Paul George, Ben Simmons, Keegan Murray headline NBA injury report for Thursday, November 17

We’ve got just three games Thursday in the NBA and all of them begin late in the evening. Here’s a look at the day’s injury report, along with the relevant fantasy and betting implications.

NBA Injury Report: November 17

Brooklyn Nets vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Ben Simmons (knee) - available
Seth Curry (injury management) - available
Kyrie Irving (suspension) - OUT

Update - Both Simmons and Curry are in for the Nets tonight.

Simmons is the big name here, as he missed Tuesday’s game unexpectedly. There’s been some noise about his perceived lack of dedication, which might push him to play Thursday. If him and Curry both get ruled out, Joe Harris and Royce O’Neale will continue to be strong value plays. Cam Thomas is a value add as well with Irving still suspended.

Jusuf Nurkic (groin) - available

Update - Nurkic is going to suit up for the Blazers tonight.

If Nurkic doesn’t play, Drew Eubanks will likely draw the start for Portland. Jerami Grant would be a statistical beneficiary in terms of rebounds, because he’d take on a bigger role in the frontcourt.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings

Keldon Johnson (ankle) - OUT
Doug McDermott (back) - OUT

Update - Johnson is a late scratch for the Spurs, which means Vassell will be the lead offensive option Thursday.

Update - Johnson is in, while McDermott is out for the Spurs.

If both Johnson and McDermott are out, Jeremy Sochan and Josh Richardson would see more minutes in San Antonio’s rotation. Devin Vassell remains the best play in this lineup and could see even more shooting volume if Johnson is out.

Keegan Murray (back) - OUT
Richaun Holmes (illness) - OUT

Update - So much for Holmes being a factor. The big man has been ruled out with an illness for this game.

Update - Murray has officially been ruled out, opening up more playing time for Holmes and Barnes.

Murray left Tuesday’s game with a back issue and didn’t return, so there’s some cause for concern. The rookie has been solid this year, averaging 12.0 points per game on 45/37/77 splits. If he sits, Richaun Holmes and Harrison Barnes should see more run in Sacramento’s rotation.

Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Cade Cunningham (shin) - OUT
Cory Joseph (hip) - available

Update - Joseph is available Thursday and will likely get the start alongside Ivey in Detroit’s backcourt.

Jaden Ivey stands to be a no-brainer DFS value play if Joseph also gets ruled out.

Kawhi Leonard (injury management) - available
Paul George (hand) - available
Luke Kennard (calf) - OUT, expected to miss a few games

Update - George and Leonard are both in for the Clippers, which is something fans really want to see. Both will start, which is also a big development for the team.

Update - Kennard is out tonight and is expected to be sidelined for a bit. That elevates Mann and Powell in DFS lineups. On the other hand, Leonard has been upgraded to questionable and could make his return to the floor tonight.

With Kennard out, Terance Mann and Norman Powell will get boosts in fantasy/DFS formats. If George sits, Nicolas Batum should join Powell as a value add in lineups.