Injuries are an unfortunate but expected reality in the NBA but that doesn’t make them any less annoying in fantasy basketball leagues. Derrick Rose was among the latest to go down on Monday as he wasn’t able to finish the game. If you’re playing fantasy basketball, you’re going to want to keep an eye on these important bumps and bruises that are hampering lineups.
Chris Paul
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers’ star point guard has missed three games with a groin injury and while the team has confirmed it shouldn’t be a long-term issue, it is understandable that they would want to keep him out until he is back at full strength in order to keep him from aggravating the issue. So what does that mean? Look for Austin Rivers to continue to get a huge bump. He’s been great value in daily fantasy as an underrated player. He’s started three games and in those contests, he’s averaging 11.3 points, 1.7 threes, 1.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.7 free throws.
Paul hasn’t shown any regression on the floor this season but while he has averaged 15.7 points and 8.0 assists it is important to point out that he is now 30-years-old and he has missed 54 games over the previous four seasons. Paul is still an elite fantasy point guard but it’s important to keep in mind his age in dynasty leagues with the potential for regression moving forward.
Kyrie Irving
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers haven’t missed a beat without Irving early on this season as Mo Williams has stepped in and delivered while handling big minutes. As the starting point guard through 10 games, Williams has been an excellent DFS play. He’s averaging 15.6 points, 5.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.9 threes and 0.7 steals. He’s also done a great job running the offensive sets.
That has taken some pressure off of Irving as he continues to work his way back from knee surgery. There is no reason to expect him back any time soon at this point but we did recently get an update. Irving was finally cleared to resume weight-training activities but he hasn’t done any on-court work. It will take some time for him to build up his leg strength before he gets back on the floor. Irving proved his value as one of the top point guards in the Eastern Conference last season but Cleveland will be very careful with him this year. If he’s stashed away on your bench or on the waiver-wire, keep an eye out as he is getting closer.
Patrick Beverley
Houston Rockets
Beverley suffered a sprained left ankle last Friday against the Denver Nuggets and the team has offered no timetable for his return. They did confirm that x-rays on the ankle came back negative. The interesting aspect here is that Houston is one of the deeper teams in the NBA, so they don’t necessarily need to rush him back. However, the team has had a pathetic start to the season with just four wins in their first 11 games. They have been immaculately dysfunctional, as evidenced by their latest loss. They lost by 16 at home to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. With the team struggling with Ty Lawson at the helm, they might want Beverley back sooner than later to give him back his job. Keep an eye on this situation as Beverley could be in store for a bigger role if the current version of the Rockets keeps struggling.
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Kawhi Leonard
San Antonio Spurs
Leonard isn’t injured but he is dealing with an upper respiratory infection. That kept him out of Saturday’s game but he did return on Monday. The 24-year-old came back in the Spurs 93-80 win on Monday and showed no ill effects. He played 31 minutes while collecting 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks, two steals and three threes. Don’t sweat the issue as he’s fine. Keep him in your lineup until further notice.
