Fantasy Basketball Injury Analysis: Bosh, Bogut, Chandler
Chris Bosh
The Heat forward was a late scratch from the All-Star Game with what was initially considered left calf soreness. Unfortunately, upon further evaluation, a blood clot was found in the area and Bosh's long-term availability is now in question.
Generally blood clots are a good thing. Following damage to a blood vessel, specialized cells known as platelets create a plug to prevent blood from unnecessarily leaking out into the surrounding tissue. Eventually the body's natural defenses will stop the clot formation and slowly breakdown the plug. However, occasionally the clot won't be properly broken down, particularly in areas where blood flow is slower. The clot becomes problematic if it restricts normal blood flow or breaks off and travels to a more sensitive area like the heart or lungs.
Last season Bosh missed Miami's last 30 games after a clot that developed following a left calf strain traveled to his lungs as a pulmonary embolism. He spent time in the hospital and was placed on blood thinners. He spent the offseason slowly returning to top physical form and was cleared to return to activity.
Now Bosh again faces the same problem, though the recent blood clot remained isolated to the calf and doesn't carry the same potentially life-threatening concerns. However it will be important for Miami to determine why Bosh appears prone to this problem. Following last season's injury Bosh was screened for any genetic conditions that may have contributed to the clot development. No abnormalities were discovered and Bosh was allowed to return.
Still the 6-foot-11 forward's height could be considered a risk, as could the demands of extensive traveling during the NBA season. Clots can form during extended periods of immobilization, like sitting on a plane for hours following a basketball game. To prevent blood from pooling in the legs, many NBA players will wear compressive gear while traveling and are required to move or stretch periodically throughout the team's flight.
If Miami can pinpoint why Bosh has now twice developed clots, determining a return-to-play protocol becomes easier. In addition to figuring out the root of the problem, Bosh will need to be off of the blood thinners before he'll be cleared to return to prevent any complications.
All these factors cloud Bosh's fantasy value for the remainder of the season. Those able to stash Bosh or stomach an extended absence should hold on to him until the team releases a firm timetable about his return to play. However those in need of games played should examine all their options and strongly consider moving on from the 11-time All-Star.
Andrew Bogut: Golden State's starting center is battling an Achilles injury associated with a mild ankle injury. The calf aids in foot motion and is often irritated following a sprain. A limitation here could prove problematic at the ankle joint and have a cascade effect on the rest of the lower extremity. Given Bogut's knee problems on the same leg, it's important for the Golden State medical team to insure the Aussie big man returns without a functional limitation. With Festus Ezeli still recovering from knee surgery, the Warriors will utilize Draymond Green and Marreese Speights at the center position. Newly acquired Anderson Varejao may also see time as the team looks to integrate him into the lineup.
Tyson Chandler: The veteran big man missed Sunday and Monday's game with a shoulder injury. There have been conflicting reports on the extent of the damage, with it being listed as both a contusion and a sprain. Regardless of the true nature of the injury, Chandler doesn't have a lengthy history of shoulder problems and could play Thursday against the Nets. In the meantime, Alex Len is a sneaky play in daily formats and posted a solid stat line Sunday, finishing with 23 points and 13 rebounds, and had 14 points and eight rebounds Monday.
Kawhi Leonard: The Spurs star is dealing with a calf injury, though his ailment is far less serious than Bosh's. The injury is being reported as tightness, though a direct blow to the area appears to have caused the issue. Leonard returned Wednesday after missing three consecutive games, totaling 18 points, eight rebounds and four steals in 28 minutes. But given San Antonio's propensity to handle injuries particularly conservatively, don't be surprised if he is held out again or has his minutes limited until he is 100 percent healthy.
Kelly Olynyk: Boston will be without Olynyk for at least two more weeks as he recovers from a shoulder injury sustained prior to the All-Star break. The injury is listed as a contusion, though Boston GM Danny Ainge called it an AC sprain. The acromioclavicular joint is where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade and serves as the strut of the shoulder. Even a mild sprain of the joint can be problematic, though Boston's current timeline seems realistic. Look for Jared Sullinger and Amir Johnson to see extra minutes with Olynyk out.
Stotts works as a Certified Athletic Trainer (MAT, ATC, PES, CES) and is a former winner of the Best Fantasy Football Article from the Fantasy Sports Trade Association.
Follow @RotowireATC on Twitter.
Get a FREE RotoWire 10-day trial (no credit card required) at RotoWire.com
