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
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
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!

Upgrade To VIP: Win more with our NBA and DFS Premium Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! Jamie Calandro and Dan Palyo lead the RotoBaller team in 2024-25 with exclusive DFS picks, Prop picks and more. Gain VIP access to our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, DFS Cheat Sheets and VIP Chat Rooms. Go Premium, Win More!

 

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
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Cleared to Play on Tuesday Night
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Pulled With Hamstring Tightness
MLB

Game 2 of Brewers-Cubs on Monday Postponed
Bryce Miller

to be Activated on Tuesday
Kyle Tucker

to Get Multiple Days Off
Shane Bieber

to Make Season Debut on Friday
Joe Mixon

Could Start Season on NFI List
Zack Wheeler

has Surgery to Remove Blood Clot
De'Von Achane

Unlikely to Practice This Week
Justin Jefferson

Returning to Practice
Chris Godwin

Bucs Chris Godwin Likely to Start Season on PUP List
Joe Flacco

Browns Name Joe Flacco as Their Week 1 Starter
Jalen McDaniels

Inks Deal With New Orleans
N'Faly Dante

Signs Deal With Hawks
Matthew Stafford

Practicing on Monday
Dru Smith

Agrees to Deal With Heat
Austin Dillon

Scores an Upset Victory at Richmond
William Byron

Clinches the Regular Season Championship Title at Richmond
Denny Hamlin

Pit-Road Struggles Impede Denny Hamlin's Chances of a Top Finish at Richmond
Joey Logano

Earns A Fourth-Place Finish at Richmond
Kyle Larson

Rallies to A Top-10 Finish at Richmond
Malik Nabers

Dealing With Back Injury
Khamzat Chimaev

Is The New UFC Middleweight Champion
Dricus Du Plessis

Gets Dominated At UFC 319
Aaron Pico

Suffers Knockout Loss In His UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Scores Stunning First-Round Knockout
Leodalis De Vries

Earns Promotion to Double-A
Nathaniel Lowe

Finalizing Deal with Boston
Geoff Neal

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Ketel Marte

Arizona Could Trade Ketel Marte in the Offseason
Carlos Prates

Gets Back In The Win Column
Michael Page

Dominates At UFC 319
Jared Cannonier

Gets Outclassed
Tim Elliott

Gets Submission Win
Kai Asakura

Still Winless In The UFC
Austin Cindric

has Arguably his Best Run of the Season at Richmond
Ryan Blaney

Contends for First Richmond Win but Comes Up Short
Alex Bowman

Finishes Second but Loses Ground in Playoffs
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Sets Personal Laps-Led Record at Richmond
Chris Buescher

Falls Out of Playoffs After Miserable Richmond Run
Coby White

Bulls Not Interested in Trading Coby White
Dereck Lively II

Expected to be Ready for Camp
Brian Robinson Jr.

Commanders "Shopping" Brian Robinson Jr.
John Metchie III

Texans Trade John Metchie III to Eagles
Victor Scott II

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Listening to Trade Offers for Trey Hendrickson
Marcelo Mayer

to Have Season-Ending Wrist Surgery
Samuel Basallo

Called Up From Triple-A Norfolk
J.K. Dobbins

Expected to Win Starting RB Job?
Quentin Johnston

Suffers Concussion in Preseason Loss
Jaxson Dart

Plays Well on Saturday Night
Marcus Semien

Avoids Serious Injury
Kyle Stowers

Heads to Injured List With Left-Side Strain
Zack Wheeler

Placed on Injured List With Blood Clot in Shoulder
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Optimistic Terry McLaurin Deal Can Get Done Soon
De'Von Achane

De’Von Achane Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Likely Avoids Serious Injury
Josh Hader

Unlikely to Return During Regular Season
Denny Hamlin

the Heavy Favorite to Win at Richmond
Christopher Bell

Has Been Great at Richmond
Kyle Stowers

Out Saturday With Left-Side Tightness
Tyrese Haliburton

No Longer Using a Scooter, Crutches
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Finally Break Through at Richmond?
Joey Logano

Will Start Last at Richmond After Practice Trouble
Chase Elliott

Lack of Top-Line Speed Hurts his DFS Potential
Kyle Larson

Recent String of Crashes Make Him a Big Risk at Richmond
William Byron

Probably Slightly Too Inconsistent at Richmond to Start for DFS
Ryan Preece

on Pole at Richmond as Playoff Deadline Looms Closer
Brad Keselowski

Probably the Best RFK Racing DFS Option at Richmond
Chase Briscoe

Still Figuring Out Richmond
Chris Buescher

a Solid Choice for DFS Play, but Teammates Look Faster
Jhoan Duran

Feels "100%"
Marcus Semien

Out on Saturday, Going for X-Rays on his Wrist
George Springer

Activated and Starting on Saturday
Dylan Beavers

Called Up by Orioles
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Activate Terry McLaurin From PUP List
Rashee Rice

NFL Could Reach Settlement Before Hearing
Joe Mixon

Not a Lock to be Ready For Week 1
Rashee Rice

Receives Clearance to Travel to Brazil for Week 1
Haywood Highsmith

Dealt to Brooklyn on Friday
Amir Coffey

Signs One-Year Deal With Bucks
Khamzat Chimaev

A Favorite At UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis

Set For His Third Title Defense
Aaron Pico

Set For UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Geoff Neal

Looks For His Second Win In A Row
Travis Hunter

Dealing With Upper-Body Injury, Could be Held Out of Preseason Game
Michael Page

Set For His Second Middleweight Bout
Jared Cannonier

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kai Asakura

Looks For His First UFC Win
Tim Elliott

Set To Open Up UFC 309 Main Card
CBJ

Mikael Pyyhtia Re-Signs With Blue Jackets for One Year
UTA

Caleb Desnoyers Expected to Miss 12 Weeks After Wrist Procedure
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Be Healthy for Season Opener
NHL

Olivier Rodrigue Signs KHL Deal
NHL

Emil Bemstrom to Join Swiss Team
Payton Pritchard

Reportedly Moving Into Starting Lineup
Quinshon Judkins

Won't Face Formal Charges
Kevin Durant

Rockets Not Interested in Keeping Kevin Durant with Max Extension
NBA

Isaiah Mobley Joins Turkish Team
NBA

Cole Swider Links Up with EuroLeague Powerhouse
Ethan Thompson

Joins Heat for Training Camp
Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers Add Jason Preston for Training Camp
Akshay Bhatia

a High-Upside Play at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

a Safe Play at BMW Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im a Risky Play at BMW Championship
Xander Schauffele

Chases Big Week at BMW Championship
Shane Lowry

Aims to Rebound at BMW Championship
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Build Momentum at BMW Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looking to Rebound at BMW Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Eyeing Another BMW Championship Victory
Neemias Queta

Wants to Raise His Free-Throw Attempts
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Stuggling to Trade Anfernee Simons
Cole Anthony

Focuses on Winning with Bucks
NBA

Jesse Edwards Moves to Australia
Kessler Edwards

Joins Nuggets