Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Paul George might be the names leading the actual MVP race but Dwyane Wade is leader among the players who see more time in the trainer’s room than lineups.
Though he brings high value when he does take to playing, Wade is among a group of players who are dealing with recurring injuries. A savvy fantasy owner knows that injuries don’t happen in a vacuum and must guard against trending circumstances. Your fantasy basketball season might depend on it.
Dwyane Wade (knee) – An important game against their only Eastern Conference competition? Oh yeah, Wade will play tonight against the Pacers. Still his value drops every time he does miss a game. He’s gone MIA (as in, missing in action, not Miami) in six games already.
Ty Lawson (hamstring) – The Nuggets were without their leading man yesterday, who is now averaging 19.3 points, 8.0 assists, and 3.7 rebounds. He is considered questionable for Friday’s game.
Michael Carter-Williams (knee) – Out with a knee infection and has no clear timetable. In full tanking mode, MCW won’t be rushing back to the 76ers lineup.
Derrick Favors (back) – The big man went through shootaround yesterday, which is a good sign, but remains day-to-day while dealing with soreness in his lower back. Since the Jazz are clearly tanking, Favors might bide his time.
Luol Deng (Achilles) – Deng has been the Bulls’ best player since Rose’s unfortunate injury. He’s dealing with one himself and since the Bulls play the equally depleted Milwaukee Bucks tonight, it’s very likely Deng continues to sit.
Jeremy Lin (knee) – Once Lin returns you can expect he’ll keep up his scoring output. According to coach McHale, that can be as soon as this Thursday.
Deron Williams (ankle) – Highly questionable for tonight’s game. But even if he is due back soon, it’s worrisome that Williams has now missed major chunks of the past two seasons because of issues with both ankles. Might want to sell high if at all possible.
Nene (foot) – The Wizards need all their moving parts as they try to climb into the playoff picture but instead those parts are dealing with hurt. Nene is one of a few Wizards, including Webster below, that are in recovery mode. Since the Brazilian has a long history of lower extremity ailments, he wants to be patient with his return. Doubtful for Friday.
Martell Webster (ankle) – Of the two Wizards, Webster should be back sooner and is a maybe to suit up Friday against Atlanta.
Rodney Stuckey (knee) – Stuckey was on a nice scoring roll before a sore knee derailed his sixth man surge. Unlikely to play tonight.
Paul Pierce (hand) – The Nets can’t catch a break and Pierce can’t currently catch a ball. Doesn’t expect him to play tonight against the Cinderella Celtics.
Lou Williams (knee) – The guard’s minutes restriction is no more. Williams could be a nice boost to any roster and should be monitored for a pickup.
