NBA Injury Roundup

I'll try to make this a weekly affair. I know how frustrating it is to go through every roster clicking on the little yellow notebooks...

Nene: You hate to be right in situations like these. Nene did, indeed, tear his ACL in his awkward fall in the first quarter of his opening night game. He's done for the season. Not too many fantasy owners were depending on Nene, but those that were should drop him immediately to the wire since the NBA (and fantasy leagues along with it) has eliminated the IL.

Kirk Hinrich: Kirk sprained his ankle in the Bulls' Wed. night game against the Bobcats and was on crutches after the game. It's being classified as mild-to-moderate, so don't get too worried, but Kirk's production might be limited for a week or so. Hope he doesn't miss any games.

Q. Richardson: Dude is wearing ice-packs during the game on his chronically sore back. Come on man, you're 25. He only played 22 minutes in the game. I've never liked Q Rich's game anyway, but the combination of leaving Steve Nash's side, this lingering back injury, and 22 minutes per game under taskmaster Larry Brown puts his fantasy value in the toilet. If you can find a taker, deal this guy.

Tracy McGrady: Recently said of his knee tendinitis: "It was pretty bad. It really was, to the point I was getting concerned, and didn't know how effective I would be." Early returns say he'll be OK, as he went for a TMac-esque line of 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal 1 block 1 turnover. Keep an eye on his knees, but keep him in your lineup (obviously).

Gerald Wallace: On Monday he strained his left shoulder. Then he came out and went 28-5-4 with 5 steals to start the season. All systems go for a guy who could really be a fantasy standout this year.

Carlos Boozer: Continues not to play because of hamstring issues. Dude's a punk.

Sam Dalembert: See above.

Manu Ginobili: Bruised right quadriceps limited his effectiveness in the opener, holding him to 29 minutes and pretty pedestrian numbers overall. Has this guy gone from being perenially underrated to perenially overrated, fantasy-wise?

Kenyon Martin: His surgically repaired right knee collided with Finley's, and he whined about it little, but his numbers are right where they should be. Should be OK for the time being.