👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

NBA Injuries and Who Can Benefit Instead (Week 15)

We're approaching crunch time in fantasy. And just like that, it's Week 15, as you must do anything possible to make the playoffs. Once you get there, it's an entirely different ball game. Holding onto injured players with little upside is likely a bad move at this point. The injury bug has been real this season, and it's like a plague that continues to spread across the league. Understanding the injury landscape is key in all forms of fantasy basketball.

Unfortunately, injuries will happen more often than not. It is just the nature of the game. However, in order to stay ahead of your opponents, you need to stay a top of these injury-related news. One significant add to the waiver wire could potentially make or break your season.

Consider this your one-stop overview of fantasy-relevant injuries around the NBA. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @RotoBaller @RotoBallerNBA and @fungo24!

Featured Promo: New Novig users get a $25 purchase match (50% discount up to $25) on your first Novig deposit, and 6 free months of RotoBaller's "Big-4" Premium Pass (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL) which includes exclusive tools for Betting, Props, DFS and more! CLAIM IT NOW

 

Notable Injury Updates Around The NBA

New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (knee) tweaked his knee in practice and missed Tuesday's game. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and is listed as questionable to play against the Nuggets on Thursday. The first time All-Star has massive upside, but the nagging injuries continue to pile up. The Knicks are not likely going to make the playoffs, despite what their fans want you to believe. This could potentially be a sell-high moment after he returns and strings a couple of strong games. Meanwhile, Michael Beasley continues to get buckets and is a must-start player anytime the Unicorn misses time. Get Beasley now if you have someone to drop.

San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (quad) is still out indefinitely, and it's becoming more frustrating by the day. Leonard said to reporters last week the reason he didn't play on Monday was due to the Spurs' "return from injury management" program, and not due to a flare-up with the quad issue. Of course, the Spurs's gonna Spurs and ruled him out "indefinitely" but still "expect him to play at some point this season" This is absolutely crushing and confusing for his owners, as his season may be lost for fantasy hoops. In his absence, Kyle Anderson is a must-add player and Danny Green is  worth a look where Patty Mills and Bryn Forbes are nice deep league adds. Yes, Dejounte Murray is also a must-own player since taking over the starting role.

Philadelphia 76ers guard J.J. Reddick (leg) will be re-evaluated in 10 days to two weeks, as he has a small crack in parts of his left leg. Reddick is 33 years old, and the Sixers will be wise to bring back slowly. The Sixers are thin at the guard positions, where T.J McConnell is a good add in standard leagues. McConnell missed Wednesday's game due to personal reasons but should be back in action the next game. Timothe Luwawu has also entered the picture and logged 34, 30, and 30 minutes over the last three. He's hit double-digit scoring three games in a row and has a total of 13 3-pointers in that span. Get him while he's hot.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler (knee) missed his third straight game on Wednesday. He's still battling some soreness and we have seen this movie before. Coach Tom Thibodeau is known for running his key players for significant minutes, and this could be troublesome for the second-half of the season. We're hearing that it's minor and Butler is listed day-to-day, so let's hope Butler will be able to suit up against the Warriors Thursday night. Nemanja Bjelica has been starting in his place and logged 36, 35, and 26 minutes per game. He's played fairly well and is worth a look until Butler returns. Just don't drop anyone you'd miss for him.

Boston Celtics center Al Horford (head/concussion) was unable to suit up Wednesday after getting hit in the head on Tuesday, and given his injury history, he could be looking at a few games. The big man was named an All-Star despite averaging just 13.2 points and 7.8 boards per game. (Yikes) Aron Baynes is worth a look while he's out, but he's a desperate add. The Celtics face the Warriors Saturday, so Horford has a couple of days to recover.

Sacramento Kings point guard De'Aaron Fox (abdominal tightness) could not finish Tuesday's game due to the injury but had an MRI on Wednesday, which was negative. This is obviously good news and he's probably listed as day-to-day. George Hill was a healthy scratch Tuesday and he's likely to start in place of Fox if he can't go on Thursday. Hill is a nice streaming option if you need the extra boost.

