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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 7 of the fantasy basketball season.
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Short-Term NBA Injuries
Kyrie Irving, PG, Brooklyn Nets - right shoulder impingement
Irving has yet to be cleared for contact, and he has been out since Nov. 14 with a right shoulder impingement. Guard Spencer Dinwiddie has been the first option on offense averaging 25.1 points, 7.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game over the last two weeks. He's a must-start every day until Irving returns. Shooting guard Joe Harris has also pitched in 15.9 points, 3.3 three-pointers and four rebounds per game during the stretch. He should be owned in most leagues with Irving out.
JA Morant, PG, Memphis Grizzlies - back spasms
The No. 2 overall pick began having back woes last Monday and aggravated it over the weekend. Point guard Tyus Jones drew the start Sunday and scored 12 points with seven dimes and four boards. He has some short-term value with Morant out. Pick him up if you're thin at the position or in a deeper league.
Mid-Term NBA Injuries
Kyle Lowry, PG, Toronto Raptors - left thumb fracture
Lowry could return to work on the court any day now. He'll need a week or so to practice before he'll be cleared to return. Guard Norman Powell has been seeing increased work in Lowry's stead with 16.7 points, 2.3 threes, 2.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game over the last two weeks. He's a short-term asset to have right now, but he'll likely lose fantasy luster upon Lowry's return.
Nikola Vucevic, C, Orlando Magic - sprained ankle
The big man said he's progressing, but he has yet to start shooting jump shots or run on flat ground. It sounds like he's at least a couple weeks or more away. Center Mohamed Bamba has seen increased run and posted eight points, six boards, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 threes per game over the last two weeks. Bamba is limited offensively, but the boards and blocks will help.
Long-Term NBA Injuries
Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana Pacers - torn quadriceps
Oladipo has been rehabbing in the G League, but there haven't been many updates in the last week or so. Small forward T.J. Warren is averaging 17.9 points and 3.4 boards per game on the season, and he's likely to suffer most when Oladipo comes back. They're going to be extremely cautious with Oladipo, but he could be back in the next two to three weeks. Look to sell high on Warren in the meantime.
