The injury bug takes no weeks off. With big men Al Jefferson and Kenneth Faried back on the hardwood after being out of contention in our last roundup, another wave of big men saw their fate wrapped up in bandages. Now New York Knick Tyson Chandler and resident funny big man JaVale McGee (more on him below) are out indefinitely.
If you need to stock up on some power forwards or centers in the meantime, check out the waiver wire of XN Sports’ Igor Derysh, who rightly points out Markieff Morris, Miles Plumlee and DeJuan Blair as serviceable pickups. (Andrea Bargnani might be a nice, though inconsistent, steal while Chandler is out. He posted 25 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 blocks just a few days ago).
For all other relevant injuries, scroll below.
Ersan Ilyasova (ankle) – The multi-faceted forward has been haunted by an ankle injury for most of the season now. He’ll be missing the Bucks’ three-day road trip with him likely due back Nov. 16.
JaVale McGee (left tibia) – Stress fracture, left tibia. ‘Nuff said. The Nuggets weren’t exactly rolling with their athletic big man but fantasy owners will at least miss his shot blocking efforts. He is out indefinitely.
Trey Burke (right index finger) – The Jazz, and Burke fantasy owners, need all the help they can get. Luckily, Burke visited a doctor Monday, after which he’ll have a flexible timeline on a return. Should be just a few weeks now.
Andrei Kirilenko (back) – He was just back from fielding back spasms when more back spasms derailed him. The Nets don’t play until Wednesday so Kirilenko should have enough time to recover.
The Ghost Of Steve Nash (back, nerve spasms) – With all the wears and tears Nash has gone through recently, a new branch of medicine should be honored in his name: Scruboscopy. He’s seeing a specialist that’ll determine what the underlying problem is. Even if he returns soon, buy dirt cheap on Nash shares.
Nick Collison (left hip contusion) – The Thunder could have used the scrappy big man on Sunday against a Wizards team that almost got the best of them. He should be back under the shining lights on Wednesday against the Clippers. Keep an eye on his status.
Udonis Haslem (back spasms) – When Shane Battier has to take your place in the starting lineup, you’re most likely a hardened veteran known for his uber gritty style or you’re washed up. Not sure which one Haslem is at this point. In any case, the power forward missed Saturday’s game due to back spasms. Monitor his status for Tuesday’s game against the Bucks.
Carlos Delfino (foot) – He could be out for the remainder of the year. Part ways with him like it’s going out of style. The Bucks could have really used him against LeBron, too. Not.
