This article is part of our NBA Injury Analysis series.
Kevin Durant
Easily the biggest injury of the preseason, Durant's fractured foot will have a trickledown effect on how many fantasy owners start the year. Durant was diagnosed with a Jones fracture in his right foot in mid-October and underwent surgery a short time later. A Jones fracture occurs when the fracture is located near the base of the fifth metatarsal, one of the long bones of the foot that bridges the midfoot and the toes. The fifth metatarsal is located at the base of the pinkie toe and is susceptible to fractures when the ankle is forced inward following a hard cut or coming down on the foot of an opponent. However, Durant's injury was a stress fracture, meaning excessive stress on the area slowly led to the bone tissue failing.
Unfortunately, Jones fractures are complicated. The blood supply to this area is very limited causing the fracture to require a significant amount of time to heal. As a result, Jones fractures have a high tendency for delayed union or nonunions, meaning the two bone pieces fail to unite or take a long period of time to connect. The Thunder medical staff was well aware of this possibility and proactively recommended surgery to insure the bone heals in a proper manner.
Furthermore, the inherent risk for reinjury is particularly high, and additional surgery can be required. Hardware failure is a common occurrence, and multiple players, including Nets center Brook Lopez, Clippers forward Glen Davis, and former Nets player Damion James are just a few examples of players who needed hardware replacements after their initial surgery for fifth metatarsal fractures. Lopez's foot got so bad that he ultimately needed an additional surgery to reshape the bones in his foot and divert stress away from the fifth metatarsal.
Durant is targeting a December return but that date remains fluid. Should the healing process be stunted or delayed in any way, the Thunder will not hesitate to rest Durant to insure his long-term health. As a result, Durant is no longer the first-overall pick in fantasy, though a late first-round or second-round selection would be worth the risk.
In the meantime, Russell Westbrook will be unleashed and should be targeted a few spots higher in all formats. Andre Roberson and Jeremy Lamb will also see an increase in minutes, improving their values as well.
Victor Oladipo
A sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) limited Oladipo in the early portion of the preseason. Unfortunately, he suffered another injury in one of his first days back at practice. The second-year guard caught an inadvertent elbow during practice and was ultimately diagnosed with a facial fracture. Surgery was required to fix the area, and Orlando has set his expected recovery at one month.
Facial fractures are common in the NBA with numerous players, including LeBron James, Larry Sanders, and Chris Bosh, suffering similar injuries. The estimated time off depends on the location of the fracture. Aside from the nose, the orbit, which is the seven bones that makeup the eye socket, is the facial area mostly commonly fractured. The exact location of Oladipo's break has not been revealed but has simply been described as being below the eye. The two most likely bones in play are the maxilla and zygomatic bones. These bones will heal nicely, especially with surgical intervention, and Oladipo could be in line to return before the estimated timeline. If he does return earlier than expected, he will likely wear a protective mask, similar to the one made famous by former Pistons guard Richard Hamilton. The NBA facemask can be an annoying distraction for players unaccustomed to wearing one, and it could affect his productivity.
However, the injury will provide additional time for his knee to recover and Oladipo will return with no real increase in inherent injury risk. As a result, opportunistic fantasy owners may be able to steal Oladipo at a discounted price.
Fast Breaks
Andrea Bargnani: The Knicks will be without Bargs for at least three games as his hamstring injury continues to linger. Hamstring strains can be very limiting and nagging injuries. Add in his previous history of injuries, and I just don't think the former number one overall pick is worth a roster spot at the moment.
Channing Frye: Frye continues to be slowed by an MCL sprain suffered in early October. While the injury was described as minor, Frye has not progressed as quickly as hoped. Several reports out of Orlando suggest Frye could be out until late November.
Kawhi Leonard: The reigning Finals MVP continues to be bothered by a viral eye infection. The condition has been compared to pink eye, a common eye infection that causes the conjunctiva of the eye to become inflamed. The conjunctiva lines the inside of the eye lid and sclera and protects the eye from foreign bodies and helps lubricate the eyeball. When inflamed, the affected individual can experience watery, itchy eyes and can become sensitive to light. Depending on the exact cause, a sticky discharge can develop and further hinder vision. If the root of Leonard's pink eye is in fact viral in origin, antibiotics will not help the situation. Other medications can be prescribed though time remains the best option. It sounds like the Spurs are planning to be without Leonard for Opening Night against the Mavericks, and fantasy owners should adjust their lineups accordingly.
Brook Lopez: Lopez, the ultimate high-risk, high-reward player in this year's drafts, is already showing why he is a precarious pick. The Brooklyn center suffered a mid-foot sprain to his often-injured right foot and has not yet returned to practice. While the Nets are optimistic he will be available for Opening Night, I still wouldn't play him. Brooklyn has just two games on the schedule in week one, increasing the negative impact of one or two missed outings.
Anthony Morrow: Morrow is also dealing with an MCL sprain suffered in practice. The Thunder stated that they expect him to miss between four and six weeks, suggesting the injury is a Grade 2 or moderate sprain. Morrow, Oklahoma City's biggest offseason acquisition, was expected to see extra minutes with Durant out. Now Roberson and Lamb will be leaned on heavily while their teammate recuperates.
