NBA Fantasy Basketball Injury Report-December 10 Update

The Cleveland Cavaliers hope to celebrate Kyrie Irving’s (center) return to uniform this week. Find out the latest on his injury and the other fantasy relevant injuries as you make your lineup calls for the week. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

As we gear up for another full week in Fantasy basketball, make sure your lineups are set and ready to roll with these injuries factored into your lineup decisions:

Kyrie Irving-Cleveland Cavaliers-G: Cavs coach Byron Scott is “hoping” Irving is ready for the Cavs game on Tuesday. He’ll need to practice today to make that happen, but it looks like he’ll definitely be back this week which is great news for all his fantasy basketball owners.

James Harden-Houston Rockets-G: Harden rolled his ankle on Saturday but still scored 39 points against the Mavs. The Rockets play four times this coming week, and Harden seems focused on playing all of them. Don’t hesitate to play the beard this week

Dec. 9, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) goes up for a shot as Denver Nuggets center Kosta Koufos (41) defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Carmelo Anthony-New York Knicks-F: Anthony returned last night and should be ready to play this coming week after his finger injury cost him a pair of games this past week.

Brook Lopez-Brooklyn Nets-C: Lopez is still considered day-to-day but hasn’t returned to practice. The Nets have four games this week, but since it looks likely he’ll miss at least Tuesday he’s a risky start in weekly formats.

Steve Nash-LA Lakers-G: Nash isn’t going to play on the Lakers up-coming trip meaning he won’t return until December 18. He’s been out for almost six weeks since he broke his fibula and was out for supposedly about a week.

Eric Gordon-New Orleans Hornets-G: Gordon is still without a timetable for return but is reportedly getting stronger and hopes to be back before New Year’s.

John Wall-Washington Wizards-G: John Wall is still at least a couple weeks from returning but he may be back this month still.

Al Jefferson-Utah Jazz-C/F: Jefferson was able to play yesterday and should be ready to roll for the coming week.

Pau Gasol-LA Lakers-C/F: Gasol remained sidelined last night but is nearing a return. With the Lakers situation in flux and rumors flying, Gasol is worth holding on to on your bench if possible. In the right situation, Gasol can still contribute to an NBA and fantasy team in meaningful ways. Don’t drop him, but keep him benched this week to see what unfolds.

Nicolas Batum-Portland Trail Blazers-G/F: Batum is not expecting to play on Monday and may not play Thursday either as he continues to battle his back injury. He’s best left on your bench this week.

Dec 8, 2012; Miami FL, USA; New Orleans Hornets power forward Anthony Davis (23) before a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Davis-New Orleans Hornets-C: Davis is expected back this week. Get him back in your lineups for the coming week.

Ricky Rubio-Minnesota Timberwolves-G: Rubio is close, but probably a week away. Make sure he’s owned in your league, and be prepared for him to be ready to be back in weekly lineups next week.

Tyreke Evans-Sacramento Kings-G: Evans missed Saturday’s game after being a gametime decision. He’ll try to go on Monday, but he’s probably 50-50 to be in the game.

Wesley Matthews-Portland Trail Blazers-G/F: Matthews is hurting for sure and could easily miss Monday’s game. He hasn’t been ruled out yet, which is encouraging for his long-term recovery, but could easily miss a game or two this week.

Chris Kaman-Dallas Mavericks-C/F: Kaman played through a gimpy ankle and scored 20 points on Saturday. If he’s active, he’s a great play but may need to rest a game or two to get back to 100%. Check on other options for this week.

Amare Stoudemire-New York Knicks-C/F: Stoudemire is getting close to practicing and is reportedly looking great. He’s worth an add soon if you need help up front as he should be able to contribute even if he does start his return coming off the bench.

Nikola Pekovic-Minnesota Timberwolves-C: Pekovic has been dealing with ankle issues lately although it hasn’t forced him to miss time. With K-Love back, his numbers have dropped a bit but his ankle should be back to full strength when the Wolves return to the court Wednesday.

Dion Waiters-Cleveland Cavaliers-G: Waiters is questionable for Tuesday’s game after rolling his ankle. If he plays, he’s a solid option as the Cavs look to get their backcourt of the future back from their injuries.

Kyle Korver-Atlanta Hawks-G/F: Korver will miss Monday’s game but could return Wednesday. Keep him on your bench for this week, but he should eventually return to his starting role for the Hawks giving him value if  you need threes and some scoring.

Chauncey Billups-LA Clippers-G: Billups has tendinitis in his left foot and will miss the next few weeks. His achilles injury that knocked him out of last season is completely unrelated.

Richard Hamilton-Chicago Bulls-G: Hamilton is sidelined with a torn plantar fascia. He could return  in a couple weeks or be sidelined until January.

Kirk Hinrich-Chicago Bulls-G: Hinrich is day-to-day with an elbow injury after missing the second half of the Bulls game Saturday. Nate Robinson would be a solid addition if Hinrich is sidelined.

A.J. Price-Washington Wizards-G: Price fractured his hand and will be out four-six weeks. It opens the door wide for Bradley Beal to assert himself in the Wiz backcourt.

Avery Bradley-Boston Celtics-G: Bradley is getting closer but won’t see game action until after the new year.