NBA Injuries and Who Can Benefit Instead (Week 21)

Last week I was certain the basketball gods were trying to take out all of the NBA’s superstars, or there was a zombie apocalypse brewing, (I still believe the zombie apocalypse personally).

Thankfully, there are not many long-term injuries to report this week. As busy as NBA injuries keep me during the season, and as opportunistic as it may be for a bench player looking to showcase themselves, most people don’t want to see a player get hurt.

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Notable Injuries Around The League

Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (ankle) suffered a right ankle sprain this past weekend versus the Denver Nuggets. He is expected to miss multiple games. In the meantime, look for Larry Nance Jr. to fill in some of his minutes. Also look for Lebron to take some defensive duties as a center, and look for the Cavaliers to run some more “small-ball” lineups.

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Wesley Matthews (hip) missed his most recent game because of this injury. His team filled the scoring void for him yesterday as Dirk Nowitzki and Dennis Smith Jr. led the team with 23 points each. Look for more updates to come, but all signs are pointing in the right direction for him to play versus the Denver Nuggets tomorrow evening. If he does miss, look for Yogi Ferrell to get another start.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (ankle) tweaked his ankle this past weekend, but he seems to be confident the injury is nothing to worry about. Curry is confident that this is minor as he has been through far worse on the same ankle numerous times before. Don’t expect him to miss any time with this injury unless it worsens.

LA Clippers guard Avery Bradley (sports hernia) has missed a few games due to this injury. He has been day-to-day during this time. CJ Williams has filled in for him, and extra minutes have been given to Austin Rivers, Lou Williams, and Milos Teodosic. The Clippers also just signed Sean Kilpatrick for extra depth on their bench.

LA Clippers forward Danilo Gallinari (hand) has been diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture in his right hand and is expected to miss two weeks. Wesley Johnson, as he has done for a lot of this season, has stepped in as the starter, providing heavy minutes, but very little else in regards to fantasy purposes.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Josh Hart (hand) has decided to undergo surgery for his left finger injury. It will put him out on the pine for 4-6 weeks.

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Brandon Ingram (hip) has been diagnosed with a strain. He missed this weekend’s game versus the San Antonio Spurs because of it, but shouldn’t miss much more time. If he does miss anymore time, look for Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma to see more playing time along with higher usage rates for both.

Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (ankle/quad) is questionable for today’s game as he has been battling numerous injuries. Jarell Martin, JaMychal Green, and Ivan Rabb have filled in well for him in his absence.

Memphis Grizzlies guards Mario Chalmers (hamstring) and Tyreke Evans (ribs) are leaving the Grizzlies very short handed in the backcourt as they are both out today. Look for Andrew Harrison and Wayne Selden to carry the backcourt load.

Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein (back) missed the whole weekend due to these issues. In his place, Kosta Koufos has played very well for him and should continue to do so if Cauley-Stein misses more time. Along with Koufos, Zach Randolph has played more minutes recently as well.

Let’s hope this injury news guides you to great success this week. Once again, follow us on Twitter @RotoBaller, @RotoBallerNBA, and @DrakePFSA!