Because of the SuperBore yesterday, there wasn’t much NBA action in terms of on-court play. But, as always, there was much news on the NBA injury report.
The leading headline being Michael Carter-Williams‘ continued injury woes as he is questionable for today’s game with a shoulder injury. 76ers coach Brett Brown explained that it wasn’t a specific incident that caused the shoulder problem but rather it’s the compounded result of a long NBA season. The team might keep him out as a precautionary measure, which the team has been doing all year with MCW, and is exactly in line with XN Sports’ Be Wary Of Transcendent Rookies On Bad Teams rule. If you can, sell high ASAP on MCW and be wary of the Michael Carter-Williams Effect wherever it may be taking hold.
Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder) – See above. Game-time decision against the Nets.
DeMarcus Cousins (ankle) – Boogie has been a beast who is at his best when playing b-ball. A little alliteration anyone? But he hasn’t been able to be at his best with an ankle ailment that has forced him out for six games now. Word persists, however, that he takes the court today once more.
Anderson Varejao (knee) – The bouncy-haired Brazilian has been a fantasy stud since Andrew Bynum became a wise investment piece for the Bulls. He’s listed as a DFS value play by XN scribe Josh Collacchi, which he very much is, but only if he sees playing time. He’s listed as a game-time decision.
Kemba Walker (ankle) – Big Al Jefferson has made up for Walker’s absence in troves. But the Cats surely miss the hot-scoring point guard who has missed the last seven games but who was able to practice today and could play tomorrow.
Ty Lawson (shoulder) – The pinball point is ready to suit up tonight. Put him in your starting unit.
Pau Gasol (groin) – The fact that Gasol won’t travel in L.A.’s three-game trip doesn’t bode well for his owners and certainly adds credence to rumors that the Suns are actively chasing the former NBA champ.
Derrick Favors (hip) – In a three-game week for the Jazz, any missed playing time for Favors is not a welcome revelation. But, unfortunately, that looks to be the reality for his fantasy owners as he’s highly doubtful for today’s contest.
Shawn Marion (shoulder) – A below-the-radar fantasy stud, Mario has been on the low-end of his value in recent months which is surely to blame on his bothersome shoulder trouble as of late. He’s considered a bench call for today.
Andray Blatche (hip) – Blatche has been a nice waiver wire option in the past few weeks but remains a game-time decision today. Seeing as how the Nets will be taking on the tanking 76ers tonight there’s little chance Blatche plays.
