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Rob Blackstien
The Daily Dose
March 31, 2007
Stick a Fork in Z-Bo
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What a week it's been for Zach Randolph and his owners. Just last Saturday, I was writing about Z-Bo's strip club adventures during his bereavement leave and how they had cost him his starting job.

Well, last Sunday – during the one game he spent coming off the bench (a move made, of course, for strategic reasons and one that had nothing to do with Randolph's discretions) – he hurt his hand.

The injury was obviously deemed minor enough that it wasn't even reported. And any concern that he might have been hurt was surely made moot when Z-Bo exploded on Thursday for a career-high 43 points and a season-tying high of 17 boards. Yes, he had extra padding on his hand, but who goes off like that with a badly injured hand?

But obviously Randolph's hand was badly injured as Friday he underwent surgery to repair ligaments and remove bone fragments. You can now officially stick a fork in Z-Bo's season, although with a career-high 23.6 PPG, it has to be deemed a success notwithstanding the events of the past few days.

This leaves some major minutes to disperse in the Portland frontcourt. Jamaal Magloire will likely shift into the starting lineup, but of greater interest is the extra PT that LaMarcus Aldridge and Travis Outlaw will receive.

So while Z-Bo owners are left to ponder their whirlwind week, the Dose checks in with the rest of the injury updates from Friday night, including the latest on Paul Pierce, Josh Howard, Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, Richard Hamilton, Jermaine O'Neal, Corey Maggette, Jason Kapono, Vince Carter, Peja Stojakovic, Quentin Richardson, Dark Milicic, Kevin Martin and DeShawn Stevenson.

Boston Celtics

With Paul Pierce missing Friday's game because of his elbow injury (but don't worry, apparently this doesn't mean he's shutting it down for the season), Boston was down to nine players for the game and sophomore Ryan Gomes, at the age of 24, was the old man of the bunch. With such a young core group, there are better days ahead, Celtics fans. So Gerald Green started for Pierce, but early foul trouble limited his effectiveness. Watch to see if Green continues to start for the Truth going forward. Delonte West looked good, pitching in with a little bit of everything.

Charlotte Bobcats

Adam Morrison was a complete non-factor last night, and didn't even play after halftime. He's lost PT to Walter Herrmann, who not only looks locked in (career-high 23 on Friday), but can even play some D. The return of Derek Anderson also cut into Morrison's minutes, so cut the rook, and hope he doesn't cry on his way to the waiver wire. Emeka Okafor had a nice line, but what's with the shooting? Three for 15? It's not like this guy is loading up from downtown. Gerald Wallace looks like he's aiming for back-to-back Eastern Conference Player of the Week Awards. Othella Harrington is likely done for the year because of torn knee cartilage. I sure hope that doesn't wreck your weekend.

Dallas Mavericks

Who would have thought with all the talk this year that Penny Hardaway or Scottie Pippen would return to the court, that Kevin Willis may wind up being the biggest comeback story of the year. He's been working out with the Mavs and appears close to signing a 10-day contract, which would make him the oldest NBA player in history at the age of 44. I got a chance to see Willis play recently and he absolutely overpowered his opponent. Of course, that was on Pros vs. Joes. Maybe the Mavs saw the same show and decided to give him another look as they seek a third center. Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard were both able to play through ankle injuries last night, but Howard says his ankle and groin are still sore, so I doubt we've heard the end of this. Devean George is going to be able to play back-to-backs going forward.

Denver Nuggets

Marcus Camby had to briefly leave the game Friday after banging knees with Shawn Marion. This seems like a minor issue, but this is the Cambyman, who snaps like a candy cane at the most minute ailment. Denver's injury woes continued with Allen Iverson aggravating his elbow injury and Carmelo Anthony having to come out early because of ankle sprain. 'Melo was having a huge game before he got hurt, yet neither Denver paper offers reports on his status other than to say he'll be evaluated today, so you'll have to check back later this afternoon for an update. Unfortunately, the same applies to Iverson, as there's been no update offered about his status for next game.

Detroit Pistons

Since when does the flu knock you out for four games? Any other Richard Hamilton owners out there getting a bit frustrated? Hello? Don't the Pistons have a medical cabinet? Even fragile Chris Webber was able to shake this off faster than Rip. Hamilton is supposed to get some work in at practice today, but he'll be a game-time decision at best on Sunday. Flip Murray started for Hamilton last night, but did nothing. Chauncey Billups, however, was an absolute stud, especially from the charity stripe. With Rip out, Tayshaun Prince has been stepping up with some huge lines lately.

