The first week of the season can be tough on players but even tougher for fantasy owners who have lost a top draft pick right off the bat. Not to worry though, we here at NBA Jerks have carefully combed through your fantasy player’s confidential medical files to give you a better idea of when you can expect to see him back on the court – and have found some quick replacements so you can put a band-aid on your team in the meantime.
Steve Nash (fibula fracture): Though initial reports suggested Nash would be out about a week, CBS Sports now reports that Nash will likely miss four weeks and won’t see action until late-November or early-December. Steve Blake will take Nash’s place while he recovers. Blake can give you some help in assists and steals and figures to play 30+ minutes per game—but he is not much of a scorer.
Andrew Bynum (bone bruise): While the Lakers deal with Nash’s injury, former Laker Andrew Bynum has yet to get in a game for the Sixers. The 76ers still have no return date set for Bynum who has a history of knee issues. Insiders expect him miss no more than 15 games which means a return around Thanksgiving is possible. Spencer Hawes is replacing Bynum and has the potential to score 12+ PPG and collect 10 RPG if he can continue playing 25+ minutes per game.
Anthony Davis (concussion): Davis left the Hornets’ second game with a concussion after taking a nasty elbow from fellow Hornet Austin Rivers. Concussions are tricky and Davis could miss as many as ten games but it is more likely he is back next week. Ryan Anderson is starting in Davis’ place and put up a nice 12 points and 13 boards in his first start vs. the Bulls. Anderson plays a completely different style than Davis as a jump shooter but can really help in both categories while Davis recovers.
Josh Smith (sprained ankle): Smith missed Sunday’s contest against the Thunder but the Hawks expect Smith back by Wednesday against the Pacers or possibly Friday’s game vs. the Heat.
J.J. Barea (concussion): It seems there are more fantasy basketball owners dealing with concussions than fantasy football. Barea got kicked in the head and bounced off the hardwood in Sunday’s game against Toronto. The team is calling it a “mild” concussion and he may be able to return as early as this week.
Nene (foot): The oft-injured Nene still doesn’t have an official timetable for a return as he deals with a foot injury. Trevor Booker will get more minutes in Nene’s absence and scored 11 points while snatching 10 rebounds against the Celtics. Booker won’t provide much fantasy value once Nene returns.
Hedo Turkoglu (broken hand): The seemingly always hurt Turkoglu fractured his hand in the Magic season opener and had to undergo surgery which will keep him out at least a month. J.J. Redick and Arron Afflalo seem to be the biggest beneficiaries of the extra time. Afflalo netted 22 points in 38 minutes against the Suns on Sunday but his only fantasy value is his jump shot.
Gerald Wallace (sprained ankle): Wallace is day-to-day with his ankle injury but it doesn’t seem to be major as the Nets think they could have him back as early as Wednesday’s game against the Heat or Friday’s game against Orlando.
