👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

NBA Injury News & DFS Updates: Fantasy Basketball Week 15

RotoBaller has assembled NBA injury updates for Week 15, and advice on various injury situations throughout the NBA to help you prepare both your seasonal and daily fantasy league (DFS) lineups. Understanding the injury landscape, including who's out and who could benefit is a key skill in all forms of fantasy basketball.

Here we will focus on the important questions: Who is injured? When are they coming back? Should you stash an injured player on your roster? Who is getting an opportunity in the mean time?

This injury analysis should assist in projecting how to respond to injuries in seasonal leagues. Consider this your one-stop overview of fantasy-relevant injuries in the NBA.

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

 

NBA Injury Roundup For Week 15

Questionable to Play

Kelly Olynyk (F/C, BOS): Shoulder. Tyler Zeller will likely absorb most of Olynyk’s bench minutes.

Ed Davis (F/C, POR): Wrist. Noah Vonleh and Meyers Leonard should enjoy the extended run.

Julius Randle (F, LAL): Pneumonia. Tarik Black got the start last time out, but second-round rookie Ivica Zubac finished the game. Both have value in deeper formats.

Nikola Jokic (F/C, DEN): Hip. Jusuf Nurkic has been getting the starts, but has done nothing. Kenneth Faried has been playing better with Jokic out of the lineup and Wilson Chandler has seen more power forward minutes.

Will Barton (G/F, DEN): Ankle. Jamal Murray will get a big role off the bench with Barton out.

Thabo Sefolosha (G/F, ATL): Groin. Tim Hardaway Jr. will get the starts in Sefolosha’s absence and worth a look in most formats.

Emmanuel Mudiay (G, DEN): Back. Jameer Nelson steps into the starting unit and will see the biggest increase in production. Jamal Murray should see more minutes as well.

Cody Zeller (C, CHA): Quad contusion. Roy Hibbert likely gets the start with Spencer Hawes also getting a boost in minutes.

 

Out Short Term

Rodney Hood (G/F, UTA): Hyperextended knee. Alec Burks likely gets more minutes with Joe Ingles looking to get the starts.

Danilo Gallinari (F, DEN): Left groin. Wilson Chandler likely gets the starts with Juan Hernangomez getting a boost in minutes.

Derrick Favors (F/C, UTA): Rest. Trey Lyles should take most of Favors’ minutes, but he’s been pretty inconsistent this season.

Garrett Temple (G, SAC): Left hamstring. Matt Barnes could step back into a starting role and Arron Afflalo should see more guard minutes.

Joel Embiid (C, PHI): Knee. Nerlens Noel should produce whether or not he draws the start while Jahlil Okafor should have value while Embiid is out.

Robert Covington (F, PHI): Right hand contusion. Dario Saric should see more run with his ability to space the floor in the frontcourt.

Derrick Rose (G, NYK): Ankle. Brandon Jennings and Justin Holiday will get a bulk of the guard minutes while Rose is out.

Kristaps Porzingis (F/C, NYK): Illness. Will Hernangomez should start once again and will hold some deeper league value with Porzingis out.

Zaza Pachulia (F/C, GSW): Right rotator cuff strain. Steve Kerr will go by committee in the week with JaVale McGee, Kevon Looney and Anderson Varejao all cancelling each other out.

Kevin Love (F/C, CLE): Back. A combination of Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye should get an increased role and minutes.

Avery Bradley (G, BOS): Achilles. Marcus Smart steps in standard format conversations and should start with Bradley out.

Deron Williams (G, DAL): Toe. Seth Curry and Yogi Ferrell should get a big boost in minutes and touches.

DeMar DeRozan (G/F, TOR): Ankle. Norman Powell should get the starts in DeRozan’s absence, with Terrence Ross also looking like a good option.

Joel Embiid (C, PHI) Knee. Nerlens Noel takes over the process as the crowded frontcourt has been reduced with injuries.

