👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


NBA Injuries and Who Can Benefit Instead (Week 12)

Just how frustrated are we with injuries in the NBA this season? It seems as if Player X returns, Player B gets injured. The injury bug has been real this season, and it's like a plague that continues to spread across the league. Understanding the injury landscape is key in all forms of fantasy basketball.

Unfortunately, injuries will happen more often than not. It is just the nature of the game. However, in order to stay ahead of your opponents, you need to stay a top of these injury-related news. One significant add to the waiver wire could potentially make or break your season.

Consider this your one-stop overview of fantasy-relevant injuries around the NBA. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @RotoBaller @RotoBallerNBA and @fungo24!

Featured Promo: New Novig users get a $25 purchase match (50% discount up to $25) on your first Novig deposit, and 6 free months of RotoBaller's "Big-4" Premium Pass (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL) which includes exclusive tools for Betting, Props, DFS and more! CLAIM IT NOW

 

Notable Injury Updates Around The NBA

Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (hamstring) will miss at least the next two weeks on the sidelines due to a sprained hammy. It comes at one of the worst possible times, as the Rockets have only gone 5-5 in their last ten games. Luckily, Chris Paul is healthy and is capable of holding down the fort. There is a chance that Harden misses more time because hamstring has to be healed fully to avoid risking re-aggravating the muscle. Gerald Green, who scored a game-high 27 points in 28 minutes on Wednesday, is a good pick up in most leagues. Just don't expect much outside of points and 3-pointers.

Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love (ankle) struggled with his shot Wednesday, missing 10-of-11 shots from the field for only two points. He tried to play through the injury in the second-half, but was ultimately ruled out by the Cavs training staff. He should be considered day-to-day, where Jae Crowder and Jeff Green are lukewarm pickups if he's to miss Saturday's contest.

Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (rib contusion) could not suit up Wednesday and center Boban Marjanovic started in his place and had himself a great game. Boban finished with 15 points and nine boards on 5-of-8 shooting, including 5-for-5 from the free throw line. Drummond's injury isn't considered serious, as coach Stan Van Gundy pointed out it's a matter of tolerating the pain, so he shouldn't be out too long. But anytime Drummond is out, Marjanovic deserves a long look in most leagues, especially daily fantasy leagues.

Indiana Pacers shooting guard Victor Oladipo (knee) hasn't played in over a week and continues to be sidelined with a sore knee. The Pacers are being cautious, and rightfully so because Oladipo has been dynamite this season. Lance Stephenson is a decent option in standard leagues, as he will continue to start and take more of the ball-handling duties, where Cory Joseph can be used in deeper leagues.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball (shoulder) could not suit up Wednesday, as he's still battling a sore shoulder. He doesn't look like he'll be out for much longer, as back up point guard Tyler Ennis has played well as the fill-in starter. Unless Ball suffers a setback, Ennis is only suited for deeper leagues. Jordan Clarkson is probably owned in most leagues, but if he isn't, go pick him up. He may get traded before the February trading deadline anyway. A trade could be good for his value.

Detroit Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson (ankle) will not return until at least after the All-Star break, and Ish Smith is a must-start, must-own player until further notice. Smith has demonstrated in the past that he can really help boost those assists numbers, and he's almost a lock to see 28+ minutes until Jackson returns. Avery Bradley will also benefit from extra touches.

Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Jeff Teague (knee) could miss two-to-four weeks due to a MCL sprain in his left knee, and Tyus Jones has been a popular pick up in most leagues. In his last four starts, Jones averages 7.0 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.0 steals in 31.6 minutes. The points are a bit disappointing, but the steals are not a fluke and they're absolutely elite. Don't be discouraged as Jones is dealing with a dislocated finger. The minutes are there and so will the steals.

San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green (groin) couldn't do much in Tuesday's contest against the Knicks and the Spurs are looking to shut him down until he's right. Kyle Anderson will benefit. Anderson was playing very well and flirted with mid-round value before he got injured, so he's worth a look in most leagues with Green expected to miss time.

Los Angles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (Achilles) is listed day-to-day with a sore Achilles, as C.J. Williams is only worth a look in deeper leagues if Rivers miss more time. There's no obvious winner, but Lou Williams has been fantastic and will have the chance to take on more shots.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (Achilles) is very close to a return, and he's being listed as "doubtful" ahead for Friday. Conley put in an "extensive" post-practice workout last weekend and has been ramping up his activity lately, so owners should be excited about a return in the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Tyreke Evans will continue to run the point for Memphis.

