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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 18 of the fantasy basketball season.
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Short-Term NBA Injuries
Wendell Carter Jr., C, Chicago Bulls - high right ankle sprain
Carter has revealed marked improvement in his sprained ankle, and he's hoping to return for the first game back from the All-Star Game. That is most likely wishful thinking, though. Keep an eye on this situation for a firm timetable when the team releases it. Center Daniel Gafford (ankle) is still on the mend as well. Forward Luke Kornet dropped 25 points in 29 minutes Feb. 9, and he'll split the workload with Thaddeus Young. Neither are great options in traditional leagues but are worth looks in deep leagues.
Damian Lillard, PG, Portland Trail Blazers - right groin strain
Dame had an MRI reveal a groin strain before the All-Star break that should keep him out a week or two. He could be back any time, but the Feb. 25 home game against the Boston Celtics makes the most sense. Guard Anfernee Simons, who had 22 points and seven boards Wednesday will be a great streaming option in Lillard's absence.
Mid-Term NBA Injuries
Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors - broken left hand
Curry is set to be re-evaluated March 1, and he could be an equalizer in the fantasy playoffs. There would be about 20 games left in the season. With load management and the team out of contention, it would be great to get 15 games out of him. Shooting guard Andrew Wiggins' scoring output has gone from 22.4 points to 23 points per game since the trade to the Dubs. Curry's return would likely help improve his numbers. Guards Jordan Poole and Damion Lee will likely lose all traditional value upon Curry's return.
Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves - left wrist injury
KAT is expected to miss multiple games with a mysterious left wrist injury. Surgery isn't required, but there are very few details about his injury. Minnesota is 16-37, and they're running out younger players to see what they have for the future. It's anyone's guess how long Towns is out, but forward Juan Hernangomez is the first benefactor of his absence. Hernangomez posted 16 points and 12 boards in 38 minutes in the last game before the break. He and center Naz Reid should split the big minutes. Hernangomez is worth the speculative grab.
Long-Term NBA Injuries
Marvin Bagley, PF, Sacramento Kings - left foot soreness
Bags was still in a walking boot last week, and he hopes to return this year. That is not a certainty, however. Forward Nemanja Bjelica's production has leveled off with 11.9 points, 5.7 boards and 3.6 assists the last 10 games. Those aren't bad numbers, but he should be getting more in 30.8 minutes per game. Bjelica is still worth holding onto to see if he spikes back up.
Paul George, SF, Los Angeles Clippers - strained left hamstring
PG13 re-injured his left hamstring, which cost him nine games last month. Head coach Doc Rivers said it was possibly the third time he injured the hamstring this year. Newly acquired Marcus Morris is about to play a big role in George's absence, and if he's available, he should be picked up universally. He's averaging 11 points and 5.7 boards in three games with the Clippers.
Kyrie Irving, PG, Brooklyn Nets - sprained right knee
Irving's status will be updated after the first few practices following the All-Star break. The Nets are seventh in playoff seeding, but they really don't have a good shot at making noise in the playoffs this year. So there's no reason to push Irving. While he's out, guard Spencer Dinwiddie is a must-start.
