It isn’t always sunny in Philadelphia. The improbable 76ers 3-0 start and their good cheer bubble got popped in a big way by the Golden State Warriors on Monday. With that dose of reality comes the added truth that injuries can pop a whole other bubble: early celebrations in fantasy basketball.
Cheer at your own risk. One minute you’ve drafted a seemingly unstoppable Al Jefferson–LaMarcus Aldridge tandem and the next you have Zach Pachulia, post two-day LeBron mode, making up Big Al’s minutes.
But the best owners know how to cope with the unexpected and managing injuries is sadly included in that. Since keeping up to date with them is it’s own strategy game, we’ve compiled the most relevant for you.
Al Jefferson (ankle): The Charlotte big man is a definite ‘no’ against Carmelo and the Knicks on Tuesday night. Considering that his inactivity was announced so early there’s a strong probability he’ll be in sideline mode Wednesday as well.
Ty Lawson (bruised gluteal muscles): The Denver point guard’s lower extremities have taken quite the abuse lately. First, a groin injury threatened to sideline the star and now a derriere ailment is, well, a pain in the backside for the speedy guard. The injury is not too severe, however, so he should see some playing time today.
Chris Bosh (personal): The Miami Heat big is in better shape than usual as he just welcomed a baby daughter into the world. Good news for Bosh and his loved ones, bad for fantasy owners as he’ll miss the Raptors game tonight.
Ersan Ilyasova (ankle): Though active, the stretch forward is only playing in the 20 minutes range as he recovers from an ankle sprain. If low on available options, play him Wednesday. If not, keep an eye out for an eventual increase in playing time and effectiveness.
Tobias Harris (ankle): The 21-year-old’s breakout year has been on pause as he’s still tending to a sprain that is far more severe than first reported. Don’t think of dropping him from your bench just yet as he promises to be a bright star this season.
George Hill (left hip): Just hours before he was supposed to suit up Saturday, it was decided that Hill wouldn’t play because of a sore left hip. That means that cautiousness is the way to go with Hill for now. Start another floor manager to take his place unless reported otherwise.
Harrison Barnes (foot/toe inflammation): Currently day-to-day. There’s a chance he plays tomorrow but it remains to be seen what kind of performances he’ll be able to put up after being largely immobile since October 7 and will be working on the bench behind Iguodala.
Brandon Knight (hamstring): The former Piston remains questionable for tomorrow. In the meantime, third string point guard for the Bucks Nate Wolters could be a good waiver pickup if your team is hurting for dimes.
Kenneth Faried (hamstring): The starting job at power forward is his again after dealing with an ailing back. He’ll play tonight against the Spurs as the Nugget starter. But, perhaps, owners are best to avoid the Manimal for now.
