You are currently reading the Week 6 fantasy basketball injury report. In said report, we cover the latest in medium to long-term NBA injuries and their relevance to you – a fantasy basketball player.
Week 6 Fantasy Basketball Injury Report
LaMelo Ball, PG/SG – Charlotte Hornets
Injury: Right ankle injury
Projected Return Date: January?
LaMelo Ball injured the same ankle he missed time with last season and will be out for an extended time. A big blow for fantasy players but, then again, there was a forewarning last year when he injured the ankle on three separate occasions. Just like last year, look for Terry Rozier to attempt to replace LaMelo. If you can bear the awful FG%. As always when a ball-dominant player is out of the lineup, expect the usage to be spread around quite evenly. So Gordon Hayward, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges all get a small bump. There doesn’t seem to be an obvious FA pickup. As far as LaMelo goes – trading a newly injured player isn’t likely to give a huge return but depending on your specific situation, it’s something to consider. On the other hand – can we buy low on LaMelo? I wouldn’t for anything more than mid-round value.
Recommendation: Don’t sell low. Don’t buy low either.
Devin Booker, SG/SF – Phoenix Suns
Injury: Right ankle injury
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
Booker landed on an opposing player’s foot in the game against the Raptors on Wednesday. He left the game, then returned and looked clearly off. So far no diagnosis has been released – could be good to go this weekend or could be out for a couple of weeks. Regardless, the fantasy situation remains the same with this team – the three-star players are going to miss time with injuries and the second-tier players will have their opportunities. Eric Gordon and Grayson Allen should be on speed dial if not already rostered, particularly if you’ve Booker, Durant, or Beal on your roster.
Recommendation: Be smart.
Anthony Edwards, SG/SF – Minnesota Timberwolves
Injury: Right hip pointer
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
Edwards left the Thunder game after falling onto his hip. No definitive diagnosis yet – he’s listed as doubtful and not out against the Jazz so it’s likely not too serious. As long as Edwards is out, Nickeil Alexander-Walker or Shake Milton might inherit some of his shots. The Wolves are thin at the guard and wing positions so it’ll be interesting to see how they’ll deal without their best player. Maybe send out all three of their centers – Towns, Gobert, and Reid?
Recommendation: No FA to pick up. Edwards will likely return next week.
Lauri Markkanen, SF/PF – Utah Jazz
Injury: Left hamstring strain
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
Having missed four games already with a hamstring injury, Markkanen might be out for an extended period. How extended? Perhaps a week or two more. The Jazz roster isn’t exactly teeming with fantasy-relevant players. Simone Fontecchio seems to be the designated Markkanen-replacement so keep an eye on him if Markkanen misses more time. Though, he’s far from a must-roster even with Lauri out.
Recommendation: Simone Fontecchio.
Jimmy Butler, SF/PF – Miami Heat
Injury: Right ankle sprain
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
Jimmy makes a point of showing how little he cares about the NBA regular season – imagine what he would think about delivering stats for fantasy teams. Right now he’s in the middle of the first of his 4-5 runs of 4-5 games per season he takes off with minor injuries. Not much else to do for Butler teams than wait for a run of big games and cash in with a trade. Jaime Jaquez Jr. seems to be Jimmy Butler from another dimension. With Butler out, he’s a must-roster, with Butler in, he’s marginal.
Recommendation: JJJ – Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Jalen Johnson, SF/PF – Atlanta Hawks
Injury: Left distal radius fracture
Projected Return Date: January
Johnson has been one of the revelations of the season. Now he’ll be out for 4-6 weeks with a wrist injury. It’s already been a few games and De’Andre Hunter is the clear pickup. As for Johnson – he’s been too good to drop in standard leagues. Even in an injury crisis, he will have trade value at the very least.
Recommendation: De’Andre Hunter.
Zach LaVine, SG/SF – Chicago Bulls (for now)
DeMar DeRozan, SG/SF/PF – Chicago Bulls (for now)
Alex Caruso, PG/SG – Chicago Bulls (for now)
Injury: Various
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
These guys are all listed as questionable for the Bucks game. These guys are also in heavy trade rumors. One can’t help but speculate a trade is imminent. Regardless of who exactly comes and goes, it’s hard to imagine the Bulls won’t be clearing the way for Coby White and Patrick Williams. Currently, borderline fantasy players, they could be good speculative pickups before a trade is made. LaVine, DeRozan, and Caruso’s fantasy values are likely to remain constant, more or less.
Recommendation: Coby White and Patrick Williams.