January 2008 NBA Injury Updates

If you're like me, you're probably frustrated with the numerous injuries that have hit your lineup of late.  Yet, there is hope! Here's a look at which players are out for the moment and which players will most likely take their minutes/opportunities.  These players might be worth a look.

 

  •  Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers - He's day-to-day with a sore tailbone, which means if he's out it probably won't be for long. Keep an eye out for Martell Webster and perhaps Jarrett Jack if Roy's situation gets more serious.
     
  •  Andrei Kirilenko, Utah Jazz - He's having back problems again. So far, it doesn't look too serious, but given his history they won't rush him back.  Kyle Korver will likely get his extra minutes.
     
  •  Erick Dampier, Dallas Mavericks - He's day-to-day. Expect DeSagana Diop to get his minutes, which shouldn't make anyone's jaw drop, but remember Diop did start the season off very well in Dampier's absence.
     
  •  Michael Redd, Milwaukee Bucks - It looks like he'll be out until at least next week. Charlie Villanueva should see more time in his absence, but the real player to watch out for is Charlie Bell.
     
  •  Luol Deng, Chicago Bulls - Deng is another player listed as day-to-day, but the Bulls won't rush his return. In the meantime, Andres Nocioni might be worth a look.
     
  •  Ron Artest, Sacramento Kings - He's out 3-4 weeks with right elbow surgery. In all likelihood, John Salmons and Francisco Garcia are already snagged in your leagues.
     
  •  Jamaal Tinsley, Indiana Pacers - He should be back sometime this week. In the meantime, Andre Owens is getting his minutes. Though, he's not really worth picking up.
     
  •  Shaquille O'Neal, Miami Heat - They won't rush him to recovery. Udonis Haslem should get more boards in the meantime.
     
  •  Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets - He's having knee trouble again. They think he'll be back from 7-10 days to middle of the month. Keep an eye out for players filling in.  Bonzi Wells seems a prime candidate, but rookie guard Aaron Brooks had a big game recently, too.
     
  •  TJ Ford, Toronto Raptors - He's apparently doing fine, but they won't rush him back. He's got a weird neck issue where it gets tingly.  There's still no timetable for his return, but he should be back sometime this season. In the meantime, Jose Calderon's worth holding onto.
     
  •  Kevin Martin, Sacramento Kings - He's already missed 15 games, but hopes to be back January 8th. 
     
  •  Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards - He apparently could be back by mid-February or mid-March, but that's still uncertain. He won't rush back as he wisely doesn't want to wreck his career. In the meantime, owners of Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison are loving the production they're getting. Antonio Daniels is still a good waiver wire pick up in some leagues.
     
  •  Mike Bibby, Sacramento Kings - He should be back sometime soon.
     
  •  Randy Foye, Minnesota Timberwolves - Foye's having his knee re-evaluated today (Monday). 
     
  •  Elton Brand, LA Clippers - His recovery is going very well, but since the Clippers are out of the playoffs, they may not want to rush his return. 



Bibby

Hey Chris, First, even if Bibby returns soon, I'm not sure about how able he'll be. He's bound to have some rust to shake off, which might buy Udrih some time. Sooner or later, though, if Bibby does return, he's going to get that starting spot back ESPECIALLY if the Kings want to trade him. I don't see him playing the two spot, because Kevin Martin's supposed to be back within the next couple of weeks. As far as a Bibby trade, I think the Kings will try, but it might be tough to trade him before the deadline. He's been hurt and he makes a lot of money. Unless he comes back and starts lighting things up before that, a contending team might not want to take on his big salary only to wait for him to find a groove. I think the plan is to move him, though. The Udrih - Conley swap is your call. On the one hand, I think Udrih has some time before having to give up significant minutes. On the other hand, IMO both are going to be inconsistent, at least for this year. It's sort of up to you to determine which player has a better chance of turning things on in the second half of the season. If you're looking for short term gain, then it really depends on your needs. If you're looking for long-term gain, Conley might be a better gamble (stress gamble) because other Grizzlies players are starting to play better as he gets more minutes, while Udrih has more of a chance of finding the bench with injured players getting healthy.



Bibby/Udrih

Hi Phil,
Any idea what's gunna happen to Beno Udrih once Bibby returns from injury?
I've heard conflicting reports that he'll go back to the bench, therefore having little value and also that he'll stay at the point and Bibby moves to shooting guard. Also is there any news on the Bibby trade front?
Mike Conley is still available in my league, so have been contemplating dropping Udrih for him, wise move?