There’s 23 players on this week’s injury report which tells me a lot of you are playing your most important games with makeshift lineups. Luckily, some of your big stars may be coming back sooner than later and could give your team a late boost against your fantasy playoff opponent. Let’s take a look at some guys on the mend, some new replacements starters, and some guys that better get used to spending their time on the sideline wearing a suit.
Dwyane Wade (knee): Wade missed his second straight game with knee soreness on Monday and is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Bulls. If Wade sits once again, Mike Miller should see another start.
David West (back): West has now missed five straight games but Pacers head coach Frank Vogel says there’s an outside shot of him playing Wednesday against the Rockets. It’s unlike the Pacers rush him back as they’re a lock for the playoffs so it’s likely we see Tyler Hansbrough start in the Indian front court once again.
George Hill (groin): While Vogel says that West is a longshot, he said that there is a good chance that Hill plays in Wednesday’s game. Hill is averaging 13.7 PPG, 4.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, and 2.1 3PPG over his last seven games and is worth a start in most leagues when healthy.
Kevin Garnett (ankle): Garnett will miss at least a week with inflammation in his ankle and coach Doc Rivers says it’s likely he sits as many as five games which makes him pretty irrelevant fantasy-wise unless you’re in a full season roto or points league.
Devin Harris (foot): Harris missed Monday’s game against the Pacers and is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Raptors. Although he isn’t the most steady producer, he has put up double-digit points in five of his last seven and is averaging 12.1 PPG, 4.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 1.7 3PPG over that time.
Marco Belinelli (abdomen): Belinelli missed Sunday’s game against the Timberwolves with an abdominal strain and is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Heat. Although the Bulls are banged up and Belinelli has been playing 35+ MPG, he is only averaging 8.4 PPG in his last five and shooting a lousy 30% from the floor so he isn’t worth starting right now when healthy or otherwise.
Joakim Noah (foot): Noah has missed the Bulls’ last two contests and is listed as day-to-day with a foot injury that has bothered him all year. If he can’t go Wednesday against the Heat, Taj Gibson is a must-have on the waiver wire.
Kyrie Irving (shoulder): Irving was supposed to be out as long as four weeks but two weeks since his shoulder injury he is back in practice. He has an outside shot to come back next week and could be a big get for the end of the playoffs as he’s averaging 23 PPG and 5.7 APG on the season.
Dion Waiters (knee): Waiters has loose cartilage in his knee and is experiencing some serious pain. It doesn’t look like he’ll be back anytime soon and may sit out the rest of the season. Wayne Ellington and Shaun Livingston look like good fantasy pickups and will remain in the lineup.
Ty Lawson (foot): Lawson has missed three straight with a heel injury but has a good chance to be back for Wednesday’s game against the Spurs. If Lawson sits again, Andre Miller or Julyan Stone could be decent pickups.
Eric Gordon (ankle): Gordon missed Monday’s game against the Nuggets with a sore ankle and while he should be good to go for Wednesday’s game against the Clippers he is pretty limited in minutes and games. He is averaging 16.5 PPG so he has done alright even with the medical restrictions.
Greivis Vasquez (ankle): Vasquez also missed Monday’s game against the Nuggets with a sore ankle after stepping on Terrel Harris‘ foot in practice. He is likely to play on Wednesday but if he doesn’t Brian Roberts could be a fantasy contributor.
Chauncey Billups (groin): Billups has missed two straight with a groin injury and is questionable for Tuesday’s game at Dallas. He is a low-end option anyway so your team won’t miss him much.
Marc Gasol (abdomen): Gasol is out indefinitely with an abdominal tear and while the Grizzlies haven’t shut him down for the season he won’t see any fantasy playoff action and likely isn’t worth keeping in roto and point leagues either. Ed Davis figures to have a big two weeks or more in his absence.
Tyson Chandler (neck): Chandler has missed six straight with knee and neck injuries. He will be a game time call for Tuesday’s game against the Celtics so check his status before starting him.
Nikola Vucevic (concussion): Vucevic has missed three straight with a concussion and will miss Wednesday’s game against the Bobcats. He is likely to miss at least the rest of this week which means Andrew Nicholson or Kyle O’Quinn could emerge as short-term fantasy options.
Arron Afflalo (torn hamstring): Afflalo is out for the season after tearing his hammy. E’Twaun Moore and maybe Beno Udrih figure to be the biggest beneficiaries going forward.
Jermaine O’Neal (calf): O’Neal has missed two straight with a sore calf but has a shot to play in Wednesday’s game against the Jazz. O’Neal has played well down the stretch, putting up double-digit points in six of his last eight games.
Kyle Lowry (knee): Lowry has a sore knee is may have to miss Wednesday’s game against Atlanta but be sure to check his status moving forward.
Rudy Gay (back): Gay missed Saturday’s game against the Knicks with a back injury and may miss Wednesday’s game against the Hawks. Check on him and Lowry before setting your lineup.
Martell Webster (abdomen): Webster has been red hot but had to miss Monday’s game against the Suns with an abdominal strain but has a good chance to play Wednesday against the Thunder.
Trevor Ariza (illness): Ariza has missed the last two games with a flu but should be ready to go by Wednesday against Oklahoma City.
Nene Hilario (knee): Nene misssed Monday’s game with a sore knee (what else is new?) but should be able to play in Wednesday’s game against the Thunder.
