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Each week of the NBA season unfortunately brings injuries to key players across the league. The goal of this column is to break down those injuries and understand which players could benefit in fantasy from an injury to a teammate.
As a reminder, COVID-19 related absences from players will now be included in this column.
There are a few injuries to cover for this week, so let’s get to it.
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Short-Term Injuries
Jaylen Brown, SF, Boston Celtics- knee
Brown has missed the past two games due to a knee injury and there’s no clear indication on when he will return. The forward had scored at least 24 points in seven of the past nine games he had played and was in a groove. For now, Semi Ojeleye is a name to keep an eye on, but nothing more.
Kevin Durant, PF, Brooklyn Nets- COVID-19 protocols
An odd sequence saw Durant pulled from last Friday’s match against Toronto due to health and safety protocols. Now, the superstar won’t be available until this upcoming Friday at the earliest. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot will likely see more minutes, but he’s not the strongest fantasy option to consider.
Otto Porter Jr., SF, Chicago Bulls- back
Porter missed his fourth game in a row on Monday because of back spasms. The forward last played on February 1st and when he returns remains a mystery. In the meantime, Patrick Williams is worth an add as he’s posted double-digit points in five straight games.
Christian Wood, C, Houston Rockets- ankle
Wood is dealing with an ankle sprain and has missed the past two games already. It’s unclear when he could return though the center was averaging a fantastic 22 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. DeMarcus Cousins is now a strong add as he will see more minutes and just posted a double-double in Wood’s absence on Saturday.
Paul George, SF, Los Angeles Clippers- toe
A toe injury has kept PG13 out for the past two games. It remains unclear when he will hit the court again. Luke Kennard could see more minutes, but he’s not a strong fantasy option.
Anthony Davis, PF, Los Angeles Lakers- Achilles
An Achilles injury kept Davis out of Monday’s contest versus OKC, but whether the talented star will miss any more games remains a question mark. The good news is that the injury is not serious. Kyle Kuzma is a streaming option if Davis misses any more time.
Evan Fournier, SF, Orlando Magic- back
Fournier is dealing with a back injury again after missing nine games last month due to a similar injury. Currently, Fournier is slated to miss Tuesday’s game, his second straight one. Terrence Ross and Dwayne Bacon are candidates for more minutes. Bacon is a better pickup as he has posted 13 points in at least three of the past four games.
Mike Conley, PG, Utah Jazz- hamstring
A hamstring injury kept Conley out of Sunday’s contest against the Pacers. The severity of the injury is not known, but Jordan Clarkson or Joe Ingles could see more playing time if Conley misses any more time. Clarkson is averaging 17.5 points per game this season and is the better option to start of the two.
Mid-Term Injuries
De’Andre Hunter, SF, Atlanta Hawks- knee
Hunter hasn’t played since January 29, but he will miss another couple of weeks at least because of a right knee injury. Danilo Gallinari and Cam Reddish remain low-end fantasy options while Hunter is out. Gallinari is averaging 10.3 points per game this season and Reddish is averaging 11.3.
Lauri Markkanen, PF, Chicago Bulls- shoulder
Markannen suffered a huge blow with a shoulder injury sustained Friday that will now sideline him for two to four weeks. The 23-year-old was averaging 19.1 points and 6.1 boards per game. Now, Patrick Williams and Thaddeus Young could see more playing time. Both are worth picking up as Williams has scored in double-digits in the past five games he has played and Young has in the past four games he has played.
Long-Term Injuries
Larry Nance Jr., PF, Cleveland Cavaliers- finger
Nance sustained a fractured finger injury on Saturday and will now be sidelined for four to six weeks. Now, Cleveland has a bigger void at power forward, as Kevin Love remains out with a calf injury. Expect Taurean Prince and Cedi Osman to see more playing time. Prince is worth stashing as he’s scored at 12 points in the past two games. Osman has also scored in double-digits in two of the past four games and is worth a stash.
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