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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
San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (quad) is out indefinitely yet again, and it's becoming more frustrating by the day. Leonard said to reporters on Monday the reason he didn't play on Monday was due to the Spurs' "return from injury management" program, and not due to a flare-up with the quad issue. In complete reversal today, the Spurs ruled him out "indefinitely" but still "expect him to play at some point this season" This is absolutely crushing and confusing for his owners, as his season may be lost for fantasy hoops. In his absence, Danny Green and Kyle Anderson is worth a look where Patty Mills and Bryn Forbes are nice deep league adds.
Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (concussion) missed Wednesday's contest and is not expected to suit up Friday either. Murray will have to go through the NBA's concussion protocol before being cleared to return. Although he should be back Monday's contest when the Nuggets host the Trail Blazers, the fact the Nuggets ruled out him almost 48 hours before their next game isn't an encouraging sign. The Nuggets went big with Miles Plumlee moving into the starting lineup where Gary Harris played the point guard position. The Nuggets don't run a deep rotation, so this is more like a boost to Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris, and Will Barton.
Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (ankle) continues to miss time, and Montrezl Harrell should be picked up until he's cleared to return. Harrell has been playing very well, scoring double-digits in five straight games. Jordan could be back any day, but Harrell is worth using until that happens.
Chicago Bulls point guard Kriss Dunn (face/concussion) had a massive breakaway dunk before falling flat on his face. He was bleeding in his mouth and was laying on the ground for a while, as the Bulls will evaluate him for a concussion. If he's going to miss time, Jerian Grant could enter the picture again and Zach LaVine will be asked to do more. For the record, LaVine is a must-own in all leagues.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (hand) suffered a hand injury late in Wedneday's contest, and was ruled out fairly quickly. The Lakers are calling it a "sprain to his metacarpal-phalangeal joint", and Kuzma said after the game he's hopeful to play Friday. His absence will open up more minutes for Julius Randle and Larry Nance JR, where Brook Lopez might play an extra few minutes. Nance has been playing well and deserves a look in standard leagues. Lopez has been terrible, where his owners should cut their losses and find someone on the waiver wire in most leagues.
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball (knee) did not play and the Lakers continue to list him day-to-day. The Lakers have zero incentive to rush him back and will take their time to make sure he's fully healthy. Tyler Ennis got the start and chipped in nine points and three assists, showing why he's nothing more than a deep league asset.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Achilles) did not return to the second-half on Wednesday and Josh Hart got the nod to start in his place. Hart is one of coach Luke Walton's favorite players because of his defensive ability. So if KCP is to miss extended time, I'd pick up Hart, as he's got sneaky top-100 value when he gets over 30+ minutes. If you're in a super deep league, Corey Brewer is worth an add because of his steals upside.
Detroit Pistons guard Avery Bradley (groin) was able to finish the game Wednesday, but he said his groin flared up on him again and he will travel to Philadelphia to see a specialist for treatment on his nagging groin injury. This is an example of why groin and hamstring injuries are tricky, as you can easily re-aggravate if it's not fully healed. He's listed as questionable heading into Friday's game, Reggie Bullock will once again be worth a look in standard leagues where Luke Kennard is a deep league lotto ticket.
Philadelphia 76ers guard JJ Reddick (leg) will be re-evaluated in 10 days to two weeks, as he has a small crack in parts of his left leg. Reddick is 33 years old, and the Sixers will be wise to bring back slowly. The Sixers are thin at the guard positions, where T.J McConnell is a good add in standard leagues. Despite of the reports saying Jerryd Bayless will start, I trust McConnell's ability to get assist numbers, while having the occasional 3-pointer.
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (elbow) will miss at least the next two games for the Pacers and Domantas Sabonis is a near must-play every time Turner is out. Sabonis was probably owned in most leagues already, but make sure he's not available on your wire. Sabonis dropped 15 points and eight boards on 6-of-13 shooting on Monday.
Phoenix Suns power forward Marquese Chriss (hip) has missed his third straight game, and he hasn't been cleared to practice so we're likely looking at a few more games on the sidelines. The Suns are a mess, where they will really need a trade to unleash Alex Len and Chriss. Dragan Bender continues to start in Chriss's place but hasn't done much. Bender is a 14+ team guy where Len should be closely monitored in case the Suns eventually deal Tyson Chandler or Greg Monroe. Another possibility could be that the Suns go full youth moment, similar to what the Kings are doing. This is also a good opportunity to see if the Chriss owner in your league dropped Chriss, as he was playing very well before this injury.
Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell (knee) is very close to a return, but there's is still currently no timetable on a set date, but Spencer Dinwiddie continues to fill the void nicely as he's become a mid-round player on the year. You should've sold high on Dinwiddie a long time ago if you read my weekly columns. Guys like Allen Crabbe, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and Caris LeVert will continue to have increased usage until Ice In My Veins returns
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