Injury and shooting slumps affect fantasy NBA players
Rudy Gobert, Zion Williamson, and Ja Morant face early-season statistical dips and health concerns that challenge their expected production levels.
By Charlotte Dubois ·
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert is missing free throw shots and layups at a rate that has surprised fantasy basketball managers who drafted him for consistent performance. The 34-year-old center attempted 13 field goals over a two-game span and made none of them. He has blocked four shots in seven games and shot 33 percent from the free throw line, converting only four of 12 attempts in a Monday contest.
Gobert attempted two 3-pointers in a recent game despite entering the season with a career record of zero makes on 22 tries. He missed a weekend game due to a back injury that may explain his poor shooting. Last season, he hit 68.2 percent of his field goals, averaged a double-double for the 10th consecutive year, and made the All-Defensive team for the ninth time. His current average of 19.6 ESPN fantasy points per game stands in contrast to his 33.3 point average from the previous campaign.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson leads the league in steals with 19 through his first six games, yet he has not recorded more than six rebounds in any contest. He averages 5.3 rebounds per game and added no steals in an overtime win on Monday. Williamson recorded 60 steals in 62 games last season. His inconsistent rebounding totals and history of missed games make him a volatile pick for fantasy rosters despite his defensive impact.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant will sit out for at least a month following a Grade 2 hamstring strain sustained in his fourth game. He averages 15.8 points and 5.5 assists this season. Morant appeared in 20 games last season, totaling 79 games over the past three seasons. He will return in December, though his long-term durability remains a concern for managers who drafted him based on optimistic projections.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Brandon Ingram is expected to make his season debut as soon as next week after dealing with a partially torn Achilles. He has averaged at least 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in seven consecutive seasons. Ingram is rostered on 65.7 percent of teams, and managers are monitoring his return for potential production boosts. Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo has shown increased aggression, scoring 51 traditional points and recording 18 rebounds in recent games against Atlanta and Indiana. He added 16 points and nine rebounds in a Monday loss to the Lakers.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer started a weekend game with 13 assists and no turnovers while Ty Jerome was out. He averages 11.1 points and 5.6 assists this season. Spencer offers a reliable statistical floor despite limited upside, providing fantasy owners with a stable option in deep formats.
