NBA News/Injuries/etc. (3/29/11)

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Kobe Bryant - G - Lakers

Kobe Bryant and backcourt mate Derek Fisher were both absent from practice on Tuesday for the Lakers.
Both players were simply resting. This isn't a new trend for Kobe whatsoever, so there's no need for worry. Kobe is obviously a must-start in every format as long as he's on the court. Unfortunately the same can't be said for Fisher, who is averaging just 6.6 points and 2.7 assists this season. Mar. 29 - 4:36 p.m. ET
Source: Kevin Ding on Twitter

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Arron Afflalo - G - Nuggets

Arron Afflalo was still limited in practice on Tuesday (hamstring) and remains a game-time call for Wednesday night's tip against Sacramento.
He's missed six games total thanks to the injury, but the Nuggets seem optimistic that he's close to a return. When he does return to the court, owners should wait a game to see how he re-adjusts before automatically inserting him into the lineup Mar. 29 - 4:21 p.m. ET
Source: Aaron J. Lopez on Twitter

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Wilson Chandler - G/F - Nuggets

Wilson Chandler (ankle) returned to practice for the Nuggets on Tuesday.
Chandler will play on Wednesday when Denver takes on the Kings. However, the Nuggets have been playing well and their rotation of wing players is more crowded than any other in the league. Owners should double-check that they don't have a more attractive option sitting on the bench. Mar. 29 - 4:17 p.m. ET
Source: Aaron J. Lopez on Twitter

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Joakim Noah - F/C - Bulls

Tom Thibodeau revealed that Joakim Noah tweaked his ankle but is expected to be fine for Wednesday's matchup at Minnesota.
Noah has played pretty well over his last couple of games, averaging 11 points, 12 boards, 1.5 steals and two blocks per contest so hopefully this doesn't have any adverse effect on the solid level of play for his owners. Mar. 29 - 3:25 p.m. ET
Source: K.C. Johnson on Twitter

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Thaddeus Young - F - 76ers

Thaddeus Young received treatment on his right adductor strain today and is officially listed as a game-time decision tomorrow against the Rockets.
Young was a big reason the Sixers were able to get by the Bulls on Monday night in a 97-85 win. He went off for 21 points on 10-of-16 shooting with seven boards, two steals and four blocks in just 24 minutes of action. He's been a little inconsistent recently, but is well worth using in all lineups moving forward for his ability to produce in multiple categories. Mar. 29 - 3:16 p.m. ET
Source: Michael Preston on Twitter

