NBA

Augustin says he feels dramatically better and is targeting sometime next week for his return. Monday's game against the Sixers is a best-case scenario. "I don't want to wait until after the All-Star break," he said. Augustin met with Nike officials last week and is getting customized shoes to protect the injured tendon in his toe.

Thomas is just having an issue with his contact lens. The bigger concern for him is the impending returns of Corey Maggette and D.J. Augustin. With Reggie Williams playing well, Thomas' starting small forward job is in real jeopardy. He's shooting just 35.2 percent in his 17 starts this season.

Paul Silas said that Maggette could be back as soon as Friday in limited fashion if his hamstring responds properly. It's unclear how the Bobcats will utilize him with Reggie Williams playing well, but he should find consistent playing time with Gerald Henderson (hamstring) still on the shelf. Owners in standard sized leagues can afford to see how he does his first time out before contemplating a pick up.

With Gerald Henderson and Corey Maggette targeting returns before the All-Star break (and D.J. Augustin potentially returning as soon as Monday), it's unclear what role Paul Silas envisions for Williams once the team is healthy. However, even if he eventually comes off the bench, Williams -- who gives the Bobcats a much-needed outside shooting and playmaking dimension -- should still get plenty of run. In the meantime, he's well worth keeping in fantasy leagues while we see how it plays out.

Beat writer Rick Bonnell notes that Maggette "sounds cautious" about not rushing back, so a pre-All-Star break return isn't guaranteed. And with the return of Gerald Henderson around the same time, it's possible that Maggette will return to a role off the bench. It's safe to leave him on waivers in standard-sized leagues for now.

That timetable isn't set in stone, but Augustin is clearly getting close. Chances are he'll return to starting alongside Kemba Walker in an undersized backcourt, and should be worth starting in most formats going forward.

Henderson was declared out 2-4 weeks earlier this month, and if he is able to return for Charlotte's last game before the break (Feb. 22), he will have missed exactly three weeks. He should return to play substantial minutes, but disappointing peripheral numbers (4.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.4 blocks and 0.3 3s) have made Henderson's 15.0 points per game ring hollow in fantasy leagues.