RADIO
It's January, and the National Basketball Association is nearing the halfway point in the 2022-23 season. Although many teams around the league have navigated their way through the year unscathed, other clubs haven't been as fortunate. Yet, when one player goes down, another is right around the corner and ready to step up.
This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Saturday, January 14, 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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Derrick White Injury Update
Jaylen Brown, the No. 2 offensive option for the Celtics, is possibly out for a couple of weeks because of an adductor injury. Obviously, this isn't ideal for Boston, a team that struggled throughout December while losing the first two contests of 2023. Although the C's have plenty of depth in the backcourt, Boston could be without Derrick White after the veteran suffered a neck strain in Saturday's win over the Hornets.
The former Spur will likely undergo further testing to determine the severity of the ailment. But it wouldn't be surprising if he missed at least a few games. Fortunately, Malcolm Brogdon, who scored 30 points and shot 4-for-6 from deep against Charlotte, is quite capable of helping out on the scoring end.
Brogdon may enter the first five if White misses time, but even if he doesn't, his fantasy stock could increase significantly. Category managers should also benefit from his efficient shooting from behind the arc. At the same time, Payton Pritchard is the favorite to absorb some minutes from off the bench. However, Pritchard has averaged only three points this year, so his fantasy upside is limited in all formats.
Rudy Gobert Injury Update
The Celtics weren't the only team in the National Basketball Association to lose one of its core performers on Saturday, as the Timberwolves saw Rudy Gobert exit the 110-102 win over the Cavaliers with a groin injury. He did not return, ending his night after just 13 minutes of work. Under normal circumstances, Karl-Anthony Towns would take Gobert's place underneath the rim.
However, he's been out for over a month because of a calf strain. Groin injuries are never easy for anyone, so it's nearly a given Gobert will sit out some games, although until he receives more testing, nobody knows for sure. At any rate, Naz Reid could find himself in the starting lineup.
Reid has started four times this season, averaging 20.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.8 steals while shooting 42.9% from behind the arc during those contests. While KAT is closing in on a return date, he will likely be eased back into a full workload. As a result, fantasy managers need to grab Reid off waivers ASAP.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update
The Bucks and Heat met in consecutive outings, but Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn't available for either of them because of left knee soreness. The multi-time MVP has dealt with this issue intermittently for years, so it shouldn't be a cause of concern for fantasy managers.
Antetokounmpo is considered day-to-day, making it possible he will be back on Monday against the Indiana Pacers. But if he isn't, Bobby Portis should continue to fill the void in the lineup, with the 27-year-old going for 15 points, seven boards, and three steals versus Miami on Saturday afternoon.
Tyler Herro Injury Update
Tyler Herro didn't play during Saturday's showdown with Milwaukee because of Achilles soreness, marking his third straight absence. Being without the reigning Sixth Man of the Year is a tough pill to swallow for Miami, a club that's dealt with countless injuries throughout the 2022-23 campaign.
The medical staff is likely being overly cautious with Herro, primarily with the team hoping to get healthy and earn a spot in the postseason. With Herro and his girlfriend welcoming a new daughter, he may not play on Monday afternoon in Atlanta, even if he's healthy. With that said, the red-hot Victor Oladipo should continue to see an uptick in production until Herro is back in the mix.
Kyle Lowry Injury Update
Miami has been without not only Tyler Herro but Kyle Lowry as well. The veteran has missed three games because of left knee discomfort, and he may be working toward another absence if he's not healthy by Monday afternoon. However, Gabe Vincent has taken his place in the lineup and has been on a roll, scoring a game-high 28 points in Thursday's win over Milwaukee.
Even better, he dropped a game-high 27 points in the rematch with the Bucks on Saturday. Vincent can be found on waivers in more than a few fantasy leagues. But he should remain the man at the one until Lowry is 100%, which may not be anytime soon.
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