Fansided

Fantasy Basketball: Chris Paul Injury Impact

By Zachary Thompson

facebooktwitterreddit
Jan 3, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) falls to the court while dribbling past Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Monta Ellis (11) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Paul sprained his right shoulder and did not return to the game. The Clippers defeated the Mavericks 119-112. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) falls to the court while dribbling past Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Monta Ellis (11) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Paul sprained his right shoulder and did not return to the game. The Clippers defeated the Mavericks 119-112. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

In one of the biggest injuries so far in the NBA season, LA Clippers point guard Chris Paul is out for 3-5 weeks with a separated shoulder. As more info has come out, it looks like that may even be on the optimistic side of things, since surgery is being discussed as a possibility.

Obviously, if you own Paul, you have to hold on to him, and if you can get him in a trade it could pay off in fantasy basketball playoff time. His absence will definitely change the landscape of the Western Conference, and also the fantasy value of all the Clippers. Here’s a quick look at the players on LA whose value will be most impacted:

Jan 1, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Darren Collison (2) in the second half of the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Staples Center. Clippers won 112-85. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Darren Collison (2) in the second half of the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Staples Center. Clippers won 112-85. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Darren Collison- Collison will get the start and is immediately a top option. If he’s on your waiver wire, he’s worth whatever it takes to get him. He’s owned in just 22% of ESPN leagues and is worth picking up immediately. He’s the new top option on waiver wires, but here are 10 other options from a post earlier in the week.

For the next month-plus, he’ll be getting the starting point guard minutes and has shown he can contribute when he gets minutes. He scored 20 points and dished four assists against Dallas in his first start in Paul’s absence. He should be good for close to a double-double along with a few steals and boards per game.

Jamal Crawford- Crawford will continue to get plenty of shots and with Paul out could see extra time at the point. Crawford’s assists could see an uptick over the next few weeks, so if you have him enjoy the extra numbers while Paul is out.

Willie Green- Green could see increased minutes in the backcourt coming off the bench, but his fantasy value will be up-and-down based on if and when his shots start to fall. Green is worth a look in daily leagues if you need a cheap option, but he probably won’t have consistent value.

Home/Fantasy Basketball