RADIO
This season long pile-up of injuries has had me thinking, “Are we about to enter a Walking Dead-style apocalypse where this injury bug inevitably spreads and turns us all into walkers looking for flesh?!” This late in the year, even after the All-Star Break, injuries are commonplace. What isn’t as common as years past, is the big name players that are dealing with major injuries.
For example, players that missed the All-Star Game included Demarcus Cousins, John Wall, Kevin Love, and Kristaps Porzingis. This was just Team Lebron! Russell Westbrook, Joel Embiid, and LaMarcus Aldridge were also close calls to miss the game, but were able to get healthy just in time to play. Another All-Star in Jimmy Butler severely injured his meniscus just this past weekend. This doesn’t include other NBA names that will we discuss.
The injuries have mounted for many players as of late, so let’s get into our outlook, and see what this does for notable NBA teams, their rosters, and yours. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @RotoBaller, @RotoBallerNBA, and @DrakePFSA!
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Notable Injuries Around The League
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler (meniscus) successfully had meniscus surgery on his right knee. He is now considered out indefinitely. Normal turnaround for this injury is 4-8 weeks, but the Timberwolves will give a cautious approach to their star player in hopes for a return close to playoff time. Nemanja Bjelica and Jamal Crawford were the next-in-line beneficiaries as Bjelica played 33 minutes, and Crawford, to go along with 19 points, played 28 minutes. However, the biggest, immediate beneficiaries, seem to be Jeff Teague and Andrew Wiggins. Teague had an excellent game, minus Butler, scoring 25 points along with seven assists and seven rebounds. Wiggins, who will now be taking on more of a scoring load, was just behind Teague with 23 points. Teague also will undoubtedly see his assists numbers rise as well. And Karl-Anthony Towns will keep giving us his beautiful 20 and 12 double-doubles, with a slight chance to increase his assists average from two assists per game, up to three, three and a half.
Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap (wrist) has been recovering at a good pace from his injury that has kept him off the court since mid-November. Coach Mike Malone, as of February 25th, said to expect 1-2 more weeks before Millsap is ready to get back on the floor. When Millsap does get back playing, we can expect minutes restrictions and a bit of rust. However, if he does get back to his season averages of 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal and block per game, expect reduced playing time and stats for the likes of Mason Plumlee and Trey Lyles. If Millsap is for some reason available in your leagues, get him now before it’s too late.
Brooklyn Nets forwards Caris LeVert (knee) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (groin) are both expected to play today. LeVert has been out since February 6th, and Hollis-Jefferson since January 26th. As they return to game action, expect initial minutes restrictions. If either player is available in your leagues, I’d take a flyer on LeVert as he can produce in all categories, and would more-so consider Hollis-Jefferson, as he is a very important cog to the Nets starting rotation. Players such as Joe Harris and Quincy Acy will be effected the most by their returns. Expect a usage drop for Allen Crabbe, while his minutes should remain relatively the same.
Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (illness) missed yesterday’s game versus the Denver Nuggets. Nothing major here, as he has been sick since the start of the weekend. Expect to see him back on the court for his next game, and if for someone reason he misses another game, Joe Johnson will pick up more minutes for the time being.
Boston Celtics center Aron Baynes (elbow) missed Saturday’s game versus the New York Knicks. As we await further test results for the severity of the elbow injury, Daniel Theis filled in well this past Friday going for a career-high 19 points with seven rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Receiving the Saturday start, he did come back to Earth, having a much more quiet game, playing only 18 minutes, scoring six points and grabbing seven rebounds. Theis becomes the clear cut option to consider adding into your season-long lineups for at least this week, and immediate consideration for your daily lineups.
Indiana Pacers guard Darren Collison (knee) still remains out with an expected return date of March 5th. As we have seen, Victor Oladipo has seen the ball in his hands more, as have Joe Young, Cory Joseph, and Lance Stephenson. Once Collison returns, and gets his minutes back, expect a downturn in production for all players mentioned above, except for Oladipo. While Collison is still out for these next four games, Joe Young is a favorite of mine for weekly additions to your season-long lineups, and for a DFS flyer in any GPP’s.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Danilo Gallinari (right hand) and guard Avery Bradley (groin) are both battling nagging injuries. Gallinari is listed as day-to-day with an opportunity to return to the court this coming Tuesday versus the Denver Nuggets. According to Coach Doc Rivers, his chance to play is all based on the “pain tolerance thing”. If he remains out, Wesley Johnson is a speculative add for the next few days in season-long, and is a GPP option for DFS. As for Avery Bradley, he remains out for anywhere from 1-3 weeks. He has not played well as it is, so do not worry about stashing him on your season-long rosters, unless you are in a very deep league. While he is out, upticks have occurred for Milos Teodosic, Austin Rivers, and Tyrone Wallace.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans (ribs) will be out for today’s game versus the Boston Celtics. Evans reportedly felt “good” on Saturday, and this all could be precautionary. Nonetheless, the MRI results will give us plenty more information when it is released. As expected, players such as Andrew Harrison and Mario Chalmers will absorb the majority of Evans’ minutes while away, if at all. Andrew Harrison has played well as of late. He is a speculative add for season-long leagues, and is a solid play for DFS.
Miami Heat forward Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) was questionable to play Saturday, and inevitably missed the game. He has been out since February 6th. With the questionable tag providing optimism for Olynyk owners or waiver-wire hunters, he can be expected to play as of tomorroe. However, hedge your plays lightly on him, as he will probably see a slight minutes restriction should he be available tomorrow versus the Philadelphia 76’ers.
San Antonio Spurs forward Pau Gasol (left knee) had it wrapped after Sunday’s victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, he said it is “nothing serious.” With two days of rest ahead of him, he should be fine for his next game versus the New Orleans Pelicans. If for some reason he is out, David Bertrand receives a great boost in the very short-term for both DFS and season-long leagues.
Let’s hope this injury news guides you to great success this week. Once again, follow us on Twitter @RotoBaller, @RotoBallerNBA, and @DrakePFSA!
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