NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/16/08

[Hache Man]

<TABLE width="100%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD class=vaLabel vAlign=top align=middle width=100 rowSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=subHead vAlign=top colSpan=3>Butler, Arenas iffy for Wizards vs. Pacers </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=vaLabel colSpan=3>Caron Butler - G/F - WAS - Apr. 14 - 3:26 p.m. ET</B> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas skipped Monday's shootaround, leading to speculation that they might not play against the Pacers tonight.
Butler has a bruised right knee and Arenas is coming off back-to-back games after knee surgery. We'll call them both game-time decisions, but it's anyone's guess as to whether or not they'll play. Good news for the Pacers, who have to win out to have a shot at the playoffs, while the Wizards are essentially destined for the fifth seed in the East.
Source: Washington Post
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[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/08

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/08

<TABLE width="100%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD class=vaLabel vAlign=top align=middle width=100 rowSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=subHead vAlign=top colSpan=3>Deron Williams expects to play despite injury </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=vaLabel colSpan=3>Deron Williams - G - UTA - Apr. 14 - 2:04 p.m. ET</B> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>Deron Williams isn't expected to miss any time for the Jazz, despite bruising his hips and tailbone on Saturday.
If Utah wins their final two games, they could sneak as high as the third seed in the West, so there is plenty at stake for the Jazz. Keep Williams in your lineups unless there is a pessimistic update.
Source: utahjazz.com
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[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/08

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/08

<TABLE width="100%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD class=vaLabel vAlign=top align=middle width=100 rowSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=subHead vAlign=top colSpan=3>Caron Butler day-to-day with bruised knee </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=vaLabel colSpan=3>Caron Butler - G/F - WAS - Apr. 14 - 12:57 p.m. ET</B> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>Caron Butler is listed as day-to-day after missing Saturday's game with a bruised right knee. Wizards coach Eddie Jordan is confident it won't be a long-term injury.
"There's nothing structural wrong, there's no real swelling and it's just sore," Jordan said. "We think the pain will subside in a couple of days." The Wizards only concern is having Butler healthy for the playoffs, adding to the risk in starting him.
Source: Washington Post
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[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/08

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/08

Rafer Alston - G - Rockets

Rafer Alston is expected to miss the Rockets game on Monday after aggravating a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss.
Owners shouldn't gamble on the up-and-down Alston, though his absence makes backup Aaron Brooks an intriguing fantasy option in the Rockets two remaining games. Apr. 14 - 2:45 p.m. ET
Source: Houston Chronicle

 

[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/15/08

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/15/08

Mike Miller - G/F - Grizzlies

Mike Miller (back spasms) is unlikely to play in the Grizzlies' final two games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Juan Carlos Navarro should continue starting in his place, although his production hasn't been markedly better when with the starting five. If you've held onto Miller, keep him on the bench or cut him. Apr. 15
Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal

 

[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/15/08

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/15/08

<TABLE width="100%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD class=vaLabel vAlign=top align=middle width=100 rowSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=subHead vAlign=top colSpan=3>Suns' Hill presumably out Wednesday </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=vaLabel colSpan=3>Grant Hill - G/F - PHO - Apr. 15</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>Suns coach Mike D'Antoni presumes that he will hold Grant Hill, who tweaked his groin on Monday, out of Wednesday's regular-season finale. The injury is described as a mild strain.
If it's not too late, drop Hill for a healthy body. The injury-plagued veteran guard/forward had nice statistical output this year in Phoenix, and he somehow put together two consecutive 65-game seasons.
Source: Arizona Republic
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[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/15/08

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/15/08

Kevin Garnett - F/C - Celtics

The Celtics are taking Tuesday off, won't have shoot around Wednesday morning and won't have a pre-game shoot around session before tomorrow's finale against the Nets.
While this news doesn't really have direct fantasy implications, it probably means there will be no information on the status of the Big 3 prior to the game. So owners of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are really going to be rolling the dice tomorrow night. Our guess is KG and Ray play, while Pierce will nurse his sore wrist, but that's just a guess. Apr. 15 - 2:38 p.m. ET
Source: bostonceltics.ws

