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NBA Week 2 Injury Report: Anthony Edwards, Jaren Jackson Jr. set to miss multiple months
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- NBA Week 2 Injury Report: Anthony Edwards, Jaren Jackson Jr. set to miss multiple months
Sadly, the injuries are already piling up around the NBA, and the stars certainly aren't safe. On Tuesday, it was announced that Anthony Edwardswill undergo an "arthroscopic procedure" on his right knee and miss up to two months. That announcement came less than 24 hours after he scored 47 points in a loss to the Cavaliers. The early pairing of Edwards and LaMelo Ballhad been effective, but they'll lose out on a ton of time to continue developing chemistry.
Minnesota will have to stay afloat without Edwards somehow, and Ayo Dosunmuwill likely be the one that fills out the open spot in the starting unit. Dosunmu was excellent as a starter last season and should be worth rostering as long as he's starting. However, this is going to be a group effort to try and replace Edwards' production. Ball, Jaden McDanielsand Jonathan Kumingawill all have to step up as starters, while Terrence Shannon Jr.should replace Dosunmu as the team's sixth man.
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Here are 11 other injuries to keep an eye on, because, yes, there are already that many noteworthy injuries.
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Jalen Williams, F, Oklahoma City Thunder
I was watching this one live, and you could tell by how quickly there was a towel thrown over his leg that it was a nasty one. Replay only confirmed that, and now Williams is set to undergo surgery after suffering a fractured fibula and dislocated left ankle. A timeline will be provided after the procedure, but with an injury like this one, Williams probably isn't going to return to help your fantasy team. This is really unfortunate since his last season was also derailed by injuries.
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OKC is dealing with a ton of injuries, some of which we'll get into later. For now, this is going to open up minutes, usage and a starting spot for Ajay Mitchell.On Monday, Mitchell played 25 minutes as a starter and contributed an efficient 30 points to go with five assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderwill continue to be the primary source of offense, but Mitchell should be the No. 2 option. It is worth noting that Mitchell is questionable to play on Wednesday with an ankle injury, though that shouldn't be a long-term injury.
Paolo Banchero, F, Orlando Magic
It's been difficult to assess this Magic team over the last few seasons because they continue to have long-term injuries to their stars. Thankfully, this isn't quite as severe as some of the other injuries this team has dealt with, but Banchero is set to miss four-to-six weeks with an ankle sprain.
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Banchero was injured in Orlando's second game, so we haven't gotten much of a look at him under new head coach Sean Sweeney. However, he did have 35 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists in the opener, so it could still be a productive season for him when he returns. Until then, Tristan da Silvashould take on most of Banchero's minutes. Jase Richardsongot the start in Banchero's first absence, though he only played 17 minutes to da Silva's 27. Also, don't be surprised if Franz Wagnerreturns to playing at an All-Star level, as he did when Banchero missed time two years ago. He had 23 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists against the Knicks on Sunday.
Jaren Jackson Jr., F/C, Utah Jazz
Utah had two starters exit early from Monday's game, but only one will be a lengthy absence. Lauri Markkanensuffered a right wrist sprain, though he is questionable for Wednesday's game, so he shouldn't miss much time, if any. Jackson wasn't so lucky. He will miss six-to-eight weeks with a torn right MCL, though he won't require surgery.
Jusuf Nurkićis still out with a toe injury, and the initial timeline would've had him out for at least another week. Jackson had been starting at center, with Jaxson Hayescoming off the bench since getting the opening nod in the season opener. Hayes missed Monday's game with a shoulder injury, so it was Mo Bambathat stepped up after Jackson's exit. Kyle Filipowskiand Tony Bradleyalso saw a few minutes, though both players' roles were limited.
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Hayes is questionable to play on Wednesday, but when he returns, the likely scenario is that he and Bamba split most of the minutes at center, which would likely prevent either from being worth streaming in for a few games until Nurkić returns. However, the long-term impact is that Ace Baileyshould continue to start until Jackson returns. He's gotten off to a strong start this season and will get the opportunity to build off that.
