Most injury reports are usually riddled with, well, new injuries. Perhaps I’m feeling the holiday spirit because this week’s injury report is filled with hope and optimism for the return of some of the league’s biggest stars. Of course, this means some of those waiver guys you picked up along the way are on their way out, but don’t worry, there will be plenty more injuries where these came from. Before we get to the good news, let’s cover some bad news.
Mo Williams (foot sprain): Williams missed Saturday game against the Kings with a forefoot sprain but the injury doesn’t appear too serious and he is considered day-to-day. Should he miss any time, look for Jamaal Tinsley to get the starts for the Jazz.
Anthony Davis (ankle): After initially calling Davis’ ankle injury day-to-day, the Hornets are now saying that Davis may miss several weeks with a “stress reaction” in his ankle. I don’t want to sound the horn too early but this is Davis’ fourth injury since he was drafted (including the one at the Olympics) – it doesn’t take long to get branded injury-prone in this league.
Dirk Nowitzki (knee): Dirk was hoping to be back by now. His fantasy owners were definitely hoping he’d be back by now. Unfortunately Nowitzki’s return has been pushed back to at least mid-December, nearly two full months removed from arthroscopic surgery that he has in October.
Steve Blake (abdominal) / Steve Nash (leg): Like Dirk, Nash was hoping to be back by now. Nash owners were hoping he’d be back by now. Okay, you get the point. Unfortunately, Nash can’t even jog yet much less play so it looks like we’re still a bit away from seeing him play for Mike D’Antoni again. Nash’s absence gives Steve Blake some fantasy value but Blake has been out with an abdominal injury himself. He may return by Tuesday which could give you some time to use him, otherwise it’s more third-stringer time.
Ricky Rubio (knee): For a team with a ton of injuries, these Timberwolves sure do seem to recover fast. Kevin Love returned three weeks early from his injury and now it looks like Rubio will be cleared for full practice and may return as early as the first week of December. Pretty great considering many expected him to be out past the New Year.
Kyrie Irving (finger): Irving was expected to miss a month with a broken finger but has been shooting aggressively before games and has a chance to return even earlier than anticipated. Keep on eye on him so you don’t miss his Kevin Love-esque surprise return.
Andrew Bogut (ankle): Speaking of surprise returns, I was ready to write this guy off for the season, now it looks like he may play this week. Bogut is returning to practice and as long as he doesn’t suffer any setbacks or unfortunate bowling injuries like his counterpart in Philly he may play on Saturday.
Chauncey Billups (Achilles): Billups is expected back in the Clippers rotation in the first half of December but he is personally aiming for the beginning of the month to make his comeback. Of course, his fantasy production in a crowded Clippers backcourt remains to be seen.
