Daily Fantasy Basketball Injury Report: Thursday 11/3/16
Thursday's NBA DFS slate is larger than most Thursdays, but there aren't a ton of injuries outside of the Boston Celtics. However, there are a couple that could open up some sneaky value for your needs to be contrarian on this short slate.
Notable Injuries
Al Horford, Boston Celtics
Al Horford missed Wednesday's game, and he will once again be out for the Celtics on Thursday. Tyler Zeller played 25 minutes at center and was serviceable for Boston, and if he can stay out of foul trouble, he will likely see some bigger minutes tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers on the second game of a back-to-back. However, Amir Johnson was the player to roster on Wednesday, and if anyone benefits the most from Horford's injury, it's Johnson. Isaiah Thomas also gets a nice boost in usage, but the Cavaliers' tough defense makes him something less than a must-start option.
Jae Crowder, Boston Celtics
Another injury the Celtics suffered last night is Jae Crowder, who sprained his ankle after a nice start to the game. He will miss at least a week with the injury. After he left Wednesday's game, Boston basically played three guards with Marcus Smart getting 34 minutes, third-most behind Thomas and Avery Bradley. Smart was making his season debut, but if he is good to go tonight on the second night of a back-to-back, he should be the guy who benefits the most from Crowder's absence.
Will Barton and Gary Harris, Denver Nuggets
Not only is Gary Harris out again for Thursday, Will Barton will miss tonight's game, as well. This opens up a few spots for the Denver Nuggets tonight, and if there was ever a game where rookie Jamal Murray can get going, it's this one. He should play big minutes tonight, and he may even start. Either way, Murray is going to see minutes at point and shooting guard, making him one of the best value plays on the board.
Lesser Injuries
Omri Casspi, Sacramento Kings
Omri Casspi missed Monday and Tuesday, and while he's had a couple of days to recover from his illness since then, there has still been no word on his status for tonight. If he misses, expect Rudy Gay and Matt Barnes to take on more of a role Thursday.
Patrick McCaw, Golden State Warriors
Patrick McCaw is doubtful for Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which may not appear to mean anything, but the pride of the Belmont Bruins, Ian Clark, was fantastic for the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. He was perfect from the floor, and with McCaw's injury, Clark is going to see some more run on Thursday against the Thunder after a performance like that.
