Nikola Pekovic suffers abdominal strain, leaves game and won't return

The Minnesota Timberwolves' frontcourt was already shorthanded without Kevin Love and Andrei Kirilenko. The Wolves suffered another blow when an abdominal strain forced Nikola Pekovic from Thursday's game with the Lakers.

Rotoworld reported that Pek wouldn't return. Pekovic played nine minutes and finished with eight points and three rebounds.


Pek has battled through some injuries this season. He's averaging 16 points, nine rebounds and .9 blocks in 47 games. 

Photo: Keith Allison.

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Joakim Noah posts triple-double: 23 points, 21 rebounds and 11 blocks (video)

Joakim Noah's wild ride continued Thursday with an unorthodox triple-double: 23 points (8-of-12 field goals and 7-of-9 free throws), 21 rebounds and 11 blocks. Who needs to pass when you can block everything in sight?

Noah did dish -- one assist -- and stole three balls in 45 minutes as the Bulls beat the Philadelphia 76ers 93-82. If he doesn't get line of the night, something is seriously wrong.

This has been an All-Star season for Noah. Despite a plantar fasciitis scare, the Chicago center keeps playing big minutes. In 53 games, he's averaging 11.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.1 blocks.

If you believe his plantar fasciitis will flare up, now's the time to sell high. If not, hang onto him.



Photo: Keith Allison.

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LeBron James won't stop doing sick dunks in pregame warmups (video)

LeBron James will dunk on in pregame warmups. After getting criticized for not taking his thunder dunks to All-Star weekend, James threatened to stop throwing down. But he's since backed off those threats and vowed to dunk on.

Rather than complain about James not dunking on one night during the year, we should all be happy that he's throwing down 82 nights, not counting the All-Star Game and playoffs. Watch NBA.com's collection of the best King James pregame dunks after the jump.



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LeBron James and the Miami Heat do the Harlem Shake (videos)

If LeBron James wants wear a cape and crown to do the Harlem Shake, I'm not going to question his judgment. LeBron is absolutely killing it on the court -- and in pregame warmups. So if he wants to throw a 1990s rave in the Heat locker room, cool by me.

Watch Mario Chalmers suit up as a plumber of the same name, Chris Andersen flap his arms and someone dress up like a furry after the jump.

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D.J. White signs 10-day contract with Boston Celtics

D.J. White is a Boston Celtic -- at least, the Indiana alumni is for the next 10 days. White, a former Charlotte Bobcat, signed a 10-day contract with the Celtics, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

White, a 6-foot-9 forward, was playing in the Chinese Basketball Association. He received his clearance letter Wednesday and should be active for the Celtics game Friday with the Golden State Warriors.

Boston's frontcourt is shorthanded with the loss of Jared Sullinger due to back surgery and Jason Collins in a trade.

In 58 games for Charlotte last season, White averaged 6.8 points and 3.6 rebounds while playing 18.9 minutes. He's not likely to be a fantasy factor.

Photo: DJ White's Twitter.

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Donatas Motiejunas starts, scores 13 with seven boards and five assists

Thomas Robinson's path to a starting job may not be as easy as first thought. Rookie Donatas Motiejunas got his first start, played 26 minutes and posted a nice stat line: 13 points (4-of-9 field goals and 4-of-4 free throws), a three, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal. 

Motiejunas did something Robinson couldn't -- stretch the floor (a not-so-secret weakness Zach Lowe points out in this Grantland feature). T-Rob played eight minutes in his debut, scoring two points, grabbing a rebound and handing out an assist.

Motiejunas may end up being the guy to own here (owned in 4 percent of Yahoo leagues), although I'd wait until he strings together a few games. This was the best game of his early NBA career, but he's shown flashes. He just hadn't gotten an opportunity until tonight.

Don't count out Robinson (owned in 30 percent of leagues) just yet. He's still getting acquainted with the Rockets' system.

Photo: Donatas Motiejunas' Twitter.  

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Greg Oden won't sign until July; Cavs, Celtics, Heat contenders

Greg Oden's version of "The Decision" won't happen until the 2012-13 season ends and free agency begins in July.

Oden's agent, Mike Conley Sr., told NBA writer Shaun Powell that Oden will wait to sign, and the three teams in contention for the former No. 1 pick's services are the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.

Conley had been playing up that Oden could sign after the NBA trade deadline.

