Welcome to the Fantasy Vibe Check, where you can discuss all things NBA and fantasy basketball. Share your thoughts on the highs, lows, and surprises of the game. Let me know in the comments or @DanTitus what’s on your mind about fantasy basketball. Today, we’re diving into the latest injury updates from the past two weeks and looking at potential replacements for sidelined players in fantasy basketball. Let’s get into it!
🙂 Good Vibes:
– **Zion Williamson – PF/C, New Orleans Pelicans**: The former No. 1 pick is set to return to action this week after dealing with a hamstring injury. Fantasy managers may consider leveraging his return by trading him before any potential setbacks.
– **Paolo Banchero – SF/PF, Orlando Magic**: While there’s no confirmed return date yet, Banchero’s status indicates he’s getting closer. With the Magic managing without him, now might be the time to grab him before his return.
😕 Bad Vibes:
– **Kyrie Irving – PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks**: Irving is sidelined with a back injury for at least 1-2 weeks. Fantasy managers should make use of the IL spot and explore other options.
– **Jabari Smith – PF/C, Houston Rockets**: A fractured hand will keep Smith out for 4-8 weeks, impacting his season significantly. Amen Thompson is expected to see a boost in production in Smith’s absence.
– **Jaden Ivey – PG/SG, Detroit Pistons**: Ivey underwent surgery for a broken fibula and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. Despite hopes for a return this season, his injury presents a challenge for fantasy managers.
Keep an eye on these updates and make strategic moves to navigate your fantasy basketball roster effectively. Let’s vibe together! 🏀
Malik Beasley, Ausar Thompson, and Tim Hardaway Jr. are expected to benefit from increased opportunities, with Thompson being the preferred choice over Beasley and Hardaway Jr. in most fantasy formats.
Cam Thomas, a shooting guard/small forward for the Brooklyn Nets, suffered a left hamstring strain in a recent game against the Bucks, aggravating a previous injury that had sidelined him for 13 games earlier in the season. Despite enjoying a successful campaign, Thomas has struggled with his hamstring issues, leading to concerns about his fantasy potential. With a projected absence of at least two weeks, D’Angelo Russell is anticipated to take on a more prominent offensive role upon his return from a shin injury. In the event Russell is not available, Keon Johnson and Tyrese Martin are likely to step in temporarily to fill the void left by Thomas’ injury.
For Jonathan Kuminga, a small forward/power forward for the Golden State Warriors, a recent ankle sprain will require him to undergo re-evaluation in three weeks. The injury comes at a critical juncture for Kuminga, as the Warriors are evaluating his performance to determine his future with the team. Despite Kuminga’s struggles in fantasy leagues this season, he has shown improvement in recent weeks. Fantasy managers are advised to retain Kuminga on their rosters despite a slight decrease in his ownership percentage.
In the absence of Kuminga, players like Kyle Anderson and Gary Payton II have seen increased opportunities, but they may not be viable streaming options in leagues with fewer than 12 teams.
Daniel Gafford, a center for the Dallas Mavericks, sustained an ankle injury during a recent game against the Grizzlies, forcing him out of the contest after just eight minutes of play. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd indicated that Gafford will be sidelined for an extended period, creating an opportunity for Dereck Lively to see an uptick in minutes. Fantasy managers who have Lively on their rosters may benefit from the center’s increased playing time while Gafford is sidelined.
Additionally, updates are awaited on the following injured players:
– Jalen Suggs, a point guard/shooting guard for the Orlando Magic, dealing with a back injury
– Trey Murphy III, a small forward/power forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, nursing an ankle injury
– Desmond Bane, a shooting guard/small forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, recovering from an ankle injury
– Cameron Johnson, a small forward/power forward for the Brooklyn Nets, managing an ankle issue.