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Ben Gordon - G - Pistons </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Ben Gordon returned to practice on Tuesday after missing Monday's session with a migraine headache.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Gordon has been disappointing to own once again this season. He hasn't played more than 20 minutes over his last four contests, scoring a combined 17 points over that span. As we all know, things can change rather rapidly in Detroit with John Kuester at the controls, but for now BG isn't a reliable contributor in lineups.
Mar. 29 - 2:55 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Jason Terry - G - Mavericks </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Jason Terry missed Tuesday's practice because he was in Seattle attending a funeral for his aunt.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>We send our condolences to Terry and his family as they deal with the loss in their family. He's expected to meet the team in Los Angeles for their game against the Clippers on Wednesday and should be safe to use in all fantasy lineups.
Mar. 29 - 2:45 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Udonis Haslem - F/C - Heat </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Udonis Haslem, who is continuing to recover from his foot injury, reportedly showed good movement in a post-practice workout on Tuesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Haslem still has a long way to go before he returns to the Heat's rotation, but it's worth noting that he looks to be progressing. The Heat bench is dramatically thinner with Haslem sidelined. For fantasy owners, his return is meaningless as he's been a lost cause due to his injury.
Mar. 29 - 2:09 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Kevin Love - F/C - Timberwolves </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Kevin Love (groin) practiced on Tuesday and said he expects to play in Wednesday's game against the Bulls.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>At this point, we would be surprised if Love didn't play tomorrow. The Wolves have eight games left in the season and a fresh Love could end up being a big difference-maker in fantasy leagues. Remember that Love was averaging a god-like 20.3 points, 15.4 rebounds and 1.2 treys per game before going down. Anthony Randolph will go back to the bench and is a poor bet to play more than 20-25 minutes if Love can sustain health.
Mar. 29 - 1:50 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Nick Young - G/F - Wizards </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>An MRI on Nick Young's left knee Monday revealed no structural damage and he is listed as day-to-day.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Young said he is not when, or if, he will be able to return this season. Considering the multiple setbacks he had had with this knee, we'd be a little surprised if Young didn't just shut it down. The Wizards only have nine games left in the season and Jordan Crawford is proving he can excel at the NBA level.
Mar. 29 - 1:22 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Washington Post</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Nick Collison - F/C - Thunder </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Nick Collison will not play in Tuesday's game against the Warriors due to a sprained ankle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Collison was averaging 23.5 minutes a night off the bench over the last 14 games. Nazr Mohammed and Serge Ibaka will pick up some extra minutes tonight.
Mar. 29 - 1:09 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Mario Chalmers - G - Heat </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Mario Chalmers (knee) is still a week away from playing in games.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Chalmers is on the court doing some shooting, but he'll need more time to be cleared for full contact. Mike Bibby is averaging 7.3 points and 2.0 treys per game since moving into the starting five three games ago.
Mar. 29 - 12:22 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Mike Miller - G/F - Heat </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Mike Miller (knee) will not play in Tuesday's game against the Cavs.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The oft-injured Miller bruised his knee in Sunday's win over the Rockets. James Jones will pick up extra minutes as the designated wing shooter.
Mar. 29 - 12:14 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Deron Williams (wrist) remains out for Tuesday's game and questionable for Wednesday's game against the Knicks.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Williams' status is unchanged as of Tuesday morning. He still has tomorrow's nationally televised ESPN game circled as the target and the Nets are hoping he'll play in that one. We suspect he'll give it a go, but we won't know for sure until shootaround tomorrow.
Mar. 29 - 12:01 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Baron Davis - G - Cavaliers </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Baron Davis will start in Tuesday's game against the Heat.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Just yesterday, Davis said that he didn't feel ready to play starter's minutes. But with the Cavs' putting everything they have into tonight's game vs. LeBron James, he's gets the nod. Davis' per-minute production in Cleveland has been spectacular, so we'd get him in all lineups as he stares at 30-35 minutes. Ramon Sessions will be a risky play now that he projects for 22-26 minutes off the bench.
Mar. 29 - 11:16 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Mary Schmitt Boyer on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Andray Blatche - F/C - Wizards </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Andray Blatche (shoulder) reiterated once again via Twitter that he plans on playing against the Heat Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The Wizards have been on a five-game road trip and have provided no official updates on Blatche. So all we have to go on are his responses to fans on his Twitter page. Players are often overly optimistic, so we wouldn't activate Blatche in your rosters just yet. We should know more after Wednesday's shootaround in Washington.
Mar. 29 - 11:05 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Jameer Nelson - G - Magic </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Magic GM Otis Smith said he would be "shocked" if Jameer Nelson (knee) doesn't play against the Hawks on Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Nelson hasn't been able to test out his knee on the court yet, but his sprain is not severe. If he can make it through Tuesday's practice, we'll know he is ready for a full load of minutes Wednesday. Gilbert Arenas would immediately resume his bench role upon Nelson's return.
Mar. 29 - 10:39 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

Tim Duncan - F/C - Spurs </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Tim Duncan was spotted without his walking boot on Monday night.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Duncan is moving in the right direction, but the Spurs will surely play it safe. He has missed four straight games and coach Gregg Popovich already said the veteran won't play the rest of the this week. Tuesday's game against the Hawks seems like a reasonable target date.
Mar. 29 - 10:29 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 · Mar 29, 2011

Rajon Rondo - G - Celtics </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Rajon Rondo (finger) confirmed that he came out of Monday's loss to the Pacers feeling good.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Rondo talked his way into the lineup moments before tipoff and then racked up 22 points with eight assists in 40 minutes. He'll be fine going forward as the Celtics get their ducks in a row for the playoffs.
Mar. 29 - 10:14 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Boston Herald</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Mar 29, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Andrei Kirilenko (knee) was still on crutches Monday night and admitted he can't feel the left side of his leg.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Kirilenko claims he's going to work out Tuesday, but we doubt it. And with the wheels completely falling off the Jazz, AK47 may not even play again this year. Deep leaguers should be taking a long look at Gordon Hayward, especially with Raja Bell (foot) going down on Monday night.
Mar. 29 - 9:55 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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