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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 12 of the fantasy basketball season.
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Short-Term NBA Injuries
Jimmy Butler, SF, Miami Heat - back soreness
"Jimmy Buckets" was out Sunday, and guard Derrick Jones Jr. took advantage of the extra minutes. He scored 19 points with six boards, two dimes and two blocks. Jones has been a fringe option in traditional leagues with 11.3 points, five boards and 1.3 steals per game over the last 10. He should be picked up universally based on that and the opening Butler has given.
D'Angelo Russell, SG, Golden State Warriors - bruised right shoulder
"D'lo" is slated to miss his fourth straight game with a bruised right shoulder Monday. He was originally probable for Monday but was ruled out Sunday. Shooting guard Damion Lee is averaging 15.6 points, seven boards and 2.2 dimes per games over the last five. He figures to be heavily involved as long as Russell is out. Lee is worth streaming for the time being.
Mid-Term NBA Injuries
Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Dallas Mavericks - sore right knee
"The Unicorn" missed his fourth straight game Monday with soreness in his right knee. It's not the same knee he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in two years ago. In his absence, forward/center Maxi Kleber has averaged 18.7 points, six boards and 1.3 blocks per game the last three tilts. He'll remain a solid option for points, boards, threes, and blocks while Porzingis recovers.
Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves - sprained left knee
KAT was out again Sunday and has missed three weeks now. Towns is continuously listed as questionable for games, but he hasn't gone through a full practice yet. Consider him week to week. Center Gorgui Dieng has averaged 13.7 points, 10 boards, 1.2 blocks and 1.4 steals per game over the last 10. He's likely owned everywhere, and if you own him, he should remain in lineups until Towns returns.
Long-Term NBA Injuries
Blake Griffin, PF, Detroit Pistons - sore left knee
We mentioned last week that it was a matter of time before Griffin began considering surgery for his troublesome left knee. Lo and behold, he's traveling to meet with a specialist this week, and season-ending surgery is being considered. Power forward Christian Wood is averaging 10.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game over the last 10 games. He needs to be owned because Griffin may not be back this year.
Jonathan Isaac, SF, Orlando Magic - sprained left knee
The third-year man was averaging career highs with 12 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 1.6 steals and 1.4 assists per game before he suffered a severely sprained left knee and a bone bruise. He'll be re-evaluated in eight to 10 weeks. Forward Wesley Iwundu has moved into the starting lineup, but he hasn't produced a lot. He's averaging 8.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in the last three. He can be picked up in deeper formats, but he's just a watch lister in traditional leagues.
Kevin Porter Jr., SG, Cleveland Cavaliers - sprained left knee
The 19-year-old rookie had carved out a decent-sized role with the team recently, but he's out for the foreseeable future with a sprained left knee. He’ll be re-evaluated in two weeks, but he's likely to miss a minimum of three or four weeks. In the game that Porter went down in, veteran guard Dante Exum went off for 28 points in 24 minutes. Expect him to be the beneficiary of Porter's absence. He's a fringe candidate for pickup. Snatch Exum in deeper leagues, and keep him on the watch list in normal formats.
