DeMar DeRozan, Ja Morant, Chris Paul headline NBA injury report for Thursday, March 24

We’ve got just five games on Thursday’s NBA slate, but every one of them has some postseason implications. Here’s Thursday’s injury report in the association, along with the relevant fantasy and betting implications.

NBA Injury Report: March 24

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors

Rajon Rondo (ankle) OUT

Rondo is out, which means Darius Garland and Brandon Goodwin are the top fantasy/DFS replacement options for Cleveland.

OG Anunoby (finger) available
Gary Trent Jr. (toe) OUT

If Anunoby and Trent Jr. are unable to go, look for Fred VanVleet and Scottie Barnes to be big factors in Thursday’s game.

Indiana Pacers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Tyrese Haliburton (back) probable
Chris Duarte (toe) OUT
Isaiah Jackson (concussion) OUT
Malcolm Brogdon (rest) OUT

Update — If Haliburton ends up sitting, the Pacers are going to be super thin in the back court with Brogdon and Duarte also sidelined. Duane Washington Jr. will be pretty chalky if that’s the case. Buddy Hield and Oshae Brissett become viable GPP plays as well.

Haliburton played Wednesday, so we’ll see if he’s good to go Thursday. Duarte missed Wednesday’s game, while Jackson left early with a headache.

Ja Morant (knee) OUT
Dillons Brooks (rest) OUT
Brandon Clarke (hip) OUT

Update — With Morant and Brooks sidelined, Melton and Jones become very appealing DFS plays on DraftKings. Clarke being sidelined also puts other Grizz bigs in better spots, particularly Jaren Jackson Jr. He’ll be a very trendy GPP option.

If Morant continues to sit out, De’Anthony Melton and Tyus Jones will be in line for extended minutes at the point guard position.

Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Kyle Kuzma (knee) OUT

Kuzma is out, opening up playing time for Rui Hachimura and Daniel Gafford in the frontcourt.

Khris Middleton (wrist) OUT
Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) OUT

Update — Along with Middleton, the Bucks won’t have Giannis against the Wizards on Thursday night. This is the second game in the past three Antetokounmpo has sat out. Clearly, the Bucks are just getting both stars additional rest before the postseason. We could see this become more of a trend moving forward in the last two weeks of the regular season.

With Middleton out again, look for Jrue Holiday and Wes Matthews to be the top fantasy/DFS replacement options. Grayson Allen is also a value play in this scenario.

Chicago Bulls vs. New Orleans Pelicans

DeMar DeRozan (groin) OUT
Zach LaVine (knee) available

Update — DeRozan has been ruled out for tonight’s game vs. the Pelicans. LaVine is available and will be the go-to scorer. Dosunmu and White should see more time, and we could see Patrick Williams get additional minutes as well.

If DeRozan sits, Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White should see additional shot opportunities. If LaVine also sits, White becomes a nice value addition while Dosunmu is essentially a must-start player.

Brandon Ingram (hamstring) OUT

Ingram remains doubtful, giving CJ McCollum the top spot in this offense. Devonte’ Graham is a nice value play if people are priced out on McCollum.

Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets

Cameron Johnson (quad) doubtful
Chris Paul (thumb) probable

Update — CP3 is now probable to return to the lineup from a fractured thumb that has kept him sidelined since the All-Star break. This is big news for the Suns and should alter the lines pretty dramatically tonight. We still have to see if he’s going to play and how many minutes that’ll be. Expect CP3 to be on a restriction in the short term and ramp things up heading into the postseason.

Johnson likely remains out with his quad injury, lifting Jae Crowder and Mikal Bridges in fatnasy/DFS formats.