LeBron James' decision to return to Cleveland in 2014 hinges on Kyrie Irving

LeBron James' decision to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 could hinge on Dwyane Wade and Kyrie Irving.

Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported that as "Dwyane Wade pushes into his 30s, past his prime, Cleveland's Kyrie Irving will emerge as the planet's preeminent point guard in two years." And the thought of teaming with Uncle Drew could have a strong appeal to James.
Also pulling James back to Cleveland is his agent and friend, Rich Paul, who Woj says "has been privately telling people for two years of his intrigue with bringing the prodigal son back as the conquering hero in Cleveland."

Part of the appeal to James' crew is that the Miami Heat haven't allowed them free reign in South Beach. 

The call is ultimately James' to make but his confidants will be pushing him to return home.

We've heard these rumors before, and James usually refutes them with statements about how happy he is in Miami. We've yet to hear him say so in a while.

Two more championship years in Miami may further endear him to the Florida franchise. That and the franchise's commitment to winning.

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Dirk Nowitzki misses Thursday night's game with thigh injury

Dirk Nowitzki missed Thursday's game with the Golden State Warriors due to a right adductor strain. The Mavs' Earl K. Sneed offered today's anatomy lesson: The adductor is a muscle in the thigh.

No word on how much time he'll miss. Also missing the Warriors-Mavs game: Stephen Curry with his bad ankle and Chris Kaman with a concussion.

Dirk Nowitzki is out vs. the Warriors with a right adductor strain, per @mavspr.
— Earl K. Sneed (@EKS_MavsNBA) February 1, 2013

So to recap: no Steph Curry (right ankle sprain), no Dirk Nowitzki (right adductor strain) and Chris Kaman (concussion) is back in Dallas.
— Earl K. Sneed (@EKS_MavsNBA) February 1, 2013

Photo: Nowitzki's Facebook.

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Jerry Bayless scores 23, dishes 6 assists; Mike Conley returns

Jerryd Bayless is burning up. His scorching pace continued Thursday with a 23-point outburst.

Bayless hit 9-of-17 shots with two 3-pointers. He added three rebounds, six assists and a steal in 40 minutes. He's been incredible in his previous three games. There are a few reasons: 1) the trade of Wayne Ellington and Josh Selby 2) Mike Conley's ankle injury 3) Rudy Gay's trade. Is this sustainable? 
I believe Bayless can retain some of his fantasy value by picking up the reserve minutes.  He's played no fewer than 30 minutes in the last four games. And his minutes have increased in each of those games.

Bayless is 15 percent owned in Yahoo. He's on the radar, but keep an eye on how he's used once Tayshaun Prince joins the fold. Bayless should keep getting 30 minutes. If so, he's worth adding.

Mike Conley looked good returning from an ankle sprain. Conley played 38 minutes, scored 17 points, dished four assists and swiped three steals. Looks like he's good to go. 

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Brandon Roy suffers a setback in his knee, return in question

Brandon Roy's career appears to be in jeopardy again after another setback with his surgically repaired right knee.

Roy signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the off-season. He played five games before suffering a knee injury, and now his return to the hardwood is uncertain.
The Associated Press reported that Roy gave a status update on his knee, which underwent arthroscopic surgery in December. Roy said he was feeling good ... so good that he was close to playing in a game. But pain in his knee last Saturday derailed his comeback.

Roy reportedly still wants to play this season. There isn't a timetable for him to get back on the court.

Don't count on Roy coming back, though. He should not be owned in any fantasy leagues.

Photo: Roy's Facebook. 

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WrestleMania 30 coming to this year's Super Bowl site?

Professional wrestling's showcase of the immortals could be coming to the site of this year's Super Bowl. WrestleMania XXX is likely to be held at the Superdome in New Orleans, according to the Wrestling Observer (subscription required and strongly encouraged).

The announcement is reportedly expected to come in February in conjunction with the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, which is being held in NOLA.
There hasn't been a wrestling show in the Superdome in about 14 years, the Observer says. The last show: WCW Monday Nitro on June 21, 1999.

The Superdome seats 72,003.

Photo: WWE.com.

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The Rock takes time out from saving the world to get a gallon of milk (video)

The Rock must have really needed a gallon of milk. The Brahma Bull's Super Bowl commercial is likely to be about as polarizing as victory over CM Punk at the Royal Rumble.

I really like the commercial. The Rock is at his likeable best. He's not calling the lion or bank robbers Twinkie tits. That's a plus.

Now if we could just get the new WWE Champion a movie deal to fight some aliens, all will be right with the world.

