News: Clippers forward Caron Butler was able to play through a knee injury during Tuesday's contest against the Trail Blazers. Butler, who was forced to leave Saturday's contest against the Grizzlies after feeling some soreness in his right knee, finished with 22 points in the 93-77 win -- his highest scoring output since Feb. 21. He scored 18 points in the third quarter and finished 9 of 14 from the field, including going 4 of 7 from downtown.
Analysis: While Butler has had his moments this season, his overall production was all over the place. Part of the reason for this was Butler's role as he was not needed to be one of the team's primary scoring options. The 33-year-old only averaged 15.5 Fantasy points per week -- in all standard formats -- but he did remain a viable source for 3-pointers as he averaged 1.6 makes from behind the arc per game. Butler will be back with the Clippers next season, but unless he is asked to do more, he will only have low-end appeal heading into the 2013-14 campaign.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler was forced to leave Saturday's contest against the Grizzlies due to a sore right knee. Butler, who has battled knee issues earlier in the year, failed to score in his nine minutes of game action. He did add two steals and one rebound to his stat line prior to leaving the game and is being listed as day to day.
Analysis: While Butler has had his moments this season, his overall production was all over the place. Part of the reason for this was Butler's role as he was not needed to be one of the team's primary scoring options. The 33-year-old only averaged 15.5 Fantasy points per week -- in all standard formats -- but he did remain a viable source for 3-pointers as he averaged 1.6 makes from behind the arc per game. Butler will be back with the Clippers next season, but unless he is asked to do more, he will only have low-end appeal heading into the 2013-14 campaign.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler continued to do little beyond chuck up shots Tuesday against the Mavericks, as he scored 14 points on 14 field-goal attempts in an overtime loss. Butler shot 5 of 14 from the field and 4 of 10 from three-point range in 32 minutes of action. He added just one rebound and one steal, in a 109-102 loss.
Analysis: Butler has been able to score consistently since returning from an elbow injury, averaging 12.6 points per game in that stretch. Unfortunately for owners in category-based formats, he is shooting just 39.7 percent from the field. He has proven to be a reliable three-point shooter this season, making 37.9 percent from behind the line overall. Butler can be relied on for double-digit points and little else at this point, making him more of a low-end Fantasy option down the stretch.
News: As expected, Clippers forward Caron Butler was back in the starting lineup for Sunday's contest against the Knicks. Butler, who missed was held out of Los Angeles' last game due to a strained left elbow, finished with 14 points in the 93-80 win. He went 5 of 9 from the field, including 4 of 6 from downtown, and also added five rebounds and one assist to his stat line, while logging 29 minutes of game action.
Analysis: Butler played well in his return Sunday afternoon and did not show any ill-effects from the elbow injury that cost him a game earlier in the week. The 32-year-old continues to earn starts at small forward and entered his latest tilt averaging 10.3 points per game, which ranks fifth among all Clippers. While Butler can be considered a decent source for 3s (1.5 per game), he should be viewed as more of a low-end option in deeper formats when healthy.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler (elbow) is expected to be back in the starting lineup for Sunday's contest against the Knicks, reports the Orange County Register. Butler was held out of Los Angeles' loss to the Grizzlies last Wednesday night due to a strained left elbow.
Analysis: Butler was able to get back on the practice court over the last few days and is now being considered probable for Sunday's matchup. The 32-year-old continues to see around 20-25 minutes per game as the team's starting small forward and is averaging 10.6 points over his last five games. Butler is also averaging 1.5 treys per game on the year, giving him value as a low-end option in deeper formats when healthy.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler (elbow) missed Wednesday's game against Memphis as he continues to deal with an elbow injury. He suffered the strain Sunday against Detroit and will likely miss a week of action, reports NBA.com.
Analysis: Butler is loosely considered day to day but likely will be out for all of Week 20 (March 11-17). The 32-year-old continues to see around 20-25 minutes most nights and is averaging 10.6 points over his last five games. Still, owners should plan on leaving Butler reserved in the majority of formats this week.
News: Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro told the team's official website that he expects forward Caron Butler to miss "about a week" with his left elbow strain. Butler was forced to leave in the third quarter of Los Angeles' win over the Pistons on Sunday night with what the team called a left elbow contusion. However, an MRI taken Monday morning revealed a strain.
Analysis: Butler's MRI did not reveal any structural damage, but he still will likely be out for most of Fantasy Week 20 (March 11-17). The Clippers are only scheduled to play twice during the upcoming scoring period, so Butler wasn't looking like an ideal start this week anyway. The 32-year-old continues to see around 20-25 minutes most nights and is averaging 10.6 points over his last five games. Still, owners should plan on leaving Butler reserved in the majority of formats this week.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler was forced to leave Sunday's contest against the Pistons with a left elbow contusion. Butler sustained the injury in the third quarter of the 129-97 blowout win and immediately came out of the game. X-rays taken came back negative and Butler will undergo an MRI sometime Monday, according to the team's official website. Butler finished with 15 points and five rebounds prior to leaving the game.
Analysis: Butler looked to be in a great deal of pain when he left the court, but the fact that is injury is being called a contusion at this point is good news. Still, owners should continue to monitor his status moving forward just to be on the safe side. Butler continues to see starts at small forward for the Clippers, but he has been struggling a bit of late. He entered Sunday's tilt averaging eight points on 36 percent shooting from the field over his previous five games to go along with 1.8 rebounds. With the Clippers only slated to play two games in Week 20 (March 11-17) and Butler struggling and now dealing with an injury, owners should plan on leaving the 32-year-old reserved this week.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler had one of his best stretches of the season come to an abrupt end Thursday, as he made just one field goal against the Pacers. Butler played 22 minutes and took nine shots in the game, missing all six of his three-point attempts on his way to just two points total. He lso added just one rebound, in a 99-91 win.
Analysis: Butler had been averaging 16.0 points and 4.4 rebounds per game over the previous five games, so Thursday was a serious outlier. This game dropped him from 41.4 to 39.4 percent shooting in the month of February, and knocked his three-point shooting to 33.8 percent. Butler can still be productive, but he struggles with his consistency at this point. Butler is tough to rely on in all but the deepest of category-based Fantasy formats.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler was able to get back on the court for Wednesday's contest against the Rockets. Butler, who was held out of Los Angeles' blowout win over the 76ers last Monday after his back tightened up on him, finished with 19 points in the win. He scored 17 of his points in the first quarter and wound up connecting on 8 of 15 his field-goal attempts. Butler also added four assists, two steals and one rebound to his stat line, while logging 29 minutes.
Analysis: Butler came out like his hair was on fire as he buried seven shots in the first quarter. The veteran had only made seven total shots over his previous three games entering his latest contest, so maybe his latest performance can get him back on track. While Butler can be a decent source for 3-pointers, his inconsistent offensive output continues to limit his value. The Clippers are also finally at full strength for the first time all season, so coach Vinny Del Negro could make some tweaks to the rotation moving forward. At this point in the season, Butler should only be active in deeper category-based formats.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler said he will continue to receive treatment on his ailing back in the hopes of suiting up for Wednesday's game against Houston. Butler missed Monday's contest at Philadelphia after originally suffering the issue when sleeping awkwardly. "It feels just as bad as it did when I injured it Saturday night," Butler told the Los Angeles Times. "I need to give it more rest. We'll try for Wednesday."
Analysis: Butler was restricted to only 12 minutes of playing time against the Knicks on Sunday as his limited playing time resulted in just three points, the third consecutive outing he has been held to single-digits. He is viewed as a low-end option only in deeper Fantasy formats when healthy.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler missed Monday's game at Philadelphia, reported the Los Angeles Times. Matt Barnes started in his place. Butler left his previous outing with a back injury and was unable to return during the game in New York. He received treatment on his lower back Monday morning. The Los Angeles medical staff will continue to monitor him going forward.
Analysis: Butler should be considered day to day at this point. When healthy again, Butler could experience a dip in production as the Clippers welcomed the return of top scoring threats Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. He is viewed as a low-end option only in deeper Fantasy formats when healthy.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler is considered a game-time decision for Monday's game at Philadelphia after leaving his previous outing with a back injury, CBSSports.com NBA Insider Ken Berger reports. Butler, who was unable to return for the rest of Sunday's game at New York, received treatment on his lower back Monday morning. The Los Angeles medical staff will see how he responds to it before determining his status.
Analysis: Butler mustered just 12 minutes before missing the entire second half against the Knicks. His limited playing time resulted in just three points, the third consecutive outing he has been held to single-digits. Butler could experience a dip in production as the Clippers welcomed the return of top scoring threats Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. He is viewed as a low-end option only in deeper Fantasy formats when healthy.
News: Clippers small forward Caron Butler suffered an injury to his lower back and could not continue to play on Sunday in New York. Butler has a sore lower back and had to miss the rest of the game against the Knicks, reports the team. He is considered day to day going forward. Butler played 12 minutes and scored three points as he was 1 for 1 from downtown. He added one rebound.
Analysis: Butler has gone back to limited scoring production now that Blake Griffin and Chris Paul are healthy again. He had been picking up the slack in their absence, but the Clippers are a better team if Butler is able to do the little things. He is a cheap source of 3-point shooting and scoring, when healthy, and has lower-end Fantasy value.
News: The Clippers needed small forward Caron Butler to do a little more scoring on Monday in Washington with Blake Griffin out for the game with an injury. Butler did just that but the Clippers lost anyway. The former UConn standout went 6 of 16 from the field to score 15 points. He was 1 of 6 from 3-point range over 33 minutes. Butler added six rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Analysis: Butler, who is averaging right around 10 points per game on the year, has topped that figure in five consecutive games and is averaging 15.2 PPG over that span. He's really stepped up his game with Chris Paul and now Griffin out, though L.A. has lost three straight games. Butler's added boost will be short-lived, however, so Fantasy owners should continue using him only in the deeper formats.
News: After scoring in single digits each of the previous three games, Clippers forward Caron Butler was able to get back on track Sunday against the Trail Blazers. He finished with 12 points and hauled in two rebounds in the 96-83 win. He went 5 for 9 from the field, including going 2 for 4 from downtown while playing 26 minutes. Butler also posted two assists and two steals in the victory.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 9.4 points with 2.8 rebounds and a steal in the previous five contests. He is also shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc during that stretch and 44 percent overall. The 32-year-old has not been the most consistent scorer so far this season so leave Butler for deeper Fantasy formats at this point.
News: Clippers small forward Caron Butler had a solid performance on Monday despite his team losing in Golden State. Butler scored 19 points as he went 7 of 12 from the field and hit three 3-pointers. Butler added five rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block in an all-around performance.
Analysis: Butler has only scored in double figures in two of his last five games and is averaging under 10 points per game on the year. He can have solid performances every now and then, but he's largely been consistently mediocre. Butler only has Fantasy value in deeper formats right now.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler was able to fill his usually role Thursday against the Timberwolves, despite dealing with a minor foot injury. Butler scored 12 points on 4 of 9 shooting, despite missing all three of his three-point attempts in the game. He added a 4-of-6 mark at the free-throw line, with four rebounds and two assists in a 90-77 win.
Analysis: Butler suffered the injury after Tuesday’s game, but it was clearly not a serious issue. Butler has struggled with his consistency this season, and has scored in double figures in just two of the last five games. He is averaging 9.6 points per game on the season, and remains more of a low-end Fantasy option at this time.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports Clippers forward Caron Butler, whose X-rays on his sore right foot came back clean, went through shootaround Thursday and said he will play Thursday at Minnesota.
Analysis: Butler had a one-point outing Tuesday at Houston. The foot injury was likely to blame for his poor performance, but even if he was 100 percent he might not have scored many more points. Butler has managed more than 20 points just three times this season and has scored in double figures just 15 times. His scoring is way down and he is just not the Fantasy option he once was. Butler has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports Clippers forward Caron Butler went for X-rays after Tuesday's game because he had a sore right foot. However, Butler said he was fine. "I planted and something strained in my foot," he said. "I'll be good, though."
Analysis: You could blame the foot injury for Butler contributing one point Tuesday at Houston, but let's face it -- even if he was 100 percent he might not have scored many more points. Butler has managed more than 20 points just three times this season and has scored in double figures just 15 times. His scoring is way down and he is just not the Fantasy option he once was. Butler has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler has put together quite the different stat lines in his last two games. Butler, who sat out Wednesday's game against the Warriors due to personal reasons, scored seven points and went 3 of 9 from the field with one 3-pointer Tuesday at Denver in an L.A. loss. Just two days prior, on Sunday against Utah, Butler scored 29 points, went 10 of 14 from the field and hit six 3-pointers in six attempts.
Analysis: Butler, at this point in his career and in this role with the Clippers, may be about the most volatile player in the NBA in terms of his scoring consistency. It isn't always about being hot or cold, either. Sometimes the Clippers don't need him to take that many shots, and at other times he can lead the way. Unfortunately, overall his numbers are mediocre across the board. He helps out with 3-point shooting, but is otherwise just a low-end Fantasy option for the most part.
News: Clippers small forward Caron Butler scored 11 points over 19 minutes on Monday in a win at Detroit. The Clippers didn't need much out of Butler in order to beat the struggling Pistons. Butler went 2 for 6 from the field and hit one 3-pointer. He added three boards and a steal in the performance.
Analysis: Butler scored in double figures for the first time in his last five games on Monday and is only averaging 9.0 points per game over that span. His scoring has been down this season and he's not really doing much else at a high level. Butler should only be active in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler posted eight points and two rebounds during Los Angeles' 119-99 win over Phoenix on Saturday. Butler logged just 20 minutes -- his lowest total over the past eight games -- and connected on just 2 of 8 attempts from the field, including 2 of 5 from 3-point range. He has now alternated between single-digits and double-digits in points over the past seven games to drop his season average to 10.1 ppg.
Analysis: Despite his inconsistent scoring totals, Butler has maintained a spot in the starting lineup for the Clippers as the team doesn't possess many capable options on the bench. While it has been rare recently, he still has the ability to surge for 20-plus points thanks to his solid precision from long range (44.1 percent). He should be viewed as a low-end option in deeper Fantasy formats, especially category-based leagues, for now.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler had the hot hand for L.A. on a night they were destroyed by the Hornets. Butler was the lone bright spot in the loss Monday as the veteran hit nine 3-pointers to drop 33 points on New Orleans. Butler went 12 of 24 from the field and hit nine of his 15 3-point attempts to post a season-high 33 points over 34 minutes. He added six rebounds and two assists in the performance.
Analysis: Butler's outing Monday came out of nowhere as he combined to score 15 points in his previous five games. He was just 1 of 6 from 3-point range in his previous two games and was only averaging a little over a 3-pointer per game on the year coming into Monday. Butler was obviously feeling it but he's not normally the guy who takes far and away the most shots on the team. Unless this starts a drastic turnaround to his season, the 32-year-old isn't going to consistently be worth starting outside the deepest of Fantasy leagues.
News: Clippers small forward Caron Butler returned to the court Friday night against the Nets despite dealing with a strained right shoulder. Butler was held to just seven points in 3 of 9 shooting in a 86-76 defeat. He also chipped in with two rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes as a starter.
Analysis: It was nice to see Butler put his ankle issues behind him and get back on the court. However, he has not scored in double figures in the last three games. Though he is healthy, Butler is just averaging 9.4 points per game and has not contributed much in other areas, so consider him as a low-end reserve option in deeper Fantasy formats for now.
News: Clippers small forward Caron Butler will start on the road against the Nets Friday night despite dealing with a strained right shoulder. Butler missed Wednesday's game at Oklahoma City.
Analysis: It seems as if Butler is ready to get back on the court after missing Wednesday's game and failing to score at all in nine minutes of action against the Spurs on Monday. He has cooled off after racing out to a hot start with double-digits in points over his first four games of the season, and is shooting just 37.1 percent from the field over his last five outings. Butler doesn't contribute much in other areas, and is viewed as a low-end reserve option in deeper Fantasy formats, now that he is back in the lineup.
News: Clippers small forward Caron Butler (shoulder) missed Wednesday's game at Oklahoma City. That said, Butler expects to return Friday at Brooklyn. Butler sustained a right shoulder strain during a win over San Antonio and was limited to only nine minutes. He was hoping to play Wednesday, but coach Vinnie Del Negro chose to hold him out. "His shoulder's just not ready yet," the coach said.
Analysis: Butler appears to have escaped a serious injury as he probably wouldn't be considered a game-time call otherwise. He has cooled off after racing out to a hot start with double-digits in points over his first four games of the season, and is shooting just 37.1 percent from the field over his last five outings. Butler doesn't contribute much in other areas, and is viewed as a low-end reserve option in deeper Fantasy formats for now, when healthy.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler is considered a game-time decision for Wednesday's game at Oklahoma City after suffering a shoulder injury Monday, the team's official website reports. Butler sustained a right shoulder strain during a win over San Antonio and was limited to only nine minutes.
Analysis: Butler appears to have escaped a serious injury as he probably wouldn't be considered a game-time call otherwise. He has cooled off after racing out to a hot start with double-digits in points over his first four games of the season, and is shooting just 37.1 percent from the field over his last five outings. Butler doesn't contribute much in other areas, and is viewed as a low-end reserve option in deeper Fantasy formats for now.
News: Clippers small forward Caron Butler hurt his right shoulder in the first half of Monday's game in San Antonio and could not return for the second half. Butler managed just nine minutes before suffering the injury and failed to score on 0 for 2 shooting. He grabbed one rebound before leaving and is considered day to day.
Analysis: Butler has struggled to average 10 points per game this season over 25 minutes per night. He hits almost two 3-pointers per game but puts together limited statistics otherwise. Butler has been an all-around Fantasy option over the course of his career but has low-end Fantasy value now.
News: Clippers small forward Caron Butler played extremely well on Friday night in a win over the home-team Lakers. Butler finished the night with 14 points on 5 of 7 shooting including two 3-pointers over 24 minutes. Butler added two rebounds, a steal and a block. With the Clippers playing with the lead, Matt Barnes saw a bunch of minutes to keep the Lakers down defensively.
Analysis: Butler is the scoring part of the small forward rotation with Barnes seeing time when L.A. needs to tighten it up on defense. Butler is averaging 12 points and a 3-pointer per game after two contests but he's doing little else in category-based leagues. Butler can be instant offense but isn't expected to bring his all-around game to the table much. That makes him viable only in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler told the team's official website that he is down to 224 lbs after playing at around 238 lbs last season. Butler said he much lighter on his feet and it feels like he has "twinkle toes." Butler averaged 12.0 points per game but posted career lows in rebounds (3.7), assists (1.2), and steals (0.8).
Analysis: Butler was a bit of a disappointment last season but keep in mind he was returning from knee surgery. Combine that with how taxing the NBA's condensed schedule was last season and it is a bit surprising that he even managed to play in 63 games. However, he enters the 20-12-13 campaign totally healthy and in great shape, which usually are two of the main ingredients necessary to put together a breakout campaign. Still, we recommend taking more of a wait-and-see approach with Butler at first. Consider him more of a low-end option who is worthy of a late-round pick in most formats.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler, who suffered a fracture in his left hand during Game 1 of the Western Conference playoffs in Memphis last Sunday that was expected to keep him out for four to six weeks, was surprisingly in the starting lineup for Game 3 on Saturday. Butler played 22 minutes in the game, scoring four points with three rebounds, however he said before the game that the chance to help the team win was worth playing through the pain. "Being able to go out there and support my team is the most important thing to me," Butler said in a statement before the game. "I can play through the pain if it means I can help us take the lead in the series." The Clippers would win the game, 87-86 to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Analysis: Butler was cleared to play after going through shootaround on Saturday before the game, and he sported a soft, protective cast on the hand. Before the game, Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro told reporters that the team underestimated Butler’s toughness when they declared him out for a month-plus. Now the issue will be making sure he does not suffer a setback that could make the injury worse, however he did go to a hand specialist on the off day and was cleared to play. He will likely have to have his minutes watched to keep him healthy from here on out, so he should be considered just a low-end Fantasy option for the remainder of the postseason.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler is expected to miss four to six weeks after fracturing the fifth metacarpal bone in his left hand during Game 1 of the Western Conference playoffs on Sunday night. Butler said he thinks the injury occurred sometime in the third quarter. He initially remained in the game until he noticed his hand was throbbing. "I was about to go back in the game, and got the X-ray results," Butler said. "I told Coach I was ready, and he was about to throw me back in the fire." He finished with 12 points and
Analysis: Tough break for Butler and the Clippers, especially after Butler was forced to miss Dallas' title run last season due to a leg injury. Now he will likely be out until at least the end of May, which means is over unless the Clippers can advance. Butler averaged 12 points and 3.7 rebounds during his first season in Los Angeles, despite shooting just 40.7 percent from the field -- the second lowest shooting percentage of his career. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his recovery moving forward to make sure he doesn't suffer any setbacks. Butler will be considered a viable low-end option in the majority of formats heading into next season.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler was forced to leave Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinal series against Memphis on Sunday after suffering a fractured left hand during the second half. He finished the game with 12 points on 5 of 12 shooting, with one assist and two rebounds in 22 minutes.
Analysis: At this point, there is no known timeline for his return, however it would be a surprise to see him return for this series after this injury. This is the second time Butler has suffered an injury that will keep him out of a playoff run, which is an unfortunately situation. He has dealt with plenty of injuries this season, however he could be considered a low-end Fantasy option for postseason formats if he returns.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler was able to play through a hip injury during Tuesday night's contest against the Hawks. Butler, who hurt his hip during Los Angeles' win over New Orleans on Sunday, finished with nine points and seven rebounds in the 109-102 win on 4 of 11 shooting from the field.
Analysis: Butler has been turning his season around recently, averaging 12.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in April, after slumping mightily in February. He will need to play well in the postseason in order for the Clippers to have any chance of advancing past the first round. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on how he fares in the postseason. Butler can be considered a low-end option in most formats when healthy.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler missed his first four shots during the first quarter on Sunday against the Hornets, and he was not given a chance to turn things around, as he took a spill into the photographers on the baseline and was forced to leave the game after just nine minutes. He finished with no points and two rebounds in the game.
Analysis: Butler has been turning his season around recently, averaging 12.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in April, after slumping mightily in February. The injury is not considered incredibly serious at this point, however he has yet to be evaluated thoroughly by the team’s training staff. That will likely happen on Monday, however with the Clippers not having much left to accomplish with their playoff seeding pretty much locked in, they may choose to sit Butler for the final two games of the season. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his status for daily leagues, and consider him a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler is starting to show signs of life recently, after suffering through one of the worst stretches of his career through much of the month of March. Butler made more than half of his shots on Friday against the Trail Blazers, the third time in four games that he has done that. Butler finished Friday’s game, a 98-97 win, with 12 points on 5 of 9 shooting, while also adding two rebounds and two assists.
Analysis: Butler is shooting 45.1 percent from the field over the last five games, a significant improvement over his 34.2 percent mark in the month of March as a whole, so maybe he is starting to turn it around. Butler is still averaging just 10.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in this span, as his minutes have been limited, so he will need to continue to earn the trust of his coach back, however it appears safe to consider Butler a low-end Fantasy starter again.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Clippers forward Caron Butler, who was given Wednesday night off against the Thunder to rest, will play Thursday night in New Orleans. "It was great for me from a physical standpoint," Butler said. "Even a mental standpoint."
Analysis: Fantasy owners in daily leagues should plan on using Butler on Thursday if needed. He should be considered a low-end Fantasy option in the majority of leagues when healthy and active.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler was held out of Wednesday's game against the Thunder, as coach Vinny Del Negro is giving him a day of rest following a three-game stretch in which he scored 9.7 points per game on 27 percent shooting.
Analysis: Butler is shooting just 31.3 percent from the field in March, continuing a season-long trend of shooting worse in each subsequent month. He obviously isn't right, so a day of rest can't hurt. At this point, consider him just a low-end Fantasy option until he breaks out of this slump.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler has been in an extended slump since the All-Star break, however he had one of his better games in a while on Wednesday against the Hawks, providing hope that he may be beginning to turn it around. In 25 minutes in the Clippers’ 96-82 win, Butler scored 13 points on 5 of 9 shooting, as he went 1 of 1 from three-point range and added three assists.
