This article is part of our NBA Injury Analysis series.
While COVID-19 continues to result in absences and postponements around the league, injuries have also befallen some big-name players over the last week. Athletic trainer Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) takes an in-depth look at what lies ahead for CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic, Myles Turner, and other fantasy-relevant players.
CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic
The Blazers lost two members of their starting five to bone-related injuries in a span of two days. Nurkic was injured first, suffering a right wrist fracture. McCollum was injured in Portland's next game, suffering a mid-foot sprain and a broken lateral cuneiform in his left foot.
Nurkic sustained a wrist fracture in a recent loss to the Pacers when he swiped at the ball. X-rays revealed the break and surgery was performed January 19 in Los Angeles. Nurkic is expected to miss at least the next six weeks.
When a bone fractures, the nature of the break and the bone involved are two primary factors that influence treatment options. Surgery is usually warranted if the bone fragments are displaced, meaning they have shifted out of normal alignment. Additionally, a trip to the operating room may be necessary if the bone itself has a limited blood supply and may have trouble adequately fusing.
In Nurkic's case it is likely he suffered a displaced fracture, setting up the need for his surgery. On the plus side, bone tissue usually heals nicely and is capable of returning to its original strength and integrity. However, this takes time