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Josh Smith trade rumors: The Phoenix Suns want him

The Phoenix Suns are trying to land Josh Smith. J-Smoove is so high on the Suns' wish list that the team will either trade for him during the season or attempt a sign-and-trade in the offseason, according to NBA writer Alex Kennedy.

Who would the Suns offer Atlanta? Just about anyone on the roster not named Goran Dragic.
 Marcin Gortat? Yep. Jared Dudley? Uh huh. Michael Beasley? Sure, why not? And there's any number of players on expiring contracts and draft picks.

Smith and his agent are expected to meet with the Hawks' brass this week to discuss his future. It's not clear whether Smith will request a trade.

The Suns aren't alone in their pursuit of Smith: the Houston Rockets, Charlotte Bobcats and Dallas Mavericks would all like to give the power forward a new home.

UPDATE: And now the reports of the Suns being interested in Smith are being disputed by a Phoenix sports talker:

@alexkennedynba @ryguyaz I triple checked it, Suns have NO interest in Josh Smith. And have never even had a conversation with ATL about him
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo620) February 1, 2013

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Dwight Howard aggravates shoulder injury, doesn't return

Dwight Howard has aggravated his right shoulder injury again. D12 left in the fourth quarter and didn't return. And the Lakers got beat by the Phoenix Suns.

Howard will be evaluated Thursday and his status for Friday at Minnesota is up in the air, ESPN reported. If Howard can't go, Pau Gasol gets a boost.
Howard, icing his shoulder and applying kinesiology tape to the joint, told reporters: "It's real sore. Everything on [the right] side [of my body] is hurting pretty bad right now."

As far as surgery, Howard told reporters "not right now."

Howard finished Wednesday's loss with nine points, 14 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block in 29 minutes.

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Andrea Bargnani is officially on the trading block, the Toronto Raptors say

Andrea Bargnani's future isn't in Toronto. On the same day that the Raptors acquired Rudy Gay, the franchise acknowledged that the former No. 1 pick is on the block.

Raptors beat writer Eric Koreen picked up on Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo's admission to NBA TV that the team is actively shopping Bargnani but won't give him up for just anybody. So NBA teams, send your best offers because it sounds like Bargnani would be open to new surroundings.
This seemed inevitable after the Raptors traded for Rudy Gay. Toronto still has a glut of big men, and moving Bargnani is the most logical move at this point.

Colangelo told NBA TV he's shopping Andrea Bargnani. Has talked with agent about moving him, but won't just trade him to trade him.
— Eric Koreen (@ekoreen) January 31, 2013

"I'm not saying he's asked for a trade, but he certainly would not fight or resist a [new] situation..."
— Eric Koreen (@ekoreen) January 31, 2013

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Vince McMahon really needed hip surgery, so Brock Lesnar F5ed him

After initially reporting that Vince McMahon had broken his pelvis, WWE.com is now reporting that Mr. McMahon's left hip was broken in the attack by Brock Lesnar. Well, there's some truth to this.

Mr. McMahon does need hip surgery. But it's not due to Lesnar's F5 on Monday Night Raw. The Wrestling Observer (subscrition required), reports that he's legit injured.


Via the Observer: 

"Vince McMahon is legitimately getting surgery on his left hip shortly. The angle with Lesnar was a storyline reason to give him a reason for it. He’s had the bad hip for some time."

Get ready for Triple H to come back to defend the McMahon family's honor.

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CM Punk's loss to The Rock was the worst part of the week for man shot in the eye during robbery

Thomas Dotterer was shot in the eye during a liquor store robbery. The 77-year-old high school basketball coach returned to work at the store in less than a week. That's remarkable. So is Dotterer's love of former WWE Champion CM Punk.

Even after getting shot and being in critical condition, Dotterer could still joke that the near-death experience wasn't the worst part of his week. It was Punk's loss to The Rock at the Royal Rumble.

"That's the worst thing that happened to me all week, the Rock beat Punk," Dotterer told WSYR TV news. "Did you know that?"

Yep, we did. Dotterer's story was so unreal that he caught the attention of the Second City Saint.

Tom Dotterer is amazing. He's got my respect.If he needs anything from me let me know. @jamesgaddis @heymanhustle
— CM Punk (@CMPunk) January 30, 2013

Amazing, indeed.

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Derrick Rose participates in full-contact practice; Carlos Boozer misses game

Derrick Rose's return is getting closer. ESPN Chicago reported that D-Rose is participating in full contact practices and "and the only thing left in his return from ACL surgery is putting in more time and then getting acclimated to a game situation."

"He can do all the cutting, he can do shooting, he can go off the dribble," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. "So it's just a matter of him getting acclimated to playing in a game situation."

