What better way to ring in the new year than with a slew of new injuries and a painful reminder of some old ones? Let’s take a look at some of the bumps and bruises (and scratched corneas) that your fantasy roster is nursing.
Tyreke Evans (knee): Evans stayed home from the Kings’ road trip to get his knee looked at and may miss the entire four-game road stint. With Marcus Thornton also on the mend and Aaron Brooks banged up, Isaiah Thomas and Francisco Garcia might be worth a look.
Marcus Thornton (ankle): Thornton is out of Tuesday’s game with a sprained ankle and considering he is in a walking boot he will likely be out longer than that. The third-year player hasn’t looked as good as he did in past seasons but continues to provide double-digit scoring and 25-35 minutes per game.
Carmelo Anthony (knee): Melo practiced Monday and is listed as a game-time decision for Tuesday’s game against the Blazers. There’s a good chance the Knicks play it safe and give him an extra game to rest up, keep an eye on his status before starting him.
Amar’e Stoudemire (knee): After sitting out two months, the Knicks are ringing in 2013 with Amar’e back on the court. He is expected to be limited off the bench so don’t rush to start him just yet. Team chemistry problems or not, he is an 18-23 PPG 8-9 RPG player when healthy.
Jordan Crawford (ankle): Crawford missed Saturday’s game against the Bulls with a sore ankle and is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game against Dallas. It’s unclear how bad his injury is but when healthy Crawford is the Wizards’ leading scorer despite a recently reduced role.
Anderson Varejao (knee): Out since December 18 with a knee injury, Varejao returned to practice Monday. He was limited and is likely to miss Wednesday’s game against the Kings but may return as soon as Friday’s game against the Bobcats. Varejao has been dominant this season averaging 14 PPG and a league-leading 14.4 RPG.
Gerald Wallace (knee): Wallace played through his knee injury Friday and Saturday but missed Monday’s game against San Antonio. His status for Wednesday’s game against the Thunder is unclear, expect Reggie Evans to get the start but have minimal fantasy value is Wallace sits.
Wesley Matthews (hip): After missing four straight games with a hip injury, Matthews is expected to start against the Knicks on Tuesday.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (eye): Kidd-Gilchrist sat out Monday’s game against the Bulls with a scratched cornea. It’s unlikely that he will miss any more time but Jeff Taylor will get the starts in the front court if he does.
Rodney Stuckey (ankle): After missing two games with an ankle injury, there is a good chance Stuckey plays Tuesday against the Kings. He is a game-time decision and considering that he has mid-level value at best I wouldn’t rush to insert him into the lineup.
George Hill (thigh): Hill missed Monday’s game against Memphis after aggravating a thigh injury but is likely to suit up for Wednesday’s game against the Wizards.
Ricky Rubio (back): Just days after returning from his torn ACL, Rubio had to sit out Saturday with back spasms. He also missed Monday’s practice but may play Wednesday against the Jazz. Either way, Rubio is already minutes-limited and has yet to provide any fantasy value so continue to stash him on your bench as you’ve likely done all season.