Chicago Bulls point guard Kris Dunn (face/concussion) had a massive breakaway dunk before falling flat on his face last weekClone this item as new draft. He was bleeding in his mouth and was laying on the ground for a while, as the Bulls will evaluate him for a concussion. Coach Fred Hoiberg said there has been no change in Dunn's status and that he's "almost certain" to miss Friday's game against the Lakers as well. Jerian Grant is a a very nice streaming option as he dropped 22 points and 13 dimes on Monday.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball (knee) is still sidelined with knee soreness, and he's missed five straight games. Ball is not even practicing with the team yet, so he's probably close to doubtful for Friday's game against the Bulls. Jordan Clarkson is the real winner here, as he's averaged 28.0 points and 7.0 assists over the last three. Ignore Tyler Ennis, because he's terrible. However, Alex Caruso is worth a look in deep leagues if you need cheap dimes. The Lakers have zero incentive to rush him back and will take their time to make sure he's fully healthy.

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (elbow) was close to a return, but then got ruled out on Wednesday. My guess is he's back this weekend. Domantas Sabonis continues to start in his place and is a near must-play every time Turner is out. Sabonis was probably owned in most leagues already, but make sure he's not available on your wire.

Phoenix Suns power forward Marquese Chriss (hip) has missed his sixth straight game, and he hasn't been cleared to practice so we're likely looking at a few more games on the sidelines. The Suns are a mess, where they will really need a trade to unleash Alex Len and Chriss. Dragan Bender continues to start in Chriss's place but hasn't done much. Bender is a 14+ team guy where Len should be closely monitored in case the Suns eventually deal Tyson Chandler or Greg Monroe. Greg Monroe has rejoined the rotation again and has been a beast over the last two games. I don't know if it will last, but the upside is undeniable. Get Monroe now until the wheels fall off. This is also a good opportunity to see if the Chriss owner in your league is going to drop Chriss, as he was playing very well before this injury. Keep stalking the waiver wire like a hawk.

 

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis

 

NBA DFS Premium Subscription

Get a free trial of our powerful NBA Premium Tools. Our famous DFS Cheat Sheets, and NBA Lineup Optimizer & Generator with daily matchup projections.

Win more. Try the most advanced lineup optimizer in daily fantasy basketball.

Sign Up Now!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jacob Melton

Likely to Open 2026 in Triple-A?
Carson Williams

Expected to Open 2026 in Triple-A?
José Caballero

Jose Caballero Holds Early-Season Sleeper Value Heading into 2026
Isaiah Hartenstein

Resting on Thursday
Jalen Williams

Will Not Play Thursday Against the Bucks
Deni Avdija

Listed As Questionable on Thursday
Corbin Carroll

Working Out With a Cast
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Won't be Ready for Opening Day
Lauri Markkanen

Will Rest on Thursday Against Portland
Keyonte George

Will Not Play Thursday
Nick Castellanos

Phillies Release Nick Castellanos
Cam Schlittler

Dealing With Back Inflammation
Corbin Carroll

has Surgery on his Hand
Anthony Banda

Twins Acquire Anthony Banda From Dodgers
William Contreras

Brewers Avoid Arbitration With William Contreras
Ben Lively

Guardians Finalizing Two-Year Minor-League Deal With Ben Lively
Paul Sewald

Diamondbacks Bring Back Paul Sewald on One-Year Deal
Enrique Hernández

Enrique Hernandez Returning to Dodgers
Zac Veen

Unlikely to Break Camp With MLB Team
Ronny Mauricio

a Candidate to Start At Shortstop?
Kyle Bradish

Looking Sharp Early in Camp
Bo Bichette

Won't Take Reps at Shortstop After Teammate's Injury
Max Muncy

Dodgers Reach Contract Extension With Max Muncy
Drew Thorpe

has Hit "Road Bumps" in his Recovery
Sebastian Walcott

to Have Elbow Surgery, Could Miss Entire Season
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Will Likely Miss the Rest of the Season
Andrew Painter

