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The 2024-25 season gets underway Tuesday night, and there are already some critical injuries for fantasy managers to consider when crafting their lineups. Philadelphia could be without two of its three stars when it opens the season on Wednesday, while its opponent (Milwaukee) already knows it will be down a starter. And those aren’t the only injury statuses that stand to impact the opening week of the NBA season. Below are some of the most impactful injury situations and who may be in a position to benefit if an expected fantasy standout cannot play.
Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid and Paul George
The good news for the 76ers is that Tyrese Maxey (thumb) will be ready to go when they open their season on Wednesday. The bad is that they won’t have Embiid (knee) and George (knee). Embiid, who did not play during the preseason, will continue to ramp up and is expected to scrimmage this week, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. As for George, he’ll be re-evaluated later this week after hyperextending his knee during a preseason game in Atlanta.
76ers: Joel Embiid and Paul George are out for opener vs. Bucks on Wednesday. Embiid is progressing well and ramping up, scrimmaging this week. He will not play this week. George will be re-evaluated later in the week. pic.twitter.com/oDFyAx1mbz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 22, 2024
Three players whose values are impacted the most by Embiid and George’s availability are Andre Drummond, Kelly Oubre Jr., and KJ Martin. Drummond’s rebounding ability makes him a must-have with Embiid sidelined, while Oubre was already in the starting lineup. As for Martin, he started Philadelphia’s final two preseason games with George sidelined. While Martin isn’t on Drummond or Oubre’s level regarding the need to roster him, he’s worth a look in very deep leagues.
Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic
Doncic, who had been sidelined with a calf contusion, has participated fully in practices since the weekend. He’s on track to play in Thursday’s Mavericks’ season opener against the Spurs. And like Philadelphia, they won’t have to navigate a back-to-back during Week 1 (they will in Week 2)….
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-basketball-week-1-key-140000224.html
Author : NBC Sports
Publish date : 2024-10-22 14:00:00
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