NBA News/Injuries/etc. (4/5/12)

HacheMan · Apr 5, 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 expected to play in Thursday's game against the Suns.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">This will mark Salmons' sixth straight game out and there is no timetable for a return. With Marcus Thornton (calf) also out, Terrence Williams is getting plenty of burn.
Apr. 5 - 5:16 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 5, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Wilson Chandler - G/F - Nuggets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Wilson Chandler (groin) is listed as a game-time decision for Friday's matchup with the Suns.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">The Nuggets have a back-to-back on Friday/Saturday, making it a shaky landing spot for Chandler to return. If he can't go, Corey Brewer will get the nod at small forward. Danilo Gallinari (thumb) is tentatively targeting Monday for his return.
Apr. 5 - 4:41 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 5, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Danilo Gallinari - F - Nuggets </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Danilo Gallinari (thumb) said he is targeting Monday's game against the Warriors for his return.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Gallinari was originally expected to miss roughly a month with his fractured left thumb. Monday will mark exactly three weeks since going down. At this point, Gallinari is just trying to get the soreness out of the thumb when catching passes. The fact that the damage is on his non-shooting side certainly helps. Corey Brewer and Wilson Chandler (groin, day-to-day) will take a hit when Gallo gets back.
Apr. 5 - 3:53 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 5, 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 (calf) will not play in Thursday's game against the Clippers.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Thornton's bruised left calf has now cost him two full games and all but eight minutes of another. The fact that he keeps getting ruled out so early in the day hints that he might not be close to a return. Donte Greene may start at small forward again, but Terrence Williams is the much stronger play in fantasy.
Apr. 5 - 3:23 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 5, 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">There are "doubts" within the Magic as to whether Dwight Howard (back) was too injured to play lately, sources tell Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Howard has sat out two straight games with a seemingly minor back spasm issue. Meanwhile the Magic have lost four straight and there's a split in locker room as players take sides in the Dwight vs. Stan Van Gundy war. Howard is expected to play against the Knicks Thursday in a nationally televised game.
Apr. 5 - 3:18 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 · Apr 5, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Richard Hamilton - G/F - Bulls </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Richard Hamilton (shoulder) will play in Thursday's game against the Celtics.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Hamilton started on Monday, but managed six points in just 19 minutes. The fragile 34-year-old will be eased in slowly.
Apr. 5 - 2:50 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 · Apr 5, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Kyrie Irving - G - Cavaliers </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Coach Byron Scott said he already thought about shutting Kyrie Irving (shoulder) down for the season.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Scott said he regretted allowing Irving to play on Tuesday, when the consensus Rookie of the Year aggravated his sprain. But instead of simply shutting him down now, the Cavs will see how Irving responds to treatment for the next week. "I think [by] the time that he could probably return, there might be two weeks left in the season. So I've thought about [sitting him]," Scott said.
Apr. 5 - 2:46 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Apr 5, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Amare Stoudemire - F/C - Knicks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">The earliest Amare Stoudemire (back) will return is April 13, but that "doesn't seem likely," according to Newsday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Right now, the Knicks are simply operating off the 2-4 week timetable established following Stoudemire's epidural shot. He did get some free throws up before Tuesday's game, but declined to give any updates on how he's feeling. The Knicks project to stick with their small lineup that features Carmelo Anthony at power forward for at least another 10 days.
Apr. 5 - 2:35 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 5, 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) says he's still only 70-80 percent.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Beasley is tentatively targeting Saturday for his return, but his sprained big toe remains an issue. He was struggling for minutes even before this injury, so we can't expect a major role at less than 100 percent.
Apr. 5 - 2:17 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Apr 5, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Luke Ridnour - G - Timberwolves </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Coach Rick Adelman noted that Luke Ridnour's sprained ankle swelled up "a lot more" on Wednesday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Ridnour isn't expected back for at least a week. "After the game, it swelled up a lot more and (Wednesday) it was discolored," Adelman said. "He's a tough kid, but he's on crutches." This sounds like a severe sprain. J.J. Barea predictably posted 15 points, eight assists, six rebounds and three 3-pointers in 36 minutes as the starting point guard Wednesday night.
Apr. 5 - 2:12 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Apr 5, 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">Updating a previous item, Derrick Rose (groin) said that he's "for sure" playing on Sunday against the Knicks.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Rose is a game-time decision on Thursday, and he'll wait to see how he feels in warmups before making a determination of playing. Barring a setback, Rose will be back by this weekend against the Knicks at the absolute latest.
Apr. 5 - 12:40 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 · Apr 5, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Devin Harris - G - Jazz </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Devin Harris (ankle) is a game-time decision against the Warriors on Friday.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Harris is still bothered by his ankle, but he'll test it out in practice before a determination is made. Earl Watson will likely draw another start if Harris is unable to play.
Apr. 5 - 12:19 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 5, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Drew Gooden - F/C - Bucks </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Drew Gooden (back) is expected to return on Friday against the Bobcats.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Despite Gooden being in "obvious pain" after Monday's win against the Wizards, Gooden doesn't appear to be bothered by a serious injury. Gooden should be back in the starting lineup on Friday. He's averaging 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.0 steals as a starter.
Apr. 5 - 12:17 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 5, 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) is a game-time decision for Thursday's game against the Knicks.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Chris Duhon, who started for Nelson on Tuesday, would draw the start in his place again if Nelson is unable to play. In eight games as a starter, Duhon is averaging 7.0 points, 4.5 assists and 1.3 treys.
Apr. 5 - 12:08 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 5, 2012

<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 (ankle) could return on Saturday against the Sixers.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Stan Van Gundy had previously said Anderson would be out for almost a week, but he's healing well enough that there is a chance he plays this weekend. He's already been ruled out of Thursday's game against the Knicks, so Saturday is the earliest Anderson could potentially return.
Apr. 5 - 12:03 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 5, 2012

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

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Rodney Stuckey (hamstring) will return on Thursday against the Wizards, but Ben Gordon will remain in the starting lineup.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Stuckey will likely be eased back after dealing with his hamstring ailment. Stuckey has missed three straight games with the injury, and the Pistons will proceed with caution. Owners should make sure he's back in the lineup as he should remain productive despite returning to a reserve role.
Apr. 5 - 12:02 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 5, 2012

<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">Eric Gordon (knee) confirmed that he came out of Wednesday's game feeling good.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">"The knee is fine. I can't wait and look forward to Friday," Gordon said. He had 15 points on Wednesday, but the more important thing is that he played a whopping 34 minutes.
Apr. 5 - 8:20 a.m. ET
</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Apr 5, 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 (back) and Jameer Nelson (calf) will both start Thursday's game against the Knicks.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Howard is embroiled in a messy controversy with coach Stan Van Gundy right now, but that's nothing particularly new. It won't affect his minutes or role on the court. The back spasms that caused Howard to miss the last two games were never considered serious either.
Apr. 5 - 6:05 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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

HacheMan · Apr 5, 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 (foot) and Trevor Booker (foot) will not play in Thursday's game against the Pistons.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">It's the fourth straight game Nene has missed due to plantar fasciitis and his status for Friday's game against the Nets is uncertain. He certainly won't push it with the Wizards at 12-42. Kevin Seraphin starts as a strong fantasy play at center once again, with rookie Jan Vesely filling in at power forward.
Apr. 5 - 6:23 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

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