Deni Avdija popped up on the injury report as questionable to play against the Suns on Wednesday with an ankle injury. The expectations for Avdija this season are high, especially after a strong preseason. Even with all the guards that need minutes, Avdija should still be made a priority.
He’s also going to be difficult to replace. The Trail Blazers have plenty of guards and solid depth down low, but outside of Avdija and Toumani Camara, they don’t have much proven depth. If he isn’t available for the opener, first year coach Micah Nori could opt to start Damian Lillard, Ja Morant and Jrue Holiday together, though it would be an undersized lineup against a Suns team that has plenty of size on the perimeter. There are reports that Morant could end up coming off the bench, but that may change if Avdija is out.
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The other option is turning to either Vít Krejčí or Sidy Cissoko in the starting lineup. The opportunity may be decent for either player if they get the nod, but on a day with 11 games, neither is worth streaming, especially since this could be just a one-game absence for him, if he misses time at all. The three-guard starting lineup is likely the better option and would be really intriguing to keep tabs on.
Here are the other injuries around the NBA that could alter your fantasy league’s landscape.
Nic Claxton, C, Chicago Bulls
The most recent update on Claxton’s hamstring is that he will be re-evaluated in early November. Head coach Tiago Splitter estimated it would be another two weeks before Claxton’s re-evaluation, but he really emphasized that it was merely an estimate, and he’ll be constantly evaluated during that period. So, when will Claxton actually make his Bulls debut?
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That part is unclear, but Jalen Smith should get at least six starts. If he’s available in your league, he’s worth streaming to start the season. Zach Collins (quad) and rookie Tobe Awaka (knee) are both probable for the season opener and should see the backup center minutes. Smith is the priority, but the other two are worth keeping tabs on.
Kon Knueppel, G, Charlotte Hornets
Knueppel missed the preseason…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fantasy-basketball-week-1-injury-163000958.html
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Publish date : 2026-10-21 16:30:00
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