 New York Knicks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (lower leg stress injury) is still a couple weeks away. He continues to be a cheer leader for the Knicks during games so it's at least a positive sign he's with the team. Frank Ntilikina has played well lately and deserves a look again. I'd pick him up now before he blows up. He's a very intriguing assists and steals guy, with the upside to average a 3-pointer per game. If the Knicks were to unleash him for 30 minutes per night, look out. He could be a sneaky difference maker towards the second-half of the season.

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (knee) continues to progress well and owners should see him sometime this month. He's been working out with the G-League affiliate team and it's only a matter of time before he reclaims the scoring duties for the Bulls. His return will likely send either Justin Holiday or Denzel Valentine to the bench. I suspect the Bulls to roll out a lineup of Robin Lopez, Lauri Markkanen, Justin Holiday , Zach LaVine, and Kris Dunn in 2018. Holiday will not be this good with LaVine back in the lineup. If you want to sell high on Justin Holiday, go for it.

Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell (knee) continues to be sidelined after an arthroscopic surgery last month to remove loose bodies. There is still currently no timetable for his return, but Spencer Dinwiddie continues to fill the void nicely as he's become a mid-round player on the year. Guys like Allen Crabbe, Rondae Hollis Jefferson will continue to have increased usage.

Sacramento Kings forward Harry Giles (knee) is not expected to play for the Kings until January 2018 at the earliest, but he has tremendous upside in fantasy. The Kings are going to be super careful with him, as he's recovering from surgically repaired knees that caused teams to pass on him during draft night. He's not likely to be much of a factor for standard league owners once he returns, but the Kings are an absolute mess and it wouldn't be surprising if they chose to use the second-half of the season developing their young core. The Kings has not updated his recovery status, but he was last seen warming up and taking shots with the team prior to a game on Dec. 10th. If you're in a deep league and is comfortable stashing a player, it wouldn't be a terrible idea especially if you have an IR spot. He's a low-risk, high reward stash. Just my opinion.

 

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis

 

NBA DFS Premium Subscription

Get a free trial of our powerful NBA Premium Tools. Our famous DFS Cheat Sheets, and NBA Lineup Optimizer & Generator with daily matchup projections.

Win more. Try the most advanced lineup optimizer in daily fantasy basketball.

Sign Up Now!




RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Rashee Rice

to Miss Two Months After Clean-Up Surgery on his Knee
Dean Wade

Returns to Starting Unit Tuesday
OG Anunoby

Starting on Tuesday
Tobias Harris

May Remain in Motown
Jalen Duren

Pistons Eager to Keep Jalen Duren
Chris Kirk

Continues Search For Putting Form at TPC Craig Ranch
Dallas Mavericks

Jason Kidd Fired as Mavericks Head Coach
De'Aaron Fox

Officially Listed as Questionable for Game 2 Against Thunder
Rasmus Hojgaard

Looking to Shake Off Poor Major Showing at TPC Craig Ranch
Joel Dahmen

is of No DFS Consideration This Week in Dallas
Pierceson Coody

is Not The Fun DFS Play He Used to Be
Tank Bigsby

Is Tank Bigsby a Worthy Dynasty Stash Entering 2026?
Hunter Henry

Profiles as a Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Entering 2026
Gerrit Cole

to Make Season Debut on Friday Against Rays
Matthew Golden

Can Matthew Golden Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in 2026?
Jalen Coker

a Prime Buy-Low Dynasty Target
Dak Prescott

Remains a High-Floor Dynasty Quarterback
CeeDee Lamb

Is CeeDee Lamb's Dynasty Value Poised to Rise in 2026?
Keon Coleman

Joe Brady Likes What he's Seen From Keon Coleman
Deshaun Watson

Hitting it Off With Todd Monken?
Jacoby Brissett

Not Present for First OTA Practice
Tua Tagovailoa

Michael Penix Jr. Splitting First-Team Reps at OTAs
Rashee Rice

Tests Positive for Marijuana, Violating his Probation
Cam Skattebo

Says he'll be Ready for Week 1
De'Von Achane

Present for Start of OTAs This Week
Malik Washington

an Affordable Trade Target in Dynasty Leagues
Patrick Mahomes

Is Patrick Mahomes Still a Top-Five Dynasty Quarterback?
Michael Trigg

Is There a Spot for Michael Trigg in Dallas?
Seth McGowan

in the Mix for Playing Time as a Rookie?
Audric Estimé

Audric Estime Droppable in Dynasty Leagues?
Drake Baldwin

Braves Place Drake Baldwin on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Kyren Williams

Have Timeshare Concerns Sunk Kyren Williams' Dynasty Value Too Low?
Ja'Marr Chase

