As the NBA season progresses, teams are facing critical injury challenges that could impact their game strategies and fantasy lineups. This Monday, some big names might not even suit up by game-time decision or injury. Their absence will be felt most by teammates needing to build rapport and fantasy players alike. Even fans and analysts without a dog in the fight eagerly watch the injury reports. They, like us, are preparing for the evening’s party contests.
Luke Kornet and Stephon Castle are labelled as game-time decisions with ankle and hip injuries, respectively. Their expected availability would greatly change the rotations of their respective teams and in turn, fantasy drafts. Jordan McLaughlin, Victor Wembanyama, Dejounte Murray, Jordan Poole & Zion Williamson are all out for Monday’s action. Their injuries have all been different with hamstring, calf, Achilles, quadriceps, and thigh injuries.
Fantasy players need to determine other players who can help make up for absences of these players.
Notable Player Performances
Jose Alvarado is rising to the occasion with guys like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram on the sideline. Recently, he’s played with a denser tone on offense. He’s shown combined offensive skills lately, scoring effectively and efficiently with that great degree of scoring versatility at 16.3 points per game. Furthermore, he’s recorded 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 0.8 threes per contest during his past four appearances. This increase in productivity has made him one of the more attractive options for fantasy managers aiming to cash in on all of those offensive chances.
Along with Alvarado’s carryover from the previous game, Rudy Gobert has been a rock-solid cash play (for fantasy points) thus far this season. He’s put up 30 or more fantasy points in seven of his last ten contests. After a strong campaign, this performance cements his place back in the rotation as a regularly consistent option down low. His ability to really turn up the heat on both ends of the court makes him the must-have fantasy player for any lineup this Monday.
Bryce McGowens? Well, he’s been on fire too! He’s netted 15 or better in three of his past four matchups. His ability to play and score at all three levels gives fantasy managers another option to consider if they’re looking to replace an injured star or upgrade their roster.
Matchup Considerations
One of the night’s most intriguing matchups sees Zach LaVine and the Indiana Pacers cross paths. The Pacers have allowed an NBA-high 26.3 PPG to opposing shooting guards, presenting an opportunity for LaVine to exploit this defensive weakness. His scoring ability, though, should cement him high on fantasy rosters, particularly in this injury landscape.
Jay Huff has been a player to keep an eye on. He has averaged an amazing 3.6 BPG over his last five games, proving himself to be an elite shot blocker and anchor of the paint. His shot-blocking prowess will be a huge addition to any fantasy team that needs defensive stats.
Collin Gillespie has been hot enough to catch fire throughout the last few weeks. Over his last four starts he’s been averaging 21.5 points per game. He registered 5.3 assists while making a ridiculous 4.8 threes per game. His multifaceted impact on offense makes him a great target for fantasy managers looking to upgrade their lineups.
Managing Injuries and Lineups
The new injury report has definitely made things tricky when it comes to deciding on a lineup, both for coaches and fantasy players alike. With so many big-name stars ruled out or questionable ahead of Monday’s games, teams need to make some serious tactical changes. One of the challenges coaches will face this season will be getting their bench players to produce and fill gaps left by the missing stars.
For fantasy players, keeping an ear to the ground for late-breaking injury news is key. Especially with players like Kornet and Castle reported GTD, decisions could have to be made literally to the second before tip-off. Staying abreast of news from official team channels and reputable fantasy experts will enable fantasy managers to make the best possible decisions with their rosters.
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