Week 4 Fantasy Basketball Injury Report: Cleveland & Philadelphia Hit By COVID-19
We are in the fourth week of NBA action and some big names have landed on the injury list, including LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, and even Joel Embiid with COVID-19. Let’s take an in-depth look at our Week 4 fantasy basketball injury report.
Click HERE For more NBA injury updates!
Week 4 Fantasy Basketball Injuries
PG/SG Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers
Collin Sexton was diagnosed with a meniscus tear and will likely be out for most, if not the rest of the regular season. This opens the door for guards Darius Garland and Ricky Rubio, who each will see increased minutes going forward to make up for Sexton’s absence in the months to come.
SF LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers (Abdomen Strain)
LeBron James is working through an abdominal strain that has kept him sidelined for the last three games and will keep him out at least until the beginning of next week. Recent reports suggest LeBron might be out for even longer. According to The Athletic, this is an injury common in tennis players who extend their bodies and reach high in-service motion. Former Lakers head strength and conditioning coach Tim DiFrancesco stated that the recovery for even a minor abdomen strain can be at least “four to eight weeks.” Hopes are that Lebron will return sooner than later, but he could be out longer than expected. If this remains the case, expect continued above-average production from Carmelo Anthony, who is currently shooting as well as he did during his prime with the Nuggets and Knicks.
SG/SF Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics (Hamstring Strain)
Jaylen Brown sustained a hamstring injury in Thursday night’s game against the Miami Heat. He is currently week-to-week. Because Brown is such an important piece of the Celtics’ roster, and because he is currently performing much better than Jayson Tatum, the Celtics will certainly not rush to get him back into the rotation. In that time, Tatum will be the focal point of the offense, leading to more opportunities on the offensive end of the court. Meanwhile, veterans Josh Richardson and Al Horford should see their respective roles increase.
C Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns (Bruised Lower-Right Leg)
Suns big man Deandre Ayton has missed the last three games due to a bruised lower right leg which he suffered on Wednesday, November 3 against the Blazers. JaVale McGee will play much more in his absence and is worth considering acquiring or starting this week in your fantasy basketball league. You could even consider picking up Frank Kaminsky, but not instead of someone such as Memphis' Brandon Clarke.
PF Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans (Foot)
Zion Williamson will remain out for at least another 2-3 weeks according to recent reports. Zion, who has evidently gained weight while inactive and recovering from this foot injury, has not played yet this season. While he remains out, Jonas Valunciunas will continue to produce. Moving forward, Zion’s weight could be a cause for concern, and this injury could stunt his progress as Williamson looks to progress throughout the rest of his career. Valunciunas is performing very well at the moment, especially considering that he is filling in big shoes on a new team. As of November 10, the big man is averaging 19.5 PPG and 13.9 REBS per game. He’s also quietly converting 57.9% of his attempts from beyond the arc (10-16 from three-point range).
SF/PF Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets (Back)
According to Sports Illustrated, Mike Malone stated this week that MPJ will remain sidelined for the “foreseeable future.” If this holds true, look for Aaron Gordon to continue to play close to 30 MPG (currently averaging 29.8 MPG). Hopefully, he will begin to score more for his fantasy owners. Likewise, Will Barton will continue to get big minutes, as he is currently averaging 16.2 PPG on a solid 47.5% shooting from the field in 33.2 MPG. He just came off a massive game against the Miami Heat on November 8, scoring 25 points while shooting 9-14 from the field and 7-9 from downtown.
Learn more about our fantasy basketball tools and premium products!
NBA Teams Hit By COVID-19
Cleveland Cavaliers
Kevin Love, out on COVID-19 protocols until at least November 12 and stretch forward Lauri Markkanen, will be out until at least November 13. During that time, look for Cedi Osman, rookie Evan Mobley, and second-year center Jarrett Allen to pick up the slack. Those are two big names for that team that will be sidelined, in addition to Collin Sexton. The Cavs will need all the help they can get from their bench.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have had challenge after challenge to confront since before the season even began. While the Ben Simmons saga continues and Shake Milton runs the point in Philly, three key players on the team, including their two best, are out with COVID-19. This includes SF Tobias Harris (GTD), C Joel Embiid (out until at least November 18), and SF Matisse Thybulle (out until at least November 13). With the core of the starting lineup sidelined, big man Andre Drummond, Furkan Korkmaz, and Georges Niang continue to be hot fantasy players who are respectively exceeding expectations.
FantasySP is developing betting tools to provide users with something nobody else in the industry can offer. Upgrade to an Edge+ account today and get 50% off your first year at just $99.99 for the year. After a year, the price is going to increase to $199. Lock in your special early-bird deal today!
#injuries
