Every night of NBA action brings us some bumps and bruises.  Here’s a quick run down of some of the latest!

Gary Payton, PG, Miami Heat (ear)

Payton has recently been victim to an ear infection.  While he has played since, his numbers will be hampered by the play of Jason Williams who is back from his own “issues.”  Williams will be the starter, if for any reason but to lower the average age of the starting lineup from about 65 to 60.  The Glove still has some left in the tank, but will likely be used in spot duty for the near term.  Of course, if White Chocolate experiences any more setbacks, Payton will get the burn.

Ray Allen, SG, Seattle Supersonics (foot)

In news that seemed to blindside a few owners, Ray Allen skipped out of Seattle’s last contest with a foot injury.  MRIs have been taken, but the injury is not believed to be serious.  Rashard Lewis will likely continue his stellar season (contract year, what?) with or without Allen.  Damien Wilkins will be getting the starting nod in the event that Allen misses any more time.  Wilkins has put up solid number in Allen’s place in the past, so there’s no reason to believe he can’t do it now.  The future will depend on Allen’s results.

Update: Several media outlets are now saying that Allen’s foot may be worse than orginally reported.  This makes Wilkins a very interesting play for the next few games.  It’s hard to turn down his steals and boards given the extra minutes.  More on this tomorrow in the Wire to Wire!

Speedy Claxton, PG, Atlanta Hawks (knees)

The woes continue for Claxton and his owners.  Actually, not for Claxton, as he’s signed for the starting dollars this year, despite not exactly “starting.”  Claxton broke his finger in the preseason, and was to miss time.  Since then, he’s had problems with his ankle, and now his knees (yes, both) are sore.  Tyronn Lue has more than filled in for Claxton on the interim.  Can he do it for an entire season?  This is to be seen.  If not, the reigns will likely fall to Cedric Bozeman.  (Read: If Lue falters, Joe Johnson will be running the point) 

Which leads me to think…If Joe Johnson runs the point (again); slide Josh Smith to the “two” since he’s all about shooting this year.  Marvin Williams will be able to abuse a few small forwards with Shelden Williams holding down the “four” and Zaza Pachulia in the post.  It’d truly be three small forwards and two power forwards, but this sort of thing works these days.  Of course, they could’ve drafted Chris Paul last year, and I wouldn’t be writing all of this…..

Ron Artest, SF, Sacramento Kings (back)

The Tru Warier has been hobbled by some back problems as of late.  This occurrence has allotted more time for John Salmons and Ronnie Price in the rotation for the Kings.  Salmons is a way better fit here than when the Kings wanted him to run the point, and will likely provide some scoring and rebounding in the short-term.  Of course, I expect Mike Bibby, Brad Miller, and Kevin Martin to pick up the majority of the slack. 

That’s about all for now…Until next time…