We break down the biggest Week 23 NBA injuries with analysis on how much time the players will need to recover and how the injuries may affect performance.
Kyrie Irving BOS: left knee surgery
Irving underwent surgery in his left knee this weekend to remove a tension wire that was originally inserted in a 2015 surgery to repair a fractured patella. He is expected to return in the next 3-6 weeks, which is in line with the Inside Injuries Optimal Recovery Time of 6 weeks. The Celtics will definitely be without Irving for at least the first round of the playoffs and likely longer. His mobility will be severely affected if he tries to return before the six week mark.
Stephen Curry GS: grade 2 MCL sprain
We thought it couldn’t get any worse for the Golden State Warriors when Kevin Durant went down with the rib 
fracture. Well, Steph Curry proved last week that it definitely could get worse. The point guard was making his return from a six game absence on Friday when he got rolled up on. He went down in pain, and an MRI later revealed a grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee. This is terrible news for a guys who has dealt with chronic right ankle issues all season. At this point it’s safe to say Curry won’t be playing in the first round of the playoffs, and when he does return, both his ankle and knee will be a concern.
Chris Paul HOU: hamstring injury
Chris Paul has now missed three straight games with a hamstring injury, but the Rockets expect him to return soon. Paul has battled various lower body injuries this season including a lingering left knee injury. A grade 1 hamstring injury comes with a two week Optimal Recovery Time, so Paul won’t be 100% for at least another week.
Giannis Antetokounmpo MIL: right ankle sprain
Giannis Antetokounmpo turned his right ankle last week when he stepped on Austin Rivers’ foot, but an MRI only revealed minor swelling in the joint. That was great news for the Bucks, and it was even better news that Antetokounmpo missed only one games. Unfortunately, the Inside Injuries algorithm calculated a 1-2 week Optimal Recovery Time for the Greek Freak, which means Antetokounmpo is currently playing at a High Injury Risk.
Derrick Rose MIN: right ankle sprain
Derrick Rose has a long history of ankle injuries, and he twisted his right ankle again last week. The Wolves will likely take it easy with Rose considering his injury history, but the good news is that the swelling it Rose’s ankle has gone down. Rose has been a High Injury Risk all season and that will continue through fantasy playoffs.
Marcus Morris BOS: right ankle sprain
The Celtics really can’t afford any more injuries, but they were hit with yet another one when Marcus Morris went down with an ankle sprain on Friday. Morris has only missed one game to the injury so far, and the Celtics are expecting him back ASAP. Morris only needs one week of rest according to the Inside Injuries metrics, so he should be back at 100% soon.
Julius Randle LAL: left ankle injury
Julius Randle rolled his left ankle this weekend, but the good news is that he didn’t require X-rays or any further testing after the game. The Inside Injuries algorithm is calculating a grade 1 sprain and a two week Optimal Recovery Time. The Lakers have four games lined up this week, but Randle won’t be playing at 100%. Randle should be considered a High Risk/High Reward player in fantasy hoops this week.
James Harden HOU: ankle injury
We don’t think this is anything to worry about but it is worth mentioning. James Harden rolled his ankle against the Pistons on Friday, but he didn’t miss any time. He was limited to 30 minutes on Sunday, but that’s probably because the Rockets were up by 24 points at the half against the Hawks. Harden is a sure lock for the fantasy playoffs.
Draymond Green GS: pelvic contusion
The Warriors only had one healthy All-Star left in Draymond Green, but he also went down with an injury last week. He took a shot to the mid-section in last Monday’s game and was diagnosed with a pelvic contusion. He only missed one game to the injury, but Green is still a High Injury Risk. He’s battled a handful of minor injuries this season and has missed 11 games so far this season. The Warriors need Green at 100% going into the playoffs considering the rest of their lineup is so beat up.
Jonathan Isaac ORL: left foot strain
Rookie Jonathan Isaac has had trouble with injuries all season, which is likely why he hasn’t really broken out yet. He has missed two straight games with a left foot strain, and he still hasn’t been able to practice. The Inside Injuries algorithm is calculating a 2-4 week Optimal Recovery Time, and we doubt Isaac will be back in time to have any effect on fantasy playoffs.
Dirk Nowitzki DAL: left knee tendinitis
The 39 year old has been surprisingly durable this year and has missed only one game so far this season. That will likely change this week after Nowitzki was listed on the injury report with left knee tendinitis. He should be considered questionable going forward and shouldn’t be considered a safe fantasy start.
Rajon Rondo NO: right wrist sprain
Rondo also played through a right wrist injury last spring, but this is the first time he’s dealt with a wrist issue this season. Rondo has been a solid fantasy value this season and has been an asset for the Pelicans. Given this seems to be a recurring injury, the Pelicans will likely play it safe before the playoffs with their point guard. It’s a shooting wrist injury, which means he can’t be trusted in fantasy hoops for the next two weeks.
Dennis Schroder ATL: left ankle injury
Dennis Schroder twisted his left ankle in Friday’s loss, but he was able to return to the game after being evaluated. Unfortunately, playing through the injury probably wasn’t the best idea. The Hawks ruled Schroder out for Sunday’s game and it’s possible his ankle swelled up on him after trying to play through it. The Hawks are tanking so there is no reason to risk playing Schroder before he’s 100%, which won’t be until the end of the fantasy season.
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