News: Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau told the media Wednesday that guard
Derrick Rose is getting treatment and rehabbing with a back specialist off-site. The team still doesn't know his status for Thursday's game against the Celtics. "He’s still not quite ready," Thibodeau said. "We’ll see where he is. Each day he’s gotten better. So we’re encouraged by that." Rose has missed the last three games and is day to day.
C.J. Watson has started in his absence.
Analysis: Rose said Tuesday that he expects to be past the back pain in a few days, but only time will tell if that happens. The Bulls need Rose for the long run, so don't be surprised if they are a little cautious with their star player. We will keep you posted on Rose's status, but keep him reserved in Fantasy until further notice.
News: CSNNE.com reports Celtics forward
Kevin Garnett (hip) went through Wednesday's shootaround and has been upgraded to probable for Wednesday's game against the Pistons.
Analysis: Garnett wasn't able to practice Tuesday, but it seems whatever treatment he received is working. He could always be a late scratch, but it does appear he is on track to play Wednesday. Garnett's scoring and rebounding are down a bit in 2011-12, but he has a double-double in two of his last three games and is still productive for the most part. He might not be the must-start option he once was, but Garnett remains a viable Fantasy play in all formats.
News: FOX Sports Ohio reports a Pacers source said forward
Danny Granger has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Cavs because he sprained his right ankle Tuesday. However, the Pacers officially list Granger as a game-time decision. After Tuesday's game against Miami, coach Frank Vogel said Granger would likely sit out Wednesday. "Yeah, that's my anticipation," Vogel said Tuesday. "I don't think he can play (Wednesday at Cleveland)."
Analysis: Granger is averaging a season-high 19.5 points per game in February, so this is a tough time for him to go down with an injury. Sprained ankles can definitely be problematic, so there is no telling how long Granger will be sidelined. There seems to be a chance he doesn't miss any time, but daily league owners might look to healthier alternatives. Granger might not be 100 percent even if he plays.
Irving cleared to play for Cavs
Kyrie Irving, PG, CLE
11:12 AM
News: The Cavs received some good news prior to their game Wednesday against the Pacers. Rookie guard
Kyrie Irving has been cleared to return after missing three games with a concussion. He is in the lineup for Wednesday's game. "It is good to see him out here, especially yesterday he was in great spirits and he really missed being on the floor with his teammates," coach Byron Scott said. "Today was no different, just going through everything and getting his shots up and everything, it seemed like he was back to normal."
Analysis: Most Fantasy owners decided to take Irving out of their lineup for Week 8 (Feb. 13-19) not knowing if he would return to action. But for those Fantasy owners in weekly formats that took the gamble, then it seems it will pay off. Irving is a viable Fantasy start when healthy, so start putting him back into active lineups.
News: The Star Tribune reports Timberwolves forward
Martell Webster admits he is not the same player he was when he entered the league in 2005, but two back surgeries have contributed to that. "I'm working with it, trying to figure out different ways to get my body going," he said. "Because I'm at the point how where I can't wake up and just jump out of the bed and go play 48 minutes. It will eventually start to get better, but right now it's that tedious (time) when you have to keep grinding and going through it.''
Analysis: Webster did start Monday against the Magic, but he had just five points and four rebounds in 23 minutes. He doesn't have to be an impact player cause the Timberwolves have players like Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio. Webster is not a viable Fantasy option at this time.
News: The Clippers announced Wednesday that guard
Chauncey Billups underwent successful surgery to repair a torn left Achilles tendon. The surgery was performed by Dr. Thomas Clanton in Vail, Colo. Billups is expected to remain in Colorado for four weeks before returning to Los Angeles to continue his rehab.
Analysis: Billups suffered the season-ending injury on Feb. 6, but the veteran guard vows to return to the NBA at some point. Billups was doing quite well playing alongside Chris Paul in the Clippers backcourt and was a viable Fantasy start. Billups can be cut in all seasonal Fantasy formats.
News: The
Sun-Sentinel reports Heat guard
Mario Chalmers, who re-injured his bruised left hand Tuesday, insists he will play Friday against the Cavs. "It just got hit again," Chalmers said. "Once it keeps getting hit, it's going to aggravate it a little bit. But it wore off." Coach Erik Spoelstra added Chalmers could have returned Tuesday against the Pacers, but he wasn't needed. "
Darren Collison reached for the ball and he slapped the ball, but he pulled my fingers back," Chalmers said. "I feel pretty good about Friday."
Analysis: Chalmers is the Heat's starting point guard and is averaging a career-high 11.0 points per game in 2011-12. But his scoring is his greatest asset. He doesn't fill the stat sheet because he is surrounded by LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, who usually account for most of the Heat's stats. Chalmers is a low-end Fantasy guard when active.
News: Portland F
LaMarcus Aldridge will not travel with the team to Golden State, putting his status for Wednesday's contest against the Warriors in serious doubt, reports the
Oregonian. Aldridge sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of Tuesday night's contest against the Wizards after stepping on
Trevor Booker's foot . He immediately hobbled off the floor and was unable to return in the 124-109 loss.
Analysis: Aldridge is officially being considered day to day with his injury, although he still could end up missing some time. With he Trail Blazers playing in their first of three games over three consecutive nights on Tuesday, Aldridge isn't going to have much time to rest his ankle. Owners should keep an eye on his status moving forward, but since he won't be traveling with the team on Wednesday, it appears he will at least miss one contest. Keep an eye on his status moving forward. Aldridge can be considered a must-start option in all formats, when healthy.
Young goes off for Wizards
Nick Young, SG, WAS
1:02 AM
News: Washington guard
Nick Young scored season-high 35 points on Tuesday night against Portland. He shot 12 for 17 from the floor, knocking down seven 3-pointers, and connecting on all four of his foul shots. Young added three boards and two steals in his 40 minutes of action. His efforts helped the Wizards beat the Trail Blazers, 124-109.
Analysis: Young has been hitting on all cylinders lately -- despite having one lackluster game in the past week. Over his last five outings, Young is averaging 23.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. He's hitting 46.9 percent of his attempts from beyond the 3-point arc over that stretch as well. Even though he's scoring at a good clip, Young doesn't contribute in all categories, which makes him more of a No. 4 Fantasy guard option -- one that can score a ton.
Smith talks with Lakers coach
J.R. Smith, SG, DEN
12:48 PM
News: The
Los Angeles Times reports Lakers coach Mike Brown has spoken with
J.R. Smith, who is looking to sign with an NBA team after his contract obligations in China are completed. Smith posted on his Twitter account: "Just had a great talk with Coach Brown!" The Lakers are one of many teams courting Smith, who also posted on his Twitter page the Knicks, Bulls, Pacers, Magic and Clippers as teams pursuing him.
Analysis: Smith could definitely help the Lakers at both small forward and as a backup option to Kobe Bryant at shooting guard. However, all the teams that are courting him are playoff-caliber teams, so Smith could be going to a good situation. We will continue to keep you updated on his status. Continue to stash Smith in deeper Fantasy formats.
