We are approaching the 60-game mark around the league which means just about everyone is nursing something or other. While most players are playing through soreness at this point, let’s take a look at some guys that aren’t going to be playing at all this week.
Joe Johnson (heel): After missing the Nets’ last two games, Johnson practiced on Monday and could return by Tuesday’s game against the Hornets. If Johnson sits once again, MarShon Brooks should be a decent fantasy option.
Taj Gibson (knee): Gibson has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL and will be out about two weeks. Gibson’s role has been reduced since Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer both got healthy anyway so this isn’t a huge blow. Vladimir Radmanovic or Nazr Mohammed figure to get more minutes but neither is a real fantasy option.
Kirk Hinrich (elbow): Hinrich has missed three straight games with an elbow infection but could (not likely) return as early as Tuesday against the Bulls. Nate Robinson remains a great option while Hinrich is out and could remain the starter once Hinrich is full healthy.
Brandon Knight (knee): Knight has fluid buildup in his hyperextended right knee which has caused him to miss three straight games. He is officially listed as day-to-day but I can see him missing more time. Rodney Stuckey figures to be a good pickup if Knight misses more time.
Andre Drummond (back): Drummond has missed nine straight games with a back injury but the 19-year-old rookie is recovering much faster than his original four-to-six week timeline and could come back as early as next week. He has grown significantly this season and averaged 10 PPG, 12 RPG, 2.3 BPG, and 1.5 SPG in the four games before his injury.
Andrew Bogut (back): Bogut is out indefinitely with a bulging disc in his back. No surprise there, the guy has played a combined 24 games over the past two seasons. There’s no timetable for his return and Carl Landry should be a great pickup in Bogut’s absence.
Jameer Nelson (knee): Nelson has missed two straight games and has been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the 76ers. He is listed as day-to-day but could definitely miss more time meaning Beno Udrih and E’Twaun Moore are both decent fantasy options for the time being.
Danilo Gallinari (thigh): Gallinari wasn’t able to suit up for Monday’s game against the Lakers with a bruised thigh but could be ready to go by Wednesday’s game against the Blazers. Check his status before starting him.
Taj Gibson (knee): Gibson has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL and will be out about two weeks. Gibson’s role has been reduced since Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer both got healthy anyway so this isn’t a huge blow. Vladimir Radmanovic or Nazr Mohammed figure to get more minutes but neither is a real fantasy option.
Kirk Hinrich (elbow): Hinrich has missed three straight games with an elbow infection but could (not likely) return as early as Tuesday against the Bulls. Nate Robinson remains a great option while Hinrich is out and could remain the starter once Hinrich is full healthy.
