Malcolm Brogdon, Deandre Ayton, Tyrese Haliburton headline NBA injury report for Saturday, January 22

There’s only three games on Saturday’s NBA slate, which makes for a somewhat condensed injury report. The league’s health and safety protocols are fairly empty these days, which is good news for the teams and players as the key stretch of the season starts. Here’s a look at Saturday’s injury report in the association.

NBA Injury Report: January 22

Sacramento Kings vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Tyrese Haliburton (conditioning) available
De’Aaron Fox (ankle) OUT

Update - Fox was a late scratch due to an ankle injury, which means Haliburton takes over as the starting point guard for the Kings Saturday.

Update - Haliburton is not on the official injury report, so he’s ready to go for Sacramento’s game against the Bucks.

Haliburton cleared protocols and his availability will be based on conditioning. If he’s unable to go, look for De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell to continue taking most of the backcourt minutes for the Kings.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) OUT
Grayson Allen (hip) OUT

Update - Both Antetokounmpo and Allen have been ruled out, with the latter being an interesting scratch as he was originally considered probable.

It looks like Antetokounmpo is dealing with some knee issues and the Bucks are taking it easy with the superstar on the second day of a back-to-back set. Look for Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday to pick up the slack in Antetokounmpo’s absence.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Josh Giddey (ankle) available
Tre Mann (conditioning) TBD

Giddey limped to the locker room Friday but returned to the game, so he should be good to play Saturday but might be on a minutes limit. Mann, another key rotation piece of the future for Oklahoma City, will suit up if his conditioning is good.

Lamar Stephens (knee) available
Rajon Rondo (hamstring) OUT

Stevens should be good to play, while Rondo is a game-time call. In either case, Darius Garland, Lauri Markkenen and Cedi Osman will be the primary players on the court at those positions.

Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns

Malcolm Brogdon (Achilles) OUT
Caris LeVert (calf) OUT
Domantas Sabonis (ankle) OUT
Myles Turner (foot) OUT

Update - LeVert has been ruled out Saturday, and Brogdon has been shelved for at least 10 days.

It’s a long injury report for the Pacers, who are looking to make some big moves ahead of the trade deadline. Brogdon and LeVert could take the floor but it seems unlikely. Look for Chris Duarte, Justin Holiday and Isaiah Jackson to be the best values in fantasy/DFS lineups, with the rookie big man being a great play with Sabonis and Turner out.

Deandre Ayton (ankle) OUT

Ayton continues to deal with an ankle injury and has been ruled out. JaVale McGee and Jalen Smith will be the main big men for Phoenix in this game and could have a favorable matchup against the rookie Jackson.