Analysis: Even after Wednesday, Butler is shooting just 29.3 percent from the field in the month of March, as he continues a season-long trend downwards. At this point, it is difficult to recommend Butler on anything except reputation. Fantasy owners should keep him stashed in case he breaks out of the slump for an extended amount of time, however for now, continue to keep Butler reserved in most leagues.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports on Tuesday that Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro blamed fatigue on Caron Butler's poor performance on Monday against the Wolves. Butler played 19 minutes in the game and shot 0 for 6 from the field. He failed to score and grabbed just three rebounds with one assist. "Part of that is my fault," Del Negro said after Monday's loss. "I played him too many minutes last night, maybe. But he's a pro and he'll bounce back."
Analysis: Butler played 41 minutes in Sunday's win at Houston. He scored 14 points in that game and hit two 3-pointers. That said, Butler is shooting under 27 percent from the field over his last five games and really needs to find his rhythm. If he's not hitting his shots, Butler is just a Fantasy option for use in deeper formats.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler's shooting woes continued during Sunday night's contest against the Rockets. Butler made just four of his 12 shot attempts in the 105-103 overtime win, en route to 12 points. He did go 2 of 3 from downtown, but added only two rebounds to his stat line, while logging 41 minutes of game action.
Analysis: Butler just can't seem to break out of his shooting slump as he is now shooting just 32 percent from the field over his last five contests. He has failed to score in double figures in three of those contests and really seems to be getting frustrated out on the court. However, ever shooter goes through this at some point during the season and Butler's track record suggests he should be able to bounce back sooner rather than later. Still, owners may want to leave him reserved until that happens.
News: Clippers small forward Caron Butler had an atrocious start to the second half of the season on Tuesday night during a loss against Minnesota. Butler shot an ugly 1 of 10 from the field over 29 minutes and scored just two points. He grabbed four rebounds and added an assist with four personal fouls.
Analysis: Butler has scored in single digits in four of his last five games and is averaging just 7.0 points over that span. With 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and under 30 percent shooting, Butler should be avoided in most Fantasy formats right now. Owners can stash him on benches in deeper leagues until he starts playing better. He does have the ability to play at a high level, he just isn't displaying that right now.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler had another quiet offensive game Wednesday against the Nuggets. Butler had less than 10 points for the third time in four games, finishing with six points on 3-of-7 shooting. He added five rebounds and two assists. Butler is averaging 8.3 points in his last four games after averaging 15.8 points in his first eight February games.
Analysis: A big part for Butler's recent slump has been his struggles from 3-point range. He is just 1 for 14 (.071) from distance in his last four games after shooting 43.1 percent (22 for 51) from 3-point range in his first eight February games. Hopefully, Butler will use the All-Star break to his advantage and come out in the second half being aggressive from 3-point range. He remains a viable mid-level Fantasy start.
News: Clippers F Caron Butler had one of his better performances of the year on Monday against the Mavericks. He scored a season-high 23 points and hauled in eight rebounds in the 96-92 loss. He went 7 for 18 from the floor, including 5 for 10 from downtown, and made all four of his free throws. Butler also chipped in with an assist and a steal while playing 35 minutes.
Analysis: Butler has been able to pick up his scoring of late and has been improving his shot from beyond the arc. He is averaging 16 points with 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals in his last five contests, and is shooting 38 percent from 3-point land over that span. While he sometimes gets overshadowed on a talented Clippers' squad, the 31-year-old still has his place in Fantasy. With Washington, Portland and San Antonio left on the schedule for Week 8 (Feb. 13-19), continue to view Butler as a low-end option in larger formats.
News: Clippers SF Caron Butler played well on Wednesday night in a loss to Cleveland as L.A. was without Chauncey Billups for the first time. Butler shot 8 of 15 from the field to score 21 points for the Clippers. He missed all three 3-pointers he attempted, however. Butler grabbed two rebounds and added an assist and a block in the performance for Los Angeles.
Analysis: The veteran Butler has been very consistent for the Clippers of late as he's scored in double figures in four straight games. His 3-point shooting has not been as consistent, but he's still hitting around two threes per night. As long as he keeps that up, Butler will remain a solid start in most Fantasy formats.
News: After being a late scratch from Wednesday’s game against the Jazz with a sore back, Clippers F Caron Butler returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Nuggets. In 26 minutes in the game, Butler scored 11 points; however he struggled with his shot, making just 5 of 14 from the field with two rebounds in the game as the Clippers lost 112-91.
Analysis: It was a below average game for Butler, who is averaging 15 points and 3.9 rebounds per game on the season. However it’s a good sign that he was back in the lineup. He has dealt with a number of small injuries this season, but has missed just two games. He has also scored in double figures in all but two of his appearances this season, making him a consistently dependable option. When healthy, Butler can be considered a decent mid-level Fantasy option in larger formats.
News: According to NBA.com, Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said he expects Caron Butler (back) to play on Thursday night versus the Nuggets.
Analysis: Butler is having his usual productive campaign as he is averaging 15.1 points with 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals on the year. When healthy, Butler should be considered a decent mid-level Fantasy option in larger formats.
News: Clippers F Caron Butler was a late scratch from Wednesday's game against the Jazz due to a sore lower back. Ryan Gomes got the start in his place.
Analysis: Butler is having his usual productive campaign as he is averaging 15.1 points with 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals on the year. This injury does not appear to be too serious but keep an eye on his status going forward just to be safe. When healthy, Butler should be considered a decent mid-level Fantasy option in larger formats.
News: Clippers F Caron Butler has been steady all season and the consistency over his last handful of games has been an illustration of how. In four contests, Butler has attempted no more than 11 but no less than 10 field goal attempts in each game, with the only fluctuations coming in his ability to hit shots, as he made just three of his 10 attempts on Sunday against the Nuggets. For just the second time all season Butler scored in single digits, putting up just nine points, his second-lowest total of the season. He did make two three-pointers in the game while dishing out three assists and grabbing three rebounds and a block in the 109-105 win at Denver.
Analysis: Butler’s consistency has been much needed in a season where the Clippers have been learning how to play with a lot of new parts and have dealt with plenty of injuries. He has been hurt a couple of times, but nothing that has affected him too badly. He is averaging 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game on the season, and that same consistency he gives the Clippers also helps his Fantasy owners, as he rarely delivers a dud. Consider Butler a decent mid-level Fantasy start for Week 6 (Jan. 30-Feb. 5) with four favorable matchups on the way.
News: After missing the previous contest due to a hyperextended right knee, Clippers F Caron Butler returned for Sunday's game against the Raptors. He scored 15 points and hauled in two rebounds in the 103-91 win. He went 6 for 10 from the floor, including 1 for 2 from downtown, and made 2 of 5 free throws. Butler, who played 23 minutes, also chipped in with a steal and a blocked shot in the victory.
Analysis: Butler didn't suffer any structural damage to his surgically-repaired knee and should be good to go for Week 5 (Jan. 23-29). He has bounced back from his injury-plagued 2010-11 season to average 14.8 points per game in 2011-12. His scoring has been down a bit lately due to the absence of Chris Paul, who appears to be on track to return Wednesday against the Lakers. Consider Butler a decent mid-level Fantasy start with the Lakers, Grizzlies and Nuggets on the schedule for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said forward Caron Butler will return to the lineup Sunday against the Raptors after sitting out Friday with a hyperextended right knee.
Analysis: There was some concern with Butler since the injury was to his surgically-repaired knee. But he didn't suffer any structural damage and apparently is good to play again. Butler has bounced back from his injury-plagued 2010-11 season to average 14.8 points per game in 2011-12. His scoring has been down a bit lately due to the absence of Chris Paul, who appears to be on track to return Wednesday against the Lakers. Consider Butler a decent mid-level Fantasy start.
News: An MRI taken Thursday on Clippers F Caron Butler's knee revealed no structural damage. It was the same knee he had surgery on last January, which sidelined him for the rest of the season, but Los Angeles coach Vinny Del Negro said this injury was not related. Butler apparently sustained the injury Tuesday against Utah, but was able to play through it during Wednesday's victory over Dallas. "He got some shots up this morning but for him it's more a matter of rest, I think," Del Negro said. Butler is being considered day to day.
Analysis: Despite playing Wednesday, Butler struggled mightily and shot a career-worst 1 for 12 after hyperextending his right knee the previous night. He did not play during Friday's game against Minnesota and is questionable to suit up Saturday against Toronto. Butler has gotten off to a decent start and is averaging 14.8 points and 4.3 rebounds during his first season with the Clippers. Consider him a viable Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Clippers F Caron Butler was ruled out for Friday night's contest against the Timberwolves due to a hyperextended left knee. Butler sustained the injury last Tuesday against the Jazz, but was able to play through it during Wednesday night's win over the Mavericks. He is being considered day to day.
Analysis: Butler apparently hurt his knee earlier in the week in Utah, but kept the injury under wraps until just now. His injury is not being considered serious at the moment, although Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his status moving forward. Butler has gotten off to a decent start thus far, averaging 14.8 points and 4.3 rebounds during his first season with the Clippers. Consider him a viable mid-level option, when healthy.
News: Clippers forward Caron Butler missed his first seven shots Wednesday against the Mavs during 27 scoreless minutes before ending the drought on an 18-footer that gave the Clippers a 68-62 lead with 3:05 left in the third quarter. Butler would finish with just two points on 1-of-12 shooting. He added five rebounds and three assists.
Analysis: Butler failed to score in double figures Wednesday for the first time all season. He is shooting 41.8 percent this season, but a lot of shooting percentages are down around the NBA because of the shortened preseason and condensed schedule. It's just good to see Butler contributing again after he was limited to 29 games last season due to a major knee injury. Consider Butler a decent mid-level Fantasy start.
News: Clippers SF Caron Butler needed to do more scoring with Chris Paul and Mo Williams still out on Tuesday against the Jazz. Butler didn't have the best of games, however, and the Clippers were blown out of the water by Utah. Butler scored 14 points to lead his team, however, as he went 6 of 13 from the field. He went 0 for 4 from deep. Butler added two rebounds, one assist and a steal in the performance.
Analysis: Butler has scored 20 points three times in his last five games and is averaging 17.4 PPG over that span. Still, the Clippers needed him to step up on Tuesday and he really didn't do that. That said, Butler has played well for the Clippers pretty much all year and has been an excellent complement to Paul and Blake Griffin. Butler should remain active in the majority of Fantasy formats.
News: Clippers SF Caron Butler led his team in scoring on Tuesday night in a loss at Portland. Butler shot 8 for 19 from the field with two 3-pointers over 39 minutes to score 20 points. He added six rebounds and two assists. Butler went 2 for 7 from 3-point range in the game.
Analysis: Butler could have had a much bigger game had his 3-pointers been falling with more regularity. He's gone just 4 for 13 from deep in his last two games while still putting up back-to-back 20-point efforts. Butler is playing well for the Clippers right now and can certainly be used in most Fantasy formats.
News: Clippers SF Caron Butler got his L.A. career started off with a solid effort in a win over the Warriors on Sunday night in the season opener. Butler's shot was completely on, especially in the first half, but he went 4 of 10, including 1 of 3 from deep, to score 11 points in 36 minutes as a starter. Butler added 10 rebounds for the double-double and added four assists and three steals in the all-around effort.
Analysis: Butler has been known as a complete player, but that was when he was younger. The 31-year-old certainly didn't look or act his age on Sunday in his first game with the Clippers. Playing in that lineup could rejuvenate Butler as the team should display a high-flying offense behind Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups and Blake Griffin. Butler will get plenty of opportunities to score, however, and should be considered a nice mid-range Fantasy option in most leagues. Butler could be climbing into the top 50 Fantasy forwards.
News: Free agent F Caron Butler agreed to terms on a three year, $27 million contract Thursday with the Clippers, according to NBA.com, filling a void at small forward that the team was intent on finding an answer for quickly. They did just that in signing the nine-year veteran. Butler, 31, is coming off knee surgery, but was working on a nice bounce back season in 2010-11 before succumbing to the injury. He will likely start in a frontcourt that will also feature double-double threats Blake Griffin and either Chris Kaman or DeAndre Jordan.
Analysis: Butler found the best 3-point stroke of his career in 2010-11 in Dallas, hitting at a .431 mark on 2.2 attempts per game. Prior to that, he had never topped .357 in a season, but a veteran wing discovering a late-career three-point shot is certainly something we’ve seen before. It remains to be seen whether he can sustain that, but if he can it’s likely he’ll be a deadly third option in what could be a very potent Clippers offense. He’ll certainly get plenty of opportunities to hit open shots, as Eric Gordon and Griffin have developed into two of the NBA’s best offensive players, almost demanding double teams every time they get the ball. Butler is a middle-round talent on Draft Day, but he could be a pretty good sleeper candidate, having found what appears to be a nice fit for him.
News: Free agent Caron Butler met with the Chicago Bulls on Monday as Chicago looks to upgrade at the shooting guard position, reports Inside Hoops. A league source called the meeting "positive." Butler tweeted that the meeting went well. Butler has met with several teams already, one being the Miami Heat.
Analysis: Butler's promising career has been derailed by injuries recently as he has appeared in 70 games during back-to-back seasons only once during his nine-year tenure. He posted a solid 15.4 points per game during his rookie year with the Heat before developing into a standout forward for Washington. Butler could draw interest from other NBA teams during the free-agency period as he should be fully recovered from his knee injury. Consider him a potential sleeper in the middle rounds of 2011-12 Fantasy drafts depending on where he lands.
News: Veteran free-agent F Caron Butler could return to Miami this season, according to the Sun Sentinel. Butler, who finished last season on Dallas' injured list with a torn knee ligament, expressed an interest of returning to the Heat to former teammate, G Dwyane Wade. Miami selected Butler 10th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft before shipping him to the Lakers prior to the 2004-05 season as part of a package for C Shaquille O'Neal.
Analysis: Butler's promising career has been derailed by injuries recently as he has appeared in 70 games during back-to-back seasons only once during his nine-year tenure. He posted a solid 15.4 points per game during his rookie year with the Heat before developing into a standout forward for Washington. Butler could draw interest from other NBA teams during the free-agency period as he should be fully recovered from the injury. Consider him a potential sleeper in the middle rounds of 2011-12 Fantasy drafts depending on where he lands.
News: According to ESPN.com, forward Caron Butler, who missed the Dallas run to the championship because of a ruptured right patellar tendon suffered on New Year's Day, is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. But he wants to return to Dallas, and the organization feels the same about him. Butler is confident the Mavericks could repeat in 2011-12. "It's definitely not the last shot, but this is a great opportunity," Butler said. "We'll see what happens. We're looking to do some unbelievable things for years to come here. We feel we have a great team in place, we've got a great core and up-and-coming young guys as well, so we can put some special runs together."
Analysis: Butler was considered the second-best player for the Mavericks before getting hurt. He averaged 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals in 29 games before the injury. Keep an eye on what happens with his status, but he is expected to be healthy. And if he returns to Dallas he would continue to have plenty of Fantasy relevance. Plan on drafting Butler as a starting option with a mid-round pick.
News: According to ESPN.com, the Mavericks aren't expected to use injured forward Caron Butler for the NBA Finals. As optimistic as Butler continues to be, he's not likely to play for the first time since New Year's Day. Donnie Nelson, the Mavs' president of basketball operations, recently said it was "next to impossible" for Butler to return from a ruptured right patellar tendon to play this postseason.
Analysis: We doubt Butler will be able to play during the finals against the Heat, but even if Butler does play, he is not expected to do much. In 29 games this season, Butler averaged 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists and 29.9 minutes. Heading into 2011-12, Butler should return as a quality Fantasy option as long as he's 100 percent healthy. He will be an unrestricted free agent this year, so where he plays will determine his value along with his knee, but Butler is still worth drafting with a mid-round pick in all formats.
News: According to ESPN.com, the Mavericks do not anticipate forward Caron Butler will be able to play in the NBA finals, although a return remains a possibility. "It's unlikely, but I can't say no for sure," coach Rick Carlisle said during a radio appearance. Butler, a two-time All-Star who began his career with the Heat, has been working to return from a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee. Butler is able to sprint and jump, but he has not yet been cleared for full-contact practice. Butler suffered the injury on New Year's Day in Milwaukee, popped the kneecap back in place and walked to the Mavericks' locker room because he didn't want to be seen carried off the court. After Butler underwent surgery days later, the Mavericks announced that he would be out for the season. However, Butler declared soon afterward that he was determined to return during Dallas' playoff run.
Analysis: We doubt Butler will be able to play during the finals against the Heat, but he might be cleared prior to Game 1 on Tuesday. Still, even if Butler does play, he is not expected to do much. In 29 games this season, Butler averaged 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists and 29.9 minutes. We hope he can return for the finals, but heading into 2011-12, Butler should return as a quality Fantasy option as long as he's 100 percent healthy. He will be an unrestricted free agent this year, so where he plays will determine his value along with his knee, but Butler is still worth drafting with a mid-round pick in all formats.
News: According to ESPN.com, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle might consider using forward Caron Butler for the Western Conference finals, just three days after team president Donnie Nelson called that idea unlikely. "He's now at a point where he's dunking the ball, and he's making more and more progress," Carlisle said Tuesday. "When he's back, he's going to be back 100 percent. Timetable-wise, I don't know exactly when that's going to be. I'll tell you what, it's [Butler's aggressive rehab] something that's energized our team, really since he took his knee cap and shoved it four inches back into place on Jan. 1 in Milwaukee." That's when and where Butler ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee. He underwent surgery a few days later in Dallas. The Mavs quickly ruled him out for the season, but Butler has consistently set a goal of returning during the playoffs.
Analysis: The Mavericks hope Butler can return, and hopefully he can provide a presence in the Western Conference finals. In 29 games this season, Butler averaged 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists and 29.9 minutes. We hope he can return for the playoffs, but heading into 2011-12, Butler should return as a quality Fantasy option as long as he's 100 percent healthy. He will be an unrestricted free agent this year, so where he plays will determine his value along with his knee, but Butler is still worth drafting with a mid-round pick in all formats.
News: Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle told a local radio show that forward Caron Butler has a "zero" chance of playing in the second round of the playoffs against the Lakers. "He's not going to play in this series," Carlisle told Galloway and Company on ESPN/103.3 FM. Butler had surgery to repair the right patellar tendon in his knee back in January. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Butler has yet to be cleared by a doctor to take the court.
Analysis: Butler saw action in just 29 games this year for Dallas, but they have managed pretty good without him. Butler averaged 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists and 29.9 minutes in the games he played in. While they would love to get him back in the playoffs, it is unclear how much he'd be able to play. For now, Fantasy owners can only monitor his progress and see if he's able to take the court during the postseason. He will be an unrestricted free agent this year, so where he plays will determine his value along with his knee. When healthy, Butler is a viable forward option in all Fantasy formats, worthy of a mid-round pick on Draft Day.
News: According to ESPN.com, Mavericks forward Caron Butler could be back at some point in the second-round playoff series against the Lakers. Butler has been out since he underwent surgery to repair a torn knee ligament on January 1. The report says Butler could be in line for about 10 minutes a game.
Analysis: The Mavericks hope Butler can return, and hopefully he can provide a presence against the Lakers. In 29 games this season, Butler averaged 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists and 29.9 minutes. We hope he can return for the playoffs, but heading into 2011-12, Butler should return as a quality Fantasy option as long as he's 100 percent healthy. He will be an unrestricted free agent this year, so where he plays will determine his value along with his knee, but Butler is still worth drafting with a mid-round pick in all formats.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Mavericks forward Caron Butler went through a rigorous workout prior to Dallas' playoff game in Portland on Thursday, and he even finished it with a strong one-handed dunk. The report says Butler was moving well, but he still lacks enough strength in his lateral movement to be cleared for contact drills. Butler hopes to return for Round 2 of the playoffs after suffering a knee injury in January.
Analysis: In 29 games this season, Butler averaged 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists and 29.9 minutes. We hope he can return for the playoffs, but heading into 2011-12, Butler should return as a quality Fantasy option as long as he's 100 percent healthy. He will be an unrestricted free agent this year, so where he plays will determine his value along with his knee, but Butler is still worth drafting with a mid-round pick in all formats.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Mavericks forward Caron Butler said on a local radio show Monday that he hopes to return for Round 2 of the playoffs after suffering a knee injury in January. "Man, I’m hoping and praying," Butler said. "That would put at somewhere between 18 weeks or so; it’s a four to six month process and I’m approaching the fourth month, so we’ll see what happens. But, I’m definitely confident about playing again this year." Butler said so far his knee is feeling good. "I’m starting to get more and more confident in it," he said.
Analysis: In 29 games this season, Butler averaged 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists and 29.9 minutes. We hope he can return for the playoffs, but heading into 2011-12, Butler should return as a quality Fantasy option as long as he's 100 percent healthy. He will be an unrestricted free agent this year, so where he plays will determine his value along with his knee, but Butler is still worth drafting with a mid-round pick in all formats.
News: Mavericks F Caron Butler has begun working on jab-step moves and other non-contact work on the court for the last week, in the hopes to return sometime during the playoffs. However, he has still not been cleared for contact. Butler, who has been out for four months after having surgery on a ruptured patellar tendon, remains very hopeful he will play again this season. “Coming back in the playoffs? Very high,’’Butler told the Fort Worth-Star Telegram. However, coach Rick Carlise said it is very doubtful that would happen anytime during the first round.
Analysis: Butler continues to rehab like a maniac in the hopes to return sometime during the postseason, although the team still remains unsure. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his status moving forward to see if he can return at some point. If he does, it could ease the uncertainty of his healthy following major surgery heading into next season. When healthy, Butler is a quality Fantasy option in all leagues.
News: Mavericks forward Caron Butler was supposed to be out for the year with a ruptured patellar tendon. But he's pushing to make an unlikely return in the playoffs. Butler has been making significant progress in rehabbing from his injury. To the point where there's starting to be some rumblings that we may see him back in the postseason. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, coach Rick Carlisle said the prospects of a return at some point in the playoffs still hinge on the medical aspect of the situation. Butler has been out since Jan. 1 when he hurt his knee. “Could he help us if he was healthy? Of course,’’ Carlisle said. “But to what extent he’s going to be healthy and when, those are questions I can’t answer right now and I’m not sure any of our medical people can. The thing I do know is that he’s made phenomenal progress. He’s way ahead of schedule for this type of injury. I’m just not sure whether that’s going to manifest in him putting a uniform back on at any point soon.’’
Analysis: Butler has no Fantasy value for the rest of this season, but we'd like to see him return for the playoffs to prove he'll be ready for the start of the 2011-12 season. When healthy, Butler is a quality Fantasy option in all leagues, so hopefully he doesn't have a setback in his comeback from the knee injury.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Mavericks forward Caron Butler (knee) confirmed Wednesday he will not return during the regular season. But he maintains that his rehab is going very well and said he "can see himself playing" in the playoffs. "I'm like a dog on a leash," he said. "Every day they give me a little more rope and I get to play a little further out in the yard." Butler hopes to be able to start working on basketball moves in a couple weeks. It remains to be seen how effective Butler could be after missing four months after patellar tendon surgery.
Analysis: It's safe to release Butler in all standard leagues, and keep an eye on if he can return for the playoffs. When healthy, Butler is a quality Fantasy option in all leagues, and hopefully he can return in 2011-12 at 100 percent. Consider him a No. 3 Fantasy option next season, and he's worth a mid-round pick.
News: Dallas SF Caron Butler has entered the second phase in his rehabilitation from right knee surgery back in early January, reports the Dallas Morning News Tuesday. Butler still believes he can return during the playoffs for the Mavericks. Butler rose a stationary bike on Tuesday and ran on an underwater treadmill for the first time since suffering the injury. "This is what they call phase two in getting to phase six,'' Butler explained. "Able to ride the bike, first day running (underwater). Eight weeks in, I start doing some strengthening stuff. And from that point on, it's how much (pain) can you take. You throw everything at it if we're not having any complications and continue to move forward.''
