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Jonathan Huang reviews recent injuries around the league from a fantasy perspective.
I've realized something: every single fantasy hoops piece I've read this week (which isn't many, I might add) starts the same, old way. Every column begins with something along the lines of "It's time for your fantasy playoffs, and we're here to help you win." I've caught myself writing something similar, and this week I've made a conscious effort to keep it interesting for everyone.
So, let's take a step away from hoops for just a second and go back in time. Do you still remember your senior prom? I've got mine coming up right around the corner, and I've been asking friends and mulling over a creative way to ask "that girl." You know what I'm talking about right? You can't just be like, "Will you go to prom with me?" It's got to be creative. I think I've got a pretty good one, but if you've got any bright ideas, let me know.
Alright, back to injuries...
Bruised
Manu Ginobili (SG/SF, SAS) - ankle
While still uncertain, it's looking more and more likely that Ginobili will play soon. He practiced with the Spurs last week and hasn't had any setbacks. Manu thinks he's ready, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him play within the next week or so.
Al Thornton (SF/PF, LAC) - sore shoulder
This injury seems like a minor issue to me. Thornton ended up playing on Monday night, so I'm thinking he'll be just fine.
Rasheed Wallace (PF/C, DET) - calf
This particular calf has been bothering Rasheed for quite some time, but there's finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Coach Michael Curry hopes to have Rasheed in Detroit's lineup on Thursday, barring any complications before that time.
Battered
Andrea Bargnani (SF/PF/C, TOR) - achilles
While he's listed as day-to-day, there's still no timetable for his return. For the sake of fantasy owners, let's hope it's sooner rather than later.
Tyson Chandler (C, NOH) - ankle
Peja Stojakovic (SG/SF, NOH) - back
Right now, most playoff teams are just trying to get healthy. New Orleans, San Antonio, and Boston are all shorthanded and want to get their main guys back to full-strength. Both Chandler and Stojakovic are eyeing a Wednesday return, but it seems unlikely to me that they'll play considering how banged up they have been.
Luol Deng (SG/SF, CHI) - shin
The Bulls front office inked Deng to a large contract extension just this past summer, but they may be regretting it right now. They'd love to build around the former Blue Devil, but even when he wasn't injured this season, he played poorly. While the latest has Deng resting a couple more weeks to heal from his shin injury, no real positive news has come out. I advise that Deng be dropped in all leagues at this point.
Richard Hamilton (SG/SF, DET) - groin
Originally targeting a return for Tuesday (March 24), his status has since been changed to "questionable." Whether he plays or not depends on how the injury feels. It's been tough for Rip owners (me being among them), but Arron Affalo (PG/SG, DET) has looked solid in his starts and could be the replacement you need.
Devin Harris (PG, NJN) - shoulder
If you've been hearing reports of a return Wednesday (March 25), Harris shot that down calling it "far-fetched." He says he's able to shoot, but with some difficulty. A return Friday is possible and certainly not out of the question, especially with the Nets right in the hunt for the last playoff spot in the East. Keyon Dooling (PG, NJN) is a solid option if you've lost Harris.
Allen Iverson (PG/SG, DET) - back
I've been holding onto The Answer for a while hoping to get some last minute production for the playoffs, and that may actually become a reality soon. He's rehabbing and doing therapy, but a definite return date is still up in the air. If you've got a bye this week, stay tuned for updates.
Andres Nocioni (SF/PF, SAC) - quad
If you own him and need production right now, I'd let him go. He's not expected to return until at least Friday (March 27).
Broken
Gilbert Arenas (PG, WAS) - knee
This isn't exactly fantasy relevance, but it's certainly worth mentioning. Arenas says he could play on Saturday, and also that he wants to play Cleveland on April 8 and Boston on April 15. Really? Should this be true, it could be a decent indicator as to how healthy he actually is. Personally, I don't expect a whole lot.
Andrew Bynum (C, LAL) - knee
Lakers coach Phil Jackson recently said it should be at least another month before we see the big man back in action. He also added that the best case scenario would have him playing the first week of April, which to me, is highly unlikely. This is primarily for keeper leagues because he obviously won't be helping anyone right now.
Josh Howard (SG/SF, DAL) - ankle
Howard's ankle issue is so bad that he'll need arthroscopic surgery on it eventually. He says he wants to do it after the season but will miss at least a few more weeks. Tough draw for fantasy owners, but that's just the way it is sometimes. Drop him if you were still holding out hope for some reason.
Jonathan Huang is a fantasy basketball expert and editor for RotoExperts.com. Have a question or comment? Drop him a line at jhuang@rotoexperts.com
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