Ja Morant, LeBron James, De’Aaron Fox headline NBA injury report for Saturday, February 5

It’s just a six-game slate Saturday in the NBA, with the Knicks and Lakers playing in ABC’s showcase game in primetime. Even though the league appears to have successfully avoided sending players to the health and safety protocols in bunches, the injury report still contains some massive names which will impact the outcome of the season. Here’s Saturday’s injury report in the association.

NBA Injury Report: February 5

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Orlando Magic

Ja Morant (foot) available

Update - Morant is officially good to go and will headline the backcourt for the Grizzlies. This means Jones and Melton lose out on most of their fantasy/DFS value Saturday.

Update - Morant has been deemed a game-time decision, so the foot is clearly more bothersome than expected. If Morant doesn’t play, Jones and Melton will get more backcourt minutes in this one.

Morant popping up on the injury report is a bit concerning for Memphis, who has experienced some key players being sidelined from time to time this year. The Grizzlies have managed to overcome that to a large degree though. If Morant sits, look for Tyus Jones and De’Anthony Melton to be getting most of the minutes at point guard.

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets

Jimmy Butler (toe) available

Update - Butler, who was already listed as probable, is suiting up Saturday. He’s going to take shots away from Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro, with the latter retaining more value in fantasy/DFS lineups due to his ball-handling responsibilities.

Butler played the last two games with this injury, so the Heat are considering him good. Given his injury history this season, they’ll be cautious if things do go the wrong way before tipoff. If Butler sits, look for Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson to take most of the team’s shots offensively.

Phoenix Suns vs. Washington Wizards

Deandre Ayton (ankle) available
Jae Crowder (wrist) available

Ayton and Crowder have played through these injuries now, so they should be ready to go. Their presence impacts the value of Jalen Smith and Cameron Johnson the most.

Bradley Beal (wrist) OUT

Beal remains out with a wrist injury. Look for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Spencer Dinwiddie to be more involved with the star shooting guard out.

New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James (knee) available
Anthony Davis (wrist) available
Carmelo Anthony (hamstring) OUT

Update - James is playing Saturday, making his return after missing a stretch of games with a knee injury. We’ll see if he’s on a minutes limit, but the forward becomes a big fantasy/DFS addition to lineups.

Update - James has been deemed a game-time decision, which is a huge change from his previous status. If he does suit up, look for Davis and Russell Westbrook to take a backseat to The King offensively.

James is unlikely to play, while Davis should be good. Anthony will be out after picking up an injury in Thursday’s game against the Clippers. Stanley Johnson and Malik Monk remain the value plays on this Lakers team.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Portland Trail Blazers

No notable day-to-day injuries at this time.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Sacramento Kings

De’Aaron Fox (ankle) OUT
Marvin Bagley (ankle) OUT

Update - Both Fox and Bagley have been ruled out, so look for the Kings to go with Haliburton, Mitchell, Len and Metu more often Saturday.

Fox has missed seven straight games despite having this designation every time, so it’s hard to tell exactly what the issue is. He’s also a trade target, so it’s safe to wonder whether he’s played his last game for Sacramento at this point. Tyrese Haliburton and Davion Mitchell will be great pickups if Fox sits. If Bagley plays, look for Alex Len and Chimezie Metu to lose out on some minutes.