If it seems like Kirk Hinrich is on this list weekly, it’s because he is. I can’t remember the last time the injury report didn’t feature half of the Bulls and Timberwolves lineup. If there is one thing you can take away from this seasons’ injury reports, except, of course, timely and helpful information to help your lineup, it’s that guys like Hinrich, Richard Hamilton, and Andrei Kirilenko make poor investments. Stick with the healthy guys – stats aren’t worth anything if they aren’t in the lineup. Let’s take a look at some other guys you will be missing this week.
Kirk Hinrich (foot): Hinrich missed Sunday’s game with a sore foot and has now missed 16 games with seven different injuries. Although the injury doesn’t seem too serious, Hinrich is in a walking boot and is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Spurs. Nate Robinson will once again do the honors of filling in.
Taj Gibson (knee): Gibson has missed the Bulls’ last four games with a sprained MCL but could return as early as Chicago’s road trip next week though that’s an optimistic time table. When healthy, Gibson is a low-end deep league pickup at best.
Richard Hamilton (back): Hamilton missed his third straight game Sunday due to back spasms. He may go as early as Wednesday against the Spurs but that’s unlikely. Check his status going forward though he’s a low-end fantasy option anyway.
Nikola Pekovic (abdomen): Pekovic missed his second straight game Monday with a strained abdominal muscle. There is no timetable for his return and he could miss at least a few more games. Greg Stiemsma will start at center while he recovers but is a low-end option at best.
Andrei Kirilenko (calf): Kirilenko has missed three straight games with a sore calf and is doubtful for Wednesday’s tilt against the Wizards. Wolves coach Rick Adelman says AK47 could be out a while so keep an eye on his status going into the weekend and next week.
Danny Granger (knee): Granger missed the second half of Sunday’s game after aggravating his knee injury which caused him to miss the first 54 games of the season. The Pacers say it was just a precaution but check his status before putting him in the lineup. He has been limited to under 20 minutes since returning so he is not start-worthy in most leagues right now.
Zach Randolph (ankle): Randolph missed Sunday’s game against the Magic with a sprained ankle and is questionable for Wednesday’s stint against the Blazers. Randolph will likely be a game-time decision if he does play so keep a close eye on his status.
Nick Young (ankle): Young has missed two straight games with a sprained ankle and has been ruled out of Tuesday’s game against the Celts. He could likely miss more than that. Dorell Wright should see more minutes once again in his absence.
Kyle Korver (toe): Korver missed Monday’s game with a sprained big toe and is listed as day-to-day. Anthony Toliver will replace Korver in the lineup but shouldn’t be viewed as a viable pickup.
Dion Waiters (illness): Waiters missed Monday’s game against the Knicks with an illness but could return to the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Jazz.
Carmelo Anthony (knee): Melo had to leave Monday’s game against the Cavs with a knee injury that he’s been dealing with for weeks. He says the injury isn’t too serious and the MRI confirmed that there’s no damage so he expects to continue to play through the pain.
Jermaine O’Neal (personal): O’Neal will miss the Suns’ next three games to be with his family while his daughter undergoes surgery. The Suns play three times this week so expect him back by next week.
Bradley Beal (ankle): Beal suffered a sprained ankle in Sunday’s game against the 76ers but the injury doesn’t seem too serious and Beal might even play Wednesday against the Wolves. Check his status before starting him.
