Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Caris LeVert (hamstring) has been added to the injury report ahead of Thursday's encounter with Memphis. He is dealing with a sore right hamstring and could be forced to miss a fifth game of the season. LeVert is the fifth-best scorer on the team with a 12.5-point scoring average and has tallied 3.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Starter Isaac Okoro could see a few more minutes in LeVert's absence on Thursday, while Cedi Osman and Dean Wade are the likeliest beneficiaries off the pine.

It wasn't a good day for many clubs around the National Basketball Association, with many teams dealing with unsettling injuries to their top players. Although these situations are always challenging for teams, fantasy managers are also left scrambling to find a replacement.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Saturday, January 21, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

Marcus Smart Injury Update

The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum for Saturday's meeting with Toronto, as the MVP candidate got the day off to deal with wrist soreness. Luckily, the C's recently got Jaylen Brown back from a three-game layoff, so the team at least had its No. 2 scoring option. Boston also had Marcus Smart, who is proficient on both ends of the floor.Unfortunately, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year's evening didn't last long, as he exited in the first half after suffering a sprained right ankle. Smart has battled ankle injuries throughout his career, so fantasy managers are familiar with this.https://twitter.com/ChrisForsberg_/status/1616933981362028546?s=20&t=ADA6dM_t2muMcgq6cJRitwWhile X-ray results were encouraging, revealing no structural damage, he'll likely miss a game or two, possibly more. As a result, ... [More]

It was a busy nine-game slate around the National Basketball Association. However, it wasn't a good night for many clubs, especially the ones that dealt with an injury.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

LaMelo Ball Injury Update

LaMelo Ball exited Monday's meeting with the Rockets with a sprained left ankle. This is an all too familiar ailment, as the 21-year-old injured it twice already this season. He missed the first 13 games of the 2022-23 campaign because of it before making his season debut on November 12 against Miami.https://twitter.com/HornetsOnBally/status/1615898994508546048?s=20&t=2ONmwk9cIuX1k5z8xOpxsQUnfortunately, the 2020 No. 3 overall pick was incapacitated again after stepping on a fan's foot during a matchup with Indiana just a few days later, keeping him sidelined for an additional 11 games. Now, it appears fantasy managers will be without Ball for a while, considering he needed help getting to the locker room.With ... [More]

As we celebrate the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the NBA had a loaded schedule throughout Monday. Unfortunately, there were some injuries throughout the day, which may create issues for teams moving ahead.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Saturday, January 16, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

Donovan Mitchell Injury Update

Donovan Mitchell has been on a tear in his first season as a Cavalier, averaging a career-high 28.8 points per game. The 26-year-old has certainly made an impact, so there is naturally some concern surrounding his most recent injury, a groin strain, suffered during Monday's win over the Pelicans.https://twitter.com/ChrisFedor/status/1615106299636719632?s=20&t=nIB5An7gWfmmxjT49g7LLAMitchell exited in the third quarter and did not return to the contest, finishing with 11 points in 22 minutes. The former Louisville Cardinal has stayed relatively healthy in 2022-23, missing only five games. However, with the Cavs looking to make a deep run into the postseason, Mitchell may miss some games, beginning with Wednesday's meeting in Memphis.https://twitter.com/AmicoHoops/status/1615116579011690502?s=20&t=8uEcBgsFXrfQNXVsKuQmNAWithout him in the lineup, others will have to step up. Of course, the first name to come to mind is ... [More]

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love and guard Caris LeVert will move into the starting five for Monday's game against the Chicago Bulls. These two will move into the starting unit with Darius Garland (thumb) and Evan Mobley (ankle) missing their second straight contest. Both Love and LeVert are strong streaming options after posting great outings on Saturday. Fantasy managers in need of help should take a look at Love or LeVert for Monday's slate.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (ankle) is listed as probable for Monday's game against the Toronto Raptors. This is a welcoming sight for the Cavs who have been without LeVert for the last four games. When healthy, LeVert has been a reliable contributor in this offense. They could certainly use his help with Kevin Love (thumb) and Jarrett Allen (back) both expected to be sidelined. Cedi Osman would likely lose the most value from the return of LeVert. However, he should still be able to provide reliable fantasy value with Love sidelined.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (ankle) is out for Wednesday's meeting with Portland. This will mark LeVert's second straight absence due to a sprained left ankle. Without him, Cedi Osman, who had 23 points on Sunday versus Atlanta, should consume most of the minutes. Fantasy managers should certainly look in Osman's direction, especially if Kevin Love (thumb) isn't available.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Caris LeVert (ankle) was forced to exit Sunday's game against the Miami Heat with a left ankle injury. He was only able to play 14 minutes and was held scoreless in that time. The 28-year-old did add five rebounds, four assists, and one steal. Hopefully, this turns out to just be a sprained or rolled ankle and he's not forced to miss much time. Fantasy managers should stay tuned to see the results of any tests that the team runs on his ankle.

Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Caris LeVert was in a groove Friday against Boston, shooting 12-for-21 from the field en route to 41 points. Donovan Mitchell also posted 41 points in a 132-123 overtime win, giving the Cavaliers multiple 40-point scorers for the first time since LeBron James and Kyrie Irving shined in Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals. LeVert, who went 6-for-8 with the three-ball, scored the final 11 points of the impressive win and notched four rebounds and seven assists with three steals and two turnovers in 43 minutes. LeVert and Mitchell have been rocking with Darius Garland (eye) out of the picture. However, his comeback isn't far away anymore and it will be interesting to see how the trio finds a way to work on the Cavaliers backcourt.

It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it? Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA.Plus, I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games, or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2022 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2022-23 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence. ... [More]

It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it? Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA.Plus, I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games, or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2022 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2022-23 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence. ... [More]

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert hopes to land an extension with the team. In February, the 27-year-old was acquired from Indiana and averaged 13.6 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.4 boards across 19 games for the Cavs. LeVert, who has one year remaining on his current contract, has proven to be an effective presence on the offensive end over the years. However, his inability to stay healthy has been an issue, so until he can prove he can remain on the floor, his fantasy stock will continue to suffer.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert had a strong game in a losing effort against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. He shot 11-for-19 from the field and 7-for-8 from the free throw line on the way to a team-high 32 points. This was easily the best offensive game LeVert has had as a member of the Cavs. He hadn't topped 17 points in any of his previous eight games this month. The former Michigan Wolverine also had six rebounds and four assists on Wednesday and he connected on three of his four attempts from three-point range. We'll see if he stays aggressive in his next trip to the court against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday.

Cleveland Cavaliers point/shooting guard Caris LeVert (foot) and small/power forward Lauri Markkanen (ankle) have been given the green light to take the floor for Monday's game against the Clippers. LeVert will come off the bench in his return to action and face a minutes restriction, which will allow Lamar Stevens to earn a start in place of Dean Wade (knee). LeVert had missed the past nine outings due to a foot sprain and has averaged 13.3 points and 3.8 assists across his first four contests as a Cavalier. Markkanen returns from a one-game absence, looking to pick up where he left off during his last three games, in which he averaged 19.3 PPG on 50% shooting.

Cleveland Cavaliers point/shooting guard Caris LeVert (foot) and small/power forward Lauri Markkanen (ankle) have been deemed questionable to suit up for Monday's game against the Clippers. LeVert has been sidelined for the past nine outings, having appeared in just four contests since his acquisition in early February. Markkanen missed Saturday's game, which was the second leg of a back-to-back. Cedi Osman and Kevin Love would be the primary beneficiaries of absences from either player, although Darius Garland would continue to see significant offensive duties with either unavailable. Fantasy managers will want to check back prior to tip-off for the final word.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (foot) and forward Lauri Markkanen (ankle) are both listed as questionable ahead of Monday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. LeVert has been out since mid-February with a right foot sprain, but it seems as if he's getting somewhat close to a return. Markkanen, meanwhile, is dealing with right ankle soreness. He missed the team's most recent game against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. Cleveland's many injuries have led the team to lean more on Kevin Love and Cedi Osman. We've also seen Lamar Stevens earn about 16 minutes per game off the bench lately, but he hasn't made many notable contributions for fantasy purposes.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (foot) won't play during Saturday's game against the Chicago Bulls. The veteran has missed his previous eight games because of a sprained right foot, opening the door for Isaac Okoro to get some additional minutes. Nevertheless, Okoro has averaged just over nine points throughout 45 starts on the year, so it's apparent his fantasy upside is severely limited. Yet, with Jarrett Allen (finger) also out and Lauri Markkanen (ankle) questionable, there is room for him to see a slight uptick in production.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Caris LeVert (foot) has been ruled out for Tuesday night's game against his former team, the Indiana Pacers. This will be his seventh consecutive game on the sidelines. LeVert is nursing a right foot sprain and it seems as if he's still at least a few days away from making his return. LeVert was traded from the Pacers to the Cavaliers prior to this year's deadline, but he's only managed to suit up in four games for the Cavs. Over those four outings, he's averaged 13.3 points, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (foot) won't suit up for Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. This doesn't come as a shock considering LeVert was expected to miss a week or two. However, it has been one week and the team continues ruling out LeVert in advance. That being said, it doesn't sound like LeVert will be taking the court anytime soon. In the meantime, Isaac Okoro and Cedi Osman will be asked to play more minutes. The return of Darius Garland is helpful as he'll take on a heavier load offensively.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (foot) is expected to miss at least a week or two of action. This is a tough blow to the Cavs who are already without Darius Garland (back) for Thursday's game. Hopefully. Garland can return in time for their next matchup, which will somewhat ease the loss of LeVert. In the meantime, Brandon Goodwin, Rajon Rondo, Isaac Okoro, and Cedi Osman will be asked to pick up the slack. Goodwin and Osman are the two best streaming options out of the bunch.