Fullcourt Press: Red Cross Relief
Fullcourt Press is our weekly look at the latest headline news from around the league. We'll examine stat trends, injuries, depth chart battles and schedule breakdowns, along with notable performances throughout the NBA season.
Larry Hughes suffered a fractured right thumb late in Saturday's game against the Suns and is expected to be out four to six weeks. Juan Dixon, who has averaged 11.8 PPG in six games this month, could replace Hughes in the starting lineup at shooting guard. Jarvis Hayes and Laron Profit are also expected to be given extra playing time.
"Larry gave us more than numbers -- he gave us leadership," coach Eddie Jordan said. "It's a huge loss because of what Larry has been doing for us, yet we're the type of team that's been resilient in a lot of situations."
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| Larry Hughes will be out four to six weeks after breaking his right thumb. (Getty Images) |
With Washington playing four games in three of the next four weeks, Hughes' replacement will have a favorable schedule to compile decent Fantasy numbers. Dixon replaced Hughes in the starting lineup on opening day, the only game Hughes has missed this season. The third-year former-Maryland star exploded for 28 points on 11-for-20 shooting from the field and added five steals.
Last season, Hughes was limited to 61 games because of injuries. Dixon scored 30 as a surrogate starter in a sole game in late-January, and averaged 10.9 PPG over a 16-game stint in February and March. Overall the past two seasons, Dixon has averaged 12.8 PPG in 19 games that Hughes missed. Hayes, on the other hand, has averaged just 9.1 PPG in those games. If Dixon is available in your league, grab him fast! He'll be worth starting until Washington gets its captain back.
This past week, many other superstars landed on the injury report after sustaining serious injuries. Some Fantasy teams' reserve units are now filled with red crosses, leaving owners scurrying to the waiver wire for temporary replacements. This edition of Fullcourt Press will showcase a few potential free agent pickups as well as highlight the latest injury news from around the league.
Ever since the Raptors decided to deal their franchise player, Vince Carter, they have been searching for a new identity. Veterans Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall have been sporadic all season and have been the subject of trade rumors in recent weeks. The league's trade deadline is Feb. 24, so expect one if not both to be playing in a new uniform by spring. Overpaid veterans Glenn Robinson, Eddie Jones, Latrell Sprewell and Antoine Walker have all been mentioned in possible deals.
Recently, Morris Peterson has had the hot hand, going for 37 against the Celtics and 25 against the Hornets. He's averaging 21.8 in six games during the month of January and has hit a 3-pointer in 15 of his past 16 contests. Toronto plays three games in Weeks 13 and 14, so MoPete is worth using as a third or fourth forward.
Since coming off the IL in late December, Derek Fisher is averaging 13.6 PPG in a dozen games. He scored a career-high 29 against his former mates, the Lakers, on Saturday and is shooting 51 percent (21-for-41) from 3-point land in January. Jason Richardson is expected to return from an ankle injury that has sidelined him since December sometime this week, so Fisher will likely see smaller minutes. He is worth using in deeper leagues only.
Predrag Drobnjak is averaging 15.0 PPG in his past six games, scoring in double figures in all of them. With Atlanta scheduled for four games in Weeks 12, 13 and 14, he's a fantastic option if you need help at center. He's not great on the glass, but has been shooting the ball well for most of the season.
Teammate Josh Smith is adapting well as a starter in his rookie campaign. After failing to score in double figures in his first 11 games, he has scored 10-plus points in 12 of his past 20 games. The 19-year-old is averaging 10.3 PPG and 6.8 RPG while shooting 52 percent (55-for-105) in his past 13 games. He's also developing into one of the league's most exciting defensive players, averaging 2.8 blocks and 1.5 steals in that stretch. Several old-timers have compared Smith's explosive style to longtime Hawks great Dominique Wilkins.
The injury bug has victimized the Hornets more than any other team in the league this season. That misfortune has actually been a blessing in disguise for journeyman Lee Nailon, who has averaged 22.0 PPG over his past four games, including a career-high 32 against the Raptors on Sunday. Playing for his sixth team in three years, Nailon has scored in double digits 23 times out of 30 games is quietly leading the team in points. If he's still available in your league, he's at least worth a reserve spot.
After scoring just 16 points in a three-game stretch earlier this month, Latrell Sprewell has caught fire. Over the weekend, he went for 29 against Denver, and came back with 25 against Portland the following night. The swingman is averaging a solid 20.6 in his past five contests and is in the middle of a favorably scheduled stretch with the T-Wolves. Minnesota will play four games in Weeks 12, 13, 14 and 15, so Spree should post worthy numbers if you elect to start him.