Analysis: Butler said he'd love to be able to return even before the Western Conference Finals, should Dallas make it that far. Still, that is a long way away and seems far-fetched at the moment anyway. Regardless, Butler will not be helping Fantasy owners at any point during the regular season so he can remain on waivers or on injured lists around Fantasy.
News: The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Mavericks SF Caron Butler, who made an appearance at Mavericks practice Tuesday, thinks he can return from knee surgery if Dallas makes it deep into the playoffs. “They say four months, four to five months,’’ Butler said. “That’s what I keep yelling. Give me four months and I’m good. I’ve had this before when I was 15. I know exactly what to do. I’ve been through the whole thing before. In four months, I know what muscles to keep (working on). I just need some time.’’ Butler ruptured his right patellar tendon at Milwaukee on Jan. 2 and had surgery a few days later.
Analysis: In 29 games this season, Butler averaged 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists and 29.9 minutes. While his Fantasy numbers have been down across the board since leaving the nation's capital, Butler still remained a solid starting Fantasy option in all formats before getting hurt. Seasonal owners can drop Butler at this point, if they haven't done so already, as their season will be over before the playoffs.
News: Mavericks SF Caron Butler underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a ruptured right patellar tendon. Butler is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Initially, Butler was expected to miss "at least" two months.
Analysis: In 29 games this season, Butler averaged 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists and 29.9 minutes. While his Fantasy numbers have been down across the board since leaving the nation's capital, Butler still remained a solid starting Fantasy option in all formats before getting hurt. Seasonal owners can drop Butler at this point, if they haven't done so already. Shawn Marion is likely to see a significant Fantasy boost in his absence.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Caron Butler is still being evaluated by the Mavericks even after he was diagnosed with a torn patella tendon that is expected to sideline him for at least two months. The team has yet to make a formal announcement.
Analysis: The report notes that the Mavericks are trying to gather all the information possible before making an official determination. However, it is believed that Butler will miss at the very least two months with the injury. Barring an unforeseen change in circumstances, Fantasy owners will have to carry on without Butler until at least March.
News:Caron Butler could be out at least a couple of months because of the knee injury he suffered on Saturday night in Milwaukee. A person with direct knowledge said the initial diagnosis is a torn patellar tendon. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team was awaiting MRI results Sunday before making any announcements.
Analysis: Butler, a small forward, is the team's third-leading scorer at 15 points per game. He plays an average of 30 minutes. A long absence could be especially costly to him because he will be a free agent after this season. Fantasy owners will have to continue to monitor the situation, clearly, but be prepared to go without Butler for a lengthy amount of time given what appears to be a serious injury. When healthy, Butler has the potential to be a box-score stuffer and a good play in all category leagues. In his absence, players like Shawn Marion are likely to see a boost in playing time and production.
News: According to ESPN, a source has confirmed that symptoms indicate the injury Caron Butler suffered on Saturday night is likely at least a partial tear of his patella tendon. Butler left in the first quarter of Saturday's game against the Bucks after injuring his right knee. NBA.com reports that he is to be re-evaluated by a team doctor.
Analysis: The injury comes on the heels of a hot streak for Butler. Fantasy owners will have to continue to monitor the situation, clearly, but be prepared to go without Butler for a lengthy amount of time given what appears to be a serious injury. When healthy, Butler has the potential to be a box-score stuffer and a good play in all category leagues. In his absence, players like Shawn Marion are likely to see a boost in playing time and production.
News: Dallas forward Caron Butler left in the first quarter of Saturday's game against the Bucks after injuring his right knee. Butler hit the floor after a Jason Kidd field goal and laid on the court for several minutes. He was helped to his feet by the trainers from both teams and limped back to the locker room under his own power. He did not return to the contest. "We're afraid that it's potentially serious," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "We'll find out [Sunday] where things are at, probably later in the day." Butler was to stay in Milwaukee overnight and return to Dallas on Sunday to be further examined and have an MRI on his knee.
Analysis: Butler had been playing very well of late, as he is averaging 22.0 points and 3.0 rebounds over his previous two contests. Fantasy owners will have to continue to monitor the situation to see what the severity of his injury is. The Mavericks can ill afford to lose Butler for an extended period of time with Dirk Nowitzki still recovering from his injury. Butler can be considered a No. 3 Fantasy forward, when healthy.
News: With Dirk Nowitzki out of action, Dallas forward Caron Butler carried the scoring burden on Thursday against San Antonio. He shot 10 for 21 from the field and nailed all nine of his foul shots, finishing with a season-high 30 points. Butler would add three rebounds, one steal and one assist in his 39 minutes on the court, but the Mavericks would lose to the Spurs, 99-93 without Dirk. Only two other players scored in double figures for Dallas.
Analysis: Butler has turned it up with Dirk out of the lineup. In the two games he's been out -- both losses for Dallas -- Butler is averaging 22.5 points and 3.0 rebounds. Butler is normally pretty consistent across the board for Dallas and Fantasy owners. Continue viewing him as a solid starting forward in all Fantasy formats, especially Rotisserie leagues.
News: Mavericks forward Caron Butler turned in another solid performance in Monday's 103-93 win over the Thunder. Butler scored 21 points in the contest on 9 of 22 shooting from the floor. He went 3 of 5 from behind the arc and also added four rebounds, three assists and block in 39 minutes.
Analysis: Butler has been pretty consistent since returning from back spasms in November and has now scored over 20 points in three of his last five games. He is averaging around 30 minutes a game this season and should be able to remain productive for Dallas if he can stay healthy. Continue to view him as a No. 3 Fantasy forward in deeper Fantasy leagues and Rotisserie formats.
News: Dallas SF Caron Butler remains inconsistent for the Mavericks as he scored just 13 points on Monday over 28 minutes against the Heat. Butler shot 4 of 9 from the field and went 1 for 2 from long range in the contest. He added three assists, two rebounds and two steals.
Analysis: Butler had a 23-point game against the Blazers five days ago and scored 17 points the next night. He's also had a 9-point effort over his last five games, averaging 15.6 points per contest over that span. Inconsistent as he's been, Butler's getting minutes and still does a lot of the little things that keeps him viable in deeper Fantasy leagues and Rotisserie formats.
News: Mavericks forward Caron Butler tied a season-high 23 points in Wednesday's 101-95 win over the Trail Blazers. That was enough for best on the team and he would add seven rebounds in 33 minutes of action. Butler would shoot 10 for 19 from the field, missing both of his 3-pointers, and converting all three of his foul shots. He added four assists to help Dallas improve to 20-5 on the season.
Analysis: Butler might be starting to turn it up for the Mavericks. The veteran is averaging 16.4 points, 2.4 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game over his last five outings. All three categories are up over his season totals. Fantasy owners should be happy to see this increase and hope Butler can keep it up. If he can continue this production rate he'll be worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy forward the rest of the season.
News: Mavericks forward Caron Butler was very efficient in Saturday's 103-97 win over the Jazz. Butler shot 6 of 9 from the field in the contest, including 4 of 5 from downtown and finished with 16 points. He played 34 minutes in the victory and also chipped in with four rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals.
Analysis: Butler has been pretty consistent since returning from back spasms in November. He is scored in double digits in nine straight games and is averaging 15.8 points and 4.4 rebounds over his last five contests. His minutes a still a bit limited, but if Butler can stay healthy, he should be able to stay productive for the Mavericks. Dallas plays the Bucks, Blazers and Suns in Fantasy Week 8 (Dec. 13-19). Consider him a high-end No. 3 Fantasy forward for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Mavericks forward Caron Butler continued his recent strong play, scoring 19 points in Tuesday's 105-100 win over the Warriors. Butler shot 8 of 18 from the floor and went 2 of 5 from downtown. Butler played 34 minutes and also chipped in with six rebounds and one assist in the contest.
Analysis: Butler is heating up after missing some time in mid-November with back spasms. He is averaging 15.4 points and 3.2 rebounds over his last five contests and is seeing about 27 minutes a game. As long as he can stay healthy, Butler should be able to keep putting up decent numbers and can should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy forward at this point.
News: Dallas forward Caron Butler continued his recent strong play, scoring 13 points and grabbing five rebounds in the Mavericks' 105-103 victory at Sacramento on Saturday night. Butler has now scored in double digits five games in a row and improved his scoring average to just under 14 points a game. Butler, who was held to just two points in the first half Saturday, scored the remainder of his points in the third quarter to help the Mavericks begin a rally over the Kings.
Analysis: Butler is heating up after missing some time in mid-November with back spasms. He appears to be healthy and starting to produce consistently the way he has throughout his career, especially scoring points. In his last five games, he is averaging 16.2 points to help the Mavericks win nine consecutive games. Butler's Fantasy value is starting to pick up which also means any opportunity to buy low on him has likely passed. As long as he is healthy, he makes for a Fantasy must-start.
News: Mavericks F Caron Butler had his best scoring output of the season on Saturday night against Miami. He scored 23 points off 9 of 15 shooting, including 3 of 3 from beyond the arc. He logged 37 minutes and made pivotal shots in the fourth quarter after being reserved in favor of Shawn Marion in late-game situations in previous games.
Analysis: Butler missed three games in mid-November due to back spasms. His overall production has been limited this season across the board, causing him to take a big hit to his Fantasy appeal. The former Rotisserie stud is not being asked to do nearly as much for the Mavs as he had been by the Wizards over the previous four years. His playing time is down nearly nine minutes per game and Butler owners should adjust expectations to what his current role in Dallas is. He can still spread his production across the board for category league owners, just not to to the same extent he had been doing in previous years.
News: Dallas forward Caron Butler has not been playing during the fourth quarters of recent games as Shawn Marion has been asked to guard the opposition's top scorers, reports ESPN.com on Saturday. Butler hasn't appeared upset by this, but it is hurting his overall Fantasy prowess. Butler is averaging just 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and a steal per game over 29.6 minutes per contest over his last five.
Analysis: Butler's numbers are down across the board this season and it seems it is because of the time crunch. He is playing just 30 minutes per game this year while his career average is 36.5 minutes per night. Butler still does enough across the board to matter in deeper Fantasy leagues, however.
News: Dallas forward Caron Butler is beginning to get into a decent rhythm for the Mavericks of late. Butler scored 15 points on Wednesday in a win at Oklahoma City. He went 6 of 13 from the field and hit a 3-pointer. Butler added five rebounds and a steal. He's still averaging just 11.2 points per game over his last five.
Analysis: Butler missed a couple games with back spasms and struggled with his shot upon returning. The shot is beginning to come around now. Butler contributes across the gamut of Fantasy statistics and has solid value in all category-based Fantasy leagues.
News: According to the Dallas Morning News, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle is trying to get forward Caron Butler into a rhythm after missing three games with back spasms. Butler returned to the court on Wednesday and played the entire first quarter. He then would miss the second quarter and only play 10 minutes in the second half, attempting one shot. “It’s a process,’’ Carlisle said. “He was out for a week plus and he moved well in the first quarter. He had good shots. We played well as a team when he was out there. As the game went on, I made decisions to go with other guys, but I think he’s going to be fine. And we need him.’’
Analysis: Butler is averaging 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game for Dallas this season. While his numbers are down this year, Butler can contribute across the board in Fantasy leagues, which makes him a viable Rotisserie option. Owners should be patient with him as he may get sporadic playing time in Carilse's rotation, which will affect his production.
News: Dallas forward Caron Butler returned to action Wednesday against the Hornets after missing three games with back spasms. He looked rusty, shooting just 2 for 7 from the field. He scored just five points with two assists in 23 minutes.
Analysis: Butler entered the game averaging 14.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game for Dallas over 32 minutes six games. His numbers have been down across the board, but he is still capable of stuffing the box score across the stat line and is a player who could easily bounce back once he gets this injury completely behind him. Be patient.
News: Dallas forward Caron Butler returned to action Wednesday against the Hornets after missing three games with back spasms, reports the team's official site. Butler enters the game averaging 14.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game for Dallas over 32 minutes per night in six games.
Analysis: Butler was expected to return Wednesday and made good on that promise. He's been a solid contributor all-around for the Mavericks and for Fantasy owners in most leagues. As long as Butler is playing, he can be used in most Fantasy formats.
News: ESPN.com reports that Mavericks F Caron Butler (back) that their remains no "definitive" word on Caron Butler for Wednesday's game at New Orleans. Butler practiced for a third day Tuesday after back spasms forced him out of a game eight days ago.
Analysis: Butler missed his third consecutive game on Monday. The report notes that he called it a "precaution" and said he was feeling much better and that there was a "good chance" he'd play Wednesday. Coach Rick Carlisle considers him a game-time decision. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his progress, but we recommend healthy alternatives until he can prove both healthy and productive again. The former category-league stud has seen his numbers dip across the board.
News: Dallas forward Caron Butler missed his third straight game on Monday, reports the team's official site. Butler continues to deal with back spasms and is listed as day to day.
Analysis: Butler, averaging 14.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game over 32 minutes, has not played since Nov. 8 against Boston. We expect him to return very shortly, if not for the team's next game on Wednesday at New Orleans. Keep him reserved for now but Butler should be active in most Fantasy leagues when he's healthy.
News: According to the team's official website, Mavericks F Caron Butler (back) is considered a game-time decision for Monday's ame against the Hornets. He was able to participate in practice on Sunday, but has missed the team's last two games due to back spasms. Shawn Marion has been starting in his absence.
Analysis: Butler has not gotten off to a terrific start and this injury makes him a tough sell for the upcoming scoring period. The Mavericks will be slated to play against a surprisingly stingy Hornets team (twice) and a good defensive team in the Hawks. Consider healthy options who may be on a better run if you have them.
News: Mavericks F Caron Butler (back) was able to participate in practice on Sunday, according to the team's official website. He has missed the team's last two games due to back spasms. "I don't know yet, day-to-day," coach Rick Carlisle said Sunday iin regard to Butler's health situation. "He did some things (in practice), but he didn't do everything. And so, we've got to see where he's at (Monday)." Shawn Marion has been starting in his absence.
Analysis: Butler has not gotten off to a terrific start and this injury makes him a tough sell for the upcoming scoring period. The Mavericks will be slated to play against a surprisingly stingy Hornets team (twice) and a good defensive team in the Hawks. Consider healthy options who may be on a better run if you have them.
News: Mavericks forward Caron Butler hasn't played in the last two games because of back spasms. Hopefully, not too much longer,'' coach Rick Carlisle told The Dallas Morning News on Friday. "Hopefully we can get this thing resolved and have him ready for Monday, but we're going to continue to list him day-to-day. It came up in the Boston game and we're going to err on the side of caution."
Analysis: Butler isn't having a great year so far as he's averaging just 14.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. He's played in six games for the Mavericks and is not performing like his normal all-around player. He has the potential to be a quality Fantasy starter, but until he's healthy he's going to be a risky start for Week 4 (Nov. 15-21). Dallas does play four games in the scoring period, as they face Atlanta, Chicago and New Orleans twice.
News: According to the team's official website, Mavericks SF Caron Butler is out for Friday's game against the 76ers. Shawn Marion figures to start in his place. Butler missed Wednesday's game at Minnesota because of back spasms. Coach Rick Carlisle told The Dallas Morning News that Butler did not go through the morning shootaround on Friday, but that they are hopeful that he can return Monday against New Orleans. "Hopefully, not too much longer,'' Carlisle said. "Hopefully we can get this thing resolved and have him ready for Monday, but we're going to continue to list him day-to-day. It came up in the Boston game and we're going to err on the side of caution.''
Analysis: Butler isn't the all-around performer with the Mavericks that he was with the Wizards, and he hasn't been a particularly good scorer this year either, averaging 14.7 points per game. He still has the potential to emerge as a high-end Fantasy option, but this injury isn't the only reason you should bench him right now.
News: Dallas forward Caron Butler remained behind when the team traveled to Memphis for Wednesday's game as he's been dealing with back spasms, reports the team's official site on Tuesday. “He’s not going to travel," coach Rick Carlisle said. “We don’t think it’s serious, but we want to get it taken care of." Butler left Monday's game in the fourth quarter with some mild spasms but the symptoms don't seem too serious or severe. He is considered day to day.
Analysis: Butler scored 11 points and grabbed just one rebound over 27 minutes on Monday against Boston just one game after ripping down 10 boards against Denver. Butler is averaging five boards per game this season with 14.7 points and almost two steals. He's shooting less than 40 percent but he's still contributing in a wide berth of ways for Fantasy owners in category leagues. When healthy, Butler can be active in most Fantasy formats.
News: Mavericks F Caron Butler recorded his first double-double of the young season on Saturday night against the Nuggets. He scored 13 points and hauled in 10 rebounds in the 103-92 loss. Butler, who played 34 minutes, shot 5 of 17 from the field, including missing both of his 3-point attempts, and went 3 for 5 from the charity stripe. He also had three steals and four turnovers in the defeat.
Analysis: Butler did not have his best scoring night against the Nuggets but he was able to fill up the stat sheet in other ways. He is averaging 15.4 points with 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals through the first five games. He has been a solid all-around player for many years now and should continue to do so playing for a talented team in Dallas. With Boston, Memphis and Philadelphia on the schedule in Week 3, consider Butler a solid option in all leagues.
News: Dallas SF Caron Butler has been very consistent this season after four contests. The Mavericks topped the Nuggets in Denver on Wednesday night, 102-101, as Butler gave the team 35 minutes on the floor. He scored 16 points on 7 of 14 shooting and hit two 3-pointers. Butler, who is averaging 16 points per game on the year, added seven assists and a steal.
Analysis: Butler is giving Fantasy owners consistent scoring and 4.8 rebounds per game with 1.3 steals. Butler is one of those Fantasy players who can contribute in multiple categories in category-based leagues. Unless his schedule dictates otherwise, continue starting Butler in all Fantasy formats.
News: Mavericks F Caron Butler scored 17 points in Sunday's game against the Clippers in Los Angeles, shooting 4 for 10 from the field and 8 for 10 from the foul line. He added four rebounds, two assists and a steal. Butler averaged 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists during the first week of the regular season.
Analysis: Butler still has the ability to fill up a box score with plus numbers at most every important category. However, his numbers have been down just a smidge across the board since coming over to Dallas from Washington last season. Fantasy owners in cumulative formats should also keep in mind that the Mavs are slated for just two games in Fantasy Week 2 (Nov. 1-7). Under normal circumstances, he remains a good play in any league. You will have to weigh your options in Week 2, however.
News: Mavericks F Caron Butler had a solid performance in Wednesday's season opener against the Bobcats. He scored 13 points in just under 34 minutes played in the 101-86 win. He shot 5 of 16 from the field and although he missed his two attempts from beyond the arc, the 30-year-old made 3 of 4 foul shot. Butler also grabbed two rebounds, four assists and one steal in the win.
Analysis: Butler averaged 16.3 points and 6.2 boards in his 74 games last season between Washington and Dallas and should be able to put up comparable numbers in his first full season with the Mavs. He will not be counted on to score as much but his all-around stats will help out Fantasy owners. Butler, a career 44 percent shooter, should be in line for another solid season so continue to view him as a No. 2 option in all formats.
News: Dallas forward Caron Butler scored 15 points on a 5-for-13 shooting performance in Wednesday's loss to Orlando. He was 4 for 5 from the foul line and hit one 3-pointer. Butler made a steal, dished out an assist and grabbed six rebounds.
Analysis: Butler entered Wednesdays contest averaging 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game through five preseason outings. He hasn't been too consistent, but did average 16.3 points and 6.2 boards in his 74 games last season between Washington and Dallas. While he may not dominate one specific category, Butler normally does enough across the board to make him a nice Fantasy option. Heading into Draft Day, owners should view him as a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Dallas SF Caron Butler did little in Monday's preseason loss to the Cavs. Butler shot just 3 of 9 from the field over 21 minutes as a starter to score six points. He added three rebounds and one steal.
Analysis: Butler has had an interesting preseason thus far after four games. With scoring totals of nine, 22, 12 and six points, respectively, Butler has been anything but consistent. He remains consistent in his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the Fantasy game, however. Butler, a career 44 percent shooter, should be in line for another solid season so continue to view the 30-year-old as a No. 2 option heading into the 2010-11 campaign.
News: Mavericks F Caron Butler scored 22 points off 6-of-13 shooting on Thursday night against the Bulls. He made his lone attempts from the 3-point line and also chipped in with five rebounds, one assist and a block in the 88-83 win. Butler also went 9 of 10 from the free-throw line while playing 37 minutes.
Analysis: Butler averaged 15.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 27 games for the Mavericks last year and should be able to put up similar numbers playing in the same offense for the entire season. He has produced everywhere he has played and has proven to be a nice compliment to Dirk Nowitzki while letting Jason Kidd facilitate the offense. Butler, a career 44 percent shooter, should be in line for another solid season so continue to view the 30-year-old as a No. 2 option heading into the 2010-11 campaign.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Mavericks F Caron Butler showed up to camp visibly thinner. "He's ready, it's clear to me," coach Rick Carlisle said at the team's media day. "He devoted the entire summer to working in two or three specific areas. One was the weight. Two was flexibility and the ability to drive the ball. And the third thing was overall conditioning. Everyone's going to see a big difference."
Analysis: Carlisle said that he went to Chicago last week for a firsthand look at the new Butler and came away impressed. Butler is expected to play more small forward than shooting guard this season, leading to him dropping about 10 pounds. He's much leaner and he said he notices a difference in the way he feels as well as the way he moves. After being traded from the Wizards to the Mavericks in the regular season, Butler averaged 15.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 27 contests. He could see an improvement after the adjustments he made and should also benefit from extra motivation in a contract year. Butler may no longer be the elite option he was in his heyday with Washington, but there is some serious hope of a resurgent year.
News: Mavericks F Caron Butler averaged 19.7 points with 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in a six-game series loss to the Spurs in the first round of the NBA playoffs. After being traded from the Wizards to the Mavericks in the regular season, Butler averaged 15.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 27 contests. He will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
Analysis: Butler predictably saw a small decline in his overall numbers across the board going from a bad Wizards team with few options to a good Mavericks team that had plenty. But the hit was not so dramatic that he was forced out of the top tiers of Fantasy forward and Fantasy owners can be comforted that he can fit that type of production into whatever rotation he winds up in this fall.
News: Mavericks SF Caron Butler scored 20 points in Wednesday's season-finale against the Spurs. He sat out Monday's game due to a strained right hip. He played 39 minutes, shooting 7 of 12 from the floor, adding five rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block.
Analysis: Butler finished the regular season with averages of 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists. It was his lowest scoring average in five years, but that was a result of taking fewer shots on a stacked Mavericks' team. Going into the 2010/11 campaign his Fantasy value will be that of a solid No. 2 guard, a low-end No.2 forward.
News: Mavericks F Caron Butler (hip) was able to go through Wednesday's morning shootaround, according to the Dallas Morning News. He is expected to play in Wednesday's regular season finale against San Antonio.
Analysis: Butler missed one game with a hip flexor strain. With the Mavs playing with some playoff seeding implications still on the line, expect Butler to give it a go and play a healthy amount of minutes. He is a safe play for the final day of the regular season.
News: Forward Caron Butler sat out of the Dallas Mavericks' game against the Los Angeles Clippers with a strained right hip. Butler didn't dress for Monday night's game, while fellow forward Shawn Marion returned to the Mavericks' lineup after missing three games with a strained oblique muscle. Roddy Beaubois took Butler's place in the starting lineup and scored nine points in the first nine minutes.
Analysis: Butler is Dallas' third-leading scorer with 16.2 points per game, also averaging 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Fantasy owners will have to pay attention to Butler's status heading into the final game against San Antonio. With playoff seeding on the line, Butler should be back in the lineup. When healthy, he is a quality Fantasy option in all formats.
