We’ve got nine games on the schedule for Wednesday, April 7th, and there are plenty of big names on the injury report. We also are looking out for players who were acquired prior to the NBA Trade Deadline last week. Some of those names are still in the process of joining their new team and getting into the lineup. 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: Wednesday, April 7th
Kristaps Porzingis, PF/C, Dallas Mavericks
Update: Porzingis will play while Maxi Kleber has been ruled out tonight vs. the Rockets.
Dallas Mavericks PF/C Kristaps Porzingis (wrist) is expected to return to the lineup Wednesday vs. the Houston Rockets. Upgraded from questionable, he’s expected to see the court against the Rockets and would most likely fill his usual starting role. He’s been on a steady decline in fantasy performance even before the wrist injury, racking up 62 DKFP on March 26th while stepping lower each game ending with his 26.5 DKFP performance on April 2nd. Between that, his injury, and his $8,600 price tag, you may want to hold off on Porzingis for a bit.
John Wall, PG, Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets PG John Wall (knee) is expected to return to the lineup for Wednesday vs. the Mavericks. After missing four games, the Rockets will need his production back on the floor. With Wall back, that means D.J. Augustin will likely see less playing time. Wall, at $8,100, should put in a decent fantasy performance despite going up against the Mavericks.
Indiana Pacers injury report
Update: Brogdon, Sabonis and Turner are officially ruled out while Lamb will play. Goga Bitadze ($3,000) will start in place of Turner.
Update: Brogdon, Sabonis and Turner are all basically doubtful to play vs. the T-Wolves. Lamb is the only one on the injury report who looks likely to get into the lineup. I mentioned on The Sweat this morning that I like the T-Wolves at +2 with all these Pacers injuries.
— Ben Zweiman
The Pacers have a ton of injuries, so we’ll go over all of them. PG Malcolm Brogdon (hip) is expected to be out vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves. Domantas Sabonis (ankle), Myles Turner (ankle) and Jeremy Lamb (toe) are all questionable to play.
While the Pacers are going up against the last-place Timberwolves, it’s probably a good idea to stay away from Indiana’s players in your fantasy lineups given how many guys they could be missing. Even if they do make appearances, guys like Brogdon could see a limited amount of minutes depending on the severity of their injuries at game time. If you’re looking for a value player and need a Pacer on your team, consider Edmond Sumner at $3,500 who should continue to see increased playing time should Brogdon still be sidelined.
Bradley Beal, SG, Washington Wizards
Update: Beal is available to play and will start tonight vs. the Magic.
Washington Wizards SG Bradley Beal (hip) is being listed as questionable to play in Wednesday’s game vs. the Orlando Magic. He’s missed Washington’s last five games, but there’s a possibility he may be able to make his return against Orlando. Even if he does, it’s likely he’ll play a limited number of minutes, so you shouldn’t expect his usual 40-plus DKFP performance. Consider Raul Neto ($4,100) in your lineup if you’re looking for a value play from the Wizards. He started in place of Beal against the Raptors earlier this week and should be good for double-digit fantasy points should Beal not see the floor tonight.
Brandon Ingram, SF/PF, New Orleans Pelicans
Update: Ingram has officially been ruled out along with Kira Lewis Jr.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (toe) is listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. Ingram has been out for four straight games with a sore toe, and it’s unclear if he’ll be making his return to the court tonight or not. It’ll more than likely be a decision made closer to game time, so you should probably steer clear of him in your fantasy lineups tonight.
Jamal Murray, PG, Denver Nuggets
Update: Murray has been ruled out tonight vs. the Spurs.
Denver Nuggets PG Jamal Murray (knee) is questionable for Wednesday night’s game against the Spurs after missing Tuesday’s game against the Pistons. Knee soreness kept Murray out of the Nuggets’ last game, but they ended up not needing him much as they pulled off their sixth straight win by a score of 134-119. If Murray ends up not going tonight, Monte Morris should get the start in his place, and at a fantasy price tag of $3,700, he’s a value player that’s mighty hard to pass up.
Clint Capela, C, Atlanta Hawks
Update: Capela has been ruled out tonight vs. the Grizzlies. Hill and Okungwu will start in the front court for the Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks C Clint Capela was added to the injury report Wednesday afternoon ahead of their game vs. the Memphis Grizzlies. He’s dealing with an Achilles injury and could be held out. With John Collins also sidelined, the Hawks could be very thin in the front court. This could mean it’s a good spot for Jonas Valanciunas on the other side of this matchup. Solomon Hill ($3,700) and rookie center Onyeka Okongwu ($3,100) should get plenty of run if Cap ends up sitting.