LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Kyrie Irving headline NBA injury report for Thursday, February 23

The NBA returns to action after the All-Star break with nine games Thursday, anchored by a doubleheader on TNT. Here’s a look at the day’s injury report, with most players shedding their injuries over the extended time off. Still, we’ll break down who is returning and the relevant fantasy/betting implications.

NBA Injury Report: February 23

Denver Nuggets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Aaron Gordon (ribs) - OUT
Jamal Murray (knee) - expected to play

Gordon remains out but Murray should be in. That’ll limit Reggie Jackson’s workload at the point guard spot. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. will continue to be a solid fantasy/DFS choice with Gordon sidelined.

Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers

Jaylen Brown (face) - available
Robert Williams (ankle) - available

Brown will play with a mask, like he did in the All-Star Game. Williams coming back will limit Al Horford’s workload.

Isaiah Jackson (illness) - available

Jackson is in, so he could take some minutes away from Myles Turner in the frontcourt.

Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic

Marvin Bagley (finger) - OUT

Update - As expected, Bagley is out for Detroit.

With Bagley out, Isaiah Stewart and James Wiseman will get plenty of playing time in the middle for Detroit.

Cole Anthony (wrist) - available

Anthony returns from a wrist injury and should get minutes behind Markelle Fultz.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Luke Kennard (illness) - OUT

With Kennard sidelined, Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks should see more shots on the perimeter. John Konchar probably becomes the preferred bench option at the shooting guard spot for this contest.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors

OG Anunoby (wrist) - available
Gary Trent Jr. (calf) - available
Fred VanVleet (personal) - OUT

Update - VanVleet has been ruled out for the Raptors late, which should elevate Trent Jr. in the rotation. Anunoby and Scottie Barnes will have bigger roles in this one.

Update - Anunoby is officially in for the Raptors.

Both guys should be in for the Raptors, who are trying to make a playoff push in the final stretch of the season. Anunoby returning might push Trent Jr. to the bench.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

Jeremy Sochan (quad) - OUT
Tre Jones (foot) - OUT

Update - Both Sochan and Jones are out for the Spurs. Johnson gets further elevated in DFS formats, and Josh Richardson is also a nice filler play with Sochan out.

If Sochan sits, that means more shots for Keldon Johnson. Johnson is already going to have a big role for this Spurs team. With Jones likely out, Malaki Branham is in line for another start.

Kyrie Irving (back) - available
Tim Hardway Jr. (hamstring) - available

Hardaway Jr. returns to become Dallas’ best rotation player, while Irving will take some opportunities away from Luka Doncic offensively.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz

Lauri Markkanen (knee) - available
Collin Sexton (hamstring) - OUT, will miss 2 games

With Sexton out, Jordan Clarkson should be in line for more playing time. Kris Dunn could also see some minutes at the point guard spot.

Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Andrew Wiggins (personal) - OUT
Stephen Curry (leg) - OUT, re-evaluated in one week

The Warriors gave an update on Curry’s status and he’s reportedly progressing well. Wiggins being out means Jonathan Kuminga and Donte DiVincenzo take on bigger roles in this rotation.

Anthony Davis (foot) - available
LeBron James (foot) - available

Update - As expected, both guys are in for LA.

James’ hand injury from the All-Star Game is not an issue, but he’s now being listed with a foot injury instead of the usual ankle designation. Regardless, both stars should be in for LA.

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Sacramento Kings

Jerami Grant (reset) - OUT
Anfernee Simons (ankle) - OUT, no timetable for return
Jusuf Nurkic (calf) - OUT, no timetable for return
Damian Lillard (rest) - OUT

Update - It seems Grant and Lillard didn’t have enough time off during the long All-Star break, so they’ll get this game off as well. The Blazers were delayed coming out of Portland for this game but it does appear the contest will take place. Look for Sharpe to have a huge role in this one as the lead guard.

Grant is in but the Blazers have two other starters down. Shaedon Sharpe and Drew Eubanks are likely to fill in for Portland.

Malik Monk (ankle) - expected to play

Monk should be back in, and will take some playing time away from Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes.