NBA Fantasy Basketball-Injury Ward-January 30

Nothing can kill a promising fantasy hoops season as quickly as injuries to key players, especially if the owner isn’t active in replacing the lost production. Injuries also can present resourceful owners with great opportunities as the stats that go down get replaced (on some level) by others on that team. As we head into our 6th week of fantasy hoops for the year, here’s where the key injuries and opportunities are for fantasy owners:

Rajon Rondo is one of many fantasy players in street clothes these days. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

Carmelo Anthony-NY: After resting his wrist, Melo plans on returning Tuesday for the Knicks.

Rajon Rondo-Bos: reportedly targeting a return around the all-star break in a couple weeks. His replacement is next…

Avery Bradley-Bos: rolled his ankle yesterday but will probably play Tuesday in Cleveland.

Ty Lawson-Den: Lawson tried to play Sunday, but after the shootaround was anable to go. He should return this week at some point.

Kevin Martin-Hou: Martin has plantar fascitis and has missed the last 2 games, but should return for the Rockets games this week.

Luol Deng-Chi: Deng is “very close” according to Coach Tom Thibodeau to returning. He’ll probably be back at some point this week and could even play tonight in Washington.

Zach Randolph-Mem: Randolph has another MRI today to get an update on his injury and could be back in a couple weeks.

Andrea Bargnani-Tor: Bargnani’s calf doesn’t have any structural damage but the big Italian is out indefinitely while he recovers for the second time this  year.

Andrew Bogut-Mil: Bogut is out for at least another 7 weeks. Drew Gooden makes a good add for as long as he gets the minutes.

Ben Gordon-Det: Gordon is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury and Rodney Stuckey will continue to start in his absence.

Spencer Hawes-Phi: Hawes was listed as probable before sitting out once again on Saturday. He’s been expected back “soon” for over a week now, but his Achilles injury continues to linger. When he does return there will be another mad-dash for him on the wire.

Steve Nash-Phx: Nash was injured on the last play of the game against the Grizzlies and is a game-time decision for tonight’s game.

Jason Kidd-Dal: Kidd will miss this week most likely due to his calf injury. The importance of his injury has more to do with Rodrigue Beaubois‘s value. As long as Beaubois is starting he’s a good addition for your fantasy team.

Can Jimmer Fredette take advantage of his increased playing time? Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE

Marcus Thornton-Sac: Thornton will probably miss this week entirely and return sometime next week. Jimmer Fredette will get the starts in his absence.

DJ Augustin-Cha: Augustin is traveling with the team but is probably out for the majority, if not all, of this week.

Stephen Jackson-Mil: His role has been reduced by the Bucks lately, and he had a one-game suspension to serve on Sunday. He should be back in his 6th man roll tonight for Milwaukee.

Gerald Henderson-Cha: Henderson has a lower back injury and is 50-50 for Tuesday’s game.

Leandro Barbosa-Tor: Barbosa had been playing extremely well before missing Sunday’s game with an ankle injury. It’s not expected to be serious, but his role may be in flux with the new-look Raps lineup getting them the win last night in Jersey.

Jameer Nelson-Orl: Nelson has been ruled out for today’s game in Philadelphia. He’s dealing with concussion-like symptoms and his return is uncertain. Chris Duhon will get the starts for as long as he remains sidelined.

Baron Davis-NY: Davis is about a week away from debuting for the Knicks. His role is TBD so picking him up at this points would be a leap of faith.

Mehmet Okur-NJ: Okur continues to struggle with back spasms. He’s expected to miss a few games even though an MRI came back negative for anything serious.

Darko Milicic-Min: Milicic was sick on Sunday, but should be available soon for the Wolves.

Editor’s Note: If you need to add someone to your roster or lineup, check out our top 10 to add for week 6 posted last Saturday.

Tags: Carmelo Anthony, fantasy basketball additions, fantasy basketball advice, fantasy basketball lineup, Featured, injury update, NBA Week 6