Welcome to the Week 10 fantasy basketball injury report where we cover the latest in medium to long-term NBA injuries and their relevance to you – a fantasy basketball manager.
Week 10 Fantasy Basketball Injury Report
Kawhi Leonard, SG/SF/PF – Los Angeles Clippers
Injury: Left hip contusion
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
Leonard has missed the last three Clippers games with a hip contusion. As far as Kawhi Leonard’s injuries go – getting away with a bruised hip is pretty good. Besides these three games, Leonard has, quite shockingly, played in all Clippers games this season, and, somewhat shockingly, performed as one of the best fantasy players in the league. His absence hasn’t created a must-own player on the Clippers roster – Harden, George, Westbrook, and Zubac remain the only other Clippers you’d want in your roster in standard leagues. And Zubac is marginal. Ultimately, it’s still hard not to see Kawhi as a ticking injury time bomb. Once returned from the injury, I’d be looking to trade him for a fellow top fantasy player.
Recommendation: Trade him.
Jimmy Butler, SF/PF – Miami Heat
Injury: Left calf strain
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
Jimmy Butler is another regular in the injury report and another player you don’t really want on your fantasy rosters. He’s now missed four games with a calf injury and missed eight out of 31 total Heat games, which is on pace to play about 61 games. And, Butler has slowed down in terms of fantasy stat production – he currently ranks 39th per game in 9-cat leagues, which is his lowest in a decade. Just like with Kawhi – look to trade him after his next great run. On a more positive side – Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been a revelation and would form a great handcuff with Butler on any fantasy team.
Recommendation: Trade him.
Aaron Gordon, PF – Denver Nuggets
Injury: Face/hand lacerations
Projected Return Date: Week-to-week
Gordon is listed as out indefinitely after being bitten by a dog on his face and his shooting hand. Gordon received 21 stitches and seemingly has no subcutaneous damage. He can be expected to be out for at least a couple of weeks. Peyton Watson got the start in the first game without Gordon and delivered a solid 20 points with 4 threes and 5 rebounds in a blowout against the Grizzlies. Seems like going forward Watson will be the biggest beneficiary of Gordon’s absence.
Recommendation: Peyton Watson.
Nikola Vucevic, C – Chicago Bulls
Injury: Left adductor strain
Projected Return Date: Mid-January
Vucevic has missed the last two Bulls games with an adductor strain and is expected to miss six or seven more. Andre Drummond slid into the starting line-up and averaged 15.5 points, 20.5 rebounds, two steals, and a block in the two games so far. He needs to be rostered while Vucevic is away.
Recommendation: Get Drummond.
Jabari Smith Jr., PF – Houston Rockets
Injury: Left ankle sprain
Projected Return Date: Mid-Jan
Smith landed on a teammate’s foot in Wednesday’s game against the Suns and sat out for the rest of the game. Smith ranks as a top 50 player over the last 10 games. Ankle sprains vary, and there is no information out yet on the severity, but the standard missed time is about two weeks. Players like Tari Eason and Amen Thompson will receive extended playing time while Smith is out. Also, Dillon Brooks left a Rockets game with an injury but he’s not really a fantasy-relevant player.
Recommendation: Tari Eason needs to be rostered.