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Jalen Green Cameron Johnson Fantasy Injury Fallout
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

We are barely at the midway point of January, and the fantasy basketball season is getting tough.  Players seem to keep getting injured, with Phoenix's Jalen Green suffering an ongoing hamstring issue and Denver's Cameron Johnson facing a new knee bruise.

The best fantasy managers always stay ahead of the curve, and by doing so, they get to grab those crucial weekly wins. Thinking and making decisions on the swivel is what separates the champions from the also-rans, so let's break down the fallout and find your next advantage.

Jalen Green's Hamstring Strain Update

Timeline and Severity

Jalen Green has been diagnosed with a case of hyperextension and bone bruise. While some may have thought it was a minor pull, it seems more serious than that. Jalen Green has been dealing with a nagging injury since November but was reportedly practicing with live bodies some days ago, indicating he is closer to a return than a three- to six-week absence. However, he’s still been assessed on a weekly basis. This is why you should get in a player to fill that void.

Suns Rotation Impact

Phoenix has been tinkering with its starting five, so expect more minutes from the bench. The Suns need someone to fill that scoring void, so other players will naturally get more opportunities to handle the ball and shoot more.

Fantasy Beneficiaries

With Green out, Grayson Allen has stepped up and is now enjoying a career year with increased minutes and a higher scoring average. He provides good efficiency and three-point shooting. Dillon Brooks is another strong option, seeing his usage rate increase, as well as having a good points and steals average this season. Both are good waiver wire targets while Green is recovering.

Cameron Johnson avoided serious ligament damage and is expected to miss about four to six weeks.Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Cameron Johnson's Knee Injury Details

Expected Absence Length

The bad news may be that he is out with an Injury but the good news is that he avoided major ligament damage. Doctors expect him to be back in four to six weeks. If you have him on your team, he won't be out for long. A short-term rental player should suffice.

Nuggets Frontcourt Shifts

The Nuggets have had to make changes in their forward rotation to cater for Johnson's absence. Veteran swingman Tim Hardaway has stepped into a larger role, and in most games, he now starts. Bruce Brown and Peyton Watson have also been seeing increased minutes off the bench.  With these players having more opportunities, you should be considering adding them to your fantasy rosters. They can help provide the much needed depth at the forward positions during this period.

Top Waiver Adds (e.g., Watson)

Peyton Watson is the type of immediate fix you should be looking to bring in. He is a solid defender, and his shot-blocking abilities will come in handy. He will also get more minutes in Johnson's absence. Check your waiver wire now to grab him before your opponents do.

Overall Fantasy Fallout

Players to Hold/Stash

If you have roster space, hold on to Jalen Green and Cameron Johnson. The playoffs are coming, and these players are set to return before them. They should be back to full strength soon, so don't panic. Stash them on your injured reserve (IR) slot if your league allows.

Safe Drops in Shallow Leagues

In leagues with fewer teams, you might need to make tough roster cuts, if you want to compete. Players whose value relied heavily on Green or Johnson being healthy, like a very deep bench player for Phoenix or Denver, can likely be dropped. At this point of the league, your roster has to be filled with active players who will turn in weekly points, and not long-term projects who are taking up valuable roster spots, without immediate returns.

Streaming Strategies

"Streaming" means picking up a player for just a few days to fill a gap and then dropping them. Use this strategy now to fill the void left by these injuries. Focus on players who have a strong schedule this week, especially those playing four games, to maximize your short-term statistics. Be proactive with waiver wire claims.

Peyton Watson’s defensive versatility and shot-blocking ability make him a prime mid-salary waiver add during Denver’s rotation shift.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Beginner Tips for Injury Management

Using IR Spots Effectively

Injured reserve (IR) spots are spots on the bench reserved for injured players. They don't count against your active roster limit. This IR spot allows you to hold stars like Green and Johnson without being penalized. If your league has these spots, then it would be wise to use them. This would help you add a healthy player from the waiver wire.

Monitoring Reports

These injuries happen quickly, and as such, you need to react quickly. The best way to do it is to watch reliable NBA news sources daily. Rotowire or official team websites provide timely updates on injury status and expected return dates. Staying informed will put you ahead of the curve, especially when a player is ruled out or ready to return.

Balancing Risk/Reward

Decide if the injured player is worth keeping or if you need to drop them for immediate help. A star like Jalen Green is a keeper. You risk losing him forever if you drop him. A fringe player is an easy drop. Weigh their typical production versus how long they are expected to be out.

Looking Ahead in January

The league is picking up and getting deeper. This is why you need to adapt. With the current injury status of Green and Johnson, be vigilant. Be ready to make timely adjustments to your lineup based on the latest news and player performance. Proactive managers will be best placed to clinch a critical playoff spot later in the season.

People Also Ask

How long will Jalen Green be out with his hamstring injury?
Jalen Green is being evaluated on a week-to-week basis, but signs point to a shorter absence rather than a full three- to six-week shutdown.

Who gets a fantasy boost while Jalen Green is sidelined?
Grayson Allen and Dillon Brooks benefit the most, as both are seeing more minutes, shot attempts, and on-ball opportunities.

What’s the latest on Cameron Johnson’s knee injury?
Cameron Johnson avoided serious ligament damage and is expected to miss about four to six weeks.

Is Peyton Watson worth adding in fantasy leagues right now?
Yes. Peyton Watson is a strong pickup thanks to increased minutes, defensive production, and reliable shot-blocking.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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