This article is part of our NBA Injury Analysis series.
The Miami Heat
Already playing without the services of Chris Bosh and Josh McRoberts, the Heat are scrambling to keep their remaining players healthy. Unfortunately, a string of seemingly minor injuries has made that particularly difficult. It starts at the top with All-Star guard Dwyane Wade, who has battled a sore right hip recently that forced him out of the team's loss to Washington. He returned Sunday and showed no signs of any lingering effects, scoring 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting. While Wade's name is likely to remain on the injury report, fantasy owners should continue to utilize him as they normally would. The fact that Miami does not play in a back-to-back this week only helps the situation.
Wade's new backcourt mate is dealing with a particularly painful injury, as Goran Dragic suffered a tailbone contusion following a hard fall. The coccyx, or tailbone, is the final portion of the human spine and is formed by multiple bones fused together. Multiple muscles and ligaments connect to the coccyx and a direct blow to the area can be very limiting and often takes a considerable amount of time to heal. Dragic was already quoted as saying the injury affected his lateral mobility making it feel "like someone put a knife in it." The resulting effects of the injury could be especially problematic for Dragic, who has battled back spasms in recent days. As a result, fantasy owners will want to carefully assess his status prior to Monday's match
The Miami Heat
Already playing without the services of Chris Bosh and Josh McRoberts, the Heat are scrambling to keep their remaining players healthy. Unfortunately, a string of seemingly minor injuries has made that particularly difficult. It starts at the top with All-Star guard Dwyane Wade, who has battled a sore right hip recently that forced him out of the team's loss to Washington. He returned Sunday and showed no signs of any lingering effects, scoring 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting. While Wade's name is likely to remain on the injury report, fantasy owners should continue to utilize him as they normally would. The fact that Miami does not play in a back-to-back this week only helps the situation.
Wade's new backcourt mate is dealing with a particularly painful injury, as Goran Dragic suffered a tailbone contusion following a hard fall. The coccyx, or tailbone, is the final portion of the human spine and is formed by multiple bones fused together. Multiple muscles and ligaments connect to the coccyx and a direct blow to the area can be very limiting and often takes a considerable amount of time to heal. Dragic was already quoted as saying the injury affected his lateral mobility making it feel "like someone put a knife in it." The resulting effects of the injury could be especially problematic for Dragic, who has battled back spasms in recent days. As a result, fantasy owners will want to carefully assess his status prior to Monday's match up against the Celtics. Even if he is able to suit up, scale back your expectations, as this injury is bound to affect his mobility on the court.
Luol Deng has missed two straight games with a deep thigh contusion suffered against the Lakers. Before you overlook this seemingly minor injury, it's worth noting deep bruises like this have their own set of complications. Damage to the quadriceps muscle group following a direct blow is often very painful and functionally limiting. Furthermore, contusions to this well-vascularized area can develop into a more serious condition known as myositis ossificans. If improperly treated or not give enough time to heal, tiny calcified formations may develop in the damaged tissue of the muscle. These formations only further limit the quad and increase the associated symptoms. A case of myositis ossificans is the worst-case scenario but it does make it vital that proper treatment and ample recovery time are provided. A Monday return remains possible but he should be considered day-to-day.
Finally, the emerging Hassan Whiteside is nursing a lingering ankle issue, though his latest absence was attributed to soreness and not a new injury. He's missed three totals games this season but should be back in the near future. Keep him in your lineups.
Blake Griffin and Jamal Crawford
The Clippers continue to report that Griffin is steadily progressing from the staph infection in his elbow, but he remains without a definitive timeline. He's already been ruled out for Monday's game against the Timberwolves and isn't expected back for the team's two-game road trip against the Thunder and Mavericks. A Sunday return against the Rockets seems possible, though that minimizes his fantasy value for the week. Keep Griffin stashed away on the bench and hope he's back in time for the fantasy playoffs.
Coach Doc Rivers also insinuated that Griffin would be back before teammate Jamal Crawford, suggesting the calf contusion suffered by the former Sixth Man of the Year is serious. Crawford has a history of calf problems, though last year's injury was on his left leg. Bench Crawford for the week and expect the team to turn to Austin Rivers and newly-signed Nate Robinson off the bench.
Fast Breaks
Avery Bradley
The Celtics guard is expected to return Wednesday at the earliest after suffering a sprained left elbow. The exact ligament involved has not been released, though the injury is clearly not as significant as the UCL sprain of Chicago's Jimmy Butler. Evan Turner, Isaiah Thomas, and Marcus Smart will all see a bump in usage until Bradley returns.
Devin Harris
The Mavericks welcomed back Chandler Parsons from a seven-game absence due to a sprained left ankle only to lose the services of their top bench player. Harris suffered a minor hand contusion and has missed two straights games as a result. The Mavs play just twice this week, making Harris a precarious play in all formats.
Wesley Matthews
The Trail Blazers guard and free-agent-to-be suffered a torn Achilles tendon last Thursday against the Mavericks and is lost for the season. The expected 6-to-9 months needed to recover will certainly affect Matthews' search for a new contract, as this type of injury is often viewed as career-altering. The injury not only wipes out his one-year value but also negatively impacts his value in keeper and dynasty leagues. Arron Afflalo has replaced Matthews in the starting lineup making him a solid play in most formats.
Nikola Vucevic
The Magic's big man has missed back-to-back games with an undisclosed ankle issue. The team is listing the injury as soreness and pinpointing a return date is difficult without more information. He did sprain this ankle last season but there has been no indication of a new injury.
Kemba Walker
The Hornets should be getting their leading scorer back soon, with the odds of a Wednesday return significantly improving. Walker has received glowing reports during practice and admitted to reporters that if it were up to him he would already be playing. Walker, out since late January following surgery to address a torn lateral meniscus, was initially expected to miss six weeks. The team will likely ease him back into the rotation, so fantasy owners should prep for a small transition period before expecting top production.
Nick Young
Swaggy P continues to experience swelling in his left knee and has now missed seven straight games due to the problem. While head coach Byron Scott hinted the issue was similar to the fractured kneecap Young dealt with last season, a true injury diagnosis has not been provided. At this point, Young is droppable in most formats and shouldn't be counted on for the immediate future.
