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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 17 of the fantasy basketball season.
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Short-Term NBA Injuries
Jaylen Brown, SF, Boston Celtics - sprained ankles
Brown returned from a right ankle sprain Sunday and tweaked his left ankle. He wasn't able to practice Monday, but he's deemed questionable for Tuesday. With two games before the All-Star break, there's no reason to rush him, and we'd be surprised if he played. Shooting guard Marcus Smart could see some increased action on offense, but guard Kemba Walker and forwards Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum will likely divvy up the slack. That doesn't leave much room for anyone else to make a fantasy impact.
Jimmy Butler, SF, Miami Heat - right shoulder strain
Jimmy Buckets missed his second straight game Sunday, but an MRI didn't reveal any structural damage. Forward Duncan Robinson has played almost 40 minutes a night in his absence and posted 18.5 points, 5.5 boards and 4.5 assists. The Heat play Monday and Wednesday before the All-Star break, and Butler is probably questionable for both. Robinson will be worth streaming in the meantime.
Brandon Ingram, SF, New Orleans Pelicans - right ankle sprain
Ingram was able to shoot around after practice Monday, but he didn't take part in the team portion. He's questionable for Tuesday. Forward Nicolo Melli drew the start and had nine points and six boards in 24 minutes Saturday. He's worth a look in deeper leagues, but guard Jrue Holiday receives the biggest fantasy boost for his owners. He had 31 points, 10 boards and six assists Saturday.
Kyle Lowry, PG, Toronto Raptors - whiplash
Lowry is questionable for Monday with whiplash suffered from a collision with power forward Serge Ibaka last week. In his absence Saturday, rookie guard Terence Davis opened up for 20 points and eight boards in 30 minutes. Davis should be added in all deep leagues and is a fringe traditional league grab.
Mid-Term NBA Injuries
Michael Porter Jr., SF, Denver Nuggets - right ankle sprain
Porter is set to miss his fifth straight Monday night, and it would be a surprise to see him return before the All-Star break. Power forward Paul Millsap (knee) returned Saturday with 12 points, 11 boards and four dimes in just 18 minutes. He can be picked back up and used in the interim. Porter isn't worth holding in most single-year leagues, but his long-term appeal is obvious.
Long-Term NBA Injuries
Clint Capela, C, Atlanta Hawks - plantar fasciitis
Capela is aiming to return for the Feb. 20 game after the All-Star break, but the team said they are focused on getting him 100 percent. The Hawks are going nowhere this season, and Capela is more of a long-term investment. If you have the space, hold onto him for two or three weeks to see if he can make it back for his new team.