Ed Davis (F/C, POR): Sprained left ankle. Meyers Leonard should be the main beneficiary, but he’s been unreliable all season.

Rodney Stuckey (G, IND): Hamstring. C.J. Miles and Monta Ellis take on a bigger bench role with Stuckey dealing with constant injuries this season.

Josh Richardson (G/F, MIA): Sprained left foot. Dion Waiters gets a big boost with Richardson in a walking boot. Wayne Ellington also stands to benefit with J-Rich out.

Andrew Bogut (C, DAL): Knee. Dirk Nowitzki is getting the starts at center as Rick Carlisle opts to go small. Seth Curry gets inserted into the starting unit with Salah Mejri serving as bench depth.

 

No Timetable to Return

Josh McRoberts (F/C, MIA): Left foot. Luke Babbitt slides into the start spot, but James Johnson has been the better fantasy producer even off the bench. McBob remains out indefinitely.

Quincy Pondexter (G/F, NOP): Knee Surgery. E’Twaun Moore, Tim Frazier and Solomon Hill have gotten starts, while Langston Galloway has carved out deep league value.

Jodie Meeks (G, ORL): Dislocated thumb. A combination of D.J. Augustin and C.J. Watson should get more run.

 

Out Multiple Weeks

Enes Kanter (F/C, OKC): Fractured right arm. It should be a combination of Domantas Sabonis and Jerami Grant filling in. Steven Adams will be relied upon heavily at center. Kanter is set to miss 6 -8 weeks.

Khris Middleton (G/F, MIL): Torn hamstring. The Bucks push Tony Snell to the starting lineup for his ability to space the floor. Middleton went through full contact practice on Wednesday and should be able to return around All-Star break.

Pau Gasol (F/C, SAS): Left hand. David Lee and Dewayne Dedmon have been sharing starts, but the former looks like to player to be owned here. Gasol is expected out for a month or so.

David West (F, GSW): Thumb. His bench duties will likely be shifted to Kevon Looney, but it’s irrelevant on the fantasy front. West will be re-evaluated next week.

J.J. Barea (G, DAL): Left calf strain. Seth Curry and Yogi Ferrell will benefit from the extra guard minutes. Barea is aiming for a return sometime after the All-Star Break.

Jeremy Lin (PG, BKN): Left hamstring. Spencer Dinwiddie has gotten the starts and Isaiah Whitehead seems to have moved back to a minor bench role. The Nets have finally released that they are expecting another 2-3 weeks for a return.

Omri Casspi (F, SAC): Right calf. Matt Barnes and Anthony Tolliver should see a few extra minutes each.  

Chris Paul (G, LAC): Thumb. Raymond Felton and Austin Rivers get a huge boost with their All-Star point guard out for the next 4 - 6 weeks.

J.R. Smith (G/F, CLE): Thumb. Iman Shumpert has taken over starting duties and should be considered in deep leagues. The Cavs have projected a late-March return for Smith.

Ben Simmons (F, PHI): Foot. Ersan Ilyasova looks to be starting for the next few months with Dario Saric getting the bench minutes. Still not close to suiting up for real NBA action.

 

Likely Out for the Season

Rudy Gay (F, SAC): Ruptured left Achilles. Garrett Temple is the most reliable option on the perimeter, but Matt Barnes could also so an increase in minutes.

Justise Winslow (F, MIA): Right Shoulder. James Johnson becomes essential to the Heat frontourt, while Rodney McGruder and Wayne Ellington should see increased run.

Brandan Wright (P/C, MEM): Ankle surgery. Wright has struggled with injuries his entire career and hasn’t played this season yet.

Jerryd Bayless (G, PHI): Wrist surgery. Spanish Chocolate and T.J. McConnell will go back to their roles they started the season with.

Chris Bosh (F/C, MIA): Blood clot. James Johnson, Luke Babbitt and Willie Reed benefit from the extra frontcourt minutes.

Chris Andersen (C, CLE): Knee. He suffered an ACL tear in his right knee during practice. He’s been relegated to a deep bench role anyways.