Rose is targeting a return around the all-star break. Expect the Bulls to treat Rose with kid gloves. 
Carlos Boozer missed Wednesday's game with a sore hamstring, according to Bulls beat writer K.C. Johnson. Taj Gibson started and scored 14 points with nine rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks in 34 minutes. Gibson is a strong spot start with Boozer out.

Jimmy Butler cotinued to cut into Rip Hamilton's minutes. Butler played 27 strong minutes going for 18 points (8-12 FG, 1-2 FT), a three, six rebounds and two steals. Hamilton scored 10 points and dished three assists.

After starting 123 straight regular-season games, Carlos Boozer sits with sore right hamstring. Taj Gibson starts vs. Bucks. #Bulls
— K.C Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 31, 2013

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Glen Davis breaks foot Wednesday; season in jeopardy?

"Big Baby" Glen Davis broke his foot in Wednesday's loss to the New York Knicks. Davis played four minutes (two points and three assists).

No word on how long he's going to be out, but this could be the end of Big Baby's season. Magic beat writer Joshua Robbins says it's unclear if the injury will require surgery.

This could be a chance for Gustavo Ayon or Andrew Nicholson to get more court time.

Glen Davis has a broken foot, JVaughn said.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) January 31, 2013

Unclear whether Glen Davis will require surgery on his fractured foot. He's en route to Orlando and he'll be examined.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) January 31, 2013

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James Harden trades a member of his entourage to Kris Humphries (video)

James Harden apparently wants you to wear a new pair of shoes every day. Even if you don't have the budge of a max-contract NBA player. So he's trading members of his entourage to, gasp, Kris Humphries.

Poor, Maurice.

A pretty fun spot from Foot Locker. If you're Humphries, cash those checks while you can.

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The Rock gives a sneak peek at his Super Bowl commercial (photo)

The most dangerous Super Bowl commercial of all time!Real lions. Real jammies. #GotMilk #SB47 twitter.com/TheRock/status…
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) January 30, 2013

New WWE Champion The Rock gave a sneak peek at his Super Bowl commercial on his Twiter with this photo.

The Brahma Bull wrote: "The most dangerous Super Bowl commercial of all time! Real lions. Real jammies. #GotMilk #SB47"

The Rock isn't the first WWE star to appear in a Got Milk? ad.
Oh, hell yeah. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin traded in his beers for a cup of moo juice.

The rivalry lives on.

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El Generico is officially coming to WWE

El Generico is on his way to WWE. The Canadian-Mexican luchador has officially signed with the biggest wrestling company in the world, according to Slam Sports.

The Generic Luchador will be heading to WWE's developmental territory in Florida. There's still no word on whether Generico will be unmasked. WWE should keep a) keep him masked and b) give him a new name so they own the rights to it.

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Eric Gordon to sit out back-to-back game; Gordon Hayward also out

Eric Gordon won't be playing in back-to-back games for the forseeable future.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported that Gordon will miss Wednesday's game with the Utah Jazz and will continue to sit out the back-half of consecutive games. It's hard to blame them with Gordon's shaky knees.
In Tuesday night's loss to the Lakers, Gordon scored 25 points and hit six 3-pointers.

Another Gordon, Gordon Hayward, won't play due to an injured shoulder. 

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Jason Kidd and Arron Afflalo out of Knicks-Magic game

The New York Knicks will be without Jason Kidd for Wednesday's game with the Orlando Magic.

NBA.com reported that Kidd's sore lower back, which sidelined him for the second half of Sunday's win over Atlanta, will keep him out. Raymond Felton will start.

The Magic will also be shorthanded, too. Arron Afflalo will miss his second game with a strained left calf. Moe Harkless will likely start.

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Kyle Lowry expected back Wednesday, becomes must-own player with Jose Calderon traded

Kyle Lowry's value just exploded with the news that Jose Calderon is being shipped out of Toronto. Lowry is expected to return after missing Monday's game with back spasms.

I guess we can put the Lowry trade rumors to rest.

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Bradley Beal out Wednesday with sore wrist

Bradley Beal's sore wrist will sideline him on Wednesday, according to the Wizards' Twitter.

The rookie shooter is day-to-day. Garrett Temple will start.

Bradley Beal will miss tonight's game vs. the Sixers (wrist) #WizSixers
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 30, 2013

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The Undertaker not appearing at WrestleMania XXIX? CM Punk to face John Cena and The Rock

The Undertaker may not be appearing at this year's WrestleMania. PWTorch reported Wednesday that the Deadman could miss wrestling's Super Bowl due to "health concerns."

The Undertaker is in such rough physical shape that WWE is considering its other options, the Torch reported. 
Taker was rumored to be putting the Streak on the line against CM Punk at this year's show. Now it's up in the air.

As the Torch noted, Punk could be added to the match with John Cena and The Rock. But that's undecided.

