NBA News/Injuries/etc. (2/7/12)

HacheMan · Feb 7, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Eric Gordon - G - Hornets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Coach Monty Williams said he thinks Eric Gordon (knee) is still at least a week away from resuming strenuous workouts.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">The Hornets are going to exercise extreme caution with Gordon's bone bruise. They are 4-21 and Gordon is about the only asset the have. It sounds like he'll begin testing himself with running and basketball activities sometime in the next 1-2 weeks and then be reevaluated. There's no official target date. "Everything I've heard from him is he feels good," Williams said.
Feb. 7 - 5:04 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 · Feb 7, 2012

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">The Clippers still have a "strong fear" of a torn left Achilles' tendon for Chauncey Billups.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Both the team and Billups are currently awaiting the results of the MRI taken in Cleveland Tuesday. At this point, it would be a surprise if Billups' season isn't over. The official diagnosis will likely be made public at some point Tuesday evening.
Feb. 7 - 4:18 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 7, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Jason Kidd - G - Mavericks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Jason Kidd (calf) was limited to light jogging at Tuesday's practice.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Kidd is at least getting some exercise, but it doesn't sound like he's going to play Wednesday. "He's doing some stuff, but again I'm not going to get into a daily Kidd update," coach Rick Carlisle said. "We'll let you know when he's going to play." Look for Delonte West and Roddy Beaubois to share point guard minutes against the Nuggets.
Feb. 7 - 4:09 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 7, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Brandon Knight - G - Pistons </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Brandon Knight (broken nose) returned to practice Tuesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Knight has been fitted with a mask and is expected to be a full-go for Wednesday's game against the Nets. The rookie is averaging 34.6 minutes over the last 20 games, but that could take a small hit with Ben Gordon (shoulder) back practicing.
Feb. 7 - 4:16 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 7, 2012

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Raymond Felton (foot) will be a game-time decision for Wednesday's game against the Rockets.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Felton didn't practice Tuesday as he continues to rest his left foot sprain. Jamal Crawford started at point guard on Monday night, posting 17 points and five assists. Super-sub Nicolas Batum also gets a boost in minutes whenever one of the Blazers' starters sits.
Feb. 7 - 3:57 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 · Feb 7, 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 did not practice Tuesday due to bronchitis, but is probable for Wednesday's game against the Rockets.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Camby logged 32 minutes in Monday's overtime loss to the Thunder, so he probably wasn't going to practice much on Tuesday anyway. Camby has grabbed 15 or more rebounds in five of the last eight games and has missed just three games all year.
Feb. 7 - 3:53 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 · Feb 7, 2012

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy"><table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Luol Deng - F - Bulls </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Luol Deng said his wrist "feels great" following his second game back Monday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Deng probably wouldn't admit it if he was feeling pain/soreness, but he's looked fine on the court so far. He's averaging 20.0 points on 51.5 percent shooting and playing 37.7 minutes per game over the last two games. Remember that the damage was to Deng's non-shooting wrist.
Feb. 7 - 3:46 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink"></td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink"></td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink"></td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Feb 7, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Derrick Rose - G - Bulls </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Coach Tom Thibodeau said he's "hopeful" that Derrick Rose's back issue is a "very short-term thing."</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Rose said he plans on getting massaged and stretched and then playing in Wednesday's game against the Hornets. He'll be reevaluated later Tuesday afternoon and then again prior to Wednesday's tip. It doesn't sound like anything major.
Feb. 7 - 3:43 p.m. ET
</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 7, 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">Nene (heel) will be a game-time decision for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Nene may feel some extra pressure to play with leading scorer Danilo Gallinari (ankle) out indefinitely. He's previously stated that his Achilles' tendon issue is an issue of pain tolerance. If active, Nene projects to get a few more shots up thanks to Gallo's absence.
Feb. 7 - 2:44 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 7, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Arron Afflalo - G - Nuggets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Arron Afflalo (ankle, toe) will return for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Afflalo's injuries are considered minor in nature. He returns to a lineup that won't have leading scorer Danilo Gallinari (ankle) for the foreseeable future, opening up plenty of shots and minutes. Although Afflalo is averaging just 10.4 points and 29.5 minutes on the season, there's now a lot of room to improve on that as he continues to start at shooting guard.
Feb. 7 - 2:40 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 7, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Anthony Morrow - G/F - Nets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Anthony Morrow (personal) is expected to return for Wednesday's game against the Pistons.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Morrow missed Monday's game in order to attend his grandmother's funeral. He didn't make it back in time for Tuesday's practice, but the Nets say he will be ready for Wednesday.
Feb. 7 - 2:32 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 7, 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">The Nuggets announced that Danilo Gallinari has been diagnosed with a "significant left ankle sprain" and his return is undetermined.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">It turns out that the "chip fracture" discovered Monday night was actually from an earlier injury. A CT scan and MRI Tuesday revealed that Gallinari simply sustained a severe ankle sprain against the Rockets. He'll be in a walking boot for 3-5 days and then begin rehab. Coach George Karl has suggested that he hopes to get Gallinari back in about a month, making this sound like the dreaded high-ankle sprain. Al Harrington, Rudy Fernandez, Arron Afflalo, Andre Miller and Corey Brewer will all see a boost in minutes and shots while Gallo is out. We'd be surprised to see the Nuggets' leading scorer anytime before the All-Star break.
Feb. 7 - 2:23 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 7, 2012

