Friday News and Notes

Friday, December 15, 2006

 

Advanced news and notes for the Saturday and Sunday card are at JoeDuffy.net

NBA

·        Miami 14-3 to Washington

·        New Jersey-Toronto series under 6-8 in Toronto

 

Nets-Raptors

North Jersey.com

The Nets left for Canada without starting small forward Richard Jefferson, whose ankle troubles are becoming a cause for concern. Jefferson will not play against the Raptors tonight and could miss Saturday’s home game against Detroit because of a sore right ankle. This certainly put a damper on the Nets’ two-game winning streak. They’re already without Cliff Robinson and also could be minus backup point guard Marcus Williams, who is questionable with a strained lower back. Nenad Krstic jammed his left ring finger, but is expected to play. Antoine Wright will start in Jefferson’s place and rookie Hassan Adams and perhaps Bostjan Nachbar will get more time tonight.

Sonics-Cavaliers

Seattle Post Intelligencer

The Sonics are having a rough road trip heading into tonight’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, primarily because of the absence of Ray Allen. That might be a temporary condition as the bone bruise in Allen’s right ankle is healing and he could be back for the Dec. 23 game against the Toronto Raptors, coach Bob Hill said. Allen has missed the past five games with a bruise of the talus bone, the humped-shaped bone just above the ankle. The Sonics enter tonight 3-2 without Allen, but have lost two consecutive games.

76ers-Mavericks

Philadelphia Inquirer

With the imminent departure of Iverson, it’s safe to assume the Sixers’ points per game will be decreasing. They have averaged 85.5 points since he was sent into exile by Billy King and Maurice Cheeks, including their three lowest point totals of the season against the Trail Blazers (79), Celtics (81) and Magic (84). 11.9 is the average points by which the Sixers have been outscored during their nine-game losing streak.

Rockets-Lakers

Associated Press

Rockets guard Tracy McGrady missed his second game with back spasms and is doubtful to play tonight against the Lakers.