Photo: WWE.com.

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Rudy Gay traded to the Toronto Raptors; Jose Calderon headed to Detroit

Rudy Gay is a Raptor. ESPN is reporting that Toronto and the Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to a deal for the small forward. And it sounds like the Detroit Pistons are the mysterious third team likely to take Jose Calderon.

Here's the deal according to ESPN:

Raptors get: Rudy Gay and Hamed Haddadi

Grizzlies get: Ed Davis, Tayshaun Prince, Austin Daye and a second-round pick from Toronto

Pistons get: Jose Calderon
As far as a quick fantasy take, Rudy Gay becomes option No. 1 in Toronto. DeMar DeRozan takes a bit of a hit. Amir Johnson is likely to slide into the starting power forward spot vacated by Ed Davis.

The Pistons' backcourt becomes even more watered down with the addition of Calderon, hurting Brandon Knight, Will Bynum and Rodney Stuckey.

Prince likely slides into the Grizzlies' empty small forward spot. Meanwhile, Davis takes a hit in a crowded frontcourt with Zach Randolph and Darrell Arthur.

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Tim Duncan and DeJuan Blair out Wednesday; Tiago Splitter is a must-start

The San Antonio Spurs will be without Tim Duncan and DeJuan Blair Wednesday night against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Duncan (knee) hasn't suited up since January 21. He did participate in shootaround, but still isn't ready to go.

Tiago Splitter has been a gem all season and has played really well without the Big Fundamental in the lineup. He'll get all the time he wants Wednesday.

Splitter is playing his best ball of the season in January: In 28.5 minutes, he's averaging 12.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1 assist, .8 steals and .8 blocks with tight percentages (62 percent from the field and 80 percent from the line).
Spurs beat writer Mike Monroe tweeted that Blair has a right knee effusion. Basically, a swollen knee due to excess fluid build up. The guy doesn't have any ACLs, so this isn't a shock.

 Boris Diaw will likely start, too.

No tim Duncan or D. Blair tonite for Spurs
— Mike Monroe (@Monroe_SA) January 30, 2013

Blair has Right knee effusion (???), will miss Surs-bobcats, as will Duncan
— Mike Monroe (@Monroe_SA) January 30, 2013

Duncan participated in shootaround and Blair is stepping away on elliptical but neither playing tonite
— Mike Monroe (@Monroe_SA) January 30, 2013

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Jack Swagger returns at SmackDown taping

The All American American is back. Jack Swagger reportedly showed up at Tuesday's SmackDown taping and demanded that he be added to the Elimination Chamber match. Booker T told him that he'd need to impress him to get one of the six spots.

In his return match, Swagger made Kofi Kingston tap out to an ankle lock submission. So at least the former World Heavyweight Champion is getting a push -- for now. 

Swagger hadn't been seen since September 2012 (*with the exception of caroling). At the time, he was on a losing streak.

After the jump, WWE.com's chart of "The Rise and Fall of Jack Swagger." 

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Earl Clark posts big double-double in Lakers win; Pau Gasol plays 21 minutes

Earl Clark still has fantasy life after Dwight Howard's return. Clark played 35 minutes in Tuesday's Lakers win over the New Orleans Hornets. The former Louisville Cardinal scored 20 points (8-11 FG) to go with 12 rebounds. Clark hit 4-of-5 three pointers and added four assists and a dreadful six turnovers.

Clark is owned in 20 percent of Yahoo leagues, and he's worth an add.
Pau Gasol played a paltry 21 minutes, hitting just 1-of-4 shots, 5-of-8 free throws for seven points (he added seven rebounds and seven assists). 

Dwight Howard led the Lakers with a team-high 24 points. He pulled down just four rebounds but there was some fantasy gold. He finished five steals and four blocks. Hard to hate on those numbers.

Kobe Bryant played facilitator, dishing 11 assists and scoring just 14 points. Not exactly what the Mamba's fantasy owners were expecting, not that Bryant cares.

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J.J. Hickson and LaMarcus Aldridge post monster double-doubles

J.J. Hickson's career year continued Tuesday with a monstrous line: 26 points (9-13 FG, 8-8 FT), 15 rebounds, an assist, a steal and two blocks.

LaMarcus Aldridge added 29 points (12-20 FG, 4-5 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists, a steal two blocks, and a three.

We expect lines like this from Aldridge. Now Hickson is showing that he's capable of big lines, too.
Hickson is averaging a double-double for the season: 12.6 points and 10.8 rebounds. He's also giving out 1.1 assists, taking away .5 steals and blocking .8 shots. The fifth-year forward center is making 55.2 percent of his shots. He's owned in 78 percent of Yahoo leagues. He was a steal in drafts and off the waiver wire.