There were rumors that the Cavs were ready to offer Oden a two-year deal. That report came a day after Conley pushed the idea of Oden possibly signing with the San Antonio Spurs or Charlotte Bobcats.  And a week or so after Oden's meeting with the Boston Celtics. And even a few more weeks after the Cavs and Heat were called the finalists for the former No. 1 pick's services.

Conley seemed to be doing what agents do -- building a market for his client. So who knows what the truth is.

Agent Mike Conley says Greg Oden will not decide on his next team until July. Cavs, Heat and Celtics in running.
— Shaun Powell (@Powell2daPeople) February 27, 2013

Photo: Keith Allison.

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Derrick Favors double-doubles in start for injured Paul Millsap

Derrick Favors gave a glimpse of what he can do in starter's minutes Wednesday, double-doubling with 17 points (6-of-11 field goals and 5-of-6 free throws) and 15 rebounds. Favors played 38 minutes and added three assists and three blocks.

Favors picked up the start for the injured Paul Millsap, who sat with a sprained left ankle. No word on his timetable for return. Favors is owned in 59 percent of Yahoo leagues and was a popular stash before the trade deadline. This is likely only a tease of what's to come, say next season (Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are free agents int he summer and one or both could leave).

The Jazz fell 102-91 to the Atlanta Hawks. Al Jefferson also double-doubled with 26 points (12-of-22 field goals and 2-of-7 free throws) and 11 rebounds.

Photo: Utah Jazz Facebook.

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LeBron James throws down awesome dunks in warmups, threatens to stop (videos)

NBA fans wish LeBron James would give in, enter the slam dunk competition and save All-Star Saturday night. No argument here.Yeah, Terrence Ross and Jeremy Evans can throw down. But they don't have the star power of King James.

So when James casually throws down ridiculous thunder dunks during warmups that would easily win a dunk competition, people talk. Especially when there's video evidence (watch those after the jump). But there's too much talk for James' taste.

Deadspin reports that James is threatening to cut off the pregame dunk competition after requests for him to enter the dunk competition. So the Heat's pregame routine will get a lot blander if James follows through. Not that Heat fans would notice, since they're typically a late-arriving crowd.


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Rasheed Wallace out eight weeks with broken foot, season likely over

Rasheed Wallace's season is over.

The New York Knicks forward is out eight weeks with a broken foot that will require season-ending surgery, according to the New York Times' Howard Beck. This is a real-life blow -- not a fantasy one.

Wallace, at 38, no longer was the fantasy force of the past. In 20 games, he averaged 7.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and .8 blocks while playing 14.6 minutes per game. It was to be expected from a veteran who retired after the 2009-10 season.

There's some hope that Sheed could return for a playoff run, but it's unlikely. Beck points out that it'd be difficult for Wallace to get back into game shape after a two-month layoff. 

Rasheed Wallace needs surgery for a broken bone in his foot. Out 8 weeks, effectively ending his season (tho playoffs possible).
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeckNYT) February 27, 2013

Lots of Qs about whether Knicks cut Rasheed. No plan to immediately, but that could always change depending on need/circumstances.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeckNYT) February 27, 2013

All that said, it seems awfully unlikely that Rasheed plays again, even in playoffs. Would take too long to regain stamina after 2 months
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeckNYT) February 27, 2013

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Stephen Curry scores a career-high 54 points, hits a franchise record 11 3-pointers (video)

Stephen Curry was out to make a statement -- a day after getting treated like the Hulk smashing Loki in The Avengers. Curry scored a career-high 54 points and hit 11 3-pointers Wednesday. That's a franchise record. Unfortunately for him, it wasn't enough. Golden State fell 109-105to to the New York Knicks.

Curry added six rebounds, seven assists and three steals in a line that won't likely be topped Wednesday. But he didn't get much help.

Klay Thompson scored just six points on 3-of-13 shooting. Harrison Barnes scored three. Jarrett Jack pitched in 14 points, and Carl Landry added 15.

The Knicks were too much, powered by 35 points from Carmelo Anthony.

The good J.R. Smith showed up and knocked down six 3-pointers for 26 points.





Photo: Warriors' Facebook.

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Tobias Harris scores 23 points; Beno Udrih scores 14, dishes eight assists

Tobias Harris is going to make life miserable for Moe Harkless' fantasy owners. Harris is finally getting minutes -- 31 tonight -- and he's producing. Harris scored 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting with a three-pointer and added six rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Since joining the Magic, Harris is averaging 15 points, 6.5 rebounds, an assist and two blocks. He's an "add" at this point.

Harkless continued to struggle. The rookie started, played 28 minutes and finished with 12 points (5-of-7 shots with a three-pointer) and four rebounds.

