Fantasy Basketball Injury Report Analysis: Beal, Griffin, Bosh
Bradley Beal
The talented shooting guard has shown a propensity for injury and has now missed 72 games to injury in his four NBA seasons. The total includes 20 games this season as a result of a shoulder contusion, concussion and a reoccurrence of the stress reaction in his right fibula. Sadly, the list grew by one over the weekend as Beal made an early departure from the team's loss to the Pacers. Beal took a hard spill following a midair collision with Indiana's Myles Turner and instantly grabbed his lower back. The team later revealed Beal suffered a sprained pelvis on the play.
The paired hip bones and the final segment of the spine form the pelvis and connect the lower extremities to the abdominal region of the body. Numerous muscles attach in the area to complete a variety of movements, while multiple ligaments of various sizes and length help fortify the articulations of the hip.
The Wizards didn't specify which ligament Beal sprained, but based on his reaction and his clutching of his lower back, it seems likely that he injured one of the ligaments of the sacroiliac (SI) joint. The SI joint is located where the sacrum of the spine joins the ilium of the pelvis. Its primary responsibility is shock absorption but it also provides stability during high-energy motions like running or jumping.
The ligaments of the area work synergistically with the numerous muscles in the area. As a result, a sprain to the area can be problematic, as the motions of the SI joint can be disrupted resulting in lower back stiffness and, in some extreme cases, pain into the lower extremities. Furthermore any limitation in the SI joint can have a cascade effect on the muscles of the lower leg, including the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups. Given Beal's prior history of reoccurring lower leg issues, it will be extremely important that the Wizards not only treat the injury directly but also take the necessary steps to insure any potential trickle down effect is avoided.
Pelvic sprains are relatively uncommon in the NBA though Denver's Jameer Nelson missed a pair of games earlier in the season with an SI sprain, while Lance Stephenson missed 14 games last season with what was diagnosed as a nondescript pelvis sprain. Beal will not travel to Portland for Tuesday's game and hopes to return Friday in Utah. Garrett Temple seems the most likely to replace Beal in the starting lineup, though he's shot the ball poorly since the team returned from the All-Star break.
Blake Griffin
The Clippers are eagerly awaiting Griffin's return from a partially torn quadriceps tendon and a broken hand, though the former All-Star's return will be delayed by a four game suspension. In order for the suspension to begin, Griffin must be declared healthy and able to return to the active roster. When that finally occurs, Griffin will be eligible to play after completing the suspension. Mavericks guard Raymond Felton faced a similar situation last season when his own four-game suspension for weapons charges was delayed by a high ankle sprain suffered in the preseason. Griffin has begun shooting but has yet to be cleared for contact. As a result a mid-March return remains the current best-case scenario.
Fast Breaks
Chris Bosh: The Miami All-Star remains out following his second run-in with blood clots, and the team remains vague about a possible return. Bosh admitted to feeling good, though earlier reports stated team physicians were encouraging the 32-year-old forward to sit out the remainder of the season. Stashing Bosh remains a viable plan if you can afford to wait out the situation, though those in need of stats and games played should hit the waiver wire.
Jordan Clarkson: Clarkson returned from a one-game absence Sunday to lead Los Angeles' shocking upset over Golden State. The second-year guard suffered a strained patellar tendon earlier in the week but showed no signs of lingering issues as he led the Lakers in scoring with 25 points, including four made three-pointers. Clarkson is finishing the year strong for the second straight season and is now averaging 18.1 points, 3.0 made threes, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in eight games since the All-Star break. With Kobe Bryant expected to sit for several more games moving forward, look for Clarkson and teammate D'Angelo Russell to see an uptick in minutes and productivity.
Eric Gordon: The Pelicans injury woes continue as Gordon has once again broken his right ring finger. He missed 16 games earlier this season with the same injury, and it appears as if this second incident will effectively end his year. If that's the case, Gordon will become the fourth Pelican player to see his season end prematurely due to injury, joining Tyreke Evans, Quincy Pondexter and Bryce Dejean-Jones on the sidelines.
Andre Iguodala: The Finals MVP has missed three of Golden State's last four games with tightness in his left hamstring. The team is wisely playing it safe with Iguodala, though he could return Wednesday. I suspect the team will give him a few more days of rest as the season progresses, making him a risky play in most formats.
Brandon Knight: The Suns point guard hopes to return to practice this week after missing the last seven weeks with an adductor injury. The severity of the injury was never disclosed, though it was referred to as a sports hernia at one point. Returning to practice would be a major step toward Knight seeing game action before the conclusion of the season, though any minor setback would likely end his year. He could be worth a stash if you've secured a playoff bye, though he remains a high-risk, high-reward option.
Kristaps Porzingis: The Knicks rookie didn't play on Saturday after sustaining a left leg contusion in New York's previous contest. The injury is considered minor, though it's worth mentioning that the bulk of Porzingis' injuries since entering the league have been associated with his left side. It will be interesting to see if it affects his productivity down the stretch of his first full NBA season.
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.
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