Nazr

Mohammed

If your league requires you to start a center, Mohammed could be worth a late-round pick.

The Knicks will start a lineup featuring Kurt Thomas, Tim Thomas, and Mohammed up front, with Allan Houston and Stephon Marbury at guard. Mohammed should be picked up if you are weak at center.

If the Spurs do re-sign Mohammed, then Rasho Nesterovic probably would be traded. The small-ball era is upon us, and it seems unlikely that teams will continue to invest so much money in centers when the key to winning appears to be dominant point guards and speed. However, Mohammed could still be a hot commodity as teams still need some size if they’re going to contend with guys like Shaquille O’Neal and Amare Stoudemire. From a fantasy standpoint, productive centers could be even tougher to come by next year, increasing the value of the few that get it done.

Mohammed missed one game with a foot injury.

The fifth-year is really an option, although the report doesn’t state whether that is a team or player option. Mohammed will be paid $5 million next season as he tries to fill the shoes of the Chicago-bound Ben Wallace.

Beat writer Darnell Mayberry says he has “reason to believe” that Perkins will return to action on Sunday. Nazr Mohammed would start at center if Perkins is unable to go.

The injury didn’t appear too serious, so hopefully it’s a minor ailment that will heal in time for OKC’s next game. If they win on Saturday, completing their sweep of the Mavs, they’ll have tons of time to recuperate.

Perkins knocked knees with another player during the Thunder’s game against the Rockets on Wednesday. Nazr Mohammed will get the start in his place, but is not someone who needs to be on your fantasy radar unless Perkins is ruled out for an extended period.

He wasn’t on a minutes count or said to be limited, but he went up for a dunk and was clearly in pain when he came back down. It’s likely an aggravation of his previous injury, but could also be his groin. Either way, Serge Ibaka’s value in this series just went through the roof, while Nick Collison and Nazr Mohammed are also going to get plenty of run for as long as Perkins is out. Update: Perkins is back on the bench and available if needed, but whether he’ll play again in this blowout remains to be seen.

Nick Collison played 30 minutes for four points and six rebounds, while Nazr Mohammed caught fire for 17 points, six rebounds and a steal in 18 minutes. Ibaka’s owners are about ready to lose it due to his inconsistent minutes from night to night. His minutes count over his last six games: 18, 22, 18, 41, 21 and 37. Scott Brooks will have to turn Ibaka loose for 30 mpg for him to be an effective fantasy player, but we’re not convinced it’s going to happen.