This article is part of our NBA Injury Analysis series.
The Bulls guard is done for the season after suffering a multifaceted elbow injury. Wade took a hard fall in Wednesday's loss to the Grizzlies. He was initially diagnosed with a sprained elbow but further testing revealed an additional fracture at the injury site. The elbow is a hinge joint fortified by multiple ligaments that attach and surround the various bony projections in the area. Wade's fall temporarily forced the joint out of alignment, spraining a ligament and breaking a bone in the process. If it is to a particular area, the fracture associated with this mechanism of injury can often require surgery. Fortunately, it appears Wade will avoid a trip the operating room, suggesting his break is in a favorable area. Time remains the best treatment, and Wade should be fine by training camp. It remains to be seen what uniform Wade will be wearing when he does return. The former All-Star and Finals MVP holds a sizeable player option with the Bulls and could opt for a new home in the offseason.
For now, Paul Zipser has replaced Wade in the starting lineup and is averaging more than 28 minutes a game in the past two games. Unfortunately, the German rookie hasn't exactly been fantasy friendly, averaging just 6.0 points on a combined 5-of-12 shooting. However, Chicago's other rookie, Denzel Valentine, has also seen his court time steadily increase and could emerge as the better replacement option. Valentine is averaging 11.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and
The Bulls guard is done for the season after suffering a multifaceted elbow injury. Wade took a hard fall in Wednesday's loss to the Grizzlies. He was initially diagnosed with a sprained elbow but further testing revealed an additional fracture at the injury site. The elbow is a hinge joint fortified by multiple ligaments that attach and surround the various bony projections in the area. Wade's fall temporarily forced the joint out of alignment, spraining a ligament and breaking a bone in the process. If it is to a particular area, the fracture associated with this mechanism of injury can often require surgery. Fortunately, it appears Wade will avoid a trip the operating room, suggesting his break is in a favorable area. Time remains the best treatment, and Wade should be fine by training camp. It remains to be seen what uniform Wade will be wearing when he does return. The former All-Star and Finals MVP holds a sizeable player option with the Bulls and could opt for a new home in the offseason.
For now, Paul Zipser has replaced Wade in the starting lineup and is averaging more than 28 minutes a game in the past two games. Unfortunately, the German rookie hasn't exactly been fantasy friendly, averaging just 6.0 points on a combined 5-of-12 shooting. However, Chicago's other rookie, Denzel Valentine, has also seen his court time steadily increase and could emerge as the better replacement option. Valentine is averaging 11.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.8 made three-pointers over Chicago's last five games.
Paul Millsap and Kent Bazemore
The Hawks depth took a hit over the weekend as multiple players went down with knee issues. Millsap missed Saturday's contest with tightness in his left knee and has already been ruled out for Atlanta's next two games. This ailment is opposite the injured knee that forced Millsap to miss time in the preseason after a preventative procedure was needed to reduce swelling in the joint. The term "tightness" is a bit vague, though it does imply the issue is related to a muscular or tendinous injury. A quick look through Millsap's injury history reveals some issues, as he missed five games during the 2010-11 season with patellar tendinitis in the knee. Regardless of the exact diagnosis, Millsap becomes a precarious play in all formats even though the Hawks are scheduled for four games in the week ahead. We know Friday will be the earliest he could return, though that's far from a guarantee. Ersan Ilyasova is a good stopgap option after scoring 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-5 from behind the arc, in a starting role on Saturday.
While Millsap could be back at some point this week, the same cannot be said for Bazemore. The fifth-year forward will miss the next seven to 10 days with a bone bruise on his right knee. Bone contusions have had a notable impact across the league this season as multiple players, including Derrick Favors, Rodney Hood and Danilo Gallinari, have all missed time with the injury. As discussed in previous columns, bone contusions of the knee are particularly problematic as the biomechanics of the knee can delay the healing response. As a result, look for Bazemore to be out closer to the latter portion of the estimated timeline. Tim Hardaway is poised to return to the starting lineup where he has previously thrived. In 18 starts this year, Hardaway is averaging 17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 made three-pointers.
Fast Breaks
Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari: Both Denver forwards have been upgraded to questionable entering Monday's game against the Rockets. Chandler has missed three straight outings with a right groin contusion, while Gallinari has missed the past two with a left knee bone contusion. Given the team's vulnerable spot in the standings, look for the team to consider playing both players at less than 100 percent. Will Barton has responded well to an elevated role, averaging 22.3 points and 4.0 made three pointers in Denver's last three games.
The Phoenix Suns: With their season all but over, the Suns are embracing their spot in the standings and appear to be positioning themselves in the upcoming NBA lottery. The team, which has already lost Dragan Bender to ankle surgery, has shut down multiple players for the remainder of the year. Eric Bledsoe will miss the remainder of the season with lingering soreness in his left knee, and teammate Brandon Knight also has been shut down indefinitely. Devin Booker didn't play Sunday with soreness in his ankle and Achilles, and Ronnie Price was inactive with a leg contusion. T.J. Warren and Tyler Unis remain the lone guards standing in the suddenly depleted Phoenix backcourt, and both players logged more than 43 minutes in Sunday's loss to Detroit. With Tyson Chandler also handcuffed to the bench, Ulis, Warren and big man Marquese Chriss will see plenty of action moving forward and are worth consideration in most fantasy formats.
Kristaps Porzingis: The Knicks big man was an active participant in Sunday's practice and is expected back Monday against the Clippers. Porzingis missed the Knicks' loss to the Nets after sustaining a thigh contusion two days earlier. Employ him as you normally would.
Isaiah Thomas: The Celtics leading scorer has missed back-to-back games with a bone contusion in his right knee. The injury left Thomas with swelling around the joint and the team opted to treat the issue conservatively. They are optimistic he will be available for Monday's pivotal game against the Wizards but keep a close eye on the situation throughout the day for a better idea of Thomas' availability.
Dion Waiters: The inhabitants of Waiters Island are restless, as their leader is expected to miss an extended period of time with a left ankle injury. Waiters suffered his second left ankle sprain of the season early in the team's win over the Timberwolves. He was still on crutches on Sunday and told reporters this injury is worse than the last one. His previous ankle sprain cost him three games, so it appears Waiters will be out for the foreseeable future. As a result, Waiters becomes a droppable commodity especially with the fantasy playoffs currently underway in most formats. Josh Richardson has replaced Waiters in the Miami starting five.
