Steve

Blake

“He’s very close,” Jordan said. Blake has played just eight games this season. His return could help the Wizards cope with Larry Hughes’ absence, but he won’t have any fantasy value.

Gilbert Arenas and Larry Hughes could log extra minutes.

Mitchell Butler and Juan Dixon are getting extra minutes with Blake out.

“It’s a day-by-day thing,” Blake said. “If the pain goes away, then I can start playing again.”

Steve Blake will start at point guard, with Etan Thomas and Christian Laettner also starting. Blake’s performance was praised by his teammates, who credited his unselfish play for helping Larry Hughes to 36 points. He will remain the starter until Gilbert Arenas returns.

Niether Blake nor Knight has any value while Arenas is healthy.

This move really clouds up the point guard position in Milwaukee, as Mo Williams, Charlie Bell and Blake are all capable starters. Odds are, Bell moves to shooting guard as Michael Redd’s primary backup and Blake plays behind Williams, but we won’t know for sure until training camp. The Bucks gave up a valuable center without getting much in return, outside of a crowd at point guard.

Blake hasn’t started a single game for the Lakers this season, but that could change on Wednesday. He’s averaging 6.8 points, 3.0 assists and 1.3 treys in a reserve role this season, but would likely see extended minutes if Bryant is unable to play.

As expected. Derek Fisher is in Houston and Steve Blake will stick in his backup role. Sessions is now a good bet to push for 30 minutes, giving him plenty of fantasy upside. In 89 career starts, Sessions has averaged 14.8 points, 7.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals. He’ll be the fourth offensive option for the Lakers, but he’s a playmaker.

Hopefully you had him stashed, but if you didn’t go run and pick him up right now for his expected low-to-mid round value. He’ll battle for touches with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers’ bigs, but will have plenty of value in a minimum 30-minute minute role manning the controls. This signals that Steve Blake is likely heading to Portland, which will hit Raymond Felton pretty hard if he stays with the team. This would confirm rumors that Luke Ridnour is not a part of the Jamal Crawford deal, as well.