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Welcome to RotoBaller's weekly injury room report. Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, but we have you covered when the injury bug bites.
We'll discuss who is on the mend and who will benefit from the player's absence. The next up-and-coming gem could be waiting on the waiver wire ready for your claim.
Let's look at some of the important injuries around the league right now as we head into Week 10 of the fantasy basketball season.
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Short-Term NBA Injuries
Deandre Ayton, C, Phoenix Suns - sore right ankle
Ayton injured his right ankle in his first game back from his 25-game suspension, and he has missed three straight games. Center Frank Kaminsky (knee) is also gimpy, but he was probable for Monday's game. Kaminsky should remain the lead option with Aron Baynes' minutes restricted. Keep Kaminsky active in deeper leagues.
Gordon Hayward, SF, Boston Celtics - left foot soreness
Hayward missed his third straight game Sunday, but he's expected to return and play Wednesday. Rookie Romeo Langford's minutes will likely diminish upon Hayward's return. Langford played 23 and 18 minutes the last two games, but he was only able to muster 14 points combined. Hayward should return to lineups universally Wednesday.
Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timber Wolves - left knee sprain
KAT has missed three games in a row with the knee injury, and center Gorgui Dieng has been pretty solid in his stead. Dieng is averaging 15.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game during the stretch. He'll continue to be worth starting in Towns' absence. Shooting guard Andrew Wiggins also receives an uptick. He's already averaging career highs with 25.2 points, 5.1 boards and 3.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. He's averaging 26.3 points per game since KAT has been out. Keep Wiggins and Dieng in the lineup.
Mid-Term NBA Injuries
Luka Doncic, SF, Dallas Mavericks - sprained ankle
Doncic went through a thorough pre-game workout Sunday and should participate in Tuesday's practice in a limited fashion. There is some hope he could return Thursday. Point guard Jalen Brunson's hot stretch will likely have water thrown on it when Doncic returns. Brunson is averaging 13.8 points, 9.5 dimes and 4.5 boards the last four games. Keep him in there until Doncic returns, but after that, he's likely headed back to the waiver wire.
Long-Term NBA Injuries
Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana Pacers - torn quadriceps
Head coach Nate McMillan indicated Oladipo wasn't close to a return last week. Oladipo said they are being extra cautious with him because he played through injury last season, which led to this more severe injury. His absence has allowed point guard Malcolm Brogdon to evolve into a star with 18.3 points, 7.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. Power forward Domantas Sabonis has also blossomed into an 18-point, 13.4-board player. Oladipo will likely return at some point this season, but he can't be counted on as a fantasy savior.
