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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!
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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.
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