Welcome to another round-up of the most impactful fantasy basketball injury updates from the previous week. This week’s news is highlighted by Zion Williamson’s hamstring injury. Poor guy. Always injured. Also – Bradley Beal! Also always injured. And a couple of other fellas who may have to wear a suit courtside for a while.
Fantasy Basketball Injury Round-Up
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
Injury: Right hamstring strain
Projected Return Date: Late January
Zion left Monday’s game in the third quarter with a hamstring strain and is expected to miss at least three weeks. Considering Williamson’s injury-proneness, surely he’ll take his time and return only when at 100% so three weeks could easily turn into four or five or six. For the season Williamson ranks as a per-game top 25 fantasy player if you ignore free throws, and top 80 if you don’t. Naji Marshall got the start in the first game without Williamson and put up a solid 16-7-4 with 2 threes in 33 minutes. Marshall is likely available in most standard leagues.
Recommendation: Look at Naji Marshall.
Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
Injury: Left hamstring strain
Projected Return Date: Mid-January
Having missed 16 games already this season, Beal is scheduled to miss at least three more with a hamstring strain. On a per-game basis, Beal ranks 31st in 9-cat leagues, which is, I suppose, as expected, however, for the whole season the missed games bump him down to the 80s. As a buy-low candidate, considering his injury history, Beal comes with a lot of risk. But a sufficiently low offer could get him away from frustrated Beal managers.
Recommendation: Send a feeler trade offer for Beal.
Kelly Oubre Jr., Charlotte Hornets
Injury: Sprained left hand
Projected Return Date: Mid-Feb
Oubre attempted to play through his hand injury but has now opted for surgery which will see him out for at least 4-6 weeks. This is good news for Jalen McDaniels who should now be rostered in most leagues. With Gordon Hayward constantly injured too, McDaniels should keep getting enough opportunities for fantasy relevance. Surprisingly, McDaniels is on the waiver wire in many leagues.
Recommendation: Look into Jalen McDaniels.
Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs
Injury: Left knee
Projected Return Date: March?
Vassell will be having arthroscopic knee surgery and will be expected to miss at least 6 weeks of NBA action. For the season Vassell ranks as a top 60 fantasy player and the Spurs’ best fantasy player. His replacement in the rotation seems to be Josh Richardson who had a nice 20-point game on Wednesday. Richardson himself may have picked up an injury in said game, however, for the time being, he should be rostered in all leagues regardless.
Recommendation: Get Josh Richardson.
Marvin Bagley, Detroit Pistons
Injury: Two broke fingers on the right hand
Projected Return Date: March?
Marvin Bagley averages 18 minutes per game and ranks outside the top 200 in 9-cat leagues over the last month. For some reason, Bagley is rostered more than teammates Killian Hayes and Alec Burks. Now with the finger surgery and a 6-8 week long absence, Bagley can be safely dropped in most standard leagues.
Recommendation: Drop Bagley.