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

HacheMan · Mar 14, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Carl Landry - F - Hornets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Carl Landry (knee) and Jason Smith (concussion) have both been ruled out on Wednesday against the Lakers.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">The Hornets remain hopeful that both players will be able to return "soon," but neither has had a definitive timetable since they've been sidelined. Gustavo Ayon and Chris Kaman will continue to play massive minutes down low for New Orleans.
Mar. 14 - 12:10 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Jim Eichenofer on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Mar 14, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Luc Richard Mbah a Moute - F - Bucks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (knee) participated in shootaround but is a game-time decision for Wednesday's game.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Mbah a Moute has missed the last two games with the knee injury, but would have some fantasy value as Scott Skiles loves his defensive grit if he could get healthy.
Mar. 14 - 12:01 p.m. ET
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</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Bucks PR on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Mar 14, 2012

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">As expected, Monta Ellis will not play for the Bucks on Wednesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Ellis is with the team and will be introduced on Wednesday. We're assuming he'll make his Bucks debut against the Warriors on Friday, which should be fun. His fantasy value should remain stable alongside Brandon Jennings in Milwaukee, as the Bucks have desperately needed an offensive player of his caliber.
Mar. 14 - 6:31 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Jason Lloyd on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Mar 14, 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 will start Wednesday's game despite lingering soreness in his shoulder.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Camby hasn't exactly been lighting up fantasy scoreboards at full health, so we suggest finding alternatives wherever possible. Over the past month, he's only returning 14th-round value in nine-cat leagues.
Mar. 14 - 6:47 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 14, 2012

<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 will miss Wednesday's game due to his right shoulder injury.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Courtney Lee, Chandler Parson and Chase Budinger have all be playing well lately, and Lee will be a must-own player if Martin is dealt by the deadline. This makes two straight missed games for Martin, who played less than 20 minutes in his previous three games when he was healthy. It appears the Rockets are desperate to trade him before Thursday afternoon.
Mar. 14 - 6:50 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Jonathan Feigen on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Mar 14, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Corey Maggette - F - Bobcats </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Corey Maggette is expected to try to play through his back injury on Wednesday against the Rockets.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">
Mar. 14 - 7:10 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Mar 14, 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">Manu Ginobili is expected to play off the Knicks' bench on Wednesday as he deals with a hip injury.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Danny Green will start over Ginobili, but at least Manu is going to play. The Spurs have a ton of back-to-backs left on the schedule, so this is not the last time we'll be dealing with game-time decisions from Manu.
Mar. 14 - 7:50 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Jeff McDonald on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Mar 14, 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">Derrick Rose will not play on Wednesday due to a groin injury.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">C.J. Watson is set to return from his ankle injury, while we're guessing John Lucas will get the start.
Mar. 14 - 8:07 p.m. ET
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</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: K.C. Johnson on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Mar 15, 2012

NBA News/Injuries/etc. (3/15/12)

<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">Beat writer K.C. Johnson suggests that the Bulls will hold Derrick Rose (groin) out of this weekend's back-to-back.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">This isn't official word from the team or Rose, but Johnson is plugged into the Bulls. Rose's groin issue was serious enough for him to miss a showdown with the Heat and the Bulls are clearly focused on having their MVP as close to 100 percent as possible for the playoffs. With C.J. Watson (ankle) iffy, the handcuff here is unclear.
Mar. 15 - 4:15 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 · Mar 15, 2012

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">The Wizards acquired Nene as part of a three-team trade Thursday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">When healthy, Nene is one of the better centers in the league. The problem is that he's missed 15 games and is averaging just 29.5 minutes this season thanks to calf/heel issues. The Nuggets were reportedly feeling "buyer's remorse" after signing him to a five-year, $67 million deal in December of 2011. Nene did go for 22 points and six rebounds in 38 minutes on Tuesday night, so he'll slide right in to heavy minutes as the Wizards' starting center. We'll see how long he's motivated to gut it out for the lowly Wiz.
Mar. 15 - 3:57 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 · Mar 15, 2012