 

[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/15/08

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/15/08

DeShawn Stevenson - G - Wizards

DeShawn Stevenson does not have a broken tailbone, but he is still in extreme discomfort and might be limited on Wednesday. Both Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler are hopeful to see a bit of action in preparation for the playoffs, which could begin as early as Sunday.
Stevenson has played in 246 consecutive games, so we know what his preference would be. Officially, his status is unchanged, but owners should examine any alternatives before inserting Stevenson, Arenas or Butler into their lineup. Apr. 15 - 2:59 p.m. ET
Source: Washington Post

 

[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/15/08

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/15/08

Jermaine O'Neal - F/C - Pacers

Pacers big man Jermaine O'Neal said he'll dress for Wednesday's season finale, but might not play because coach Jim O'Brien wants to give Ike Diogu and David Harrison more playing time.
We're not sure what 10 extra minutes will do for Diogu or Harrison, but O'Neal wasn't offering much fantasy value to begin with, so get him sidelined. Apr. 15 - 2:38 p.m. ET
Source: indianapacers.com

 

[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/15/08

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/15/08

Chauncey Billups - G - Pistons

Chauncey Billups sat out of the Pistons practice on Monday with "routine soreness" in his legs.
Flip Saunders warned that he might rest a starter during Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves, so use Billups with caution. Apr. 15 - 2:13 p.m. ET

 

[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/16/08

<TABLE width="100%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD class=vaLabel vAlign=top align=middle width=100 rowSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=subHead vAlign=top colSpan=3>Rafer Alston to miss a week w/ hamstring </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=vaLabel colSpan=3>Rafer Alston - G - HOU - Apr. 16</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>Rockets starting point guard Rafer Alston will be sidelined a minimum of one week, the club announced Tuesday.
Alston underwent an MRI on Tuesday which revealed a moderate to severe strain of his right hamstring. Alston suffered the injury in the third quarter of Sunday's game at Denver and did not play Monday night at Utah. Bobby Jackson will likely start in his place until he's healthy again, including in Wednesday's finale against the Clippers and at least a game or two of the playoffs.
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[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/16/08

<TABLE width="100%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD class=vaLabel vAlign=top align=middle width=100 rowSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=subHead vAlign=top colSpan=3>Rondo not likely, Big 3 to be limited Weds. </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=vaLabel colSpan=3>Rajon Rondo - G - BOS - Apr. 16</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>Rajon Rondo may not play at all on Wednesday, while the Big 3 are expected to see very limited minutes.
Rondo played 41 minutes on Monday and Doc Rivers wants to get more playing time for Sam Cassell. Cassell is now an automatic pickup for fantasy owners needing a guard for tomorrow. Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald suggests "getting in your seats early" if you want to see the Big 3 tomorrow, predicting they'll play very limited minutes.
Source: bostonceltics.ws
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[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/16/08

<TABLE width="100%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD class=vaLabel vAlign=top align=middle width=100 rowSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=subHead vAlign=top colSpan=3>LeBron, Big Z might get some rest Wednesday </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=vaLabel colSpan=3>LeBron James - F - CLE - Apr. 16</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>Though unofficial, it seems likely that LeBron James will be held out of Wednesday's game against the Pistons. Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Ben Wallace might also get some rest in preparation for the playoffs.
All three guys have been playing with a sore back lately, and the Cavs would obviously like to get them as much rest as possible. We'll probably have an update prior to tip-off, so check back later.
Source: Akron Beacon-Journal
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[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/16/08

Manu Ginobili - G - Spurs

Manu Ginobili could return from his groin injury on Wednesday.
The Spurs must win tonight's game against the Jazz, and may turn to Manu despite his injury. Consider him a game-time decision, as this one could go either way. They might not need him, as the Spurs have won 20 straight over the Jazz in San Antonio, but they have to win this game to avoid a possible fall all the way down to the No. 6 seed. Apr. 16 - 2:34 p.m. ET

 

