By Anthony Oliva III
Fantasy Sports 101 Basketball

March 24, 2008 - The Lakers and Pacers are getting boosts to their championship hopes with good news coming out of both organizations on injured stars Andrew Bynum and Jermaine O'Neal. Both had missed significant time with knee injuries, but figure to join their teams in time for a playoff push.

O'Neal May Return This Week
In a move that could have ramifications in fantasy leagues and in the Eastern Conference playoff race, the Indianapolis Star is reporting that Indiana Pacers center Jermaine O’Neal may return to the court sometime this week, even if it means coming off the bench.

The six-time All Star has been out since Jan. 16 with a sore left knee. In 33 games this season, he was averaging 15.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. His point total was his lowest since the 2000-01 season and his rebound total was his lowest since 1999-2000.

O’Neal practiced with the team Wednesday and Thursday without any significant problems besides conditioning. The 11-year pro had spent the majority of the last few weeks doing individual drills and playing one-on-one after practice.

He could be a big boost to the Pacers who are currently in 10th place in the East, a game and a half back of Atlanta for the eighth and final playoff spot and a game back of New Jersey for ninth place.

O’Neal has said that he wouldn’t mind coming off the bench because he doesn’t want to ruin the team’s chemistry. In any role, he would be a key piece, especially on defense, to the Pacers' playoff hopes.

Bynum Expected Back Before Playoffs
Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum may be returning to the lineup sooner than originally thought.

After saying last week that Bynum might not be back in action until the playoffs began, Lakers coach Phil Jackson said that the former first rounder could be back as early as two weeks before the first round, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

When Bynum returns, the Lakers will finally have their full complement of weapons, making them the likely favorite in a stacked Western Conference playoffs. Bynum, who has been out since Jan. 13 with a knee injury, has yet to share the floor with newly acquired Pau Gasol, and they figure to form an imposing tandem in the post.

Gasol is also struggling with an injury and has missed the last two games due to a sprained ankle. He was on the practice floor at the end of last week and should work his way back into the lineup this week.

In his third season, Bynum was having a breakout year, averaging 13.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.06 blocked shots. He was among the league’s best in rebounds and blocks at the time of his injury and his 63.6 field goal percentage was best in the league. Bynum had been criticized by many, including Kobe Bryant, during his previous two seasons for not reaching his massive potential, but he is now seen as an integral part of the Lakers franchise.