NBA injuries to monitor ahead of Saturday’s slate on April 17th

We’ve got just six games on the schedule for Saturday, April 17th, and there are plenty of big names on the injury report. Here we’ll be monitoring all the latest injury news with some analysis and how to approach the injury for DFS and fantasy basketball.

NBA Injury Report: Saturday, April 17th

Donovan Mitchell, SG, Utah Jazz

Mitchell has been ruled out of Utah’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers because of an ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in a week. He’s one of several Jazz players who are sitting out. Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert are taking Saturday off for rest purposes, while Derrick Favors will miss the game with a knee injury. This could be a big game for Jazz role players.

Jordan Clarkson will likely run the show on offense for Utah with some help from Bojan Bogdanovic. The Jazz are in serious need of playmaking as well, though. Joe Ingles can help in that area while Ersan Ilyasova holds down the post as one of Utah’s only active bigs.

Zach LaVine, PG/SG, Chicago Bulls

LaVine is set to miss a second straight game because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols. He’s been the Bulls’ most potent offensive weapon all season, and his absence will give Coby White a substantial fantasy boost. Tomas Satoransky (back) is questionable and could also miss Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. White seems set to follow up his latest 27-point performance with another strong showing.

Nikola Vucevic hasn’t missed a beat since joining the Bulls, so expect him to be a double-double threat like usual. He’s notched seven double-doubles with 22 points or more in his last 10 games.

Jaylen Brown, SG/SF, Boston Celtics

Update: Brown has been ruled out.

Brown is on the tail end of a historic shooting night. The Celtics wing became the first player in franchise history to score 40 or more points on 85% shooting against the Los Angeles Lakers but is dealing with a non-COVID-19 related illness ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Brown is neck and neck with Jayson Tatum as a scorer, so someone will Boston will have to step up on offense if he can’t play.

Evan Fournier is out because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols, so the Celtics could be extremely limited on the wings. Grant Williams and Romeo Langford could fill in at small forward, but you shouldn’t expect much fantasy production from either. The player who could benefit most from Brown’s absence is Kemba Walker. The Celtics guard is having a down year while taking a back seat to two rising stars but could be more of a priority on offense with Brown out of the mix.

Kelly Oubre Jr., SF, Golden State Warriors

Update: Oubre has been ruled out.

Oubre has missed four straight games with a sprained wrist and is questionable ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Celtics. The Warriors have used an assortment of players to fill in for Oubre since he’s been out. Kent Bazemore has moved into the starting lineup, but Damion Lee and Juan-Toscano Anderson have provided support of the pine. If Oubre does come back, expect Bazemore and Lee to have insignificant roles. JTA could provide value in DFS whether Oubre plays or not, as the Warriors’ depleted frontcourt rotation could use him in the post.

Donte DiVincenzo, PG/SG, Milwaukee Bucks

Half of Milwaukee’s usual starting backcourt won’t play against the Memphis Grizzlies. DiVincenzo has been ruled out with a toe sprain and will likely be replaced by Brynn Forbes. Jeff Teague should also get some work at point guard off the bench, but he and Forbes will take back seat to Jrue Holiday. A hot night from either of the Bucks’ reserve guards could make them one of Saturday’s better value DFS plays, but there’s no telling what you’ll get from either.