion is not exactly a ringing endorsement that he's on the comeback trail. Milwaukee is already hurting inside with Andrew Bogut (ankle) out indefinitely, and owners should keep Gooden on the bench until he's given a definitive diagnosis.
Feb. 21 - 9:44 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 21, 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">Chris Broussard of ESPN reports that the Lakers have spoken to the Timberwolves about acquiring Michael Beasley.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Broussard writes that the Lakers are "intrigued" by the possibility of adding Beasley and that the team was actually in talks for him before the year began. Los Angeles could absorb Beasley into its $8.9 million trade exception, and Broussard also writes that the two teams have not discussed Pau Gasol since the preseason.
Feb. 21 - 7:39 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Emeka Okafor - C - Hornets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Emeka Okafor (knee) is expected to return "soon," and could be back immediately after the All-Star break.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Okafor has been ruled out through the All-Star break but has a good chance to return to action shortly thereafter. We've heard of him being dropped in several formats but with the chance he could be back next week, Okafor should not be on the waiver wire. He is averaging 9.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks on 53.3 percent shooting.
Feb. 21 - 7:23 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 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Danilo Gallinari - F - Nuggets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Danilo Gallinari (ankle) is aiming to return shortly after the All-Star break.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">George Karl said that "I think we're all shooting for somewhere after the all-star break," but wasn't sure whether it would be on February 29 or shortly thereafter. Although Gallo's timetable is still up in the air, it sounds as if he's right around two weeks from a return. Patient owners who have been stashing him should continue to do so as he was averaging 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.4 treys.
Feb. 21 - 7:20 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 21, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Charlie Villanueva - F - Pistons </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Charlie Villanueva (ankle) said he expects to begin making "basketball moves" later this week.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Villanueva said he wasn't sure that he'd be able to return this season, but he's reportedly made a lot of progress and is working his way back.
Feb. 21 - 7:04 a.m. ET
</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: MLive.com</td></tr></tbody></table>