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Just like Russell Westbrook starting slow on a new NBA team, injuries are an inevitability in NBA basketball these days. But like my Uncle Ben always said, "With great injuries comes great opportunities." Don't sue me, Sony. Or Marvel. Not entirely sure how that cluster of intellectual property works anymore.
In fantasy hoops, one man's misfortune is our reward to reap as an injury can open up opportunities for other guys on the team. It could open up minutes for a guy buried on the depth chart, or it could force another player to take on more scoring, rebounding, or defensive responsibilities.
There's definitely some fantasy-relevant injury news to cover, so let's get to it. Just a note: We're going to assume you know nothing and hit EVERYTHING today, but going forward we'll just cover the stuff that happens from week to week. This is listed in the alphabetical order of the teams.
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Short-Term Injuries for Fantasy Basketball
Danilo Gallinari, SF/PF, Atlanta Hawks - Shoulder
Danilo Gallinari has yet to suit up this season, which has meant some more opportunity for Cam Reddish who has taken that opportunity and run. Dano isn't worth stashing and he may even be out of the rotation entirely once he gets healthy with the way Reddish is playing.
Al Horford, PF/C, Boston Celtics - Left Abductor Strain
It's entirely possible that the Celtics are just calling this and abductor strain and giving their old big a night off on a back-to-back. If there is indeed a strain though, this means that Robert Williams will continue to have huge games and Grant Williams will likely slide back into the rotation. Grant can be safely ignored, but Timelord is going to look nice anytime Horford misses.
Terry Rozier, PG/SG, Charlotte Hornets - Ankle
Terry Rozier has only managed 23 minutes on the season as he struggles with this ankle injury. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Cody Martin have both been in line for more minutes with Scary Terry on the sidelines and either guy is worth a stream at the moment. This also helps guys like LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward as well.
P.J. Washington, PF/C, Charlotte Hornets - Knee
It's getting really hard to preach patience with PJ Washington as he's had a far from stellar start to the season and his minutes are trending the wrong way. Still, the guy has too much upside to just drop right now so just hang tight and hope he turns it around in the coming weeks. Kelly Oubre Jr. is worth a pickup right now as he seems to be first man up with Rozier and Washington out. Miles Bridges also gets a bump and Jalen McDaniels likely finds some minutes, though he's not worth rostering unless you're in a deep league.
Cade Cunningham, PG/SG, Detroit Pistons - Ankle
We're all anxiously awaiting the rookie debut for Cade Cunningham, but we'll all just have to wait a little longer. Cade is reportedly going to be getting some reps in the G-League as he works himself back into shape with a target return date of October 30th. Killian Hayes and Frank Jackson seem to be getting the minutes, but neither guy is worth rostering in standard leagues. Jerami Grant is getting a similar workload to last year, but we'll have to wait and see what his role looks like next to Cade.
James Wiseman, C, Golden State Warriors - Knee
The Warriors have predictably leaned on Kevon Looney in the absence of James Wiseman, but it has been interesting to see Nemanja Bjelica getting some run and thriving as a small-ball center. Wiseman is set to be reevaluated on November 1st, but it will likely take some time for him to get acclimated once he does return. If you need an intriguing big that can score, shoot threes, and dish out some assists, Bjelica is worth a look in the short term.
Caris LeVert, SG/SF, Indiana Pacers - Back
Caris LeVert's injury to start the season may have been a blessing in disguise for the Indiana Pacers as it has allowed Chris Duarte to flourish. Duarte should be on a roster in all leagues, but Levert should be making his way back to the court on October 25th. He should also be stashed on all teams in need of points.
Serge Ibaka, PF/C, Los Angeles Clippers - Back
Serge Ibaka appeared in just 41 games last season, but he's working himself back into game shape and is supposedly going to play at some point this season. There's absolutely no reason to stash him, but his return could hurt guys like Ivica Zubac, Marcus Morris, or Nicolas Batum. Not a ton of fantasy impact here though.
Kendrick Nunn, PG/SG, Los Angeles Lakers - Knee
Kendrick Nunn is supposedly supposed to be sidelined for 2-3 weeks. Malik Monk,
Kent Bazemore and Rajon Rondo will see more run. Baze and Monk might be worth a look for single-game streams in the meantime. Talen Horton-Tucker is also out indefinitely with a thumb injury, so a return of either of these guys will pretty much make them all irrelevant.
