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