News: Mavericks F Caron Butler had 23 points with six rebounds and two assists in Wednesday's game against Memphis. He shot 10 of 17 from the field. He had scored just 11 points combined in his previous two games.
Analysis: Despite the offensive outburst, Butler is averaging just 11.0 points in his last five games. He is, however, still contributing across the box score and is averaging 7.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals in that same span. Perhaps this game will get him going again offensively.
News: Dallas F Caron Butler made all his points from the free-throw line and finished with just three points in a loss to the Magic on Thursday. Butler shot 0 for 4 from the field while collecting three rebounds, two assists and two steals in 29 minutes. It was the first time in his last five games he has failed to reach double figures.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 12.6 points and 7.4 rebounds over his last five games. Because he can generally score in double figures and hit the boards hard for some rebounds, he remains a solid Fantasy option in most formats.
News: Despite missing the morning shootaround with a stomach ailment Wednesday, Dallas SF Caron Butler played 27 minutes to help the Mavs beat the Grizzlies in Memphis in overtime. Butler shot just 4 of 10 from the field to score 11 points and doubled up with 13 boards. He hit a 3-pointer and picked up two steals as well.
Analysis: Butler continues to play well as an all-around Fantasy option. He is averaging 12.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.6 steals and a 3-pointer per game over his last five. Butler is a solid Fantasy start in all leagues and appears to be healthy once again.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports Mavericks forward Caron Butler missed shootaround Wednesday with stomach issues. He stayed at the team's hotel to rest. Coach Rick Carlisle said he's hopeful that Butler will be able to play Wednesday night against Memphis.
Analysis: Butler is now a questionable Fantasy option in daily leagues, so use caution when setting your lineup. When healthy he is a must-start Fantasy forward in all leagues.
News: Dallas forward Caron Butler has been highly inconsistent over his last five games. On Tuesday in a win over the Clippers, Butler shot just 2 of 9 from the field and scored four points. He added six rebounds.
Analysis: Butler scored 12 points in the game before that and managed nine the previous game against Boston. Before that it was 27 points against Chicago and seven points against the Knicks, respectively. That equals an average of 11.8 ppg over his last five and that isn't the Butler Fantasy owners have come to respect. He needs to start playing better because he's become a candidate for just 12-team and deeper leagues the way he's been playing.
News: Mavericks F Caron Butler scored 12 points in a loss to the Hornets on Monday. Butler shot 5 of 13 from the floor while adding six boards, three assists and a block in 33 minutes. Butler has scored in double figures in three of his last five contests.
Analysis: Butler has shown some inconsistency as of late and is averaging just 14.6 points over his last five contests. However, Butler has plenty of upside and as long as he can get his consistency up, he makes for a high-end No. 2 Fantasy forward in most formats.
News: Dallas SF Caron Butler exploded for 27 points to lead the Mavericks in a win over the Bulls Wednesday. He shot 6 of 11 from the field and hit a 3-pointer. Butler got the line 16 times and hit 14 of them. He added five rebounds.
Analysis: Butler scored just seven points in the previous game but is still averaging almost 20 per night in his last five. Butler is a solid Fantasy player as he's fit in quite nicely with Big D. Use him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Mavericks F Caron Butler had 24 points with five rebounds and two assists in Saturday's game at Chicago. It was his second 20-point performance in his last four games.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in his last five games. His numbers have not taken a big hit from what he was putting up in Washington this season and he's found a way to fit in well despite the many options the Mavericks boast. He remains a solid No. 1 or 2 forward, depending on the size or format of your league.
News: Dallas SF Caron Butler scored 22 points on Monday in a win at Charlotte. He shot 10 for 16 from the field and added three steals, two assists and two boards.
Analysis: Butler missed two games last week but has been back for the last two and ha averaged 20 points per those two contests with solid intangibles. When healthy, he is a must-start Fantasy option and it looks like he's just fine.
News: F Caron Butler is back in the Dallas Mavericks lineup. Butler had missed the past two games after a bad reaction to medication before returning to the starting lineup Sunday night against the New Orleans Hornets. Butler scored 19 points on 9 of 18 shooting while adding five rebounds and four steals in 40 minutes.
Analysis: Butler showed no signs of being fatigued and logged the minutes to prove it. Now that he is back and healthy, the Mavericks play four times during Fantasy Week 19 (March 1-7) and Butler is a must-start option in all formats.
News: F Caron Butler is back in the Dallas Mavericks lineup. Butler had missed the past two games after a bad reaction to medication before returning to the starting lineup Sunday night against the New Orleans Hornets. Butler scored 19 points on 9 of 18 shooting while adding five rebounds and four steals in 40 minutes.
Analysis: Butler showed no signs of being fatigued and logged the minutes to prove it. Now that he is back and healthy, the Mavericks play four times during Fantasy Week 19 (March 1-7) and is a must-start option in all formats.
News: ESPN Dallas reports that Mavericks swingman Caron Butler said he will attempt to play Sunday night against the New Orleans Hornets after stiffness in his knee kept him out of a second consecutive game Friday at Atlanta.
Analysis: According to the report, Butler said Sunday that he went through a workout Saturday, an off day for the team, and feels much better. Butler is averaging 14.7 points in his past three games along with his usual contributions across the board. He remains a must-start in all formats.
News: Mavericks F Caron Butler did not play Friday because of a reaction to a medication. It is the second straight game that he has missed.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 14.7 points in his past three games. When healthy, he is a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Mavericks SF Caron Butler will not play in Friday's game against the Hawks due to a bad reaction he had to a medication, according to theDallas Morning News. It will be his second consecutive missed game.
Analysis: Butler was originally considered a game-time decision, but ended up a late scratch. Once healthy again he is No. 2 forward in all leagues.
News: According to the Dallas Morning News, Caron Butler was able to take part in Friday's morning shootaround without any problems and has been upgraded to probable for Friday night's game in Atlanta. Butler missed Wednesday night's game against the Lakers due to a bad reaction to medicine he was taking.
Analysis: Butler was considered a game-time decision. It appears he will be able to play on and Fantasy owners in daily lineup leagues can feel safe activating him. He has remained a viable No. 2 forward in all leagues since being traded to the Mavs.
News: According to the team, Mavericks F Caron Butler is considered a game-time decision for Friday's game in Atlanta. Butler missed Wednesday night's game against the Lakers due to a bad reaction to medicine he was taking.
Analysis: Fantasy owners in daily lineup leagues will want to play it cautiously with Butler where possible. He is day-to-day, but the fact that he is even being considered to play on Friday makes it appear that he will be returning within the next game or two.
News: Dallas SF Caron Butler missed Wednesday night's game against the Lakers due to a bad reaction to medicine he was taking, reports the team's official site. Butler should be considered day to day as it isn't considered serious.
Analysis: Fantasy owners will obviously want to check up on Butler before his next game, especially in daily leagues. In his last five games with his new team, Butler is averaging 14.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and just under a block per game. He is a Rotisserie stud and can be a viable start in just about all Fantasy leagues.
News: Dallas SF Caron Butler is out on Wednesday night against the Lakers due to a bad reaction to medicine he was taking, reports the team's official site. Butler should initially be considered day to day.
Analysis: Butler's injury doesn't sound serious but you'll obviously want to check up on him before his next game, especially in daily leagues. In his last five games with his new team, Butler is averaging 14.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and just under a block per game. He is a Rotisserie stud and can be a viable start in just about all Fantasy leagues.
News:Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points, and Dallas newcomer Caron Butler started a key third-quarter run in the Dallas Mavericks' 107-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Butler, acquired from Washington along with Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson in a seven-player deal Saturday, scored 15 points and hit a jumper to open a 16-4 run in the third. Butler added five rebounds and two assists.
Analysis: Butler had 13 points in his debut for Dallas on Tuesday, but that was in large part because he went 4 of 16 from the field. Butler has taken 16 shots in each of his first two games with Dallas and is getting the same scoring chances he had in Washington. We figured he would be just fine playing alongside Dirk Nowitzki since he contributed in the past playing with Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. We expect Butler to start knocking down shots in the near future, so keep him active in Fantasy.
News: According to the official NBA Web site, the Mavericks have reached an agreement to send Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, James Singleton, and Quinton Ross to Washington for swingman Caron Butler, center Brendan Haywood and guard DeShawn Stevenson.
Analysis: The Mavericks have now added another high scoring threat in Butler, who will likely play a significant role. He should be able to maintain a well-balanced stat line on a nigh in and night out basis and will remain a high-end Fantasy option in Dallas. While there is the potential for a drop in touches on a more stacked Dallas team, we've seen Butler do well in the past alongside scorers like Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. He remains a must-start.
News: According to the Dallas Morning News, the Mavericks have reached a tentative agreement to send Josh Howard, Drew Gooden and two other players to Washington for swingman Caron Butler, center Brendan Haywood and guard DeShawn Stevenson.
Analysis: If the deal goes as planned and Butler heads to Dallas, the Mavericks will have another high scoring threat in Butler. He is averaging 21 points per game over his last five games and provide some relief to Dirk Nowitzki on a night that he is off. He should fit in well in the Dallas system and can remain a solid Fantasy option.
News: Washington F Caron Butler scored 31 points, including the game winner with 0.5 seconds remaining to give Washington a 92-91 victory over Orlando on Friday. He played 43 minutes and added nine rebounds and two assists in the win. Butler (bruised left knee) returned after missing Wednesday's game against New York. Butler was hurt Monday against Boston in the same collision that injured Celtics All-Star Paul Pierce.
Analysis: In the last two games he has played, Butler has scored 20 and 31 points. He has averaged 17.3 over his last four games to go along with 7.5 boards. Friday's performance proved that the injury to Butler was not too serious and now that it appears he is healthy, he is solid Fantasy option.
News: The Washington Post reports via Twitter that Wizards forward Caron Butler will play Friday night at Orlando. He took part in the morning shootaround after he missed Wednesday's game against the Knicks because of a bruised left knee.
Analysis: It appears safe to keep Butler active in all leagues. He should be considered a solid Fantasy option when healthy.
News: According to The Washington Post, Caron Butler (knee) will attempt to play Friday against Orlando. Butler missed the Washington Wizards' game against the Knicks on Wednesday night because of a bruised left knee suffered in Monday's game against Boston.
Analysis: According to the report, there continues to be a lot of speculation as to whether or not Butler will be traded at the deadline, but in the short term Fantasy owners need to view him as day-to-day. It sounds like he'll try to give it a go Friday and Fantasy owners in weekly formats will likely be able to rely on him for Fantasy Week 16.
News:Caron Butler missed the Washington Wizards' game against the Knicks on Wednesday night because of a bruised left knee. Butler was hurt Monday night in the Wizards' 99-88 loss to Boston, in the same collision that injured Celtics All-Star Paul Pierce. Pierce has a sprained left foot. The Wizards said Butler was day to day.
Analysis: The Wizards don't plan on getting an MRI for Butler but will simply monitor his injury over the coming days. It doesn't sound as if they believe it to be terribly serious. That is great news for Fantasy owners as Butler is a solid Fantasy option for any league when healthy thanks to his ability to contribute in a variety of ways.
News: According to The Washington Post, Caron Butler has ruled himself out of Wednesday's game against the New York Knicks because of swelling in his left knee. He sat with his left knee wrapped in ice at the morning walk-through on Wednesday but said that he hopes to be available on Friday against Orlando. Butler was injured near the end of the first half of the Wizards' 99-88 loss to the Boston Celtics on Monday. He made two free throws to give the Wizards a 54-48 lead with 0.9 of second remaining. Kevin Garnett then quickly inbounded the ball to Paul Pierce for a desperation heave. Butler slid in front of Pierce, who stepped on top of Butler's left foot then banged knees with him.
Analysis: The report added that the Wizards have not made plans for Butler to have an MRI, but will monitor his knee closely over the next few days. He was limited in practice on Tuesday and applied ice to his knees Tuesday night. But when he woke up on Wednesday morning, his knee had swollen. He is averaging 16.5 points and has missed two games this season and remains a high-end start when healthy.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler put the Wizards on his back on Monday but it wasn't enough against the Celtics. Butler and the Wizards came up short in the game as the former Connecticut great scored 20 points and grabbed 11 boards. He shot 6 for 15 and added three steals.
Analysis: Butler had one of his better games in a while on Monday and is averaging 13.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals and a block per game over his last five. Butler has always been the type of player who contributes across the gamut of Fantasy stats. Still, you'd like to see more scoring. Butler remains worth using in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler had a solid night against Los Angeles on Tuesday, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. In 35 minutes he shot 7 of 12 from the field, including 1 of 3 from downtown.
Analysis: Butler continues to play well, averaging 16.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists in his last five games. His consistent production makes him worthy of starting in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler scored 18 points on Monday in a win over Portland. Butler played 42 minutes against the Blazers and shot 8 for 14 from the field. He added nine rebounds and four dimes.
Analysis: Butler is beginning to score more like himself with 18.6 points per game over his last five. That comes with 7.6 rebounds and the ability to hit threes. Butler is also solid defensively and one of those players who contributes statistically across the board. As long as he's beginning to score more frequently, go ahead and start him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler scored 15 points and ripped 11 boards for a double-double during Wednesday's loss at Atlanta. Butler shot 6 of 18 from the field and went 1 for 1 from long range. He added three assists.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 14.4 points, 6.4 boards and 3.0 assists with a steal over his last five contests. Surprisingly, his numbers have actually gone down since Gilbert Arenas was suspended. The Wizards need him to do more, especially with Arenas out. Butler is still worth starting in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler scored 23 points on Friday night in a win for the Wizards over the Orlando Magic. Butler shot 7 of 16 from the field with a three-pointer made. He added 8 for 8 from the free-throw line and grabbed seven rebounds. He also had two blocks and a steal in the win for Washington.
Analysis: Butler is averaging just under 16 points per game thus far in four January contests but that number comes with two 8-point efforts. The Wizards will ask him to score more consistently for as long as Gilbert Arenas remains out indefinitely. This should boost his current normal 15-18 point per game scoring average going forward. Fantasy owners should continue to start Butler as a No. 2 forward.
News: NBA commissioner David Stern has indefinitely suspended Gilbert Arenas, saying the Washington Wizards guard is "not currently fit to take the court" for a game. Stern said in a statement Wednesday that Arenas' actions will "ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse." Because Arenas violated NBA rules by bringing guns into Washington's locker room, Stern decided to punish Arenas now. He says the suspension begins immediately. Stern says he originally planned to wait for the criminal investigation to be completed before taking action, and directed the Wizards to do the same. The Wizards are in agreement with Stern. "We fully endorse the decision of the NBA to indefinitely suspend Gilbert Arenas," team president Ernie Grunfeld said in a statement. With the indefinite suspension of Arenas, the Wizards will be asking F Caron Butler to increase his production for the team.
Analysis: Butler has been rumored to be traded to the Chicago Bulls for G Kirk Heinrich. However, there is no evidence to back those rumors. With the suspension of Arenas, the Wizards will be looking for Butler to increase his 16.9 point per game average to fill the scoring void left by Arenas. Fantasy owners should continue to start Butler as a No. 2 forward, but also keep tabs on any possible trades before the trading deadline on Feb. 18th.
News: According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Washington F Caron Butler could be traded to the Chicago Bulls for G Kirk Heinrich.
Analysis: As of this moment, nothing is set on Butler heading to Chicago. With the indefinite suspension of Gilbert Arenas, may be called upon to increase his overall productivity with Washington. He is currently averaging nearly 17 points per game and is hauling in 6.6 rebounds per game. Fantasy owners should keep tabs on Butler between now and the Feb. 18th trading deadline. If he does stay with the Wizards, Butler makes a nice option as a No.2 forward.
News: According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Washington F Caron Butler could be traded to the Chicago Bulls for G Kirk Heinrich.
Analysis: As of this moment, nothing is set on Butler heading to Chicago. With the indefinite suspension of Gilbert Arenas, may be called upon to increase his overall productivity with Washington. He is currently averaging nearly 17 points per game and is hauling in 6.6 rebounds per game. Fantasy owners should keep tabs on Butler between now and the Feb. 18th trading deadline. If he does stay with the Wizards, Butler makes a nice option as a No.2 forward.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler had a strong performance on Monday in a 116-111 OT loss to the Grizzlies. Butler finished the game with 24 points on 9 for 18 shooting, adding nine rebounds, two assists, a steal and a blocked shot.
Analysis: Butler had mustered only 13 points on Saturday at Minnesota and has less than 14 points in three of his past five games. Hopefully he can perform at a higher level in terms of scoring as we approach the midway point in the season. He is performing close to his season averages of late and remains a player worth having active in most Fantasy formats.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler had 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals Tuesday against the 76ers. With the four assists, he's now averaging 2.9 in December after averaging only 1.2 in November.
Analysis: Nobody has suffered more from the return of Gilbert Arenas than Butler, his scoring dropping from 20 points per game to 17 and his assists dropping from four per game to two. Still, he's worth starting as a No. 2 Fantasy forward, especially since he's a decent rebounder.
News: For the second time in the past three games, Washington SF Caron Butler managed to score more than 20 points on Saturday in a loss to the Pacers. Butler scored 23 points in the game, adding three rebounds and two assists.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 16.8 points per game, 6.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists over his last five games. He continues to struggle to get assists, which is a bit of a disturbing trend. At this point in the season, view Butler as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler, who averaged more than 20 points each of the last two seasons, had 15 to go along with six rebounds and four assists Wednesday against the Bucks. He has scored more than 20 points only three times this season and none in his last five games.
Analysis: Gilbert Arenas' return from injury has really cut into Butler's production. He's still averaging about 16 points per game, but his assists have evaporated completely. He's now just a low-end No. 2 forward in Fantasy.
News: Washington F Caron Butler was active on Friday against the Heat after missing a game with an ankle injury. Butler struggled somewhat however, managing only nine points in 36 minutes. He added seven rebounds and an assist to his stat line.
Analysis: Butler's injury was not expected to keep him out long, but it's good to see him back after missing just one start. Butler came into Friday averaging 16.8 points per game, seven rebounds and 1.2 assists. He is a must-start Fantasy option when healthy.
News: The Washington Post reports that Caron Butler will play Friday night at Miami. He tested his ankle in the morning shootaround and was cleared to play. He is expected to start.
Analysis: Butler was held out of the lineup Tuesday against the 76ers because of a sore right ankle. He was considered day to day and this was not expected to be a long-term injury. He is safe to activate once again in all leagues and is a must-start while healthy.
News: The Wizards held SF Caron Butler out of the lineup Tuesday against the 76ers because of a sore right ankle. Coach Flip Saunders said Tuesday an MRI showed fluid on the ankle and that Butler needed to get the extra rest so that he could possibly return for the Wizards' next game Friday at Miami.
Analysis: Sounds like this injury won't keep Butler out for an extended period of time, but keep an eye on his status leading up to Fantasy Week 6 (Nov. 30-Dec. 6). When healthy, he's a big enough scorer and rebounder to serve as a No. 2 Fantasy option, though his assists have dropped off with the return of Gilbert Arenas this season.
News: The Washington Post reports Wizards forward Caron Butler will be a game-time decision on Tuesday against the Sixers after an MRI showed no structural damage on the right ankle injury that has been causing him problems the past week.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Butler's status and hope he is OK. When healthy, he is a No. 2 Fantasy option in all scoring formats. In daily leagues, you might be cautious since the injury could linger.
News: The Washington Post reports that Caron Butler missed practice Monday due to a right foot and ankle injury. He is considered day to day.
Analysis: The extent of Butler's injury is not clear, but he should be at least considered questionable for Tuesday's game against Philadelphia. The Wizards have just three games in Fantasy Week 5 (Nov. 23-29) and this news makes Butler a slightly risky play.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler scored a season-high 24 points on Friday night in a loss at Indiana. The Wizards have now lost three straight with Butler in the lineup. Butler led the tam in scoring though and shot 8 of 21 from the field with a three. He added 12 rebounds for his second straight double-double.
Analysis: Butler missed a game with a bruised kneecap and since he's returned he's averaged 20 points and 9.3 boards per contest in three games, all Washington losses. Fantasy owners don't care about how the Wizards perform as long as Butler is playing this way. He's worth using in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler, who missed Saturday's game because of a bruised left kneecap, returned to the floor Tuesday at Cleveland and had his best game yet. He scored a season-high 22 points on 7 of 18 shooting and also had six rebounds.
Analysis: Butler not only looked healthy, but he looked like himself for the first time all season. He has averaged more than 20 points each of the last two seasons, though that number might decline some with Gilbert Arenas back. Even so, he's good for about six rebounds and four assists also, so he's clearly still an elite forward in Fantasy when healthy.
News: Wizards coach Flip Saunders expects forward Caron Butler to return Tuesday night against Cleveland. The two-time All-Star sat out Saturday night's game against New Jersey because of a bruised left kneecap. Butler was hurt when he dived to the floor for a rebound in the second quarter of Friday's loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: Butler had an X-ray and an MRI, with no structural damage found. Saunders says the injury is "nothing to be overly concerned with" and that there's a "pretty good chance" Butler will play in Washington's next game. Butler missed 58 games over the last three seasons due to a variety of injuries. The Wizards are already without forward Antawn Jamison, who is expected to miss at least two more weeks with a shoulder injury. As long as Butler doesn't have a setback, he'll be worth starting in all formats for Fantasy Week 2 (Nov. 2-8).
News: Wizards F Caron Butler (knee) was held out of Friday night's game against New Jersey. He is considered day to day. Butler left Friday's game against Atlanta with what was diagnosed as a bruised knee.
Analysis: Butler will have three days to recover before the Wizards play again on Tuesday against the Cavaliers, giving him a very good chance of returning for that game. The Wizards likely held him out due to the quick turnaround Saturday and we still consider Butler a safe play for Week 2 (Nov 2-8) -- especially since the Wizards play four games.
News: The Wizards lost forward Caron Butler to a bruised left knee in the second quarter of Friday's game against the Hawks. "Nothing came up as far as X-rays, but we'll know more tomorrow," said Washington coach Flip Saunders, who added he didn't know if Butler would be available for the team's home opener against New Jersey on Saturday night.
Analysis: Butler is a solid Rotisserie option since he can do a good bit of everything and he should be owned and used in pretty much all Fantasy leagues when healthy. Monitor his status through the weekend before making a decision on him for Fantasy week 2 (Nov. 2-8).
News: Washington SF Caron Butler shot 6 of 17 in the season-opening win at Dallas on Tuesday. Butler managed 16 points in 38 minutes and added eight rebounds and two blocked shots.
Analysis: Butler will score more in the near future. You have to like his rebound and block numbers. Butler is a solid Rotisserie option since he can do a good bit of everything and he should be owned and used in pretty much all Fantasy leagues.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler had 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal in a preseason game at Cleveland. He played just 24 minutes in the game, but shot 5 for 6 from the field.
Analysis: Butler made the most of his limited playing time. He is one of the most diverse options in category-based leagues for his ability to fill up the stat sheet, but there is always a measure of injury risk with him. Otherwise, he's a no-brainer as a No. 1 Fantasy forward.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler scored 28 points but the Wizards still lost to Toronto on Monday night. Butler shot 9-of-17 with two threes and added nine rebounds. He also had three steals in the game.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 22 points, four boards, four assists, 1.4 steals and a three per night over his last five games. He's a must-start at all times as the season draws to a close.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler only needed one grace game to get back into playing shape. He scored 11 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in his first game back from a hamstring injury-related extended absence on Saturday night. That was good, but not as good as his follow up. Butler scored 31 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in a loss at Indiana on Sunday. He was 8-of-20 with two threes and added three assists and two steals.
Analysis: Butler is officially back and ready to be starting in all Fantasy formats at all times again. He's averaging almost 12 rebounds in his two games and 21 points and that should only continue as the Wizards are playing for respectability.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler returned to action on Saturday against Detroit after missing seven straight games with a hamstring injury. Butler was noticeably hesitant in the game and he shot just 4-of-13 for 11 points. Still, he grabbed 10 rebounds and, together with Gilbert Arenas, almost led the Wizards to a last-second win. Butler also had two steals.