Recently acquired reserve point guard Beno Udrih didn't shoot well (3-of-9 field goals), but made all seven of his free throws on the way to 14 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals.

In his two previous games, Udrih put up averages of 7 points, 8 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and a steal. As long as Jameer Nelson is out, Udrih has value.

Photo: Orlando Magic Facebook.

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Brandon Knight returns with a vengeance, hits five threes, scores 32

Brandon Knight went into destroyer mode on the Washington Wizards in his return Wednesday from a hyperextended right knee.

Knight knocked down 11-of-18 shots -- including 5-of-6 threes -- for 32 points in the 96-95 Pistons win. He added three rebounds, four assists and a steal. The only downer, making just 5-of-9 free throws.

The third-year guard had missed the previous three games. But he wasn't the only Piston to do damage.

Greg Monroe double-doubled, scoring 26 points on 12-of-17 shooting and grabbing 11 rebounds. The big man added an assist and four steals.

Knight and Monroe made life easy for Jose Calderon, who racked up 18 assists. Calderon must be loving life in the Motor City.

Photo: Pistons' Facebook.

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Nene out Wednesday with sore right shoulder

 Nene rest his sore right shoulder and sit out Wednesday's Wizards-Pistons game. He's day-to-day.

This is definitely a boost for Trevor Booker and Emeka Okafor. The question is how much this will benefit Kevin Seraphin, who has racked up two DNP coach's decisions.

Seraphin was a fantasy sleeper at the beginning of the season, and he's completely fallen out of the rotation. Maybe tonight he gets his mojo back.

Photo: Wizards' Facebook.

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Anthony Davis won't play Wednesday due to shoulder injury; Eric Gordon likely out

Anthony Davis will have plenty of time for Call of Duty since he'll be sitting out his 14th game of the season Wednesday.

Davis left Tuesday's game with a left shoulder sprain after banging with Brooklyn center Brook Lopez. The New Orleans Hornets' rookie forward didn't make the road trip to Oklahoma City for Wednesday night's game, according to USA Today. So look for him on X-Box Live.

The No. 1 pick in the 2012 draft is likely out of the rookie-of-the-year discussion due to a myriad of injuries. Davis is averaging 12.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 45 games.

Meanwhile, Hornets guard Eric Gordon will suit up for the game, but he's not expected to play as New Orleans treats his balky knee with kid gloves.

Gordon's frequent absences during back-to-back weeks have been headaches for fantasy owners, although they're expected at this point. Gordon has played in 22 games this season, averaging 16.6 points and 3.1 assists.

Photo: Anthony Davis' Twitter.

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Roy Hibbert, David Lee suspended for one game following Pacers-Warriors brawl

The NBA has suspended Roy Hibbert and David Lee for one game following Tuesday's Pacers-Warriors brawl in Indianapolis.

NBA insider Sam Amick reported the suspensions, as well as $35,000 fines for Golden State's Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Indiana's Lance Stephenson for "escalating the altercation."

The fight was ridiculous, something that should never happen but does in the heat of the game. This didn't seem like one that would end in suspensions but did likely because it spilled into the stands. So the instigators get punished, and so does Steph Curry, who just paid $35,000 for getting manhandled like a luchador fighting the Big Show. Funny thing about that.

Hibbert told the Associated Press that he didn't know who he was tossing. ”Seriously, I didn’t even feel him,” Hibbert said of Curry. ”I saw some light-skinned guy. I don’t know if it was Klay Thompson or Steph Curry, I just knew there was a light-skinned guy by me.”

Poor, Steph. But if you're going to step up to the big boys, you better be ready for the consequences. 

The agent for Golden State F David Lee, Mark Bartelstein, tells USAT he will appeal the suspension. That doesn't help for tonight though.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) February 27, 2013

NBA announces that Indiana's Roy Hibbert also receives a game for his role in the Warriors-Pacers fight.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) February 27, 2013

Golden State's Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Indiana's Lance Stephenson fined $35,000 each for "escalating the altercation," NBA says.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) February 27, 2013

Photo: Reddit.

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LeBron James scores a season-high 40, dishes 16 assists (video)

LeBron James is on a monster of a tear, which continued Tuesday with King James scoring a season-high 40 points in a 141-129 double-overtime win over the Sacramento Kings. Forty is a ridiculous number but seems almost pedestrian for superhuman LeBron.

