Injuries shape the fantasy basketball landscape more than any other variable, and staying ahead of each team’s rotation changes can be the difference between winning and falling behind. Each week, we will be bringing you an Injury Impact Report, where we break down the most important injuries around the league and highlight the players most likely to benefit. Let’s get started!
NBA Fantasy Basketball Injury Impact Report
Three Key Injuries Across the League:
- Alperen Sengun (HOU – Sprained Ankle): Week to Week
- Anthony Davis (DAL – Left Hand Ligament Damage): Month to Month
- Austin Reaves (LAL – Left Calf Strain): Week to Week
Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets) – Sprained Ankle – Week to Week
Sengun suffered the injury early in a game last Saturday and, at the time, was projected to miss around two weeks. That projection would have him miss at least three of the four games this upcoming wee,k with a chance he could return for Sunday’s game.
Who Benefits?
Steven Adams stepped into the starting lineup in six of the seven games that Sengun has missed this season and has been a very consistent fantasy performer. In those games, he has averaged 6.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.9 blocks + steals for 23.1 fantasy points per game. If needing center help over the next week, he is still widely available in 62% of Fantrax leagues.
Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks) – Left Hand Ligament Damage – Month to Month
After the Mavericks game last Thursday, it was determined that Davis suffered ligament damage in his left hand. He is currently seeking multiple opinions, but he is projected to miss at least a couple of months.
Who Benefits?
Daniel Gafford picked up the start at center on Saturday and is likely to continue to start for the foreseeable future. He will provide more rebounding upside and could also see a slight bump in usage. He is currently 79% rostered, with that number likely to rise.
Naji Marshall has been a consistent fantasy contributor since entering the starting lineup in late November. Across 19 games, he is averaging 15 points, 4.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.0 blocks + steals for 25.2 fantasy points per game. I think those are sustainable numbers with upside, considering he has had double-digit shot attempts in 10 of his last 13 games. He is currently 68% rostered in Fantrax leagues, so pick him up while you still have a chance.
Rookie Ryan Nembhard stepped back into the starting lineup on Saturday and had one of his best games in a month with 16 points, three rebounds, and six assists for 26.75 fantasy points. He has also flashed 40+ fantasy point upside this season multiple times and could reach that more without Davis in the lineup. He is available in 68% of leagues right now and is a great add in all formats.
Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers) – Grade 2 Left Calf Strain – Week to Week
We discussed Reaves in the Week 11 injury report, and now that we are halfway through the original timeline, let’s get an update. He had been playing through the calf injury leading up to Christmas Day when he reaggravated the injury, leading to an extended absence. He will be reevaluated in about two weeks. Let’s take a closer look at who has capitalized the most and can provide us with fantasy value.
Who Benefits?
When I first discussed the Lakers’ situation, LaRavia was just 42% rostered and has since seen that rise significantly to 63% rostered. That number should honestly be higher, considering he is averaging over 27 fantasy points per game with 40+ point upside.
Marcus Smart is much more widely available(39% rostered) and has been a solid fantasy asset. Over the last six games with Reaves out, Smart has been a balanced contributor across all categorie,s averaging 8.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.2 blocks + steals. That is good for 21.2 fantasy points per game.
Fantrax is one of the fastest-growing fantasy sites in the fantasy sports industry, and we’re not stopping anytime soon. We are the most customizable, easy-to-use, and feature-rich platform in the industry, offering the greatest fantasy experience for your dynasty, keeper, redraft, and best ball leagues. Fantasy sports doesn’t sleep, and neither does Fantrax, with seasons running 365 days a year. Take your fantasy leagues to the next level now at Fantrax.com!
