This article is part of our NBA Injury Analysis series.
Jimmy Butler
After years of worrying about the integrity of Derrick Rose's knee, Bulls fans got a new scare over the weekend after Butler went down with a non-contact knee injury. The team's lone All-Star was helped off the court and the injury was initially diagnosed as a hyperextended knee. A more accurate diagnosis of a knee strain was made after additional tests were performed.
A knee strain is common following a hyperextension as both the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups are stressed. Fortunately, Butler avoided any ligament damage and the strain appears to be mild. He did sit out Chicago's lone game over the weekend and did not play Monday against the Hornets. However, the team has not ruled him out for its Wednesday matchup against the Hawks and hinted he could still be available to participate in the upcoming All-Star Game. Tony Snell replaced Butler in the starting lineup but played just 10 minutes in the loss to Minnesota. Rookie Bobby Portis could see extra playing time, and the return of Mike Dunleavy should also help. Neither is a long-term fantasy option but could have value in the abbreviated week ahead.
Manu Ginobili
The former Sixth Man of the Year suffered a cringe worthy injury after taking a knee to the groin from Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson. Ginobili was escorted to the locker room and his teammates' somber mood in postgame interviews hinted the injury was severe. Their fears were later confirmed when it was revealed
Jimmy Butler
After years of worrying about the integrity of Derrick Rose's knee, Bulls fans got a new scare over the weekend after Butler went down with a non-contact knee injury. The team's lone All-Star was helped off the court and the injury was initially diagnosed as a hyperextended knee. A more accurate diagnosis of a knee strain was made after additional tests were performed.
A knee strain is common following a hyperextension as both the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups are stressed. Fortunately, Butler avoided any ligament damage and the strain appears to be mild. He did sit out Chicago's lone game over the weekend and did not play Monday against the Hornets. However, the team has not ruled him out for its Wednesday matchup against the Hawks and hinted he could still be available to participate in the upcoming All-Star Game. Tony Snell replaced Butler in the starting lineup but played just 10 minutes in the loss to Minnesota. Rookie Bobby Portis could see extra playing time, and the return of Mike Dunleavy should also help. Neither is a long-term fantasy option but could have value in the abbreviated week ahead.
Manu Ginobili
The former Sixth Man of the Year suffered a cringe worthy injury after taking a knee to the groin from Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson. Ginobili was escorted to the locker room and his teammates' somber mood in postgame interviews hinted the injury was severe. Their fears were later confirmed when it was revealed Ginobili underwent surgery to repair significant testicular trauma.
Given the sensitive nature of the injury, it's not surprising to see San Antonio limit the specifics surrounding the issue. However, following this type of incident several pain possibilities exists, each with their own set of problems. Since surgery was necessary a simple scrotal contusion can be ruled out. A traumatic hydrocele (accumulation of fluid around a testicle) or varicocele (enlargement of the veins of the scrotum) can develop if excessive fluid builds up in the scrotum. Even worse, a hematocele (swelling caused by blood collecting in the scrotum) can occur if the bundle of veins in the area ruptures and blood accumulates.
Another common testicular injury in play is testicular torsion. In this condition the testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord. As the cord twists, the blood supply to the area becomes restricted and the area swells. If the ischemia is prolonged the affected individual runs the risk of losing the testicle.
Finally, testicular rupture is also a possibility. Like the other aforementioned injuries, a rupture presents with scrotal swelling but also includes the contents of the testicles protruding out due to breaks in the surrounding connective tissue. Surgery is a treatment option in all the discussed scenarios and recovery often takes multiple weeks.
Ginobili isn't the first testicular injury in the NBA, though the number of reported cases is surprisingly (and fortunately) low. Former players Detlef Schrempf and Shawn Bradley each missed three games with testicular trauma at various points of their careers. John Stark missed two playoffs games during the 2001 postseason following an episode of testicular torsion, though its development wasn't basketball-related. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Ginobili's injury is much more severe and a quick return is unlikely. The team expects him to miss four weeks recovering, though it would be understandable if he needed longer to completely heal.
Kevin Love
The Cavaliers lost their starting power forward late last week with what appeared to be a serious knee injury. Fortunately, it was later reported that Love had suffered a left quadriceps contusion and avoided serious knee damage. However, just because a quadriceps contusion doesn't sound as significant as a sprain or strain, the associated problems with the injury should still be considered. To start, soft tissue damage to the quad can be very painful, limiting the functional ability of the muscle group. As a result simple motions like straightening the leg can be difficult and more complex activities like running or jumping can be nearly impossible to complete without pain.
Furthermore, contusions to this well-vascularized area can develop into a more serious condition known as myositis ossificans. If the appropriate amount of time to heal is not provided or improper care is given, tiny calcified formations can develop in the damaged area of the muscle. These formations only increase the functional limitation and associated pain in the area.
Myositis ossifcans isn't a current concern for Love, though he did sit out the team's win over the Pelicans. He's considered questionable for Monday's matchup against the Kings and, given the shortened schedule this week, is a risky play in most formats. Timofey Mozgov and Tristan Thompson will man the Cleveland frontcourt if Love is unable to play.
Fast Breaks
Carmelo Anthony: Anthony has missed three of New York's last eight games as he continues to manage soreness in his surgically repaired left knee. Last February Anthony underwent a patellar tendon repair and debridement after limping through a majority of the season. He remains convinced the current issue is part of the recovery process but admitted his large workload could be contributing to the problem. The extended rest provided by the All-Star break will help, but don't be surprised if he receives routine games off for rest in the weeks ahead. As a result, it may be time to consider shopping Anthony. If the Knicks, five games out of the playoffs entering Monday, drop further in the standings, shutting Melo down for the season could become a legitimate option.
Rudy Gay: The Kings forward missed a handful of games the last few weeks with an assortment of injuries. Since late January, Gay has suffered a corneal abrasion, left heel contusion, and is now nursing a sprained left ankle. None of the injuries are overly concerning but his inability to remain in the lineup is limiting his productivity. He missed Sunday's game but returned Monday. Omri Casspi becomes the biggest beneficiary should Gay sit out again.
Austin Rivers: The Clippers reserve suffered a fractured hand last week and is expected to miss four to six weeks recovering. Rivers is the second Clippers player to suffer the injury, though his injury occurred on the court, unlike teammate Blake Griffin. Veteran Pablo Prigioni will see a bump in playing time, though his value remains restricted. Instead expect to see Chris Paul, J.J. Redick and reserve Jamal Crawford each take on bigger roles for the immediate future.
