Caron Butler – F – Washington Wizards
When the Wizards flew to Minnesota this past Sunday to play the Wolves, they were diverted north to Duluth because heavy snowfall in the Twin Cities limited landings at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. After taking a bus approximately 160 miles south to Minneapolis, Butler was unable to play due to back spasms. He hadn’t been playing well, so most owners probably took the DNP with a grain of salt, hoping the night off would get him back on track. Not so much; Butler missed Tuesday’s game against the Nets, and according to the Washington Post Wednesday, he’s considered day-to-day and will most likely be out tonight. His back injury might be more serious than mere spasms since he was sent home from practice early Tuesday afternoon to meet with doctors and didn’t practice Monday either. If you’re in a daily league where you can set your lineup anytime before tip-off, monitor Butler’s status. But there are 20 teams playing tonight so it might be smart to bench Butler if you have other options available rather than risking the chance of another DNP.
Steven Jackson – G – Golden State Warriors
The diagnosis on Jackson’s injury is that he has a fractured big left toe and is questionable Wednesday night against Chicago. Jackson was reported in the Contra Costa Times saying he wouldn’t rule himself out of the game and would work out in the morning to test it; if the pain is bearable he’d play. With Baron Davis and Matt Barnes both out, Jackson could play tonight. If you have healthier options, send Jackson to the bench.
Antawn Jamison – F – Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards’ head coach Eddie Jordan has reportedly ruled Jamison out from playing Wednesday night against the Heat, but Jamison himself isn’t so pessimistic. Jamison said he was waiting to hear what the team doctors had to say before ruling himself out. There’s no definite answer here, so flip a coin and go with it. It’s hard to speculate, but if Jamison can’t go tonight, expect him back soon. With Butler out tonight, there’s a decent chance he could suit up, but like I said, no official word has been released.
David Lee – F – New York Knicks
Lee missed practice Tuesday and seems unlikely to play Wednesday night against the Celtics due to a high ankle sprain. According to the New York Post, coach Isaiah Thomas has targeted Friday for Lee’s return: “We’re going to need him healthy and live and vibrant,” Thomas said. “If he has to miss one more game, so be it. But I don’t see him missing more than one game, but you never know with the ankles.”
Baron Davis – G – Golden State Warriors
Davis had arthroscopic knee surgery February 13th, but little news has been released since regarding the Warriors’ starting point guard’s status. Supposedly Davis will be meeting with his surgeon this week to get an update on his knee, but there have been rumors going around that Davis’ season may be in jeopardy. Davis is always a sell-high kind of guy because he’s so injury-prone, so owners should brace themselves for the worst.
Emeka Okafor – F/C – Charlotte Bobcats
Okafor’s strained calf kept him out of practice Monday and Tuesday and he’s doubtful for Wednesday’s game against the Kings according to The Charlotte Observer. It’s too bad because he’d probably pull down close to 20 boards Altonight since the Kings have been outrebounded in 26 of their past 30 games. Okafor’s status is uncertain going forward, so keep an eye on the situation.
Deron Williams – PG – Utah Jazz
The Jazz have played four times since the All-Star break and Williams has sat out for two with a sore wrist and groin. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Williams could miss Wednesday’s game as well. Says Williams, “I haven’t practiced since I got hurt. I haven’t run since the rookie game, and that really wasn’t even really running.” Williams is admittedly a little out of shape, so be wary of starting him tonight. You never know, though, because he wasn’t expected to play the second game after the All-Star break against the Nuggets and instead played 41 minutes and logged 26 points and 14 assists.
Amare Stoudemire – C – Phoenix Suns
In last night’s romp over the Pacers, Stoudemire played through a bothersome shin and left calf injury that aren’t consider serious. Amare was quoted in the Arizona Republic saying, “I couldn’t move like I wanted so therefore my shot was off and my elevation wasn’t quite there. I got kneed in my jumping leg. That was the only thing that held me back.” (By the way, Amare was a stud last night despite being injured.) Stoudemire should be started in all leagues, but keep an eye on those lingering injuries, which could spell trouble down the line.
Shawn Marion – F – Phoenix Suns
Marion dislocated his right pinkie finger and suffered a thigh bruise Tuesday night against the Pacers. No news has surfaced about his status, which most likely means he’ll be fine. Still, the pinkie is on his shooting hand, so it’s hard to say if his shot will be affected. Make sure he’s in your starting lineup if you own him, but brace yourself if the Matrix is a bit off tonight against the 76ers.
Luke Walton – F – Los Angeles Lakers
Walton practiced Tuesday and is on track to play this Friday. If he can’t go Friday, he should be back for sure next week after missing 15 games with an ankle sprain.
Gerald Wallace – G/F – Charlotte Bobcats
Wallace missed Tuesday’s practice to rest his sore groin, but he’s expected to start tonight against the Kings. Crash has dominated with Okafor out, but if he’s going to keep up the great production he’ll have to stay healthy.
Richard Jefferson– G/F – New Jersey Nets
If RJ is sitting on your waiver wire right now, snag him immediately. He’s been shooting jumpers and has no problem standing on his surgically repaired ankle, but is probably a couple weeks away from returning.
PHOTO CREDIT: Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images
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