This article is part of our NBA Injury Analysis series.
The Clippers forward has been ruled out indefinitely after he developed a staph infection in his right elbow. The infection will require a surgical procedure and Griffin will remain sidelined through the All-Star break.
Staph infections involve a specific classification of bacteria known as Staphylococcus. Members of the Staphylococcus genus are fairly abundant, with almost one-third of the general population carrying some form of staph somewhere on their body, most commonly inside the nose. Staph only becomes an issue when it gets somewhere it shouldn't be. Staph can be the cause of a case of food poisoning or a bout of pink eye (conjunctivitis). It can also cause a considerable infection if it finds its way inside an open sore or wound. These types of infection are often minor but in some extreme cases can lead to high fever and other complications. Fortunately, the majority of staph infections are treatable with antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be more problematic and difficult to manage, as it is resistant to certain antibiotics. However, treatments for MRSA still exist, including draining and cleaning the area while receiving an antibiotic known as vancomycin.
Staph infections often develop following surgery or a skin laceration. In Griffin's case, the reoccurring bursitis in his elbow appears to be the reason for his infection. The five-time All-Star has battled inflammation in the bursa sac in his right elbow for several seasons now. As a result, he has been forced to frequently have the inflamed fluid-filled
The Clippers forward has been ruled out indefinitely after he developed a staph infection in his right elbow. The infection will require a surgical procedure and Griffin will remain sidelined through the All-Star break.
Staph infections involve a specific classification of bacteria known as Staphylococcus. Members of the Staphylococcus genus are fairly abundant, with almost one-third of the general population carrying some form of staph somewhere on their body, most commonly inside the nose. Staph only becomes an issue when it gets somewhere it shouldn't be. Staph can be the cause of a case of food poisoning or a bout of pink eye (conjunctivitis). It can also cause a considerable infection if it finds its way inside an open sore or wound. These types of infection are often minor but in some extreme cases can lead to high fever and other complications. Fortunately, the majority of staph infections are treatable with antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be more problematic and difficult to manage, as it is resistant to certain antibiotics. However, treatments for MRSA still exist, including draining and cleaning the area while receiving an antibiotic known as vancomycin.
Staph infections often develop following surgery or a skin laceration. In Griffin's case, the reoccurring bursitis in his elbow appears to be the reason for his infection. The five-time All-Star has battled inflammation in the bursa sac in his right elbow for several seasons now. As a result, he has been forced to frequently have the inflamed fluid-filled sac drained. Unfortunately, the risk of infection exists each time the procedure is carried out and it now appears one developed following his most recent treatment.
Griffin will have the infected area drained and begin a rigorous round of antibiotics. Once the infection has subsided, Griffin should be fine. The initial timeline being reported for his recovery is somewhere between two and six weeks. However, the recovery rate for staph infections can be unpredictable and determining the exact length of Griffin's absence is difficult.
Multiple players, including Paul Pierce, Kenyon Martin and Rudy Gay, missed minimal time with staph infections. However, veteran forward Al Harrington missed 56 games during the 2012-13 season after developing a staph infection in his knee following surgery to repair a meniscus tear.
In addition to treating Griffin, athletic trainer Jasen Powell and the rest of the Clippers' medical team will need to take precautionary measures to ensure no other players are infected. Staph can be transmitted from person to person and the resilient bacteria can live on inanimate objects and other surfaces. Disinfecting any potentially contaminated areas will be key to preventive care and allow the franchise to put this issue quickly behind them.
For fantasy purposes, Spencer Hawes becomes a must-add. He started in Griffin's place Sunday and played a season-high 35 minutes, finishing with 17 points and two three-pointers. His rebounding numbers remain low, but his ability to stretch the floor makes him an intriguing stopgap for the next few weeks.
Fast Breaks
The Thunder will be without the services of Adams for at least three weeks after the emerging center suffered a fractured fourth metacarpal in his right hand on Sunday. Surgery was needed to repair the displaced bone and is just the latest setback for a Thunder team fighting for their playoff lives. Kendrick Perkins and Nick Collison could see a bump in minutes, though neither moves the needle fantasy-wise. Teams in deeper leagues may want to consider rookie Mitch McGary, who collected a double-double in his first real NBA minutes. McGary has plenty of potential but comes with a significant degree of inherent injury risk. Back surgery dropped him down the board on draft night and he has missed most of the year recovering from a foot fracture and inflammation in his tibia.
The Wizards' guard remains iffy for Monday's game against the Magic, as his twice-aggravated big toe continues to be an issue. The sprained toe kept him out of a weekend matchup with the Nets, as well as Monday's morning shootaround. Toe injures can be irritating issues that require an extended period of rest. With the All-Star game just days away, don't be surprised to see Washington take a conservative approach and sit him for the week.
The Pelicans' center took a nasty fall over the week and was unable to finish the team's eventual loss to the Bulls. Testing performed on his injured shoulder revealed a sprain, and the top-rated fantasy option is currently listed as day-to-day. It appears Davis' fantasy owners dodged a bullet here, though they may want to consider benching the Brow in weekly leagues. New Orleans plays just twice this week and even a one-game absence would have a major impact on his value.
MKG will not play until after the All-Star break after suffering a strained hamstring in a loss to the Sixers, and he will be re-evaluated before the team returns to action. Lance Stephenson and Gerald Henderson seem to be the biggest beneficiaries, though Stephenson is managing a lingering case of patellar tendinitis.
Redick continues to miss time with reoccurring back spasms. The Clippers' guard has missed three straight games but has reported progress in rehab and treatment. However, I'm red-flagging Redick moving forward. The Duke alum has had two major disc injuries in his back since going pro, including a bulging lumbar disc last season that sidelined him for 21 games. Associated pain, spasm, and soreness will continue to be risks for the remainder of the year and I'd be more comfortable with a more-reliable option, even if that means a minor downgrade in talent.
The Mavericks' guard remains sidelined with facial fractures to his nasal and orbital bones. He will not play until after the break and it has yet to be determined if he will need surgery. The fact that he hasn't already gone under the knife is somewhat encouraging, though it remains a possibility. Teams in desperate need of a point guard may want to invest in Devin Harris over J.J. Barea despite Barea starting. Harris is averaging 11.6 points (39 percent FG, 43 percent 3Pt) and 4.0 assists per game since Rondo's injury, while Barea is averaging 10.4 points (37 percent FG, 30 percent 3Pt) and 5.0 assists over the same stretch.