[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/16/08

Chris Bosh - F/C - Raptors

With the Raptors already playoff-bound, Chris Bosh only expects to play around 20 minutes in Wednesday's season finale.
Bosh's owners should take stock of their alternatives, though 20-25 minutes from Bosh might be better than 30 minutes from someone like Nazr Mohammed. Apr. 16 - 1:18 p.m. ET

 

[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/16/08

<TABLE width="100%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD class=vaLabel vAlign=top align=middle width=100 rowSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=subHead vAlign=top colSpan=3>Suns' Stoudemire doubtful w/ chest cold </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=vaLabel colSpan=3>Amare Stoudemire - F/C - PHO - Apr. 16 - 3:39 p.m. ET</B> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>Amare Stoudemire is now a game-time decision for Wednesday after missing the morning shootaround with a chest cold that's been bothering him for three days.
The headline for the East Valley Tribune calls him doubtful, and Mike D'Antoni said this morning that he "could be doubtful," so that's what we're going with. Boris Diaw should have a big game tonight, and the Suns found out this morning that they don't have as much to play for as they initially believed. If they finish in a tie with the Rockets, they'll be the No. 4 seed, but the No. 5 Rockets would have homecourt advantage based on having a better record against the Western Conference. The Suns will likely open on the road against the Spurs, Rokets or Jazz, depending on what happens tonight.
Source: East Valley Tribune
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[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/16/08

<TABLE width="100%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD class=vaLabel vAlign=top align=middle width=100 rowSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=subHead vAlign=top colSpan=3>Dalembert, Sixers starters to get some rest </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=vaLabel colSpan=3>Samuel Dalembert - C - PHI - Apr. 16 - 3:20 p.m. ET</B> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>Samuel Dalembert, Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala are scheduled to start in Wednesday's season finale, but may not play very many minutes, according to coach Mo Cheeks.
"I am going to give Andre and Andre and Sam some rest and I don?t want anything to happen to them," Cheeks said. Inquirer reporter Marc Narducci had suggested yesterday that the Sixers had to win this game to snap a three-game losing streak and ride into the playoffs on a positive note, but Cheeks is apparently more concerned with avoiding injuries at this point.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News
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[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/16/08

<TABLE width="100%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD class=vaLabel vAlign=top align=middle width=100 rowSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=subHead vAlign=top colSpan=3>Grant Hill to sit for Suns in finale </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=vaLabel colSpan=3>Grant Hill - G/F - PHO - Apr. 16 - 3:59 p.m. ET</B> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>Grant Hill has been ruled out of Wednesday's finale for precautionary reasons.
He's still hurting from his appendectomy and groin injury, and the Suns want him as healthy as possible for the playoffs. Leandro Barbosa and Boris Diaw just got a boost in value for tonight. The Suns are still going to try to win tonight, although they learned this morning that they don't have a shot at homecourt, as they originally believed. The NBA has said that Houston will have homecourt advantage if the teams tie, because their record was better against Western Conference teams.
Source: East Valley Tribune
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[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/16/08

Rajon Rondo - G - Celtics

Rajon Rondo and James Posey will not play for the Celtics on Wednesday.
We knew Rondo wasn't likely to play, but the absence of Posey comes as a surprise. Both are healthy, and are simply being rested for the playoffs. Sam Cassell is starting in place of Rondo and should have a big game. The Big 3 are active and should play limited minutes. Apr. 16 - 6:57 p.m. ET

 

[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/16/08

Jermaine O'Neal - F/C - Pacers

Jermaine O'Neal is listed as a starter in the preliminary lineup that we've seen on Wednesday.
It could change right up until gametime, but as of now, it looks like he might be playing. It appears the Pacers will start their regulars tonight. Fred Jones, who we think will have a big night, also appears to be starting for the Knicks. Apr. 16 - 6:54 p.m. ET

 

[Hache Man]

Re: NBA News/Injury News 4/14/ - 4/16/08

Jerry Stackhouse - G/F - Mavericks

Jerry Stackhouse is starting for the Mavericks Wednesday based on the preliminary linueps we've seen.
It looks like he's at least going to play tonight, after missing a couple weeks with a groin injury. Apr. 16 - 6:52 p.m. ET