Rumors, moves, injuries and newsmakers...

Rasho stepping up for Bosh; Perkins rocking the boards; Noah finally making inroads; Where's Riley going?; Camby struggling on the glass; Rockets win 17th game in a row; and more...

GOOD SOLDIER 
When Toronto's Chris Bosh first went down with a knee injury last week, he was initially projected to miss only three games. However, as the Raptors prepare to take on the Wizards on Friday, it is extremely doubtful that Bosh will be back in the lineup, stretching his absence to four games and counting.

Instead, journeyman center Rasho Nesterovic will get the nod. The 32-year-old Slovenian has done an admirable job filling in for Bosh, averaging 11.3 points and 7.3 boards in the three games as a starter. Nesterovic is the kind of role player NBA coaches love. He is able to step in and perform when the call comes and when he's sitting on the bench, doesn't spend any time whining about his lack of playing time.

Toronto coach Sam Mitchell knew exactly what kind of player the Raptors were getting in Nesterovic when he was obtained in a trade prior to the 2006-07 season. The two were teammates with the Timberwolves at the tail end of Mitchell's playing career several years back.

---

BOBCATS 
Charlotte forward Gerald Wallace is reportedly targeting March 12 against Dallas for his return from a concussion suffered on February 22. The team will obviously keep a close eye on Wallace, who has now sustained four concussions in his last four seasons. He should be cleared to resume practicing in the next couple of days. While he is out, look for Matt Carroll and Jared Dudley to continue logging extra playing time.

BULLS 
Chicago rookie center Joakim Noah was the main man for the Bulls on Thursday, scoring 13 points and pulling down a career-high 20 rebounds in a 107-96 win over the Cavaliers. Former Cleveland regulars Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes also had solid games for Chicago, scoring 12 points apiece and adding a combined 11 rebounds in the victory.

CELTICS 
While the Big Three--Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen--deservedly get most of the credit for the rapid turnaround in Boston, Kendrick Perkins is quietly beginning to show everyone he has a contribution to make as well. The 23-year-old center notched a season-high 20 rebounds in the Celtics' win over the Pistons on Wednesday. He has now had back-to-back double-doubles and over his past three games has averaged 13.3 points and 13.7 rebounds. On Friday, Perkins will look to keep his hot streak alive against the Bulls.

CLIPPERS 
There seems to be a disconnect with the Clippers these days as to when to expect injured Elton Brand (Achilles) back in uniform. According to the Los Angeles Daily News, Brand says he'll be back in two weeks, while coach Mike Dunleavy says one month is a more likely target. With the season almost finished and the Clips in prime lottery position yet again, perhaps the smart move for both the player and the orgaization would be for Brand to wait until 2008-09 to suit up again?

HEAT 
Miami owns the worst record in the league at 11-47. That means if the season were to end today, the Heat would own the most ping-pong balls in the draft lottery hopper. With a high pick certain, the Associated Press reports that Miami coach Pat Riley says he may miss an upcoming game or two in order to personally scout some NCAA Conference tournament games in the next couple of weeks. By basically acknowledging he has given up on the season, how can Riley possibly expect his team to compete down the stretch? The consensus top pick for the June draft is currently Kansas State freshman Michael Beasley.

MAGIC 
Orlando tied their win total from last season when they won their 40th game of 2007-08 on Wednesday--a 122-92 rout of Washington. The Magic are now 40-23 on the season and sit atop the Southeast Division, 9 1/2 games ahead of the Wizards. Orlando looks for win No. 41 on Saturday when they face Golden State.

NUGGETS 
Denver's Marcus Camby has had a tough time on the boards in his last two games, failing to hit double-figures in rebounds in both contests. The reining NBA Defensive Player of the Year has had double-figure rebounding games in 47 of his 57 outings in 2007-08. It doesn't get any easier for Camby and the Nuggets as they play three games in four nights beginning on Friday. During the sure to be grueling three-pack, Denver will face San Antonio twice and Utah once. Camby is averaging 9.4 points and 13.9 rebounds on the season.

ROCKETS 
Houston picked up their 17th consecutive win on Thursday, downing Dallas 113-98 to pick up the victory. The Rockets amazingly continue to thrive without injured big man Yao Ming, who is done for the year with a broken foot. In other Rockets news, the Houston Chronicle reports the team is set to sign forward Justin Williams to a 10-day contract. The 23-year-old free agent impressed the Houston front office last month when he had a big game against the Rockets while still a member of the Kings at the time. Williams pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds against Houston back on February 13, then was waived three days later. He should help provide some added depth at center with Yao Ming gone for the season with a broken foot.

SPURS 
When San Antonio forward Tim Duncan scores only six points in a game, the Spurs are usually destined for a loss. That wasn't the case on Thursday as San Antonio survived the sub-par game from Duncan to slip slip past Indiana 108-97 to pick up their 11th straight victory. Manu Ginobili bailed out the Spurs with 28 points in the win. The streak would probably be getting more ink if not for Houston's current improbable 17-game winning streak.