Dillon Brooks, SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies - Hand
Dillon Brooks is targeting a return sometime in early November. Until then, Desmond Bane and De'Anthony Melton are the biggest beneficiaries. Both guys deserve a roster spot at the moment. When Dillon Brooks returns, we'll have to see how it plays out, but Melton is the most likely to retain his fantasy relevancy.
Jrue Holiday, PG/SG, Milwaukee Bucks - Ankle
You have to wonder if the Bucks are just trying to sneak Jrue Holiday some extra rest after he played in the finals, then the Olympics in this shortened offseason for him. Either way, Grayson Allen gets the biggest boost with Jrue Holiday out and is worth rostering for the short term, and even the long term in some settings as a source of threes, points, and FT%.
Brook Lopez, C, Milwaukee Bucks - Back
Brook Lopez is going to miss some more time with a troublesome back, but you should hang onto him as he's a solid mid-round center that helps in basically every category. Bobby Portis is intriguing as he was just removed from the injury report. If Portis doesn't play, the Bucks have been sliding Giannis Antetokounmpo to the center spot and playing Jordan Nwora a lot. If Portis is indeed back, Nwora isn't worth rostering.
Donte DiVincenzo, PG/SG, Milwaukee Bucks - Foot
It will be interesting to see how rotations work once Donte DiVincenzo is back in the lineup. He'll likely have to earn his spot back from Grayson Allen, who has played relatively well in a starter role. Double D isn't worth stashing or even really rostering once he's back. That could change though.
Zion Williamson, PF, New Orleans Pelicans - Foot
The Pelicans are terrible without Zion Williamson, but it helps owners of Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas in the short term. When Zion returns, some of the guards that the Pelicans have been playing will surely find the bench but it remains to be seen which ones. My guess would be Tomas Satoransky and Trey Murphy.
Nerlens Noel, PF/C, New York Knicks - Knee
Taj Gibson and Mitchell Robinson are holding down the center position while Nerlens recovers. Taj is not worth rostering. Nerlens Noel is supposedly "50/50" to play on Tuesday, so pick him up now if he's available. He has a very fantasy-friendly game.
Chuma Okeke, PF, Orlando Magic - Hip
Chuma Okeke is an intriguing 23-year-old who should be able to contribute for the lowly Orlando Magic. He isn't quite worth a stash, but you should add him to your watchlist. His return could be bad for Mo Bamba or Franz Wagner.
Markelle Fultz, PG/SG, Orlando Magic - Knee
If and when Markelle Fultz returns to the lineup for the Orlando Magic, they're going to have quite a headache. Between Fultz, Cole Anthony, RJ Hampton, and Jalen Suggs, they'll have quite the logjam in the backcourt. Michael Carter-Williams is still on the team too, but it's doubtful he enters the rotation. Leave Fultz on the wire for now, but keep him on your watchlist. The rest of the guys listed here should be relatively safe on the rebuilding Magic.
Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF, Orlando Magic - Knee (ACL)
Jonathan Isaac remains without a timetable, but he's worth a stash as a mid-round guy with upside. His return will be bad for Franz Wagner and Terrence Ross owners.
Andre Drummond, C, Philadelphia 76ers - Ankle
Without Andre Drummond, Georges Niang saw an uptick in minutes. Hang onto Drummond for now for his per-minute production. In games without Joel Embiid he could be in for some big stat lines. This is especially applicable to games-capped leagues.
Norman Powell, SG/SF, Toronto Raptors - Knee
Norman Powell has now missed the past game and a half with this knee issue and it seems like he could miss some extended time with left patellar tendinopathy. The only cure is rest, so there's no telling when he could return, though it should be sooner rather than later. Nassir Little is the biggest beneficiary. He's not worth a roster spot just yet, but in deeper leagues, he can be scooped up as a source of points and rebounds. CJ McCollum should have more shots coming his way in the short term as well and could be a first-round value as long as Powell is out.
Pascal Siakam, PF/C, Toronto Raptors - Shoulder
Pascal Siakam's absence has led to more opportunities for rookie Scottie Barnes, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and Precious Achiuwa. All of those guys will take at least a minor hit upon Pascal's return. Siakam should be rostered everywhere as should the rest of the guys in this blurb until we see how things shake out. It's unclear when exactly Siakam will return to the court but it should be sometime in the coming weeks.
