Boston Celtics:
The Celtics announced this week that Theo Ratliff will have season ending back surgery... The Celtics are getting hit by the injury bug hard this season. The latest casualty appears to be Al Jefferson who celebrated his 22nd birthday by sitting out practice because of a sore right hamstring... Paul Pierce is targeting January 19th as his return to the hardwood.
New York Knicks:
Like fine wine, Eddy Curry seems to be getting better as the season progresses. He’s bumped his scoring up each month of the season (15.0 to 21.6 to 23.0) as well as his rebounding (6.5, 7.9, 8.0). I can’t believe I’m throwing this out there, but could this be the year that Curry makes the All-Star team?... Steve Francis returned to his home in Houston to rehab his knee... The Knicks just returned from a tough road trip where they lost their first three games and then bounced back to win their last two contests... Nate Robinson is eligible to return from his suspension January 10th for the Knicks game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
New Jersey Nets:
The Nets showed some testicular fortitude Friday night as they battled back from an 18-point deficit against the Chicago Bulls to earn a much needed win to keep a half a game lead atop the Atlantic. Making this comeback impressive is the fact the Nets allowed the Bulls to score the first 18 points of the game! .. The Nets made a deal earlier this week which saw Jeff McInnis head to the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday for swingman Bernard Robinson... Rumors are swirling around The Swamp that Vince Carter may be on his way outta’ town for Corey Maggette and Cuttino Mobley... NBA Fanhouse has put out at APB for Jason Kidd’s hot wife Joumana.
Philadelphia 76ers:
This weekend the 76ers announced that they have brought Larry Brown back to the team as their executive VP... Sixers fans roared their approval after seeing Allen Iverson get ejected in his first game against the 76ers... Philly fans received some bad news this week when word was leaked onto the ‘net that respected writer David Aldridge had been “cut” by the Philadelphia Inquirer... The 76ers waived Steven Smith on January 5th before his contract for the season became guaranteed on the 10th.
Toronto Raptors:
Toronto improved to 9-5 at home this season with a win Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks... After being kicked in the family jewels in a game against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, Andrea Bargnani found himself in the starting line-up Friday against Atlanta and responded with 12 points, 3 boards and a sick behind the back bounce pass to Chris Bosh for an alley-oop... Morris Peterson had 16 points and 6 boards off the bench against the Hawks and is showing signs of clawing his way out of Sam Mitchell’s doghouse.. Raptors rookie Jorge Garbajosa is ranked #1 and Andrea Bargnani is ranked #3 in NBA.com’s latest rookie rankings.
DIVISION REPORTS
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Central Division
Southeast Division
Western Conference