James made 14-of-23 field goals and 11-of-12 free throws in the shootout. He nearly put together another triple-double with 16 assists and eight rebounds to go along with two assists, a block and a three.

Dwayne Wade was not to be out done, either. D-Wade made 19-of-28 shots for 39 points and a full stat sheet: eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals, two blocks and a three.

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Marcus Thornton explodes for 36 points, eight 3-pointers

Marcus Thornton and the Sacramento Kings tried to keep up with LeBron James and the Miami Heat, but just couldn't hang with the defending champs after two overtimes, falling 141-129.

Thornton did his best, scoring a season-high 36 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including eight 3-pointers. He added two rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. But the Heat couldn't be matched.

James went for 40 points, eight rebounds, 16 assists, two steals and a block.. Dwyane Wade added 39 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks.

Thornton has been erratic this season with his minutes declining from month-to-month. He's capable of being a featured scorer -- as he's shown in the 2011-12 and 2010-11 seasons. He's owned in 78 percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues, so he's likely taken in yours. If he's a free agent, snag him.

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Roy Hibbert ejected after Indiana Pacers brawl with Golden State Warriors (video)

A shoving match between David Lee and Roy Hibbert turned into a skirmish that spilled into the stands Tuesday night. Stephen Curry appeared to get the worst of things, getting whipped to the court like a rag doll after stepping up to Hibbert.

The Pacers center was tossed out of the game, finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds and five blocks. It was an ugly scene, but not as bad as, say, Malice at the Palace. I didn't see any punches thrown, so this may not lead to any suspensions. See for yourself after the jump.

The Pacers don't play again until Thursday against the Clippers. The Warriors play Wednesday night at New York.

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Eric Bledsoe, Jamal Crawford out Tuesday night for Los Angeles Clippers

Reserve guards Eric Bledsoe and Jamal Crawford will miss the Los Angeles Clippers' Tuesday night game with the Charlotte Bobcats.

A calf strain will sideline Bledsoe, and Crawford will be out due to be with his newborn daughter, according to Clippers beat reporter Madelyn Burke. Look for Chauncey Billups, Matt Barnes and Caron Butler to pick up the slack.

Eric Bledsoe (calf strain) OUT tonight vs Bobcats. Jamal Crawford also out, with his family and newborn daughter. #Clippers
— Madelyn Burke (@MadelynBurke) February 27, 2013

Photo: Keith Allison.

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John Cena beats CM Punk, gets WrestleMania main event with The Rock (full match video)

CM Punk and John Cena had one of the best matches ever on Raw. WWE called it an "instant classic," and that's no hyperbole. It's that good, even with Cena falling on his head during a hurracarrana. Cena won, so he's going on to face The Rock for the WWE Championship in the main event of WrestleMania.

WWE has done wrestling fans a solid and posted the full-length match on YouTube. Watch it in its bad-ass entirety after the jump.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger remembers angering Andre the Giant (animated video)

No one wants an angry giant. Not even Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Arnold told Grantland's Bill Simmons stories of partying with Andre the Giant and Wilt Chamberlain in Mexico during the filming of Conan the Barbarian, and the giant proved generous with his money (while Wilt the Stilt was cheap).

But the Terminator found out that if the giant wanted to pay, it was best to let him. Grantland animated the amazing tale (watch after the jump).

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CM Punk piledrives John Cena, upsets Vince McMahon (video)

CM Punk and John Cena put on a pay-per-view-caliber match to close Monday Night Raw. Punk and Cena kicked out of each other's finishers. They fought out of submission holds. Cena even survived a piledriver, supposedly a banned move in WWE (and one Cena shouldn't be taking with his history of neck issues). More on that in a second.

The Dr. of Thuganomics attempted a hurracarrana, which he should never do because he's too jacked up, and finished the Straight Edge Superstar with an Attitude Adjustment. So it's official: Cena will face The Rock for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania XXIX.

This was a helluva match, but one Vince McMahon wasn't happy about.
On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported (subscription required) that McMahon "blew a stack" over Punk and Cena's use of the piledriver. Since we're talking about Cena and Punk, nothing is likely to happen to the guys.

Since the piledriver is so rarely seen, the use of it was special. This was a great match, and one worth seeing in its entirety. Here's the end sequence.

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Kyrie Irving out Tuesday with a sore/hyperextended right knee

Kyrie Iriving is day-to-day with a sore/hyperextended right knee. The All-Star point guard won't suit up Tuesday for Cleveland's game at Chicago.

