NBA News/Injuries/etc. (4/13/11)

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

Andrew Bynum - C - Lakers

The MRI on Andrew Bynum's knee revealed nothing more than a bone bruise.
There was never too much concern surrounding the injury, but it's now official that Bynum isn't dealing with anything serious, and he's expected to return for the team's playoff opener. Expect Lamar Odom to potentially post a big line on Wednesday with Bynum out. Apr. 13 - 4:47 p.m. ET
Source: Kevin Ding on Twitter

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

Vince Carter - G/F - Suns

Vince Carter (thigh bruise) is being called a game-time decision for Wednesday's regular season finale.
We should get official word prior to tipoff, but fantasy owners may want to go ahead and look elsewhere given that Carter is averaging just 11.8 points in 21 minutes per game this month. Apr. 13 - 4:27 p.m. ET
Source: Arizona Republic

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

Kobe Bryant - G - Lakers

Kobe Bryant has issued a statement with regard to the gay slur he uttered toward referee Bennie Adams during Tuesday's game against the Spurs.
"What I said last night should not be taken literally," Bryant's statement said. "My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period." He added, "The words expressed do NOT reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were NOT meant to offend anyone." Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that the NBA is reviewing Bryant's actions. It remains to be seen how the league will respond, but the likeliest scenario at this point remains a fine. Apr. 13 - 3:14 p.m. ET
Source: Marc J. Spears on Twitter

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

Tyreke Evans - G - Kings

Updating an earlier item, Tyreke Evans (ankle) is expected to play in Wednesday's regular season finale.
Evans hasn't been terrific this month, but his April averages of 16.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.5 blocks and 0.7 threes are enough to warrant a lineup spot in most daily leagues. Apr. 13 - 3:05 p.m. ET
Source: Sacramento Kings on Twitter

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

Kevin Durant - F - Thunder </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Scott Brooks is not planning to play his starters their normal amount of minutes in the regular season finale on Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Brooks specifically made reference to the possibility of some of his bench players getting "an extra 8 or 9 minutes," so it sounds like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook still have a chance to play somewhere around 30 minutes -- enough to make a fantasy impact. Meanwhile, less minutes for the starters has the sound of a potentially big night for James Harden off the bench.
Apr. 13 - 3:00 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Darnell Mayberry on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

Andrea Bargnani - F/C - Raptors </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>As expected, Andrea Bargnani (ankle), Jose Calderon (hamstring), Amir Johnson (ankle), Sonny Weems (knee), Leandro Barbosa (finger) and Reggie Evans (finger) will all sit out Toronto's season finale on Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>As was the case on Monday, the Raptors remain without any sort of depth to close out the season. The injuries have been especially frustrating for Bargnani, who ends the season averaging a career-high 21.4 points, but played in just 66 games -- the second-lowest total of his career.
Apr. 13 - 1:35 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: The Globe and Mail</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Andre Iguodala (knee) will not play in the regular season finale on Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Doug Collins is opting to play it safe with Iguodala, who will be replaced by Andres Nocioni rather than Evan Turner. Turner comes off the bench on Wednesday to get ready for a reserve role in the playoffs.
Apr. 13 - 1:21 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Jason Kidd will play in Wednesday's regular season finale against the Hornets as the Mavs try to chase down the No. 2 seed.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>If the Mavs win tonight and the Lakers lose in Sacramento, Dallas gets home-court advantage in a potential second-round series. That's apparently enough for Dallas to play this game full throttle, meaning you should get all your Mavs in lineups.
Apr. 13 - 12:47 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Andrei Kirilenko (knee) will not play in Wednesday's finale.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Kirilenko ends up missing the final 10 games of what could be his last season with the Jazz. The impending free agent once again struggled with injuries, but managed to be a fantasy asset thanks to his 1.3 steals, 1.2 blocks, 0.6 treys and 5.1 boards per game. His value next year will solely depend on what uniform he is wearing.
Apr. 13 - 12:35 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 · Apr 13, 2011