Photo: Hickson's Facebook page.

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Report: Josh Smith trade expected this season

Josh Smith is expected to be traded this season, according to Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears.

Smith has been rumored to be on the trading block for years. J-Smoov is finally on the last year of his $13.2 million deal.  In his latest team power rankings, Spears wrote that the Hawks could finally pull the trigger on a deal this season
Via Spears:

Expectations are growing that the Hawks will trade forward Josh Smith, a source said. Smith has averaged 17 points, 8.6 rebounds. 4.7 assists and 2.1 blocks this month despite the trade speculation

Photo: Atlanta Hawks Facebook. 

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Larry Sanders and Ersan Ilyasova disappear; John Henson plays 25 minutes

Larry Sanders and Ersan Ilyasova vanished Tuesday. The Milwaukee Bucks still managed to get the win over the Detroit Pistons, despite Andre Drummond out rebounding the Bucks' bigs.

Ilyasova was on a tear coming into the game, but played just 21 minutes, scoring nine points and grabbing just one rebound. The Turkish star added two 3-pointers, three assists and two steals.
In his last five games, Ilyasova has averaged 21.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.4 3-pointers, 2.2 assists, 1.4 steals and .8 blocks. 

Sanders played just 16 minutes, getting three points, three rebounds, a steal and a block. Sanders is averaging a crazy 3.1 blocks per game on the season. He's been much better than this -- and will be on most nights.

After a DNP -- coach's decision, John Henson played 25 minutes, finishing with 11 points, six rebounds, an assist and a block. He's shown flashes, but should only be held in keeper leagues.

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Andre Drummond double-doubles with 18 points and 18 rebounds

Andre Drummond looked dominant in 28 minutes, double-doubling with 18 points and 18 rebounds in Detroit's 117-90 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. The rookie added an assist, two steals and a block.

I keep harping on it, but Drummond is under-owned (38 percent in Yahoo). Tuesday night was an example of what he can do with big minutes.
Rodney Stuckey played 27 minutes after a DNP -- coach's decision. He scored seven points (1-4 FG, 4-6 FT) with a three, two rebounds, an assist and a block. I wouldn't touch him in standard leagues.

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Klay Thompson scores a career-high 32, knocks down six threes

Klay Thompson blew up for a career-high 32 points in the Warriors' 108-95 win Tuesday over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thompson took over with Stephen Curry, Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes out of the lineup.

Thompson hit six 3-pointers to go with seven rebounds, two assists and three blocks in 43 minutes. After a slow start to the season, the Warriors' sophomore swingman is having a nice season: 16.1 points, 4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, .9 steals and .5 blocks.
Jarrett Jack poured in 26 points (11-18 FG, 1-2 FT), with three 3-pointers, a rebound, 12 assists, a steal and a block. He's been great even with Curry in the lineup.

David Lee double-doubled with 20 points (8-12 FG, 4-4 FT), 13 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. His all-star season continues.

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Chris Kaman has a concussion, won't play Tuesday night

A concussion will keep Chris Kaman from playing Tuesday night.

Mavs.com's Earl K. Sneed reported talked to Dallas coach Rick Carlisle, who said there's no timetable for Kaman's return. 

Kaman had lost his starting job and has played no more than 12 minutes in his last two games. If there's a hot free agent out there, you can drop Kaman.

Chris Kaman is out vs. the Blazers with a concussion, per @mavspr.
— Earl K. Sneed (@EKS_MavsNBA) January 30, 2013

Carlisle on Kaman: "He'll be back when his symptoms abate and we don't know the timetable for it."
— Earl K. Sneed (@EKS_MavsNBA) January 30, 2013

More Carlisle on Kaman: "Don't think it's that serious, but these things you have to be careful with."
— Earl K. Sneed (@EKS_MavsNBA) January 30, 2013

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Rudy Gay to Raptors trade not imminent; Toronto looking for third team to take Jose Calderon

The rumored trade of Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors is not "imminent," according to Yahoo Sports' Adrain Wojnarowski. Toronto and the Memphis Grizzlies have been discussing a deal for a month, Woj wrote on the Twitter machine, but have yet to reach an agreement.

Woj's tweets follows yesterday's report by ESPN's Marc Stein that the Raptors' proposed package included Jose Calderon and Ed Davis (and the Raps wanted Darrell Arthur included in a deal with Gay).

Wojnarowski expanded on Stein's report, noting that Toronto is looking for a third team to take Calderon but has yet to find one willing to pitch in. 

