Saturday, March 9, 2013

The Injury Bug Strikes

  This week, a number of NBA franchises have gotten disappointing news of injuries suffered by some of their star players . During this crucial period to improve and/or remain solid right before the playoffs, which teams effected by injury this week are most vulnerable?

  New York Knicks lose two Marquee players
  Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony sustained an injury on Monday night during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Anthony plainly tripped over his own feet, upon attempting to get a few fastbreak points, and landed awkwardly hurting his right knee. As a result, Anthony has missed 3 straight games so far including tonight's game versus the Utah Jazz.
  Hours ago, news broke that Knicks center Amar'e Stoudemire has suffered an injury to his right knee and will undergo surgery this coming week that will put him out for at least 6 weeks. Stoudemire has spent a good portion of his career with the Knicks out due to injury so this would appear to be another disappointing blow to the team. The Knicks have been in a back-and-forth battle with the Pacers for the second seed spot in the East. However, many feel that Anthony and Stoudemire playing together simply does more harm than good for the Knicks and the team is more properous without Stoudemire. I am inclined to agree. We will see just how detrimental the loss of Stoudemire pans out to be. As for Anthony, he is now listed as day-to-day

Pacers star still on hold
  After making a fairly brief return, Pacers former team leader Danny Granger is listed to be out as he receives treatment to his sore left knee. Granger, who averaged 18.7PPG and 5.0RPG for the squad last season, was expected to be just an added threat upon his return. The Pacers seem to be doing just fine without him though, currently holding on to the 2nd seed in the East. Granger's health should improve by the start of the playoffs but whether he'll be much of a factor, having missed the majority of the games this season, is something we will all have to find out in April. 

Spurs potential MVP fallen
  San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker sprained his ankle last week and is expected to be out for another 3 weeks. Parker was having an MVP caliber season and some felt he was neck and neck with LeBron James for to earn the award . The Spurs are 2-1 without Parker but the one loss was a 20 point blowout by Portland on Friday night. It is too early to tell if the Spurs will sink or swim without their All-Star point guard but I have faith in Pop and the principles he coaches his team by, Parker or no Parker. San Antonio still holds the top spot in the West by a game and a half.

Utah's Big down but not out
  Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson  averaging 17.7PPG and 9.3RPG, was listed day-to-day this week due to a sprained ankle. After missing 3 straight games, he made his return on Friday night against the Bulls and put up 23 points in a 88-89 loss. Jefferson appears to have recovered from his ankle injury. With the Jazz just barely hanging on to the 8th seed and a very tough schedule ahead for the rest of the season, fans can only hope that this is the case. The Lakers are right on their heels. 

Sources: ESPN NBA

No comments:

Post a Comment

Please leave me any feedback you'd like. I'm open to constructive criticism, your opinions on the style of the post, what kinds of posts you want to see, anything you want me to give my opinion on and I'm definitely open for debates!