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Fantasy Basketball Daily Grumblings: April 4, 2008
Fantasy Basketball Daily Grumblings: April 4, 2008
By Fantasy Forecaster | Published  04/4/2008 | Fantasy Basketball Daily Grumblings
Fantasy Forecaster
FANTASY SPORTS SERVICES INC. is a sports editorial, statistical information and fantasy games company that specializes in interactive content and games for sports fans.  

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Jazz look to home-court edge Friday against Spurs...

Carlos Boozer - Fantasy Basketball

Rumors, moves, injuries and newsmakers...

Jazz look to home-court edge Friday against Spurs; Jamison likely to miss time; Larry Hughes breaks loose; Marion done this season; NBA suspends Kenyon Martin; Thomas starts again for Bulls; Celtics trio could see extra rest; Roy returning?; and more...

HOME COOKIN' 
Home court advantage is integral to winning in the NBA. And no team knows that this season better than the Utah Jazz.

With 34 of their 50 wins this season coming in Salt Lake City, the Jazz are simply a different team in their own barn. Their 34-4 home mark is the best in the NBA, but unfortunately that hasn't been enough to guarantee them a playoff spot. Despite leading the Northwest Division, Utah currently finds itself only fourth in the ultra-competitive conference and only five games out of ninth.

With three of their final five games at home, can Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams, et al solidify not only their postseason spot, but also home court? Or on Friday will San Antonio's Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker muffle the music?


JAMISON ON THE SHELF 
In not-so-startling news, another all-star is injured in Washington. The Wizards have had few games this year with Antawn Jamison, Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler all healthy, and that's the case again now that Jamison has sprained his right shoulder. The injury occurred Wednesday night against the Bucks. The Washington Post reports that the unofficial word is he'll miss a few games. INTEL: That doesn't leave much time for the Wizards' own 'Big Three' to get some action in together before the playoffs, though at least Jamison's injury doesn't sound overly serious. Andray Blatche is the most likely candidate to start in his place on Friday against Miami, and could see decent minutes with the Wizards still easing Arenas back.


WELCOME BACK MR. HUGHES 
In his best overall game since being shipped to Chicago from Cleveland, Bulls guard Larry Hughes stung his former team on Thursday night for 25 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, a couple of steals and a block. Hughes played 45 minutes in the Bulls' 101-98 victory. INTEL: The outburst marks the first time Hughes reached the 20 point plateau since Mar.2 (also against the Cavaliers). If he could only play with this kind of intensity against the rest of the league, he might return to his 2004-05 level.


BIG BEN BACK AGAIN 
Returning again from a stubborn back problem, Cavaliers center Ben Wallace played 32 minutes Thursday night against his former team (the Bulls). He finished with just six points, but had some solid defensive contributions: eight rebounds, three blocks and three steals. INTEL: Big Ben has a limited upside from here on out, since his statistics have been down when even when healthy this season. His back problems seem liable to return, considering the past few weeks. He is, however, always a source of rebounds and blocks. As long as Wallace is playing, Cleveland fan favorite Anderson Varejao may not see a lot of court-time.


TY TIME FOR BULLS 
As expected, on Thursday Drew Gooden missed his third straight game for the Bulls. Tyrus Thomas once again got the start in Gooden's place, but managed only two points and seven rebounds after finding himself in early foul trouble. INTEL: Thomas was expected to see a big hike in minutes once Ben Wallace and Joe Smith were dealt, but Gooden instead earned the starting job with his superior play for Chicago (14.9 points, 9.3 rebounds per game in March). As long as Gooden is out, Thomas should be a decent option.


MATRIX DONE FOR THE SEASON 
Shawn Marion became the fifth Miami Heat member to end his season early, as the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports he will undergo a shock-wave procedure to treat plantar fasciitis. INTEL: The Heat are obviously taking no chances with Marion during a lost season, and at least now fantasy owners can officially cut ties with Marion and move on. He finished with 14.3 points and 11.2 rebounds per game in his 16 contests with Miami since being traded from Phoenix, and should be a top performer once again next season. Earl Barron and Joel Anthony continue to pick up the slack.


'BIG THREE' TO SEE SIDELINE 
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers told the Boston Globe recently that he plans to grant extra rest to Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen as the season winds down. In addition to the heavy minutes the Big Three logged early in the season, Rivers mentioned their lack of a midseason break (due to participation all in All-Star Weekend) as a reason. INTEL: We hope that Boston announces in advance who will be resting, especially if they plan to miss games entirely. Be prepared for major minutes from Leon Powe and perhaps Glen Davis filling in for KG, while Eddie House, Tony Allen and James Posey should all see a bump in playing time in the guard/small forward roles.


MARTIN SUSPENDED FOR ROUGH PLAY 
The NBA announced on Thursday that Denver power forward Kenyon Martin will be suspended for one game after exceeding the league's five-point limit for flagrant fouls, following his Tuesday altercation with Phoenix's Boris Diaw. Martin will have to miss Saturday's game against Sacramento. Player are assessed points for flagrant fouls depending on the severity of the fouls. INTEL: Bad timing for Denver because of the tight playoff race in the West, though at least the Kings aren't one of the West's toughest foes. Martin will likely be replaced by Eduardo Najera, and Denver might see if Nene Hilario can provide some extra minutes off the bench in his courageous return from cancer. Also look for J.R. Smith to potentially see added involvement.


ROY RETURN STILL POSSIBLE 
The Oregonian newspaper reports good news for the Trail Blazers. Star swingman Brandon Roy's MRI exam reportedly shows his injured groin is a strain rather than a tear. INTEL: The injury reports on Roy out of Portland had been varied in the past few days, but this should confirm that he'll return at some point this season. The super sophomore and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year did sit out again on Thursday, but the Oregonian reports Roy will likely suit up on Sunday versus the Spurs.



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