 | No finger? No problem - 02/15/2008
BY Steve Alexander Kobe
The biggest news to break yesterday was the fact that Kobe Bryant's finger injury is more than just a "tweak." He has a torn ligament as well as an avulsion fracture, which occurs at the place where the ligament pulls away part of the bone. Surgery would sideline Kobe for six weeks, but he is going to hold off on that and continue to play. If he played for the Heat, we're guessing his season would be close to being over, but he's having so much fun playing with Pau Gasol that he's just going to tape the hand up and get out there every night.
Kobe's status for the All-Star Game is still up in the air, although the latest I've heard is that he'll start and then not play much. He's already been replaced by Dirk Nowitzki in the Three-point shootout, and if he is scratched from the game, look for Deron Williams, or possibly Baron Davis, to replace him. Kobe's fantasy owners have dodged a bullet here, but now we'll have to sit and watch opposing teams take shots at his right hand all night long for the next couple months.
News and Notes
Josh Childress could miss some time after the break with a right knee injury, although my sources are telling me that he's fine, doesn't consider the injury a big deal and that he will be back right after the break.
Andrei Kirilenko has been playing th! rough a toe injury that appears to be limiting him. His numbers have been up and down all season, but the bottom line is that the guy is clocking in around fourth-round fantasy value because of his contributions in all categories, including from beyond the arc. The Jazz's remaining schedule is not the most appealing thing in weekly leagues, but four days of rest might be just what the doctor ordered for AK-47. Let's hope he stays in bed, and doesn't utilize his wife's "one night of freedom" this weekend.
Josh Howard missed last night's game with a back injury and will remain day-to-day. He might give owners in weekly leagues a choice to make for next week, but it sounds like he's going to be fine. Devean George played a game-high 43 minutes last night, finishing with seven points. Is ! it just me, or is it really weird that the Mavs continue to run these guys who were involved in the trade out there? I still think George is going to change his mind and agree to let the Jason Kidd trade to go through. He's looking for some extra cash and figuring out what kind of leverage he has, but the only sports personality more hated in his home state right now is Kelvin Sampson, the Indiana coach who is about to be thrown to the wolves by IU and the NCAA. Mavs' G/F Eddie Jones says he's not going to take George's place in the trade, saying "there is no next stop for me." Mark Cuban is probably about ready to come unglued.
Daniel Gibson plans on participating in All-Star Weekend d! espite missing the last four Cavs' games with a hamstring inju! ry. He' ll be shooting threes and playing in the Rookie Challenge game, which means he should be ready to go next week. His return could cool off the suddenly hot Larry Hughes, if he doesn't aggravate the injury this weekend.
Glen Davis has a bone bruise on his knee for the Celtics, while Brian Scalabrine suffered a groin injury in his last game. Hopefully Kevin Garnett is back right after the break and we can stop the scrub madness in Boston.
The Knicks and Nuggets are reportedly having some discussions about Zach Randolph, but I have a hard time believing the Knicks are going to be able to move Z-Bo or Eddy Curry, as owner James Dolan isn't going to let Isiah take back the bad contracts that they can be moved for.
Shaun Livingston (knee) and Elton Brand (Achilles) still haven't begun practicing for the Clippers, and it's starting to sound like Livingston is a real long shot to play this season. If you're still holding him for some reason, it's probably time to let go.
Rockets' bench rider Kirk Snyder has asked to be traded, or at least says he wouldn't mind being dealt. He's appeared in! just nine games this season.
Richard Jefferson has been accused of choking a bar patron in Minneapolis back in January, while Darius Miles has likely played his last game for the Blazers. John Canzano of the Oregonian breaks him down in Friday's paper, although I didn't really see a news blurb in there. Just makes for a good read.
Thursday's Games
Kirk Hinrich scored 24 off the bench, Thabo Sefolosha had 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Tyrus Thomas had 10 points, 12 boards and four blocks in a start for Ben Wallace as the Bulls beat the Heat on Thursday. The Heat have now lost nine straight and 24 of their last 25 games, but at least Dwyane Wade (30 points) and Shawn Marion (23 points and a full stat sheet) are playing well. Hinrich will return to the starting five next week after coming off the bench in his last two games while recovering from a rib injury. Wallace was out due to a death in the family.
The Suns waxed the Mavs last night despite 36 points and 12 rebounds from Dirk Nowitzki, while Jason Terry continued his recent strong play with 29 p! oints and three treys. It's amazing how much better Dirk look! s when H oward's not around. Brian Skinner missed his first game of the season for the Suns with the flu, while Leandro Barbosa and Amare Stoudemire each scored 26, although Amare had just three rebounds. Boris Diaw had 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, a steal and a three blocks on 9-of-12 shooting, but should be heading to the bench with Shaquille O'Neal scheduled to make his Suns' debut on Wednesday.
All-Star Weekend Schedule
Friday
McDonald's Celebrity Game 7-9 p.m.
Rookie Challenge Game 9-11 p.m.
Saturday
D-League All-Star Game 3-5:30 p! .m.
All-Star Saturday Night 8-11 p.m. (Dunk, Skills Challenge, 3-Point, Shooting Stars)
Sunday
57th NBA All-Star Game 8 p.m.
Monday
No Games Scheduled | | This e-mail is being sent at your request. To stop receiving these e-mails, click here. | |