<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 (knee) said he has a "good chance" to play Friday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Randolph's issues have been more about being comfortable on his knee than any structural concerns. He hasn't played since Jan. 1 as the Grizzlies have exercised extreme caution. Z-Bo figures to be eased in slowly with a minute-cap, but he'll eventually ramp up to 32-36 minutes nightly.
Mar. 15 - 2:48 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Commercial Appeal on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Mar 15, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Richard Jefferson - F - Warriors </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Warriors acquired Richard Jefferson and a conditional first-round draft pick in exchange for Stephen Jackson.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Jefferson is a shell of himself at age 31. He was playing 28.5 minutes per game for the Spurs, but was averaging just 9.2 points and shooting 41.4 percent from the field. He won't threaten Klay Thompson and he's unlikely to even push Dorell Wright/Brandon Rush at small forward.
Mar. 15 - 2:43 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Marc J. Spears on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Mar 15, 2012

<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">The Blazers have traded Marcus Camby to the Rockets.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">The Rockets will send projects Jonny Flynn and Hasheem Thabeet, as well as a second-round pick, to the Blazers. It's a "win-now" move by Houston, who figure to use Camby and Sam Dalembert in some kind of timeshare at center. Camby was only playing 22.3 minutes per game in Portland and should be able to salvage something in that range going forward.
Mar. 15 - 2:29 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Marc J. Spears on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Mar 15, 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">Michael Beasley (toe) is doubtful for Thursday's game against the Jazz.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Beasley is still with the team as trade rumors continue to surround him. The toe injury shouldn't be a burden if the Lakers or anyone else wants to make a deal.
Mar. 15 - 2:12 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 15, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Rudy Gay - F - Grizzlies </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Rudy Gay (concussion) returned to Grizzlies practice Thursday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">This is confirmation that Gay hasn't had any new symptoms or setbacks. He's been medically cleared for exercise and is considered probable for Friday's game against the Raptors. The concussion he sustained Sunday was mild.
Mar. 15 - 2:00 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Commercial Appeal on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Mar 15, 2012

<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 (wrist) said he does not plan on sitting out any more games anytime soon.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Deng fell on his troublesome non-shooting wrist on Wednesday, but still logged 37 minutes. Still, the injury is going to linger all year long. Deng adjusted his shot and game to compensate and if the pain gets too extreme, he'll rest.
Mar. 15 - 1:41 p.m. ET
</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Mar 15, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Steve Nash - G - Suns </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Steve Nash is not expected to be traded by the Suns on Thursday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">He wasn't really linked to go anywhere, but it sounds like there's almost no chance he'll be moved today.
Mar. 15 - 1:16 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Chris Mannix on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Mar 15, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Dwight Howard - C - Magic </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Dwight Howard has reportedly signed a waiver on his ETO option, meaning he'll remain with the Magic this season, as well next season if he's not traded a year from now.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">This was initially hinted at on Wednesday night, and Howard sent a text to ESPN's Chris Broussard saying that he signed the waiver on Thursday. It remains to be seen if Howard signs on for three more years with the Magic in July, leaves his options open at the end of next season, or if the Magic will trade him next year. But the bottom line is, Howard is off the block for now. On a side note, Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, has not signed the waiver, but the NBA is expected to accept it without the agent's signature, according to ESPN's Mark Schwarz.
Mar. 15 - 12:30 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Josh Robbins on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Mar 15, 2012

<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">Ray Allen is being targeted by several contenders, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Wojnarowski reports that while some teams are offering a young player, others are offering a first-round pick. If Boston could land both in exchange for Allen, who has an expiring contract, it's possible the Celtics could move him. Unless some team drastically overpays for Allen, it sounds like GM Danny Ainge will hang onto him through the deadline.
Mar. 15 - 12:20 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 · Mar 15, 2012

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">The Bucks are expected to play at a faster pace with Monta Ellis joining Brandon Jennings in the backcourt.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">"We're pushing the ball up the floor, and we've got multiple ball handlers out there," said Scott Skiles. Jennings expressed no doubt that he and Ellis will be able to coexist, but that remains to be seen. The Bucks have certainly needed a scorer like Ellis for some time.
Mar. 15 - 8:52 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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