DOG BAG (12/4)

A few, current storylines in the Association…

Hassan Whiteside Sidelined For Extended Time? -- Miami's H. Whiteside could miss even more time than expected w/ his knee injury.

The HEAT initially ruled him out for 2-3 weeks but Whiteside himself hinted he might be sidelined even longer:

• “It’s really bothering me, man,” Whiteside said at his locker at Madison Square Garden. “We’re going to figure it out. We’re going to figure it out when we get back to Miami and figure out what’s wrong.” (after loss to NYK)

MIA needs its star center back ASAP - currently sit at 10th (11-12) in the East. 

Until he returns, buy stock into rookie Bam Adebayo, look out for more Kelly Olynyk points & James Johnson usage.

Shaun Livingston & Referee Courtney Kirkland Suspended -- In a bizarre "confrontation" last night, Warriors guard Shaun Livingston made contact w/ referee Courtney Kirkland.

Protesting a call, Livingston & Kirkland "bumped heads," though it appears Kirkland walked in Livingston's path first:

Today, punishments were announced:

Kyle Anderson Out 2-3 Weeks -- Right when SA gets another key player back (Tony Parker made season debut last week), another is on the shelf. 

Starting forward Kyle Anderson went down w/ a knee injury right near the end of the 3Q @ OKC last night. Here's what happened:

Considering how he went down + K. Anderson's reaction, a 2-3 week diagnosis (sprained MCL) seems like good news.

Until he's able to return, expect rookie Brandon Paul, Bryn Forbes, Davis Bertans + Rudy Gay to see some time at the 3 spot - it'll likely be a "by committee" approach until either Anderson or Kawhi Leonard gets back.