SHere’s a math problem for you.
Increased Pace + shortened training camp= more strains and sprains and tears.
This is the under discussed part of the pace and space era of the NBA. Aside from teams shooting 3 pointers at an elevated rate (even if they don’t have 3 point shooters), the new metrics say the best shots are taken in the first seven seconds. That’s an insane pace, guys. Anyone who’s ever played even pickup ball knows that when the pace goes up, people get more tired. The longer you go running, the more chance per injury. And boy howdy, there seems like just so many injuries. Let’s dive into some of these situations.
Denver: They lost Aaron Gordon for multiple weeks due to a calf strain. Peyton Watson is the add, if you haven’t missed the window already. He tallied 34 minutes last night and will roughly reproduce the numbers Gordon did. Julian Strawther ran around for 27 minutes and was more productive (9-5-6), but that may have had to do with Jamaal Murray’s concussion. Russell Westbrook can be streamed for now as he’s the starting guard if you can stomach the, well, you know the drill by now.
Thunder: There’s been some consternation about Alex Caruso and his low minutes. Fear not, dear reader, this will assuage your fears. You see, Caruso has for years battled aches, pains, sprains, strains, and contusions. They’re keeping his minutes at around 20 for now. He never should have been drafted for his scoring. He’s a steals merchant, like last night with his four, with a smattering of rebounds and assists. His role and minutes will grow as the season goes on. This is proactive injury management.
Grizzlies: Well, that was fun. Ja Morant busted his hamstring on this. Scotty Pippen is a must own.
A name to watch for is Brandon Clarke. He played 19 minutes last night in his recovery from a torn achilles. As he recovers and gets more mobile, he’s at worst an injury streamer, and has had fantasy value in the past. Just keep an eye on him for now, but he could be worthwhile.
Hornets: The Hornets for now are down two centers. Taj Gibson got the start and played his 14 minutes before returning to his nursing home. Like said in this space, they’re going small ball with Grant Williams picking up the minutes at the 5. The other note is that Tre Mann was reduced to 21 minutes as the backcourt is healthy. This is how the rotation will shake out for now. Do with that what you will.
Magic: Their frontcourt broke! Goga Bitazde is now the starting center and had 10 points and 12 boards. Really, have you ever seen a guy who looks as built as Wendell Carter who gets hurt as often? The guy is built like a brick house. His legs just continue to betray him. So grab Bitazde if you must, but realize that Mo Wagner is there too, and then realize they aren’t that great, like any of the trio. As predicted, Paolo Banchero’s minutes are divvied up among several players and there’s no benefit. This is not a Magic Kingdom for you this year.
LOL Knicks: They played only 6 guys over 10 minutes. All six played over 28 minutes, and the starters all hit at least 38. Be on the lookout for those soft tissue injuries! Really funny Thibsian stuff.
Suns: Grayson Allen is getting his sea legs and is over 20 minutes per game. He’s now the backup to own and would be the primary beneficiary if a starter goes down.
Sixers: In a supporting detail that supports my main point about strains, Tyrese Maxey went out with a hamstring injury and will miss a bit of time. Hopefully the time missed won’t be the same as the amount of shots he’s missing, amirite? The Sixers have a lot of guards that could soak up those minutes, so there’s not an immediate add. Nobody should run out and grab Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, or Jared McCain, but if one gets a bunch of minutes it could be useful. I would prefer McCain and his beautiful fingernails gets the minutes due to upside, but the Sixers are in the business of winning games and rookies don’t usually do that.
Mavs: Derek Lively missed last night, and so did PJ Washington. Chicago isn’t very good, so when a team plays them keep an eye out for phantom injury related rest days. They still won by 20 resting two key players.
Bulls: Zach LaVine is out with an adductor issue, and has a shoulder issue, and is doing nothing to convince fantasy owners that he’s built to last for the long haul. When he sits, along with Lonzo Ball who is going to miss extended time with a wrist sprain, Ayo Dosunmu will get starters minutes. Don’t stress his shooting; he’ll contribute everywhere else and you’ll like it doggone it! Ayo is a true sixth man who will get minutes like a starter more times than not. Matas Buzelis had 22 minutes, most in the second half. He looked better out there (13 points and 9 rebounds) than Patrick Williams who had 23 minutes (no significant stats) and is getting lit up regularly. If Williams isn’t shooting anything but three pointers, rebounding, and getting housed on defense, even his new extension won’t keep him on the court. Buzelis won’t get more minutes any time soon but when it happens remember you heard it here!
Things change quick and whenever someone leaves a game remember there’s opportunity for someone else!
