We break down the biggest Week 22 NBA injuries with analysis on how much time the players will need to recover and how the injuries may affect performance.
Klay Thompson GS: fractured right thumb
It turns out that Thompson’s sprained right thumb was more serious than Golden State originally thought. He 
suffered the injury last Sunday, but further testing revealed that Thompson had actually suffered a fracture in his right thumb, an injury that comes with a multi-week absence. The team said Thompson would be re-evaluated this Thursday, but the Inside Injuries algorithm is calculating an eight week Optimal Recovery Time. Shooting hand injuries are extremely tricky, especially ones to the thumb. Thompson will have a Poor Health Performance Factor if he plays before the playoffs.
Kevin Durant GS: incomplete rib cartilage fracture
Golden State took some major hits last week when they lost both Klay Thompson and Steph Curry. To make matters worse, the MRI on Kevin Durant’s sore ribs revealed an incomplete rib cartilage fracture, and he will miss at least the next two weeks. The earliest that Golden State is expecting Durant back is March 31, but the Inside Injuries algorithm suggests Durant won’t be completely healthy for another six weeks. Durant has missed his share of time to minor injuries here and there, but it’s obvious that this Warriors team needs to get healthy before the playoffs if they expect to make it to their fourth straight NBA Finals.
Rodney Hood CLE: back injury
Rodney Hood has dealt with lingering back problems this season, and he tweaked it again on Thursday. He missed time last week attempting to shake the issue but quickly ended up back on the sidelines. Given this is a recurring injury, Hood should miss at least the next two weeks of action, and he might be on a minutes restriction for longer than that. He can’t be trusted in fantasy hoops when he’s not 100%.
Larry Nance CLE: right hamstring injury
The Cavs tried to play this injury off as a minor tweak last Tuesday, but Nance hasn’t played since. He’s expected to miss Monday’s game, which makes three straight games on the bench. The Inside Injuries algorithm is calculating a grade 1 hamstring strain and a 2-3 week Optimal Recovery Time. Hamstring injuries have a tendency to linger, so it could be even longer before he really shakes this.
Nicolas Batum CHA: left Achilles tendinitis
The only good news here is that Batum has not had an Achilles issue before. That being said, Achilles tendinitis is not easy to recover from and the injury tends to linger. An MRI revealed the diagnosis this week, and Charlotte has not provided an official timeline. All they are saying is that his return “will be based on how he responds to treatment.” It will be at least two weeks before he’s ready to play again, according to our metrics, so he shouldn’t be trusted in fantasy hoops until then.
Zach LaVine CHI: knee injury
LaVine has now missed two straight games to some tendinitis in his knee. The big concern here is that LaVine just returned from ACL surgery in January. The Bulls won’t be in any rush to bring him back, and LaVine hasn’t been a very efficient fantasy option this season. Consider dropping him if you can. Considering Denzel Valentine went off for 34 points as a starter on Saturday, he could be someone to consider in DFS.
Gary Harris DEN: right knee injury
Gary Harris had a scary looking fall after a dunk attempt last week, injuring his knee in the process. X-rays came back negative, but the Nuggets haven’t been clear about the MRI results. He’s expected to miss at least one week of action or the next 3-4 games, so our analytics are showing a grade 1 injury. If you are currently in fantasy playoffs and don’t have an IR spot available, it’s time to consider dropping Harris. He won’t be performing at 100% for at least the next two weeks.
Devin Booker PHO: right hand sprain
Booker jammed his right hand at practice on Wednesday, but he made it worse by trying to play through it on Thursday. Unsurprisingly, he struggled with his shot, making just 3-of-18 from the field. The Suns rested him on Saturday, and the Inside Injuries algorithm suggests he’ll need two weeks of recovery time to get healthy. Shooting hand injuries are tricky, and he shouldn’t be a trusted fantasy start until he’s healthy and his performance is no longer affected.
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