Fantasy Basketball Injury Updates for Week 5

November 16, 2021

Keith Cork's fantasy basketball injuries and NBA lineup updates for Week 5. Find injury replacements and set optimal NBA lineups for seasonal and DFS formats.

Injuries have created a ton of value on the waiver wire in all seven of the leagues I'm playing in, so I bet they've created value in your league too! It's another exciting edition of the Fantasy Basketball Injury Updates, and we have some great grabs for you to go out and dominate your competition.

De'Andre Hunter is set to miss 8 weeks with a wrist injury that's going to require surgery. Go out and grab Kevin Huerter if he's available. Nikola Vucevice entered the league's health and safety protocols. Kelly Olynyk took a nosedive with a bum knee. The biggest worry of all for fantasy owners though has to be Damian Lillard finally taking some time off with that strained abdomen.

We'll just be covering the stuff that has changed since I wrote this article last week because I know you've been following and taking copious notes since we began! These players are listed in the alphabetical order of the teams for which they play.

Short-Term Injuries for Fantasy Basketball

Nikola Vucevic, C, Chicago Bulls - Health and Safety Protocols

Nikola Vucevic tested positive for COVID-19, likely from guarding Joel Embiid who also tested positive just a few days before. It's a tough blow for my Bullies who don't have a great replacement for the big man. I would have advocated picking up Tony Bradley for this 5-game road trip, but through the first two games, he hasn't looked like a guy who's going to make a huge impact in the box score. Alex Caruso moved into the starting lineup for the last game and he's a must roster everywhere. Outside of that, this is a "by-committee" approach to replacing Vucevic that is best to be avoided. In deeper leagues, you can give Javonte Green, Derrick Jones Jr., and Ayo Dosunmu a look. Ayo is more of a long-term grab as he's looked great in stretches but is still learning. Coby White is set to return in the game against the Lakers, which is sure to add even more wrinkles to the rotation.

Michael Porter Jr., SF/PF, Denver Nuggets - Back

We did get a brief update from Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who said that MPJ will be out for the "foreseeable future," which is a term he has used before. That's troublesome because it likely means those are the words that the organization is asking him to use as they run some tests to determine the severity of MPJ's injury. It's not good news for owners, and you might want to try to sell now to see if you can get anything of value for him if you're worried. You'd be selling at an absolute low point though.

Will Barton, SG/SF, Denver Nuggets - Back

Will Barton was a late scratch in their last game with lower back tightness. He might miss another one, which would lead to another extended look for rookie Bones Hyland, who has impressed in limited time. Austin Rivers could see some additional opportunity as well, but most of the Denver offense will justifiably run through Nikola Jokic.

LeBron James, PG/SG/SF, Los Angeles Lakers - Abdominal Strain

LeBron James has officially been listed as "day-to-day" but it's not clear exactly when he'll return. It seems that it will be soon though. His return will hurt Russell Westbrook's fantasy value, and will likely make guys like Carmelo Anthony and Talen Horton-Tucker droppable. Ride those guys in the meantime, but know that the ride will probably be cut short soon.

Jimmy Butler, SF/PF, Miami Heat - Ankle

Jimmy Butler has missed a few games with this ankle, but he should be back any day now. Tyler Herro is the guy that's gonna go off in Butler's absence, but he's almost assuredly rostered already in your league.

Khris Middleton, SF/PF, Milwaukee Bucks - Health & Safety Protocols

The return of Khris Middleton is upon us, rejoice! He's been cleared to return to the team and should be back in action for Wednesday's game against the Lakers. Grayson Allen will likely see a dip in production with Middleton's return, but he's still a hold for now. Pat Connaughton is a drop with this news. Hopefully, Middleton won't see any ill effects from having COVID-19 and will hit the floor running for his fantasy owners.

Jalen Suggs, PG/SG, Orlando Magic - Ankle

It looks like Jalen Suggs avoided any serious injury, which is great news. He still might miss the next game for the Magic, so RJ Hampton, Gary Harris, and Terrence Ross would be worth a look as streamers for that game. Outside of that, nothing to see here.

Danny Green, SG/SF, Philadelphia 76ers - Hamstring

Danny Green was just experiencing some tightness in his hamstring, which isn't ideal but it's nothing to be overly concerned about. Georges Niang and Furkan Korkmaz will hang onto some streaming appeal for a little longer if Danny Green has to miss a few games. Those guys are barely passing the muster though, so don't hang on too hard if you want to move on to someone more promising.

Damian Lillard, PG, Portland Trail Blazers - Abdomen

A collective gasp escapes the mouths of all Damian Lillard owners in fantasy basketball. Yes, this is the same abdominal strain he's been dealing with since way back in the Olympics. Yes, it's pretty concerning. Still, don't panic and trade him just yet for pennies on the dollar. Wait and see how this plays out as it could just be rest to get him right. Anfernee Simons should be scooped up in all leagues for his ability to put up points and threes in bunches. Nassir Little should see some additional offensive duties as well and he's a fantastic option for roto leagues. He doesn't put up a ton of stats, but he contributes everywhere and doesn't hurt you anywhere.

Jakob Poetlt, C, San Antonio Spurs - Health and Safety Protocols

Jakob Poeltl is set to return to the team and is likely to play in their next game, which means Drew Eubanks is no longer a streaming option. Poeltl has been fantastic and only missed a week of action. He should be good to go.

Precious Achiuwa, SF/PF/C, Toronto Raptors - Shoulder

Precious Achiuwa is dealing with tendinitis in his shoulder, and Chris Boucher is dealing with a sore back. That means that Khem Birch is worth a look as a short-term streamer, but once either of those guys is back it's the end of all their fantasy value. The Raptors are going to play Pascal Siakam at the center position and the backup scraps are left to be divided between all three of those guys. It's a situation best avoided.

Bradley Beal, SG/SF, Washington Wizards - Personal

Bradley Beal is mourning the loss of his grandmother, so Raul Neto and Aaron Holiday would be in line for a stream again for this game. Beal is likely to return for the next one. Kyle Kuzma should see some additional offensive looks as well.

Long Term Injuries for Fantasy Basketball

De'Andre Hunter, SF/PF, Atlanta Hawks - Wrist

I mentioned this in the introduction and it's worth snagging up Kevin Huerter as De'Andre Hunter is expected to miss at least two months of action after his wrist surgery. Huerter managed 39 and 30 minutes in the last two games sans Hunter and put up a 28-point explosion and then a dud. Red Velvet will mostly end up somewhere in between those two outcomes, but he's going to get all the minutes here and will be worth a roster spot. Cam Reddish is likely back on the radar as a streamer too when he catches fire.

Kelly Olynyk, PF/C, Detroit Pistons - Knee

Unfortunately, Kelly Olynyk is set to miss at least six weeks with this injury. His absence is great news for Isaiah Stewart's owners as he's the only center worth playing on the roster now. Trey Lyles might see some additional minutes, but there isn't an enticing add here in fantasy. Kelly O's absence might be bad for the efficiency of the rest of the guys on the roster too as he was a key facilitator in their offense.

James Wiseman, C, Golden State Warriors - Knee

James Wiseman has progressed to 5-on-5 work, so it seems his return is imminent. The Warriors have still just lost two games on the season without him though, so it's hard to see how he's going to fit into this roster in any meaningful way for fantasy. He's best left on the waiver wire for now.

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