Rodney Hood's knee injury has horrific timing in fantasy

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Here are the fantasy implications following the announcement that Utah Jazz SG/SF Rodney Hood is expected the next two weeks with a knee injury:

Just When Things Were Looking Up

Hood's promising 2015-16 season, where he averaged 16.3 points and close to four rebounds per 36 minutes, led to a top-100 ADP this season. He has been something of a disappointment. His minutes are slightly down, hurting the volume of his production. While his per 36 numbers are a tick better, it's not the step forward fantasy owners were hoping for.

Until last week, that is. Against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons, both among the top 15 in defensive efficiency, he finally had his break out. Against the Cavaliers, he put up 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a pair of steals. A few nights later, he scored a season-high 27 points with four rebounds, two assists and a block.

While that's not akin to setting the world on fire, Hood had been abysmal for four straight where he failed to score in double digits even once. Now he's going to miss two weeks, and it's just as the Jazz are ramping up for a big stretch of games with six games in nine days starting this weekend.

Fantasy owners need to hold onto Hood for his potential, because he has zero trade value, and someone will certainly scoop him up off waivers. Stash him in an I.L. spot and hope he's no worse for wear.

Waiver Wire Options

• SF/PF Dario Saric, Philadelphia 76ers: Saric has been on a roll, though he remains prone to nights where he busts out. He hasn't played fewer than 20 minutes since Dec. 20, and has averaged 10.8 points and 6.0 rebounds ever since, while also attempting 4.3 3-pointers per game. With Hood hardly a lock this season, Saric is a decent flier with upside.

• SG Buddy Hield, New Orleans Pelicans: The volatile rookie put out two consecutive stinkers after a string of good to great performances before Monday's outing in Indiana. Hield only played 15 minutes, but managed 10 points and four rebounds in that time. He has been scoring at a better clip lately, though his turnovers are damaging.

• PG/SG J.J. Barea, Dallas Mavericks: If you need scoring and a smattering of counting stats, look no further than Barea. He's recently returned from injury, so his playing time has been limited, but his 15 points with three rebounds and three assists in 17 minutes Sunday was encouraging. If his minutes creep up, he could easily fill the void left by Hood.