Toronto Raptors point guard T.J. Ford was taken off the court on a stretcher following a hard Al Horford foul late in Tuesday night's game at Atlanta. The third year guard stole the ball in the open court and was attempting a breakaway layup when Horford clobbered him with a right hand. Upon impact, Ford's head smacked against the hardwood floor. His abrupt exit capped off a 26 point, eight assist effort, in which he shot 11-for-15 from the field. Ford was taken to Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. When asked about the incident, Horford insisted he was not trying to injure Ford:

"I'm not a dirty player," Horford said. "He got the steal. I just tried to go and block the shot. When he went up, I went up too. He tried to use the rim and I thought he was going to stay on [one] side so I went up and tried to hit the ball and I hit his head. He just made a good move and fooled me."

Ford's girlfriend, Candace Dixon, told sources that T.J. had feeling in his arms and legs and did have range of motion. He did not lose consciousness, although doctors were awaiting results of a CAT scan. Ford missed the 2004-05 season following a horrific neck surgery, which ironically occurred almost exactly the same way as Tuesday night's incident. On the fantasy front, Ford is out indefinitely and owners should realize that he has bigger goals right now that are more important than playing basketball. He's staying overnight in the hospital and will go through vigorous medical tests in the next few days. Keep him reserved in your fantasy lineup until further announcements arise.