NBA News/Injuries/etc. (4/23/12)

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Deron Williams - G - Nets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Deron Williams (calf) will not play in Monday's game against the Sixers.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">No surprise here. Coach Avery Johnson and Williams have both already hinted that the star point guard is almost certainly done for the season. He doesn't want to risk any injuries or aggravations as he prepares for free agency this summer. Backup Sundiata Gaines has averaged 13.3 points, 5.3 assists, 2.0 3-pointers and 1.6 steals over the last three games.
Apr. 23 - 5:14 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Andy Vasquez on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Kevin Garnett - F/C - Celtics </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Kevin Garnett (rest) is expected to play in Tuesday's game against the Heat.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Garnett practiced on Monday and coach Doc Rivers has ruled out resting healthy starters in the final two games. Garnett may not see a full complement of minutes, but something in the 24-30 range makes sense.
Apr. 23 - 3:09 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 23, 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">Coach Tim Thibodeau said he fully intends to play his starters a lot over the final two games of the regular season.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">It sounds like Derrick Rose and the rest of the Bulls are safe to use in the Wednesday/Thursday back-to-back that will close out the season. Thibodeau is certainly aware that his team needs to build some chemistry after seeing Rose play in just 38 of the team's 64 games so far.
Apr. 23 - 2:39 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Nick Friedell on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Rajon Rondo (back) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Heat.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Rondo did not practice Monday, which certainly isn't a promising sign for owners. With the playoffs coming up this weekend and Boston locked into a matchup with the Hawks, he won't be rushed. Keyon Dooling would start again if Rondo can't go.
Apr. 23 - 2:22 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 23, 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 (ankle) did not practice Monday and will not play in Tuesday's game against the Heat.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Allen was spotted in a walking boot last week and has sustained multiple aggravations on his right ankle. It makes sense to hold him out until the playoffs. Rajon Rondo (back) also missed practice, but he's questionable for Tuesday. Either way, red-hot Avery Bradley will continue to log heavy minutes. He's averaging 21.6 points on 60.3 percent shooting over his last five games.
Apr. 23 - 2:16 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 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Paul Pierce - G/F - Celtics </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are expected to play in Tuesday's game against the Heat.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Both Pierce and Garnett took Friday off, but coach Doc Rivers said he won't rest his starters completely over the final two games if they're healthy. The Celtics are still fighting for home-court advantage against the Hawks in the first round of the playoffs. The status of Ray Allen (ankle), Rajon Rondo (back) and Mickael Pietrus (knee) for the next two games is much murkier.
Apr. 23 - 1:50 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Raymond Felton - G - Trail Blazers </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Raymond Felton (Achilles) is not expected to play in Monday's game against the Spurs.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">As hinted last week, we've likely seen the last of Felton in a Blazer uniform. Look for Nolan Smith to start the rest of the way, with Jonny Flynn acting as the backup. Meanwhile, both Nicolas Batum (quad) and Jamal Crawford (knee) are listed as game-time calls. Regardless, Luke Babbitt and Wes Matthews will get plenty of burn on the wings.
Apr. 23 - 1:13 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Jamal Crawford - G - Trail Blazers </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Jamal Crawford (knee tendinitis) is a game-time decision for Monday's matchup with the Spurs.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Crawford's issue isn't serious, but the Blazers aren't committing to playing any of their veterans. If Nicolas Batum (game-time decision, quad) is able to go, Crawford will likely sit. If Batum can't go, Luke Babbitt will start at small forward and Crawford would play a significant role off the bench. We won't know what's going on here until roughly an hour before tip.
Apr. 23 - 1:09 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 23, 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">Nene will continue to play off the bench over the Wizards' final three games.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">The Wizards can monitor Nene's plantar fasciitis better in a reserve role. Since returning two games, ago, he's averaging just 19.4 minutes per night as a backup to Kevin Seraphin.
Apr. 23 - 1:05 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Washington Post</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Al Horford - F/C - Hawks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Al Horford (torn pectoral) said that he doesn't feel like it's "realistic" that he can play in the playoffs.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">This contradicts what Horford said on Sunday, when he thought he had a 70 percent chance of returning for the playoffs. Perhaps he'll need the Hawks to beat the Celtics in the first round in order to get back on the court.
