This article is part of our NBA Injury Analysis series.
The Dallas Mavericks let Parsons walk in the offseason, largely in part to concerns about his knee. Both seasons Parsons spent in a Mavs uniform ended prematurely following right knee injuries that ultimately required surgery. In 2015 it was a cartilage injury that required a "hybrid microfracture" procedure. Last season, it was a torn meniscus in the same knee. The two surgeries were not enough to scare away the Memphis Grizzlies, as the team signed Parsons to a four-year maximum contract worth $94 million.
However, the early return on the investment has been disappointing, as Parsons' recovery spilled over into the preseason and the regular season. He didn't play in Memphis' first six games and was under a minutes cap upon his return. The 28-year old forward appeared to be warming up, scoring 12 points including three made three-pointers against his former Mavs teammates. However, he didn't play the following night, and it has since been revealed a bone bruise in his left knee.
The fact that Parsons' latest injury occurred to his left knee and not his historically problematic right one is a win but doesn't mean there shouldn't be concerns. The body is a complex unit with each segment working together. Disrupting that balance in any way can throw off the entire system, as each healthy unit picks up the slack for the limited segment. For example, a weak calf muscle complex can result in hamstring tightness, which can then lead to lower back or knee
The Dallas Mavericks let Parsons walk in the offseason, largely in part to concerns about his knee. Both seasons Parsons spent in a Mavs uniform ended prematurely following right knee injuries that ultimately required surgery. In 2015 it was a cartilage injury that required a "hybrid microfracture" procedure. Last season, it was a torn meniscus in the same knee. The two surgeries were not enough to scare away the Memphis Grizzlies, as the team signed Parsons to a four-year maximum contract worth $94 million.
However, the early return on the investment has been disappointing, as Parsons' recovery spilled over into the preseason and the regular season. He didn't play in Memphis' first six games and was under a minutes cap upon his return. The 28-year old forward appeared to be warming up, scoring 12 points including three made three-pointers against his former Mavs teammates. However, he didn't play the following night, and it has since been revealed a bone bruise in his left knee.
The fact that Parsons' latest injury occurred to his left knee and not his historically problematic right one is a win but doesn't mean there shouldn't be concerns. The body is a complex unit with each segment working together. Disrupting that balance in any way can throw off the entire system, as each healthy unit picks up the slack for the limited segment. For example, a weak calf muscle complex can result in hamstring tightness, which can then lead to lower back or knee pain. The same concept holds true for left and right limbs. A functional limitation on one leg can result in undue stress on and through the "healthy" limb. For Parsons, his latest injury has the potential to cause a muscle imbalance or postural dysfunction that puts excessive stress on his surgically repaired knee. Furthermore, bone bruises of the knee can be slow to heal based on the biomechanical properties of the joint.
The Grizzlies medical staff is well equipped to recognize any potential problems and proactively address them. However, the entire process and recovery requires time, setting up Parsons to miss once again an extended amount of time. Memphis is anticipating a two-week absence though that estimated timeline will be fluid. Veteran Vince Carter will continue to see an uptick in minutes. He's cooled a bit after a brilliant five game stretch in which he averaged 16.0 points on 55 percent shooting and 2.0 made three-pointers per game. He's not a long-term solution but could be a temporary fill-in or nice stream option in DFS.
Dallas Backcourt
The once mighty Mavericks find themselves on the bottom of the NBA standings. Injuries have played a major role in the team's 2-10 start as franchise stalwart Dirk Nowitzki remains hampered by Achilles soreness and the team's trio of veteran point guards has missed substantial time with an assortment of ailments. Devin Harris has yet to play this year following a preseason toe injury, while starter Deron Williams has appeared in just six contests as he battles a nagging calf strain. J.J. Barea had been adequately filling in, averaging 16.3 points and 5.4 assists per game. However, Barea suffered a noncontact calf injury in the team's loss to Boston last week. An MRI on the area revealed his Achilles tendon remains intact with the damage isolated to the muscle belly of the calf. Muscle belly strains do tend to heal at a quicker rate than tendon tears, but the Mavericks have already ruled out the diminutive veteran for at least six weeks. As a result, Seth Curry assumes the starting point guard role for the team and is worth a look in all formats. The team also brought in 29-year-old rookie Jonathan Gibson for added depth. Gibson shined in his second game with the team, scoring 26 points (8-of-16 FG, 5-of-9 3Pt, 5-6 FT) in 32 minutes off the bench, though that it remains to be seen if he can repeat that success. He will get a chance Monday against the Spurs with all three veteran point guards already ruled out.
Fast Breaks
Paul George: The Pacers have played without George in three of their last five games due to an ankle injury. He sprained his left ankle in an overtime loss to the Sixers and missed the next contest. However, his return lasted just one game, as lingering soreness in the area has kept him out of Indiana's last two games and will cost him another game Monday against the Thunder. An MRI on the injured joint did not show any significant damage, though when George will return remains unknown.
Gary Harris: The Nuggets promising guard has been unable to get on track this season due to injuries. A partially torn groin cost him most of the preseason and now an undisclosed foot injury will keep him sidelined for at least four weeks. Denver has been vague about specifics, a somewhat surprising development, as the team has traditionally been one of the better teams in the NBA in providing specific injury information. It has been reported that the injury won't require surgery. Jameer Nelson and Emmanuel Mudiay will comprise the starting backcourt with rookie Jamal Murray serving as the first guard off the bench.
Reggie Jackson: Jackson has returned to practice, though a return to games remains a week or two away. The Pistons guard has been out since the start of training camp after undergoing PRP injections in his left knee and right thumb. His participation in noncontact drills is a good sign of progression, but fantasy owners should expect Detroit to stick to their initial six-to-eight week recovery timeline. However, now's the time to consider adding Jackson, if an impatient opponent sent him to the waiver wire.
Rajon Rondo: A left ankle sprain cost Rondo two games last week, though he was able to play in both of Chicago's weekend games. The veteran point guard should return to top form soon, as a break in the schedule should provide him with extra time to recuperate. The Bulls, along with the Jazz, play a league-worst two games this week.
