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Welcome to RotoBaller's weekly injury room report. Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, but we have you covered when the injury bug bites.
We'll discuss who is on the mend and who will benefit from the player's absence. The next up-and-coming gem could be waiting on the waiver wire ready for your claim.
Let's look at some of the important injuries around the league right now as we head into Week 3 of the fantasy basketball season.
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Short-Term NBA Injuries
Blake Griffin, PF, Detroit Pistons - left hamstring, knee soreness
Griffin (hamstring, knee) took part in shootarounds on the recent road trip and appears to be nearing a return. The team said they'll be extremely cautious with him to avoid setbacks, but he could be back this week. Forward Markieff Morris has averaged 13.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game the last three games in over 30 minutes per game. His extended playing time is coming to an end when Griffin returns, and his roster viability may vanish as well.
Jaren Jackson Jr., PF, Memphis Grizzlies - right knee soreness
Jackson (knee) was ruled out for Monday's game, but tests came back clean. The soreness could subside in time for him to return Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Forward Brandon Clarke has scored in double figures four games in a row. Clarke (back) has dealt with a back ailment of his own, but he was probable Monday. Clarke figures to remain a decent part of the rotation even when Jackson returns, and he's someone to watch in shallow leagues and stash in deeper leagues.
Derrick Rose, PG, Detroit Pistons - strained right hamstring
D-Rose (hamstring) missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. It couldn't have come at a worse time because he was off to a great start with 20.8 points and 6.3 assists per game. Guard Bruce Brown stepped into the starting lineup Saturday and dropped 22 points with seven assists. Rose has a lengthy injury history and doesn't heal quickly. If this turns into an extended absence, Brown could be worth scooping.
Domantas Sabonis, PF, Indiana Pacers - calf soreness
One of the early season most valuable players has been Sabonis (calf), who was forced to miss Sunday's game with calf soreness. He's questionable for Tuesday's game. The Pacers are already without starting center Myles Turner (ankle), and Sabonis' absence makes them super thin on the frontline. Rookie Goga Bitadze delivered nine points, four rebounds, four blocks and three assists in 19 minutes Sunday. He'll have value as long as Turner is out, but he'll need more than 19 minutes to accrue consistent numbers.
Justise Winslow, PG/SF, Miami Heat - back soreness
Winslow (back) missed two games over the weekend due to back soreness. He was expected to travel with the team to Denver, and he could return Tuesday night. Forward Duncan Robinson hit seven three-pointers to score 23 points with six rebounds Sunday. That seems like a bit of an aberration as he won't shoot 63.6 percent from distance. Keep Robinson on the watch list, but Winslow should be ready sometime this week.
Mid-Term NBA Injuries
Paul George, SF, Los Angeles Clippers - shoulder surgeries
George (shoulders) has been doing 3-on-3 work in practice, and head coach Doc Rivers said they hope to get him in 5-on-5 work next week. If all goes well, PG13 could be back in a couple of weeks. Forward Montrezl Harrell is averaging 19.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and two assists per game. That will not be sustainable, especially when George returns. If you own Harrell, look to sell high on him now.
Draymond Green, PF, Golden State Warriors - torn finger ligament
The Warriors' crippling week got worse when Green went down with a torn ligament in his left index finger. He has been ruled out for only three games, but it could be a multiple-week issue. Second-round pick forward Eric Paschall broke out Saturday for 25 points and four rebounds in 35 minutes. Paschall figures to see heavy minutes in Green's absence. He should be added universally.
Myles Turner, C, Indiana Pacers - right ankle sprain
Turner (ankle) went down to a Grade 1 ankle sprain last week, but he was listed as doubtful for Tuesday's game. There's a silver lining in that footnote because it hints that he's improving. He's probably out all week, and center Goga Bitadze has short-term value with Turner on the shelf. Bitadze had nine points, four rebounds, four blocks and three assists in 19 minutes Sunday. He's worth picking up as long as Turner is out.
Long-Term NBA Injuries
Zach Collins, C, Portland Trail Blazers - dislocated left shoulder
Collins (shoulder) will undergo surgery on his dislocated left shoulder, but his timetable won't be known until after the operation. His absence figures to be termed in weeks, and it may be months. Forward Skal Labissiere has averaged 10.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game over the last three games. He's an option in deeper leagues and should start taking minutes away from veteran Anthony Tolliver.
Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors - broken left hand
Curry (hand) suffered a broken left hand and had surgery, which will cost him three months. The Warriors are now without all three of their All-Stars for extended periods. If you have the bench or IR space, stash Curry until he returns. Rookie guard Jordan Poole has moved into the starting lineup with mixed results. He scored 20 points in Curry's first game out Friday, but he only scored five points with three assists Saturday. Poole will have peaks and valleys, but he'll be relied upon with the slew of injuries to the Warriors. Pick him up for depth.
