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Sports Grumblings -
http://www.sportsgrumblings.com/basketball/articles
Hardcourt Happenings: Dec. 12
http://www.sportsgrumblings.com/basketball/articles/articles/510/1/Hardcourt-Happenings-Dec-12/Page1.html
Mike Zink
 Mike Zink has been a part time sports reporter for nearly 15 years, covering all of the major circuits plus most college and high school sports. Fantasy Sports is relatively new to him but plans to treat it like everything else he has covered. Being the new kid on the block, with just a little under five years as a Fantasy Sports contributor Mike plans to go all out as basketball is his number one passion and his goal is to keep you up to speed in your respective leagues. In his spare time Mike works for several local papers, and has interviewed many of the top players in the game, so he feels qualified in bringing the very best that he can give. By Mike Zink
Published on 12/12/2008 |
 Nate Robinson has been AWOL the past six games. |
Daniel
Gibson
will have an MRI on his sprained left big toe on Wednesday, at which point a
timeframe for his return should be available. Gibson had the same injury in his
rookie season, came back too soon and eventually missed about two weeks. On
that basis, it sounds likely that the Cavs will shut him down for at least a
few days. Check back soon for the test results. Gibson had averaged 16.3 points
over his previous three games and can provide a nice boost off the bench.
However, his scoring remains inconsistent, and he does not offer much else.
This injury does not sound like it will sideline him for more than a game or
two, so he should be fine for next week in deeper leagues where he has Fantasy
significance.
Nate
Robinson
missed another game for the Knicks on Tuesday, his sixth DNP in the past seven
games. Robinson was questionable for this game. Robinson sat down against
Detroit on Sunday, but plans to be on the court during the Knicks' trip. He did
not play at Chicago. He has become a factor off the bench this season,
averaging 15 points, four rebounds and four assists. Use him as a No. 3 Fantasy
guard when healthy.
Mavericks
forward Josh Howard is out indefinitely after doctors gave him a walking
boot to protect his injured left ankle on Tuesday. Fantasy owners have to be
outraged, as he was listed as day-to-day for over a week and was questionable
for Tuesday's game. All you can do is bench him and hope that he comes back
100% healthy. Howard had previously been day-to-day with a sprained ankle and
appeared poised to return but he has since been downgraded. Howard has
undergone multiple MRIs and there is no structural damage to report or surgery
needed. Howard averages 20.3 points and 8.2 rebounds, both trailing only Dirk
Nowitzki. The swingman also is among the club's best defenders, able to cover
guards and forwards. He is a must-start in Fantasy when healthy, but you
obviously need to reserve him for now. His absence has the potential to measure
in weeks.
Jerry
Stackhouse
did not travel with the Mavericks to California after receiving electric shock
treatment on his injured right heel. Stackhouse has played in only eight games
this season. The Mavericks disgruntled forward is exploring his options and
wants to depart Dallas, possibly through a buyout or trade. Stackhouse
has become disillusioned with his diminished role just 10 games into the
season, feeling that he has more to contribute on a more regular basis. Stackhouse
said he believes he can thrive elsewhere, as he once did in Dallas, as a potent
sixth man. Although his contract status, virtually an expiring contract, is
favorable for a trade, his value is murky because he remains mired in a deep
shooting freeze (29.1 percent overall) and bothered by a heel injury. Do not
bother with Stackhouse in Fantasy for now.
Corey
Maggette
is not sure how long his hamstring injury will keep him sidelined, largely
because the injury is so vague. Sore hamstrings have literally been the
Achilles’ heel for Maggette for a while now, and it does not look like a quick
fix is coming. Keep him sidelined and hope for the best. Golden State hopes to
have Maggette back in the picture shortly. He has never played a full season in
his career, but Maggette has managed to play 70-plus games the last two
seasons. He is a good scorer and rebounder when healthy, so consider Maggette a
No. 2 Fantasy forward.
Even
though MRI results have revealed only a sprain, Stephen Jackson is
uncertain when he will return from his left hand injury and may get a second
opinion. It certainly does not sound like Jackson is planning an imminent
return, but if his hand is only sprained, there is reason to hope he will be
back sooner rather than later. Owners should exercise patience for now, and
consider taking a flier on Anthony Morrow, who posted 15 points, two threes and
three steals as the starting shooting guard Monday. Jackson did not play Monday
against the Thunder, but Golden State did not update his status after the game.
It looks as though we might have to wait a few more days before the prognosis
comes in. When healthy, he is a must-start in all leagues as he averages 20.8
points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists.
An
MRI on Tuesday revealed that Ron Artest has two slightly torn ligaments
in his ankle. He will continue to play or rest based on how the ankle responds.
His sprained ankle Nov. 16 caused swelling that aggravates the damaged
ligaments, causing some of his difficulties since the injury. Artest will
continue to play or rest based on how the ankle responds. He sat out Monday’s
game, the first game he has missed this season. The Rockets have another
back-to-back this week and three more after that later in the month. Artest has
scored in double figures in 13 straight games. For the season, though, his
scoring is significantly down from his years in Sacramento, making him at best
a No. 2 Fantasy forward. He does contribute in just about every category,
though.
Portland
Trail Blazers Martell Webster will be sidelined for an estimated four
weeks after experiencing pain in his left foot during Sunday's game at Toronto.
The pain occurred in his first game back after undergoing surgery to repair a
stress fracture in his left foot on Oct. 9. Trail Blazers general manager Kevin
Pritchard said the discomfort is in a different spot than the fracture. Webster
will be placed in a walking boot for two weeks and then be re-evaluated.
Webster averaged career highs of 10.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 28.4 minutes in
75 games last season. He sustained a stress fracture in his foot during the
preseason. Webster is more of a low-end Fantasy forward, even when
contributing, so his absence should not make a big impact in Fantasy.
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