Fantasy Basketball: Key Injuries in Week 2

Week 2 of the fantasy basketball season is here, which means we have a full week of games to work with. And there are some serious injuries to deal with too. The Warriors watched their superstar guard sprain his ankle twice on Sunday night and ultimately exit in a loss to the Clippers. Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Phoenix also have significant injury concerns that will have a big impact on how fantasy managers construct their lineups. Let's take a look at some of the more serious injuries leading up to Week 2.

Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry

Curry sprained his ankle twice in the second half of Sunday's game, once in the third quarter and once in the fourth. After the loss, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said the injury didn't look too serious but they were awaiting the results of Curry's upcoming MRI scan. Golden State plays three games in Week 2, but the first two are back-to-back home games against the Pelicans on Tuesday and Wednesday. Managers in leagues that set their lineups for the week on Monday may have to move Curry to the bench unless MRI results are announced later in the day.

And even if the scans don't show any problems, it's not easy to imagine the Warriors facing Curry in back-to-back games this early in the season. Starters Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga will have more agency with Curry sitting, while backups like Buddy Hield (57% on the roster) and Brandin Podziemski will also be in the mix and have a heavier workload. Of the Warriors' three matchdays, Tuesday will be the best in terms of streaming value, with only four games on the schedule. Wednesday (11 games) and Saturday (10) are significantly more crowded.

Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid and Paul George

Yes, we're still waiting for updates on Embiid and George. It was assumed that the 76ers would receive an update on the former this weekend, but that was not the case. And with the team's Week 2 schedule being what it is, that probably bought the team some time. Philadelphia only plays twice in Week 2, Wednesday night against the Pistons and Saturday against the Grizzlies. From a scheduling perspective, there may not be as much urgency to get Embiid or George back on the court this week, even if Philadelphia has a 1-2 record. By the time the stars return, Andre Drummond (46% on the roster), Kelly Oubre Jr. (40%) and Caleb Martin (14%) will have additional fantasy value. In Drummond's case, sticking with him even after Embiid is fully cleared may not be a bad idea.

Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo

While Antetokounmpo didn't miss any of Milwaukee's three games in Week 1, he appeared on the injury report before each one due to right patella tendonitis. His 33 minutes of playing time in Sunday's loss to the Nets was interesting in that it was the first game in a row. Milwaukee begins its Week 2 on Monday in Boston and has two days off before its next game on Thursday in Memphis. Giannis could definitely play against the Celtics; Given the profile of this matchup, it would be surprising if he didn't. But don't be surprised if he shows up on the pregame injury report. Bobby Portis, already in most leagues, and Damian Lillard are two players whose fantasy values ​​would rise if Antetokounmpo were to miss Monday's game.

Memphis Grizzlies: Yes Morant

Morant was listed on the injury report before Saturday's win against Orlando with a right hamstring injury, and because of that he remains on the report for Monday's game against the Bulls. It's worth noting that Saturday's game was the second in as many nights for the Grizzlies, so Ja's play was a positive sign. Memphis will play four games in Week 2, and the schedule includes a midweek back-to-back game against the Nets and Bucks. If Morant misses a game, Memphis could move Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane up a position.

However, the question remains as to who would fill the resulting gap in the starting eleven. Regardless of whether he's in the starting lineup or not, Santi Aldama (35% on the roster) has played well enough to make the roster whenever the Grizzlies have lost a star. Scotty Pippen Jr. (18% on the roster) may have more runs and had 12 assists against Orlando, but Aldama is the player fantasy managers should look for even if he's not a point guard.

Phoenix Suns: Bradley Beal

A right elbow injury sidelined Beal during Saturday's win over Dallas, Phoenix's second game in as many nights. He is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Lakers, the first of three games Phoenix will play in Week 2. The list ends with games against the Clippers (Thursday) and Trail Blazers (Saturday), with the former being a good streaming day for fantasy managers. Rookie Ryan Dunn (1% on roster) started in Beal's place on Saturday and played well. However, reserve wing Royce O'Neale (4% on the roster) recorded the more meaningful statistic in terms of fantasy basketball.

Toronto Raptors: Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett

There seemed to be some optimism that Barrett (shoulder) could make his season debut Saturday against the Timberwolves. Unfortunately, he was ruled out after initially being deemed questionable. Barrett is once again considered questionable for Monday's game against the Nuggets, with his availability impacting Ochai Agbaji the most (6% of roster). Agbaji played well against the Timberwolves, finishing the game with 19 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and three 3-pointers in 31 minutes. The production wasn't consistent enough to fully trust Agbaji in standard leagues, but the minutes were there.

As for Quickley (pelvis), he did not travel with the team to Minneapolis and has not played since the season opener against Cleveland. Davion Mitchell (2% on roster) has filled the void in the starting lineup with rookie Jamal Shead (1% on roster) playing rotation minutes off the bench, but neither has done enough to be streamed in most leagues . Mitchell had eight assists and just one turnover against Minnesota, but was scoreless on 0 of 5 shots. Gradey Dick (21% on the roster) had a solid performance in Week 1, which included a 25-point effort against the Timberwolves, and his shooting ability gives him some value in leagues in his category.

New York Knicks: Josh Hart and Miles McBride

The Knicks are already dealing with a lack of depth and have two rotation players on their injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Cavaliers. Hart is questionable due to a right ankle injury, while McBride is probable after hyperextending his left knee in Friday's win over the Pacers. The former's status is more significant in fantasy basketball as Hart is part of the starting lineup, but Deuce's value as a bench scorer cannot be discounted. Cameron Payne (1%) could add value if the Knicks have fewer bodies, but it will be more about the starters taking on a heavier workload in the short term if Hart can't play. And with all three of the Knicks' Week 2 games scheduled for busier nights (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), there's not much reason to consider streaming Payne.

Atlanta Hawks: De'Andre Hunter

Hunter was ruled out of Sunday's loss to the Thunder due to worrisome inflammation in his right knee. Last season, he missed over a month due to the same issue and had to undergo a non-surgical procedure to correct the problem. Rookie Zaccharie Risacher (19% on the roster) started in his place and was solid, posting 13 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one blocked shot in 27 minutes. Hunter's absence also meant more opportunities for David Roddy (

Orlando Magic: Jonathan Isaac

Isaac has missed Orlando's last two games due to a hip bruise and is questionable for Monday's game against the Pacers. This is the first of four games on the Magic's schedule for Week 2. His absence doesn't have a significant impact on fantasy basketball, especially with starter Paolo Banchero healthy. But Isaac was a solid late-round dart thrower in many leagues; Of course, minutes would be closely monitored given his injury history, but if the pick “hits,” he can provide solid value in that bench role. Orlando played eight players in Saturday's loss to the Grizzlies, with Anthony Black (3% on the roster) playing 20 minutes and Moritz Wagner (6%) and Jett Howard playing 12 minutes each. With Isaac out, there is no worthwhile streaming option.

San Antonio Spurs: Tre Jones

Jones injured his ankle in Thursday's loss to the Mavericks, which could cause him to be sidelined for several weeks. With Chris Paul firmly entrenched as the starting point guard, Jones wouldn't be a factor in fantasy basketball. But his absence opens up opportunities for several guards, including freshman Stephon Castle (10% on the roster). Castle played 27 minutes in Saturday's win over the Rockets and finished with eight points, one rebound, three assists, two steals and one blocked shot.

He didn't shoot the ball well, going 2 of 8 from the field, but the tools are there for him to add value off the bench. Malaki Branham (