The Celtics, Magic and Kings are all also slated for four games in Weeks 13, 14 and 15. Tony Allen, Hedo Turkoglu, and Cuttino Mobley are more attractive options because of the game-heavy schedule.
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The Lakers could be without Kobe Bryant for three weeks after he severely sprained his ankle against the Cavaliers on Thursday. He was placed on the IL over the weekend and will miss at least five games, making his earliest return on Jan. 26 against the Clippers. However, early reports indicate that he'll be out longer than that. The leagues' second-leading scorer is currently on crutches and not traveling with the team. The Los Angeles Times reports Bryant will be re-evaluated Monday and a more-definite timetable will be defined then.
With Bryant restricted to the sidelines, the Lakers will have their hands full trying to make up for his 27.5 PPG. Lamar Odom will be their unquestioned leader. He scored 24 points in the second half of Saturday's game against Golden State, including the game-winning driving lay-up with 1.3 second remaining. He'll be a No. 1 Fantasy forward until Bryant is back. Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins will also be called upon for more offense.
Jason Richardson (sprained left ankle) missed his ninth consecutive game on Saturday against the Lakers. The Contra Costa Times reports Richardson said he hopes to return for Monday's game against the Denver Nuggets, placing himself at about 75 percent healthy. He was able to work out on his injured ankle Saturday, but said it swelled up afterward. He was also able to practice with the team on Sunday.
According to the Dallas Morning News, the Mavericks are expected to get Josh Howard (upper respiratory infection) back at practice on Monday and he could be back in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Wizards. After missing three games, he was able to return to do some basketball activities over the weekend.
Steve Nash could miss his second straight game on Monday against the Pistons. The Arizona Republic reports Nash said his left thigh bruise was "slowly improving" Sunday. He underwent treatment for two straight days with minimal basketball activity. "I've played so many times when I shouldn't have played," Nash said. "I'm going to do everything I can to get back but I don't want to be foolish and cause an over-exaggerated absence." If Nash can't go, Leandro Barbosa will start again at point. Coach Mike D'Antoni said Nash would make the game-time decision.
The Knicks got a well-needed punch back into their offense on Monday when Jamal Crawford (turf toe) was activated from the IL. He'll be utilized as a reserve initially, with Allan Houston keeping his starting shooting guard spot. The Knicks play four times in Week 12, 14 and 15. Crawford was point guard Stephon Marbury's favorite target before he landed on the shelf, so expect Crawford's production to return after just a couple rusty games.
The Spurs are expected to replace injured Manu Ginobili (thigh) in the starting lineup with veteran Brent Barry for Monday against the Wizards. Spurs coach Greg Popovich said the injury is not considered serious, but is leaning toward keeping Ginobili on the sidelines for at least one game.
The Portland Oregonian reports an MRI on Zach Randolph's right knee revealed just a bruise. He was initially expected to miss about three to five games with the injury. Randolph, who is averaging 20.2 PPG and 10.2 RPG, is expected to sit out Tuesday's game with the Kings and will be questionable for the remainder of the week.
Ruben Patterson and Damon Stoudamire have picked up their play recently while Portland has been stuck short-handed. Patterson is averaging 21.0 PPG in his past five contests, and Stoudamire is averaging 21.0 PPG in his past nine. Both are worth adding at this time. The Blazers play three times in Week 13, and four in Week 14.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Sam Cassell (hamstring, personal) rejoined the team on Saturday. Coach Flip Saunders said the hamstring was still sore despite the time off. The All-Star point guard has missed the past four games -- two for a hamstring injury and two for personal reasons.
After Saturday's game, Cassell said it was doubtful he would play Monday against Toronto. Minnesota is slated for four games in Week 12. Troy Hudson and Anthony Carter will continue splitting time as the floor general if Cassell is unable to go. Hudson has averaging 14.3 PPG in the four-game stint.
Rashard Lewis (knee tendinitis) has missed the Sonics past two games and told the Seattle Times that he is uncertain if he could return for Tuesday's contest with Denver. He added that he is lacking some spring and lateral quickness as well. "It's more frustrating than anything to be wearing the captain jersey and be sitting on the side watching," Lewis said. "I want to be out there, but at the same time I'm doing what's best for the team. I'm not just thinking about myself, I'm thinking about the team and trying to win ballgames."
Antonio Daniels replaced Lewis in the starting lineup and he and Ray Allen were forced to play more small forward. The schedule makers gave Seattle three games in Week 12, so it might be a good idea to keep Lewis reserved in weekly-lineup formats.
You can e-mail your questions to Matt Lawrence at fullcourt@sportsline.com. Be sure to put Attn: Full Court in the subject field. Please be aware, due to the large volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee personal responses or answers to all questions.