Apr. 23 - 12:46 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 · Apr 23, 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 will ask for a trade out of Orlando this summer, according to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">As with all "reports" from Stephen A. Smith, this one comes with a big grain of salt. That said, the relationship between Howard, Stan Van Gundy and the Magic appears to have run its course. In order to avoid another season of drama leading up to the trade deadline, a deal this summer would make some sense.
Apr. 23 - 12:24 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Dwyane Wade - G - Heat </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Dwyane Wade's (finger) status for the final two regular season games is unclear.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">The dislocated index finger on Wade's non-shooting hand isn't serious, but there's little reason for him to suit up this week. The Heat are locked into the No. 2 seed in the East and Wade has been on a maintenance program anyway.
Apr. 23 - 11:56 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Gerald Wallace - F - Nets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Gerald Wallace said he fully plans on playing in the Nets' final two games.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Wallace is nursing a sore knee and hamstring, but he is a true professional. "I'm going to play this game until I can't play no more, so if they don't want me to play, they're gonna have to shut me down," he said. "They can't ask me if I'm gonna play. I'm going to play." Deron Williams owners should note that the point guard has encouraged Wallace to sit out.
Apr. 23 - 11:23 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Bergen Record</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Jeremy Lin - G - Knicks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Jeremy Lin (torn meniscus) jogged Sunday for the first time since his April 2 surgery.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Lin is hoping to be able to play if the Knicks are able to advance to the second round of the playoffs. He still needs a couple weeks to cut laterally, jump and get his conditioning back. If the playoffs started today, Lin's seventh-seeded Knicks would face the Heat in the first round.
Apr. 23 - 11:01 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>John Salmons - G/F - Kings </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">John Salmons (hip) is not traveling with the Kings.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Salmons is almost certainly done for the season. He was relegated to a bench role mdiway through the season and will end up averaging just 7.5 points per game on 40.9 percent shooting. Salmons is due $8 million next season and his role will depend on the moves the Kings make this offseason.
Apr. 23 - 10:53 a.m. ET</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Marcus Thornton - G - Kings </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Marcus Thornton (quad) is still officially listed as day-to-day.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Thornton has missed two straight games with his left quad contusion and the Kings have just two games remaining. Beat writer Jason Jones has already speculated that Thornton could very well be done for the season. Travis Outlaw has started two straight games, but has averaged just 4.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists in those starts.
Apr. 23 - 10:48 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Sacramento Bee</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Tyreke Evans - G/F - Kings </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">The Kings will entertain trade offers for Tyreke Evans this summer, according to the Sacramento Bee.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Evans has one year remaining on his rookie contract, but the Kings haven't come close to sniffing the playoffs in any of his three NBA seasons. He's been moved off the ball this season, which has proven to be a problem because he has no confidence in his jumper. In 28 games after the All-Star break this year, Evans is averaging a meager 15.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists. His minutes have sunk to 31.8 per night during that span.
Apr. 23 - 10:43 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Sacramento Bee</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>James Harden - G/F - Thunder </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">James Harden (concussion) did fly back to Oklahoma City with his teammates following Sunday's loss to the Lakers.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">The fact that Harden was allowed to fly home hints is a good sign that his concussion is not overly serious. When Kevin Love sustained his scary concussion a couple weeks back, he was forced to spend the night in the hospital. While Harden is very iffy for the final two games of the regular season, it's certainly possible he'll be cleared in time for this weekend's playoffs.
Apr. 23 - 10:01 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Jameer Nelson - G - Magic </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Jameer Nelson (calf) said there is "no timetable" for his return.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Nelson's injury is being called a left calf contusion and he's been listed as day-to-day. Although it's not considered serious, the starting point guard didn't know if he'll play in either of the Magic's final two regular season games. Chris Duhon and Ish Smith would form a timeshare at the point if Nelson sits.
Apr. 23 - 9:42 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Orlando Sentinel</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Apr 23, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Tyson Chandler - C - Knicks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Tyson Chandler (rest) said he plans to play in Wednesday's game against the Clippers.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">The Knicks have a back-to-back on Wednesday and Thursday, but the Clipper game is at Madison Square Garden. If Chandler is going to sit out again, resting in Thursday's regular-season finale at Charlotte makes a lot more sense. Without their defensive stopper, the Knicks gave up 112 points to the Hawks on Sunday afternoon.
Apr. 23 - 9:31 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: New York Post</td></tr></tbody></table>