Fantasy Basketball-Injury Ward-January 23

Some of the biggest names in the NBA have been sidelined over the last few days and weeks. Not only has that hurt the overall product and the teams that those players are on, but the fantasy basketball world has struggled through it as well. It’s just not as much fun to was Randy Foye as it is to watch CP3.

Thankfully, many of those that have missed games are nearing a return. So here’s the outlook on all the fantasy related injuries as we head into a new week (week 5) of fantasy hoops action.

Hopefully Chris Paul (left) can get out of his suit and in uniform to direct DeAndre Jordan (right) and the rest of the Lob City crew from the court instead of the bench where he's spent the last few games. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

Derrick Rose-Chi: Rose has missed the Bulls last 4 games but was at the shootaround before last game. Starting him is a risk since he may continue to rest and recover, but it’s also possible he comes back tonight against the Nets since he’s considered day-to-day.

Chris Paul-NO: Paul is hopeful to be on the court Wednesday against the Lakers. He’s missed the last 4 games but did return to practice recently and is nearing a return.

Dwyane Wade-Mia: The Heat continue to be cautious with Wade’s variety of injuries. He’ll return soon, but the Heat are 6-0 without him before losing to the Bucks last night, so there’s little rush. I still expect to see him this week.

Dirk Nowitzki-Dal: Dirk’s been shut down for this week to rest an ailing knee and work on his conditioning. He’ll probably be way better when he returns, but it’ll be tough to have him miss this whole week both for Dallas and his fantasy owners.

Rajon Rondo-Bos: Day-to-day with a sprained wrist. He’s missed the last 2 games but could return this week.

Luol Deng-Chi: The Bulls forward injured his wrist Saturday but X-rays were negative. He’s listed as day-to-day but may miss time this week.

Zach Randolph-Mem: Randolph’s latest MRI was supposedly encouraging but he’s still about a month from returning.

Carmelo Anthony-NY: Anthony is questionable for Tuesday and his wrist issue is definitely affecting his shot.

Roy Hibbert-Ind: Hibbert broke his nose against the Lakers but returned and finished the game strong. He may have to go with a mask for a while, but shouldn’t miss any time.

Aaron Afflalo-Den: Day-to-day but expected to not miss any Denver games.

Eric Gordon-NO: Gordon’s status is still week-to-week, but there may be updated news (not good news) coming soon.

Spencer Hawes-Phi: The Sixers big man is expected to return Monday and could be in for a glut of minutes if he does since Nikola Vucevic (his backup) will probably be out.

Andrea Bargnani-Tor: Bargnani practiced and could return as soon as Tuesday against the Suns. Get him in your lineups for the upcoming week.

Gerald Wallace-Por: His status is still up in the air but Wallace wanted to play through his finger injury on Saturday but the Coach and medical staff gave him the night off. I don’t expect him to miss time this week with it, but be advised that it is a possibility.

Ray Allen-Bos: Allen said he will try and play Monday since there’s no major swelling in his ankle.

Ben Gordon-Det: Missed Saturday’s game with a sore shoulder and is day-to-day coming into this week. If Rodney Stuckey is available in your league, go get him.

Iman Shumpert-NY: Shumpert played hard and well in Saturday’s Knicks game, but had to leave due to his back tightening up. He’s considered day-to-day going forward.

Chuck Hayes-Sac: Hayes is probably a week away, but should slide in and play big minutes for a Kings team in need of scoring options and tough defense which Hayes brings. If you can grab and stash him, you’ll be thankful next week or the week after.

Hedo Turkoglu-Orl: Missed Wednesday’s and Friday’s games with back spasms. This may be a recurring problem that is on-and-off the rest of the year.

Caron Butler-LAC: Returned to action Sunday but still is considered day-to-day. The big showdown in LA is Wednesday night and expect Butler to be on the floor.

Joakim Noah-Chi: Noah missed Saturday’s game with an ankle injury and Omar Asik played well while he was out. He should return soon, but be aware of his injury.

DJ Augustin-Cha: Augustin will miss the next few days with a crack in between the bones of his toe.

Darko Milicic-Min: Milicic had a solid game in LA, but then left his next start (Saturday) with a sore hip. He’s day-to-day entering this week.

Michael Beasley-Min: He’s out indefinitely and his roll is TBD once he resumes practice and game-time.

J.J. Berea-Min: Berea is day-to-day with an ankle injury. He missed the Wolves last trip but should be ready to return soon.

Tristan Thompson-Cle: Thompson rolled his ankle but kept playing and X-rays were negative. He may miss some time this coming week which makes him a slightly less attractive option as an addition (more add-ons coming in today’s later post)

Vince Carter-Dal: He’s hoping to return tonight and could help pick up the slack with Dirk out, but with his deteriorating skills, current injury, and uncertain availability he’s a very high-risk option.

Kirk Hinrich-Atl: Hinrich is hoping to return on the Hawks next road-trip. His return may hurt the value of Jeff Teague if he starts stealing PG minutes.

Tags: Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, fantasy basketball advice, injury update, NBA injuries, NBA Week 5, start/sit