NBA News/Injuries/etc. (3/4/12)

[HacheMan]

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Ben Gordon (groin) returned to practice Monday, but Rodney Stuckey (hamstring) remained sidelined.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Gordon is expected to play against the Magic Tuesday and Stuckey's likely absence gives him solid upside. In 18 starts this year, Gordon is averaging 16.1 points and 1.8 3-pointers per game while playing 33.4 minutes. He sees just 22.7 minutes as a reserve.
Apr. 2 - 12:47 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Keith Langlois on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[HacheMan]

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Beno Udrih - G - Bucks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Beno Udrih (hand) is a game-time decision for Monday's matchup with the Wizards.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Udrih's injury doesn't sound severe, but his role has been shrinking of late anyway. Monta Ellis is in town and Shaun Livingston is healthy. Udrih is averaging just 18.2 minutes per night over the last five games.
Apr. 2 - 12:32 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Ted Davis on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[HacheMan]

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Carlos Delfino - G/F - Bucks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Carlos Delfino (groin) is a game-time decision for Monday's matchup with the Wizards.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">The fact that Delfino wasn't given the full clearance after the morning shootaround is a discouraging sign. Even if he's active, a full workload appears unlikely. Backup small forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will get plenty of burn as a healthy defensive stopper. Delfino is still "stiff," according to coach Scott Skiles.
Apr. 2 - 12:28 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Ted Davis on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[HacheMan]

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Marcus Camby - F/C - Rockets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Coach Kevin McHale hinted that he sees Marcus Camby as his starting center going forward.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Camby has started two straight games ahead of Sam Dalembert, averaging 8.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.0 blocks and 3.0 steals. "He brings a nice presence to the whole team," McHale said. "You're just trying to figure out ways to make your team the most effective it can be, and I just think that Marcus in that spot is solid for us."
Apr. 2 - 12:24 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

 

[HacheMan]

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Tony Parker said he expects to be rested in at least one of the final 16 games.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Those 16 games will be squeezed into a 23-day span. "I'm sure Pop will (give me a day off)," Parker said. "I don't know when. I feel OK. Obviously, it's a lot of games, but I feel fine. I'm healed up. My hammy is feeling better." The Spurs have a back-to-back-to-back beginning on April 16.
Apr. 2 - 11:48 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]

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Joel Przybilla (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Monday's game against the Jazz.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Przybilla has a long history of knee issues and the Blazers are on a back-to-back. Therefore, it certainly wouldn't be a surprise to see J.J. Hickson draw his third straight start. In six appearances as a Blazers, Hickson is averaging an impressive 15.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals while playing 27.6 minutes per night.
Apr. 2 - 11:39 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

 

[HacheMan]

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Ryan Anderson - F - Magic </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Ryan Anderson says the ankle sprain he sustained Sunday night is "in a good spot."</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">The early signs on Anderson's injury are good. X-rays were negative, he didn't need crutches to leave the arena and he's listed as day-to-day. Anderson is officially questionable for Tuesday's game against the Pistons. Both he and Dwight Howard (back) are traveling with the team.
Apr. 2 - 11:31 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

 

[HacheMan]

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Carlos Delfino - G/F - Bucks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Carlos Delfino (groin) is listed as day-to-day ahead of Monday's game against the Wizards.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Delfino is reportedly with the team in Washington, but this may come down to a game-time call. For what it's worth, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel has listed Luc Richard Mbah a Moute as the probable starting small forward. We should know more on Delfino around 6 p.m. ET.
Apr. 2 - 11:13 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[HacheMan]

<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">Coach Lawrence Frank said there's no room in the rotation right now for Charlie Villanueva.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Frank is rolling with Greg Monroe, Jason Maxiell, Ben Wallace and Jonas Jerebko as his four bigs. Villanueva has appeared in just four games all season due to injuries and ineptitude.
Apr. 2 - 10:59 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

 

[HacheMan]