In engagement of 3rd teams for possible Rudy Gay-to-Toronto deal, Raptors struggling to find landing spot for Jose Calderon, sources tell Y!
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) January 29, 2013

As for finding a spot for Calderon, yes, teams have interest in him. Yet how much are they willing to contribute to MEM-TOR in 3-way deal?
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) January 29, 2013

One more thing on Gay-Raptors: Two teams have been discussing trade for a month and still haven't reached an agreement. No deal is imminent.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) January 29, 2013

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This kid does the cutest WWE impersonations ever (video)

Oh. My. God. This is the greatest collection of wrestling impersonations since, uh, ever. The only rival is William Shatner singing WWE themes.

Seriously, 2-year-old Nikoh does the cutest impersonations of John Cena, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Kane and more. And he sings Living Colour's "Cult of Personality." Done. I'm done.

H/T: With Leather.

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Harrison Barnes, Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut won't play Tuesday

The Golden State Warriors will be without three starters Tuesday night. Harrison Barnes, Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut won't play Tuesday.

Barnes left Monday's game with a calf injury and woke up with knee pain, so he won't be jumping as high as the sun tonight. Richard Jefferson will likely get the call.

Stephen Curry's bad ankle will sideline him. He's day-to-day and Jarrett Jack will get the start.
After making a surprise return Monday, Andrew Bogut will rest his ankle in this back-to-back game. Look for Festus Ezeli to return to the starting lineup. UPDATE: Check that: Andris Biedrins is starting.

To top it off, Carl Landry is a game-time call. UPDATE: Landry is out, too.

No Bogut, Barnes or Curry for GS vs #Cavs and Landry a game-time decision
— M.S. Boyer/J. Valade (@PDcavsinsider) January 29, 2013

Add Carl Landry to the list. He will not play tonight due to a bruised left shoulder
— Marcus Thompson (@gswscribe) January 29, 2013

Photo: NBA Facebook.

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Hulk Hogan is a little too proud of Brooke Hogan's legs

Hulk Hogan sent a creepy tweet yesterday of Brooke Hogan's legs -- and the Internet was happy to troll him over it because, you know, Internet's gotta troll, brother.

The Hulkster saw nothing wrong with the pic, but he did take umbrage with the chorus of "perv" and "incest" jokes. But he remarkable didn't delete the tweet (or claim he got hacked), I guess figuring that if he can't get his sex tape removed from the Internet, what's a pic of Brooke's legs?

Today, he Hulked up and went on the offensive.

Brooke works out for 2hrs a day,a fan takes a picture,Brooke love it,tweets back thank u,proud dad tweets it,creeps and perverts everywhere
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 29, 2013

See, he's a proud papa of a daughter who works out two whole hours a day. Not creepy at all. He's just impressed with Brooke's toned legs.

Now Brooke Hogan gets the hot tag from her papa.

A dad can't even be proud of his daughter without sickos makin it something it's not. Really?? Go back to your farm animals. #ignorant
— Brooke Hogan (@MizzHogan) January 28, 2013

But Hulk's seen enough hate on the Twitter box.  

Need a break from all the haters got more good positive stuff to do,bye see u much later. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 29, 2013

Way to go, Internet. You've done what no heel could ever do -- defeat the Hulkster.

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Greg Oden's "Decision": choosing between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat

Greg Oden has his own version of "The Decision" going on, and just like LeBron James, he's down tot he Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.

CBS Sports reports that the Cavs and Heat are the favorites to sign the former No. 1 pick. Oden's name had previously been linked to the Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs. 
The plan for Oden would be to sign with a team in the next month and start a training and conditioning program. His goal: return in 2013-14.

Oden has undergone three microfracture surgeries -- the last in February 2012. He hasn't played a game since December 5, 2009.

The former Ohio State Buckeye averaged 11.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 21 games during the 2009-10 season.  

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Rodney Stuckey active Tuesday night after bizarre DNP - coach's decision

Rodney Stuckey is active for Tuesday's Pistons-Bucks game.

The Detroit guard was an odd DNP - coach's decision before Sunday's game even started.

Pistons beat writer Keith Langlois tweeted Tuesday that Stuckey would return to "normal usage" and quoted Detroit coach Lawrence Frank saying, "We're moving on."

No word on what exactly they're moving on from.
In 38 games this season, Stuckey is averaging 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4 assists and .5 steals in 28.4 minutes.

With no Stuckey on Sunday, Brandon Knight blew up with 31 points. Will Bynum will take a hit in this logjam.

Stuckey active, back to normal usage for tonight vs. MIL. "We're moving on," LFrank said after shootaround.
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) January 29, 2013

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Emeka Okafor scores a season-high 23 points, grabs 15 rebounds

Emeka Okafor double-doubled Monday night with a season-high 23 points (9-13 FG, 5-6 FT) and 15 rebounds in 33 minutes.

