Oh my gosh. When I went to Jay, our fearless leader, and had the idea to discuss rotations, I didn’t know there would be a 35% increase in injuries from last year, which seemed high anyway. There’s a new one every night and everyone has theories why. I am not nearly smart enough for a theory like that, so I’ll just look at the box scores and update you on what you need to know.
Thunder: Chet Holmgren is gone for a while, which is of course a huge bummer. They went with Jalen Williams at the 5 in his first game and that would be a super fun eligibility. Lu Dort is secure in over 30 minutes, and I’d expect Alex Caruso to take a larger role. Of course, Isaiah Hartenstein returning is huge and you should obviously see if he’s available. He could be back soon, maybe two weeks. Other than that, nothing really changes for this team.
Hornets: Mark Williams is a ghost, Nic Richards is hurt, and now Miles Bridges is on the shelf with a knee injury (karma!). The Hornets have had their fair share of injuries, but one could argue that playing Bridges is like their Jonah. Cast him overboard, maybe they get healthy? Grant Williams is now starting and logging over 30 minutes. Josh Green played 28 minutes but was scoreless and can safely be ignored. Moussa Diabate is one to watch also after his double double in 28 minutes. If you’re going to add someone, the upside of Diabate is the one to target. His last three games had over 10 rebounds for what it’s worth.
Milwaukee: Gary Trent, Jr. has been demoted. Don’t tell his dad, that dude’s burly! In his last game, Trent logged only 5 minutes and Google didn’t mention an injury. AJ Green looks to be the starter but don’t go do anything foolish here. Main takeaway is that I was wrong on Trent and he’s not a great fit at the moment for the Bucks. Safely move on.
Suns: Ah, there they are! Suns injuries! Jusef Nurkic missed a game with an ankle and of course Mason Plumlee filled in. With a 15-14 double double, this is a situation to monitor. It seems that the Suns aren’t all friends with Nurkic; maybe he’s just mad that they keep doing what I do and spelling his name Joseph. Plumlee fits their offense better as a willing passer. I’d make that add. Nurkic might not get this job back, and Suns fans would take to the streets to rejoice. Also Grayson Allen hit 5 treys and he’s getting more minutes with the Kevin Durant calf strain, and is a hold/pickup.
Clippers: I told you guys, I told you, I told you! Kris Dunn is too good defensively to not get minutes. I didn’t see Derrick Jones, Jr. getting 33 minutes, but this is the world we live in here. After the two guards who are obvious, Jones and Dunn are good players and getting minutes. I’m in.
Spurs: Jeremy Sochan had an unfortunate thumb injury and is down. Stephen Castle picked up a start and scored 10-4-6 in 30 minutes. Yes, he’s worth a flier. Devin Vassel came back too and will be a starter as soon as he’s ramped back up. Somehow, and someway, Harrison Barnes is still starting here and will average 28 minutes for the next 28 years.
Jazz: John Collins is starting and playing over 30 minutes per game on average his past 4. He’s also going crazy and should be solidly in lineups. The only thing that could hold him back is tank alert season.
Mavs: Derek Lively is back and not starting, and him and Daniel Gafford continue to be an annoying time share. Come on Mavs, do the right thing here. Let Lively cook.
Sixers: Paul George and Joel Embiid both returned, so we have a good window now to what they’re going to do. Jared McCain is playing the Tyrese Maxey role. He ran around with his beautiful fingernails for 30 minutes in a loss to the Knicks, but he did put up numbers and is worth a look. Andre Drummond’s run is over for now, but with Embiid’s obvious situation with health he’s an elite streamer on your bench if you have room. Caleb Martin hit 35 minutes and his role is secure. Don’t be shocked to see Kyle Lowry lose minutes when Maxey comes back from his hamstring in a couple weeks.
There we go. Hopefully, since I caught COVID for the first time this week, the league can slow down the injuries and let a poor writer rest and recover. Hope y’all are having a good week and we’ll see you when we need to see each other.
