Fantasy Basketball Injury Updates for Week 5   

The season is moving along, but not without turbulence. Multiple games have been postponed in the past week due to COVID-19 protocols and what happens ahead remains unclear.

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

This week, there are quite a few injuries to cover, so let’s get to it.

Short-Term Injuries

Cam Reddish, SG, Atlanta Hawks- knee

The youngster missed his second consecutive game on Monday because of a knee injury. Before that, Reddish had scored at least 20 points in two of the three previous games. Now, Kevin Huerter will see more playing time if Reddish is out more and is a solid pick up as he has scored in double-digits in five of the past six games.

Otto Porter Jr., SF, Chicago Bulls- back

Porter sustained a back injury in Sunday’s game against Dallas and didn’t play on Monday. The veteran has missed a few games recently due to this same injury and his status is likely day-to-day. Patrick Williams is a potential stash in case Porter can’t suit up in any games going forward.

John Wall, PG, Houston Rockets- knee

Wall missed his third game straight on Monday because of a knee injury and his timetable for return is uncertain. He last played on January 12^th. Eric Gordon and Ben McLemore are worth stashing at this point, just monitor how they do before potentially starting any of them.

Myles Turner, C, Indiana Pacers- hand

Turner could miss a small chunk of time due to a hand injury. The center didn’t play on Sunday and the length of a possible absence is unclear. Domantas Sabonis could have bigger numbers going forward while Doug McDermott is a solid add as he has scored at least 16 points in three of the past four games he has played.

Jonas Valanciunas, C, Memphis Grizzlies- COVID-19 protocols

Valanciunas’ status remains unclear going forward as he is in COVID-19 protocols. The center has been putting up fantastic numbers this season, averaging 14.4 points and 10.4 rebounds. Xavier Tillman is worth a stash right now.

Jimmy Butler, SF, Miami Heat- COVID-19 protocols

Butler missed his fourth straight game on Monday due to being in COVID-19 protocols. When Jimmy Buckets will return is not yet known. With much of Miami’s roster sidelined right now, Duncan Robinson is a strong add as he has poured in at least 22 points in the past three games.

Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves- COVID-19 protocols

Towns tested positive for COVID-19 last week and will miss some time as a result. The center also missed time this season because of a wrist injury. Naz Reid is worth a stash as he has been playing the center role in Towns’ absences this season.

Lonzo Ball, PG, New Orleans Pelicans- knee

Ball has missed three straight games because of a knee injury, though there is optimism he could play in Tuesday’s contest against the Jazz. Monitor his status for this game and if he can’t go, Nickell Alexander-Walker would be a good streaming option. The guard scored in double-digits in two of the past three games, including a 37-point outburst last Wednesday.

Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers- knee

Embiid is dealing with a knee injury right now and whether he misses any games going forward is still unclear. As of now, he missed Saturday’s contest while Sunday’s was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. Dwight Howard would be a streaming option if Embiid misses any more time.

C.J. McCollum, SG, Portland Trail Blazers- foot

The Blazers star has a foot injury and will miss at least a week. Rodney Hood is a solid add as he scored 21 points in McCollum’s first absence on Monday.

Mid-Term Injuries

Russell Westbrook, PG, Houston Rockets- quad

Westbrook could be out for nearly a month due to a quad injury. Meanwhile, the Wizards are dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak and haven’t played since January 11^th. Their next scheduled game is on January 22^nd. Nevertheless, Westbrook is likely out for the foreseeable future. When the Wizards return to the court, Raul Neto is worth a stash in fantasy as he could see more minutes in Westbrook’s absence.

Long-Term Injuries

Caris Levert, SG, Indiana Pacers- abdomen

LeVert was just acquired by Indiana in the blockbuster James Harden trade from last week, but a small mass on his kidney will sideline the guard for a while, potentially much of the remainder of the 2020-21 season.

Jusuf Nurkic, C, Portland Trail Blazers- wrist

Nurkic will miss at least eight weeks because of a wrist injury. The big man’s absence will leave a huge hole on this team, and Enes Kanter will take on starting duties now. Kanter is certainly worth an add as his minutes and production will likely pick up going forward.

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