The weekend began with the devastating news that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kevin Durant would be shut down for the remainder of the season because he is suffering from persistent soreness in his foot. While Durant’s injury was a huge blow to the Thunder’s playoff hopes, it was also a major hit to NBA fantasy general managers that owned him. Most of the talk will remain focused on Durant but for those that are desperate to fill a hole in their lineup, it represents an opportunity to pick up his replacement off the wire. You no longer have to sit in limbo.
Durant isn’t the only injured player whose being sidelined has helped create an opportunity. Here is a look at five injured players from around the NBA and who will benefit the most from their injuries in terms of increased production.
Injured: Kevin Durant
Beneficiary: Dion Waiters
Durant’s injury has opened the door for Dion Waiters to start at least 33 minutes in four straight games and while his production has been somewhat inconsistent, it should only improve from here. Waiters has averaged over 14 shots per game over that span and he finished with 26 points, three rebounds, two assists and two three-pointers in last Friday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks. The production might stall at times but Waiters will have an opportunity to put up some decent numbers every night with Durant out.
Injured: Serge Ibaka
Beneficiary: Enes Kanter
The Thunder have had absolutely terrible injury luck all year and while we mentioned the Durant setback, they also been without Ibaka for a prolonged period of time. Ibaka’s injury has opened the door for Kanter to log more minutes and the results have been impressive. The big man has recorded a double-double with at least 18 points and 10 rebounds in six of his last seven games. Oklahoma City is desperate for somebody to help make up for Ibaka’s absence and so far Kanter has really stepped up to say the least.
Injured: JJ Barea
Beneficiary: Rajon Rondo
Barea will miss time with a injured ankle and while both Devin Harris and Raymond Felton managed to get in to their game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, they played just nine and five minutes respectively and didn’t make much of an impact. Felton is basically glued to the bench in all situations and that included Sunday when the Mavs were shorthanded and Harris’ day was cut short due to an illness. The same can’t be said for Rajon Rondo after he scored 12 points and registered six assists while logging 35 minutes in the 98-92 loss. Harris and Felton will each probably get another shot to prove themselves off the bench but the biggest impact of Barea’s injury will be noticed with the increased responsibility given to Rondo.
Injured: Brandon Knight
Beneficiary: Eric Bledsoe
The Suns were also without a point guard on Sunday as Knight missed the game with an ankle injury, opening the door for Bledsoe to carry the load with 20 points and nine assists in 37 minutes of action. Only Markieff Morris logged more minutes for Phoenix in the game and as long as Knight is out, Bledsoe’s production should be a little better as the primary ball handler for the Suns. Keep an eye on Knight’s ankle injury as he could be back later in the week.
Injured: Tim Hardaway Jr.
Beneficiary: Shane Larkin
Hardaway has missed the last few games with an injured wrist and while Langston Galloway has continued to handle the bulk of the minutes along with Alexey Schved, it has been Larkin who has improved his minutes and production. He had one of his best games on Sunday when he scored nine points and added eight assists off the bench against the Toronto Raptors. Larkin started again on Monday and played a whopping 44 minutes. While he only managed four points, he still contributed with seven assists, three rebounds and a block. Hardaway could miss a couple of more games and while Larkin’s production isn’t elite, he’s the guy who will benefit.
