The Daily Dose: Dose: Trade Deadline Day!
By the time you read this on Thursday, it’s possible it’s outdated. Then again, that depends on how early you get out of bed. I’m writing this in the middle of the night on Thursday morning and include the latest trade rumors and NBA injury news as the Trade Deadline quickly approaches. I will also be live blogging the trade deadline news today, so the NBA Season Pass live chat will not be happening on Thursday at 1 p.m. Jared will be doing one on Friday, so be sure to check that one out.
Injury News
Chris Bosh has been ruled out for the Heat on Friday with his calf issue and make no mistake – his season is in jeopardy due to a possible blood clot and blood thinners. If he’s out, Amare Stoudemire is in play in DFS leagues the rest of the way, and possibly standard leagues. Center Hassan Whiteside is also suspended for Friday’s game, which should mean even more goodies for Stoudemire in DFS, along with Justise Winslow, and possibly Josh McRoberts and Udonis Haslem. But I don’t trust those latter two, at all.
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Taj Gibson is expected to start for the Bulls on Thursday, assuming he’s not traded earlier in the day. He was in the hospital before the All-Star break but appears to be healthy and ready to go. Bad news if you were hoping for a Bobby Portis explosion tonight. And with Jimmy Butler still out, Mike Dunleavy should also start for the Bulls, so just keep an eye on him. Nikola Mirotic is still not due back for another few weeks.
Denver’s Jameer Nelson has no return date from his wrist injury and could need surgery. That is good news for Emmanuel Mudiay, assuming the Nuggets don’t make a trade for another point guard.
Andre Roberson (knee) could return any day for the Thunder, so Dion Waiters could be on a short leash.
Brandan Wright is due back any day for the Grizzlies, and if they don’t make a trade for a center, he could become ‘the man’ in the middle for Memphis. He’s worth stashing until we see what happens. In case you missed it, Marc Gasol is likely out for the season with a broken foot.
Kings F Omri Casspi is dealing with some wisdom teeth problems and hasn’t been great since returning his back injury. However, he could get hot at any time and is still a nice player to own in any league. Watch for news on his status for Friday.
Suns guard Ronnie Price (toe surgery) could play on Friday against the Rockets, which could impact Archie Goodwin and/or Devin Booker. However, he hasn’t played in a long time and I still think Archie and Booker are good options on Friday. Brandon Knight (groin) didn’t practice on Wednesday and still doesn’t have a return date in mind. Additionally, he’s been linked in some trade rumors, and I still think Goodwin and Booker are must-owns. I don’t believe Knight will come back and ruin Goodwin, either way. But Knight could limit him some if a return for the Suns does happen. Mirza Teletovic and P.J. Tucker could also be moved by the Suns, along with disgruntled Markieff Morris.
This isn’t injury related, but Zach LaVine and Tayshaun Prince could alternate starts for the Wolves’ final 28 games. LaVine is a must-own player at this point, while Prince is a “must not own” player. Center Nikola Pekovic (ankle) didn’t practice on Wednesday and I’m hoping that Sam Mitchell moves forward with a focus on Gorgui Dieng and Karl-Anthony Towns. Both are must-own players, while I just don’t see Pekovic being worth a hold right now. Kevin Garnett (knee) didn’t practice either, which is another good sign for Dieng. Kevin Martin (wrist) is a trade candidate and also practiced on Wednesday. His return could limit LaVine, but I’m not concerned about it.
Hornets’ center Al Jefferson (knee) is hoping to play on Friday, but I don’t see him ruining the value of Cody Zeller. However, if the Hornets get him back, it will at least limit the minutes of Zeller, so tread carefully. I wouldn’t be surprised if Big Al returns and then gets hurt again soon after.
Terrence Jones is still dealing with a concussion and isn’t likely to play for the Rockets on Friday. That should mean more minutes for Clint Capela and Josh Smith, and Jones is still a top candidate to be traded by Houston. Meanwhile, Capela is a decent stash right now in the hope that Dwight Howard will be traded by the Rockets.
Jae Crowder says his ankle feels great and he should ready to go for the Celtics. If you were leery of putting him in your lineup, go ahead and do it. Kelly Olynyk is going to have a second opinion on his shoulder injury, which tells me he could be done for the season. Either way, Jared Sullinger is who you want to own as the center in Boston right now.
Larry Nance is due back for the Lakers on Friday, but Julius Randle still looks like the starter. Randle should be owned in all leagues, while Nance just deserves a watchful eye if coming off the bench.
Tiago Splitter is expected to miss the next eight months for the Hawks after undergoing hip surgery next week. If the Hawks don’t make a trade, Mike Muscala could see some extra minutes.
Trade Talk
Tobias Harris was traded to the Pistons on Tuesday in exchange for Ersan Ilyasova and Brandon Jennings, who will now play for former coach Scott Skiles in Orlando. Harris is expected to come off the bench for the next three games, which should mean good things for new starter Anthony Tolliver, but I’m only interested in him in DFS leagues. And for the Magic, Evan Fournier should continue to start at SF for the Magic, while Victor Oladipo is reportedly not being shopped by the Magic. Aaron Gordon is a must-own player at this point, while Ilyasova should take a value hit coming off the bench in Orlando.
Courtney Lee was traded from the Magic to the Hornets for P.J. Hairston, Brian Roberts and two second-round picks on Tuesday. Lee is expected to start for the Hornets on Friday, which is not great news for Jeremy Lin. With Michael Kidd-Gilchrist out for the season, both Lin and Lee are worth a look in fantasy.
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