Kawhi Leonard, F, Toronto Raptors
After missing Sunday's game, it has now been reported that Leonard will miss multiple weeks due to swelling in his left knee, though that timeline doesn't give us much to go on. Ja'Kobe Walterstarted in place of Kawhi on Sunday and finished with 22 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block and five three-pointers. Walter should be worth streaming until Leonard returns, though he won't be the only player that benefits in the box score. Everyone should see some extra shots, and this will hopefully be the opportunity that Collin Murray-Boylesneeds to get going.
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Cason Wallace, G, Oklahoma City Thunder
Jalen Williams' leg wasn't the only major injury OKC suffered on Sunday. Wallace suffered a torn left labrum, which will require surgery. The Thunder didn't provide a specific timeline, but this isn't a quick injury to come back from. Alex Carusoinjured his ankle, so OKC is getting thin defensively on the perimeter. Jared McCainstarted in place of Wallace on Monday, and while he isn't the defender Wallace is, he'll provide plenty of triples as a starter. Bennett Stirtzand Josh Dixalso played significant roles off the bench on Monday, though neither is worth rostering in fantasy basketball at this point.
Jalen Suggs, G, Orlando Magic
Suggs went down while attempting a fastbreak layup in Sunday's win over the Knicks. A non-contact knee injury. However, it seems he has dodged a bullet, as he will be re-evaluated in two weeks. With Richardson already starting in place of Banchero, Anthony Blackshould slide in as a starter. He made his season debut on Sunday and finished with 18 points, three rebounds, five assists, two steals and five three-pointers. Black was fantastic as a starter for stretches of last season and should be productive until Suggs returns.
Ivica Zubac, C, Indiana Pacers
It had been a decent start to the year for Zubac, but he is now dealing with a left ankle injury. Head coach Rick Carlisle didn't specify a timeline for Zubac's return, only that they won't rush him back. Hopefully this isn't a lengthy absence, but Jay Huffshould be the starter until Zubac returns. He wasn't great in his first start, contributing just six points and six rebounds in 23 minutes, though he was better in the previous game with 14 points, three blocks and two three-pointers in 21 minutes. Huff had some decent stretches as a starter last season and could be worth picking up.
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Jalen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons
It's a good thing Duren got paid. He suffered a hamstring injury that kept him from playing in the Pistons' last two games, and he will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Hamstring injuries can certainly linger, so they'll likely be careful with how quickly they get him back on the court. Paul Reedhad 19 points and 11 rebounds in the game that Duren exited early, and while his first start in place of Duren was quiet, Reed had 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block and one three-pointer against the Knicks on Tuesday. Reed should be considered a must-roster player until Duren returns.
Yves Missi, C, New Orleans Pelicans
Missi is set to miss a second straight game on Wednesday with a bone bruise in his left knee. In his first absence, head coach Jamahl Mosley opted to start DeAndre Jordan, with Derik Queenfilling out the backup center minutes. Jordan isn't worth streaming, and Queen is likely rostered everywhere already. Queen should see a boost until Missi returns, though he only played 25 minutes after playing 29 minutes in the previous game.
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Chet Holmgren, C, Oklahoma City Thunder
Let's keep an eye on this one. He missed the preseason with a quad injury, and then he ended up missing Monday's game against the Suns with a knee issue. It was the second night of a back-to-back, so no big deal, right? Well, now he's out again on Wednesday. Hopefully, this doesn't end up being a bigger deal. At this point, it isn't even fair to speculate that it could be a lengthy absence, especially with all the injuries OKC is dealing with. I wouldn't be rushing to add Isaiah Hartenstein, Aday Maraor Jaylin Williamsat this point, but I'm definitely keeping tabs on Thunder injury reports moving forward.
AJ Dybantsa, F, Washington Wizards
The No. 1 overall pick will make his return to the court against the Cavaliers on Wednesday, with his home debut likely coming against the Hornets on Friday. Bilal Coulibalyhas been starting in his place, and he will eventually move to the bench for Dybantsa to start. However, the Wizards have been cautious with Dybantsa's ankle, so don't be surprised if he's on a minutes restriction and potentially even comes off the bench for his first game.
