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.
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.
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: 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.
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. 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. We will keep you posted on his status, but daily league owners need to look to healthier alternatives in the meantime.
News: Suns F
Markieff Morris continued his recent run of solid play on Tuesday night against the Nuggets. The rookie scored a career-high 21 points and hauled in six rebounds -- including five on the offensive glass -- in the 109-92 loss. He went 8 for 16 from the floor, including 2 for 4 from downtown, and made 3 of 4 free throws. Morris also chipped in with four steals, two blocks and an assist while playing 29 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Morris scored in double figures for the third straight game on Tuesday and has responded well to his recent increase in playing time. He is averaging 10.6 points with four rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals in his last five contests, and is shooting nearly 43 percent over that span. While he continues to come off the bench, the 22-year-old has been playing with the starters late in games and still has some solid upside in Fantasy. Keep an eye on his progress and consider Morris as more of a low-end Fantasy option at this point.
News: CSNNE.com reports Celtics C
Jermaine O'Neal (shoulder) went through shootaround Wednesday morning and said he is good to play Wednesday night against the Pistons.
Analysis: This isn't the first or last time O'Neal is going to be on the injury report this season. The days of O'Neal averaging 20-plus points per game are gone. While he starts for Boston, he is mostly a defensive presence. He has minimal Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: CSNNE.com reports Celtics forward
Mickael Pietrus (knee) said he anticipates playing Wednesday against the Pistons, but coach Doc Rivers isn't as optimistic.
Analysis: The condensed NBA schedule has coaches performing juggling acts at times to make sure injured players get proper rest. Pietrus is obviously lobbying to play, but it appears this will be a game-time call. Pietrus is averaging 7.8 points this season and is far more important to the Celtics' cause right now. He has marginal Fantasy appeal when active.
Battie rolls his ankle, available
Tony Battie, PF, PHI
11:32 AM
News: The
Orlando Sentinel reports 76ers coach Doug Collins said
Tony Battie rolled his left ankle Tuesday. However, Collins told the media that Battie will be ready off the bench Wednesday against the Magic.
Analysis: Battie hasn't seen the floor in the last six games, so even if he was 100 percent, he might stay glued to the bench. Battie is far more important to the 76ers cause than Fantasy owners. Continue to leave him off Fantasy rosters.
Lin plays hero for Knicks
Jeremy Lin, PG, NY
2/14/2012
News: New York guard
Jeremy Lin hit the game-winning shot on Tuesday night against Toronto, giving the Knicks the 90-87 edge. Lin, alongside
Amar'e Stoudemire for the first time since becoming a starter, dished out a career-high 11 assists and scored a team-high 27 points. Lin shot 9 for 20 from the field, hitting both his attempts from long range and converting 7 of his 11 foul shots. "He continues to impress every night," New York's
Jared Jeffries said. "Every game he plays better, he does more and more to help us win basketball games. You can't ask any more of a kid coming into this situation." He chipped in a steal and two boards in his 43 minutes on the court. Lin also had half of his team's 16 turnovers on the night.
Analysis: As good as Lin has been for the Knicks during this six-game win streak, turnovers are frustrating Fantasy owners. His eight on Tuesday didn't help owners in head-to-head formats. He's averaging 27.2 points, 8.8 assists and 6.0 turnovers per game over his last five games. Lin is also getting to the foul line a lot -- nine times a game -- over that span. The big question now is can Lin keep performing up to this level once Carmelo Anthony returns. He played well with Stoudemire on Tuesday and Anthony should be returning this week. Fantasy owners should keep rolling with Lin as he's showing everyone he's a viable guard option in all formats.
