Earl

Clark

Word is that he was able to leave his contract to be with his pregnant girlfriend, and he should generate interest as an unrestricted free agent. He has good physical attributes, and the knocks on him coming out of Louisville were his intangibles and shot-making (inside and out). That he got playing time for Stan Van Gundy suggests he his development was on track, and he looked good in his limited minutes.

Given the fact the playoffs are looming, and that he had X-rays (negative), our guess is he won’t play in Thursday’s finale. Daniel Orton started the second half, while Earl Clark should also see extra minutes on Thursday.

We see almost no way Davis plays in Thursday’s finale at Memphis, so Orton, who had eight points and five boards on 4-of-5 shooting in 22 minutes tonight, should get another start. Earl Clark is also worth fantasy consideration, but had just eight points and one rebound in 17 minutes tonight.

Glen Davis left with an ankle injury tonight, so Clark could get solid minutes on Thursday, if his knee allows it.

Despite Anderson saying the sprain was in a “good spot,” he’s been ruled out of Tuesday’s game and the fact that it’s so swollen is a concern. He’s likely wearing a walking boot in order to prevent any further aggravation, but it sounds like he’s further away from playing in a game than the team had let on previously. Glen Davis is expected to start at power forward if Dwight Howard (back) can play, but if Howard is also out, Earl Clark will see a healthy dose as minutes as well on Tuesday.

Despite Anderson saying that his sprain was in a “good spot,” he won’t be playing on Tuesday. Glen Davis could slide into Anderson’s starting spot if Dwight Howard (back) is able to play, otherwise the Magic will have to get creative with the lineup and we could see increased minutes for Earl Clark or Daniel Orton.

Clark had stated that he felt pain any time he moves or jumps, but he’s apparently feeling well enough to contribute. Neither player holds much fantasy appeal in standard-sized leagues.

There’s no reason for Clark to test free agency after averaging 2.7 points per game this past season. “I definitely want to be here. I don’t want to be anywhere else,” he said.

Turkoglu’s status is “up in the air,” as is teammate Earl Clark who is also dealing with a sickness of his own. If Turkoglu can’t play, the Magic will have to get creative at the small forward spot with Quentin Richardson (quad) also banged up and considered questionable to play.

With Hedo Turkoglu (illness) and Earl Clark (illness) both also questionable, Orlando might have to get creative with its rotation. Richardson is averaging just 3.4 points and 2.6 rebounds in 17 minutes this season.