Nikola Pekovic (C, MIN): Chronic Ankle Issues. Pek is contemplating retirement due to injury issues. Cole Aldrich has gotten the primary backup minutes behind Karl-Anthony Towns.

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

New England Patriots

Patriots Targeting Eli Stowers in the NFL Draft?
CFB

Ashton Daniels Named Florida State's Starting Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers

Mike McCarthy has Confidence in Aaron Rodgers if he Re-Signs
Daniel Jones

is Dropping Back and Passing in his Rehab
Juan Soto

Expected to Return on Wednesday
NFL

Jermod McCoy Could Fall in Draft Due to Long-Term Knee Concerns
NFL

Ty Simpson Could Fall Out of the First Round
Washington Commanders

Jeremiyah Love Could Unlock Commanders Offense
Royce Lewis

Twins Reinstate Royce Lewis From Injured List on Tuesday
Adley Rutschman

Activated From Injured List on Tuesday
Nnamdi Madubuike

Doctors Think Nnamdi Madubuike Can Resume his Playing Career
Kayshon Boutte

Not Present for Voluntary Workouts
Tetairoa McMillan

Working on "Power" and Weight/Muscle Gain
Ashton Jeanty

a Top Dynasty Buy Ahead of the NFL Draft?
Tyler Shough

Poised to Get a Wide Receiver Upgrade in the NFL Draft?
Mason Taylor

a Sneaky Buy in Dynasty Leagues as NFL Draft Approaches?
Devin Neal

a Sneaky Buy Ahead of the NFL Draft
Dylan Cease

Continues Strong Start With 12-Strikeout Performance
Ricky Pearsall

Not Yet Ready to Make the WR1 Leap
NFL

Chris Brazzell II a Fringe First-Rounder in Fantasy Rookie Drafts
Raisel Iglesias

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Shoulder Inflammation
Tory Horton

Is Tory Horton a Sneaky, Low-Cost Buy Before the NFL Draft?
Zach Charbonnet

a Volatile Buy Heading into NFL Draft
NFL

Can Emmett Johnson Sneak into First Round of Rookie Drafts?
NFL

Jonah Coleman Could Be a Steal in Second Round of Rookie Drafts
NFL

Elijah Sarratt Brings Boom-or-Bust Volatility to the Second Round of Rookie Drafts
Jake Sanderson

Records Two Assists in Losing Effort
Brock Faber

Bags Two Goals in Monday's Defeat
Wyatt Johnston

Notches Two Goals in Game 2 Win
Troy Terry

Has Special Playoffs Debut
Dan Vladar

Leads Flyers to Victory With 27-Save Shutout
Yakov Trenin

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 2
Rasmus Sandin

to Miss Start of 2026-27
CJ McCollum

Shines at MSG in Game 2
Donovan Mitchell

Extends 30-Point Streak
Jakob Poeltl

Gets Benched in Second Half
Brandon Ingram

Continues to Struggle
Al Horford

Undecided on Future
Brandin Podziemski

Wants to Stay With Warriors Long-Term
Max Muncy

With Another Two-Homer Game, Becoming Must-Add Off Waiver Wire
Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks "Looking to Trade Back" in This Week's Draft
Jordan McLaughlin

Ruled Out for Game 2
Ron Harper Jr.

Probable for Game 2
Austin Reaves

to Remain Out Tuesday
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Still Out Tuesday
Anthony Edwards

Active on Monday Night
Kevin Durant

a Game-Time Decision on Tuesday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Day-to-Day After Being Hit on the Hand on Monday
Mick Abel

Injury Described as "Not Too Serious"
Brendan Donovan

Mariners Place Brendan Donovan on Injured List With Groin Strain
Joel Embiid

is Officially Ruled Out for Game 2
Sonny Gray

Heading to the Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Victor Wembanyama

