Week 23 is winding down and season-ending injuries are a big-time theme ahead of the weekend. Multiple key players are out "indefinitely" and might not return for the remainder of the regular season. Their fill-ins are producing at a high level and are worth picking up for the little time there is left. But who's worth taking a flier on at this point in the season?
We've identified are five options to consider buying and selling to help you out.
Three to buy
- Jordan Poole: Poole's been playing well since before Stephen Curry went down with an injured ankle and is sure to be a key scorer for the Golden State Warriors while the two-time MVP recovers. The combo guard's averaged 25.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game over his last 10 outings. He's tallied 28 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game in his last three contests without Curry and could continue to lead the charge for a Dubs team that needs a boost on offense.
- Tre Mann: The Oklahoma City Thunder's backcourt has been spread thin by injuries to Josh Giddey and Luguentz Dort. However, rookie guard Tre Mann has stepped up in the meantime, though. The Florida product has averaged 16.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game since Giddey last played on February 24th. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the top option on offense, but Mann's scored at least 21 points in three of his last five while getting plenty of shots up.
- Drew Eubanks: The Portland Trail Blazers signed Eubanks to a fourth 10-day contract on Thursday and the big man has impressed as a Jusuf Nurkic fill-in over the past few weeks. He's averaging 12.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game through 13 appearances with his new team. The usual starter doesn't appear to be on track to return soon, so Eubanks can help out fantasy manager with limited depth at center.
Two to sell
- John Collins: Collins is out indefinitely with finger and foot injuries and there's no telling when he'll be a valuable asset again. While he did play as recently as March 11th, he averaged just 5.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in his last two contests this month. If he does return before the regular season is up, he likely won't be close to 100 percent.
- Ben Simmons: Simmons might want to play as soon possible but the point forward hasn't participated in a game since last summer. His lingering back pain has prevented him from making his debut for a Brooklyn Nets team that's fighting for a playoff spot. While Simmons is undoubtedly an upgrade at full strength, expecting him to step into a major role alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving is a reach. A postseason spurt seems much more likely.
