Nene likely to miss a few games
Nene, C, DEN
12:49 PM
News: Denver C Nene is expected to miss a few games, reports Hoopsworld.com on Sunday. This news comes from his coach George Karl, who reportedly said Nene would need some time after leaving Saturday's game against Indiana with a calf strain. Nene has already been dealing with a nagging heel injury.
Analysis: Nene has been playing well this season with 13.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game for the Nuggets. The team just wants him to get healthy so he might have to miss a few games going forward. Fantasy owners might consider keeping him benched in the upcoming scoring period. When healthy, Nene can be utilized in most Fantasy formats.
News: Toronto PG
Jerryd Bayless (ankle) sat out on Sunday against the L.A. Lakers, reports the
National Post. Bayless missed another game and has now sat out two straight for the Raptors dealing with that ankle injury.
Analysis: Bayless' injury comes at a bad time as he was playing well just prior to suffering the ankle issue. The Raptors will continue to rely on Jose Calderon and Leandro Barbosa until Bayless can return. Consider Bayless a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Bucks forward
Ersan Ilyasova dominated the boards on Saturday night -- out rebounding Orlando center
Dwight Howard. Ilyasova grabbed a game-high 16 boards and scored 17 points for the Bucks. He shot 70 percent from the floor, hitting his lone 3-pointer, and nailing both his foul shots. Ilyasova added a block, two assists and a steal in his 33 minutes off teh bench. Despite his efforts, the Bucks would still lose to the Magic, 99-94.
Analysis: Ilyasova has been dealing with a nagging back injury, but continues to play through it. Even coming off the bench for the Bucks, Ilyasova gets plenty of minutes and is a key contributor. Over his last four games he's averaging 12.3 pints and 9.8 rebounds per contest. Fantasy owners should continue to view Ilyasova as a low-end forward option in most formats.
News: Milwaukee guard
Stephen Jackson failed to score in double figures on Saturday night after a three-game run of reaching that plateau. He shot 2 for 8 from the field, missing all four of his attempts from downtown in his 20 minutes of action. Jackson finished with four points, five assists and three boards. The Bucks would end up losing to the Magic, 99-94.
Analysis: Jackson put together three nice games in a row after he was benched for four games earlier this season. The veteran isn't happy with his role off the bench and is struggling to produce. He's obviously frustrated and so are Fantasy owners. There is still a good chance that Jackson is traded before the March deadline, which would alter his value. But for now, owners are in a tough position as starting him is risky. While he can put up good numbers when his head is in the game, there is no telling how Jackson will feel on any given day. Until this mess in Milwaukee gets a bit more clear, Fantasy owners should reserve Jackson.
News: Magic G
Jason Richardson literately couldn't miss from 3-point range during Saturday night's contest against the Bucks. Richardson made nine of his 11 attempts from behind the arc in the 99-94 victory, en route to finishing with a season-high 31 points. He made eight of his nine attempts from downtown in the second half and made just two field goals inside 3-point range. Richardson also chipped in with four rebounds, two steals, and one assist, while logging 26 minutes of game action. "People think that once you turn a certain age, you don't have it anymore. You don't have the certain style of play you used to play," Richardson said. "I'm still young, so I had to show the guy I still had energy."
Analysis: Richardson has played very well since returning from his ankle injury and was able to catch fire on Saturday night. The 31-year-old is averaging 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists since his return to the lineup and has made at least three 3-pointers in each of those contests. While his overall production up to this point in the season has been disappointing, it appears Richardson may be starting to heat up a bit. Owners may want to think about getting him active heading into Fantasy Week 8 (Feb. 13-19).
News: Toronto C
Andrea Bargnani has begun training in a swimming pool and could begin some on-court workouts later in the week, reports the team's PR staff. That said, the Raptors still have no timetable for Bargnani's return to action. He is not expected back before the All-Star break.
Analysis: Toronto continues to be very cautious with Bargnani, who was leading the team in scoring prior to being injured. Bargnani is the team's franchise player so they don't want to rush his return, especially since he's already aggravated the injury once before. Bargnani was averaging 23.5 points, 1.4 3-pointers, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game before going down to injury. He should continue to be reserved in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Clippers PG
Eric Bledsoe, who coach Vinny Del Negro has repeatedly said is not yet ready to contribute since coming off knee surgery, did see some action on Saturday at Charlotte. With the Clippers absolutely destroying the Bobcats, Bledsoe played 12 minutes and went 1 for 2 from the field to score two points. He added two assists.
Analysis: Bledsoe had already returned to action following the surgery for some garbage time a few weeks ago. He's not going to be a member of the rotation anytime soon, but he's healthy enough to play ball. Bledsoe won't have Fantasy value until Del Negro is ready to unleash him in the rotation.
News: Portland PG
Raymond Felton had another awful performance on Saturday at Dallas and his time as the team's starting point guard could be wearing thin, reports the
Oregonian on Sunday. Felton shot 4 for 17 from the field over 39 minutes against the Mavericks as he scored nine points. He had more turnovers (3) than assists (2) and added two rebounds. "It's time the play becomes better," McMillan said Saturday of Felton. When asked if he'd consider removing Felton from the starting PG duties, McMillan said he'd have to take a look at it.
Jamal Crawford stands to benefit if Felton sees fewer minutes.
Analysis: Crawford has been playing well for the Blazers and Felton has struggled mightily in his first season with Portland. Felton has dealt with some injuries, but is also averaging just 10.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3.5 turnovers per game over his last four contests while shooting just 36 percent from the field. Those are poor numbers and the threat of his playing time being dropped makes him unattractive outside deeper Fantasy formats at the moment. He should remain on most Fantasy rosters, but owners can sit him until he turns it around a bit.
News: New Jersey guard
MarShon Brooks struggled in his return from an Achilles' injury and a fractured toe. Brooks has played poorly thus far in both games since returning as he's averaging 7.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and a 3-pointer in those contests while shooting just 23.5 percent from the field. The
Bergen Record reports Sunday that the Nets don't play again until Wednesday and coach Avery Johnson believes the layoff will allow Brooks to return to the high level he was playing at prior to the injury.
Analysis: Coach Johnson said the two games back for Brooks have been more like practices and that he should return to a high level beginning Wednesday. Brooks is averaging 14 points, 4.3 rebounds and over a 3-pointer per game for the season while shooting 44 percent from the field. He should get back to that, but isn't a worthy Fantasy option outside the deeper leagues and formats until he proves it on the court.
Still no timetable for Irving
Kyrie Irving, PG, CLE
12:23 AM
News: Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott told reporters that rookie G
Kyrie Irving rode the stationary bike Saturday in his first physical activity since being diagnosed with a concussion last Wednesday. However, it remains unknown when Irving will be able to get back on the floor. "This is the NBA," Scott said. "Guys get hurt. It provides opportunities for other guys. It (injuries) doesn't take away from the fact we need to compete at a high level like we're capable of doing." Irving is averaging 18.0 points, 5.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds through 23 games this season.
Analysis: Irving has now missed three straight games with his concussion and there is still no official timetable for his return. The 19-year-old was able to do some physical activities on Saturday night, although he has still not been cleared to practice yet. Fantasy owners should keep a close eye on his status leading up to Fantasy Week 8 (Feb. 13-19). However, with Cleveland only slated to play three times during the next scoring period, owners may be best to leave Irving on the bench. Roman Sessions will likely continue to start in his absence.
