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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 6 of the fantasy basketball season.
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Short-Term NBA Injuries
Serge Ibaka, PF, Toronto Raptors - right ankle sprain
The 30-year-old veteran Ibaka (ankle) was listed as doubtful to play Monday, which means he's getting closer to returning after he has missed nearly three weeks. If he's on waivers, now is a good time to pick him up and stash him. He doesn't block as many shots as he once did, but he's still averaging 14 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Forward Chris Boucher has really stepped up with 12.7 points and 10 boards per game over the last three games. He's worth owning right now, but his run may come to an end soon.
Kyrie Irving, PG, Brooklyn Nets - right shoulder impingement
Irving (shoulder) has been ruled out all of this week, and he'll likely need part of next week to practice and get reacclimated. Point guard Spencer Dinwiddie has become the go-to scoring option, and he has answered the call with 25 points and 6.2 assists per game over the last five. He's already owned in most leagues, but he's playing like a star that you might think about selling high on when Irving gets closer to returning. Shooting guard Joe Harris has struggled with consistency as the second option on offense. He has scored in double figures in four of the last seven games, and he is a fringe guard to have in fantasy.
Kemba Walker, PG, Boston Celtics - sprained neck
Walker (neck) was taken off on a stretcher Friday night, but the scare was much less severe than it looked. He improved over the weekend and was doubtful for Monday's game, and the fact that he wasn't strictly ruled out was a good sign. Guard Brad Wanamaker will see increased time with Walker out, and Wanamaker had scored in double figures in three straight games entering Monday's action. He was averaging 12.7 points and five dimes per game during the stretch. Wanamaker worth consideration for a short-term fix in most leagues
Mid-Term NBA Injuries
Aaron Gordon, PF, Orlando Magic - right ankle sprain
The high-flying Gordon (ankle) was grounded by an ankle sprain and contusion last week. He is traveling with the team, but he was out Monday. Forward Jonathan Isaac stepped up with 25 points, nine boards, four steals and two blocks Saturday. He should be owned mostly everywhere. Forward Mohamed Bamba also had nine points, seven boards and two blocks. With Gordon and center Nikola Vucevic (ankle) out, Bamba should see increased run. Pick him up if you're thin on the frontline.
Justise Winslow, SF, Miami Heat - concussion
Winslow (concussion) remains in the concussion protocol and was out again Monday. Fortunately for the Heat, they have a lot of depth. Guards Tyler Herro and Goran Dragic are coming off the bench for instant offense, and guard Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson are producing in spots in the starting lineup. There might not be as big of a role for Winslow when he returns due to all of the depth, and forward Derrick Jones Jr. (hip) is on the mend. Winslow can be dropped if you don't have the IR space due to this uncertainty.
Long-Term NBA Injuries
Nikola Vucevic, C, Orlando Magic - right ankle sprain
As previously mentioned, Vucevic (ankle) is out indefinitely with a sprained ankle. He has shed the crutches and walking boot, though, but he's still a couple weeks or more away. Look for power forward Mohamed Bamba to pick up increased minutes in Vucevic and Gordon's absences. If you're looking for a few points, boards and blocks, Bamba should be available on waivers. Bamba had nine points, seven boards and two blocks in 21 minutes Saturday.
