Welcome to the Week 11 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 11 Fantasy Basketball Injury Report
Kevin Durant, SF/PF – Phoenix Suns
Injury: Right hamstring strain
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
Kevin Durant has missed the last couple of games with what is described as a right hamstring strain. He is listed as doubtful for Friday’s game against the Heat. Having carried the team most of the season, it’s no wonder an overuse injury showed up. Luckily, unless the severity of the injury has been unreported, Durant should return by next week at the latest. As has been the case with the Suns’ injuries this season, if any of the big three is out, look towards Eric Gordon and Grayson Allen. And since Gordon is injured himself, look towards Grayson Allen. However, if and when the big three are playing together, Allen’s role will probably become too diminished to roster him in standard leagues. However, he would still remain an injury insurance.
Recommendation: Grayson Allen until Durant is back.
Franz Wagner, SG/SF – Orlando Magic
Injury: Right ankle sprain
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
Wagner left Wednesday’s game at Sacramento in the first quarter with an ankle injury. The x-rays came back negative to any structural damage. He will be missing Friday’s game and probably a few more. Wagner has been far and away the best fantasy player for the Magic this season. With most of the Magic wings on the injury list, it’ll be interesting to see who fills in for Wagner. Caleb Houstan started the second half and ended the game with 15 points and 4 steals in 31 minutes. Though, it was a double overtime game. Jalen Suggs had his best game of the season too. Trevelin Queen had 6 assists and 2 steals in 38 minutes.
Recommendation: Caleb Houstan might be worthy of an add until Wagner returns.
Dereck Lively II, C – Dallas Mavericks
Injury: Left ankle sprain
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
Lively left the previous Mavs game with an ankle injury and is listed as doubtful for Friday’s matchup against the Blazers. The injury was described as mild by coach Jason Kidd after the game, which is a positive sign though it was on the same ankle that caused Lively to miss four games in late December. Lively has become, surprisingly, one of the most important players for the Mavs in his rookie year, and that is reflected in his fantasy play too where he ranks in the top 100 for the season. I would expect him to miss at least a week of action. With reserve centers Grant Williams and Maxi Kleber also injured, the next man up should be Dwight Powell. Given the minutes, Powell could average 10 points and 10 rebounds and is, perhaps, worth a look in deeper leagues, however, for standard leagues, he’s likely to be underwhelming.
Recommendation: None.
Deandre Ayton, C – Portland Trail Blazers
Injury: Right knee tendinitis
Projected Return Date: Week-to-week
Ayton has been out since Christmas with knee tendinitis and remains out against Dallas on Friday. At this point, there is nothing much to do but to wait it out for Ayton owners. He’s been a little disappointing this season but remains a strong must-roster. In the five games without Ayton, no worthy replacement on the Blazers has surfaced either. Duop Reath had one great game, then missed three with an injury, and then got ejected quickly in his return. Still, Reath could put up a good stat line while Ayton is gone and it wouldn’t be the worst thing to try and stream him.
Recommendation: Duop Reath is the best we can do for now.
Zach LaVine, SG/SF – Chicago Bulls
Injury: Right foot inflammation
Projected Return Date: Now
After missing 17 games, LaVine is rumored to be returning against the Hornets on Friday. Speaking of rumors, he’s also rumored to be traded to the Lakers. Until that happens, LaVine’s return is likely to throw a spanner in the worst for Coby White and Alex Caruso. White has been great without LaVine and should still be rosterable, though Caruso might be pushed into the more marginal zone. However, this is likely temporary since trades would change everything. This is why the recommendation here is to hold everyone involved with the Bulls.
Recommendation: Hold.