Is Ja'Marr Chase the Most Valuable Player in Dynasty?
CFB

Ezavier Crowell has Immediate Opportunity at Alabama
CFB

Mark Bowman a Day 1 Impact Player for USC?
CFB

Bill Belichick Says Relationship with First North Carolina Team "Wasn't Great"
Alex Caruso

Erupts for 31 Points in Game 1 Loss to Spurs
CFB

Kemario Taylor a Breakout Candidate at Quarterback
Jalen Williams

Productive in Comeback Game
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss the Undisputed Top SEC Quarterback Entering 2026?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Records First Double-Double of Postseason
CFB

Rocco Becht The "Unifier" of Penn State's Roster
Stephon Castle

Opens Conference Finals With Double-Double
Dylan Harper

Makes Outstanding Two-Way Impact in Game 1 Win
Victor Wembanyama

Dominates Game 1 Against Thunder
Mattias Samuelsson

Picks Up an Assist in Season-Ending Loss
Rasmus Dahlin

Nets Fourth Postseason Goal
Jakub Dobes

Records 37 Saves in Game 7 Win
Lane Hutson

Contributes Power-Play Assist in Game 7 Victory
Nick Suzuki

Extends Road Point Streak
Alex Newhook

Scores Series-Clincher in Overtime
Jackson Holliday

Orioles Reinstate Jackson Holliday From Injured List on Monday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves Reinstate Ronald Acuna Jr. From Injured List on Monday
Jose Altuve

Astros Put Jose Altuve on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Larry Nance Jr.

is Questionable for Game 1 on Tuesday
OG Anunoby

is Probable for Tuesday's Game 1
Luke Kornet

is Cleared for Game 1
New Orleans Pelicans

Jamahl Mosley Agrees to Become Pelicans Next Head Coach
De'Aaron Fox

is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Monday
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Set to Start Game 7
Corey Seager

Going on Injured List With Back Injury
Tage Thompson

Can Match Franchise Record With Another Multi-Point Game
Nick Suzuki

Seeks More Road Success Monday
Lane Hutson

Riding a Five-Game Assist Streak Into Game 7
Filip Gustavsson

Needs Offseason Surgery
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Reinstated and Starting on Monday Against Twins
Melquizael Costa

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 117
Arnold Allen

Bounces Back
Daniel Santos

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
MMA

Dohoo Choi Wins His Third Consecutive Fight
Malcolm Wellmaker

Suffers His Second Loss In A Row
Juan Diaz

Scores Second-Round Submission
Christian Edwards

Defeated At UFC Vegas 117
CFB

Transfer Running Back Arnold Barnes Visiting Iowa State on Monday
Modestas Bukauskas

Gets Split-Decision Win
Jhostynxon Garcia

Expected to Join the Pirates on Tuesday
Tobias Harris

Goes Cold in Game 7 Loss
Quinn Hughes

Open to Signing Extension This Offseason
Jalen Duren

Finishes Game 7 with Quiet Line
Cade Cunningham

Endures Cold Shooting Night Sunday
Joel Eriksson Ek

Misses Second Round Due to Heel Injury
Sam Merrill

Catches Fire in Game 7 Win
Jonas Brodin

Sits Out Round 2 Due to Toe Injury
Sam Malinski

Practices Fully Sunday
Josh Manson

Rejoins Practice
Colt Emerson

Mariners Promoting Top Prospect Colt Emerson to Major Leagues
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Blake Snell

to Undergo Elbow Surgery on Tuesday
Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Jeremy Lauzon

Misses Saturday's Practice
Mark Stone

Doesn't Practice Saturday
Josh Manson

Misses Practice, Considered Day-to-Day
Brent Burns

Day-to-Day Ahead of Conference Finals
Cale Makar

Considered Day-to-Day
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
Kyle Schwarber

on a Heater, Hits Two More Homers to Take Major-League Lead
Clay Holmes

Suffers Fractured Fibula on Friday Night
Blake Snell

Heads to 15-Day Injured List
Blake Snell

Scratched From Start on Friday for Undisclosed Reasons
CFB

Julian Sayin Looking To Build Off Of Strong Debut Season
CFB

College GameDay Set for First Three Weeks
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Aiming For Ohio State Receiving Records
CFB

Keshaun Singleton Projects as Auburn's WR1
CFB

Jeremiah Cobb Impresses New Auburn Staff
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Very Likely to Start for Georgia Tech
CFB

Charles Woodson Jr. Commits to Michigan
Melquizael Costa

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Main Event
Arnold Allen

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 117
Daniel Santos

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Co-Main Event
MMA

Dohoo Choi Returns At UFC Vegas 117
Juan Diaz

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Malcolm Wellmaker

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Edwards

Set For His UFC Debut
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque