January 9, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game versus the Brooklyn Nets. Leonard suffered a right ankle sprain during Wednesday's loss to the New York Knicks. The Clippers might take the cautious approach on Friday, with this being the first game of a back-to-back set. The absence of Leonard could mean that
Kobe Sanders moves into the starting five. The rookie guard dropped 20 points with seven rebounds and three assists during a spot start on Monday. His playing time has been inconsistent this season, but Sanders could be worth a look as a streaming option if Leonard misses Friday's contest.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward
Brandon Ingram (thumb) is considered a game-time decision for Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. He is listed as questionable on the injury report, but is viewed as a game-time decision after participating in morning shootaround. Ingram is dealing with a sprained right thumb that he suffered during Wednesday's game. If active, it'll be interesting to see if this thumb injury impacts his performance on the court. Ja'Kobe Walker and
Jamal Shead figure to see extended run if Ingram is unable to play.
Gradey Dick could also see more run, but Walker and Shead are better streaming options.
--Andy WebbSource: Michael Grange
January 9, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
Scottie Barnes (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Boston after sustaining a right knee sprain. Barnes exited briefly late in Wednesday's contest but returned to finish, suggesting the injury may be minor, though Toronto may still take a cautious approach.
Brandon Ingram (thumb) is also questionable, creating potential ripple effects across the rotation. If either sits,
RJ Barrett and
Immanuel Quickley would take on more of the offense after combining for 49 points on 43 shots last game.
Ja'Kobe Walter,
Ochai Agbaji,
Gradey Dick, and
Jamison Battle could see expanded minutes but remain volatile fantasy options.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Orlando due to left knee injury management. Embiid has appeared in five straight contests and looked dominant, averaging 28.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 34.4 minutes during that stretch. He logged 28 points in just 25 minutes Wednesday, signaling efficiency even with workload monitoring. If Embiid sits,
Tyrese Maxey and
Paul George absorb heavier usage, while
Andre Drummond and
Adem Bona remain risky, low-minute fantasy pivots.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward
Trey Murphy III (back) is questionable for Friday's matchup against Washington after missing Wednesday with back spasms. His potential absence keeps usage elevated for
Jordan Poole, who logged 39 minutes and produced 21 points, three assists, three steals, and six three-pointers in his last outing. Poole carries real fantasy value due to points volume and strong free-throw impact, though his field-goal percentage remains volatile.
Bryce McGowens and rookie
Micah Peavy should see minutes but remain unreliable for consistent fantasy production.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is listed as probable for Friday's game against Atlanta as Denver continues to manage his workload. Gordon is still playing under a reduced workload, logging 23 minutes while producing 12 points and six rebounds on Wednesday.
Nikola Jokic (knee) remains out, but
Jamal Murray (ankle),
Christian Braun (ankle), and
Bruce Brown (knee) are all probable, helping stabilize the rotation.
Peyton Watson should still see meaningful usage after a 30-point outing, while Gordon profiles as a steady fantasy option with a capped ceiling until his minutes normalize.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Ja Morant (calf) will remain sidelined Friday against Oklahoma City, marking his fourth straight absence after being ruled out a day in advance. His next chance to return is Sunday versus Brooklyn. With Morant out,
Cam Spencer has stepped into a larger role, averaging 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers in 30.4 minutes over the last three games. Spencer profiles as a viable assists-and-threes streamer, while
Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to shoulder added offensive responsibility.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (foot/sciatica) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Milwaukee after sitting out the second half of a back-to-back on Wednesday. The Lakers expect a decision closer to tipoff, and indications lean toward availability. If James sits,
Luka Doncic would continue to shoulder the offense after posting 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in 38 minutes on Wednesday.
Jake LaRavia logged an extended run with 16 points and four three-pointers, while
Jaxson Hayes added 10 points and seven rebounds. James remains a high-end fantasy play, with availability the only variable to watch.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) will remain inactive for Friday's game against Houston, set to miss his 12th straight contest. Grant has not played since Dec. 18 and continues to be ruled out a day in advance, with Sunday against New York his next chance to return. His absence has opened up consistent wing minutes. Rookie
Caleb Love has stepped into a larger role, averaging 16.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 3.4 three-pointers in 29.3 minutes over his last nine games. Love remains a viable short-term stream, while Grant is a stash as managers wait for clearer updates.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Chet Holmgren (shin) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Memphis due to bilateral shin soreness after appearing in nine straight contests. His absence further thins an already short-handed frontcourt, with
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and
Jaylin Williams (heel) also sidelined.
Jalen Williams should absorb added interior responsibility after posting 17 points, six rebounds, and eight assists in 41 minutes on Wednesday.
Aaron Wiggins and
Kenrich Williams are in line for modest bumps, while
Branden Carlson remains a deep-league option tied to minutes. Holmgren remains a clear hold.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will remain sidelined for Friday's game in Memphis, marking his seventh straight absence after being ruled out a day in advance. With
Chet Holmgren (shin) also unavailable, Oklahoma City is expected to lean small.
Jalen Williams could log minutes at center, boosting his all-around output and usage stability.
Aaron Wiggins and
Kenrich Williams stand to see modest role bumps, while
Branden Carlson remains a deep-league flier after logging 11 minutes last game. Hartenstein remains worth holding in standard formats, despite ongoing uncertainty around his return.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) will not play Friday in Memphis due to an ankle sprain. His next chance to return comes Sunday against Miami. Oklahoma City will also be without
Chet Holmgren (shin),
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf),
Cason Wallace (toe), and
Jaylin Williams (heel), concentrating offensive responsibility.
Jalen Williams should see elevated usage after averaging 17.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.4 steals in 30.0 minutes this season.
Ajay Mitchell emerges as a strong streamer, posting 13.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 three-pointers, and 1.5 steals on efficient shooting.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Toronto Raptors center
Jakob Poeltl (back) will not play Friday against Boston after falling short of a return following Thursday's practice. Sunday against Philadelphia is his next opportunity to play. His absence continues to open frontcourt minutes. Rookie
Collin Murray-Boyles has started the last three games and profiles as a short-term stream after averaging 9.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 29.8 minutes.
Sandro Mamukelashvili remains productive off the bench with 11.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 three-pointers in 26.4 minutes. Both are low-end options tied to Poeltl's status.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) will remain out Friday against Philadelphia as he continues to recover from a high-ankle sprain. Sunday against New Orleans remains his next realistic return window. His absence keeps secondary usage concentrated elsewhere.
Anthony Black benefited earlier, averaging 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.3 three-pointers over a twelve-game span. He has cooled lately, posting 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over his last two outings.
Tristan da Silva should continue starting after logging 14 points in 24 minutes, but remains a risky streamer due to volatility.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) will not play Friday against Philadelphia, sidelined for a fourth consecutive game with an MCL contusion. Orlando ruled him out a day in advance, and his next possible return is Sunday against New Orleans.
Anthony Black continues to start and showed strong early production in Suggs' absence, but has cooled lately, averaging 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over his last two games with shaky efficiency.
Noah Penda has quietly emerged as a deep-league watch after posting 13 points and 11 rebounds in 31 minutes on Tuesday.
Tyus Jones remains a low-ceiling assists streamer in deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
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