NBA News/Injuries/etc. (3/16/11)

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Tyreke Evans - G - Kings

Tyreke Evans (foot) has reportedly been cleared to return to the court, and word on a potential return date could surface Wednesday night.
Evans is certainly worth adding if available in your league, but Kings' beat writer Jason Jones cautions that Evans "will need time to rehab" after spending time in a walking boot. We'll be watching closely for an update later Wednesday evening. Mar. 16 - 4:59 p.m. ET
Source: Jason Jones on Twitter

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Kendrick Perkins - C - Thunder

Kendrick Perkins called Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant "soft" and referred to Phil Jackson as "arrogant" in a recent interview with ESPN the Magazine.
Go ahead and circle that April 10 matchup between the Thunder and the Lakers. Meanwhile, after scoring six points with nine rebounds in 20 minutes during his Thunder debut on Monday, Perkins looks like a solid play for owners in need of rebounds and blocks for the stretch run. Mar. 16 - 4:49 p.m. ET
Source: L.A. Times

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Kobe Bryant - G - Lakers

Kobe Bryant (ankle) did not practice on Thursday, doing rehab on his ankle instead.
This shouldn't be seen as cause for alarm. Phil Jackson says that Kobe might shoot on Thursday, and we're currently expecting him to be ready for Friday's matchup with Minnesota. Mar. 16 - 4:24 p.m. ET
Source: Mike Trudell on Twitter

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Ronnie Price - G - Jazz

Ronnie Price (toe) will miss another game on Wednesday.
The backup PG has played just once in Utah's last 14 games, and there's no indication when he'll be ready to return. Mar. 16 - 3:55 p.m. ET
Source: Deseret News

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Raja Bell - G/F - Jazz

Raja Bell (toe) went through shootaround and is expected to play on Wednesday against the Wolves.
Bell's marginal value is undercut even more by the fact that he'll be coming off the bench behind C.J. Miles. Mar. 16 - 3:53 p.m. ET
Source: Deseret News

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

C.J. Miles - G/F - Jazz </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>C.J. Miles is starting again for the Jazz on Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Tyrone Corbin hasn't officially committed to Miles as his full-time SG, but it's good news for Miles' value any time he's in the starting five. In six games as a starter this year, he's averaging 19.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.8 threes and 1.5 steals.
Mar. 16 - 3:50 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Gerald Wallace - F - Trail Blazers </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Nate McMillan is expected to stick with his same starting five for Thursday's game against the Cavs.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>That means at least another start for Gerald Wallace, who struggled on Tuesday with just eight points and five rebounds, but should bounce back nicely in a favorable matchup against Cleveland.
Mar. 16 - 3:25 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 · Mar 16, 2011

Brandon Roy - G/F - Trail Blazers </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Brandon Roy, who scored 21 points in 28 minutes on Tuesday, has some "tightness" in his back but is expected to play in Thursday's game against the Cavs.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The Blazers have three more games this week, but it should be noted that two of them are back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday. Roy has played both games of a back-to-back situation twice this month, so hopefully he'll be able to get through both games this weekend.
Mar. 16 - 3:22 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: The Oregonian</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

J.J. Redick - G - Magic </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>J.J. Redick (abdomen) won't play on Wednesday against the Bucks.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>As has been the case in recent games with Redick out, Gilbert Arenas moves into the backup SG spot with Chris Duhon taking over as the backup PG.
Mar. 16 - 2:23 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Orlando Sentinel</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Darko Milicic - F/C - Timberwolves </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Darko Milicic (illness) appears likely to play in Wednesday's game.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Darko has cooled off lately while dealing with numerous ailments (6.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in March), but he still has some value as a deep-league shot-blocking specialist, posting 2.0 blocks in five games this month.
Mar. 16 - 2:09 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Luke Ridnour - G - Timberwolves </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>As expected, Luke Ridnour (personal) is back with the T'Wolves for Wednesday's game.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Ridnour has been somewhat erratic lately, but has still provided low-end PG value with averages of 10.9 ppg, 5.1 apg, 1.5 spg and 0.6 threes through eight games in March.
Mar. 16 - 2:07 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Andre Iguodala - G/F - 76ers </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Andre Iguodala (knee) has been upgraded to probable for Wednesday's game.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Doug Collins sounds optimistic that Iggy will play, so it should be safe to keep him active in daily leagues unless there's a setback. We'll let you know if anything changes between now and tipoff.
Mar. 16 - 2:03 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Joakim Noah - F/C - Bulls </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Joakim Noah (illness) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to return to action on Thursday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Be prepared to get him active in daily leagues. The Bulls' starting center is averaging 8.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks so far in March.
Mar. 16 - 1:52 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: ESPN.com</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Tyrus Thomas - F - Bobcats </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Tyrus Thomas (knee) is a game-time decision for Wednesday due to soreness in his surgically-repaired left knee.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>We can understand the rationale behind having Thomas on a fantasy roster right now, but he's a risky start until he shows signs of productivity. Thomas has averaged just 3.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in his first two games back. We should get an update on his status prior to tipoff.
Mar. 16 - 1:44 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: B.J. Evans on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Avery Johnson said at Nets' practice on Wednesday that he has "no doubt" the team will re-sign Deron Williams.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>It's not clear what authority Avery's speaking on, but it's possible this means he has assurances from Mikhail Prokhorov that the Nets will do whatever is necessary to keep the star PG (whose contract runs through 2011-12 with a player option for 2012-13). Despite trouble with a sore wrist, Williams has averaged 15.8 points, 14.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.7 threes in six games for his new team.
Mar. 16 - 1:41 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Mehmet Okur (back) will not play against the Wolves Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Okur hasn't played in a game since Jan. 28. Even if/when he returns, he figures to have an extremely limited impact.
Mar. 16 - 1:04 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Devin Harris - G - Jazz </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Devin Harris (hamstring) remains a game-time decision for Wednesday's game against the Wolves.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Harris isn't the toughest of players, so we are not holding our breath here. He'll likely test the hammy in warmups and take it from there. If he can't go, look for Earl Watson to draw the start.
Mar. 16 - 1:02 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Paul Millsap (knee) is out for Wednesday's game against the Wolves and Devin Harris (hamstring) is a game-time decision.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>This will mark the fifth straight game that Millsap has missed with his left knee tendinitis. It's the kind of injury that there won't be a timetable for -- it's all about how the Sapper feels each day. Look for Derrick Favors to get his second straight start as a desperation fantasy play.
Mar. 16 - 12:59 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Luis Scola - F/C - Rockets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Luis Scola received an injection in his injured left knee and is listed as doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Bobcats.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Scola would not rule out a possible return in Friday's game against the Celtics. The injection was likely to reduce swelling and give him some short-term relief, so Friday is a definite possibility. Patrick Patterson and Jordan Hill will chop up the minutes again tonight.
Mar. 16 - 12:54 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 16, 2011

Arron Afflalo - G - Nuggets </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Arron Afflalo (hamstring) will return to action for Wednesday's game against the Hawks.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Afflalo will almost certainly start, sending Gary Forbes back to the bench and squeezing J.R. Smith's minutes. In the 10 games prior to getting hurt, Afflalo was averaging 12.1 points and 1.3 treys a night in 32.2 minutes per night. It's a reasonable expectation going forward.
Mar. 16 - 12:43 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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