FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Rodney Stuckey: Coach Optimistic About Stuckey's Return
Update: Pistons coach John Kuester said the team will have a clearer picture on when Stuckey (head) can return to practice on Thursday, the Detroit News reports.
Analysis: Kuester is optimistic that his star point guard will be able to return to game action this season. Look for more details, and maybe a timetable, to surface in the next couple days.
Jason Maxiell: Double-Doubles in Loss
Update: Maxiell picked up his second double-double of the season Wednesday, totaling 10 points and 11 boards in a loss to the Jazz.
Analysis: "Mad Max" has filled in nicely for the injured Ben Wallace (knee) the past four games, averaging 8.8 points and 10.8 boards. No timetable has been set for Wallace's return, but he should be returning soon. In the meantime, look for Maxiell to be a solid plug-and-play.
Tyson Chandler: Scores Double Figures
Update: Chandler hit all three field goal attempts and scored 12 points against the Sixers. He also grabbed five rebounds Wednesday.
Analysis: Wednesday was the first night that Chandler has scored in double-figures since before he became injured earlier in the year. The Bobcats continue to be cautious with his minutes and have him coming off the bench for now.
Mehmet Okur: Continues to Play Well
Update: Okur hit two three-pointers and finished with 18 points in a win against Detroit. He added five rebounds, three assists and two blocks Wednesday.
Analysis: Okur played the most minutes (36.5) of all the Utah big men Wednesday, which is rare. He has a double-digit scoring streak of six games, the longest streak he has put together since early December.
Carlos Boozer: Continues Double-double Streak
Update: Boozer was just 4-of-10 from the field and scored 11 points, but he completed a double-double with 12 rebounds Wednesday in a win.
Analysis: Boozer has recorded a double-double in four straight games, but has not been scoring a particularly great amount in those games. He is averaging just 14.8 points, 4.5 points per game below his season's average.
Nene Hilario: Just Misses Double-Double on Wednesday
Update: Nene posted 17 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in Denver's win at Minnesota on Wednesday night.
Analysis: The lack of blocks and steals is distressing but Nene did make 6-of-9 FGs and 5-of-7 FTs and continues to be a nightly double-double threat now that Kenyon Martin is sidelined indefinitely.
Chris Andersen: Double-Double on Wednesday
Update: Andersen (knee) posted a team-high 10 rebounds to go along with 14 points and three blocks during Denver's win in Minnesota on Wednesday night.
Analysis: We don't know how long this guy's knee will hold up but with Kenyon Martin sidelined Andersen has become a good bet to grab six to 10 rebounds a night with some scoring and blocks thrown in. Use with caution but definitely grab him if you're in need in any of those statistical categories.
Zach Randolph: Returns Wednesday
Update: Randolph (back) returned Wednesday and scored 13 points (6-16 FG, 1-2 FT) to go with 10 rebounds and two steals in the Grizzlies' win over the Celtics.
Analysis: He returns from a sore back and scores a double-double.
Chauncey Billups: Leads Nuggets with 25 Points on Wednesday
Update: Billups had a game-high 25 points in helping the Nuggets outlast the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Billups finished a respectable 9-of-18 from the field (2-of-7 3pt) and 5-of-5 from the line in the victory. He also added three rebounds, three assists and a steal in 36 minutes of action.
Hasheem Thabeet: Plenty of PT Against Celtics
Update: Thabeet had seven points (3-5 FG, 1-2 FT) to go with six rebounds and a block in 26 minutes against the Celtics Wednesday.
Analysis: The Grizzlies surprisingly jumped all over the Celtics in a 20-point win, so there was plenty of garbage time to employ Thabeet. He still had more personal fouls (four) than blocks (one).
Malik Hairston: Plays Entire Fourth Quarter Against Knicks
Update: Hariston played 12 minutes in Wednesday's win over the Knicks, scoring four points and grabbing three rebounds.
Analysis: Wednesday's game, where the Spurs allowed Hariston to play the entire fourth quarter and take some important shots, was the first signficant time that Hariston's seen all season. With Tony Parker now out for the year, Hariston may start seeing 10-15 minutes per game.
Richard Jefferson: Held Scoreless Against Knicks
Update: Jefferson was scoreless with seven rebounds in the Spurs' win over the Knicks on Wednesday.
Analysis: Jefferson has had the occasional high-scoring game coming off the bench the last few weeks, but his lack of consistency should probably make you look elsewhere for SF help.
Kyle Lowry: Ankle Still Sore
Update: When Lowry left Tuesday's game in the fourth quarter, he packed his left ankle in ice, then repeated the process in the locker room after the game, the Houston Chronicle reports. "I was a little sore," Lowry said. "I felt OK. I felt I got the rhythm back of the game. I stepped wrong a few times. I'm a little sore, but I'm fine."
Analysis: Barring a setback, Lowry should be fine to resume his usual backup point guard role going forward.
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