Fantasy Basketball Injury Report – Week 2

It shouldn’t be like this. This should be maybe two months’ worth of injuries. Yes, injuries are unavoidable across the NBA, and this isn’t as much about the quantity of injuries as it is about who is injured. The number of superstars and early-round picks sidelined is insane. Fantasy basketball managers are left picking up the pieces of multiple early-round picks that are now facing lengthy absences. Now, it’s time for this week’s fantasy basketball injury report as we break down some key players who have street clothes in their futures.

Fantasy Basketball Injury Report

Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Based on the way he was playing, you would never know that Edwards was having issues with his knee. This isn’t a new issue, as it plagued the superstar last season as well. However, Edwards began the season averaging 33.3 points per game through four games. Now, he’s out for at least the next two months following arthroscopic knee surgery.

That’s a lot of offense to replace, and there’s going to be a large emphasis and focus on Ayo Dosunmu. While there’s going to be increased usage and attention on the newly acquired LaMelo Ball, it’s Dosunmu who moves into the starting lineup. Following his success after being traded to Minnesota last February, the guard received a contract extension this offseason. And now, it’s time for him to truly earn it.

When he started last season, the guard averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. That also came with 2.2 three-pointers and 1.1 steals. There’s no reason not to expect a similar performance over the next two months while Edwards is sidelined.

Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

That’s a reply we don’t need to see. After making it through just 33 games last season due to a litany of injuries, things were even worse this year. Williams’ season ended after just three games. Following a gruesome leg injury, the good news is that his surgery was successful.

It’s now on the Thunder to attempt to replace his production. However, it’s not going to come from just one person. Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams will see increased run, as will the rookie Aday Mara. From an offensive perspective, Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain will also figure into the equation. There are a lot of talented options, but it’s going to warrant further attention to see who truly steps up. On Wednesday, it was Kenrich Williams who got the starting nod, but Mitchell should see the largest uptick in usage.

Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

In a vacuum, hamstring injuries are tough. The intensity is even more heightened following Haliburton missing all of last season after tearing his Achilles. At this point, the expectation is that Haliburton will be out for at least the next two weeks. TJ McConnell also hasn’t played yet this season due to a hamstring injury, but his return is getting closer. If he’s back before Haliburton is back, and can shake off the rust, then this situation warrants our attention. While he might not be a dynamic scorer, he is generally efficient when given the chance.

Through three games, Andrew Nembhard is already averaging 16 points and 5.7 assists per game in the starting lineup. I’m not sure how much more per game he can play than 32 minutes, but the usage will increase without Haliburton in the backcourt.

This could be the perfect opportunity for Kelly Oubre as he now takes on a larger role. Oubre consistently averages around 15 points and around five rebounds per game, and he should get the playing time necessary to hit those marks again.

Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors

Stop me if you have heard this before, but Leonard is injured. It also makes sense that the Raptors would take things slowly with the star forward. While there’s nothing structurally wrong with Leonard’s knee, he’s still going to be out for a few weeks due to swelling. The timetable is unclear, but alternate arrangements will have to be made.

Both Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett will be the largest beneficiaries, but it’s Ja’Kobe Walter who was elevated into the starting lineup. We can’t expect it every time, but in his first start, Walter scored 22 points with four rebounds and two assists. It’s worth watching if he continues at that pace.

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

A high ankle sprain will keep Banchero out for at least a month, and likely closer to two months. Tristan da Silva moved into the starting lineup, and he should continue to find success. On Wednesday, the forward scored a team-high 20 points for the Magic, which included four three-pointers. In the three games prior, da Silva averaged 3.3 three-pointers per game, and he could be a real asset given the increased playing time.

Jaren Jackson, Utah Jazz

So much for a fresh start in Utah. Jackson is likely going to be out for the next two months after tearing his MCL. Walker Kessler is now in Los Angeles, and Jusuf Nurkic is also out. To make matters worse, Lauri Markkanen is also out with a wrist injury.

As Utah gets healthier, Markkanen will step up, and Nurkic will make an impact. In the interim, there are a plethora of big men, but now we get a chance to see what Kyle Filipowski can do. Of greater interest will be what this does for Ace Bailey’s usage and production.

Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic

A bone bruise will keep Suggs out for at least the next two weeks. Anthony Black returned just in time, and now we get to see if the guard can step up on a consistent basis. When Black started last year, he averaged 16.5 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. Now, let’s see him do it again this season.