Golden St. Warriors

A strained back almost caused Monta Ellis to miss Thursday's game, but he was able to play and expects to practice today, so let's hope we've heard the last of this.

Houston Rockets

A shoulder injury sidelined Luther Head Friday, the first game he's missed all season. Yao Ming was quite studly last night, going off for 39 points with 11 rebounds and four blocks. That's three times in the past 14 he's managed 30 or more as the big man's offense is rounding into form just in time for the playoffs.

Indiana Pacers

Jermaine O'Neal was back in action Friday. That's the good news. The bad news was he was horrific, managing just 4-of-18 for 10 points and only three boards. Yes, I know they are just two games back of the eighth spot in the East, but the Pacers need to shut this guy down. I mean, come on, with just two wins in their last 19, they are not exactly making a playoff push. Jamaal Tinsley racked up 27 points last night, but it took him 20 shots to do so, which usually spells disaster for the Pacers. Still, what's up with him pulling down 10 boards? Not what you expect out of a guard not named Jason Kidd. Things have gone so well for Darrell Armstrong this season that he's decided to play again in 2007-08. That doesn't mean he should be on your draft list, however.

L.A. Clippers

Sam Cassell was back in action Friday, if you want to call playing six minutes "action." Jason Hart is looking better and better all the time. Chris Kaman bounced back from an off game with a double-double. Cuttino Mobley was lighting it up with 26 points and four treys, but that's all he brought the table, putting up goose eggs in boards, blocks, assists and steals. Corey Maggette suffered a chest injury last night, yet was able to play 39 minutes. There's a chance he'll miss Saturday's game, but we'd expect it to be a game-time decision.

L.A. Lakers

Kwame Brown looks healthy now and that's bad news for Andrew Bynum. You'll have to think twice about using Bynum next week. Kobe Bryant exploded for his 19th career 50-point game, but it wasn't enough to carry the Lakers this time.

Memphis Grizzlies

Looking for some offense? Try Tarance Kinsey, who's having a nice run and put up another 20 points on Friday. Hakim Warrick is also looking huge right now, so give him some consideration as a nice play for the remainder of the season.

Miami Heat

Udonis Haslem and Jason Williams each put up double-doubles, but the Heat really spread it out, with all five starters scoring at least 15 in an easy win over Minny. Gary Payton was dressed, but didn't play. His strained groin muscle will keep him as constant day-to-day for the rest of the year. Jason Kapono was supposedly ready to play Friday, but he didn't. At this point, see what happens Sunday before assessing his usefulness for next week.

Milwaukee Bucks

Ersan Ilyasova will be getting plenty of burn down the stretch with the Milwaukee frontcourt in tatters, but he needs to show more than he did last night. Michael Redd sure had a quiet night as well. Dan Gadzuric is supposed to be back Sunday and that should help the Buck frontcourt situation. Gadzuric might provide some help in blocks.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The T-Wolves are scuffling to the finish line, losing their third straight last night. But don't try to pin this loss on KG – he exploded for 22 points and 20 boards. We're still not sure what kind of minutes Garnett will get down the stretch, but for now he's looking fantastic.

New Jersey Nets

Vince Carter banged knees with another player and had to briefly come out of the game last night. It didn't stop him from having a big night, although he shot poorly (9-of-25). Big surprise that he gave his owners a scare over nothing. I'm sure we've never seen Carter do that before. Carter says if he could walk, he will play. Pretty tough talk for Vince. Josh Boone won't be sitting on the waiver wires too much longer after a third straight big game Friday.

NOK Hornets

Peja Stojakovic suffered a setback in his attempt to return from back surgery when he couldn't finish practice on Friday. The team has been working to get him ready to play today, but obviously that's not going to happen. In fact, it's not looking good for Peja at all now. Coach Scott hasn't even updated his Vegas odds on Stojakovic's return date. If you've been hanging on to Stojakovic, go ahead and find someone else. Bobby Jackson, out the past five games because of his Achilles' tendon, was able to practice Friday, but he's still listed as questionable for today's game. Tyson Chandler had to miss practice because of a variety of health issues including a sore toe. From the sounds of it, however, he should be fine to play Saturday.

