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Every week, I will dive into any injuries to notable NBA players whose fantasy value could be affected by the setback. It’s important to be aware of the potential backups who could see a rise in value at any given time.
As part of this column going forward, I will also feature players who are on the COVID-19 list.
Let’s break down this week’s injury news:
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Short-Term Injuries
Clint Capela, C, Atlanta Hawks- hand
Capela is dealing with a hand injury and his timetable to return remains uncertain at the moment. The big man did miss Sunday’s contest. Capela has been sensational this season, averaging a double-double with 14.2 points and 14.5 rebounds per game.
The 26-year-old posted a triple-double on Friday and has had a triple-double or double-double in the last six games he has played. Rookie Onyeka Okongwu is worth keeping an eye on for fantasy while Capela is absent.
Trae Young, PG, Atlanta Hawks- back
Trae Young is dealing with a back injury and is questionable to play in Tuesday’s contest. The guard missed Sunday’s contest and this injury comes at an inopportune time as he has posted at least 26 points and a double-double in three of the last four games he has played. Veteran Rajon Rondo is worth keeping an eye on in case Young misses more time.
Wendell Carter Jr., C, Chicago Bulls- quad
Carter missed his third consecutive game on Monday because of a quad injury. The 21-year-old had been averaging decent numbers this season, 12.8 points and 8.0 rebounds, but how many more games he misses is uncertain. The Bulls don’t play again until Saturday, so there can only be hope that Carter can return after a mini-break for the team.
Larry Nance Jr., PF, Cleveland Cavaliers- wrist
Nance injured his wrist during Sunday’s contest against Boston, and he sat out Monday as a result. The severity of his injury is unclear, but Taurean Prince is a candidate for more minutes and playing time should Nance sit out more. Prince has been decent since being traded over from the Nets to the Cavs, as he has scored at least 14 points and played 22 minutes in two of his three contests with the team.
Derrick Rose, PG, Detroit Pistons- knee
Due to a knee injury, Rose missed his second straight game on Monday. The veteran had scored at least 14 points in three of the last four games he had played, but it now remains unclear when he could suit up again. Delon Wright is a streaming option in Rose’s absence, the 28-year-old has posted at least 10 points and six boards in the past two contests.
Kawhi Leonard, SF, and Paul George, SG, Los Angeles Clippers- health and safety protocols
George has been experiencing a bit of a hamstring injury, but now he and Leonard are in health and safety protocols and both will be sidelined for Tuesday's game against the Hawks, according to a Monday evening tweet by ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. It remains unclear when they will return though it could likely be the remainder of this week that they are on the bench.
Tyler Herro, PG, Miami Heat- neck
Add Herro to the list of Miami players currently dealing with injuries or COVID-19 protocol related absences. The youngster is dealing with a neck injury and hasn’t played since January 14th. It remains uncertain as to when Herro will return, but Kendrick Nunn is a solid fantasy add as he has scored at least 18 points in the last four games.
D’Angelo Russell, SG, Minnesota Timberwolves- quad
Russell is dealing with a quad injury and missed Monday’s contest against Golden State. The injury doesn’t seem too serious, but it’s worth monitoring. Russell has been a focal point on the Wolves, averaging 20.5 points per game this season. Ricky Rubio is worth keeping an eye on for now.
Devin Booker, SG, Phoenix Suns- hamstring
Booker is dealing with a hamstring injury and the length of his absence is unclear, though it could be the rest of this week. The 24-year-old didn’t play Saturday and his next chance to play would come on Wednesday. If Booker can’t play in any games going forward, Jevon Carter or Langston Galloway could see more minutes, but none of them are fantasy-relevant at this point given they are not proven.
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