Analysis: Butler will need some time to continue getting back into rhythm after the long injury-related layoff. Still, as evidenced by his 10 rebounds, Butler brings a plethora of Fantasy stats to the table and should likely be activated in all Fantasy formats if all goes well in Sunday's game against Indiana.
News: The Washington Post reports Friday that Wizards forward Caron Butler practiced and will be a game-time decision with his hamstring Saturday against Detroit. Butler has missed seven games with the injury.
Analysis: It sounds like Butler is getting closer to a return. With Gilbert Arenas expected to play against the Pistons, look for Butler to get back out there as well. When healthy, Butler is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler took part in shootaround on Wednesday but still couldn't play in the night's game against the Charlotte Bobcats. Butler has now missed the past seven games with a sore left hamstring.
Analysis: Butler was a gametime decision on Wednesday so conventional wisdom suggests he'll be back against Detroit on Saturday. Still, the safe bet is to keep him reserved in daily leagues until he proves healthy by playing well. Of course, if you need him since he's normally a must-start Fantasy player, you might be forced to roll the dice.
News: The Washington Post reports Wizards forward Caron Butler did some work in shootaround Wednesday and is a game-time decision against Charlotte. Butler has missed the past six games with a sore left hamstring.
Analysis: Hopefully he's able to play, but the safe option following this injury is to keep him reserved in daily leagues. Since he's been out and the Wizards are out of the playoffs, there's the chance he could remain inactive at this time.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler, who has missed the past six games with a sore left hamstring, was a limited participant in practice Tuesday. He didn't rule out returning for Wednesday's game against the Charlotte Bobcats. "It felt decent, but with me it's how I feel the next day with the tightness and everything," Butler said, "so hopefully I roll over tomorrow on the right side of the bed."
Analysis: Coach Ed Tapscott said Monday after Butler missed his sixth straight game that he hoped another "week of rehab" would be enough to get him back. It would appear he could return within that time frame. Butler should be treated as a game-time decision.
News: The Washington Post reports that Caron Butler (hamstring) was able to practice Tuesday. Whether he plays Wednesday night against Charlotte depends upon how the hamstring feels when he wakes up Wednesday.
Analysis: Coach Ed Tapscott said Monday after Butler missed his sixth straight game that he hoped another "week of rehab" would be enough to get him back. It would appear he could return within that time frame. Butler should be treated as a game-time decision.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler missed his sixth consecutive game on Monday with tightness in his hamstring. Butler remains day to day with the injury and is questionable for Wednesday against the Bobcats. "I'm hopeful another week of rehab will get him back," coach Ed Tapscott said after Monday's game.
Analysis: For those who started Butler in weekly formats, this has got to sting. We recommend keeping him benched until the Wizards say he'll play again because there is no use rushing him with Washington way out of contention.
News: The Washington Post reports Wizards forward Caron Butler (hamstring) will be re-evaluated at shootaround prior to Monday's game against Chicago. Butler has missed his past five games.
Analysis: It sounds like Butler will be a game-time decision with the injury. Hopefully he's able to play, but the safe option following this injury is to keep him reserved in all leagues. Since he's been out and the Wizards are out of the playoffs, there's the chance he could remain inactive at this time.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler missed his fifth straight game on Saturday night in Phoenix with a hamstring injury. Butler could return at any time and is considered day to day currently with the injury.
Analysis: Butler could return at any point for Washington and Fantasy owners need him back badly. That said, he's a major injury risk for Week 22 (March 23-29) at this point. He's missed five games and who knows how many more for the awful Wizards. Butler is averaging 20.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and a team-high 4.5 assists this season but may be too risky to use in the next scoring period.
News:Caron Butler missed his fourth straight game Friday in Denver as he continues to deal with a hamstring injury. He remains day to day.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 20.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and a team-high 4.5 assists this season. Fantasy owners has to be treated as an injury risk for the upcoming scoring period if he does not return for Saturday's game in Phoenix.
News: The Washington Post reports that Caron Butler, who has missed the last three games with a left hamstring injury, will be evaluated Friday and is listed as day-to-day. The Wizards did not practice Thursday.
Analysis: Butler has missed six games in the past three weeks with a left hamstring injury. Unfortunately for the Wizards, Butler - who is averaging 20.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and a team-high 4.5 assists - has already been sidelined for half of their four-game Western Conference road trip. The Wizards face the Denver and Phoenix on Friday and Saturday. It does sound like Week 22 is a possibility, but you'll have to monitor his progress the rest of this week.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler, who was a gametime decision for Wednesday's game against the Clippers, did not return to play and it remains a mystery when he'll suit up next. He's officially labeled as day to day with a sore hamstring and will likely again be a gametime decision for Friday at Denver.
Analysis: Butler has missed six games in the past three weeks with a left hamstring injury. Unfortunately for the Wizards, Butler - who is averaging 20.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and a team-high 4.5 assists - has already been sidelined for half of their four-game Western Conference road trip. The Wizards face the Denver and Phoenix on Friday and Saturday. It does sound like Week 22 is a possibility, but you'll have to monitor his progress the rest of this week.
News: The Washington Times reports that Washington Wizards guard/forward Caron Butler said an MRI done Monday on his left hamstring showed some inflammation, and the official word from the team was that its second-leading scorer is day-to-day. The good news for the Wizards and Butler is that the injury, which has caused him to miss five games in the past three weeks, isn't of a serious variety, such as a tear. Butler traveled with the team and said via text message that he would just have to wait and see how his hamstring responds to continued treatment, adding, "I don't expect to play for a [while] though."
Analysis: Butler has missed five games in the past three weeks with a left hamstring injury. Unfortunately for the 16-51 Wizards, Butler - who is averaging 20.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and a team-high 4.5 assists - could be sidelined for at least half, if not all, of their four-game Western Conference road trip. The Wizards face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, then visit Denver and Phoenix on Friday and Saturday. It does sound like Week 22 is a possibility, but you'll have to monitor his progress this week.
News: The Washington Post reports Wizards forward Caron Butler underwent an MRI exam on his hamstring Monday that revealed no new information. He is with the team as it opens a four-game trip at Utah on Tuesday night and is officially listed as day-to-day. Butler said he's been bothered by tightness in the hamstring for several weeks and fluid has built up in the area, causing him problems. He's not sure when he's going to play again.
Analysis: It sounds like Butler will be out for several games. The safe option is to keep Butler reserved in all leagues at this time and hope he can return at some point this season. Since the Wizards have nothing to play for, there's no need to rush Butler back on the court.
News:Caron Butler missed the Washington Wizards' game against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday with a tight left hamstring. Butler will have an MRI exam Monday. The forward sat out the second half of Friday night's loss to the Orlando Magic after the hamstring tightened up. He also missed three games earlier this month with soreness in the same hamstring.
Analysis: Butler is second on the Wizards in scoring (20.2) and rebounding (6.2) and leads the team in assists (4.5). However, it sounds highly possible that he could miss some time in the upcoming scoring period and that would make him a very risky play for the upcoming scoring period. If he sits out, look for Andray Blatche to play a bigger role.
News:Caron Butler sat out the second half of the Washington Wizards' game against the Orlando Magic because of a tight right hamstring. He stayed in the locker room after scoring five points on 1-for-7 shooting in 19 minutes during the first half Friday night.
Analysis: Butler missed three games earlier this month with hamstring problems, so this could be an issue that forces him to miss time down the stretch. At this time, he is day to day. Fantasy owners should begin to make plans for the upcoming scoring period in weekly leagues as this strain could easily keep him out a few games when you consider that Washington is playing for absolutely nothing right now.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler had 27 points, 10 rebounds and six assists to lead the Wizards to a 110-99 victory over the Timberwolves on Monday night in a matchup of teams that had lost 14 straight combined. Butler also reached a milestone in the game in the fourth quarter, recording his 800th career steal.
Analysis: Butler has hit the ground running after sitting out three games with a hamstring injury. He has to produce in Washington because with the exception of Antawn Jamison, there's not much help in D.C. He is a solid starting option and should be active in all leagues at this point of the season.
News: Washington forward Caron Butler returned to the starting lineup on Saturday against the Mavericks and scored 20 points after missing three games with a strained left hamstring. Butler also had nine rebounds and three assists in the game, but turned the ball over seven times.
Analysis: After missing three games, Butler was back and as good as ever, putting up stats pretty close to what can be expected out of him on a nightly basis, although the nine rebounds was a bit of a bonus. Butler is one of the better Fantasy options in the league and a must-start forward for the upcoming scoring period.
News:Washington Post reporter Ivan Carter writes in his blog that Caron Butler told him Friday that he will try to play Saturday night in Dallas. He warmed up but was a late scratch with his hamstring injury.
Analysis: Take this for what it is worth. The Post also had reported that hoped he would be able to play on Friday. It will likely all depend on how he feels prior to the game and we likely won't know until then. The injury has bothered him for a week now, but hopefully he'll be back on Saturday. If not, he'll be an injury risk for the upcoming scoring period. He's a must-start forward when healthy.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler, averaging 20.3 points per game, missed his third straight game due to tightness in his left hamstring on Friday at San Antonio. He remains questionable for Saturday's game at Dallas.
Analysis:The Washington Post had reported that Butler hoped he would be able to play on Friday, but the pain apparently did not subside enough to let him play at San Antonio. The injury has bothered him for a week now, but hopefully he'll be back on Saturday. If not, he'll be an injury risk for the upcoming scoring period. He's a must-start forward when healthy.
News: The Washington Post reports that Caron Butler hopes that the hamstring pain that forced him to miss a second straight game Wednesday will subside enough that he can play Friday against San Antonio.
Analysis: The report adds that Butler, who had an MRI exam on Tuesday that revealed some inflammation in his left leg, said he first felt complications during the Wizards' victory over Chicago on Friday. He added that he played through the pain because the Wizards were home and President Obama was in attendance. Consider him a 50-50 chance to play Friday.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler, averaging 20.3 points per game, missed his second straight game due to tightness in his left hamstring on Wednesday against the Thunder. He remains questionable for Friday's game at San Antonio.
Analysis: The Wizards will not likely be in any rush to get Butler out on the floor considering how far out of the playoff race the Wizards are. He is a must-start when healthy.
News: The Washington Post reports Wizards forward Caron Butler, who sat out Monday night's loss against Atlanta with tightness in his hamstring, was limited to rehab work and did not go through practice Tuesday. He will make the trip to Oklahoma City for Wednesday night's game against the Thunder and will be re-evaluated before the game.
Analysis: Hopefully we will have more information prior to the game Wednesday. For now, plan on keeping Butler reserved in daily leagues to be safe. When healthy, Butler is a No. 1 Fantasy option in all scoring formats.
News:Caron Butler missed the Washington Wizards' game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night with tightness in his left hamstring. It was the sixth game Butler has missed this season, but the first because of the tight hamstring.
Analysis: Butler is second on the team in both scoring (20.3) and rebounding (6.2) and leads the Wizards in assists (4.4). He has hit 20 points just once in his last six games, but it has little to do with his hamstring. The injury is keeping Butler just day-to-day at this time. He is a must-start Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler scored 24 points on Saturday night as the Wizards only managed 67 against the Spurs in a losing effort. Butler was 9-of-19 with seven rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
Analysis: Butler was back over 20 points after two games with 19 and 17. He's still very worth using across the board in Fantasy as a No. 2 Fantasy forward or better. He's averaging 22 points, six boards, four dimes, 1.8 steals and almost a block per game with some threes over his last five games.
News: Washington F Caron Butler was able to play against the Nets on Friday despite suffering a hip injury on Tuesday against Minnesota. He scored 19 points and had nine rebounds in a 107-96 win.
Analysis: Butler's injury doesn't appear to be serious, and clearly isn't as he was able to play on Friday. He is one of the more solid producers in all of the NBA and a must-start whenever he is active and playing.
News: The Washington Post reports that Caron Butler, who sat out Wednesday to rest a sore right hip, practiced Thursday and said he felt better. He said it was basically a bad bruise that affected his alignment a little bit. He's day-to-day and his status for Friday's game at New Jersey will be determined at shootaround.
Analysis: The good news is that the injury does not sound serious. Fantasy owners should expect to have him for a full week in the upcoming scoring period, but Fantasy owners in daily lineup leagues will need to monitor his progress leading up to tipoff Friday.
News: The Washington Post reports Wednesday that Wizards forward Caron Butler, who took a fall on his right hip in the fourth quarter Tuesday night against Minnesota, did not practice Wednesday because he's still experiencing soreness. Interim coach Ed Tapscott said Butler likely would've practiced if the Wizards had a game Thursday night. They don't play again until Friday night against New Jersey.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Butler's status and hope he can practice Thursday in preparation of playing Friday. When healthy, Butler is a solid Fantasy option and hopefully he doesn't suffer a setback with the hip injury.
News: Washington forward Caron Butler had 17 points, six assists and five rebounds Tuesday against Minnesota before limping off to the locker room in the final minute. Butler fell to the court clutching a rebound and banged his left hip, near the joint where he had a small labral tear that cost him 19 games last season. "My alignment's kind of off right now," Butler said. "So we'll get it looked at again tomorrow and see how I feel." Coach Ed Tapscott said he pulled him from the game as a precautionary reason.
Analysis: It sounds like Butler should be OK, especially with two days to rest before his next game, but continue to monitor his status. When healthy, Butler is a solid Fantasy option and hopefully he doesn't suffer a setback with the hip injury.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler had the flu and came back three games ago as a new person. Butler had been struggling before the illness but is not struggling anymore after scoring 26 points on Wednesday in a loss at Charlotte. He added six assists and three steals and hit two threes.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 28 points, four dimes, seven rebounds, 1.7 steals and a three per game over his last three contests and is shooting better than 50 percent from the field. He's a Rotisserie stud once again and a must-start No. 1 Fantasy forward.
News: Washington F Caron Butler scored 15 straight points, including a game-winning 18-footer at the buzzer, to lead the Wizards to a 119-117 victory over the Pacers on Sunday night. Butler, who missed the previous two games with the flu, scored 17 points in the fourth quarter and 35 overall as Washington overcame a 110-103 deficit with 5:08 left.
Analysis: Butler entered averaging 20 points and a team-best 4.4 assists a game on the season. He's a Rotisserie stud who should be starting in all formats when healthy. He's now no longer an injury risk for Week 16's shortened period. Get him active.
News:Caron Butler returned to the Washington Wizards' starting lineup after missing two games with the flu. Washington interim coach Ed Tapscott said before the Wizards' game against the Indiana Pacers that Butler was feeling better.
Analysis: Butler entered averaging 20 points and a team-best 4.4 assists a game on the season. He's a Rotisserie stud who should be starting in all formats when healthy. He's now no longer an injury risk for Week 16's shortened period. Get him active.
News: The Washington Post reports that Caron Butler missed his second straight game Friday against Denver due to the flu. He remains day to day.
Analysis: Butler is second on the team in scoring (20.0) and rebounding (6.2) and leads the Wizards in assists (4.4) and turnovers (3.3). Fantasy owners in weekly leagues should expect him to be over the flu by the upcoming scoring period, but he should continue to be monitored.
News: The Washington Post reports that Caron Butler missed practice on Thursday after missing Wednesday's game against New Jersey with the flu. He will be re-evaluated Friday before the team's game against Denver.
Analysis: Butler is second on the team in scoring (20.0) and rebounding (6.2) and leads the Wizards in assists (4.4) and turnovers (3.3). Fantasy owners in daily leagues should keep tabs on him Friday in order to see if the team announces his availability for the game after the team's morning shoot-around.
News: Washington Wizards swingman Caron Butler was sick Wednesday night with the flu, leaving his team with eight healthy players for a game against the New Jersey Nets.
Analysis: Butler is second on the team in scoring (20.0) and rebounding (6.2) and leads the Wizards in assists (4.4) and turnovers (3.3). He's a must-start across the board, when healthy. The flu isn't going to keep him out for long.
News:Caron Butler scored 21 for Washington on Monday in a loss to Memphis. The small forward had one of his usual Rotisserie-type games as he added five dimes, nine boards, two threes and a block. Butler did turn the ball over six times, however.
Analysis: Butler is back playing at a high level as he's averaging 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists, 1.2 steals and over a three per game in his last five. The downside? He's not shooting very well and he's turning the ball over a whopping five times per game. He's still a must-start Fantasy forward at all times but the Wizards could use him to turn it over a little less.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that after struggling from the field recently, G Caron Butler has made 54 percent of his field goals in the team's last three games.
Analysis: Butler is averaging a 25-6-4 line over his last five games, shooting 45-of-90 (50 percent) from the field in that span. Shooters like Caron won't stay down for long, another reason why he should remain active in all Fantasy formats through thick and thin.
News: Wizards forward Caron Butler had 12 points, six assists and three rebounds Thursday at Los Angeles, his former team. Butler now has 19 assists in his past four games and is doing a good job of distributing the ball.
Analysis: Butler is playing a point forward role for the Wizards and should see his assist total remain high. Continue to start him as a No. 1 option in all leagues at this time.
News: Wizards forward Caron Butler had 32 points, seven rebounds and five assists Wednesday at Sacramento. Butler now has averaged 19.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in his past five games.
Analysis: Butler is capable of averaging 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, so this is a good sign when he puts up stats of this caliber. Hopefully it will continue, and he remains a No. 1 Fantasy option in all scoring formats.
News: Wizards G/F Caron Butler, who has scored less than 15 points in three of his last six games, scored 22 on 9-of-20 shooting Monday at Golden State. He also had three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Analysis: Butler is still averaging only 14.7 points per game since Christmas, so something clearly isn't right with the 28-year-old who has averaged more than 19 points over the last three seasons. At least he still contributes rebounds, assists and steals more often than not. You have to keep him active in Fantasy even though he's not performing quite up to his elite standards. He'll get going sooner or later.
News: Wizards G Caron Butler scored 25 points against the Knicks on Wednesday, breaking out of a four-game slump in which he failed to reach 20 points. Butler has averaged only 13.6 points over his last five games with 4.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
Analysis: Butler is typically one of the best players around in both Rotisserie and standard formats, but had been really struggling. A solid performance against New York isn't actually saying much as the Knicks play little defense. However, he's still a must-start option at all times and should be back on track soon.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler made up for one of his worst games of the season on Friday at Chicago by scoring 19 points in a loss to Charlotte on Saturday. Butler, who was 1-for-8 in Friday's game, finished 4-of-9 and was 11-of-12 from the charity stripe. He also had just one rebound and assist.
Analysis: Butler is normally a Fantasy and Rotisserie stud so both of his last two games can really be considered a disappointment. At least he scored in Saturday's game. Still, he's averaging 17 points, five boards, four assists and two steals per game over his last five and that is with the poor efforts in the last two. He's a must-start No. 1 Fantasy player at all times.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler returned to action on Friday at Boston from a sprained ankle and scored eight points with four rebounds and five assists. Heading into the game, Butler had averaged 21 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists, so his scoring performance was well below average.
Analysis: Butler's return can only help a team that has really struggled this season without Gilbert Arenas. Butler should return to his usual form before too long, so get him active again for Week 11 (Jan. 5-11).
News: Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler had an MRI on Wednesday that revealed no serious damage to his injured left ankle. The MRI confirmed the initial diagnosis of a sprain and he will continue to be listed as day-to-day. Butler hurt the ankle during the loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas. He has since missed three games.
Analysis: Butler leads the Wizards in scoring (21.0 points) and assists (4.5) this season and is also averaging 6.5 rebounds. Butler has been practicing with the team and was a game-time decision again on Tuesday. He is close to returning and might play in the team's next game against Boston. Butler is obviously a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: The Wizards were without leading scorer Caron Butler for the third straight game on Tuesday night against the Hornets. Washington lost the game without Butler, who is suffering from a left ankle injury.
Analysis: Butler has been practicing with the team and was a game-time decision again on Tuesday. He is close to returning and might play in the team's next game against Boston. Butler is obviously a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Washington played Monday against the Rockets without leading scorer Caron Butler, who sat out for the second straight game with a sprained left ankle. Butler remains questionable heading into Tuesday's game with New Orleans.
Analysis: Butler has been practicing with the team and was a game-time decision Monday. He is close to returning and might play Tuesday. However, it could be more likely we see Butler Friday against the Celtics. Butler is obviously a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Washington forward Caron Butler, who was out with a sprained left ankle Saturday against Oklahoma City, could return Monday at Houston. Butler participated in practice Sunday and is expected to play if the ankle responds well after the morning shoot-around, reports the Washington Post.
Analysis: It appears like Butler will return against the Rockets, but be cautious when setting your lineup. The game against the Thunder was the first one Butler has missed all season.
News: Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler missed Saturday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a left ankle injury. It's the first game that Butler will miss this season. Wizards interim coach Ed Tapscott said that Butler, who missed 24 games with a variety of injuries last season, tweaked his ankle in Thursday's loss in Cleveland. "He's got a little ankle problem - some swelling," Tapscott said.
Analysis: Despite a couple of slow games for Butler recently, he remains an elite scoring option for a team that is struggling to find consistent scoring. His contributions in points, rebounds, assists and steals make him a top-notch option through thick and thin. Consider him a risky play for the upcoming scoring period, but the Wizards don't seem to be too worried about it, calling it a "little" ankle problem.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler had six points, six rebounds and 10 assists in Thursday's came in Cleveland. He shot just 3-for-13 from the field and is averaging 16.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists over his last five contests. It was the second time in his last five games that he was held under 10 points.
Analysis: Despite a couple of slow games for Butler recently, he remains an elite scoring option for a team that is struggling to find consistent scoring. His contributions in points, rebounds, assists and steals make him a top-notch option through thick and thin.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler dropped in 26 points during a loss Monday against the Pacers. He hit 9-of-18 shots as he grabbed eight rebounds and dished out five assists. Butler also had one steal and one block. Butler has reached double-figures in points for 15 straight games.
Analysis: Butler has been averaging 20 points per game since last season and has increased his scoring average the last five seasons. He continues to get better as a player and help Fantasy owners in all areas. Keep Butler active in Fantasy through thick and thin.
News: SF Caron Butler scored 33 points to lead the Wizards over the visiting Pistons on Tuesday. He also had six assists and five rebounds in 41 minutes of play. He had gone six games without reaching the 30-point mark.
Analysis: Butler remains one of the league's elite scorers, averaging right at 22 points per game, and since he contributes so many rebounds and assists as well, he's an obvious Fantasy stud. Keep him active in all leagues.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler recorded his first points-assists double-double of the season Tuesday at New Jersey, finishing with 22 and 10. He also had five rebounds in 38 minutes of play. He went down with an apparent groin injury in the third quarter and hobbled off, but he managed to return to action later on.
Analysis: The groin issue doesn't seem serious since Butler continued to play, but check back to see if it becomes an issue in the Wizards' next game Wednesday. When healthy, Butler is an obvious Fantasy stud for the reasons he showed Tuesday. He averages around 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler responded well to the team's new coach Tuesday against the Warriors, scoring a season-high 35 points on 13-of-19 shooting. He also had eight rebounds, six assists and three steals, making three 3-pointers.
Analysis: Butler has averaged around 20.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists this season, performing like a Fantasy stud as he has each of his four years in Washington. Keep him active in all leagues.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler scored a season-high 32 points on Wednesday in a loss to the Hawks. Butler went 12-of-20 from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range. He added seven boards, four assists and three steals.
Analysis: Butler has averaged around 20 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists this season, performing like a Fantasy stud as he has each of his four years in Washington. Keep him active in all leagues.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler had one of his best games of the season Tuesday against the Heat, scoring 21 points and pulling down a season-high 12 rebounds to give him his second double-double. He also had two assists and two steals in 43 minutes.
