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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 20 of the fantasy basketball season.
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Short-Term NBA Injuries
LaMarcus Aldridge, C, San Antonio Spurs - sore right shoulder
LMA is doubtful for Monday's game, and he has missed two in a row. Center Jakob Poeltl (knee) is now out two to four weeks with a sprained MCL, which means center Trey Lyles will be leaned on heavily. He played 40 minutes Saturday and had 20 points, nine boards and four steals. He's a good player to stream right now until Aldridge gets back.
Serge Ibaka, C, Toronto Raptors - sore right knee
Ibaka has missed two straight games with knee soreness. With center Marc Gasol (hamstring) out indefinitely, the Raptors are thin up front. Power forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson took his spot in the starting lineup, but he had just nine points in 25 minutes Sunday. Forward OG Anunoby went off with 32 points, seven rebounds, three assists and seven steals in 40 minutes. Lean on him while Ibaka is on the mend.
Zach LaVine, SG, Chicago Bulls - sore left quadriceps
LaVine was downgraded to doubtful Monday after he tweaked his quadriceps against the New York Knicks Saturday. He played 38 minutes through it, but apparently he's still having issues with it. Point guard Coby White (back) is expected to play, and he could have one of those statement games like he had a couple of weeks ago. LaVine is a must-start whenever he's healthy. White is the same in LaVine's absence.
Damian Lillard, PG, Portland Trail Blazers - strained right groin
Dame is hoping to return Wednesday after missing the last six tilts. The Blazers have three games this week, which includes a back-to-back set this weekend. Shooting guard C.J. McCollum is averaging 31.8 points the last five games, which is sure to come closer to his 22.8-point average when Lillard returns. Guard Gary Trent Jr. will also return to the bench, and he'll have to split bench scoring responsibilities with point guard Anfernee Simons. Get Lillard in there as soon as he returns, but keep in mind he could be limited.
Mid-Term NBA Injuries
Lauri Markkanen, PF, Chicago Bulls - right pelvic stress reaction
The talented big man is inching closer to a return and has been listed as doubtful before ultimately sitting out. He isn't cleared for contact yet, but he's five weeks into his four-to-six-week timetable. We could see this going either way, though, with the Bulls going nowhere this season. He could ultimately be shut down, but if he's floating on waivers, he's worth the stash.
Long-Term NBA Injuries
Clint Capela, C, Atlanta Hawks - right plantar fasciitis
Capela is to be evaluated March 4, and he has been doing more running and movement drills in practice. It was originally projected that he'd miss seven to 10 games after the All-Star break, and the 11th game would be a home game March 11. The team stresses they won't rush him back, and it's probably 50-50 he returns for any serviceable chunk of the fantasy stretch run. He's worth stashing in deeper formats, but it's not a must.