No Restrictions for Andrew Painter in Spring Training
CFB

BYU's Parker Kingston Charged with Felony Rape
Joel Embiid

to Be Re-Evaluated After All-Star Break
Caleb Martin

Iffy for Thursday's Game
Naji Marshall

Uncertain to Face Lakers
Klay Thompson

Available Thursday
Trey Murphy III

Makes Early Exit Wednesday
Jalen Williams

Exits Early With Hamstring Issue
Cooper Flagg

Out Through All-Star Break
Deandre Ayton

Listed as Questionable for Thursday
Cooper Flagg

Likely to Skip Meeting With Lakers
Stephon Castle

Cleared to Play Wednesday
Austin Reaves

Set to Return Thursday
LeBron James

Available Thursday Night
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Won't Face Mavericks Thursday
Will Richard

Out Wednesday
De'Anthony Melton

Available Wednesday Night
Cameron Young

Looking for Pebble Beach Success
J.J. Spaun

Looks to Turn Things Around at Pebble Beach
Collin Morikawa

Eyes Turnaround at Pebble Beach
Jake Knapp

Brings Hot Form to Pebble Beach
Nick Taylor

in Good Form Going into Pebble Beach Event
Viktor Hovland

Carrying Momentum Into Pebble Beach
Tommy Fleetwood

Set for 2026 PGA Tour Debut at Pebble Beach
Harris English

Looks to Build on Steady Form at Pebble Beach
Justin Rose

Tuned in for AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Keegan Bradley

a Boom-or-Bust Play at Pebble Beach
Maverick McNealy

Playing Well with Pebble Beach Looming
Russell Henley

Carries Momentum to Pebble Beach
Shane Lowry

Makes 2026 PGA Tour Debut at Pebble Beach
Michael Kim

Putting Well with Pebble Beach on the Horizon
Billy Horschel

a Little Rattled After Consecutive Missed Cuts
Ben Griffin

Solid But Not Spectacular Early in 2026
Wyndham Clark

Has Question Marks Heading to Pebble Beach
Daniel Berger

Heating Up at the Right Time for Pebble Beach
Jordan Spieth

Looking For a Return to Form at Pebble Beach
Juuse Saros

Starting Wednesday
William Nylander

Iffy for Olympic Opener
Martin Necas

Ready for Thursday
Drake Maye

Says his Shoulder Injury was Significant
Xander Schauffele

Trying to Get the Motor Going at Pebble Beach
Hideki Matsuyama

Trying to Overcome Sunday Collapse
Kenneth Walker III

Runs Away With Super Bowl MVP Honors
Vinicius Oliveira

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Mario Bautista

Gets Back In The Win Column
Kyoji Horiguchi

Dominates At UFC Vegas 113
Amir Albazi

Gets Dominated At UFC Vegas 113
Rizvan Kuniev

Earns His First UFC Win
Jailton Almeida

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 113
Marc-Andre Barriault

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Michal Oleksiejczuk

Gets His Third Win In A Row
Las Vegas Raiders

Klint Kubiak Confirms he Will be Next Raiders Head Coach
Jonas Rondbjerg

Out for Olympics
Brad Marchand

Good to Go for Olympic Opener
Gabriel Landeskog

Healthy for Olympics
Jack Hughes

Cleared for Olympics
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Returns to Super Bowl After Injury Scare
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Being Evaluated for Concussion, Questionable to Return
James Pearce Jr.

Arrested Following Police Chase
Quinn Hughes

Enters Olympics in Red-Hot Form
NHL

Juho Lammikko Returns to Switzerland
Pavel Zacha

Misses Olympics
Travis Kelce

Undecided on Playing Future, Leaning Towards Returning in 2026?