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I got a really nice note the other day from a college buddy I had not spoken to in years. It turns out he logged onto one of his favorite fantasy sites looking to read the latest from Jeff Mans or Ray Flowers and when he clicked on the NBA tab, he was surprised to see my name. Truth be told, I am as surprised as anyone they let me write on the same site as guys like Todd Zola and Ted Schuster. It just goes to show the adage is true: when your opportunity comes, be ready. I was just waiting for a chance, and pounced as soon as it appeared.

It is no different for NBA players. Injuries are a sad reality, but they always provide an opportunity for somebody else to play more minutes or take on an increased role in the offense. For fantasy players, injuries are an opportunity to identify and take advantage of players with increased value. Though the season is quite young, there have already been several significant injuries to take advantage of.

Russell Westbrook, OKC - Russell Westbrook underwent successful surgery on his hand, and will be reevaluated in four weeks. Westbrook may not return for several weeks after that, though his fantasy owners have to just stash him on the bench hope for the best. He is too good to drop or trade. Reggie Jackson could be a nice daily play when he returns from his own ankle injury. Jackson was originally expected to play Saturday, but now it looks like he may return sometime next week. Perry Jones scored 32 points with Westbrook, Jackson, Kevin Durant and Anthony Morrow out Thursday, and while he will probably be inconsistent, Jones should be picked up in all leagues.

Rodney Stuckey, IND - Rodney Stuckey averaged just 14.5 minutes over the first two games as he deals with a foot injury, and then he left Saturday’s game in the first half and did not return. If Stuckey can get past this apparent setback he should be great for fantasy; the Pacers have few other legitimate options offensively.

Derrick Rose, CHI - Everyone in the fantasy world held their breath when Derrick Rose exited Friday’s game with an ankle injury. He swore after the game the injury was not serious. He did not start Saturday but was active, and this should not be a long-term concern.

Patrick Beverley, HOU - Patrick Beverley was out Saturday after injuring his hamstring Wednesday. Beverley was listed as questionable for Saturday, so there is reason to believe he could return soon. Isiah Canaan will start with Beverley out, though fantasy players should not expect Canaan to do a whole lot with the extra playing time.

Taj Gibson, CHI - Taj Gibson sprained his ankle Friday against the Cavaliers. He was able to return in that game but was ruled out Saturday against the Timberwolves. Nikola Mirotic should see a big bump in minutes with Gibson out. He is a good play in daily games or deeper leagues until Gibson returns.

Jimmy Butler, CHI - Jimmy Butler returned from a thumb injury Saturday. It remains to be seen if the injury will affect him going forward, but he contributes to fantasy teams in so many ways, he needs to be in your lineup.

David Lee, GS - With David Lee day-to-day with a hamstring injury, Draymond Green has seen significant minutes. Lee should not be out long too long.

Brook Lopez, BKN - Brook Lopez still has not made his season debut as he recovers from a broken foot. He hopes to play Monday, though he could be out a bit longer. Mason Plumlee started at center for the Nets Saturday.

Victor Oladipo, ORL - Victor Oladipo is out for a month following surgery to repair a facial fracture. Evan Fournier has impressed with his scoring ability early in the season in relief of Oladipo. Fournier is a good add in all leagues, though his fantasy owners probably will not get a whole lot beyond points and threes.

Jose Calderon, NYK - Jose Calderon is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a calf strain. Shane Larkin had one good game and one clunker to start the season, and that is probably what fantasy players should expect until Calderon returns.

If you have one of the many fantasy teams that was already been ravaged by injury, do not worry. There will be plenty of new opportunities in the coming days to add fringe players with increased roles. Be ready.