Fantasy Basketball Week 14 Key Injuries

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Week 14 in Yahoo fantasy basketball leagues is the last full week of play before the February 6 NBA trade deadline. Some teams have changed their rotations recently, prioritizing the development of younger players and improving the franchise’s draft lottery odds. Given how the projected 2025 draft class has been discussed, there will be even more “hijinks” after the trade deadline.

However, before we reach that point, there are many injuries for fantasy managers to consider while crafting their lineups. One injury is Suns rookie wing Ryan Dunn, who suffered a sprained ankle during the first quarter of Phoenix’s January 25 win over Washington. At a minimum, Dunn will miss Phoenix’s first game of Week 14, a home matchup with the Clippers on Monday. Who fills the void in the starting lineup?

Bradley Beal would appear to be the obvious answer because he was the starter earlier in the season. A return to the starting five would undoubtedly raise his fantasy ceiling, which has taken a hit with the demotion to the bench. However, Phoenix’s defense would likely suffer if Mike Budenholzer chose Beal. Could that put Royce O’Neale (9% rostered, Yahoo) in the conversation, especially with Phoenix needing to have someone guard Kawhi Leonard? If so, O’Neale’s fantasy value would receive a welcome boost, as he’s mainly been a streamer this season.

Let’s examine some key personnel questions impacting fantasy basketball during Week 14.

C Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Due to foot and knee issues, Embiid has not appeared in a game since January 4. David Aldridge of The Athletic wrote on January 26 that the 76ers don’t believe their 2023 NBA MVP will need surgery on his knee and expect him to return “sometime sooner rather than later.” That isn’t the most specific timeline, and Philadelphia will begin a four-game week on Tuesday against the Lakers. With Andre Drummond limited by a toe injury, it’s Guerschon Yabusele’s (23%) time in the City of Brotherly Love until Embiid is cleared to return. And given his recent medical struggles, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hold onto Yabusele even after Embiid returns.

SF/PF Jalen Johnson,…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-basketball-week-14-key-150000120.html

Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2025-01-27 15:00:00

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