PLAYER NOTES

--F Eduardo Najera, who was forced on the Bobcats in the deal for Erick Dampier's unguaranteed contract, has played tough and well in Tyrus Thomas' absence. Asked about his toughness, Najera said, "I think that's about the only thing I've got left."

--G Shaun Livingston has an old-school ability to pull up for mid-range jump shots. He's almost always taller than the guy guarding him, so he can elevate for a clean look at the basket anywhere near the foul line.

--G Stephen Jackson drew back-to-back technical fouls and was ejected with about 1 1/2 minutes left in the first half Monday against Boston. Jackson now has 13 technicals, three short of an automatic one-game suspension under NBA rules.

--G Matt Carroll was inactive for the first time this season. Considering Jackson's ejection, Carroll might have been handy to insert in the fourth quarter.

MEDICAL WATCH

--C DeSagana Diop is out for the season after rupturing his right Achilles tendon. Diop had successful surgery and is out anywhere from nine to 12 months

--F Tyrus Thomas had successful surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and will be out until roughly mid-March.

ROTATION

Starters:

--Point guard D.J. Augustin

--Shooting guard Stephen Jackson

--Small forward Gerald Wallace

--Power forward Boris Diaw

--Center Kwame Brown

Bench:

--Guard Shaun Livingston

--Guard Gerald Henderson

--Center Nazr Mohammed

--Forward Dominic McGuire

--Forward Eduardo Najera

Copyright (C) 2011 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.