Fantasy Basketball Week 19 Key Injuries

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For many fantasy managers, Week 19 is the start of the fantasy postseason. And with the “silly season” in full effect, there are some availability issues to navigate while crafting lineups. Let’s look at some key injuries that will impact Week 19 in fantasy basketball, beginning with two Celtics starters.

SF/PF Jayson Tatum and PF/C Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics

After playing 45 minutes in the Celtics’ March 8 win over the Lakers, Tatum is questionable for the team’s Week 19 opener against the Jazz with right knee tendinopathy. While the game is not part of a back-to-back, Boston may view this as an opportunity to get Tatum a night off. If so, Sam Hauser (two percent) would figure more prominently in the rotation, potentially as a starter. Also, Payton Pritchard (53 percent) would have increased value in fantasy leagues despite remaining in a reserve role.

As for Porzingis, his situation is more concerning. The Celtics forward/center has missed five games due to illness and is doubtful for the Utah game. Al Horford (28 percent) has been the usual fill-in when a starter is out and that will not change. However, Boston ends Week 19 with a Friday/Saturday back-to-back, making this a three-game week for Horford (he hasn’t played both ends of a back-to-back in either of the last two seasons). Luke Kornet (two percent) can be worthy of a look in extremely deep leagues when Horford and Porzingis are out, while Neemias Queta isn’t worth the risk.

SF/PF LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

James suffered a strained groin during the matchup with the Celtics and will miss at least two weeks. With Jaxson Hayes (knee) and Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) also out for the Lakers’ March 10 matchup with the Nets, JJ Redick will work with limited options as the team continues its road trip. Luka Doncic, whose back gave him trouble on Saturday, will shoulder a heavy workload if he can play against Brooklyn, as will Austin Reaves. But are there any low-rostered players worth the risk in deep leagues?

Jarred Vanderbilt (five percent) will have increased importance on the defensive end of the floor, especially with Hayes and Finney-Smith…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/fantasy-basketball-week-19-key-164553907.html

Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2025-03-10 16:45:00

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