Over the past week, the NBA has been plagued with some big-name injuries. The domino effect started with Kyrie Irving, who is currently in a walking boot and using crutches, after going down with a right heel contusion. Days later, the Knicks took a hit with Mitchell Robinson having to undergo ankle surgery. Then fast forward to today and the Miami Heat have gotten bit by the injury bug (again) with Bam Adebayo missing more time.
It may just be that time of the year where the wear and tear starts to show for certain players and teams. But it doesn't erase the fact that these are significant injuries happening at times that could impact how their respective teams fare with each player out. Even with that, there's also the silver lining of who could step up and show out to seize the opportunity of more playing time and to keep their ship afloat. Let's take a deeper look into the injuries of Irving, Robinson, and Adebayo and players to keep on your radar in their absence.
Kyrie Irving
Dallas Mavericks
Kyrie Irving is out and without a timetable, which generally isn't a good thing, but his latest setback is being listed as a heel contusion, so it shouldn't be long-term. What to watch for in his absence, long as it lasts, is that the Mavericks were 4-1 in games without Irving heading into Tuesday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. Dallas just won Monday night in Memphis, but everyone's taking their turn on beating the Grizzlies.
Who to watch for: Dante Exum
The Mavs have also been without Grant Williams, Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and Josh Green. The Mavericks being heavily shorthanded has directly led to the emergence and resurfacing of Dante Exum.Exum has started each of the Mavericks' last four contests, averaging 14.7 points, 6.7 and 5.3 rebounds on 49/36/75 shooting. Now, that hasn't been sustainable for his career, but he's the guy to keep tabs on with Irving, in particular, out. His first two starts came alongside Irving, but his bump in production came following the injury. He's been flying over his points, assists, and PRA combos over the last two games.Fantasy-wise, we love that, but I hesitate to say adding Exum is mainly stream option and not a long-term option.
Others receiving votes: Tim Hardaway Jr. (streamer, potential season-long), Seth Curry (category stream for threes)
Bam Adebayo
Miami Heat
Bam Adebayo has been dealing with a hip injury and has been out for four straight games, but also missed an additional one or two due to the same ailment earlier this season. The generally healthy Adebayo has missed seven games and counting this season, and like Irving, doesn't have a timetable for return — the Miami Heat probably wouldn't tell you if there were one anyway.
Who to watch for: Orlando Robinson
Honestly, this could be made simpler and we could just talk about the development of Jaime Jaquez Jr., the growth of Caleb Martin, or the steadiness of Kevin Love, but nah, this is all about Orlando Robinson because it has to be. Let's remember that the NBA is a business. The Heat signed Thomas Bryant on a minimum deal to compete with Robinson for the honor of being Adebayo's backup. Robinson has not won this competition even though Heat fans would tell you that they think Bryant lost. But Bryant is what he's paid to be: A backup center. Robinson has to start because he's on a team-friendly two year deal that is partially guaranteed until January 10. Currently, $850,000 is guaranteed to him, if he survives until January 10, that number becomes $1.8 million. Robinson also has $2.5 million due next season, but it's entirely non-guaranteed until July 15, then it becomes fully guaranteed. Bryant is just signed for this year. The Heat will start Robinson to see what they have because that's what you do with an investment you have an easy out on. Bryant's guaranteed for the year and is in his seventh season, we know what and who he is. Robinson? We're all finding out together.
Others receiving votes: Kevin Love (streamer), Thomas Bryant (if Robinson gets hurt, benched). Jaquez and Martin are possible season-long keepers.
Mitchell Robinson
New York Knicks
Robinson is out for 6-8 weeks with an ankle injury. As I wrote Monday, he's the running back in fantasy football, Robinson would be the running back you'd always want to handcuff with his backup. The Knicks will be impacted defensively, but from a real (and fantasy) basketball perspective, Isaiah Hartenstein is the guy you want to target in terms of rostering, betting, and overall, just watching.
Who to watch for: Isaiah Hartenstein
Isaiah Hartenstein is a quality backup and a capable starter… except he didn't start on Monday because Tom Thibodeau started Jericho Sims in maximum Tom Thibodeau fashion. Fear not: Hartenstein logged the lionshare of minutes with 27, recording an 11-8-2-2-1 line.Hartenstein can fill up the stat sheet when given extended run. For his career, he sits at 12.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per 36 minutes, that's adjusted to about 8-7-2-1-1 per 27 minutes with some rounding, which you'll sign for regarding a center who is a fifth option. Hartenstein is on an expiring contract with a mid-level ish $8.2 million on the books this season, meaning the Knicks would also be smart to boost his trade value in the event you'd like to move him prior to Robinson's eventual return, which, judging by the listed 6-8 weeks, may coincide with the trade deadline on February 9.