The Cavs announced the injury on the team's website. Shaun Livingston is expected to start.
In 45 games, Irving is averaging 23.3 points, 1.9 3-pointers, 3.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.6 steals.

Photo: Erik Daniel Drost.

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Triple H bloodies up Brock Lesnar, challenges him to a fight at WrestleMania (videos)

Brock Lesnar needed 18 staples to close the gash on his head suffered in a fight with Triple H. The Next Big Thing had interrupted Paul Heyman's "fight" with Vince McMahon. And once again, the Chairman of the Board was being intimidated by Lesnar. This time, son-in-law came to the rescue.

Triple H bloodied up Lesnar in a violent ringside brawl, and Lesnar looked like Two Face with the wound seeping blood down one half of his face. The Game was left standing tall.

This wasn't the last of Triple H, who decided he'd give this social media thing he's been hearing about a try.

Yep, Triple H joined Twitter and issued a Tout challenge to Lesnar for WrestleMania. We'll have to wait and see if Lesnar accepts on his MySpace page. Or maybe WWE will put that on Raw, where casual fans might see it.

For Brock...tout.com/m/q3gx56#Raw
— Triple H (@TripleH) February 26, 2013

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Taj Gibson has a sprained MCL; no timetable for return

Taj Gibson is out with a sprained MCL.

ESPN reported that an MRI revealed the sprain, which Gison suffered during Sunday night's blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

There's no timetable for Gibson's return, but some reports say up to two weeks.

In 56 games, Gibson is averaging 7.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, .9 assists, .4 steals and 1.4 blocks. He's averaging 48.9 percent from the field and 67.3 percent from the line. Those numbers are on par with his career averages, although he's gone off when given the opportunity.

Photo: Shinya Suzuki.

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Derrick Rose can still dunk, in case you were wondering (video)

Derrick Rose dunked last night in a warmup before the Chicago Bulls took on the Oklahoma City Thunder. ESPN showed a nine-second clip of Rose striding to the basket, elevating and throwing down a slam.

The video is unremarkable. Of course Rose can dunk. And while Chicago's favorite son looked slow, this is only a part of a 90-minute workout, which he's been doing as he prepares to return from a torn ACL suffered during last season's playoffs. But he's not returning until he's ready, and Bulls fans should be fine with that time frame.

There's no sense in rushing back from an ACL tear. So what if the Chicago suffered a pair of blowout losses to OKC and Miami. There's an MVP career to resume. That may be for the stretch run this season. It may not be until next season. But when it happens, it should be when Rose is ready.



Photo: Keith Allison.

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Donald Trump: The latest celebrity inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame (videos)

Donald Trump is the latest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame's celebrity wing, joining such luminaries as Mike Tyson, Pete Rose and Bob Uecker.

Trump will be inducted April 6, the night before WrestleMania, at Madison Square Garden. Trump has been involved in several WWE stories. Trump Plaza was home to WrestleMania IV and V. The Donald put  his mop of hair up against Vince McMahon's pompadour at WrestleMania 23. And there was the short-lived story in which Trump bought Monday Night Raw in 2009.

“Donald is a global icon whose status brought an unmatched level of publicity and grandeur to WWE,” WWE Chairman and CEO Mr. McMahon said in a press release.

WWE posted several videos of Trump's WWE appearances. Watch them after the jump.

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Kobe Bryant named Western Conference Player of the Week (video)

Kobe Bryant was named Western Conference Player of the Week after averaging 31.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists and going a perfect 3-0.

The Black Mamba slithered past the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, with a 38-point, 12-rebound, seven-assist drubbing that he rubbed in Mavs owner Mark Cuban's face afterward.

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LeBron James named Eastern Conference Player of the Week

LeBron James was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week, as if there was any doubt.

King James led the Heat to a 4-0 record during the week, averaging 23.5 points, 9.3 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 2.3 steals. Averaging a triple-double doesn't seem out of the realm of possibility for James. Watch James posterize Tyler Zeller after the jump.

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Alberto Del Rio gives Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin a World Heavyweight Championship belt (video)

Texas A&M football coach Kevin Sumlin must be a wrestling fan. Sumlin coached WWE World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio to a win over the Big Show in a no-disqualification fight in College Station Sunday.

Sumlin, who had received an honorary championship belt, slid Del Rio the belt, which he used to topple the giant for the win. Watch the video after the jump.

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Oklahoma City Thunder sign Derek Fisher for the remainder of the season

The Oklahoma City Thunder will sign veteran point guard Derek Fisher.

