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In today’s article, we will look at some important injury news from the past two weeks, discuss players who are out, and suggest possible backups to pick up for fantasy basketball.
Let’s get started.
Good vibes – players returning from injury
Zion Williamson – PF/C, New Orleans Pelicans
The often-injured former No. 1 pick will be back in action on Tuesday against the Timberwolves. Williamson has been working his way back from a hamstring injury over the past two months. On Monday, it was announced that he participated fully in practice and was upgraded to questionable for Tuesday’s game before being cleared to play.
Fantasy managers might want to consider trading Zion while there’s optimism around his return. He’s had trouble staying healthy, so it could be a good idea to move him before another injury happens.
Paolo Banchero – SF/PF, Orlando Magic
There hasn’t been an official return date for Banchero yet, but his injury status has been listed as “return to competition, reconditioning” since December 27. By this Friday, January 10, it will have been two weeks since this change, which seems like enough time for him to be ready to play again.
The Magic have been doing well without Banchero and Franz Wagner, so they might not rush his return, but it seems likely he’ll be back by Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
If you’re looking to get Banchero, the chance to buy low is almost gone, so act fast before he’s back.
Bad vibes – players out with an injury
Kyrie Irving – PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks
Fantasy managers will be without Irving for at least 1-2 weeks as he deals with a bulging disc in his back. He missed Dallas’ last two games, and while it’s not great, at least we know when he might return. For now, fantasy managers should place him on the injured list and pick up players like Quentin Grimes, Spencer Dinwiddie, or Naji Marshall as replacements.
Jabari Smith – PF/C, Houston Rockets
Why are so many players getting hurt during pre-game activities? Fantasy managers were lucky when Joel Embiid twisted his ankle in Boston, but those with Smith weren’t as fortunate. He will miss 4-8 weeks with a fractured hand, which could end his season.
I had high expectations for Smith this year, but it’s been a rough third season for him. Even though he was drafted in the preseason as a top 80 player, he’s ranked 124th in 9-cat leagues and 144th in points leagues. With Smith out, Amen Thompson will start at small forward, which should boost his fantasy value.
Jaden Ivey – PG/SG, Detroit Pistons
The Pistons announced that Ivey had successful surgery to repair a broken fibula in his left leg and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. While he hasn’t been ruled out for the season, this injury is severe, and it seems unlikely he’ll return soon.
Ivey was having his best season so far, averaging nearly 18 points per game, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. He was also shooting career-high percentages. With him out, Malik Beasley, Ausar Thompson, and Tim Hardaway Jr. will take on more responsibilities, but I prefer Thompson over Beasley and Hardaway in most formats.
Cam Thomas – SG/SF, Brooklyn Nets
Thomas strained his left hamstring in a game against the Bucks last Thursday, making the same injury worse that caused him to miss 13 games earlier in the season. He was having a breakout year but only lasted two games after coming back from his first hamstring injury. With the added issues of the Nets possibly tanking, it’s not the best situation for fantasy.
Thomas will be out for at least two weeks, so D’Angelo Russell should take on a bigger role when he’s back from his shin injury. If Russell isn’t ready, Keon Johnson and Tyrese Martin will fill in for now.
Jonathan Kuminga – SF/PF, Golden State Warriors
Kuminga’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. He sprained his ankle over the weekend and will be re-evaluated in three weeks. The Warriors were still deciding if they should extend his contract or use him as a trade chip for another high-value player. Let’s see how his injury affects their plans for the trade deadline.
Kuminga hasn’t been great for fantasy in 9-cat leagues this year, ranking outside the top 200. However, he’s improved recently, ranking 130th in 9-cat leagues over the last two weeks. I’d still hold on to him, even though his ownership has dropped by over 6% since Monday.
Daniel Gafford – C, Dallas Mavericks
It didn’t even take one night before another injury hit. Gafford left after just eight minutes in Monday’s loss to the Grizzlies with an ankle injury. Jason Kidd said Gafford will be out for some time.
Dereck Lively played a season-high 33 minutes, so fantasy managers with Lively are in a good position as he takes over the center role for now.
Waiting for more news on the following injured players:
Jalen Suggs – PG/SG, Orlando Magic – back
Trey Murphy III – SF/PF, New Orleans Pelicans – ankle
Desmond Bane – SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies – ankle
Cameron Johnson – SF/PF, Brooklyn Nets – ankle
