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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 19 of the fantasy basketball season.
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Short-Term NBA Injuries
Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana Pacers - back spasms
Oladipo's back flared up in Friday's game, and he was out Sunday as the Pacers were drilled 127-81 by the Toronto Raptors. Guard Malcolm Brogdon shot 4-for-15 and only had nine points, five boards and four assists in the rout. The Pacers play again Tuesday night, and Oladipo is probably questionable for that one. Brogdon should be a good start, and guard Justin Holiday is worth a look in DFS or deeper leagues.
Ben Simmons, PG, Philadelphia 76ers - sore lower back
Simmons only played five minutes Saturday night before his back flared up, and he'll have additional testing done. Shooting guard Furkan Korkmaz delivered 17 points and five boards in 26 minutes off the bench. He'll be a highlighted option with Simmons out. Guard Alec Burks could also be worth streaming in deeper formats. Simmons is a stud in fantasy, and with the fantasy playoffs creeping up, hopefully he's not out long.
Kemba Walker, PG, Boston Celtics - sore left knee
Coach Brad Stevens said Walker was getting better, but they're focused on him strengthening his knee. Forward Jayson Tatum put up 41 in a losing effort Sunday, and he'll continue to have the green light. Point guard Marcus Smart posted 14 points, seven boards, three assists and two steals in the start. He'll be a fringe streamer as long as Walker is out.
Mid-Term NBA Injuries
Paul George, SF, Los Angeles Clippers - strained left hamstring
PG13 had a light practice Friday, and he is questionable for Monday's game. That label seems a little aggressive after they said they'd be careful with him after three hamstring flareups. Newly acquired point guard Reggie Jackson had eight points, four dimes and two boards in 23 minutes Saturday, and he'll be in line for a secondary role in the offense as long as George is out. He's worth the speculative grab.
Long-Term NBA Injuries
Kyrie Irving, PG, Brooklyn Nets - right shoulder surgery
Irving's season ended due to arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder in what has really been a lost year. Guard Spencer Dinwiddie will continue to take the reins of the offense as much as he can handle. Caris Levert retains value as well, and shooting guard Joe Harris will have some nights of value in good matchups.
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies - sprained left knee
JJJ has a sprained knee, and he'll be re-evaluated in two weeks. Center Gorgui Dieng has averaged seven points and five boards in 15.7 minutes a night in five games with Memphis. That should improve with Jackson out. He's worth grabbing if you're thin up front.
Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves - fractured left wrist
Towns had an MRI reveal a fracture in his left wrist, but he desperately wants to play again this season. That's probably unlikely. For now, they say he's out at least two weeks. Guard Malik Beasley is averaging 22 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists in five games since being traded to the T-Wolves. He needs to be owned universally. Center Naz Reid is also expected to see a big role and should be scooped up as well. If you have the IR space, stash KAT and hope to get whatever you can.
