Fantasy Basketball Injury Updates for Week 17

Each week of the NBA season unfortunately brings injuries to key players across the league. The goal of this column is to break down those injuries and understand which players could benefit in fantasy from an injury to a teammate.

As a reminder, COVID-19 related absences from players will now be included in this column.

There are quite a few injuries to cover this week for fantasy-relevant players, so let’s get to it.

Short-Term Injuries

Trae Young, PG, Atlanta Hawks- calf

Young has a calf injury and remains questionable for Tuesday’s game after already missing Sunday’s game. Youngster Brandon Goodwin is a great streaming option if Young can’t go on Tuesday. Goodwin posted 17 points, five rebounds, and eight assists on Sunday.

Danilo Gallinari, PF, Atlanta Hawks- foot

The veteran is dealing with a foot injury and is doubtful for Tuesday’s contest. Gallinari didn’t play on Sunday either. Solomon Hill would get more minutes but he’s not fantasy-relevant at all.

Evan Fournier, SF, Boston Celtics- COVID-19 protocols

Fournier has been sidelined due to COVID protocols for about a week now. There’s no timetable for return for the newly acquired Celtic and already fantasy-relevant guys like Marcus Smart could continue to see more minutes as a result.

James Harden, SG, Brooklyn Nets- hamstring

Harden has a hamstring strain that he sustained last week and will likely be out for the foreseeable future. This is a huge blow to a Nets team with championship aspirations. Bruce Brown is the candidate who is likely to continue seeing more minutes, but he’s not worth adding at this point.

Darius Garland, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers- ankle

An ankle injury sidelined Garland on Sunday and his status is up in the air right now. With Collin Sexton also dealing with a groin injury, the Cavs may need to rely on Matthew Dellavedova more. He’s not worth picking up right now but he’s worth monitoring.

Collin Sexton, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers- groin

Sexton missed Sunday’s contest after sustaining a groin injury on Saturday. The guard had posted at least 20 points in the last seven games he had played. For now, guys like Matthew Dellavedova and Cedi Osman could see more minutes if Sexton and Darius Garland are held out more. Osman posted 15 points, three rebounds, and seven assists on Sunday so he’s worth streaming if you need the help.

Jerami Grant, SF, Detroit Pistons- knee

Knee soreness has caused Grant to miss three straight games and there is no indication on when he could return. The forward was averaging a stellar 22.5 points per game this season. Expect Sekou Doumbouya to see more playing time if Grant is out but he’s not worth adding to your fantasy team.

Kelly Oubre Jr., SG, Golden State Warriors- wrist

Oubre is dealing with a wrist injury and when he could return remains uncertain. The forward has missed two contests already. Kent Bazemore is a candidate for more minutes but he shouldn’t be considered in fantasy right now.

Myles Turner, C, Indiana Pacers- ankle

Turner is slated to miss his fourth straight game on Tuesday due to an ankle injury. Even in the recent games he played, Turner’s numbers weren’t the best as he posted 11 points or less in five of the last seven games he played. Goga Bitadze should continue seeing more minutes but he’s not worth adding at this point.

Victor Oladipo, SG, Miami Heat- knee

A knee injury will keep Oladipo out for the rest of this week most likely. The guard has only been able to play four games with the Heat since being traded by the Rockets recently. Veteran Goran Dragic should see more playing time for now but he’s not worth adding and starting in fantasy right now.

Lonzo Ball, PG, New Orleans Pelicans- hip

A hip injury has sidelined Ball for three games now. The guard also missed time in late March because of a similar injury. Veteran Isaiah Thomas could see more minutes if Ball is absent for more time. Keep an eye on Thomas for now.

Long-Term Injuries

James Wiseman, C, Golden State Warriors- knee

Having suffered a meniscus tear, this rookie’s season is likely over. 25-year-old Kevon Looney will likely be the starting center for the remainder of the season and is not fantasy-relevant at the moment. Nevertheless, keep an eye on Looney to see how he performs going forward.

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