NBA Injuries and Who Can Benefit Instead (Week 15)

7 years ago by Dicky Fung

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We're approaching crunch time in fantasy. And just like that, it's Week 15, as you must do anything possible to make the playoffs. Once you get there, it's an entirely different ball game. Holding onto injured players with little upside is likely a bad move at this point. The injury bug has been real this season, and it's like a plague that continues to spread across the league. Understanding the injury landscape is key in all forms of fantasy basketball.

Unfortunately, injuries will happen more often than not. It is just the nature of the game. However, in order to stay ahead of your opponents, you need to stay a top of these injury-related news. One significant add to the waiver wire could potentially make or break your season.

Consider this your one-stop overview of fantasy-relevant injuries around the NBA. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @RotoBaller @RotoBallerNBA and @fungo24!

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Notable Injury Updates Around The NBA

New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (knee) tweaked his knee in practice and missed Tuesday's game. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and is listed as questionable to play against the Nuggets on Thursday. The first time All-Star has massive upside, but the nagging injuries continue to pile up. The Knicks are not likely going to make the playoffs, despite what their fans want you to believe. This could potentially be a sell-high moment after he returns and strings a couple of strong games. Meanwhile, Michael Beasley continues to get buckets and is a must-start player anytime the Unicorn misses time. Get Beasley now if you have someone to drop.

San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (quad) is still out indefinitely, and it's becoming more frustrating by the day. Leonard said to reporters last week the reason he didn't play on Monday was due to the Spurs' "return from injury management" program, and not due to a flare-up with the quad issue. Of course, the Spurs's gonna Spurs and ruled him out "indefinitely" but still "expect him to play at some point this season" This is absolutely crushing and confusing for his owners, as his season may be lost for fantasy hoops. In his absence, Kyle Anderson is a must-add player and Danny Green is worth a look where Patty Mills and Bryn Forbes are nice deep league adds. Yes, Dejounte Murray is also a must-own player since taking over the starting role.

Philadelphia 76ers guard J.J. Reddick (leg) will be re-evaluated in 10 days to two weeks, as he has a small crack in parts of his left leg. Reddick is 33 years old, and the Sixers will be wise to bring back slowly. The Sixers are thin at the guard positions, where T.J McConnell is a good add in standard leagues. McConnell missed Wednesday's game due to personal reasons but should be back in action the next game. Timothe Luwawu has also entered the picture and logged 34, 30, and 30 minutes over the last three. He's hit double-digit scoring three games in a row and has a total of 13 3-pointers in that span. Get him while he's hot.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler (knee) missed his third straight game on Wednesday. He's still battling some soreness and we have seen this movie before. Coach Tom Thibodeau is known for running his key players for significant minutes, and this could be troublesome for the second-half of the season. We're hearing that it's minor and Butler is listed day-to-day, so let's hope Butler will be able to suit up against the Warriors Thursday night. Nemanja Bjelica has been starting in his place and logged 36, 35, and 26 minutes per game. He's played fairly well and is worth a look until Butler returns. Just don't drop anyone you'd miss for him.

Boston Celtics center Al Horford (head/concussion) was unable to suit up Wednesday after getting hit in the head on Tuesday, and given his injury history, he could be looking at a few games. The big man was named an All-Star despite averaging just 13.2 points and 7.8 boards per game. (Yikes) Aron Baynes is worth a look while he's out, but he's a desperate add. The Celtics face the Warriors Saturday, so Horford has a couple of days to recover.

Sacramento Kings point guard De'Aaron Fox (abdominal tightness) could not finish Tuesday's game due to the injury but had an MRI on Wednesday, which was negative. This is obviously good news and he's probably listed as day-to-day. George Hill was a healthy scratch Tuesday and he's likely to start in place of Fox if he can't go on Thursday. Hill is a nice streaming option if you need the extra boost.

Chicago Bulls point guard Kris Dunn (face/concussion) had a massive breakaway dunk before falling flat on his face last weekClone this item as new draft. He was bleeding in his mouth and was laying on the ground for a while, as the Bulls will evaluate him for a concussion. Coach Fred Hoiberg said there has been no change in Dunn's status and that he's "almost certain" to miss Friday's game against the Lakers as well. Jerian Grant is a a very nice streaming option as he dropped 22 points and 13 dimes on Monday.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball (knee) is still sidelined with knee soreness, and he's missed five straight games. Ball is not even practicing with the team yet, so he's probably close to doubtful for Friday's game against the Bulls. Jordan Clarkson is the real winner here, as he's averaged 28.0 points and 7.0 assists over the last three. Ignore Tyler Ennis, because he's terrible. However, Alex Caruso is worth a look in deep leagues if you need cheap dimes. The Lakers have zero incentive to rush him back and will take their time to make sure he's fully healthy.

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (elbow) was close to a return, but then got ruled out on Wednesday. My guess is he's back this weekend. Domantas Sabonis continues to start in his place and is a near must-play every time Turner is out. Sabonis was probably owned in most leagues already, but make sure he's not available on your wire.

Phoenix Suns power forward Marquese Chriss (hip) has missed his sixth straight game, and he hasn't been cleared to practice so we're likely looking at a few more games on the sidelines. The Suns are a mess, where they will really need a trade to unleash Alex Len and Chriss. Dragan Bender continues to start in Chriss's place but hasn't done much. Bender is a 14+ team guy where Len should be closely monitored in case the Suns eventually deal Tyson Chandler or Greg Monroe. Greg Monroe has rejoined the rotation again and has been a beast over the last two games. I don't know if it will last, but the upside is undeniable. Get Monroe now until the wheels fall off. This is also a good opportunity to see if the Chriss owner in your league is going to drop Chriss, as he was playing very well before this injury. Keep stalking the waiver wire like a hawk.