Fantasy Basketball Injuries From Saturday: Marcus Smart, Robert Williams III, Kristaps Porzingis, OG Anunoby

Dennis looks at the fantasy basketball injuries from Saturday, January 21, 2023, and gives updates on players such as Marcus Smart, Robert Williams III, Kristaps Porzingis, and OG Anunoby.

It wasn't a good day for many clubs around the National Basketball Association, with many teams dealing with unsettling injuries to their top players. Although these situations are always challenging for teams, fantasy managers are also left scrambling to find a replacement.

This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Saturday, January 21, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.

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Marcus Smart Injury Update

The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum for Saturday's meeting with Toronto, as the MVP candidate got the day off to deal with wrist soreness. Luckily, the C's recently got Jaylen Brown back from a three-game layoff, so the team at least had its No. 2 scoring option. Boston also had Marcus Smart, who is proficient on both ends of the floor.

Unfortunately, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year's evening didn't last long, as he exited in the first half after suffering a sprained right ankle. Smart has battled ankle injuries throughout his career, so fantasy managers are familiar with this.

While X-ray results were encouraging, revealing no structural damage, he'll likely miss a game or two, possibly more. As a result, Derrick White, who also got banged up on Saturday, may remain in the starting lineup, with the former Spur averaging 10.5 points in 38 starts this season.

At the same time, Malcolm Brogdon, who had 23 points and seven rebounds while shooting 60% from deep during the win over the Raptors, could see a significant uptick in production. With that said, both players could see even more opportunities on the scoring end if Tatum isn't back anytime soon.

Robert Williams III Injury Update

Marcus Smart wasn't the only player Boston lost to an injury against the Raptors, as Robert Williams III departed prematurely after Jaylen Brown fell and landed on his left knee. As many are aware, this is the same knee he had surgery on twice last season, so it's not an ideal situation.

Williams did walk off the floor under his own power, which is good news, and while he may not have been severely injured, the Celtics will surely play it safe. As a result, he may miss the entirety of Boston's two-game road trip, beginning on Monday in Orlando.

Although head coach Joe Mazzulla has several directions to go in terms of lineup construction, assuming Williams misses some games, Grant Williams, who had 25 points on Saturday, could be a primary beneficiary.

OG Anunoby Injury Update

In an unexpected turn of events (sarcasm), OG Anunoby was hurt during the loss to the Boston Celtics. The oft-injured forward lasted only 21 minutes before leaving for the rest of the game with an ankle injury. Anunoby battled injuries over the last few seasons, limiting him to only 91 contests. To his credit, he hasn't missed much time this year.

However, fantasy managers knew this was too good to be true, as he now potentially won't play on Sunday when the Raptors welcome the New York Knicks to Toronto. If that happens, Thaddeus Young may roll with the first five.

The veteran had eight points and two steals in 24 minutes versus Boston, giving him a higher-than-usual ceiling for those looking to fill a void in their fantasy lineup. Considering Anunoby's name has been entangled in trade rumors, Toronto could keep him off the floor, even if he is healthy enough to play.

Kristaps Porzingis

Porzingis has had a fantastic 2022-23 campaign. He's averaged 22.2 points, the second-highest mark of his career, while adding 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.0 steals. Without a doubt, the Unicorn is playing at an All-Star level, which is good news for a guy who's battled more than a few injuries over the years.

Yet, Porzingis sprained his left ankle in the third quarter of Saturday's win over the Orlando Magic and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. His premature departure allowed Rui Hachimura to get some extra minutes and end the night with a game-high 30 points.

Fantasy managers could be without Porzingis for a few games, depending on how bad the injury is. While everyone knows Kyle Kuzma and Bradley Beal should do most of the heavy lifting offensively until Porzingis returns, Hachimura could benefit significantly.

Keep in mind the 24-year-old hasn't been a consistent producer, so adding him to any fantasy roster is risky. Instead, Deni Avdija could be a better choice, with the 2020 No. 9 overall pick averaging 8.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 30 appearances in the starting line in 2022-23.

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