Analysis: Butler has averaged around 19 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists this season, performing like a Fantasy stud as he has each of his four years in Washington. Keep him active in all leagues.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler did not play well against Orlando in the Wizards last game. He made up for that on Wednesday night against the Jazz as the Wizards picked up their first win of the year. Butler scored a game-high 27 points and added nine boards, three assists, two blocks and a steal.
Analysis: Butler is picking up Gilbert Arenas' slack and that showed Wednesday as he helped them finally win a game. He's rebounding better than Antawn Jamison thus far and is a No. 1 option in Fantasy at all times.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler scored 27 points to lead the Wizards in a loss against the Bucks on Wednesday. Butler shot 9-of-15 from the field and 9-of-10 from the free throw line. He added seven boards and four steals but turned the ball over five times.
Analysis: Butler is picking up Gilbert Arenas' slack and Wednesday was his best game. He's rebounding better than Antawn Jamison thus far and is a No. 1 option in Fantasy at all times.
News: Washington SF Caron Butler had a nice opening game on Wednesday in a loss to New Jersey. Butler scored 13 points and ripped down 11 rebounds to lead the team. He added five assists but turned the ball over four times.
Analysis: A healthy Butler means a No. 1 Fantasy SF and Butler looked healthy on Wednesday. Continue to treat him as a must-start in Fantasy.
News: The Wizards will play just two games in Fantasy Week 1 (Oct. 27-Nov. 2). They will start off the season on Oct. 29 at home against the Nets, who allowed 100.9 ppg last season. Then they wrap up the week on Nov. 1 at Detroit, who allowed just 90.1 ppg, lowest in the NBA.
Analysis: Caron Butler is a good play this week despite the two-game week because no team is playing more than three games anyway. Fringe players like DeShawn Stevenson, Andray Blatche, JaVale McGee, Nick Young, Juan Dixon or Darius Songaila are not recommended starts this week.
News: The Wizards rested their star players for Wednesday's regular-season finale at Orlando, including Caron Butler. Butler will be in the lineup for Game 1 of their first-round series at Cleveland, though.
Analysis: Butler appeared in 58 games this regular season with wrist and hip injuries slowing him down. While healthy, though, he produced at the level of a No. 1 Fantasy forward, averaging 20.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.9 assists with solid shooting percentages.
News: Indiana Pacers center Jeff Foster missed Monday's night must-win game against the Washington Wizards, who played without Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas. Butler missed his second consecutive game with a sore knee, while Arenas had a precautionary day off. Arenas has been playing limited minutes as a reserve since returning from knee surgery.
Analysis: Butler remains day to day and questionable for Wednesday's season finale against the Magic. Butler was humming along this season until a wrist and hip ailment slowed his progress in February and March. When active, he can still fill the stat sheet and be worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy forward.
News: Washington Wizards All-Star forward Caron Butler missed Saturday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers because of a bruised right knee. He has missed 22 games this season, including 19 with a hip injury.
Analysis: Butler banged knees with Rodney Stuckey in the second quarter Friday night in a loss to the Detroit Pistons. Butler returned to the game in the second half but was obviously laboring. He finished 1-for-7 from the field and scored only six points. He is considered day to day, but could very easily miss the majority of the team's two remaining games as they'll try to keep him fresh for their playoff run now that they have a playoff spot locked up.
News: Washington forward Caron Butler had 13 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and seven turnovers for the Wizards on Wednesday against Boston.
Analysis: Butler has played well this year and is fighting through his minor aches and pains. Continue to start him in all scoring formats and hope for more outings like this the rest of the season.
News:Caron Butler (wrist) scored 29 points for the Washington in Friday's win over Miami, securing a playoff berth. Butler added five assists, three rebounds and three steals.
Analysis: Butler appeared to tweak the left wrist that has been bothering him in Wednesday's game against Milwaukee, but appeared to be just fine on Friday. He's a safe start for the final scoring period of the Fantasy season.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler appeared to tweak the left wrist that has been bothering him in Wednesday's game against Milwaukee, according to the Washington Post. However, he was able to play through it and said after the game that he'd be fine. "I'm in a little pain but I should be alright."
Analysis: Butler got his old running mate Gilbert Arenas (knee) back in the lineup Wednesday as well. Arenas might cut into Butler's points total, but he it won't be that dramatic of an effect. Butler is still a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy -- it appears he'll play Friday.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler returned to the lineup Wednesday against the Bucks after missing Monday's game against the Jazz. In his last game action, Butler recorded a triple-double Sunday against the Lakers.
Analysis: Butler got his old running mate Gilbert Arenas (knee) back in the lineup Wednesday as well. Arenas might cut into Butler's points total, but he it won't be that dramatic of an effect. Butler is still a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy.
News:Caron Butler and Antonio Daniels were back on the court Wednesday for the Washington Wizards after missing the final game of the West Coast road trip. Butler (strained left hamstring) and Daniels (sprained left wrist) took part in the team's morning shootaround ahead of Wednesday night's game against Milwaukee. Both are expected to play against the Bucks.
Analysis: Butler had a triple-double in his last outing and should be starting in almost all formats as a solid No. 2 Fantasy forward. Meanwhile, Daniels is still starting in place of Gilbert Arenas, who is expected to return shortly. He'll have virtually no Fantasy appeal once that happens and isn't a recommended Fantasy starter at this point despite his success earlier this season replacing Arenas.
News: Wizards forward Caron Butler had a triple-double against his former team, going for 17 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists Sunday at the Lakers.
Analysis: Butler is all the way back from his hip injury. Continue to start him in all scoring formats and hope for more outings like this the rest of the season.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler had another all-around productive game Wednesday at Seattle. He scored 21 points while adding nine assists and five rebounds. He also picked three steals and was 2-for-5 from beyond the arc.
Analysis: Fantasy owners in Rotisserie formats can't ask for much more than that. He was productive in almost every significant Rotisserie statistic (outside of blocks) and should continue to produce lines like this down the stretch now that he's fully healthy.
News: Wizards forward Caron Butler went for 19 points, three assists and seven rebounds Tuesday at Portland.
Analysis: Butler continues to play well in his comeback from a hip injury. Hopefully his performances continue to improve, and for now consider him a No. 2 Fantasy forward in all scoring formats.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler had 17 points, six assists and five rebounds Sunday against the Pistons. He is averaging 16.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg and 6.2 apg over his last five games.
Analysis: Butler was averaging well over 20 points before the hip injury, but hasn't reached that mark since returning to the lineup. He is still a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler (wrist) was in the lineup Wednesday against the Magic. He scored 11 points while adding nine rebounds and four assists. He played 35 minutes despite being in foul trouble. Butler has scored in double figures for four straight games since missing 16 games with a hip injury.
Analysis: Butler was averaging well over 20 points before the hip injury, but hasn't reached that mark since returning to the lineup. Now add the wrist injury to the equation and he has been a disaster since late January. Butler is going to play through these ailments, but Fantasy owners need to be aware he might have to miss a game or two to rest. He is still a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Wizards forward Caron Butler, who just came back from a 16-game layoff with a small labral tear in his left hip socket, now is being slowed by a left wrist injury, according to the Washington Times. Butler still plans to play, although he has shot just 25.9 percent in the last two games — partly because he's still getting back into game shape and partly because the wrist is so painful. "I should be fine. I'll play through it and grind it out," Butler said.
Analysis: Look for Butler to play through the pain. He should still be started in all scoring formats and is a solid No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Wizards forward Caron Butler went for 12 points, eight assists and seven rebounds Monday against the Hawks. Butler is trying to get back to form after missing significant time with a hip injury.
Analysis: Look for Butler's offense to take time coming back, but it's a good sign he was able to post solid, all-around stats. Continue to use Butler as a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time.
News:Caron Butler unleashed a month's worth of pent-up energy on his 28th birthday, returning to the Washington Wizards lineup after a 16-game injury absence to score 19 points in a 101-99 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night. Butler, whose hip injury sent the Wizards into a February slump, scored the game's opening basket, survived some rough contact and made six of his first eight shots. The players the Wizards affectionally refer to as "Tough Juice" finished 8-for-18 from the field and had five rebounds in 41 minutes.
Analysis: Butler scored only one point in the fourth quarter, but still provided a lift for the slumping Wizards and now Fantasy owners' lineups. Butler was averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists before going down with the hip injury. It doesn't appear as though it will take him long to post similar stat lines. Feel free to once again start Butler in all Fantasy leagues.
News: All-Star forward Caron Butler appears set to celebrate his birthday with a return to the lineup Thursday for the Washington Wizards. "Caron is going to be probable, so we add a little 'Tough Juice' to the lineup," said coach Eddie Jordan, referring to Butler's nickname. "And we'll see how it goes." Butler has missed 16 straight games and 19 of the last 21 because of a hip injury. He was originally diagnosed with a strained hip flexor, but an MRI discovered a small labral tear of the left hip joint. The injury also caused Butler to miss the All-Star game. The Wizards host LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, which happens to be the day Butler turns 28. Jordan said Butler will start if able to play. "I've got a nice rhythm. I've got a couple of practices under my belt. I'm not feeling any symptoms," Butler said after Wednesday's practice.
Analysis: Butler returned to practice Monday. Other than some tightness in the groin after Tuesday's shootaround, he said he's been fine. When healthy, Butler is a No. 1 Fantasy forward, but he might be rusty in his return. If he is able to play against the Cavaliers, see how he does and how his hip responds in the days following before setting your lineup for the following scoring period.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler returned to practice Monday for the Wizards. He hasn't played since Feb. 5. He was originally diagnosed with a strained hip flexor in late January. He sat out three games, played in two, then shut himself down again. Soon afterward, an MRI exam discovered a small labral tear of the left hip joint. "I went out there and coach put me right in the fire," Butler said. "He said, 'Go play your game and be you out there.' I felt pretty good. I had a nice rhythm and my teammates were looking for me because they wanted me to get a feel for everything."
Analysis: Coach Eddie Jordan said Butler was still day-to-day. "He still needs another practice or so," Jordan said. "We'll get a better read on him tomorrow. This was the first time he really went through contact and had to change direction in a scrimmage with intensity." Butler, averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.4 steals this season, likely won't return this week unless he feels 100 percent. For now, keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues.
News: According to the Sports Xchange, Wizards forward Caron Butler, who hasn't practiced since Feb. 5, is expected to return to practice Monday. "I'll give it a shot and we'll see what happens," Butler said. "I am missing the game, no doubt, and I'm anxious to get back and try to keep us going in the right direction." Butler has missed 15 straight games. However, there is still no timetable for his return to the lineup. In the meantime the Wizards will continue to use Darius Songaila in the starting lineup. Songaila has now started five straight games for the Wizards.
Analysis: Butler, averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.4 steals this season, likely won't return this week unless he feels 100 percent. For now, keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler plans to be back at practice next week, but there is still no timetable for when he might be able to return to games after being sidelined by a hip injury. "I am trying to get back out there," the two-time All-Star said Thursday. "I am going to wait until next week to start participating in practices, and I am going to play it by ear. My body is going to determine whether I am able to play or not."
Analysis: The injury originally was diagnosed as a strained hip flexor at the end of January, and Butler sat out three games. He then tried playing in two games, before he sat again, and an MRI exam found that Butler has a small labral tear of the left hip joint. Butler, averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.4 steals this season, called surgery "the very last option." Instead, he hopes rest and rehab will allow him to come back at full strength.
News: Washington Wizards All-Star forward Caron Butler has a prescription of rest and rehab - with no plans for surgery - to deal with the latest twist in his return from a hip injury. "There haven't been any conversations about surgery," said a person familiar with the Butler's injury who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team prefers not to release medical details. "Our thoughts are for him to continue to rest and stay off the hip."
Analysis: An MRI exam this week found that Butler has a small labral tear of the left hip joint. The injury, which has sidelined him for nearly a month, had originally been diagnosed as a strained hip flexor. Butler will be re-evaluated next week, with no timetable set for his return. He was to miss his 11th straight game Friday night, when the Wizards finished a road trip at Chicago. Andray Blatche continues to start in his place, but is a sub-par stopgap.
News: The Washington Wizards are optimistic that Caron Butler will be able to return to basketball activity after resting his hip, according to the Washington Post. The two-time all-star forward has missed 10 straight games -- and 13 of the last 15 -- with a left hip injury that was originally diagnosed as a strained left hip flexor. Earlier this week, a second MRI exam revealed that Butler has a slight labral tear in his left hip. The team says he will be reevaluated at some point next week.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what develops with Butler and hope he can return soon. When healthy, Butler is a solid Fantasy option in all scoring formats.
News: A re-examination of Washington Wizards All-Star forward Caron Butler's hip revealed a small labral tear of the left joint, further complicating his return from injury. He has missed the past 10 games with what was originally diagnosed as a strained hip flexor. He did not accompany the team on the road trip that ends Friday night at Chicago.
Analysis: The Wizards did not give a timetable for Butler's return. They said Butler will be evaluated next week, essentially ruling him out of Sunday's home game against New Orleans. Andray Blatche should continue to start in his place, but has been a less than adequate Fantasy stopgap.
News: Wizards All-Star SF Caron Butler remained out for the 10th straight game with a hip flexor strain Tuesday at Houston.
Analysis: Butler remains a must-start in Fantasy when healthy, averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Until we hear clear word of him returning, though, we wouldn't recommend activating him.
News: Wizards All-Star SF Caron Butler remained out for the ninth straight game with a hip flexor strain Monday at New Orleans.
Analysis: Butler remains a must-start in Fantasy when healthy, averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Until we hear clear word of him returning, though, we wouldn't recommend activating him.
News: Wizards All-Star SF Caron Butler remained out for the eighth straight game with a hip flexor strain Saturday against the Bobcats. "No long-range plan right now," said coach Eddie Jordan. "He's not ready to practice. We may even cut back on some of his extraneous rehabbing -- maybe calm him down a little more."
Analysis: Butler remains a must-start in Fantasy when healthy, averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Until we hear clear word of him returning, though, we wouldn't recommend activating him.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler sat out for his seventh straight game with a strained left hip flexor Friday at Cleveland. He still has yet to practice in full and won't return until he does.
Analysis: Butler remains a must-start in Fantasy when healthy, averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Until we hear clear word of him returning, though, we wouldn't recommend activating him.
News: Wizards All-Star forward Caron Butler, who has missed six straight games with a strained left hip flexor, was limited to light shooting at Wednesday's practice, according to the Washington Post. He expects to practice Thursday and will be a game-time decision for Friday's game at Cleveland. Butler practiced Monday but woke up with pain and stiffness Tuesday morning and he sat out Tuesday's loss to the Knicks. He was injured during a loss at Milwaukee on Jan. 27, missed the next three games and then aggravated the injury during a loss at Philadelphia on Feb. 5. "I need to feel good at practice, you know, pain free," Butler said. "I'm not going to go through a situation where I step back on the court and the same thing occurs again what it did in Philly. I want to come back 100 percent so we can make a push at this thing."
Analysis: Butler remains a must-start in Fantasy when healthy. Hopefully he can return Friday and get back to his All-Star form.
News: Washington All-Star forward Caron Butler had hoped to play Tuesday before his hip stiffened during the morning shootaround - the Wizards are 2-8 this season when he doesn't play - and his status is uncertain for Friday's game at Cleveland. "I'm trying to remain optimistic about getting out there, but at the same time I've got to see how I feel," Butler said. "I need to feel good in practice. Pain free."
Analysis: Butler remains a must-start in Fantasy when healthy. Hopefully he can return Friday and get back to his All-Star form.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler missed his sixth consecutive game Tuesday against the Knicks after another flare-up of his strained left hip flexor during the morning shootaround. Butler missed eight of 10 games before the All-Star break -- as well as the All-Star game -- with the injury, and the Wizards had hoped he would be able to play after the long weekend of rest. "He went pretty long in practice yesterday," coach Eddie Jordan said before Tuesday's game against the New York Knicks. "He went further along in practice than he had in the past." Jordan said he hopes Butler can return by the end of the week.
Analysis: Butler disappointed all the Fantasy owners who activated him for this scoring period, but all hope is not lost. The Wizards have games both Friday and Saturday, so hopefully he'll return in time to offer some stats. He remains a must-start in Fantasy when healthy.
News: According to the Washington Post, the Wizards could get a boost by the return of all-star forward Caron Butler on Tuesday night. Butler missed the final five games before the break with a strained left hip flexor, an injury that has been bothersome since he scored a career-high 40 points in an overtime loss on Jan. 27 at Milwaukee. Butler sat out Sunday's All-Star Game but practiced Monday night and could be in the lineup against the Knicks if everything feels fine after the morning shoot-around.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what develops with Butler, but it appears likely he will play against the Knicks. When healthy, Butler is a must-start Fantasy option, so hopefully he will return at 100 percent without a setback.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler did not return to the lineup Wednesday against the Clippers because of a strained hip flexor. He has now missed eight of the last 10 games and remains questionable for Tuesday against the Knicks.
Analysis: Butler also learned Wednesday that he would be replaced in the All-Star game by fellow UConn product Ray Allen. The Wizards hope the weeks of rest will have Butler back in the lineup after the All-Star break. Fantasy owners hope so too as Butler is a must-start Fantasy option. Stay tuned for further news leading up to Fantasy Week 17 (Feb. 18-24).
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler sat out Monday's game at Golden State with a strained hip flexor. He has now missed seven of the last nine games.
Analysis: Butler is a must-start in Fantasy, averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. Right now, we have to think the Wizards want to rest him through the All-Star break, so keep him reserved.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler sat out Sunday's game at Phoenix with a strained hip flexor. He has now missed six of the last eight games.
Analysis: Butler is a must-start in Fantasy, averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. Right now, we have to think the Wizards want to rest him through the All-Star break, so reserve him for the upcoming Fantasy scoring period.
News: The Wizards are hoping to get Caron Butler (hip) back in the lineup Sunday night at Phoenix. He's missed five of the last seven games with the injury.
Analysis: Butler is a must-start in Fantasy, averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. Check back Sunday to see if he plays because you'll want to get him active for the next scoring period if he does.
News: Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler was out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs with a strained hip flexor. Butler, who left Tuesday's game in Philadelphia after his hip began hurting, was playing just his second game after missing three with the same injury. "Caron is going to be out. He's going to be day-to-day after that," Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said. "There's no real damage there. It's just sore."
Analysis: Jordan said that Butler would accompany the Wizards on the four-game trip that begins Friday in Denver. Washington is 7-23 in games that Butler has missed since joining the team for the 2005-2006 season. He is one of their most valuable players and has emerged as a reliable high-end Fantasy option in the absence of Gilbert Arenas (knee).
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler left Tuesday's game at Philadelphia in the third with a strained left hip flexor -- the same injury that kept him out of three games last week. He finished with eight points and nine assists in 32 minutes.
Analysis: When a player comes back too soon from injury and ends up hurting himself further, he usually sits longer the second time around. Butler missed three games last time, so you have to wonder about his status for the rest of the Fantasy scoring period. When healthy, he's an obvious must-start in Fantasy.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler (hip) was able to play Sunday afternoon against the Lakers. He finished with 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds, a steal and a block.
Analysis: Butler looked healthy and Fantasy owners can feel comfortable starting him in the upcoming scoring period now. It doesn't look like he had much rust to shake off.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler sat out his third straight game Friday against the Jazz because of a hip injury. "He's out tonight," Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said before the game. "Hopefully he'll be ready to go on Sunday." Jordan said Butler is undergoing rehab for his strained left hip flexor. Although Butler had a stomach virus Thursday, Jordan said it was the hip that kept him out of Friday's game.
Analysis: Butler was picked for his second straight All-Star game Thursday. He is averaging 21.9 points, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals, all career highs, and 7.0 rebounds. He remains a must-start in Fantasy, and we suspect he'll take the court before the start of the next scoring period.
News: Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler missed Tuesday night's game against the Toronto Raptors with a strained left hip flexor. Butler also was expected to miss Washington's next game, at Toronto on Wednesday. He was hurt when he fell to the floor during an overtime loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said Andray Blatche would start in Butler's place Tuesday.
Analysis: Butler is enjoying a career-best season, averaging highs of 21.9 points, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals, along with seven rebounds. He also has made his last 70 free throw attempts, closing in on the NBA single-season record of 78 in a row set by Calvin Murphy in the 1980-81 season. The Wizards are 4-16 over the past two seasons when Butler misses a game. They sorely would like to have him back ASAP, but will just have to be patient in the meantime. So will Fantasy owners. Butler is a must-start Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler set a career high with 40 points Sunday at Milwaukee, shooting 13-for-27 from the field. He also had eight rebounds, two assists and five steals.
Analysis: Butler has topped his breakout season from last year and is now averaging a season-high 23.2 points per game in January. Keep him active in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler, averaging 21.8 points, had only 10 Wednesday against the Wizards. It snapped a streak of four games in which he scored 20-plus points. He had just five rebounds and one assist against Cleveland as well.
Analysis: Butler had an off night against the Cavs because in their first meeting he went off for 27 points and also had seven rebounds. Don't worry about the down game. Butler will rebound next time out and get back in your good graces. Continue to start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler continued his solid all-around play with 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists and five steals Monday against the Mavericks. He also hit 2-of-2 free throws, extending his streak of consecutive makes to 56.
Analysis: Those free throws go a long way in Fantasy leagues as every point counts. Butler continues to average over 21 points per game while contributing meaningful rebounds and assists. Keep him active in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Wizards forward Caron Butler made his 54th consecutive free throw Friday night against the Knicks, giving him the longest streak in the NBA this season and extending his franchise record. He shot 4-for-4 from the line and finished with 22 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Analysis: Those free throws go a long way in Fantasy leagues as every point counts. Butler continues to average over 21 points per game while contributing meaningful rebounds and assists. Keep him active in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler extended his made free-throws streak to 50 when he sank 10 Tuesday against the Knicks. He hasn't missed a free throw since Dec. 28 against the Nets. Butler finished with 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Analysis: It's good to see Butler making the free baskets. That goes a long way in Fantasy leagues as every point counts. He continues to average more than 21 points per game and is a must-start Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Wizards SF Caron Butler has made 40 free throws in a row and hasn't missed a free throw since Dec. 28 against the Nets. Butler went 7-for-7 from the free-throw line Monday against the Celtics on his way to 21 points.
Analysis: It's good to see Butler making the free baskets. That goes a long way in Fantasy leagues as every point counts. He continues to average more than 21 points per game and is a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler had 16 points, 10 rebounds and two assists Saturday against the Celtics, shooting 0-for-6 from 3-point range. Over his last three games, he has averaged 16.3 points.
Analysis: Then again, if you complain about a double-double from Butler, you clearly just need something to complain about. He has emerged as a full-fledged Fantasy stud this season, averaging 21.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game entering Saturday.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler scored 33 points on Sunday afternoon as Washington destroyed the Sonics 100-86. The haul was his third-highest of the season.
Analysis: Butler just continues to impress this season. He hasn't had one huge week, Fantasy-wise, but he has been one of the most consistent producers in the game from period to period. He remains a top-10 Fantasy forward and a must-start in all formats.
News: Wizards G/F Caron Butler had a typically good statistical day Wednesday against the Pistons, contributing 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists. He shot 7-for-14 from the field.
Analysis: Butler's Wednesday fell almost right in line with his 22.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game this season. In the midst of his career year, keep him active in all Fantasy formats.
News: Wizards G/F Caron Butler, who missed Saturday's game with two sore ankles, had 25 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in his return to the court Wednesday's at Charlotte.
Analysis: Butler has continued his emergence as a Fantasy stud this season -- one capable of producing the occasional triple-double. Get him back active in all leagues now that he's returned.
News: The Wizards lost 93-85 to the Pacers Saturday and played without SF Caron Butler, who was sitting on the sidelines nursing a sprained ankle. Butler had played 40 minutes Friday against the Hawks, scoring 13 points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out four assists. He also had three steals and two blocks.
