As part two of our fantasy basketball injury report, this edition builds upon what we set up with part one, and is also partially related to our running injury storylines installments. The basketball gods have been especially cruel this season and they don’t seem to be letting up as Kyle Lowry is hurting, LaMarcus Aldridge is nowhere in sight, and Pau Gasol has vertigo. Vertigo…
Kyle Lowry (aches) – There’s little chance Lowry misses any full games in the coming weeks, as they have the Nets, Bulls, and Wizards chasing them down in the standings, but there’s rumblings of a reduced amount of playing time. He’s expressed that he’s body is a heap of hurt right now, which prompted Raptors coach Dwayne Casey to play the star only 27 minutes last game. It could be a trend in the weeks to come.
Dwight Howard (ankle) – Howard’s ankle woes were serious enough to keep him out a handful of games even as the Rockets chase after the No. 3 seed out West. There’s still some concern he won’t play tonight but most signs point to his return. The double-double machine is back.
LaMarcus Aldridge (back) – It’s been confirmed that L.A. will miss today’s showdown with LeBron and Co. And it’s looking like he’ll miss tomorrow’s game too. Aldridge’s owners are reeling as there’s no clear sense on when he’ll return and the majority of playoff Blazers games have already expired.
Dwyane Wade (ankle + knees) – There’s no word on the circumstances of Wade’s ankle sprain but, then again, it might just be the playoff rest curse rearing its ugly head. The news makes it highly doubtful that he takes on the Blazers tonight. If it isn’t just a precautionary sit-down it can also cost him a bit of games (on top of the ones he would already miss as the Heat rest him).
Pau Gasol (vertigo) – Hitchcock, eat your heart out. Joking aside, the Lakers big man was taken to a hospital when dizziness and nausea began to overtake him. Luckily, an MRI revealed nothing serious and Gasol appears to just have a case of vertigo. With a game tomorrow, it’s doubtful Gasol recovers in time to avoid a DNP.
Amir Johnson (knee) – As one of our eight players ready to climb out of limbo, the Johnson groovy train thankfully revs on. A knee collision threatened to keep him out some time, but he’s been able to play through it so far. It might limit him some going forward but at least he’ll be active.
Eric Gordon (knee) – As a member of one of our most important injury storylines, Gordon is far from the clear. In fact, he’s considered doubtful for tonight’s game and could be shut down for the season if his condition doesn’t improve. After all, the Pelicans aren’t playing for much right now.
Gary Neal (knee) – Ever since arriving at Charlotte, Neal has been a nice provider of points and threes. He gives the occasional assists padding but isn’t too much more than a scorer. Still, in deep leagues he can provide a boost and should do so today, despite knee issues.