ESPN reported Monday that Fisher will sign for the remainder of the season. The World Wide Leader also reported that Fisher was considered "a key locker room presence by Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks," where he played 20 games last season (averaging 4.9 points and 1.4 assists in 20.4 minutes), providing championship experience for the team's playoff run.

This is likely more of a locker-room move than one for fantasy owners to jump on. Reggie Jackson is the primary backup after the club traded Eric Maynor to Portland.

Fisher played nine games this season with the Dallas Mavericks (8.6 points and 3.6 assists in 25.4 minutes) before suffering a knee injury and asking for his release to be with his family.

Photo: Scott Mecum.

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Ricky Rubio nearly triple-doubles with 16 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds (video)

Ricky Rubio made some sweet dishes in Minnesota's loss Sunday to the Golden State Warriors. Visual evidence of that after the jump.

The phenomenal point guard nearly triple-doubled with 16 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, and six steals. Rubio looked like the pre-ACL tear Rubio. He also did some very Rubio things, making just 3-of-11 shots and turning the ball over six times.



The Wolves play three games this week before a six-week stretch of four-game slates.

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Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin gets honorary WWE World Title, helps Alberto Del Rio beat Big Show (photo)

Texas A&M football coach Kevin Sumlin was given an honorary World Heavyweight Championship belt during WWE's house show Sunday in College Station Sunday.

A&M beat writer Billy Liucci tweeted the above photo of Sumlin hoisting his championship as Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez watch on. Sumlin wasn't just a spectator either for Del Rio's match with the Big Show either.

ProWrestling.net reported that Sumlin got involved in the a no-disqualification match after the Big Show disrespected A&M and Sumlin. Cheap heat!

During the match, coach slid the championship in to Del Rio, who used it to knock out the giant for the win. Pretty cool to see the crossover in a college market.

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Kevin Love wants to play in 15 to 20 games this season

Time is running out on Kevin Love's season. The Minnesota Timberwolves' star power forward says his surgically repaired right hand is better than when he broke it in the preseason, and he's hoping to return in time for the Wolves' last 15 to 20 games of the season.

The Timberwolves have 29 games left, so that would put Love's timeline for return at around mid-March, or more conservatively, the end of March.



The Associated Press reported that Love will meet with a doctor within the first 10 days of March. That's the good news. The bad: Love hasn't started basketball-related activities.

It's been a frustrating year for fantasy owners who drafted Love, who would have been a top-five pick in fantasy drafts had he not injured his hand.

Love has played in just 18 games and averaged 18.3 points and 14 rebounds. However, he has shot a sad 35.2 percent from the field and 70.4 from the free-throw line (both figures well below his career averages of 44.9 percent and 81.3 percent respectively).

Photo: Keith Allison.

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Thaddeus Young double-doubles with 11 points and 10 boards in return

Thaddeus Young played 36 minutes in his return from a hamstring injury and double-doubled. Young scored 11 points (5-of-12 field goals and 1-of-3 free throws) and pulled down 10 rebounds.

Young hadn't played since suffering the injury on February 13. He started Sunday and added an assist and four steals in the Sixers' 99-93 loss to the New York Knicks. Looks like he's a safe play in a four-game week.



Lavoy Allen moved to the bench and scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 22 minutes.

Photo: Keith Allison.

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Brandon Knight out with a hyperextended right knee

Brandon Knight is out of action with a hyperextended right knee. USA Today reported that an MRI on Knight's knee came back negative, showing swelling but no damage. But the second-year guard is on the shelf "for an undisclosed period of time."

Knight injured his knee and ankle in a win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday. He sat Friday and Saturday, and Pistons coach Lawrence Frank called Knight day-to-day and said he won't play until he's 100 percent. Rodney Stuckey and Will Bynum are both worth consideration, with the Pistons playing four games this week.

Stuckey started at shooting guard Saturday night and scored 11 points (3-of-8 shots and 5-of-5 free throws) to go with two rebounds, an assist and a steal. Not real exciting.

Before Bynum got tossed for a flagrant 2 foul, he scored 15 points (7-of-14 field goals and 1-of-1 free throws), grabbed three rebounds, handed out two assists and stole a ball. There's a chance the league could further punish Bynum, so keep an eye on that situation.

Photo: Knight's Facebook.