Rui Hachimura, SF/PF, Washington Wizards - Personal
Rui Hachimura's absence this season has been a complete mystery as of the writing of this article. It's unclear exactly what he's dealing with or how long he'll be gone. When he returns he'll presumably be the starting power forward for the team again. In the meantime, Kyle Kuzma is the obvious fantasy winner and is deserving of a roster spot for now. Davis Bertans also gets to clean to some relevance for a bit for owners that need three-pointers.
Thomas Bryant, C, Washington Wizards - Knee
Thomas Bryant was an early mid-round pick last year and everyone just kind of forgot about him because he got injured. But not you. You've scoured this whole list and got to Mr. TB who is a stud when it comes to FG% and should help your team. If you have an IL spot, he's worth a stash. If he returns to full health, he could be a problem for the value of Montrezl Harrell and Daniel Gafford.
Long Term Injuries for Fantasy Basketball
Kyrie Irving, PG/SG, Brooklyn Nets - COVID Vaccination
Kyrie Irving has decided not to take the COVID vaccine just yet, which means that the Nets organization has been in a sticky situation ever since. Kyrie wouldn't be able to play in any home games based on the restrictions in Brooklyn. The team made the tough decision to ask Kyrie to stay on the sidelines entirely, which means that guys like Patty Mills, Jevon Carter, and Bruce Brown will have more opportunities. Patty Mills is the only guy worth rostering at the moment, but Kyrie's absence also gives bumps to James Harden and Kevin Durant, but you likely already knew that on draft day.
Coby White, PG/SG, Chicago Bulls - Shoulder
Coby White's absence has meant more run for Alex Caruso, Javonte Green, and Ayo Dosunmu. Alex Caruso is the only one worth rostering in most leagues. If you happen to be in a points league, Coby White is worth stashing in an IL spot. Otherwise, just keep him on the radar if you're in need of points and threes.
Jamal Murray, PG/SG, Denver Nuggets - Knee (ACL)
There's a good possibility that Jamal Murray will not play this season, but it's also possible he could come back at the end of the season to help the Nuggets with a playoff push. In his absence, Facundo Campazzo and Monte Morris are splitting point guard duties. Both of these guys are worth a stream when they're hot, with Facu having a higher upside in assists and Monte having a higher upside in points. Nah'Shon Hyland could earn some minutes down the stretch as well. Michael Porter Jr. will have to roster more of the scoring load with no Jamal Murray, as will Will Barton.
Jerami Grant, SF/PF, Detroit Pistons - Left Elbow Infection
Jerami Grant will likely reutrn for their next game, but in the meantime Kelly Olynyk and Isaiah Stewart get a bump. Trey Lyles might see some additional run for deeper leagues.
Klay Thompson, SG/SF, Golden State Warriors - Achilles
Jordan Poole is the clear winner with Klay Thompson still recovering from a second major injury in just a few years. We're all hoping that Klay can make a full recovery, but even if he does Jordan Poole can easily fill a 6th man role. Hang onto him and enjoy the ride. As for Klay, he's worth a stash in leagues with IL spots.
T.J. Warren, SG/SF, Golden State Warriors - Achilles
Jordan Poole is the clear winner with Klay Thompson still recovering from a second major injury in just a few years. We're all hoping that Klay can make a full recovery, but even if he does Jordan Poole can easily fill a 6th man role. Hang onto him and enjoy the ride. As for Klay, he's worth a stash in leagues with IL spots.
Kawhi Leonard, SG/SF, Los Angeles Clippers - Knee (ACL)
There isn't a ton of hope that Kawhi Leonard returns this season from his ACL injury, but Steve Ballmer left the door open for a possible return. If you have an IL slot and no other great stashes, it would be okay to scoop him up and hope he makes a miraculously fast return. Meanwhile, Terance Mann, Marcus Morris, and Nicolas Batum are all likely to see minutes. Mann is the most intriguing of the three, but none quite reach the standard league threshold.
Ben Simmons, PG, Philadelphia 76ers - Mental Health
It's really hard to see Ben Simmons returning anytime soon and this saga has been an absolutely strange one. In his absence, Tyrese Maxey has performed pretty well. Isaiah Joe has also seen a bit of increased opportunity as well as Seth Curry. Seth Curry and Maxey should be owned everywhere. Matisse Thybulle is worth a look if you need defensive stats. Joel Embiid gets a bump as the sole star in Philadelphia. I wish Simmons the best with his journey here and hope we see him back on the court this season.
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