Nicolas Batum is expected to miss a week or two due to injury
We’re barely over a week into 2017 and already my new year’s resolution to selflessly prevent every and any NBA sprain, strain, break, and tear has been completely dashed. On the plus side, here’s this week’s roundup of fantasy-relevant NBA injury news.
Import your team for free to get waiver wire advice 
Despite its ineligibility, the flu once again made its case for Defensive Player of the Year, holding Jimmy Butler to zero points in 29 minutes against the Thunder on Monday. The Chicago Tribune’s K.C. Johnson reported on Twitter that Butler will miss Tuesday’s game against the Wizards, along with Dwyane Wade (SG – CHI).
In their absence, the Bulls will rely on Doug McDermott (SF – CHI), rookie Denzel Valentine (SG – CHI), and possibly Rajon Rondo (PG – CHI). If you’ve got the room and need assists, rebounds, and steals out of a guard spot, Rondo may be the smart pick up here.
In news that caused definite concern throughout the NBA on Monday, Rose was reportedly missing for most of the evening. As of writing, no reporter has been able to reach Rose, but ESPN is reporting that sources state Rose went to Chicago to deal with a situation with his family.
In his place, Brandon Jennings (PG – NYK) scored 20 points and looks to be the starting point guard during Rose’s absence. Jennings hit seven three-pointers combined in his last two outings and could be someone to target if you need a quick scoring punch for the week. Knicks’ head coach Jeff Hornacek will also lean on Ron Baker (PG – NYK), but the long-haired rookie hasn’t made much of a statistical impact thus far.
Batum will be out for for a week or two, reports Spencer Percy on Twitter. Batum demonstrated his all-around ability throughout December, averaging 16.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game for the month after putting up an average of 13.9/7.0/5.1 in November. If his slow start and recent injury are enough to make him available in your league, definitely pounce. He’ll be a major factor as the Hornets jostle for a spot in the Eastern Conference playoff seeding.
If you need a scoring punch, Batum’s replacement, Jeremy Lamb (SG – CHA), is a definite pick-up. The Hornets’ sixth man has only played more than 30 minutes in one game so far this season – when he ended up with 18 points and 17 rebounds. If you need three-point shooting, Marco Belinelli (SG – CHA) is another possible target as he returns from an ankle injury.
That’s it for this week’s injury round-up. As seen with Jimmy Butler, flu season is here, so make sure to check your line-up, wash your hands, and don’t forget to stretch.
Jake Stern is a correspondent with FantasyPros. For more from Jake, check out his profile or follow him @TVsJakeStern.
