It's hard to believe it's the eighth week of NBA basketball already, but there's been one unfortunate constant: the injury list keeps growing. However, Monday's injury report, although there are a couple big names to keep an eye on before rosters lock.
Notable Injuries
Jeremy Lin, Brooklyn Nets
It's been 17 games and a lot longer than the Brooklyn Nets' initial timetable, but Jeremy Lin is finally ready to play. It's unknown whether he will be on a minutes restriction, but he is probably going to come off the bench, so that would indicate he might not see his full slate of minutes for the first few games. That makes Brooklyn's DFS situation tricky.
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
Kemba Walker is also probable after banging knees with LeBron James over the weekend. He went through shootaround without limitations, so lock and load him in a juicy matchup against the Indiana Pacers.
Monta Ellis, Indiana Pacers
Monta Ellis will not play against the Charlotte Hornets, which means Glenn Robinson III will make another start. Ellis has not been great at all this season, but his absence should lead to Jeff Teague, C.J. Miles and maybe even Paul George getting a small boost.
Wilson Chandler, Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are probably going to be cautious with Wilson Chandler's hip after it caused him to miss all of last season, and he is listed as questionable to face the Dallas Mavericks. If he is out again, expect Will Barton, Kenneth Faried and Juan Hernangomez to see the biggest bumps in minutes.
Al Farouq Aminu, Portland Trailblazers
Al-Farouq Aminu just came back from missing a month with a calf injury and now he has a back issue that not only forced him from action Saturday, but is also making him doubtful for Monday's game.
The Portland Trail Blazers gave Ed Davis 34 minutes in Aminu's absence, but it's tough to tell if Terry Stotts will follow that same game plan against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Los Angeles Clippers
A lot might depend on the status of Blake Griffin, but it looks like Griffin was just rested over the weekend. He is still questionable for Monday, so double check his status before tip off.
Austin Rivers, however, has already been ruled out since he is dealing with a concussion. Raymond Felton will be back on Monday, so he and Jamal Crawford should soak up most of Rivers' minutes off the bench.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have a couple of players that could be back, as James Johnson and Luke Babbitt are both game-time decisions. Josh McRoberts would ultimately be sent back to the bench if one or both of those guys are back, while Josh Richardson and Wayne Ellington might lose some minutes, too.