This follows Saturday night's 15-point, 16-rebound effort. The former No. 2 overall pick is playing really well.

In his last five games, Okafor is averaging 13 points, 13.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and .8 blocks. The blocks could be better -- and will get better -- but he's cleaning the glass. He's also shooting 58.3 percent from the field in those games.

Okafor is 60-percent owned in Yahoo and should be owned in all leagues.

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Vince McMahon injury angle, suffered broken pelvis; Stephanie McMahon makes cameo

Brock Lesnar destroyed Vince McMahon with an F5 to end the Raw after the Royal Rumble. WWE.com is now "reporting" that Mr. McMahon suffered a broken pelvis.

McMahon took a hard fall on his hip, but this is likely an injury angle. Amazingly, McMahon allowed the cameras to roll, and WWE.com has footage for him getting carted out. Making a cameo: Stephanie McMahon. This is all to set up the Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H rematch at WrestleMania.

Watch Brock drop Vince after the jump.

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Luol Deng starts, plays 31 minutes; Jimmy Butler scores career-high 19

Luol Deng returned to the Chicago Bulls' starting lineup Monday and played 31 minutes. Deng, who had missed games with a hamstring injury, scored 12 points, hit two 3-pointers, grabbed four rebounds, handed out three assists and blocked a shot.

Deng's return didn't hamper Jimmy Butler, who played 31 minutes. Butler scored a career-high 19 points (7-10 FG, 5-7 FT) with six rebounds, two assists and a block. In a related note, Rip Hamilton played just 15 minutes.

We have our first piece of evidence that Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau is ready to roll with Butler and Deng, something I speculated about prior to Deng's return. We'll have to see if this is a trend or an anomaly. Butler is available in 90 percent of Yahoo leagues.

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Brock Lesnar returns to WWE, F5s Vince McMahon on Raw (video)

Brock Lesnar did heed the warnings from Vince McMahon or Paul Heyman on Raw. In the final segment of the show, the Next Big Thing returned and stared down WWE's head honcho, who was on the verge of firing Heyman.

McMahon had told Lesnar not to do something he'd later regret. Lesnar didn't listen, scooped up McMahon and dumped him with an F5 in the middle of the ring. All the while, Heyman begged Lesnar to not hurt Vince -- and, later, not hurt him anymore.


Heyman was fantastic in this, pleading with Lesnar to stop and McMahon to get out of the ring.
McMahon took a painful looking bump.

WrestleMania season is here. And big name stars are flooding back.

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Trish Stratus added to WWE's 2013 Hall of Fame class (video)

Trish Stratus is the third member of WWE's 2013 Hall of Fame class. Stratus was a seven time women's champion, and the best women's wrestler of the Attitude Era. A well deserving choice.

Stratus joins Mick Foley and Bob Backlund in the class that will be inducted at Madison Square Garden the night before WrestleMania XXIX. 

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Jerryd Bayless scores 21 in start for Mike Conley

Jerryd Bayless made the most Mike Conley's DNP (ankle sprain). In 41 minutes, Bayless scored 21 points (8-15 FG, 4-4 FT) with a three, five rebounds, nine assists and a block.

Bayless has played well since the Grizzlies traded away Wayne Ellington and Josh Selby. In his last two game, he's played more than 30 minutes.

January 27: 14 points (6-12 FG, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, five assists and three steals.

January 25: 11 points (5-8 FG, 1-1 FT), seven rebounds, eight assists and a steal.

He posted those lines with Conley in the lineup. He should be productive even off the bench given the Grizzlies' limited options.

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Toronto Raptors still want Rudy Gay, offering Ed Davis and Jose Calderon

The Rudy Gay trade rumors won't stop. ESPN's Marc Stein reported Monday that the Toronto Raptors are still making a "hard push" for the Grizzlies small forward and are offering Jose Calderon and Ed Davis as part of a package for him.

While the Grizzlies aren't under the gun to trade Gay now that the franchise shed payroll by trading Marreese Speights, Josh Selby and Wayne Ellington, the team is still open to making a move and the Raptors have been Gay's most persistent suitor.

The Raps also "covet" forward Darrell Arthur, according to Stein:

If talks with the Raptors do progress, according to sources, it's possible that a trade with Memphis could expand to include other teams and players. NBA front-office sources have maintained for weeks that Calderon (who has an expiring contract), fellow Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (only $1 million in guaranteed salary next season) and former No. 1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani all are available.

Don't count on these rumors stopping until Gay is finally moved.

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Stephen Curry injures ankle, doesn't return; Andrew Bogut plays 24 minutes

The Golden State Warriors may have won the game, but they lost Stephen Curry with a mild ankle sprain, according to Warriors beat writer Rusty Simmons.

