This article is part of our NBA Injury Analysis series.
Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler
Both Rose and Butler are out for Chicago after sustaining injuries during the past week. Rose's injury is unfortunately a familiar one, as the 2011 MVP suffered a torn medial meniscus in his right knee, the same knee that required a medial meniscus repair last season. Rose missed 71 regular-season games and all of Chicago's postseason contests.
Surgery this time around was a bit different as the surgeon performed a meniscectomy, or removal, rather than a repair. Basically the damaged cartilage tissue was excised and Rose will spend the next few weeks treating the associated symptoms while rehabbing the joint to maintain it's range of motion and strength. The final step in his recovery process will be returning to basketball-related activities. The Bulls have estimated he will need 4-to-6 weeks to recover, a timeline similar to the one established by the Hornets for guard Kemba Walker following his meniscectomy. Unfortunately, the timeline isn't much help for fantasy owners as the regular season concludes in roughly seven weeks. As a result, Rose's immediate fantasy value essentially is gone, making him droppable in one-year leagues.
The effects of the surgery could also impact Rose's value in keeper or dynasty leagues. While the turnaround following this procedure will be much shorter than Rose's previous operation, the long-term risks are higher. With the meniscus gone, Rose will have a higher propensity for chronic issues like osteoarthritis. The three-time All-Star can take precautionary steps to better prepare his knee for
Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler
Both Rose and Butler are out for Chicago after sustaining injuries during the past week. Rose's injury is unfortunately a familiar one, as the 2011 MVP suffered a torn medial meniscus in his right knee, the same knee that required a medial meniscus repair last season. Rose missed 71 regular-season games and all of Chicago's postseason contests.
Surgery this time around was a bit different as the surgeon performed a meniscectomy, or removal, rather than a repair. Basically the damaged cartilage tissue was excised and Rose will spend the next few weeks treating the associated symptoms while rehabbing the joint to maintain it's range of motion and strength. The final step in his recovery process will be returning to basketball-related activities. The Bulls have estimated he will need 4-to-6 weeks to recover, a timeline similar to the one established by the Hornets for guard Kemba Walker following his meniscectomy. Unfortunately, the timeline isn't much help for fantasy owners as the regular season concludes in roughly seven weeks. As a result, Rose's immediate fantasy value essentially is gone, making him droppable in one-year leagues.
The effects of the surgery could also impact Rose's value in keeper or dynasty leagues. While the turnaround following this procedure will be much shorter than Rose's previous operation, the long-term risks are higher. With the meniscus gone, Rose will have a higher propensity for chronic issues like osteoarthritis. The three-time All-Star can take precautionary steps to better prepare his knee for these types of problems, but it will remain a red flag moving forward.
With Rose out, the impact of Butler's injury is amplified. Butler had his left elbow sandwiched between his body and DeAndre Jordan. The impact forced a high degree of valgus stress onto the medial aspect of his elbow, specifically the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). He left the game in considerable pain and was later diagnosed with an elbow sprain. Reports that the UCL is the involved ligament have already begun to surface and Butler was set for a MRI to determine the extent of the damage. Fantasy baseball players are all too familiar with UCL injuries, as it is the ligament repaired in Tommy John surgery. The injury is less common in the NBA, though players like Andrea Bargnani and Steve Blake have suffered the injury in recent seasons. The severity of the sprain will determine just how long Butler will be out, with anything higher than a Grade I likely requiring several weeks to heal.
In the meantime, Aaron Brooks and Tony Snell suddenly become fantasy relevant, though neither is likely to replicate the stat lines of their injured counterpart.
Russell Westbrook
It appears the only thing that could slow down Westbrook, the walking triple-double, is a fractured face. The All-Star Game MVP has been on a tear since returning from the break but suffered a scary injury in the waning moments of the team's recent loss to the Blazers. Scrambling for a loose ball, Westbrook was struck on the right side of his face by teammate Andre Roberson. The impact left Westbrook with a visible dent in the side of the face. A subsequent MRI revealed a fractured zygomatic arch that was treated surgically on Sunday.
Facial fractures occur frequently in the NBA, with Mavericks point guard Rajon Rondo missing seven games earlier this season with an orbital fracture. However, most of these injuries, including Rondo's, occur closer to the nose and eye. Here special care has to be given to ensure the eyeball and the neighboring sinuses are intact. Westbrook's injury was clearly on the side of his head in a location that should allow him to return quickly. He missed Sunday's win over the Lakers but is expected to be re-evaluated later this week. If the wound is healed and no other complications arise, Westbrook could be back on the court before the weekend. However, he will likely be fitted for a protective mask and may need some time to adjust for playing with the often-irritating piece of equipment.
Those in weekly leagues should consider benching Westbrook for the upcoming week to allow for time off and the expected adjustment period. Newly-acquired D.J. Augustin sees his value improve for the short-term. Augustin played a team-high 41 minutes Sunday and finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in the win.
Fast Breaks
Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons
The Mavericks continue to play without their two Chandlers, as both players have missed time and will not play Monday against the Pelicans. Tyson will miss his third straight game after suffering a hip contusion while drawing a charge. Parsons will miss his fifth-straight game with a lingering ankle sprain. Dallas does play three more games this week but both players are risky plays.
DeMarcus Cousins
The Kings' big man is still feeling the effects of a sprained ankle and a hip contusion but hopes to play Tuesday against the Knicks. The Kings have a pair of back-to-backs this week and an active Cousins would be a big win for fantasy owners.
Goran Dragic
Dragic is experiencing back spasms but is optimistic he will play Monday when the Heat hosts his former team, the Suns. Dragic did miss two games earlier this season with back issues so we may have to wait on The Dragon revenge game. He will be a game-time decision.
Brandon Knight
One of the players Phoenix brought in to replace Dragic is expected to play Monday despite a painful hip pointer injury sustained over the weekend. If Knight is unable to suit up, Gerald Green will see a bump in minutes with Archie Goodwin available as well.
Blake Griffin
The Clippers could welcome Griffin back soon as his injured elbow is improving. Griffin has missed nine straight games with a staph infection in the joint but has had his stitches removed and is no longer wearing a brace. He will be a risky play this week but his return does seem imminent. DeAndre Jordan owners won't be pleased, as the Clippers' center has taken advantage of Griffin's absence. Jordan is averaging a robust 16.2 points, 19.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game during the team's nine games without Griffin.