Analysis: The Wizards have already been playing without Antonio Daniels and Gilbert Arenas due to injuries, and losing Butler for an extended period of time would be the dagger. Fantasy owners would also miss Butler since he has emerged as a Fantasy stud in Arenas' absence. It's day to day right now and Butler remains a injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 9 (Dec. 24-30).
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler had his second triple-double of the season and career, with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists during Wednesday's game against the Bulls. The last time any Wizard had multiple triple-doubles in a season was 2003-04, when Gilbert Arenas had three. Butler has been in double figures for 23 of 24 games this season.
Analysis: Butler was just one point shy of reaching 30 points for the third time this season. Oh well. Fantasy owners will still take a triple-double. His first came Nov. 23 against the Warriors and both have been since Arenas has been out with a knee injury. Butler has really stepped up in Arenas' absence and has emerged as a top flight Fantasy option.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler scored 19 points with 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals Thursday at Miami. He's had 10 rebounds in consecutive games with at least a steal in six December games.
Analysis: Butler has also scored 20 points or more in five of his last seven games. He's shouldering a bigger load with Gilbert Arenas out until mid-February and has become even more of a Fantasy stud than he already was.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds Tuesday against the Timberwolves. He also dished out four assists in 45 minutes of play, shooting 10-of-20 from the floor.
Analysis: Butler continues to step up his play in the absence of Gilbert Arenas, and his 22.9 ppg entering Tuesday represents a career high so far. Keep him active in all Fantasy formats.
News: SF Caron Butler, coming off a career-high 39-point effort Wednesday, did his best to keep Washington unbeaten without PG Gilbert Arenas on Friday against the Warriors. He had a triple-double, scoring 26 points, pulling down 11 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists.
Analysis: With Arenas down for three months, Butler will become one of the Wizards' go-to guys. He's averaged 22.0 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 3.1 apg so far, so he deserves must-start status in Fantasy anyway.
News: Coming off a season-low six points on Tuesday, Wizards SF Caron Butler scored a season-high 39 Wednesday at Charlotte. He also had five rebounds and three assists.
Analysis: With PG Gilbert Arenas down for three months, Butler might become the Wizards' primary scorer. He's averaged 21.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 2.5 apg so far, so he deserves must-start status anyway.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler scored a season-low six points Tuesday against the 76ers, attempting only six shots from the floor. He also grabbed five rebounds and dished four assists. He had scored double-digit points in every game before Tuesday.
Analysis: Butler's previous season low came just the game before, when he scored 13 points Saturday against the Blazers. No matter. He's still averaging just under 20 points a game and manages to contribute in other categories even when he doesn't score. Keep him active in all leagues.
News: For the fourth consecutive game, Wizards SF Caron Butler had over 20 points when he scored 24 at Atlanta Sunday. He added eight assists and six rebounds.
Analysis: Butler's last four scoring outputs look like this: 23, 21, 21, 24. The eight assists were a bit of a surprise, seeing as how he had exactly one in each of his first four games this season, but the rebounds have also been steady. Butler should provide similar lines all season if he can stay healthy.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler had 21 points and seven steals to go with seven rebounds Thursday at New Jersey.
Analysis: The seven steals raised his average to 2.5 for the season. He's a scorer first, a rebounder second, but he can also help Rotisserie league owners across the board as demonstrated Thursday.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler scored 19 points with 11 rebounds in Wednesday's opener at Indiana.
Analysis: Butler played 48 minutes in a game that went into overtime, but his stat lines won't be too much worse in regulation time. He remains a must-start in any league.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler scored 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting Friday against Zalgiris Kaunas. He also had four rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Analysis: Butler averaged a career-high 19.1 ppg last season to go along with 7.4 rpg and 3.7 apg. Draft him as a No. 2 F in Fantasy, but he has the potential to become a No. 1 option before season's end.
News: Wizards SF Caron Butler scored 10 points in 17 minutes against the Mavericks on Saturday. He shot 5-of-8 from the floor and had four rebounds and three steals.
Analysis: Butler averaged a career-high 19.1 ppg last season to go along with 7.4 rpg and 3.7 apg. Draft him as a No. 2 F in Fantasy, but he has the potential to become a No. 1 option before season's end.
News: Washington Wizards coach Eddie Jordan ruled out having injured Caron Butler back for the first-round playoff series against Cleveland. The All-Star forward was to have the cast removed from his broken right hand on Monday. "He is not in our plans, right now -- not as a player," Jordan said after practice Monday. "If we get deeper in the playoffs, possibly, but not in the first round."
Analysis: Butler was injured when he hit his hand on the backboard while trying to block a shot during a game April 1, and his recovery was supposed to take six weeks. He was averaging career highs in points (19.1), rebounds (7.4) and assists (3.7), and will be selected in the first few rounds in all leagues next season.
News: Caron Butler is not ready to write off the season. The Washington Wizards' All-Star forward said Monday he hopes to have the cast removed from his broken right hand in a week and thinks he could play if the team reached the second round of the playoffs.
Analysis: His recovery time was supposed to be six weeks after he broke a bone in his hand two weeks ago. "There's definitely a chance," Butler said. "I'm trying to get my cast off probably as early as next Monday. So the second round - that's what we're looking at." The Wizards (40-40) have clinched a playoff berth. Butler was averaging career highs in points (19.1), rebounds (7.4) and assists (3.7).
News: An MRI Monday on Caron Butler's hand only confirmed what the Wizards already knew -- that he has a fractured hand that won't allow him to return for the next six weeks.
Analysis: Butler's season is over, and he only has value now in keeper leagues.
News: Pending the results of an MRI on his right hand on Monday, All-Star forward Caron Butler is finished for the regular season and the playoffs with what has preliminarily been diagnosed as a fractured hand.
Analysis: Butler broke his right hand Sunday during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He entered the game averaging 19.1 points and 7.5 rebounds. He will miss the rest of the regular season for sure, so he should only be hung on to in keeper leagues at this point.
News: Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler broke his right hand Sunday during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks. There is no immediate word on how long the All-Star will be sidelined, but he likely won't be available for the rest of the season.
Analysis: Butler entered the game averaging 19.1 points and 7.5 rebounds. He will likely miss the rest of the season as a result and Fantasy GMs should be able to drop him soon.
News: Forward Caron Butler notched five steals versus the Raptors.
Analysis: Butler appears to be at 100 percent after returning from his knee injury. He should be active in all leagues again as a No. 1 or 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Caron Butler returned to the Washington Wizards' starting lineup Wednesday night against Philadelphia after missing six games with a left knee contusion. The decision to start Butler was made following a pregame workout and shootaround. He stopped short, however, of saying he is 100 percent healthy. "I'm healthy enough to play," Butler said.
Analysis: Butler logged 40 minutes and managed 21 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. He even managed to bank in a runner at the end of the third quarter from about 70 feet out. It is now time to get Butler back into Fantasy lineups as a No. 1 or 2 forward.
News: Forward Caron Butler (knee) has been ruled out for the final game of the five-game road trip, Monday in Utah.
Analysis: Keep Butler reserved in all daily leagues for Monday, but he is worth taking a gamble on in weekly formats. The Wizards are slated for four games.
News: Washington All-Star F Caron Butler is scheduled to rejoin the Wizards in San Francisco on Thursday, a team spokesman said. Butler has missed the last three games with a left knee contusion, but it has not been determined if Butler will play on Friday against Golden State.
Analysis: Keep Butler reserved in all daily leagues, but hopefully he can return prior to the next scoring period. Continue to monitor his status before setting your lineup.
News: According to the Washington Post, Wizards F Caron Butler is expected to miss at least the next six games as the team has ruled him out of their upcoming road trip. The team established a seven-to-10 day timetable for Butler's return, and if everything goes well, he could be back in the lineup for the March 28 game at Verizon Center against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Analysis: Butler -- the team's third-leading scorer and rebounder and leader in steals -- was kicked just above the knee in the game at Atlanta and tried to play through swelling and stiffness against the New York Knicks, Heat and Indiana Pacers but struggled and decided following Wednesday's win at Indiana that it was time to sit out a few games. Keep him reserved in all leagues until further notice, but don't cut him if at all possible.
News: Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler will miss a week to 10 days with a left knee injury and won't travel with the team on its March 20-26 road trip. Jarvis Hayes probably will start in Butler's place, coach Eddie Jordan said after practice Friday.
Analysis: Butler had an MRI exam on the knee Thursday that showed no structural damage, and team doctors said he should rest. Butler is averaging career highs in most statistical categories this season, including points (19.1), rebounds (7.5), assists (3.7) and steals (2.1). Keep him reserved in all leagues and don't cut him.
News: With his team desperate for a win, Washington forward Caron Butler attempted to play despite a sore left knee Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers. After 13 minutes 20 seconds of action, Butler took a seat, wrapped the knee in a heating pad and mouthed the words "I'm done" to athletic trainer Eric Waters, according to the Washington Post. As he left the court at halftime, Butler told a reporter, "It's going to be awhile," in reference to a question about the knee, which has bothered Butler since he suffered a contusion just above the knee during last Wednesday's loss in Atlanta.
Analysis: The Wizards are off Thursday, but Butler said he would come in for treatment and further evaluate his condition on Friday and Saturday before determining his status for Saturday night's game against the New Orleans Hornets. Keep Butler reserved in all daily leagues and continue to monitor his status.
News: Forward Caron Butler was questionable for Saturday's Knicks game with a knee injury he suffered against Atlanta. However, he started against New York and gave Wizard coach Eddie Jordan his first healthy roster -- from front to back -- this season.
Analysis: Butler may not be at 100 percent, but should get back into shape soon. Continue to start him in most formats as a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Forward Caron Butler is averaging just 12 points per game in the three games since he returned from the inactive list with lower back pain.
Analysis: Butler may not be at 100 percent, but should get back into shape soon. Continue to start him in most formats as a No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler had 19 points, 11 rebounds and three assists in a loss to the Hawks Wednesday. He now has 21 double-doubles on the season and leads the team in that category. He now has double-doubles in back-to-back games.
Analysis: Butler has been an excellent Fantasy forward this season. Consider him a solid No. 2 option and hope for more double-doubles as the season goes on.
News: Forward Caron Butler leads the Wizards with 20 double-doubles. He had 12 points and 12 rebounds Tuesday against Toronto.
Analysis: Butler has been an excellent Fantasy forward this season. Consider him a solid No. 2 option and hope for more double-doubles as the season goes on.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler continues to be the top thief in the league. He came into Sunday's game leading the league in steals (2.2) and built on it by corralling five against the Warriors.
Analysis: That's just one of a few things Butler does very well. He's a great scorer, a good rebounder and has become a must-start Fantasy forward in all leagues. Expect him to be selected in the first few rounds on Draft Day next fall.
News: Washington's Big Three is back together again. Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler were healthy and ready to play Friday night against Atlanta. "Our guys are back. That's what it's about," Washington coach Eddie Jordan said.
Analysis: With Butler and Jamison out, there's been more pressure on Gilbert Arenas, the other member of the Big Three. Arenas, the league's third-leading scorer with 28.9 points per game, averaged 34.1 points in December, but he's just 4-for-31 (7.8 percent) from 3-point range in his last three games. Expect them to be back to their old ways soon.
News: According to the Washington Post, the Wizards expect to have Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison in the starting lineup Friday night vs. Atlanta.
Analysis: Butler, who has missed three straight games with back spasms, and Jamison, who has missed 12 games with a sprained left knee, are two-thirds of the league's most potent scoring trio. Fantasy owners should hurry to get them back in the active lineup.
News: Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison are expected to return to the lineup Friday for the Washington Wizards, who have struggled without two of their top three stars. Butler has missed three games - all losses - with back spasms. Jamison has missed 12 with a sprained left knee; the Wizards went 4-8 without him. If both play Friday against the Atlanta Hawks, the Wizards could have their entire roster healthy for the first time this season. "They practiced well," coach Eddie Jordan said. "Without anything happening overnight, they should be ready to play."
Analysis: Butler has been treated by a chiropractor for his back, which was aggravated by a long bus ride through Minnesota after the team's plane was diverted during the recent road trip. "A little pain," Butler said after practice. "But overall it is something I can play through." Jamison has been itching to play for several days, but the team wanted to make sure his knee was sound. "If everything is going well, I will stay in there," Jamison said. "But if I get winded, they will take me out. My mentality going into the game is that I am going to be playing the way I am accustomed to." Both players are must-start Fantasy options when healthy.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler missed his third straight game Wednesday with a back injury.
Analysis: Keep Butler reserved in all daily leagues and hope he can return in time before the next scoring period. When healthy, he is a must-start Fantasy forward.
News: All-Star forward Caron Butler returned to Washington to have his back examined by team doctors, missing the Wizards' game against the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night. Butler, the Wizards' second leading scorer (20.3) and rebounder (7.6), also missed Sunday's game against Minnesota with lower back spasms. His condition did not improve over the past two days, coach Eddie Jordan said before Washington played the Nets. "We're not sure about anything," Jordan said. "I'm just the coach. We'll see what the doctors say, whether it's spasms or; I don't want to speculate. Right now, the initial reading is he is having muscular spasms."
Analysis: Keep Butler reserved in all daily leagues and hope he can return in time before the next scoring period. The Wizards still have three games this week against Miami on Wednesday, Atlanta on Friday and Golden State on Sunday.
News: Washington Wizards All-Star forward Caron Butler remained sidelined Monday at practice with lower back spasms. Butler was unable to play in Sunday's 98-94 loss at Minnesota, the first game he has missed this season, and his status is uncertain for Tuesday's game against the New Jersey Nets. "Caron is certainly a game-time decision," coach Eddie Jordan said.
Analysis: Butler said his back had been bothering him for a week and was aggravated when the Wizards had to take a 160-mile bus ride to Minneapolis late Saturday because of a diverted flight. "It's real tight and I am not as mobile as I want to be out there," Butler said. "If it was something I could play through, I would definitely play through it, but it got to the point where it was too hard. I want to be a hero, but I want to be a healthy one." Butler is the Wizards' second-leading scorer (20.3) and rebounder (7.6). Jarvis Hayes started in Butler's place Sunday and went 1-for-10 from the field. This is an injury that could linger, but the Wizards have four games during this scoring period.
News: After playing in Sunday without Caron Butler (back spasms), they don't know if they will have him for the Nets game Tuesday. Butler's injury is something that the team will watch from day-to-day and won't make a decision on his availability until game time.
Analysis: This is an injury that could linger, but the Wizards have four games during this scoring period. It might be a good idea to keep Butler reserved Tuesday in daily leagues, but continue to monitor his status throughout the week.
News: Washington all-star forward Caron Butler missed the game at Minnesota on Sunday with lower back spasms. A team spokesman said Butler has been experiencing some discomfort for the past week, but had not missed any games or practice time. To replace Butler, Jarvis Hayes started for the fifth time this season.
Analysis: In his second season with Washington, Butler is averaging 20.3 points and 7.6 rebounds, both second on the team. He had two points and four rebounds for the Eastern Conference in last Sunday's All-Star game. Fantasy GMs will now have to consider his back ailment before setting lineups for the upcoming scoring period. He is considered day to day.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler had 25 points, four rebounds and five assists in a win over the Kings Thursday. Thursday marked just the second time that Butler has scored more than 20 points in seven February games. This coming from a guy that averages 20.3 points per game.
Analysis: Since Antwan Jamison has been out of the lineup, Arenas and Butler have seen a slight decline in production because teams can now focus more on them. But DeShawn Stevenson has started to pick things up and that bodes well for Butler. Continue to start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Wizards forward Caron Butler had 15 points, four rebounds and two assists Tuesday against Minnesota.
Analysis: Butler continues to build off his All-Star season and should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy forward this year.
News: This will be Caron Butler's first trip to the All-Star Game. Part of the reason for his success, according to Butler, is that he is about 10 pounds lighter now than he was last season.
Analysis: Consider Butler a low-end No. 1 Fantasy forward this year.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler scored just 10 points Sunday vs. Portland, shooting just 4-for-10 from the field.
Analysis: Butler hasn't had many slow games like this and his 10 points were actually just behind DeShawn Stevenson's 12 for the team lead on an all-around poor performance by the Wizards. He continues to be an excellent start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Caron Butler scored a career-high 38 points in Washington's 118-108 victory over Seattle on Monday, the SuperSonics' franchise-record 15th consecutive road loss.
Analysis: Butler added four assists, three rebounds and two assists in the win. The former UConn star is having a career-year with the Wizards. His averages right now in points, rebounds and assists are all career-highs. He has gone from fringe Fantasy forward to must-start in all formats.
News: Forward Caron Butler was just three assists shy of a triple-double against the Lakers. Butler finished the game with 15 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Analysis: The former UConn star is having a career-year with the Wizards. His averages right now in points, rebounds and assists are all career-highs. He has gone from fringe Fantasy forward to must-start in all formats.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler will join teammate Gilbert Arenas in Las Vegas later this month for the NBA All-Star game, as on Thursday he was named a reserve for the Eastern Conference. Washington's Eddie Jordan is close to clinching the East coaching spot, largely because of the play of Butler. The forward is averaging 20.6 points and 8.0 rebounds, both career highs. "Coach Jordan gave me more and more freedom and I really thought I had a chance," Butler said. "I dedicated my time last summer and look what came out of it. I couldn't be happier with this, but I know there is still work to be done."
Analysis: The former UCONN star is having a career-year with the Wizards. His averages right now in points, rebounds and assists (3.9) are all career-highs. He has gone from fringe Fantasy forward to must-start in all formats.
News: Wizards forward Caron Butler had 13 points, five rebounds, five steals and three assists against Detroit on Tuesday.
Analysis: Butler could see an increase in scoring with the injury to Antawn Jamison (knee). Regardless, he is having a great season and should be considered a No. 1 forward.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler posted his team-leading 18th double-double against the Celtics on Sunday (21 points, 11 boards).
Analysis: Butler's 1-for-9, eight-point performance in Detroit on Friday had marked the first time this season Butler had been held below 10 points in a game. He was able to bounce back with this gem of a line and remains a great start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler's 1-for-9, eight-point performance in Detroit marked the first time this season Butler had been held below 10 points in a game.
Analysis: He was the last Wizard to lose this distinction this season. Despite the slight setback, Butler remains a must-start Fantasy forward who can even be used as a No. 1.
News: Caron Butler had 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Washington Wizards past the slumping Boston Celtics 105-91 on Sunday. Butler, coming off a season-low eight points in Washington's 99-96 win over Detroit on Friday, scored eight during a 10-2 third-quarter spurt that put the Wizards up for good.
Analysis: Friday was just the first time all season that Butler failed to score less than 10 points. He rebounded nicely on Sunday and remains a must-start Fantasy forward.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler is one of just two players in the league averaging at least 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game. Butler was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday.
Analysis: Butler has still managed to reach double-digits in scoring for every game this season and he has shown no signs of slowing down. While Gilbert Arenas gets all the pub in Washington, Butler continues to dominate in his own regard. Butler remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Wizards forward Caron Butler now has 17 double-doubles on the season.
Analysis: Butler has been a Fantasy surprise this season and should continue to do well as the season goes on. Consider him a low-end No. 1 forward option.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler is the only Wizard on the roster to have scored at least 10 points in every game this season. Butler had 21 points and seven rebounds for the Wizards, who won their eighth straight at home and improved to 15-3 at the Verizon Center with a win over the Jazz on Monday.
Analysis: Not even Gilbert Arenas can say he has scored double-figures in every game this season. Butler is a highly unheralded Fantasy forward, but that is because he is playing in the shadow of Arenas. If you haven't heard, Butler is the real deal. Start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Caron Butler had 21 points and seven rebounds for the Wizards, who won their eighth straight at home and improved to 15-3 at the Verizon Center with a win over the Jazz on Monday.
Analysis: Butler is a highly unheralded Fantasy forward, but that is because he is playing in the shadow of Gilbert Arenas. If you haven't heard, Butler is the real deal. Start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler notched his team-leading 15th double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds against the Spurs on Saturday.
Analysis: Butler is a highly unheralded Fantasy forward, but that is because he is playing in the shadow of Gilbert Arenas. If you haven't heard, Butler is the real deal. Start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: With Gilbert Arenas slowed again by Chicago, the Washington Wizards relied on strong contributions from Caron Butler, Antonio Daniels and DeShawn Stevenson to beat the Bulls 113-103 Wednesday night for a seventh consecutive home win. Butler finished with 26 points -- his seventh game in a row with at least 20 -- along with 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 21.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. If Arenas wasn't in Washington, Butler would easily be getting all the fan fare. But as luck has it, Butler's great season is getting lost in the mix. He remains a must-start Fantasy forward.
News: Caron Butler has clearly found his shooting rhythm. In the last seven games, Butler has connected on 61.1 percent of his shots (77-for-126).
Analysis: Over that same time span, Butler has averaged 26.3 points. Over that same time span, Butler has averaged 26.3 points.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler shot 7-for-15 from the floor in Sunday's loss at Toronto, finishing with 24 points.
Analysis: Butler is quietly averaging 20 points and eight rebounds per game. He has scored in double-figures in every game this season and is a must-start Fantasy forward.
News: Caron Butler had 27 points - his fifth consecutive game with at least 20 - six assists and five rebounds for Washington in a win over the Clippers on Friday.
Analysis: While Gilbert Arenas is getting most of the pub in Washington, Butler is quietly averaging 20 points and eight rebounds per game. He has scored in double-figures in every game this season and is a must-start Fantasy forward.
News: Caron Butler had 29 points, nine assists and seven rebounds as the Wizards beat the Bucks on Wednesday. He shot 13-of-17 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line.
Analysis: While Gilbert Arenas is getting most of the pub in Washington, Butler is quietly averaging 20 points and eight rebounds per game. He has scored in double-figures in every game this season and is a must-start Fantasy forward.
News: Caron Butler is the only Wizard to score at least 10 points in every game this season.
Analysis: Forward Caron Butler is the only Wizard to score at least 10 points in every game this season.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler ranks fourth in the league in steals per game (2.0).
Analysis: The steals only add to his all around excellent numbers. He is emerging as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy forward option in any format.
News: Wizards F Caron continues to be a double-double machine. He posted his 11th of the season against the Kings on Thursday night.
Analysis: Butler is having a terrific season and should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy forward in all leagues at this point. Perhaps even a low-end No. 1 in larger formats.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler has posted season highs in points for the Wizards in each of their last two games. Against Denver, he went for 26, and he followed that up with 30 against the Heat.
Analysis: Butler is having a terrific season and should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy forward in all leagues at this point. He's one of the most underestimated players in the league.
News: Caron Butler added 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists against Dallas Monday.
Analysis: Butler's seven assists were a season high. Butler is averaging 18.1 ppg and 8.3 rpg this season to go with an 87.9 free-throw percentage. He remains a must-start in all leagues.
News: Forward Caron Butler entered the Atlanta game having made 32 consecutive free throws. He proceeded to hit his 33rd and then promptly saw his streak end on his next attempt.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 18.2 ppg and 8.1 rpg this season to go with an 88.1 free-throw percentage. He remains a must-start in all leagues.
News: Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison each scored more than 20 points in a free-flowing game, and the Washington Wizards beat the Charlotte Bobcats 121-109 Friday night. Arenas got his teammates involved early, compiling six assists before he made a field goal, and finished with 33 points and 10 assists. Butler scored 24 points and Jamison added 22.
Analysis: All three players are must-start Fantasy options. All three players are getting plenty of opportunities to score this season and that is what Fantasy owners like to see.
News: Forward Caron Butler notched his third double-double in five games, finishing with 11 points and 10 rebounds against Cleveland on Saturday.
Analysis: Butler is having a terrific season and should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy forward in all leagues at this point.
News: Forward Caron Butler, after posting back-to-back double-doubles, had 18 points, but grabbed just five rebounds versus New York.
Analysis: Butler is having a terrific season and should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy forward in all leagues.
