Author: Special from Virginia Zakas, InsideInjuries.com
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a hard fall, putting a lot of force on his wrist. The Inside Injuries algorithm now has him at Above Average Health Performance Factor, which is ok but means he’s not at Peak performance.
DeMarcus Cousins, NO: right ankle sprain
Carmelo Anthony’s knee injury could end his season with the Knicks. Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire
After spraining his ankle last week, Cousins didn’t feel comfortable enough to play in the Pelicans’ next game. It was a must-win as they fight for the final playoff spot in the East, so it really must be bothering him. Consider him day-to-day for now, but if he does suit up on Monday night he will be a risky Fantasy play (he’s in the Elevated Injury Risk Category).
Gordon Hayward, UTA: bruised left quad
X-rays on Hayward’s quad were negative, but he could still face a multi-game absence as it continues to bother him. With an eye on being healthy for the playoffs, the Jazz have no reason to rush him back before his leg is feeling better. Joe Ingles will take over most of his minutes and should be a solid streaming option while Hayward is sidelined
Carmelo Anthony, NYK: left knee soreness
Melo is no stranger to left knee injuries, and he’s experiencing soreness yet again. Each season he seems to miss a few games here and there with knee problems and previously had surgery as well. After missing the last two games, he could be a candidate to get shut down for the year. The Knicks’ have an eye on a lottery spot, and having Anthony on the court may not be worth the risk. Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez will be more involved on the offensive end of the floor and could see a bump in production for their Fantasy owners.
Jahlil Okafor, PHI: right knee soreness
After missing the last two games, Okafor has now missed nine games this season with right knee soreness. He had surgery one year ago to trim a meniscus tear, and it’s having lingering effects. The 76ers don’t need him on the court with a playoff spot out of reach. Philly has had bad luck with their centers and they don’t need to take any risks with their young big.
Hassan Whiteside, MIA: tweaked right ankle, stitches in hand
Whiteside is playing through a mild ankle sprain and stitches in his right hand. He has a heavy wrap around the hand that makes it tough to shoot and rebound, but he’s still managing to suit up. His ankle is limiting his mobility as well, but it’s not crucial as a big man. He certainly isn’t as dominant as he has been, but he’s still able to contribute in the lineup.
Derrick Rose, NYK: sore right foot
After missing one game due to a sore right foot, Rose was able to return to the lineup and play fairly well over the weekend. Rose always seems to be dealing with lower body injuries, but this one isn’t a long-term concern like his ankle and knees have been in the past. If he wasn’t ready to play, I can’t see why the Knicks would have run him out there without anything to play for. He should be good to go for his Fantasy owners the last few weeks of the season.
Marc Gasol, MEM: left foot strain
Gasol wasn’t available on Sunday due to a left foot strain. The good news is that this isn’t the same foot that he had surgically-repaired last year. The bad news is the playoffs are approaching fast, and the Grizzlies need their center healthy. As long as he is out, Zach Randolph will likely move into the starting lineup. Brandan Wright and JaMychal Green should also see a bump in minutes. Without Gasol, the Grizzlies’ dynamic offense will have a hard time being as productive.
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