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Know the Schedule February 25-March 3: Atlanta Hawks' big stretch begins

The Atlanta Hawks have six weeks of four-game slates starting Monday. Josh Smith, Jeff Teague, Al Horford and Kyle Korver are must-own players in this stretch (and J-Smoove's fantasy owners should be happy that he wasn't traded). Devin Harris is definitely worth a look, especially after Saturday night's line (39 minutes, 21 points, four 3-pointers, four assists, a steal and a rebound). And also consider Zaza Pachulia in head-to-head leagues.

The Golden State Warriors and their sweet sleeves have the next best schedule with three four-game weeks, so roll with the usual suspects.

Taking a longer view,  Minnesota and New York have the most remaining games (29). After this week, both teams play six four-game slates. They're followed by Atlanta Miami, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Washington with 28 games apiece. Houston has the worst remaining schedule with only one four-game week left (24 total games).

Here's a look at this week's schedule:

Four Games: Hawks, Bulls, Mavs, Pistons, Warriors, Pacers, Clippers, Magic, 76ers, Kings, Raptors, Wizards

Three Games: Nets, Bobcats, Cavs, Nuggets, Rockets, Lakers, Grizzlies, Heat, Bucks, Wolves, Hornets, Knicks, Thunder, Suns, Spurs, Jazz

Two Games: Celtics, Blazers

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Joe Johnson to sit second straight game with sore left heel

Joe Johnson will miss his second straight game with a sore left heel. Double J, who sat out Brooklyn's Friday night loss to the Houston Rockets, will miss Sunday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Nets announced Johnson's absence as well as Jerry Stackhouse, who will get some rest.

ESPN New York reported that Johnson felt pain in his heel prior to the All-Star break. The Nets don't play until a Tuesday road game against the New Orleans Hornets.

Injury Update: Joe Johnson (sore left heel) and Jerry Stackhouse (rest) will each miss tonight's game against Memphis.
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 24, 2013

Photo Shinya Suzuki.

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Blake Griffin and-one layup is highlight worthy (video)

Blake Griffin's layups aren't usually highlight-reel worthy. But this and-one layup (see the video after the jump) definitely is. Of course, Griffin was trying to dunk but had lost control of the ball. Griffin's hustle play -- diving for the ball and making the save -- also made the cut.

Griffin finished the Clippers' 107-94 win over the Utah Jazz with 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. Oh, and a highlight dunk, too.

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LeBron James gets the 35th triple-double of his career (video)

LeBron James posted the 35th triple-double of his career in Miami's 114-90 win over the Philadelphia 76ers Saturday night.

King James scored 16 points (7-of-12 shots), grabbed 10 boards and dished 11 assists. He added two steals and a three. His greedy fantasy owners probably bemoaned the lack of blocks.

The win was the Heat's 10th straight.

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The Undertaker returns at WWE house show (video)

WWE teased the return of The Undertaker in a Google Plus post that has since been removed. UPDATE: The video is after the jump and it looks like Taker wrestled in a tag match against Damien Sandow and Wade Barrett.

The video teaser read: "The Deadman cometh! The Undertaker shocked the WWE Universe at the SmackDown Live Event in Texas as his bell tolled. See the moment below..."

I fully expect The Undertaker to return on Raw to set up his WrestleMania match with CM Punk.

Taker lives! twitter.com/RickWWESignGuy…
— Rick Achberger (@RickWWESignGuy) February 24, 2013

Old school Taker! #undertakerlives twitter.com/RickWWESignGuy…
— Rick Achberger (@RickWWESignGuy) February 24, 2013

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Beno Udrih and Tobias Harris make strong debuts for woeful Orlando Magic

Beno Udrih and Tobias Harris both showed deep-league appeal in their Orlando Magic debuts.

Jameer Nelson sat out a second straight game with a left patella contusion. That opened up minutes for Udrih immediately. The ex-Bucks point guard played 27 minutes off the bench, scoring 10 points and dishing seven assists to go with three boards and two steals. He's a nice option (five percent owned in Yahoo) as long as Nelson is out.

E'Twaun Moore started and played one minute more than Udrih, scoring 12 points and handing out five assists. 

Harris looked good in 25 bench minutes, making 5-of-10 shots and all four of his free throws for 14 points. He added six rebounds and three blocks. Harris has potential, especially in deep league (one percent owned), but Moe Harkless appears to be locked in as the starting three for the Magic.

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J.J. Redick scores 16 in Milwaukee Bucks debut

J.J. Redick made his Milwaukee Bucks debut, playing 35 minutes off the bench and scoring 16 points (4-of-9 field goals and 7-of-7 free throws).

The sharpshooter added a three, three rebounds and seven assists. Not a bad start in the Brew City.

