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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 15 of the fantasy basketball season.
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Short-Term NBA Injuries
Kemba Walker, PG, Boston Celtics - sore left knee
Walker missed his second straight tilt Monday night, and guard Javonte Green picked up the minutes at the point. Green doesn't possess fantasy value because guard Gordon Hayward and forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown pick up the slack on offense. Walker had an MRI recently that came back negative, and he should be back in a matter of days.
Russell Westbrook, PG, Houston Rockets - sprained left thumb
Westbrook is doubtful to play Tuesday after he suffered a left thumb injury Sunday. He could return Thursday, but it's the first game of a back-to-back, which means he's likely to sit again Friday. Shooting guard Eric Gordon should have a more prominent role in the offense, and he's worth owning if he's floating on shallow-league waivers.
Mid-Term NBA Injuries
Clint Capela, C, Houston Rockets - sore right heel
Capela is being held out with a right heel injury, but it's more likely that he's being kept on the sidelines as he's involved in trade talks. Capela has fallen out of favor with forward P.J. Tucker taking the center minutes. Tucker is not producing much with 4.9 points and 6.4 boards in 35.3 minutes per game over the last 10. Avoid this situation altogether for now.
Long-Term NBA Injuries
Kyrie Irving, PG, Brooklyn Nets - sprained right knee
Irving had an MRI reveal a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. He'll be re-evaluated in a week. Sprained MCLs can take four to six weeks to recover from, and there's no reason to rush Irving back with a 21-27 record. Guard Spencer Dinwiddie becomes a must-start in most leagues and shooting guard Caris Levert will be on the fringe for a pickup. He and shooting guard Joe Harris will be secondary options on offense.