Curry injured his balky ankle after playing 26 minutes, finishing with 17 points (7-12 FG, 2-2), a three, a rebound, five assists and a steal.

Curry is likely questionable for Tuesday's game in Cleveland. If he can't go, Jarrett Jack will get the start. Jack was worth owning before the injury.

The Warriors did get good news: Andrew Bogut returned, played 24 minutes and looked good (12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and four blocks). However, Bogut likely won't play Tuesday either, according to beat writer Matt Steinmetz.

The Warriors say Curry has a mild sprain. They're not sure if he'll return.
— Rusty Simmons (@Rusty_SFChron) January 29, 2013

Curry will not return, according to the Warriors.
— Rusty Simmons (@Rusty_SFChron) January 29, 2013

Andrew Bogut tells Jim Barnett: "Probably not," when asked if Bogut thought he would play Tuesday vs. Cleveland.
— Matt Steinmetz (@MSteinmetzCSN) January 29, 2013

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John Cena challenges the WWE Champion to a match at WrestleMania XXIX (video)

Royal Rumble winner John Cena challenged The Rock or CM Punk to a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania XXIX. I fully expect Cena to meet The Rock in a rematch of WrestleMania XXVIII. It's the biggest money match WWE can promote.

After making the announcement on Raw, the Shield attacked Cena and fended off a save by Sheamus and Ryback. Looks like the Shield may be meeting Cena, Ryback and Sheamus at the Elimination Chamber.

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The Rock and CM Punk rematch likely for Elimination Chamber (video)

The Rock and CM Punk are likely to meet in a rematch of their Royal Rumble championship match at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on February 17.

That's the plan, according to the Wrestling Observer. The Rock and Punk had a big fight feel at the Rumble. Punk has a legit gripe that no one could see who attacked The Rock. Was it really the Shield? Brad Maddox? Brock Lesnar? Michael Cole claimed that it was the Shield, but no one could see. I fully expect Punk to invoke his rematch clause at the Elimination Chamber.

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Gordon Hayward out with right shoulder injury, day-to-day

Gordon Hayward won't play Monday due to a right shoulder injury.

The voice of the Utah Jazz, David Locke, tweeted that Hayward is day-to-day.

Gordon hayward is out tonight for the Jazz v. Rockets.Listed as day to day going forward
— David Locke (@Lockedonsports) January 29, 2013

Gordon Hayward (sprained right shoulder) is OUT tonight vs. Houston. He is day-to-day moving forward. #HOUatUTA
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 29, 2013

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JaVale McGee out Monday with left tibia irritation

JaVale McGee won't play Monday due to a left tibia irritation, according to Nuggets beat writer Benjamin Hochman. No word on how long he's out for.

I'd expect his minutes to be spread among Kenneth Faried, Kosta Koufos and Timofey Mozgov.

No javale tonight... Left tibula irritation.. He's day to day
— Benjamin Hochman (@nuggetsnews) January 29, 2013

Photo: McGee's Facebook.

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Luol Deng returning from hamstring injury Monday

Looks like Luol Deng is in the Chicago Bulls' starting lineup Monday. Bulls announcer Chuck Swirsky tweeted: "It appears Deng is starting."

Deng hasn't played since January 18, sitting out with a hamstring injury. It'll be interesting to see how Jimmy Butler is used with Deng back.

It appears Deng is starting
— chuck swirsky (@swirsk054) January 29, 2013

Deng is a GO
— chuck swirsky (@swirsk054) January 29, 2013

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Arron Afflalo out Monday with strained calf

Arron Afflalo won't play Monday after straining his calf on Sunday. The Orlando Magic shooting guard played 26 minutes before leaving Sunday's game.

Magic beat writer Joshua Robbins reported that Afflalo would sit. The Magic have activated Hedo Turkoglu. Moe Harkless will get the start. The guy that I like here is E'Twaun Moore, who scored 18 points in 29 minutes on Sunday. Moore also hit a three, grabbed a rebound, dished three assists and stole two balls.

Arron Afflalo (left calf) will not play when the #Magic play the #Nets tonight, Jacque Vaughn said.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) January 28, 2013

Maurice Harkless will start at small forward in Arron Afflalo's place. Nelson, Redick, Davis and Vucevic are also starting.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) January 28, 2013

Photo via Arron Afflalo's Facebook.

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Kyle Lowry out Monday; Jose Calderon gets a major boost

Kyle Lowry is out Monday with back spasms, according to the Toronto Raptors.

No word on how long he'll be out. Jose Calderon gets a major boost.

Kyle Lowry will not dress (back spasms) for tonight's game vs. the Warriors. #Raptors
— RaptorsMR (@RaptorsMR) January 28, 2013

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