NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Injury Report: Wednesday 1/18/17
While it's not a huge night for injuries, considering there are nine games on the slate, but there are a group of teams dealing with injuries to important players. Kyle Lowry's late scratch last night burned a lot of DFS players, but it serves as a reminder to check the most up-to-date information possible before setting your roster.
Here are injury situations worth noting for tonight's slate.
Notable Injuries
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have by far the longest injury report, but for now the biggest news is that Joel Embiid and T.J. McConnell are questionable. Embiid is sick and missed shootaround this morning. If he doesn't play, it would likely mean Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor (both probable) would be in for expanded workloads.
In McConnell's recent absence, Sergio Rodriguez and Chasson Randle handled point-guard duties, and both would be in play if McConnell sits.
Toronto Raptors
Lowry got some rest last night, and on the second half of a back to back, DeMar DeRozan could do the same thing tonight. That would obviously boost Lowry's value while Cory Joseph could be in for an encore performance, as well. Norman Powell and Terrence Ross may be asked to step up, too, if DeRozan sits.
Lucas Nogueira left last night's with blurred vision, forcing the Toronto Raptors to go small and give some run to Jakob Poeltl. If Patrick Patterson and Nogueira miss tonight, Poeltl could be a sneaky play.
New York Knicks
The New York Post says that Kristaps Porzingis will be out again tonight. Joakim Noah did not go through shootaround, and he is probably a game time decision. If neither play, Kyle O'Quinn might be the best value play on the board while Guillermo Hernangomez should have to play some more minutes. Carmelo Anthony will also carry a heavy usage rate tonight.
Orlando Magic
Bismack Biyombo is ready to play tonight, so that takes away some potential room for value in the Orlando Magic frontcourt. However, Evan Fournier is still questionable after missing the last two games.
Detroit Pistons
Per their injury report, the Detroit Pistons are going to have a few potential values tonight. Andre Drummond and Aron Baynes will play, but Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is out and Jon Leuer is a game time decision. Leuer seems like he will play after going through shootaround, so Tobias Harris will lose some luster tonight.
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
Anthony Davis took a hard fall Monday afternoon and missed most of the second half. However, he says he is planning on playing Wednesday. It's probably best to play it safe and double-check his status before tip off, though.
Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
Klay Thompson was initially ruled out of tonight's game with a family situation, but a little while later, the Golden State Warriors tweeted that he is questionable. It seems like it's a matter of whether or not he can get back to the team in time, so expect another update soon.
Ryan Anderson, Houston Rockets
Ryan Anderson missed the Houston Rockets' loss to the Miami Heat last night, and there has been no update on his status for Wednesday. Trevor Ariza started at power forward and played 39 minutes last night while Corey Brewer and Sam Dekker got more run than usual. Expect a similar rotation tonight if Anderson isn't feeling better.
Steven Adams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Steven Adams is still in the concussion protocol and is out for Wednesday. The Oklahoma City Thunder deployed a small starting lineup on Monday, but Joffrey Lauvergne got 30 minutes and Enes Kanter saw 23 minutes. Both of those guys are solid plays tonight, along with Jerami Grant, assuming he starts again.
Lesser Injuries
Sacramento Kings
Omri Casspi wasn't getting minutes lately anyway, but he is out for the next few weeks. The bigger note for the Sacramento Kings is Ty Lawson looks like he has a chance to play tonight. That would take Darren Collison out of consideration.
Jeremy Lamb, Charlotte Hornets
Jeremy Lamb has been ruled out for Wednesday. Marco Belinelli was productive in 18 minutes off the bench for the Charlotte Hornets' last game, but he is only a tournament option.
Ed Davis, Portland Trail Blazers
Ed Davis sprained his ankle last game for the Portland Trail Blazers, and he has been ruled out for Wednesday. Meyers Leonard and Noah Vonleh should get some extended run tonight, and both of them are interesting value plays.