News: Forward Caron Butler has now posted consecutive double-doubles. He had 14 points and 10 rebounds against Milwaukee, and in the loss to New Jersey on Sunday he finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 17.0 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 3.3 apg. Those numbers qualify him as a No. 2 Fantasy forward in most leagues.
News: Caron Butler notched his first double-double of the season against the Bucks (14 points, 10 rebounds) on Friday.
Analysis: The former UConn standout should be considered a must-start Fantasy forward in any format. He puts up Artest-like numbers without the hype.
News: Forward Caron Butler wants to get more shots than he has gotten thus far. However, he has made it a point not to complain about how often he sees the ball.
Analysis: Butler certainly deserves to see the ball more often. He's averaging 17.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 3.3 apg so far this season. The former UConn standout should be considered a must-start Fantasy forward in any format. He puts up Artest-like numbers without the hype.
News: Wizards F Caron Butler scored 23 points on 9-for-15 shooting from the floor during Wednesday's season-opening loss at Cleveland.
Analysis: He played 43 minutes in the game and led the Wizards in scoring. Butler is often overlooked despite his Ron Artest-like numbers. Consider him a must-start in any league.
News: Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said he has settled on a five-man rotation of guards Gilbert Arenas and DeShawn Stevenson, forwards Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison, and either Brendan Haywood or Etan Thomas at center.
Analysis: Arenas, who strained his groin prior to the FIBA World Championship in Korea, is fully recovered and makes a great early round draft choice in any format. Stevenson is a decent low-end option in deeper formats, but is best used as a reserve option. Butler and Jamison are excellent options in any format, but Haywood and Thomas are less than desireable Fantasy centers.
News: Caron Butler returned from a thumb injury to score 21 points on Sunday vs. Cleveland.
Analysis: It appears safe to activate him in Fantasy leagues.
News: Washington forward Caron Butler missed his fifth consecutive game with a sprained right thumb when the Wizards played the Chicago Bulls on Friday night. The Wizards had lost four straight since Butler - their third-leading scorer at 17.3 points - was injured in a victory at Boston last week.
Analysis: Coach Eddie Jordan hopes to have him back for Sunday's game against Cleveland. "We don't think his conditioning has dropped off," Jordan said. "Hopefully, there are no ill effects of him coming back; there's no soreness."
News: Caron Butler (thumb) was out of the starting lineup once again on Friday night.
Analysis: He could very well miss the rest of the regular season. If you have healthier alternatives in daily leagues, use them.
News: Caron Butler (thumb) was out of the starting lineup once again on Wednesday night.
Analysis: He's questionable for April 14 at Chicago. If you have healthier alternatives, use them.
News: The Washington Post reports Butler (sprained right thumb) was in uniform for Saturday's game, but he is struggling to palm a basketball so the team decided to keep him out.
Analysis: Butler is considered day to day and remains a risky play for the final scoring period of the season. If you have healthier alternatives, use them.
News: The Washington Wizards played without guard Caron Butler and center Etan Thomas on Saturday night against the Miami Heat. Butler missed his second straight game because of a sprained right thumb, while Thomas was sidelined with lower back pain.
Analysis: Butler is day-to-day, but coach Eddie Jordan said Thomas has felt discomfort for at least a week and could miss another week. This is tough to swallow for Fantasy owners. He's a risky start for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Wizards F Andray Blatche missed the game with the stomach flu on Tuesday. Butler, who left Washington's last game with the same ailment, returned and scored six points on 3-for-14 shooting.
Analysis: Butler should be at full strength in the next day or so.
News: Caron Butler, who joined the Wizards' starting lineup in December, left in the third quarter with stomach flu on Monday. He failed to score in 25 minutes.
Analysis: He's questionable for March 1 vs. Indiana.
News: Caron Bulter has emerged as a Fantasy starter in all leagues this season. He enters the All-Star break averaging 16.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.6 spg and shoots a respectable 87 percent from the line.
Analysis: Butler should be able to maintain this pace for the remainder of the season.
News: Caron Butler had 21 points and nine rebounds for the Wizards on Sunday vs. the Sixers.
Analysis: He contributes in enough categories to make him a very nice Fantasy option.
News: Butler followed Wednesday's monster 34-point, 15-board stat line with 18 points and nine rebounds on Friday vs. Cleveland.
Analysis: Butler came into the game averaging 19 ppg over his last five contests to go with 7.4 rpg over that span.
News: Caron Butler 12 points on 6-of-14 shooting with four rebounds, two steals and a block on Monday vs. Orlando.
Analysis: Not Butler's best game, but he contributes in enough categories to make him a very nice Fantasy option.
News: Over his last five games, Caron Butler has averaged 8.6 boards per contest. He picked up seven in Saturday's win over Atlanta while also adding 18 points on 8-for-17 from the floor.
Analysis: Butler has been a steady source of points this season (16.2 ppg), but the added help in rebounds makes him that much more valuable. Butler is averaging 5.4 boards per game this season.
News: Caron Butler in No. 2 in the league in steals during the month of January, averaging 2.46 per game through 11 contests.
Analysis: He has been a great source of steal since being inserted into the starting lineup.
News: Caron Butler scored 24 points on 9-of-20 shooting with eight rebounds and five steals on Friday at Indiana.
Analysis: He's a decent No. 3 or 4 forward in 12-team leagues.
News: Caron Butler scored 20 points on 7-of-18 shooting with six rebounds on Tuesday vs. Houston.
Analysis: Butler has won a job in the starting lineup and he should be picked up in all leagues if he's still available.
News: Caron Butler scored 19 points while grabbing nine boards on Friday vs. Miami. He played 43 minutes and was 4-for-15 from the floor.
Analysis: Butler has won a job in the starting lineup and he should be picked up in all leagues if he's still available.
News: According to the Washington Post, Caron Butler will be a mainstay in the Wizards starting lineup for the foreseeable future.
Analysis: If he's starting, he should be owned in all 12-team Fantasy leagues.
News: Caron Butler scored 14 points off the bench on Thursday night. He logged 27 minutes and he brought down 4 rebounds.
Analysis: Butler remains a decent low-end option as a forward in leagues with 12-plus teams.
News: With the exception of a 27-point outburst on Nov. 25, Caron Butler has struggled to score recently. He's averaging only 11.3 ppg over his last six contests, including a two-point night on 0-for-5 shooting on Nov. 23.
Analysis: Butler remains a decent option in 12-team leagues and should get his average to about 15 points per game eventually.
News: Jared Jeffries started over Caron Butler again on Thursday night. Jeffries scored zero points in only 13 minutes, while Butler played 30 minutes and scored 15 points with eight rebounds.
Analysis: Jeffries should be close to losing his job to Butler, but it doesn't really matter at this point. Butler plays more minutes, finishes games and clearly has more Fantasy value, even if he keeps coming off the bench.
News: Washington's Caron Butler continued his stellar all-around play on Saturday, scoring 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting with five rebounds, three dimes, two steals and a block in the win over San Antonio.
Analysis: Butler is playing great right now while coming off the bench, but he still logged 45 minutes. It's only a matter of time until he is starting.
News: Washington's Caron Butler returned from a two-game absence (thigh) on Wednesday and scored 19 points on 5-of-10 shooting.
Analysis: Butler unquestionably deserves to be owned in almost all leagues. He led the Wizards in scoring Wednesday and should be a solid all-around Fantasy player.
News: The Washington Post reports Butler, who has been suffering from a bruised left thigh, might be able to return on Wednesday against the Clippers.
Analysis: Butler is considered day to day. He will be re-evaluated during practice on Monday or Tuesday. He is a risky play for the upcoming scoring period, so start him at your own risk.
News: Butler (groin) was able to play in Wednesday's regular season opener at Toronto. He served as the team's sixth man and scored 11 points in 29 minutes. He also chipped in with seven rebounds and five assists.
Analysis: Butler came off of the bench, but he got 12 more minutes than starter Jared Jeffries. Don't worry too much about the starter tag in this situation, as coach Eddie Jordan will simply go with the hotter hand. More often than not, that should be Butler off of the bench.
News: Butler missed Monday's preseason game against Cleveland due to a strained groin.
Analysis: Butler is considered day to day. The injury is not something that is expected to affect him into the regular season.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports the Lakers and Wizards have agreed in principle on a trade which would ship Caron Butler to Washington for Kwame Brown. The Wizards will also receive either small forward Devean George or point guard Chucky Atkins.
Analysis: The deal cannot become official until July 22. Butler will see generally the same Fantasy appeal as he did in Los Angeles.
News: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the Lakers and Wizards are reportedly in talks concerning a sign-and-trade deal which would send Butler to Washington to fill the glaring hole left by the departure of Larry Hughes to Cleveland.
Analysis: Butler has been shopped around by the Lakers since they acquired him from Miami in the Shaquille O'Neal blockbuster a season ago. Kwame Brown would likely be one of the players shipped to the left coast if this deal were to be completed.
News: Butler missed Monday's game at Golden State due to personal reasons.
Analysis: Butler is questionable for Wednesday's regular season finale at Portland.
News: Caron Butler had 24 points and 12 rebounds in Thursday's game against the Rockets. He logged 41 minutes in the loss.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 22.3 PPG his past 10 games. The Lakers are scheduled for five games in Week 24, so Butler should make a fine No. 3 Fantasy forward.
News: Caron Butler shot 11-for-21 from the floor and 4-for-5 from the line in Saturday's game against the Spurs. He finished with a team-high 27 points and six rebounds.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 14.6 PPG and 5.6 RPG this season. The Lakers are scheduled for four games in Week 23 and five in Week 24.
News: Caron Butler had 10 points and seven rebounds in 36 minutes against the Heat on Wednesday. He's averaging 11.2 PPG in March.
Analysis: Butler has been up-and-down all season. He's a decent fourth Fantasy forward in four-game weeks.
News: Butler was just 1-of-9 from the floor in Sunday's game at Toronto to finish with six points in 33 minutes.
Analysis: Butler will look to get back on track on Monday at New York. He might still be a bit under the weather from the virus which kept him out for two games Tuesday and Wednesday.
News: Butler (virus) was in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Pistons.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Butler back into the active lineup in all leagues which allow daily moves.
News: Butler (virus) missed Wednesday's game at Portland.
Analysis: Butler remains day to day. Luke Walton made his second consecutive start in his absence.
News: Butler missed Tuesday's game against Boston due to a stomach virus.
Analysis: Butler is day to day. It is uncertain if he will accompany the team to Portland on Wednesday, so keep him reserved if you have healthier alternatives.
News: Caron Butler shot 10-for-23 from the floor and 10-for-10 from the line in Friday's game aagainst the Nets. He finished with 31 points and 10 rebounds.
Analysis: Butler has picked up his offense with Bryant on the I-L. Butler is averaging 18.3 PPG and 6.5 RPG in his past 11 games.
News: Butler shot 6-for-12 from the floor and 8-for-8 from the line in Friday's game against the Rockets. He scored 21 with four rebounds.
Analysis: Butler had gone 13 games without recording a 20-point effort. He's only worth considering in larger leagues as a third or fourth forward option.
News: Butler, batting flu-like symptoms, scored only seven points on 3-of-10 shooting in 32 minutes Tuesday at San Antonio.
Analysis: Butler entered Tuesday's game averaging 15.4 PPG over his past five starts, so do not be alarmed. He missed Monday's practice due to the flu-like symptoms and simply had a bad night. He will look to rebound Wednesday in Dallas.
News: The league suspended Butler for one game for punching Dan Dickau in the stomach in Wednesday's game against New Orleans.
Analysis: Butler will miss the Christmas Day game against his former team, the Miami Heat. Brian Cook and Jumaine Jones will be counted on to fill the void.
News: Caron Butler scored 19 points, on 7-for-15 shooting, with 10 rebounds in Wednesday's game against the Suns. He hit two 3-pointers in his 40 minutes.
Analysis: Butler is averaging 14.4 points through 18 games and has five 20-point games this season.
News: Butler (ankle) scored 23 points and added nine rebounds in Tuesday's game at New Orleans.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Butler back into the active lineup in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Butler (ankle) is day to day after spraining his ankle Sunday against Atlanta. "It's tender," he said. "We'll see what happens... with all the swelling. I'm going to try to be out there."
Analysis: Consider reserving Butler in daily leagues until the injury improves.
News: Caron Butler scored 22 points Sunday against the Hawks. He got the start and logged 36 minutes in the victory.
Analysis: Butler is a solid No. 3 Fantasy forward. He plays four games in Week 2 and three the next six weeks.
News: Caron Butler scored 11 points and added four rebounds in 28 minutes of Tuesday's regular season debut against Denver.
Analysis: Butler will be a fantastic No. 3 Fantasy forward this season.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports The Lakers picked up the fourth-year option on Butler's contract, which will keep him with the team through 2005-06.
Analysis: Butler should make a quality No. 3 Fantasy forward. He's a good start for the opening week because the Lakers have four games slated.
News: Butler, Lamar Odom and Brian Grant have officially been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Shaquille O'Neal.
Analysis: Butler’s value next season will largely depend on how the Lakers frontcourt looks heading into training camp. If the team re-signs Karl Malone, Butler’s stock could take a hit.
News: According to reports, Butler, Lamar Odom and Brian Grant have been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Shaquille O'Neal. The deal should be finalized this week.
Analysis: Butler could step in and start at small forward, but his value to owners could decrease if Karl Malone returns to the team.
News: Butler (knee) was in the lineup for Monday's game at Boston. He scored four points and grabbed four rebounds in 34 minutes.
Analysis: Consider keeping Butler reserved in daily leagues if you have healthier alternatives for Wednesday's season finale against the Nets.
News: The Miami Herald reports Caron Butler missed the second half of Saturday's loss to Cleveland with a contusion on his left knee.
Analysis: Butler is questionable for Monday's game at Boston, though he is expected to play.
News: According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, only a nine-rebound effort in Friday's loss at Detroit has kept Caron Butler from a four-game streak of double-doubles. During that span, he is averaging 18.3 points and 12.0 rebounds.
Analysis: Butler could be on waivers in smaller Fantasy leagues, and is worth adding now that his struggles seem to be in the past.
News: Butler (back) started in Tuesday's game at Utah. He posted only one point in 17 minutes.
Analysis: Butler is no longer worth starting on Fantasy teams.
News: According to the Miami Herald, Caron Butler was released from a hospital Thursday following a violent fall against the Los Angeles Lakers. He practiced for most of Monday's session and hopes to play Tuesday against Utah.
Analysis: Butler has been inconsistent this season, so keep him reserved on Fantasy teams.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel notes that Butler (bruised buttock and back spasms) is expected to be released from the hospital Thursday and will not miss any more playing time.
Analysis: Butler was getting a little more consistent before his recent rash of injuries. Consider starting him as a No. 4 forward once he returns.
News: Butler (elbow) was back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against L.A. Lakers. He scored four points and added five rebounds in 27 minutes, but left in the third quarter after injuring his lower back on a fragrant foul.
Analysis: Butler was taken to the hospital for X-rays after bruising his back. He did not travel to Orlando for Wednesday's game and should remain reserved in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Caron Butler, who missed Sunday's game against Indiana, is likely to have X-rays on his ailing right elbow. "It seemed minor, but after 24 hours it's still hurting," Butler said. "It hurts real bad."
Analysis: Butler has been a major disappointment for Fantasy owners and should be reserved this week.
News: Butler (elbow) was not in the lineup for Sunday's game at Indiana.
Analysis: Butler remains day to day. Keep him reserved if you have healthier options.
News: Butler suffered an elbow injury while diving for a loose ball against the Knicks Saturday. He will be evaluated Sunday.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should reserve Butler until he proves he is healthy and capable of contributing at a higher level.
News: Caron Butler started at small forward in Tuesday's game at Sacramento. He posted 12 points in 23 minutes.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should continue to reserve Butler until he produces at a more consistent level.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel notes that Butler will back up Rafer Alston at point guard while some of his teammates heal. "I want to make sure Caron and Lamar [Odom] are out there together, so that we've got two guys that can handle the ball," said head coach Stan Van Gundy.
Analysis: Butler has been disappointing this season after coming off of knee surgery. Maybe some time in the backcourt will get him going again. His demotion from the starting lineup should push Fantasy owners to reserve him until he can play consistently.
News: Butler posted 19 points on 9-of-16 shooting in Wednesday's game against Chicago.
Analysis: The UConn product has struggled this season, so this performance might be the spark he needs to elevate his game.
News: The Miami Herald reports that Butler is 11 of 50 (.220) from the field in his last seven games. But the team says he is helping in different ways, like an "impact number" which is the Heat's equivalent to the NHL's plus-minus rating. Butler has the best impact number of anyone on the team since his return. He also missed practice Monday with the flu.
Analysis: How does this affect Fantasy owners? As bad as he is shooting, rest assured that he is still doing enough to help the team and force them to keep playing him until he shakes this slump.
News: Caron Butler (back) scored five points in 32 minutes during Sunday's win over Toronto.
Analysis: Butler is not performing up to his rookie season and should only be active in larger Fantasy leagues.
News: In Butler's second start since returning from knee surgery, he left Friday's game against Memphis in the second quarter with a back contusion. He later returned and finished with eight points in 20 minutes.
Analysis: Butler should remain reserved for at least another week while he continues to battle injuries.
News: Butler (quadriceps) was in the lineup on Tuesday against the Suns.
Analysis: It appears safe to get the sensational sophomore back into the active lineup.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Butler (quadriceps) is expected to play Tuesday against Phoenix. "It might be more like six minutes at a stretch," said Heat head coach Stan Van Gundy. "I don't know I he'll be tentative trying to fit in or will he be too hyped up and try to do too much, or will he just go out and play?"
Analysis: Sounds like Van Gundy has the same questions Butler's Fantasy owners have. He should remain reserved until he can play a large number of minutes and play effectively.
News: Butler (knee) did not dress for Friday's game against Philadelphia. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Butler will probably return as a reserve Tuesday against Phoenix.
Analysis: Butler should remain reserved in all leagues. He is a valuable forward that will pay dividends when healthy. Fantasy owners might want to consider trying to trade with exasperated owners for the talented UConn product.
News: The Miami Herald reports that Butler (knee) looks trimmer after a few practices under his belt and might return Friday against Philadelphia.
Analysis: Keep Butler reserved for at least a couple games until he proves he is healthy again and able to play plentiful minutes.
News: Butler (quadriceps) missed Wednesday's game.
Analysis: He remains day to day. Keep him reserved in leagues which allow daily moves if you have healthier options.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Butler thinks his weakened left leg is almost back to full strength. "I was basically playing on one leg," said Butler, who had knee surgery in October.
Analysis: There is no timetable set for Butler's return, but he is doubtful for Wednesday against Detroit.
News: Butler (quadriceps) missed Saturday's game. Udonis Haslem continues to start in his absence.
Analysis: Butler should be reserved on Fantasy teams.
News: Butler (quadriceps) was unable to play Friday at Atlanta.
Analysis: Butler has missed three games and should be reserved for the coming week until he can play consistently again.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Butler (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's game against New Orleans.
Analysis: Keep Butler reserved in all leagues until he is able to get back in shape and play consistently.
News: Butler (DNP - Coach's Decision) missed Saturday's game against Phoenix.
Analysis: Butler is obviously not 100 percent, so starting him on Fantasy teams is a gamble.
News: Butler (knee) finished with only three points on 3 for 4 shooting from the charity stripe Sunday at the Lakers. He did not make any shots from the field in five attempts. He played 27 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Butler has yet to break the 10-point barrier this season. He will eventually be healthy enough to get back into the starting lineup, but meanwhile, should be reserved in all leagues. Consider trading for him while you can get him at a discounted price.
News: Butler (knee) scored only six points to go with seven rebounds in 30 minutes against Washington on Friday. He has yet to break the double-digit barrier in scoring this season.
Analysis: Butler is still working his way back into game shape. He is still a valuable part of Miami's offense. Fantasy owners should try trading for him now while his current owners grow more discouraged.
News: Butler (knee) scored nine points in Saturday's loss to Minnesota. He logged 31 minutes in the game.
Analysis: It appears safe to activate Butler on Fantasy teams.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Butler (knee) will likely play Saturday against Minnesota.
Analysis: Be safe and keep Butler reserved one more week.
News: The Heat placed Butler (knee surgery) on the injured list on Monday.
Analysis: Butler is expected to miss at least the first five games. Keep him reserved until he is able to officially return and play consecutive games without any lingering effects of the injury.
News: Butler has been recovering well from knee surgery and could be ready for the start of the regular season, according to the Miami Herald. He should be back no later than the second week of the season in a worst-case scenario.
Analysis: The injury won't drastically alter Butler's Fantasy value, barring any setbacks.
News: Butler (knee) played in Wednesday's loss to Boston. He scored 18 points in 36 minutes. It's safe to keep Butler active during the next scoring period.
Analysis:
News: Butler (knee) missed Monday's loss to Milwaukee. ''When I got on the plane [back to Miami on Sunday night] it was irritating me a little bit,'' Butler told the Miami Herald. ``When I woke up [Monday], it was swollen up a lot.'' Butler is questionable for Wednesday's game at Boston.
Analysis:
News: Butler might be handling the ball more in the near future. According to the Miami Herald, Heat coach Pat Riley wants to use Butler as a point-forward in the mold of Grant Hill and Scottie Pippen. ''I think he has the ability,'' Riley said. ``We have not probably developed the right offense for Caron right now. ... Because we don't have an anchor, a center, we're playing a running game with a lot of pick-and-rolls. That's not conducive to his game."
Analysis:
News: Heat coach Pat Riley intends to give Butler more playmaking opportunities. "The plan for Caron, I think, for the future -- and we'll probably do some of it this year -- is I see him as a consummate playmaker," Riley told the Miami Herald. "I don't know at what position, you can call it point forward or point guard." Monitor this situation. Extra ballhandling opportunities might add some assists to Butler's totals and make him slightly more valuable in Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: Butler (flu) returned to practice Thursday and will play Friday. However, he might not start. The Miami Herald reports that Butler has lost 10 pounds because of his bout with the flu and dehydration. Rasual Butler will start if Caron Butler is unable to start. Monitor Caron Butler's health in the next few days before adjusting your lineup.
Analysis:
News: Butler (flu) might return Friday at Memphis, according to the Miami Herald. He is questionable for the game. Keep him reserved until he can play consecutive games.
Analysis:
News: Butler (flu) might play in the Feb. 28 game at Memphis. The Miami Herald reports that he has been released from the hospital. Butler was hospitalized so doctors could monitor his abnormal temperature. Rasual Butler will start in his absence. Monitor Caron Butler's health in the next few days before adjusting your lineups.
Analysis:
News: Butler (flu) remained hospitalized Sunday. The Miami Herald reports that Butler might miss the next three games. Consider reserving Butler for this week. Rasual Butler will start in his absence.
Analysis:
News: Butler (foot) played in Wednesday's game. It doesn't seem like the injury will prevent Butler from playing. He had 12 points and eight rebounds Wednesday.
Analysis:
News: Butler is suffering from a sore right wrist. "It really bothers me," Butler told the Miami Herald. "You can't get any extension and make free throws, man." Look for Butler's production to decrease until his health improves. He has scored single figures in two of three games since injuring himself Jan. 14.
Analysis:
News: The rookie forward has been a consistent scoring threat for Miami. He is averaging 12.7 points and 5.8 rebounds and should be a quality fourth Fantasy option.
Analysis:
News: Butler will likely be the starting small forward on opening night. The Miami Herald reports that Butler will likely start instead of fellow rookie Rasual Butler. Butler should be a quality third or fourth Fantasy forward.
Analysis:
News: Butler might not be the starting small forward. He was projected to get this job, but fellow rookie Rasul Butler started over him in Sunday's preseason game. Be aware of this situation. Butler won't have much Fantasy value if the heat use him as a reserve.
Analysis:
News: Butler has had some trouble with his offseason conditioning. The rookie forward was one of five players to fail coach Pat Riley's conditioning test on the first day of training camp. This situation shouldn't alter Butler's potential as a Fantasy player, which is very high at this point.
Analysis:
