NBA Midseason Review: Impact of Injuries and Emerging Fantasy Values
We’re rapidly approaching the halfway point of the NBA season, and teams and players have already navigated their share of ups and downs. The biggest headline so far this week revolves around Nikola Jokic, the No. 1 player in fantasy leagues, who suffered a knee injury Monday night just before halftime in Denver’s loss to Miami and is expected to miss at least four weeks.
Jokic has averaged 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game, leading the league with 16 triple-doubles, rebounds (389), and assists (351). His absence will significantly impact the Denver Nuggets, as they have posted a plus 12.6 net efficiency with Jokic on the floor compared to minus 4.0 when he sits. This underscores just how irreplaceable he is. However, one player’s fantasy outlook changes dramatically with this news.
Jonas Valanciunas and Jamal Murray Gain Value with Jokic Sidelines
Jokic’s knee injury is not season-ending, which is encouraging given that he has played at least 70 games in nine of his 10 previous seasons. The most consecutive games Jokic has missed in his career is seven, which came in 2017 due to a left ankle sprain. Valanciunas opened the second half of Monday’s game as Denver’s starting center and is the most likely candidate to see his fantasy value trend upward while Jokic is sidelined.
Valanciunas has averaged 8.2 PPG and 4.5 RPG in just 13.0 MPG this season. However, over his career, Valanciunas has averaged 16.1 PPG and 11.2 RPG in games where he’s played at least 25 minutes. Rostered in only 23.5% of leagues, expanded minutes should translate into reliable rebounds, efficient scoring, and strong streaming appeal. Murray is another obvious beneficiary as he becomes the Nuggets’ primary offensive option, with his usage rate expected to rise significantly without Jokic on the floor.
Anthony Black Emerges as Must-Roster Fantasy Option Amid Magic Injuries
The only players on the Magic averaging more fantasy points per game over Orlando’s last nine contests than Anthony Black (37.0) are Desmond Bane (37.8) and Paolo Banchero (40.0), yet Black is rostered in just 53.5% of leagues. He’s been one of Orlando’s most productive players, contributing across nearly every category, including steals and three-pointers, which adds to his appeal. The absence of Franz Wagner has clearly benefited Black, as Wagner has missed nine consecutive games with a left high-ankle sprain sustained against the Knicks on Dec. 7.
With Wagner sidelined, Black has emerged as a stabilizing force for the Magic and a reliable source of offense amid injuries and inconsistency. What once looked like a complementary role has turned into a consistent, multi-category fantasy option managers can confidently deploy. Black’s emergence is a testament to the Magic’s depth and his own versatility, making him a must-roster option in fantasy leagues.
Donovan Clingan’s Minutes Spike Fuels Breakout
Clingan’s fantasy surge starts with one number, and it’s 31.4 minutes per game over his last seven outings. That expanded role has positioned him to average 14.9 PPG, 11.9 RPG, and 1.3 BPG while shooting an astounding 71.9% from the field. The production reflects both opportunity and efficiency. Clingan has scored at least 38 fantasy points in five of his last seven games, a reminder of how much value he creates simply by being around the rim.
More importantly for fantasy managers, the minutes feel secure. With Portland leaning into its younger core and short-handed in the frontcourt, Clingan has become the team’s defensive anchor and most reliable interior presence. He’s now posted four double-doubles in his last seven games, offering bankable rebounds, strong field-goal percentage, and steady defensive stats. As long as the role holds, Clingan profiles as a high-floor option in points leagues and a category stabilizer in rebounds and blocks.
Kawhi Leonard’s Rising Minutes Complicate Fantasy Strategy
Leonard’s fantasy resurgence starts with minutes, as he’s averaged 36.4 MPG in December, the seventh most among all players, after missing most of November. With the workload ramping up, Leonard has looked like his old self, capping the month with a career-high 108 fantasy point outburst against Detroit on Sunday. Over his last four games, he’s averaged 72.0 fantasy points per game, attacking the rim, drawing fouls, and shooting more threes, while posting a 36.8% usage rate.
Most importantly for fantasy managers, Leonard appears healthy and fully unleashed, making him a high-end option capable of carrying lineups, especially with Ivica Zubac out at least three weeks due to a Grade 2 left ankle sprain. However, the elephant in the room is Leonard’s injury history and tendency for maintenance days. This may be an optimal window to explore trading him and see what kind of return his current peak value can fetch, considering the risk of future injuries and the potential for him to miss games for rest.
Collin Gillespie: The Suns’ Sneakiest Fantasy Value
Gillespie is rostered in just 55.3% of leagues, and that number should be higher. Since becoming a starter for the Suns in late November, he’s delivered consistent value, averaging 32.4 fantasy points per game. The only Phoenix player to average more during that stretch is Devin Booker. Gillespie provides points, rebounds, and assists from the guard spot and has benefited from an expanded role with Jalen Green sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Gillespie has scored at least 36 fantasy points in five consecutive games, including two with 50 or more. His two-way impact has allowed him to thrive as both a starter and a sixth man, earning league-wide respect and positioning him for a significant payday this offseason. If you need guard help in fantasy, go add him now, as he offers a unique combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking that is hard to find in the guard position.
Create or join a fantasy basketball league on ESPN to stay up-to-date with the latest news, stats, and expert advice. Your championship run starts today! Sign up today!