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Kyle Lowry - G - Rockets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Kyle Lowry (bacterial infection) was recently spotted riding a stationary bike.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">It's a sign that Lowry has been cleared for light exercise. However, he's still on an antibiotics cycle and getting blood work done. Lowry has previously admitted that he doesn't know if he'll play again this season. A reevaluation is scheduled for Saturday.
Apr. 2 - 10:31 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

 

[HacheMan]

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Kevin Martin - G - Rockets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Kevin Martin (shoulder) is hoping to return to contact practices at some point later this week.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Martin continues to undergo therapy on his torn right (shooting) shoulder. He still hasn't practiced in full or played since March 11 and a return to game action is not imminent. Backup Courtney Lee, who has averaged 1.7 3-pointers and 1.5 steals in his 13 starts, will continue to fill in.
Apr. 2 - 10:22 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

 

[HacheMan]

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Nikola Pekovic - C - Timberwolves </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Nikola Pekovic (ankle) is hopeful he can return against the Kings Monday night.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Pekovic is traveling with the team in Sacramento, but coach Rick Adelman didn't sound optimistic. "Everybody's hoping he'll play tomorrow," Adelman said Sunday. "I guess I'm taking the pessimistic view, because that's just sort of the way it has gone this season." We likely won't know Pek's official status until roughly 9 p.m. ET.
Apr. 2 - 10:14 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

 

[HacheMan]

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Ray Allen - G - Celtics </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Coach Doc Rivers said he is hopeful that Ray Allen (ankle) can return for Wednesday's game against the Spurs.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Allen has surprisingly missed six straight games with what was originally considered mild ankle soreness. Rivers said the 36-year-old's mobility isn't where it needs to be. But with two full days off, Allen certainly has a decent shot to return to the lineup Wednesday. The Celtics are 9-1 in games Allen has missed this season.
Apr. 2 - 9:24 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

 

[HacheMan]

<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">Derrick Rose (groin) still hasn't participated in a contact practice.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Rose has missed 10 straight games. He admitted Sunday that he is still having a hard time running as he waits for the scar tissue to break up. Considering the severity of Rose's injury and how long he's been out, we can't expect him to go full throttle even once he's cleared. C.J. Watson and John Lucas will continue to hold down the point guard spot.
Apr. 2 - 9:02 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

 

[HacheMan]

<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">Monty Williams said on Sunday that he's uncertain when Eric Gordon (knee) will make his return.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Gordon did participate in warmups prior to Sunday's game, and he has been targeting Wednesday's home game vs. the Nuggets, but this report casts some doubt on that timetable. The Hornets have an off day Monday, so we likely won't know more until Tuesday's practice at the earliest.
Apr. 2 </td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

 

[HacheMan]

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Carlos Delfino - G/F - Bucks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Carlos Delfino (groin) will not play in Monday's game against the Wizards.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Delfino did warm up before the game, but his groin is still too tight to play. Coach Scott Skiles is hopeful Delfino will be ready for Wednesday's game against the Cavs. Defensive stopper Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will start at small forward once again.
Apr. 2 - 6:46 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

 

[HacheMan]

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Beno Udrih - G - Bucks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Beno Udrih (hand) will not play in Monday's game against the Wizards.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">The damage is on Udrih's left (shooting) hand. His absence gives Shaun Livingston a chance to get back in the rotation.
Apr. 2 - 6:49 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

 

[HacheMan]

<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">Derrick Rose (groin) will not play in Monday's game against the Rockets.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Rose still hasn't participated in a contact practice and is having trouble running at full speed. There's no target date for his return.
Apr. 2 - 6:57 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: K.C. Johnson on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[HacheMan]

<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 will reportedly miss the entire week with a right groin strain.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">
Apr. 2 - 7:18 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[HacheMan]

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Zach Randolph - F/C - Grizzlies </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Zach Randolph will come off the bench again for Monday's game against the Thunder.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">"He has to keep working on his conditioning," Lionel Hollins said, "he’s handled coming off the bench very well." As expected, this leaves Marresse Speights in the starting power forward slot and makes him worth fantasy consideration in the Grizzlies' five-game week, and owners would have to be pretty stacked not to trot Z-Bo out there, as well.
Apr. 2 - 7:33 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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