Luc Mbah a Moute looked to take a hit, playing just 15 minutes (six points and four rebounds). Gustavo Ayon and Ish Smith both picked up DNP coach's decisions. 

Photo: RMTip21.

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Danny Granger returns, makes just 1-of-10 shots in 19 minutes

Danny Granger's season debut was a little rough, making just 1-of-10 shots and scoring two points. The Indiana Pacers beat the Detroit Pistons, 90-72. 

Granger played 19 minutes off the bench. His only stats were two rebounds, an assist and a block. It'll take a little while for Granger to get into game shape.



The Pacers don't play again until hosting the Golden State Warriors Tuesday evening.

Photo: Pacers' Facebook.

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Tony Parker won't play Sunday due to a right triceps contusion

A right triceps contusion will sideline Tony Parker for Sunday's game with the Phoenix Suns.

The Spurs released the information Saturday on its Twitter account. Gary Neal is also questionable for the game due to tightness in his left calf. Nando De Colo, who hasn't done much of anything, could get some extra playing time but isn't worth a look in anything but deep leagues.

I'm really high on Danny Green, and I'd expect his hot run to continue.

As for Parker's return, after Sunday the Spurs don't play until Wednesday. For now, consider Parker questionable for that one.

Parker is having an MVP-caliber season, averaging 21.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 7.6 assists and .9 steals in 54 games.

Injury report: Tony Parker (right triceps contusion) is out for tomorrow's Phoenix game. Gary Neal (tightness, left calf), is questionable.
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 23, 2013

Photo: Mark Runyon.

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Thaddeus Young hopes to return Sunday; Andrew Bynum practices five-on-five

Thaddeus Young says he expects to play Sunday evening against the New York Knicks.

Sixers beat writer Tom Moore wrote that Young will "probably" give it a go. Young has been out since injuring his hamstring on February 13. He was having a solid season, averaging 14.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.6 steals and .9 blocks. If he was somehow dropped in your league -- he's 80 percent owned in Yahoo -- he's worth a pickup.

Meanwhile, Andrew Bynum is playing five-on-five ball in practice. Bynum says he hopes to play before the end of the season, but coach Doug Collins didn't sound hopeful ("I don't think any bells and whistles should be sent off that he's close to playing."). Time is slipping away -- for the Sixers and fantasy owners.

#Sixers Thad Young hoping to play Sunday vs.
— Tom Moore (@tmoorepburbs) February 23, 2013

#Knicks. 'Probably' will play Sun, T Young says. #Sixers
— Tom Moore (@tmoorepburbs) February 23, 2013

#Sixers DiLeo: #Bynum 'practiced 5-on-5 at times (Friday). He was in and out (of scrimmage). There was contact.' #76ers
— Tom Moore (@tmoorepburbs) February 23, 2013

#Sixers Collins on #Bynum: 'He said he's going to play this season. After next Sunday, we have 24 games (left).'
— Tom Moore (@tmoorepburbs) February 23, 2013

Photo: Keith Allison.

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Scott Hall tells Jake "The Snake" Roberts that he wants to get sober (videos)

Scott Hall says he wants to get clean and sober. Anyone who knows his history should be rightfully skeptical. But, in these videos posted by "Diamond" Dallas Page, Hall seems sincere. He says he's excited to get into shape. He wants to rebuild his self-esteem. And he needs to find a way to fill the void left in his life post-wrestling.

Hall is headed for DDP's "accountability house," where Jake "The Snake" Roberts has been working on maintaining his sobriety. We've heard these things from both men before. Hall and Roberts need help. Robert looks like he's on his way. WWE has spent more than six figures to send Hall to rehab 12 times. If DDP can get him clean, it's an admirable cause.

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Jeff Green explodes for 31 points, seven boards and five blocks

The Boston Celtics sat Kevin Garnett Saturday and still easily defeated the Phoenix Suns -- thanks to Jeff Green.

The fifth-year forward dominated, making 11-of-14 shots, including three 3-pointers, for 31 points. He added a full stat line of seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and five blocks in 39 minutes. It was a dominant performance, but one that we've come to expect from Green this month.



In 10 February games, he's averaging 16.7 points, 1.2 3-pointers, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, .8 steal and 2 blocks with a 55.3 percent field-goal percentage and 87.2 percent free-throw percentage.

Green is balling and this was only his first start of the season. There's reason to believe he's just warming up. He's owned in just 37 percent of Yahoo leagues and a worthy add for the final 26 games.

Photo: Mark Runyon.

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