New York Knicks

To the surprise of no one, Quentin Richardson's season is over. Hopefully this back surgery he's undergone will once and for all end his woes. He'll be recovered in plenty of time for training camp. Nate Robinson started with Steve Francis out and he pitched in with 15 points. Despite a late turnover that was very costly, Stephon Marbury brought it on Friday, going off for a season-best 43 points.

Orlando Magic

Darko must still be limited by that thigh injury, as other than pulling down six rebounds, he did almost nothing Friday. Trevor Ariza was back after leaving early last game because of a migraine and his shot was dropping. Dwight Howard stopped Jermaine O'Neal, but didn't exactly get his own game going. Grant Hill put on a show in the fourth quarter to lead the team to victory.

Philadelphia 76ers

Joe Smith was back last night after missing the previous game because of a personal matter. You could do worse if you're looking for boards. Willie Green has missed two straight because of his sore knee and he may very well skip another today against the Knicks as Philadelphia would be wise to err on the side of caution.

Phoenix Suns

Kurt Thomas got the start Friday, sending Boris Diaw to the bench. This move hurts Diaw more than it helps Thomas. Shawn Marion must have read how I dissed him in my last column as he finally came through with a huge night. Unfortunately, Amare Stoudemire must have eaten the Matrix pre-game meal, as he disappeared after his recent hot streak.

Sacramento Kings

Brad Miller was back after missing the past three because of his ongoing foot issues. He came through with nine points and nine boards and would be a nice pickup if you knew he was going to stick in the lineup. But that seems like a remote possibility. Kenny Thomas was also back last night, but he played only four minutes and failed to score. Better news for the Kings: Kevin Martin was able top play after hurting his eye last game and he did look good.

San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker were up to their usual tricks last night, leading the Spurs past Utah. Brent Barry, however, disappeared after a nice game in his last outing. When your game is predicated on outside shooting, you'll be prone to stinkers like last night's scoreless effort by Barry. Robert Horry was back, but he aggravated his abdominal injury. Regardless, he hopes to play on Sunday.

Seattle Sonics

Chris Wilcox was ineffective Friday, while Johan Petro came through with a career-best 22 points. Nick Collison also had a nice night, but figuring out which Seattle big man has value is tricky business. Luke Ridnour finally outplayed Earl Watson, but wait until this looks like a trend before declaring Luke as the more valuable PG. Andre Brown may need to undergo surgery for his busted nose, but he had no fantasy value even when his nose was pretty.

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors switched things up last night, moving Joey Graham into the starting lineup at SF, shifting Anthony Parker back to the two-guard spot and Juan Dixon to the bench. It made sense so they could use Parker to help defend Gilbert Arenas, and it certainly worked like a charm as Graham enjoyed a huge night. Even coming off the bench, Dixon contributed in his return to DC and he nailed a big three to help the Raptors get back in the game. Morris Peterson, however, was the hero when he threw up a desperation heave at the buzzer to send the game into OT. Not bad, considering it was the only touch he had on the night in less than a minute of action. In overtime, Chris Bosh took complete control of the game, and overall, he had one of his finest nights of the season. This game had a real playoff feel to it, so if you have chance to check out the highlights, I'd recommend it.

Utah Jazz

Gordan Giricek returned from his rib injury, sustained when he was hit by a Mack truck…err…Samuel Dalembert, but he didn't exactly look sharp Friday. Paul Millsap has a tendon that's detached from a bone in his pinkie finger, yet he's playing on. Matt Harpring will fly to Houston and play tomorrow night. Andrei Kirilenko jammed his thumb last night but he taped it up and got back out there. X-rays were negative and Ak-47 expects to play Sunday.

Washington Wizards

DeShawn Stevenson hurt his hand on a hard fall Friday and the way he bolted to the dressing room, it sure looked bad. But he was back in action within a few minutes, and wound up enjoying a very nice game with a double-double. Stevenson's had good value of late since he started getting his shot off with more regularity. How did Washington lose last night? The Wizards literally threw the game away when Michael Ruffin tried to kill the clock by hurling the ball in the air. The botched idea resulted in an unbelievable prayer shot dropping for the Raptors to send it into OT, where Toronto took care of business for a huge win.



 

Rob Blackstien runs www.RotoRob.com, a site featuring daily fantasy sports analysis. In addition to his baseball work on the site, he contributes to Rotoworld’s basketball coverage. Rob also writes for CREATiVESPORTS.com, BaseballNotebook.com and has contributed to Rotoman’s Fantasy Baseball Guide and Fantasy Football Guide.
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