Hand Down, Manu Down - 01/03/2012
BY Steve Alexander Monday was a holiday for most of you, but we were hard at work covering a myriad of pregame news, in-game injuries and post-game analysis on another busy night in the NBA. I’m going to call this edition the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, as it’s a pretty fitting title for what went down. However, we’re going to start with the Ugly. The NBA Season Pass is up and running, so check it out! Weekly projections and rankings, exclusive live chats, the schedule grid and breakdown, customizable scoring, and much more is all there. The Ugly Manu Ginobili suffered a broken left (shooting) hand on Monday night and while we still don’t know his timetable, will miss at least two weeks and possibly two months. I’m guessing he’s out for at least a month, meaning owners should panic and start making plans for a replacement. Here’s the fallout from the injury in San Antonio. Tony Parker is suddenly a hot prospect, and I think he should be targeted in trades going forward. Looking back at 2008-09, when Manu missed a lot of time with an injury, Parker had scoring games of 55, 43 and 38 points when Manu wasn’t in uniform. Yes that was three years ago, but the Spurs are hurting for offense and Parker is going to take over, if his legs will let him. I’m not suggesting you’ll see a 55-point game out of him this season, but he always seems to take over when Manu is out, and I’ll be surprised if it doesn’t happen again. Richard Jefferson was one of our recent recommendations with five games this week and he had 16 points and four 3-pointers on Monday. He’s going to get more touches with Manu out and will probably be worth hanging onto after the five-game week is over. Gary Neal is in the D-League rehabbing from his appendectomy, but will return very soon. He is probably the most talented reserve and is worth a close eye in all leagues. And if he hadn’t been out with this injury, he could easily be starting. Instead, James Anderson is your new starter at shooting guard, at least for now. He’s not a must-own player just yet, but if he plays well in the first half against the Warriors on Wednesday, go ahead and grab him. Rookie Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green are the other candidates to get some extra run in Manu’s absence, and while neither are worth adding in most leagues, they’re just guys you’ll want to keep an eye on. I received a note on Twitter from someone who sold high on Kobe Bryant in order to get Manu and Kevin Martin, and I made some comment like “I like it, as long as Manu and Kev-Mart stay healthy.” Less than eight hours later, that guy is depressed and I feel bad. We should have a definitive timeline on Manu in the next 48 hours, so stay tuned. Other Ugly Surprises Nene was a surprise DNP on Monday with a bruised foot and is day-to-day. Kosta Koufos started in his place and had eight points, six boards, a steal and a block, but Nene’s injury doesn’t sound serious. Let’s hope that Nene is back on Wednesday and ignore Koufos for now. David Lee was in the hospital on Monday due to a virus and was later sent home after receiving an IV. He missed the loss to the Suns and remains day-to-day. He is likely dehydrated and I’m going to all him a game-time decision for game against the Spurs on Wednesday. Dominic McGuire started in Lee’s place and played very well with 14 points and nine rebounds, and while he’s worth a watchful eye, I don’t really see a reason to pick him up right now. Kris Humphries was a surprise DNP as well, sitting out with a sore shoulder. He sounds doubtful for Wednesday and owners should make other plans for that day. Shelden Williams started in his place and had three blocks, but will only be worth a look if Humphries has a serious injury. And I don’t think he does. Mike Dunleavy sat out with the flu and Carlos Delfino started in his place. I was already all over Delfino as a hot pickup with five games this week and he certainly answered the call last night. He racked up 14 points, nine rebounds, three steals, two blocks and three 3-pointers in 42 minutes. As long as Delfino stays healthy, Dunleavy may not see another start anytime soon, but that’s just a guess. Hopefully Delfino continues to roll for those of you who picked him up. Jermaine O’Neal sat out with a hamstring injury allowing Greg Stiemsma to start at center. He came through with 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, and given O’Neal’s injury history, can safely be stashed in most leagues. O’Neal is day-to-day and will probably be that way the rest of his career, but was coming off a 19-point, seven-rebound effort on Friday. Oh well. Tyrus Thomas is still out with a sprained ankle but the news on Monday was that D.J. White, who had a career-high 21 points on Sunday, might end up taking the starting PF job from Thomas, according to coach Paul Silas. Thomas still isn’t ready to return from his injury, but let’s see what DJW does in his next game before reading too much into this. Kirk Hinrich will miss another month while recovering from shoulder surgery, according to Hawks VP Dominique Wilkins. My buddy Rick Kamla is holding Hinrich in our 30-team league, but I can’t see Hinrich being worth a roster spot in normal leagues – especially with as well as Jeff