NBA Injury Report
Udonis Haslem could be out until the All-Star break.
BY DAVE MARSHALL, Pokerjunkie.com
While it is early in the NBA season, a couple of teams are faced with some big injuries. Much like playing a WSOP event, getting off to a bad start early can be tough to overcome, especially without some of your key players. Let’s look at a couple team’s recent injuries.
Haslem Out Until All-Star Break?
An MRI exam has confirmed that Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem has a torn ligament in his left foot and will be out at least six weeks and possibly until the All-Star break if surgery is needed. He will see a specialist on Monday to determine what treatment is needed. In the four games prior to the injury, Haslem had been averaging over 11 points a game, and he’s also the team’s leading rebounder with 8.2 per game.
In addition, guard Dwyane Wade also had an MRI on his injured wrist on Sunday and test confirmed that he just has a sprain. He was forced to miss the Heat’s last game with Memphis, but is currently listed as day-to-day. At present, Wade is considering a return on Wednesday, but the team is not likely to rush him back.
To address the loss of Haslem, the Heat is said to be looking at possibly signing free-agent centre Erick Dampier. Dampier had worked out with the Heat during training camp, but he was not signed. Dampier, who had 7.3 rebounds and six points per game last season with the Dallas Mavericks, would help plug a big hole left by Haslem’s injury. Players should put the smart money on Miami signing the free agent.
Yao Ming Out With Bone Bruise
Rockets centre Yao Ming is going to miss two weeks due to a bone bruise in his left ankle, an injury he sustained on November 10 against the Washington Wizards. Before this injury, Ming had been limited to 24 minutes per game as he was coming off foot that cost him all of last season. According to Rockets team doctor Tom Clayton, the foot is healed and the structural integrity of the foot is intact. Of course, the Rockets could use the big man seeing that they are 3-8 so far this season. With Yao out, Brad Miller has become a viable centre option for your Fantasy team, while Chuck Hayes is also getting more burn, but he’s only useful in deeper leagues.
David Lee Receives Second Treatment on Elbow
Warrior forward David Lee had to go back into the hospital last week to receive treatment of an infection on his left elbow. The infection stemmed from a cut received in a collision with Wilson Chandler’s face on November 12. Lee needed surgery, but swelling and bleeding forced him back to the hospital. It is uncertain when Lee will play again, but we should know more after he is re-evaluated on Tuesday. So far this season, he’s averaging 14.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per game for the Warriors. Barring further complications, those that play poker would give odds on Lee being back later in the week.
