Another week, another batch of injuries in fantasy basketball. This week’s report is highlighted by day-to-day injuries to NBA superstars LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Chris Paul. As well as young guns LaMelo Ball and Tyler Herro. For longer-term injuries for players like Khris Middleton, Jaren Jackson Jr., Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden, see the Week 1, Week 2, and Week 3 round-ups.
Fantasy Basketball Injury Round-Up
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
LeBron James left the game on Wednesday with a limp that turned out to be caused by a left adductor strain. Adductor is a fancy word for the groin. He’s confirmed to miss the game on Friday but could be out for a couple of more games. Regardless, this doesn’t look to be a long-term issue. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook is likely back in the starting line-up while James is out. None of the peripheral players on the Lakers roster seem capable of contributing enough to become fantasy-relevant.
Recommendation: Enjoy the Westbrook Lakers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
Antetokounmpo is missing Friday’s game against the Spurs, which will mark the third game out of the last four he’s missed with a sore knee. This is likely a precaution since the Bucks’ focus is on the post-season rather than early-season tussles against the Spurs. As long as the knee is just sore and nothing more, we can live with it and just wait it out. While Giannis is out, Bobby Portis is starting and putting up crazy rebounding numbers including 21(!) in one game.
Recommendation: Bobby Portis is a must-roster. Serge Ibaka could be a sneaky-good pick-up in deeper leagues.
Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
Paul left the game on Monday against the 76ers with a sore heel, missed one game since, and is unlikely to play on Friday. Cameron Payne is putting up solid fantasy numbers with Paul out, as well as Mikal Bridges and Devin Booker getting a usage boost. It is worth noting that Paul’s stats are down across the board compared to the last season and, considering his age, likely to stay down.
Recommendation: Get Cameron Payne for as long as Paul is out.
Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
Herro has missed the last two games with a left ankle sprain. Max Strus, who initially filled in for the injured Jimmy Butler, has been able to keep his fantasy stat line now with Herro out.
Recommendation: If Strus isn’t available, look at Gabe Vincent.
Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic
Projected Return Date: December-January
Isaac, who last played in an NBA game on January 1, 2020, is reportedly playing 5-on-5 in practice and getting in shape to return to NBA action. After being out for over two years with an ACL surgery, it’s hard to imagine him returning to form any time soon but this is a pickup that could pay off handsomely come fantasy playoff time. As a reminder – Isaac ranked as a top 25 fantasy player in the first half of the 2019-20 season with 2.3 blocks and 1.6 steals per game.
Recommendation: This is a bit speculative but if you have the space – look into Isaac.
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
Projected Return Date: Day-to-day
LaMelo will make his season debut any day now after missing the first 13 games with a left ankle sprain. The expectations before the season were borderline first-round and there is no reason to think anything has changed. While Ball was out Dennis Smith Jr. got the start and the fantasy numbers, which can now be considered over. Since Smith himself seems to have gotten injured, the chance to cash in on him last minute is gone. Expect Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre, and Gordon Hayward to all take a hit with Ball back in the lineup.
Recommendation: 🤖 Activate LaMelo Ball 🤖