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Welcome to this new column! As the NBA season gets underway, injuries are unfortunately bound to happen. That is where this column comes in.
Each week, I will dissect injuries to bigger name fantasy players and tell you what you should expect. In addition, I will suggest what other players might benefit fantasy-wise because of injuries.
For Week 2, there are several big-name players who are nursing injuries, so let’s find out where they stand in regards to their potential return to the court.
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Short-Term NBA Injuries
Thaddeus Young, PF, Chicago Bulls- lower leg
Young hasn’t played at all this season due to a lower leg injury but is now likely to suit up for Tuesday’s game against the Wizards. The team’s starting power forward, Lauri Markannen, is nursing a calf injury so Young could see elevated minutes in his first game of 2020-21 if Markannen misses the contest. Thus, Young is worth stashing and potentially starting as early as Tuesday.
Draymond Green, PF, Golden State Warriors- foot
Draymond won’t play in Tuesday’s contest against Detroit and now could play on Friday at the earliest due to a foot injury. The forward hasn’t been able to hit the court this season but would be a good start when he returns given his solid role on this team and his versatile skillset. Eric Paschall figures to see more playing time and he’s worth a stash.
Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana Pacers- knee
Oladipo didn’t play on Sunday versus Boston due to a knee injury. The guard’s status is up in the air going forward though it’s worth noting he has averaged 22 points in two games this season. Once he returns, he’s a solid starter. In the meantime, Justin Holiday and Aaron Holiday would see more minutes if Oladipo misses more time though none are great streaming options.
Marcus Morris Sr., SF, Los Angeles Clippers- knee
Morris has been dealing with a knee injury and is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Wolves. The forward has not played at all this season but could hopefully return very soon. Nicolas Batum has been starting in Morris’ place but has averaged 6.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, so he is not a strong streaming option.
Kawhi Leonard, SF, Los Angeles Clippers- mouth
Leonard is questionable for Tuesday’s contest against the Timberwolves due to a mouth laceration sustained last week. Though Leonard is not expected to miss any significant time, the team could hold him out just in case for a game or two. If Kawhi misses any games, Luke Kennard could be a streaming option in his absence.
Jimmy Butler, SF, Miami Heat- ankle
Butler is considered doubtful to suit up for Tuesday’s contests versus the Bucks due to an ankle injury sustained in the season opener last week. It seems the injury is bothering the forward and he could miss more time. Andre Iguodala figures to see more minutes in Butler’s absence but he wouldn’t be considered a must-start considering he’s averaged three points and 5.5 rebounds in two games played this season.
Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers- back
Embiid didn’t play on Sunday due to a back injury and it remains to be seen whether he suits up on Tuesday against the Raptors. Dwight Howard posted nine rebounds and three assists in his absence on Sunday and would be a streaming option if Embiid can’t play in any of the next few games.
Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves- left wrist dislocation
Towns will miss some games due to sustaining a left wrist dislocation. The hope is that he will be able to return soon rather than after a multi-week absence. The star averaged 19 points, 11.5 rebounds, and five assists in two games thus far. Naz Reid should see a bigger role in Towns’ absence and is worth a stash.
Mid-Term NBA Injuries
Kevin Love, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers- calf
Love is currently dealing with a calf injury and won’t play in Tuesday’s game versus the Knicks. The severity of Love’s injury is still unclear as he went for an MRI on Monday, but he could miss some games. Cedi Osman and Larry Nance Jr. would be good pickups if Love misses any time. Osman has averaged 15.7 points per game this season while Nance has averaged 8.7 points and eight rebounds per game.
Long-Term NBA Injuries
Spencer Dinwiddie, PG, Brooklyn Nets- knee
Dinwiddie was supposed to be a major factor for a Nets squad that is expected to contend for the title. Unfortunately, the guard is now out for the season with a torn ACL. Now, Landry Shamet and Tyler Johnson should see more minutes as the backup guards to Kyrie Irving but wait and see how their playing time and production ends up being before picking them up.
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