Plenty of stars are looking at good news and bad news in this week’s injury report. Just seven weeks into the season, expect to see these injury reports crowd up even more as these guys pile ailments on top of others. Also, Steve Nash returns for a record third injury update – on the same injury. He trails only Andrew Bynum in fan disappointment.
Kyrie Irving (finger): With his broken finger all healed up, Irving practiced Monday and is expected to play Tuesday vs. the Lakers. Irving was putting up 23 PPG and 5.6 APG before his injury. Jeremy Pargo did a respectable job of filling in for him but he’s now on his way back to irrelevance.
James Harden (ankle): Harden missed Monday’s game vs. the Spurs after twisting his ankle in Saturday’s contest vs. the Mavs. The injury doesn’t appear too serious and he is considered day-to-day. Carlos Delfino is starting in his place but I wouldn’t expect Harden-esque production from him.
Pau Gasol (knee): After missing four straight, it looks like Gasol may be back in the Lakers lineup as early as Tuesday but more likely toward the end of the week or even early next week. Coach Mike D’Antoni expects Gasol to suit up during the Lakers’ four-game road trip.
Steve Nash (leg): The obligatory Steve Nash update. After some talk about Nash returning during the Lakers’ four-game road stint, USA Today is reporting he will miss at least another two weeks. No surprise there, the Lakers have been nothing but optimistic about his return timetables.
Anthony Davis (ankle): After missing 11 games with an ankle injury, Davis is back in practice for the Hornets. There is a chance he plays Tuesday vs. the Wizards but should definitely return this week if he doesn’t.
Dion Waiters (ankle): Waiters is dealing with both an ankle sprain and a bone bruise on that same ankle. Coach Byron Scott says “he’s a little ways away” but the Cavs feel there is a 50-50 chance he could return Tuesday. I’d say those odds are generous and there is no reason to rush a guy like Waiters back into your fantasy lineup.
Shawn Marion (groin): Marion has missed two straight since hurting his groin last Thursday but the Mavs don’t expect him to miss much time. He was a game-time scratch for Monday’s game vs. the Kings but could return Wednesday vs. the Celtics or Friday vs. the Raptors.
Wesley Matthews (hip): Matthews re-injured his hip in Saturday’s game and missed Monday’s contest. The Trailblazers thought there might be a chance he plays this week but I have a feeling the “pop” Matthews heard is going to keep him out longer than that.
Nicolas Batum (back): Matthews’ teammate Batum also missed Monday’s game with ongoing back issues. Luckily for both of them, the Trailblazers don’t play again until Thursday which means they’ll have three days of recovery to try to work it out.
Tyreke Evans (knee): Having played just one game in the Kings’ last six and having missed three in a row, Evans’ went in for an MRI on his knee which came back negative. That having been said, his knee is sore and swollen and at the very least it is very doubtful he will play Wednesday vs. the Bucks.
Andrea Bargnani (elbow): Bargnani hurt his elbow late Monday night and went in for x-rays which came back negative. It’s good news the injury isn’t too serious, but it’s too early to tell how long Bargnani will be out.