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Doug Collins said that the Sixers "might be without Spencer (Hawes) and Elton (Brand)" on Wednesday against the Spurs.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Brand is dealing with a thumb injury, so the fact he might miss the game isn't a surprise.
Feb. 7 - 12:11 p.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 7, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Amare Stoudemire - F/C - Knicks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Amare Stoudemire is unlikely to play on Wednesday against the Wizards.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Howard Beck writes that although there has been no official word, "you can safely assume" that Stoudemire won't be playing. Stoudemire remains out indefinitely following the tragic loss of his older brother, and our continued thoughts and prayers remain with his family. Jared Jeffries started at power forward on Monday.
Feb. 7 - 11:56 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 7, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Carmelo Anthony - F - Knicks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Carmelo Anthony (groin) will be out for 1-2 weeks.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">No further tests have been scheduled. The Knicks won't mess around with his groin strain as those injuries have a tendency to linger, but this is not good news for his owners in the short-term. Bill Walker is the most obvious to start in Melo's place while he's on the sidelines.
Feb. 7 - 11:38 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 7, 2012

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Brandon Bass (knee) participated in shootaround and is expected to play against the Bobcats on Tuesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Bass sat out Boston's last game with some minor swelling, but the time off has done him good and he'll be back out there for the Celtics. He's averaging 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds on 47.6 percent shooting in 29 minutes per game as the sixth man for the Celtics.
Feb. 7 - 11:32 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: A. Sherrod Blakely on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Feb 7, 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), Daniel Gibson (neck) and Tristan Thompson (ankle) will not play on Tuesday against Miami.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">No surprises here as all three players were not expected to play. The team also waived Mychal Thompson on Monday, so owners looking for a plug-and-play should take a careful look at Alonzo Gee. Gee has scored in double-digits in four straight and has consistently clocked about 30 minutes in each contest.
Feb. 7 - 11:22 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 7, 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 "fully intends" to opt out of his contract after this season.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Crawford signed a two-year deal with the Trail Blazers, but the second is a player option and there is no question he'll retest the market when more teams have greater cap space available. He should have no problem securing at least a two-year deal despite struggling with inconsistency in Portland to begin this season. He's averaging 13.7 points, 3.6 assists and 1.4 treys on 37.9 percent shooting.
Feb. 7 - 10:04 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Feb 7, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Manu Ginobili - G - Spurs </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Gregg Popovich said that he expects Manu Ginobili (hand) to be back "in the next week or so."</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">It was previously reported that Ginobili was to be back before the San Antonio nine-game road trip ends, and this confirms that outlook. "The doctors say he's healed and healthy," said Popovich, and Ginobili just has to get his conditioning in order before heading back out on the floor. He's been out since January 2, but was averaging 17.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.8 treys before going down. He should not be on any waiver wires with his return around the corner.
Feb. 7 - 7:40 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: San Antonio Express-News</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Feb 7, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Corey Brewer - G/F - Nuggets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Corey Brewer (personal) won't play in Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Brewer continues to deal with the death of his father. Once he returns to the team, however, he's going to have a significantly larger role than when he left. He is a prime candidate to step into the starting small forward job with Danilo Gallinari (ankle) out indefinitely. Brewer is currently averaging 8.0 points and 1.0 steals per game while playing just 16.1 minutes.
Feb. 7 - 5:33 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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