We’ve got a loaded 12-game slate in the NBA Saturday ahead of the knockout round for the league’s inaugural In-Season Tournament to begin next week. Here’s a look at the day’s injury report, along with the relevant fantasy and betting implications.
NBA Injury Report: December 2
Warriors vs. Clippers
Chris Paul (leg) – OUT
Andrew Wiggins (finger) – OUT
Update: Wiggins has officially been ruled out.
Paul is out, so Brandin Podziemski continues to be a strong DFS play. If Wiggins sits, look for Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga to have bigger roles.
Timberwolves vs. Hornets
Anthony Edwards (hip) – OUT
Rudy Gobert (hip) – available
Edwards will be out again, which means more usage for Kyle Anderson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Brandon Miller (ankle) – available
If Miller remains out, Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington will be the forwards to roster for Charlotte. Look for Washington to deliver more overall value in fantasy/DFS formats.
Cavaliers vs. Pistons
Caris LeVert (knee) – OUT
With LeVert being out, Max Strus and Georges Niang should see more playing time for Cleveland. Craig Porter Jr. is also a sneaky option in DFS lineups.
Bojan Bogdanovic (calf) – available
Ausar Thompson (face) – available
Bogdanovic is set to make his 2023-24 season debut. Thompson should be good for this game.
Magic vs. Nets
Jonathan Isaac (ankle) – available
Update: Isaac is in for Orlando.
Isaac suffered this injury Friday, so we’ll see how serious is it when the Magic release their first injury report Saturday afternoon.
Hawks vs. Bucks
Pat Connaughton (ankle) – OUT
With Connaughton out, Malik Beasley and MarJon Beauchamp should see more playing time in this one.
Pacers vs. Heat
Tyrese Haliburton (knee, illness) – OUT
Update: Haliburton is officially out.
Update: According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Haliburton is expected to miss Saturday’s game against the Heat.
Update: Haliburton is also dealing with an illness, and he didn’t take part in the morning shootaround so he’s trending in the wrong direction for Saturday’s contest against the Heat.
If Haliburton sits, look for Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell to be the primary point guards for Indiana. It’ll also mean more shots for Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner.
Bam Adebayo (hip) – OUT
Jimmy Butler (ankle) – available
The Heat will be without Adebayo, which means Haywood Highsmith should get more minutes at center. Thomas Bryant is likely the better DFS play as he’s in line to start. Butler should be in for Miami.
Pelicans vs. Bulls
Zion Williamson (rest) – available
CJ McCollum (rest) – OUT
Trey Murphy (rest) – OUT
Update: Williamson is not on the injury report for now, while McCollum and Murphy are being sat on the second night of a back-to-back set.
Williamson has rested on the second night of every back-to-back so far this season, so he’s unlikely to play in this contest. We’ll see if New Orleans rests anyone else.
DeMar DeRozan (ankle) – available
Zach LaVine (foot) – OUT, expected to miss at least 1 week
Update: DeRozan is available for the Bulls in this contest.
If DeRozan does make his return, he’s expected to see more shots with LaVine out. Coby White probably offers more value in DFS lineups as he’s likely to start for Chicago.
Grizzlies vs. Suns
Devin Booker (ankle) – available
Eric Gordon (knee) – OUT
Update: Booker will play, so his absence Friday was likely a load management situation.
Booker sat on Friday in the first night of a back-to-back set, so we’ll see if that was part of a load management deal or if this injury costs the star guard another game.
Thunder vs. Mavericks
Luka Doncic (personal) – available
Kyrie Irving (foot) – OUT
Tim Hardaway Jr. (back) – OUT
Update: Irving and THJ have been ruled out for the Mavericks.
Doncic missed Friday’s game for the birth of his first child. We’ll see if he’s going to come back Saturday or if he takes another day. Head coach Jason Kidd said Friday evening Irving was uncertain to play.
Trail Blazers vs. Jazz
Jordan Clarkson (thigh) – OUT
Lauri Markkanen (hamstring) – OUT
Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) – OUT
Update: Olynyk has been ruled out.
Since Markkanen is out, Olynyk deserves to get some looks as a value add for DFS lineups. John Collins is more likely to see an uptick in usage though. Clarkson sitting out means more opportunities for Collin Sexton.
Nuggets vs. Kings
Aaron Gordon (heel) – available
Jamal Murray (hamstring) – OUT
Update: Gordon is in for Denver.
Update: Murray has been ruled out while Gordon is considered a game-time call, which suggests he’ll end up playing.
Neither player suited up Friday on the first night of a back-to-back set, so we’ll see if that was load management or not. Murray is likely to be a load management candidate for the rest of the season.
Keegan Murray (back) – available
Update: Murray is good to go for Saturday’s game.
Murray logged a full practice Friday, so he appears to be on track to return. If he does play, he’ll take some shots away from Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter.
Rockets vs. Lakers
Anthony Davis (hip/groin) – available
Jaxson Hayes (elbow) – available
LeBron James (calf) – available
Cam Reddish (groin) – available
Update: As expected, everyone is in for LA.
I fail to understand how James is questionable despite playing every game but everyone else is probable. Look for all these guys to suit up Saturday night.