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NBA Week 3 Injury Report: Kon Knueppel expected back Wednesday; replacing Ja Morant
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- NBA Week 3 Injury Report: Kon Knueppel expected back Wednesday; replacing Ja Morant
After missing the first two weeks of the season with a hamstring injury, Kon Knueppelhas been upgraded to probable ahead of Wednesday's game against the Nets. Hamstring injuries can be weird, so continue to keep tabs on Knueppel over the next few weeks, but his return should help Charlotte get on track.
So far this season, the Hornets are first in the league in three-point attempts per game (44.4), second to last in three-point percentage (29.6%) and last in points per game (97.4). The Nets are second to last in points per game at 105.4, so 8.2 points more than the Hornets. The Grizzlies are first in scoring at 123.0 points per game.
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Basically, the Hornets are shooting a ton of threes, they're not going in, and they're not scoring much. Knueppel's return should help them right the ship. That should push Sion Jamesback to the bench, and it will likely result in Grayson Allenplaying a smaller role. Allen has been one of the best reserves in the league early on, so he isn't worth dropping yet. Keep an eye on how the rotation plays out over the next few games, especially as they get Knueppel up to speed. Coby Whitemade his season debut on Monday and only played 16 minutes, so they may ease Knueppel into the rotation.
Here are 10 more injury updates that could impact your fantasy league:
Chet Holmgren, C, Oklahoma City Thunder
This is the big one. The news has been out for a while, but we still need to talk about it. Holmgren is set to be out until 2027 due to a knee issue. With Jalen Williams(leg) and Cason Wallace(shoulder) both set to be out for a long time, having Holmgren sidelined as well will leave them incredibly shorthanded. Not many teams have enough depth to make up for those absences, but the Thunder do. Not enough to remain high-level contenders, but they should still be competitive.
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Isaiah Hartensteinis more important than ever, though Aday Maraand Jaylin Williamsshould see boosts as well. Williams started in OKC's last game, though Mara is the better option for fantasy managers and should be seen as the priority pickup. The rookie has been strong on the glass and as a shot blocker as of late.
Dejounte Murray, G, New Orleans Pelicans
Murray missed the Pelicans' last three games due to personal reasons, which led many to speculate about a possible trade. The first was due to the birth of his son, but he was in the building for the second absence, which was strange. He returned home for the third absence to help care for his son, and he is off the injury report ahead of Wednesday's matchup with the Jazz.
At least for now, we can put the trade machines down. Jeremiah Fearsstruggled with his shot on Monday, but the three games without Dejounte were his three best outings of the season. It could be seen as a sort of tryout to see if Fears could run the show, which also fueled trade speculation for Murray. For now, Murray will be back in the lineup, which will likely hinder Fears' value. However, there is a path to strong production in the future for Fears.
Ja Morant, G, Portland Trail Blazers
It was announced last week that Morant would miss four weeks with a hamstring injury, putting his return around the end of November. It's unfortunate news, given how well Morant had been playing for a Portland team that is now 5-1.
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In his absence, Scoot Hendersonhas slid into the starting lineup, with Jrue Holidayplaying a more significant role off the bench. Scoot has struggled despite the larger role, and while it's still a good opportunity for him to improve his long-term outlook, Holiday is the better option for fantasy managers. He had 17 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, one block and three triples in Monday's win over Denver.
Cameron Johnson, F, Denver Nuggets
We have some good news here. Johnson exited early from Monday's game against the Trail Blazers, and it looked like it could be a hamstring injury. However, they have him listed as probable to play on Wednesday due to "lower body injury management." It's a strange designation that doesn't tell us much, but the positive part is the probable tag. Keep an eye on this situation, but he isn't expected to miss any time.
Kawhi Leonard, F, Toronto Raptors
Toronto announced on Tuesday that Leonard underwent treatment to address the swelling in his left knee, and that he would return to Toronto to begin ramping back up. He is set to be re-evaluated next week. That doesn't provide much clarity, but it is a positive update.
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Hopefully, Leonard will return soon, but until then, Ja'Kobe Walterwill continue to start. Walter's tenure as a starter began well, though he has cooled off recently. He should be rostered until Leonard returns, and he still may hold value beyond that. Walter has been effective on both ends of the ball and continues to be one of the team's best shooters.
Egor Dëmin, G, Brooklyn Nets
The Nets announced last Friday that Dëmin has a bone bruise in his left knee and is set to be re-evaluated later this week. Chaney Johnsonhas filled in as a starter, and while he has been solid, he hasn't done much for fantasy managers. Nolan Traorehas been the one to step up with Dëmin sidelined, and the second-year guard has taken advantage of the opportunity. Traore is an intriguing add, and he should continue to start even after Dëmin returns.
Peyton Watson, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
Watson missed Monday's game against the Thunder with a hamstring injury and is set to remain out in Wednesday's rematch. Meleek Thomasgot the starting nod in place of Watson, with Mario Hezonjaand Sam Merrilljoining Thomas in playing 26 minutes. All three should continue to see a boost until Watson or Jaylon Tysonreturns. However, Thomas should be the priority waiver wire add, assuming he continues to start. He has been impressive this season, especially for a second-round pick on a playoff team.
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Jaylon Tyson, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
Tyson is set to miss a third straight game with an ankle injury on Wednesday. He would have had the opportunity to start with Watson sidelined, but that role has been passed to Thomas. There isn't much clarity as to when Watson or Tyson will return to the lineup, but they will both remain out against OKC on Wednesday. They play the 76ers on Friday, which would be the next time either Watson or Tyson can play.
Brandon Ingram, F, LA Clippers
The Clippers assigned Ingram (heel), Yanic Konan Niederhäuser(foot) and Max Strus(foot) to the G League on Sunday to continue their recovery processes and recalled all three on Monday. Strus ended up making his season debut on Monday, while BI and YKN remained out. There isn't a specific timeline as to when Ingram could play again, but this is a positive step for him. Hopefully it won't be much longer.
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Adou Thiero, F, Los Angeles Lakers
On Monday, head coach JJ Redicksaid Thiero is "ramping up" and could make his season debut before the end of the week. Thiero didn't play much during his rookie year, but he was productive during summer league and played a decent role during the preseason. Keep an eye on how he fits into the rotation when he's healthy. He can be a source of steals.
