Court Report: Play the numbers, not the names

The Magic were down by 31 at the end of the third quarter on Wednesday, so they didn't play their starters extensively, but there haven't been many reasons to roster Jason Richardson or Hedo Turkoglu in standard leagues for some time now. Since returning from his upper respiratory ailment in late February, J-Rich has averaged 9.5 points on 37-percent shooting and 1.4 threes in just 23 minutes, while also dealing with ankle issues. Hedo's streak of poor production is quite extensive - in 36 games since he first dealt with back spasms in mid-January, his averages have included 9 points on 36-percent shooting, 68-percent foul shooting, 1.4 threes, 3.9 boards, 4.4 assists, 2.7 turnovers, and 0.8 steals. There is no value in the fact that they are familiar names, and that's a point that applies across the board - we're only looking for production, and it's been a while since J-Rich (71% owned) or Hedo (77%) warranted their relatively lofty ownership numbers.

• The Hornets beat the Warriors 102-87 on Wednesday without the services of Chris Kaman (illness), Trevor Ariza (ankle), and Gustavo Ayon (birth of child). Carl Landry started at power forward and had yet another solid game (33 minutes, 20 points, 8 boards, 1 block), while Jason Smith returned from his two-game suspension to start at center (26 minutes, 12 points, 6-7 FG, 6 boards, 1 block). Both Kaman and Ariza have been considered day-to-day all week, with the specifics being scarce between game-time updates. Yes, that means we're headed for the same story on Thursday .. As for Eric Gordon, Monty Williams said the following on Wednesday: "I wouldn't be surprised to come out here one day this week and say Eric is playing tonight."

• Status updates: Andre Iguodala (knee tendinitis) remains questionable heading into the 76ers' weekend back-to-back .. George Karl hopes that Danilo Gallinari (thumb) will be able to participate in Monday and/or Tuesday practices. His availability for games over the remainder of the week will be established at that point .. Ray Allen (ankle) is expected to be in the lineup on Friday .. Jeremy Lin (knee) is currently questionable for Friday, but will have his status updated at morning shootaround .. Both Nene Hilario (back) and Trevor Booker (foot) are questionable for Thursday .. D.J. Augustin has been dealing with knee tendinitis, and Paul Silas said after Wednesday's loss to the T-Wolves that he's worried about his play. There's been no specific talk of Kemba Walker replacing him as the starter yet, but he's shot just 34 percent from the field in March .. Both Rodney Stuckey (hamstring) and Ben Gordon (groin) are questionable for Friday, meaning Austin Daye could be in for back-to-back spot starts (Fri @CHI, Sat CHA) .. Keep an eye on Rodrigue Beaubois' minutes on Thursday, with Delonte West expected to return from his broken finger.

• Scanning the Buzz Index leaders: My preferred adds among widely-available players: Kawhi Leonard (28% owned), Chandler Parsons (34%), Courtney Lee (17%), Nate Robinson (29%), Brandon Rush (32%), Iman Shumpert (19%), Rodridgue Beaubois (19%), Matt Barnes (15%), Derrick Favors (32%), Tristan Thompson (25%), J.R. Smith (25%), Kirk Hinrich (13%), and Kevin Seraphin (9%) .. The season splits say that Iman Shumpert is more comfortable in a reserve role, but his production over the past two games says that could be changing. He's led the Knicks in minutes (33 per game) and made seven of 16 threes (44%), and clearly he's in Mike Woodson's good graces thanks to his plus defense. 30-plus minutes minutes look fairly secure with the Knicks go small while Amar'e Stoudemire is on the shelf .. He been in an offensive slump, but I'd be inclined to give Jared Dudley some leash if there isn't a no-brainer add at your disposal. The Sunds have one of Week 22's most favorable schedules for three-point shooters (@SAC, @UTA, @DEN, LAL).