Kyrie Irving aggravated his right shoulder strain on Tuesday night against the Spurs, was examined at the Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday, and has been shut down by the Cavs for as much as the next two weeks. The 17-34 Cavs have no reason to push Irving to risk further injury or rush his recovery, so expect caution here, and consider his default h2h season over for all intents and purposes. Both Donald Sloan and Lester Hudson should be in line for major minutes, with Irving sidelined and Daniel Gibson done for the season. Sloan played 35 minutes during his spot start on Saturday, scoring 10 points and adding seven boards, four assists, and two steals; Hudson posted a respectable line (22 minutes, 12 points, 2 threes, 2 steals) during Tuesday's blowout loss. The Cavs have two games remaining in the current week and then have a league-best five games during the default h2h finals [schedule].
• The Magic played without Dwight Howard (back spasms), Ryan Anderson (sprained ankle), and Jameer Nelson (sprained ankle) on Tuesday. Both Howard and Nelson are considered day-to-day in advance of Thursday's matchup with the Knicks. Anderson's ankle still looks like a softball, however, and he's expected to be out another four or five days, which covers the Magic's two remaining games for the current week (Thu NYK, Sat @PHI). That should mean two more starts for Glen Davis, who has averaged 39 minutes, 24.5 points, 13 boards, 2 steals, and 1 block over the past two games.
• Back-to-back starts at power forward have produced averages of 36 minutes, 20 points, 1 three, 11.5 boards, 1 steal, and 2 blocks for Byron Mullens. Paul Silas is committed to giving Mullens extended run over the rest of the season, and the Bobcats, play a league-best five games during the h2h finals week [schedule].
• Status updates: Dwyane Wade (knee) is probable for Wednesday .. Derrick Rose was a full participant in the Bulls' Wednesday practice but looks doubtful for Thursday's game. He's officially listed as a game-time decision .. Andrew Bynum's status for Wednesday's game will be established after the team's 5pm PT walk-through .. Andre Iguodala (eye) will be active on Wednesday .. Ray Allen (ankle) will be active on Wednesday, although his role has yet to be determined .. Luke Ridnour (ankle) was using crutches as of Tuesday and is almost certainly out on Wednesday. If J.J. Barea (quad) does play, he'll be at less than 100% .. Both Nene Hilario and Trevor Booker are unlikely to play on Wednesday .. Wilson Chandler (groin) didn't practice Tuesday and is questionable for Wednesday. Danilo Gallinari (thumb) is doubtful .. Hornets on Wednesday: Eric Gordon (knee), Trevor Ariza (ankle), and Carl Landry (ankle) are all active .. Rodney Stuckey (hamstring) is expected to return on Thursday .. Carlos Delfino (groin) remains day-to-day .. Devin Harris (ankle) will be a game-time decision on Wednesday .. Anderson Varejao (wrist) could return to practice next week .. Deep-leaguers will want to note that Ronny Turiaf is now the starting center for the Heat. Turiaf played 23 minutes on Tuesday (6 points, 6 boards, 2 blocks) and has always been a reliable per-minute producer.
• Preferred adds among widely-available players: Kawhi Leonard (36% owned), Byron Mullens (26%), Randy Foye (32%), Kevin Seraphin (17%), Chandler Parsons (29%), Nate Robinson (26%), Shannon Brown (30%), Courtney Lee (22%), Kenneth Faried (34%), Reggie Williams (6%), Brandon Rush (39%), Gerald Green (13%), Glen Davis (21%), Donald Sloan (0%), Delonte West (7%), Alonzo Gee (31%), Terrence Williams (6%), Carl Landry (35%), J.R. Smith (28%), Marvin Williams (17%), Tristan Thompson (24%), Marreese Speights (14%), Jason Smith (15%), Ronny Turiaf (1%), Greg Stiemsma (6%), Jan Vesely (3%)