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The NBA season is still relatively new, but COVID-induced postponements are starting to take over and some teams are currently dealing with thin rosters due to players needing to follow COVID protocols.
Thus, this column will feature players who are out because of COVID or because of COVID-related protocols going forward in addition to injuries.
Let’s break down this week’s updates.
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Short-Term Injuries
Jayson Tatum, SF, Boston Celtics - COVID-19
Tatum must quarantine now for possibly up to two weeks after he tested positive for COVID-19. The 22-year-old had scored at least 24 games in five games prior to testing positive. The Celtics have now had a couple of games postponed due to COVID-19 and it remains to be seen when the team will hit the court again.
Kemba Walker, PG, Boston Celtics - knee
Walker has been dealing with a lengthy knee injury dating back to last season but has now shown enough progress to return to the court and make his season debut. Currently, the Celtics are dealing with a small outbreak of COVID-19 and it’s unclear when they will play again. Once they are cleared to play, Walker should be in the starting mix in fantasy.
Otto Porter Jr., SF, Chicago Bulls - back
Porter is dealing with a back injury and it remains unclear when he will return. Nevertheless, the Bulls’ next contest against the Celtics has been postponed on Tuesday, which gives the forward more time to recover. In the event he can’t play for a few games, Patrick Williams would be a good add as he scored 17 points in Porter’s absence on Sunday.
Darius Garland, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers - shoulder
Garland missed a fifth straight game on Monday with a shoulder injury and there is no timetable for when he can return. It’s likely his injury is being evaluated on a game-by-game basis. The Cavs are also dealing with other injuries, so Damyean Dotson would be the next man up, but he is not a strong fantasy pickup.
Michael Porter Jr., SF, Denver Nuggets - COVID-19 protocols
Due to COVID-19 protocols, Porter must quarantine for a bit more and may not be able to return until January 17th at the earliest. JaMychal Green is worth adding while he is out as he has put up double-digit points in the last five games.
Derrick Rose, PG, Detroit Pistons - knee
The veteran is dealing with a knee injury and has missed two games so far this season. It remains unclear when Rose will return though his absence should hopefully not be too long. The guard has scored double-digit points in all but one game he has played this season. Delon Wright will see more minutes with Rose not playing, but he’s not worth adding considering his overall small role on the team and the fact that he is unproven for fantasy.
John Wall, PG, Washington Wizards - head
Wall is dealing with a migraine and his status for Tuesday’s game versus the Lakers is up in the air. The 30-year-old has been stellar for Houston this season and has scored at least 22 points in three of six games played. Hopefully, this setback is not too long for Wall, and James Harden could shoulder a bigger scoring load if he misses a game.
Evan Fournier, SG, Orlando Magic - back
A back injury caused Fournier to miss his sixth straight game on Monday. He was last able to play on December 31st though there is optimism he could return sometime later this week. In the meantime, Terence Ross is a streaming option, as he has double-digit points in four of the last five games.
Ben Simmons, PG, Philadelphia 76ers - knee
A knee injury has left Simmons off the court for the past two games. The 76ers are also dealing with COVID-related absences so Tyrese Maxey is a name worth monitoring in fantasy. He’s certainly worth an add as he erupted for 39 points in 44 minutes on Saturday.
Seth Curry, SG, Philadelphia 76ers - COVID-19 and ankle
Curry is dealing with an ankle injury and a positive COVID-test and his status going forward remains unclear. The guard was having a fantastic start to the season and had scored at least 21 points in three of the four games prior to being sidelined. Tyrese Maxey will likely see more minutes now and he’s a great addition.
Russell Westbrook, PG, Washington Wizards - quad
Westbrook is dealing with a quad injury that could sideline him for a week. In seven games played, the guard has been phenomenal, notching four triple-doubles and two double-doubles. Expect Bradley Beal to shoulder more of the scoring load in Westbrook’s absence while Ish Smith could also see an elevated role.
Long-Term Injuries
Thomas Bryant, C, Washington Wizards - knee
Bryant is done for the season with a torn ACL. The 2017 pick was averaging 14.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game this season. Now with Bryant done, Robin Lopez and Moritz Wagner are worth stashing in fantasy as they will have bigger roles for the rest of the season. Lopez is the better pickup of the two as he will likely be the starting center for Washington.
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