The New Orleans Pelicans currently sit alone in eighth place in the Western Conference despite a tough schedule and numerous injuries to starters this season. They have quietly won nine of their last 12 games to stay in front of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns in the standings. They are likely to receive a boost in the near future as Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson should return to the team in the coming weeks, barring setbacks to their injuries. This team is being held together by spare parts, a few former first-round picks who struggled with their former teams, a couple of guys who nobody else wanted, and one man who should be the subject of all the MVP talk circulating around the league. His name is Anthony Davis.
There have been all sorts of MVP talks this season surrounding guys like Stephen Curry, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, but where’s the love for ‘The Brow?’ After missing five games in February while recovering from a shoulder injury, Davis came out and put up 39 points, 13 rebounds and eight blocks in his first game back. He’s averaging 24.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game this season, and has put this Pelicans team on his back to try and carry them to the playoffs. I understand people’s complaint against voting for an MVP whose team fails to make the playoffs, but what happens if New Orleans does make the postseason? What happens if they edge out the Thunder, and Davis averages something like 25-10-3 by season’s end? How can you deny that man an MVP Award with those numbers, especially since he has less talent around him than other MVP candidates? If the Pelicans can get healthy and keep winning games, Davis should at least earn a few first-place votes when it’s all said and done.
The season is coming down to the final weeks, and it is nearing playoff time in fantasy-land. So let’s take a look at a few injuries and how they could affect your team’s first-round matchup.
Out
Kevin Durant – SF, Thunder – Expected to miss 1-2 more weeks (Foot)
Durant had his foot checked out again Wednesday, and reports are that he is recovering at the expected rate, and should be able to return to action in a few weeks. The Thunder have lost two of their last three games, and they are trailing the Pelicans for that last playoff spot in the West. Getting Durant back, and healthy, is vitally important for this team. It still seems as though there is no single player who will receive the bulk of Durant’s minutes and shots, but it will be divided among several. Anthony Morrow did play over 30 minutes on Wednesday, scoring 26 in the loss to the Clippers, but I would wait before grabbing him up. Between Mitch McGary, Kyle Singler and Morrow, there is no real fantasy value at this point. I would resist the urge to add one of these guys, especially during the playoffs.
Brandon Knight – PG, Suns – Day-to-day (Ankle)
Knight left Monday’s game against Golden State with an ankle injury, and is doubtful to return by Friday. Knight will likely return Sunday against the Knicks. In the meantime his minutes will be divided up among other rotation players. Knight has struggled recently, averaging only 12.6 points, 3.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds over his last four games, and Phoenix will need much more from him if they wish to remain in the race in the coming weeks. Fantasy owners shouldn’t panic and drop Knight due to his recent struggles and injury, even though he is clogging up a spot on many people’s teams right now.
Isaiah Thomas – PG, Celtics – Will miss one week (Back)
Thomas owners were terrified when he took a hard fall in Monday’s game against Miami, but the guard did not suffer any serious injuries. He will only miss three or four games, at the most. Thomas found the perfect spot for his quick-play style in Boston, and had averaged 21.4 points and 5.4 assists since joining the team before the trade deadline. Fantasy owners should turn to Marcus Smart and Evan Turner this week, as they should receive the bulk of Thomas’ minutes. They both struggled from the field in their last game, but those struggles shouldn’t last long. Both guys have value with Thomas on the sidelines.
Jamal Crawford – SG/PG, Clippers – Day-to-day (Calf)
Crawford suffered a calf contusion last Monday against Minnesota, and has missed L.A.’s last four games. He is still without a definite timetable for return, which scares me about keeping him throughout the playoffs. He averaged 20.1 points per game in February, so his production is still there, but this injury seems like one that could linger. Coach Doc Rivers could opt to hold him out to ensure his health come NBA Playoff time. Crawford owners need to pay close attention to this injury, and if it seems like he will miss over two weeks, I would drop him immediately.
Wesley Matthews – SF, Trail Blazers – Out for season (Achilles)
Portland suffered a huge blow last Thursday when dynamic wing player Wesley Matthews tore his Achilles against Dallas. Matthews was averaging 15.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.9 threes made per game, all while shooting 39 percent from downtown. This injury to Matthews will hurt Portland considerably, and they will especially miss his ability to stretch the floor with his corner threes. It seems as if Terry Stotts will run a seven-man rotation with Aaron Afflalo filling in for Matthews in the starting lineup, using Steve Blake and Chris Kaman as the main reserves. Dorell Wright played only 10 minutes Wednesday against Houston, and does not figure to be much of a fantasy option at this point. Grab Afflalo if he’s out there in your leagues, but none of Portland’s reserves should be owned.
Jusuf Nurkic – C, Nuggets – Day-to-day (Ankle)
At one point this week Nurkic was considered probable for Wednesday’s game against Atlanta, but those rumors were untrue. It turns out Nurkic is still a few games away from being at full-speed, and a more likely return for him is Monday against Memphis or Thursday against Houston. Nurkic is averaging 7.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks this season, and all while playing only 18.1 minutes per game. His per-48 minute totals are through the roof, and when he is on the floor he makes a huge impact on this Nugget team. But the problem is getting him on the floor. Nurkic shouldn’t be owned in any leagues right now, simply because of his health and inconsistency. Next season we could easily see some Hassan Whiteside-type numbers from him, but for now his ankles just won’t hold up, and he isn’t worth a roster spot.
Andrew Chambers is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Andrew, check out his archive and follow him @beardedsports8.