I was talking fantasy hoops with my teenage daughter who is awesome and plays in fantasy basketball leagues. The quote, and I’m probably getting the exact words wrong, was “It seems like the injuries have slowed down a bit, right?”
She laughed and laughed. Of course, her team has Ja Morant, Jo’el Embiid, and LaMelo Ball on it, so those injuries never truly slow up.
As the night went on for January 14, I was proven wrong. Much to a teenager’s delight (she always asks about my Y! Friends and Family League, when I tell her I’m in fourth she is shocked), I was wrong. Injuries only pause, they never end in this era of the NBA.
Here are some notable ones from just one night’s action.
Cooper Flagg
The rookie of the year favorite went down with a sprained ankle last night. He also missed some minutes with the same injury on the same body part. This probably means he misses time. Daniel Gafford missed the game with the exact same injury. It’s called a brace, people! Naji Marshall gets all the minutes he can handle (over 20 PPG) and needs to be owned here. Maybe, maybe Max Christie but he’s also missed time. The Mavs are probably going to use this time to work on adding ping pong balls to their lottery collection. Probably just stay away for now.
Jalen Brunson
Another episode of How the Ankle Turns! Brunson exited, but was not in a boot or on crutches. Anyone who’s sprained an ankle (I have seven times) knows that if you can walk on it and not limp it’s not that bad. Miles McBride is a streamer, but luckily for Brunson owners this shouldn’t be a long issue.
Pistons Centers
Both Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart are set to return. Paul Reed can safely be ignored again.
Bilal Coulibaly
At least it wasn’t an ankle? Oh, dear. It’s a more worrisome back issue. Who knows what the Wizards are going to do. They’re already likely sitting Trae Young. They need a high pick, and they lose theirs if it goes higher than 8. They absolutely will prioritize losses going forward. Bilal reported just “tightness,” so also probably not a big deal. But look for the Wizards to exercise caution with their entire roster, including Coulibaly.
Darius Garland
Just when the guy gets cooking, he hurts his foot and is already doubtful for Friday. It’s a good long term sign that he’s not “out” or “to be reevaluated in 6 weeks,” but it’s a bummer to lose your guard that you held on during the hard times. I would be looking to get out of the Garland business when he has a couple of good games. Sam Merrill is also hurt, so keep an eye on who gets the minutes. Also, be prepared to be uninspired by the options. Deep leagues, like Loch Ness deep, might be interested in Lonzo Ball or Tyrese Proctor.
Scotty Pippen, Jr.
He’s done. 4-6 weeks till evaluation. Bummer, grab in a dynasty though
Josh Giddey
No, not injured again. He’s actually ramping up! It’ll be a week, then we just have to see how the hamstring progresses. Giddey’s return really hurts Coby White’s value. Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones will hold steady though. Giddey and White just don’t play nice together. If you can find a manager who needs the injury space, go ahead and try.
