Bobcats Hobble Into Utah, Okafor Will Not Play Versus Jazz

Emeka Okafor suffered a left ankle sprain with 2:34 left in Sunday's game at the Lakers and he will be out for tomorrow night's game at Utah.

Kareem Rush also has a left ankle sprain, but he is probable for tomorrow at Utah.

Jamal Sampson has back spasms and is probable for the Utah game.

Via Bobcats Press Release

Charlotte Bobcats

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Rose Blossoms Again in Raptors Win

Jalen Rose had another late-game explosion, scoring 14 of his 22 points in the fourth period as the Raptors beat the Charlotte Bobcats, 103-92.

Rose is crediting his outbursts to a Toronto radio personality who said Raptors general manager Rob Babcock "would be the GM of the year if he could find a way to trade Jalen Rose."

"That kind of sparked me to go out and play and play with a chip on my shoulder and have some fun regardless of what happens," said Rose.

Morris Peterson also threw in 26 points. Chris Bosh had 21 points and eight rebounds for the Raptors, who have won 10 of their last 11 games at the Air Canada Centre.

Rose has been looking like the go-to-guy Toronto thought they were getting when they traded for him. He's passing well, making shots, and inspiring the crowd.

"Jalen is going to be Jalen, he's always going to talk about starting and I understand that," said Raptors coach Sam Mitchell. "But his role with us in the last 14 or 15 games, the way he has been playing and the firepower that he gives us coming off the bench . . .

Via SLAM!

Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Bobcats

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Bobcats Activate Steve Smith From IL

The Charlotte Bobcats today activated guard Steve Smith from the injured list and placed center Jahidi White on the injured list with a right shoulder strain, it was announced by Bobcats General Manager and Head Coach Bernie Bickerstaff. Smith will be in uniform for tonight’s home game against Philadelphia.

Smith has played in 22 games this season with averages of 9.1 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 19.8 minutes. The 14-year veteran is ranked ninth in the NBA in three-point shooting with a .444 success rate behind the arc. Smith was placed on the injured list on January 6 with right knee tendinitis and last appeared on December 29 against Indiana when he scored nine points and added three assists in 22 minutes. The Bobcats have a 6-16 record in games he has played, compared to 2-10 when he has not played, and he has scored 10-plus points in nine of his 22 appearances.

White has seen action in 16 games this season and averaged 2.5 points and 2.1 rebounds in 8.0 minutes. He originally injured his shoulder on November 30 at New Jersey and missed the next 11 games with the injury. White was activated on December 29 and played in eight games since that time.

Via Bobcats Press Release

Charlotte Bobcats

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