Wins Defensive Player of the Year
OG Anunoby

is Available to Play for Monday's Game 2
Onyeka Okongwu

is Cleared to Play During Game 2 on Monday
Immanuel Quickley

is Ruled Out for Game 2
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Expected to Miss Around Three Months
Edwin Uceta

Shut Down for 2-3 Weeks; Is he Still Stash-Worthy?
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Doubtful for Game 2
Brad Keller

Will "Probably" Earn First Save Situation in Modified Phillies Bullpen
Roope Hintz

to Miss at Least Two More Games
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Injury
Ross Johnston

Won't Play in Game 1 Against Oilers
Artem Zub

Considered a Game-Time Decision Monday
Tyler Kleven

Remains Out Monday
Jason Dickinson

a Game-Time Call Monday
Leon Draisaitl

Expected to Return Monday
Tyler Reddick

Earns His Fifth Win of the 2026 Season at Kansas
Kyle Larson

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Rallies for A New Career-Best Finish at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Leads the Most Laps at Kansas but Misses Out on Victory
Christopher Bell

Falls Out of Contention for Kansas Victory on Final Restart
Mike Malott

Scores Third-Round TKO Win
Sonny Gray

Leaves Monday's Start Early With Hamstring Tightness
Gilbert Burns

Retires After UFC Winnipeg Loss
Charles Jourdain

Extends Winning Streak
Mick Abel

Twins Placing Mick Abel on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
Kyler Phillips

Drops Decision At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss In His UFC Debut
Jai Herbert

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Karine Silva

Gets Dominated at UFC Winnipeg
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Dominates Karine Silva
Deni Avdija

Posts 30-Point Double-Double in Loss
Paolo Banchero

Leads Magic in Game 1 Win
Jalen Duren

Posts Quiet Line in Series Opener
Cade Cunningham

Erupts for 39 Points in Playoff Opener
Logan Cooley

Scores Mammoth's First-Ever Playoff Goal
David Pastrnak

Finishes Game 1 Loss With Three Points
Tage Thompson

Bags Three Points in Postseason Debut
Jake Guentzel

Records Three Assists Sunday
Juraj Slafkovsky

Nets Unique Hat Trick in Playoff Opener
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Hurt in Game 1 Loss
Leon Draisaitl

Could Be Ready for Game 1 Against Ducks
Corbin Carroll

Expected Back Tuesday; Injury Concern Appears Minor
Juan Soto

is on Track to Return Next Homestand
Corbin Carroll

Exits Sunday's Game with Back Tightness
Tarik Skubal

Fans 10 in Win Over Red Sox on Saturday
Raisel Iglesias

Dealing With Shoulder Issue
Kyle Larson

Should not be Underestimated for the Win at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Can Denny Hamlin Dominate at Kansas Again?
NASCAR

Christoper Bell Should Contend for First Win at Kansas
Tyler Reddick

Fastest in Practice and Qualifying for Kansas Race
Ryan Blaney

Could Score another Top-10 Finish at Kansas
Ty Gibbs

Poised to Continue Hot Streak at Kansas
Chris Buescher

Always Consistent, Has Speed Heading Into Kansas
William Byron

is A Solid DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Carson Hocevar

Poised for Career-Best Run at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Is Chase Briscoe Worth Rostering for DFS at Kansas?
Chase Elliott

Is A Favorable DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano be Considered Playable In DFS This Week at Kansas?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Favorable Driver to Consider for Kansas Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain A Worthy DFS Option for Kansas?
Brad Keselowski

Could Brad Keselowski be A Sneaky DFS Option for Kansas?
Daniel Suarez

Should DFS Managers Roster Daniel Suarez at Kansas?
Mike Malott

A Favorite At UFC Winnipeg
Gilbert Burns

Set For UFC Winnipeg Main Event
Kyler Phillips

Set UFC Winnipeg Co-Main Event
Charles Jourdain

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Jai Herbert

An Underdog At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Set For His UFC Debut
Karine Silva

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Looks To Bounce Back