Kevin Garnett - F - Celtics </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>The Celtics are expected to rest all their starters in Wednesday's regular season finale.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Health and freshness is the No. 1 priority for the aging Celtics. Look for Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo to all sit out as they look toward a first-round showdown with the Knicks. We're projecting a starting five tonight of: Carlos Arroyo, Von Wafer, Jeff Green, Glen Davis and Jermaine O'Neal.
Apr. 13 - 12:29 p.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 · Apr 13, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>C.J. Miles (knee) will not play in Wednesday's finale, as expected.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The Jazz will dress only eight players tonight thanks to their laundry list of injuries. Look for a starting lineup of Devin Harris, Gordon Hayward, Paul Millsap, Derrick Favors and Al Jefferson. Miles' breakout season ends on a down note, but he will likely return next season to battle for a starting gig.
Apr. 13 - 12:24 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 · Apr 13, 2011

Shaquille O'Neal - C - Celtics </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Shaquille O'Neal (calf) did not participate in the Celtics' shootaround Wednesday.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Shaq won't play tonight and is questionable for Game 1 of the playoffs. At this point, the Celtics should consider anything they get out of Shaq in Round 1 a bonus.
Apr. 13 - 12:18 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: CSN New England</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

Anthony Parker - G - Cavaliers </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Anthony Parker is listed as a game-time decision for Wednesday's finale against the Wizards.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Parker wants to play as it could be his last NBA game. But even if he does play, he'll likely share minutes with Manny Harris and Daniel Gibson. There's no upside here in fantasy.
Apr. 13 - 12:07 p.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Plain Dealer on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

Dwight Howard - C - Magic </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Dwight Howard will play in Wednesday's regular season finale.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>There had been some speculation that Howard would rest tonight, but that's not Stan Van Gundy's style. In last year's regular season finale, Howard played 29.5. minutes. Look for something similar tonight.
Apr. 13 - 11:35 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Josh Robbins on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

Gilbert Arenas - G - Magic </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Gilbert Arenas (knees) will not play in Wednesday's game against the Pacers.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The MRI on Arenas' right knee came back "fine," which means it just showed more of the same. He has soreness, swelling and the explosiveness has been sapped out of both knees. Jameer Nelson will play tonight.
Apr. 13 - 11:29 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Josh Robbins on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>J.J. Redick (strained abdomen) will not play in Wednesday's regular season finale.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Redick was able to go through shootaround this morning, but the Magic are playing it safe. The fact that he has missed 16 straight games is a concern as the Magic look toward the postseason.
Apr. 13 - 11:28 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

Stephen Jackson - G/F - Bobcats </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Stephen Jackson will not return for Wednesday's finale, as expected.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Jackson ends up missing 15 games this year and was hobbled in a bunch more. The result was a down season of 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Now entering his age-33 season, the injury concerns will only get worse. Jackson is signed with the Bobcats through the 2012-13 season.
Apr. 13 - 11:25 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Mike Cranston on Twitter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

Amare Stoudemire - F/C - Knicks </TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Coach Mike D'Antoni confirmed that Amare Stoudemire (ankle) would have played Tuesday if it was a playoff game.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Stoudemire worked out before the loss, doing sprints and lateral movement on his ankle. He looks close to 100 percent, but the Knicks aren't taking any chances. After all, Stoudemire could use some simple rest in addition to letting his ankle heal. We'd be a little surprised if Amare played tonight.
Apr. 13 - 11:10 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

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

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Kevin Love (groin) and Darko Milicic (ankle) are listed as doubtful for Wednesday's season finale against the Rockets.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The "doubtful" tag here is generous. There is no reason for either player to suit up tonight and reports from a week ago have stated that Love is done for the season. Look for the Wolves to roll with Anthony Tolliver and Nikola Pekovic up front tonight.
Apr. 13 - 10:56 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Apr 13, 2011

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

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>The Spurs are tentatively expected to use their normal starting lineup in tonight's regular season finale against the Suns.</TD></TR><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Coach Gregg Popovich said that he wanted his starters to rest in the first half of this season-ending back-to-back before getting back in a groove ahead of the playoffs. So he sat everyone down last night against the Lakers and will play them against the Suns. Still, limited minutes for Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are a good bet. Anything more than 24-28 minutes would be a shocker.
Apr. 13 - 10:41 a.m. ET</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: San Antonio Express-News</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>