Teague is playing. The Rest of the Injury Roundup Trevor Ariza – Left with a groin injury. If he misses time Al-Farouq Aminu worth a look. Zach Randolph – Day-to-day, precautionary knee MRI coming on Tuesday. Owners should cross fingers. Amare Stoudemire – Missed Monday with ankle injury, a little iffy for Wednesday. Eric Gordon – Missed another on Monday, targeting Wednesday vs. Philly. Watch for updates. Mike Conley – Said Monday he wants to play through ankle injury on Tuesday. Start at your own risk. DeMarcus Cousins – Traveling with team after meltdown and won’t start Tuesday. But should play. Chauncey Billups – Groin injury has kept him out of two straight. My guess is he’ll play Wednesday. Richard Hamilton – Practiced through groin on Monday and likely for Tuesday, but a risky fantasy start. Iman Shumpert – Targeting Wednesday return from knee injury and worth a look in deeper leagues. Ronny Turiaf – Broken hand and will miss five-to-six weeks, not that he had value in the first place. The Good Michael Beasley played through five stitches in the index finger of his shooting hand and had 19 points, five boards, three assists and two 3-pointers. Get him back in your lineup if you benched him after Sunday’s scare. And give him some credit, as he could have easily taken the night or week off. Marshon Brooks started the second half for the Nets and may be ready to replace Sundiata Gaines at shooting guard any day now. He had 21 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two 3-pointers in 32 minutes on Monday and should now be owned in all leagues. If he’s out there in yours, it’s because he had an off of just 12 minutes on Sunday. Outside of that disaster, he’s been money. Paul George bounced out of a slump to hit all five of his 3-pointers and finish with 21 points, a steal and block on 8-of-10 shooting Monday. I’m a huge fan and he should still be owned in all leagues going forward. Markieff Morris broke out for 16 points, nine boards and a 3-pointer in Monday’s win. He’ll still have to fight off Channing Frye and Hakim Warrick for minutes, but sure looks like an NBA player to me. Frye had 10 points and 10 boards, but if he doesn’t turn it on soon, Morris could easily steal his job. Put him on your watch list and pounce if he plays well against the Mavs on Wednesday. As for Frye, with all those bigs to fight for minutes with, it’s conceivable that you can drop him for someone who can help your team right now. Jarrett Jack blew up for 27 points, five boards, 11 assists, a steal, two blocks and a 3-pointer on 11-of-17 shooting Monday. This is the game I’ve been waiting for, so go make sure he’s not still sitting on waivers in your league. Al Harrington had 17 points, eight rebounds and another 3-pointer on Monday. He chose to come off the bench in the absence of Nene, but played well once again. Grab him if he’s still available. Jared Dudley hit 6-of-14 shots and two 3-pointers for 15 points, four rebounds and two assists in Monday's win over the Warriors. Dudley had 14 points and a three in his previous game, and scored 16 on Friday. That's three straight nice outings and it looks like the slump is over. Pick him up if you need a shooting guard or threes. Toney Douglas had 22 points, four boards, four assists and four 3-pointers last night and continues to be a very serviceable starting point guard. This could be the sell-high game you’ve been waiting for, as Baron Davis is lurking in the shadows. Andray Blatche owners have been wanting to drop him but there’s no arguing his talent. He turned it around with 28 points, nine boards, two steals and two blocks Monday, so make sure he’s not sitting on waivers in your league. He’ll be inconsistent, but potential lines like this make him worth holding onto. Ben Gordon had 26 points, six assists and two 3-pointers in Monday’s win and could be getting his confidence back. He’s starting for Detroit and is now worth a pickup in most, if not all leagues. Jonas Jerebko had eight points and 11 boards for the Pistons and is another hot player flying off waiver wires. If you’re thin at PF, grab him. Tracy McGrady dominated in a fourth quarter win over the Heat with 16 points, seven boards, four assists and three 3-pointers. He’s playing very well off the Hawks bench, but I’m still not ready to pick him up in 12-team leagues. The Owned Monta Ellis returned from a personal leave and double-doubled with 18 points, 11 assists, five rebounds, a steal, a block and a 3-pointer. Get him back in your lineup. Kevin Love is on fire and had his best line yet on Monday with 24 points, 15 boards, three steals, two blocks and four 3-pointers. I haven’t been the biggest fan of drafting Love at No. 3 or 4 this year, but am here to tell you I was wrong. Just don’t get used to those blocks and steals. As the leader of the JaVale McGee fan club I’m pretty giddy over his last two lines. He had 17 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks on 8-of-9 shooting against the Celtics on Monday after going for 16 points, 14 boards and five blocks on Sunday, also against the Celtics. It’s too bad the Wiz don’t play the centerless C’s every night. Serge Ibaka played an amazing 41 minutes last night and had 10 points, eight rebounds, a steal and two blocks. I’m not alone when I say “more minutes, please!” Stephen Jackson was better on Monday with 17 points, four assists, two steals and a 3-pointer, and he should be ready to finally get it going. Danilo Gallinari had 21 points, 10 rebounds and a three last night and is on his way to having a huge year after a sluggish start. Devin Harris had 19 points, five assists and three 3-pointers for the Jazz on Monday. He’s been terribly inconsistent, with the key word being ‘terrible.’ But owners should learn to take the good with the bad and stick with him until he gets injured. The Rest Rasual Butler had 13 points and 10 rebounds on Monday for the Raps, but ignore him for now. Luke Ridnour had 19 points, nine dimes and two 3-pointers for the Wolves, but don’t get too excited. Wes Johnson was 6-of-6 for 14 points, two 3-pointers, a steal and block for MIN. Monitor him. Ian Mahinmi had 10 points and nine boards off the Mavs bench. Keep an eye on him. Jason Smith had 16 points, eight boards, a steal and block. Landry was benched, so just watch him. The Bad Stephen Curry dealt with foul trouble and struggled for 10 points and two 3-pointers in just 23 minutes. His ankle looks fine and he couldn’t get it going or stay out of foul trouble yesterday. Keep him in your lineup. Dorell Wright hit rock bottom, missing all four of his shots and failing to score in a loss to the Suns. I really think his job is in jeopardy with Brandon Rush being the guy ready to steal it. Grab Rush if you have room and see what happens. If you drafted Wright, it’s still probably too early to cut him, but I would understand if you want to. I’m going to bench him for now and if Rush takes his job, may give him the boot. He’s easily the No. 1 fantasy bust after Week 1. Marcin Gortat played just 18 minutes for Phoenix and finished with five points, three rebounds and a block on Monday afternoon. The Suns played a small lineup for the second half and while I’m not ready to give up on Gortat, he may be hitting your waiver wire soon. And if he does and you need a center, grab him. He’s just not this bad. James Johnson was useless again on Monday, picking up five fouls in 11 minutes. He got off to a great two-game start this season, but has been really bad in three straight. There’s still a chance he takes Rasual Butler’s job in Toronto, but unless he drastically improves over the rest of the week, cut him loose. Jordan Crawford hit just 1-of-6 shots for five points on Monday, while starter Nick Young was 3-of-14 for 10 points. Both guys are going to eventually get it going consistently, but right now they’re more of a headache to own than anything else. Drop them for Ben Gordon or another hot free agent and let someone else deal with them. Just don’t be surprised if Crawford gets hot and goes crazy for a three-week stretch at some point. Josh Smith is struggling and I’ll simplify this by just posting our most recent blurb: “Smith, who has been dealing with swelling in his right knee, hit just 4-of-12 shots for nine points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a couple blocks in Atlanta's impressive win over the Heat on Monday. Maybe it's the knee, maybe it's the matchups (Chris Bosh tonight) or maybe he's being an unselfish player, but whatever the case, his numbers are down and owners are losing patience. His season high is just 15 points and he's scored in single digits in three of his five games. He was also shooting just 37% from the floor coming in and that number is heading south once tonight's dud is factored in, and his 1.3 blocks and 55% free throw shooting are equally as disappointing. There is no way he stays this bad as long as his knee issue is minor, and we're all for targeting him as a buy-low right now. The vine should be ripe for the picking.”! Marvin Williams was a recommendation this week due to the five games but he had just eight points, three boards and zero 3-pointers in 22 minutes. Let’s keep in mind he was facing LeBron James last night and he still has four games to get it turned around. But he’s been really quiet in his last two and owners should feel free to cut him loose if he doesn’t get it going again in the next four games. Before the drop off he was averaging about 14 points, eight boards and 1.5 threes per game. The Rest John Wall was 4-of-13 with seven turnovers Monday. Selling now would be the ultimate sell-low. Jameer Nelson was 1-of-5 for four points and five dimes. He’s inconsistent, but has no threat to his job. Jason Richardson was 1-of-5 for four points. He’ll get it turned around, but can you wait for him? Ryan Anderson had 13 points, six boards and a three. If this is bad, owners are in good shape. Anthony Morrow was 1-of-8 in 15 minutes and Marshon Brooks is coming. Dump him. DeJuan Blair hit just 2-of-9 shots in 28 minutes. Just chalk it up as an off night. Paul Millsap had six points and six boards. Timeshare with Favors is hurting him greatly. Derrick Favors came off the bench for nine points, five boards and two blocks. Timeshare is brutal. Ricky Rubio had just six points and three assists, but DO NOT CUT HIM. Jason Kidd was scoreless with 5 boards & 9 dimes. He is looking droppable to me. Arron Afflalo was 2-of-8 for four points. I still think he’ll bounce back, but cut him if you must. Carl Landry had 3 & 3 in 17 minutes. Inconsistency coming w/ Kaman/Jason Smith around. | 
