Bargnani not close to returning: The National Post reports Raptors C Andrea Bargnani, who has already missed 14 games with a strained calf, isn't on the verge of returning, coach Dwane Casey said Thursday. “His timeframe is extended, whether it is two weeks or three weeks, whatever it is,” Casey said. “We’re not putting a day on it. Extended is beyond day to day, I think. We’re not [spending] each day waiting on him. He’s back when he’s back. That’s the same message we gave to the team. We’re not going to rush him back. We need him back. But we’re not going to rush him.” (Updated 02/09/2012)
Injury Report
Calf - Out until at least late February (Updated - 2/9/12)
Fantasy Analysis
What disappointing news for Fantasy owners, who can now only hope that Bargnani returns after the All-Star break. If his status improves before that, then we will let you know. For now, though, keep the must-start Fantasy option reserved in all formats. (Updated 02/09/2012).
02/09/2012 02:40 Courtside Seat: Looking back to look forward
As the season progresses, you might start looking at your Fantasy team and wonder who was most worthy of your selection. Our Jamey Eisenberg examines how the Top 12 players drafted are performing so far in different leagues in his Courtside Seat.
02/08/2012 09:19 Waiver Wire: Lin is quite a gem
Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin came out of nowhere this week to light up the waiver wire. Our Ed Gauna takes a deeper look to find the under-the-radar players who could help you win the week.
02/06/2012 09:03 Week 7 Start 'Em and Sit 'Em
The Nets have struggled so far in 2012, but Anthony Morrow is making some noise of late. Our Chris Towers discusses his recent play and much more in his latest Start 'Em and Sit 'Em.
02/03/2012 21:43 Raptors 106, Wizards 89
Leandro Barbosa shook off flulike symptoms to score 19 points, Amir Johnson had 18 points and 13 rebounds, and the Toronto Raptors beat the Washington Wizards 106-89 on Friday night.
02/01/2012 21:59 Pierce, Celtics embarrass Raptors
Paul Pierce had 17 points and eight assists and the Boston Celtics crept above .500 for the first time this season with a 100-64 rout of the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.
Although he wasn’t as durable as he’s been in recent seasons, playing just 66 games, Bargnani posted a career-high 21.4 points per game last year. But general manager Bryan Colangelo was not happy with the production he got from the 25-year-old Italian. Colangelo believes the Raptors need a strong inside presence and the 7-footer plays mostly on the wing as he averaged just 5.2 rebounds per game with 0.7 blocks, but did nail 77 3-pointers with more than one per game. Toronto used guys like Ed Davis, Reggie Evans and Amir Johnson to do the rebounding, but Colangelo would prefer the center do that job in a perfect world. That said, Toronto certainly doesn’t live in a perfect world and it will be Bargnani as the man in the middle once again. He might not be the prototypical center, but he still does enough to be considered a low-end No. 1 option at the thin position. Bargnani can be considered in the second tier of NBA centers on Draft Day. (Updated 8/23/11)
