Each week of the NBA season unfortunately brings injuries to key players across the league. The goal of this column is to break down those injuries and understand which players could benefit in fantasy from an injury to a teammate.

As a reminder, COVID-19 related absences from players will now be included in this column.

There are several injuries to cover for this week, so let’s get to it.

Short-Term Injuries

Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors- tailbone

Curry has now missed two games due to a tailbone injury and his status for Tuesday’s game is up in the air. The hope is that the elite point guard can return to the court soon. If he can’t play soon, Jordan Poole and Nico Mannion would see more minutes. Poole would be an excellent streaming option considering he has posted 26 and 25 points in the two contests Curry has missed.

James Wiseman, C, Golden State Warriors- COVID-19 protocols

Wiseman is currently in COVID-19 protocols and has missed three games so far. The earliest he can return is Thursday, but it remains to be seen if he does. Kevon Looney should be seeing more minutes in Wiseman’s absence but is not a fantasy-relevant at this point.

Serge Ibaka, C, Los Angeles Clippers- back

Ibaka has now missed four games straight due to a back injury. The center was not having a stellar statistical season by any means, averaging 10.9 points per game and not posting more than 21 points in any contest this season. Ivica Zubac is a solid add at this point given he has posted at least 10 points and five rebounds in the last three contests, including one game with a triple-double.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF, Milwaukee Bucks- knee

Giannis is dealing with a knee injury but it doesn’t look serious so the forward could return sooner rather than later. New addition P.J. Tucker could see more minutes if Antetokounmpo can’t play in a contest, but Tucker is not a fantasy-relevant option at this point.

Lonzo Ball, PG, New Orleans Pelicans- hip

A hip injury kept Ball sidelined in Sunday’s game and his status is questionable for Tuesday’s contest. In the last three games he played, Ball posted at least 11 points and five assists, including one contest with an incredible 17 assists. If the youngster can’t go on Tuesday, Nickeil Alexander-Walker would be a solid streaming option considering he posted 20 points on Sunday in Ball’s absence.

Mid-Term Injuries

Marvin Bagley III, PF, Sacramento Kings- hand

A hand injury will now sideline Bagley for at least a month. The Duke product was averaging a modest 13.9 points per game this season. Now, guys like Nemanja Bjelica and Hassan Whiteside could see more minutes, but none are worth more than monitoring at this point.

LeBron James, SF, Los Angeles Lakers- ankle

LeBron is dealing with a high ankle sprain and will likely miss at least a few weeks. James was the primary player on the Lakers in recent weeks as Anthony Davis is tending to a calf injury. Now, with both superstars out, other guys will need to step up. Talen Horton-Tucker, Montrezl Harrell, and Kyle Kuzma are all solid adds at this point given their roles and minutes will increase with Davis and James out.

Long-Term Injuries

LaMelo Ball, PG, Charlotte Hornets- wrist

In the midst of a stellar rookie season, Ball sustained a bone fracture in his wrist and will miss the remainder of the 2020-21 season. It is an unfortunate ending to the season for the youngster, who showed many signs of promise up to this point. Now, Ball will try his best to return to the court next season.

Devonte’ Graham is worth stashing right now as he is set to receive an expanded role for the rest of the season. He is currently averaging 13.2 points per game.