January 6, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (concussion) will be sidelined for a second consecutive game on Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons. Smith entered concussion protocol over the weekend after sustaining a head injury during a game against the Charlotte Hornets. Chicago's frontcourt is also currently without
Zach Collins (toe), opening up a spot in the rotation for
Lachlan Olbrich. The 22-year-old rookie failed to impress on Monday night against the Boston Celtics, finishing scoreless in 12 minutes and recording two rebounds and two assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Matas Buzelis (illness) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report for Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. He is dealing with an illness, and if Buzelis can't shake it off before tip-off, he would miss his first game of the season. The 21-year-old sophomore has taken an impressive leap in 2025-26, averaging 14.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.
Patrick Williams and
Julian Phillips will likely be called upon to take on larger roles Wednesday night if Buzelis is unavailable.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White (calf) is considered questionable for Wednesday's tilt against the Detroit Pistons. On Monday, White made a sooner-than-expected return to the lineup from a right calf injury, but he may sit out some action again.
Tre Jones and
Kevin Huerter will likely see more time on the court if White is unavailable, although Wednesday presents a challenging matchup for the Bulls against the league's second-ranked defense.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham (wrist) is considered probable for Wednesday's contest against the Chicago Bulls. Detroit's leading man is dealing with a right wrist injury, but the probable designation indicates that Cunningham isn't expected to miss time. The 24-year-old is averaging a double-double for a second consecutive month. He has notched 29.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 2.0 steals per game through his first few outings of 2026. If Cunningham experiences a setback,
Jaden Ivey and
Daniss Jenkins will take on a greater workload against Chicago.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will miss a sixth consecutive game on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz. Hartenstein is recovering from a right soleus strain and doesn't have a return timeline.
Chet Holmgren has operated as the starting center during Hartenstein's absence, with
Branden Carlson seeing additional action off the bench. Wednesday's matchup is a juicy spot for the Thunder bigs against a team that struggles against centers.
Aaron Wiggins and
Cason Wallace have filled in for Hartenstein in the starting lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) has been upgraded to questionable on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's contest against the Washington Wizards. The veteran has been sidelined since Nov. 14 due to a knee sprain, but he could be ready to return to the court against his former team. Before injuring his left knee, Oubre Jr. was performing well. He has averaged 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 34.8 minutes this season. Initially, Oubre Jr.'s workload is likely to be limited upon his return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Tim Hardaway Jr. (illness) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. The veteran sniper is dealing with an illness and wasn't available for Monday's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Denver was short-handed on Monday and could be in a similar situation on Wednesday, with
Jamal Murray (ankle),
Aaron Gordon (hamstring), and
Christian Braun (ankle) all also questionable. Players like
Jalen Pickett,
Spencer Jones, and
Zeke Nnaji stepped up on Monday night and may be asked to do it again against Boston.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Christian Braun (ankle) carries a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's meeting with the Boston Celtics. On Sunday, the 24-year-old returned to the lineup from a seven-week absence, but Braun didn't play in Monday's contest against the Philadelphia 76ers. He may now miss a second straight game. Braun's absence would give additional fantasy value to
Bruce Brown and
Spencer Jones. However, Wednesday's matchup is unattractive from a fantasy perspective, as Boston plays at the slowest pace in the league.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's meeting with the Boston Celtics. After he returned from a hamstring injury on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets, Gordon sat out the second leg of a back-to-back on Monday night versus the Philadelphia 76ers. The team will not want to risk an injury setback and may keep Gordon out of action again on Wednesday.
Peyton Watson and
Zeke Nnaji are in a position to contribute more if Gordon doesn't play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (ankle) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's clash against the Boston Celtics. He is dealing with a left ankle sprain, which may sideline Murray for a second consecutive contest. Overall, Murray has shown impressive durability this season, skipping only two games. With Murray out,
Jalen Pickett had an outstanding game in Monday's overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers. Pickett could make some noise again on Wednesday if he maintains a starting role.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Max Strus (foot) will be out for at least another month, the team announced Tuesday. Strus underwent foot surgery on Aug. 26 and was initially expected to resume basketball activities in three to four months. However, the 29-year-old has yet to play this season. It's now clear that Strus will remain out at least until February.
Jaylon Tyson and
Sam Merrill have capitalized on Strus' absence this season, both showing major improvement in their offensive production.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard
Vince Williams Jr. (knee) is returning to the lineup on Tuesday as the Grizzlies face the San Antonio Spurs. Williams has missed the previous eight games with left patellar tendinitis but is off the injury report and set to play. The fourth-year guard has averaged 7.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 22 games this season, starting in just half of them. With
Ja Morant (calf) ruled out for Tuesday, Williams could have a legitimate role despite likely seeing a minutes restriction. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Morant's status moving forward, as Williams could become a key option for the Grizzlies if Morant ends up missing more time.
--Nathan HarveySource: Memphis Grizzlies
January 6, 2026
Atlanta Hawks point guard
Trae Young (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. The four-time All-Star has been out for five games with a right quadriceps contusion. If he returns on Wednesday, it could be one of Young's final games as a Hawk, since he has been heavily linked with a trade in recent days.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and
Vit Krejci have benefited from Young's absence and will continue to have additional fantasy value if he remains out.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (calf) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Morant is set to miss his second straight game with a calf injury, which has already cost him several games earlier this season. The two-time All-Star has gotten off to a slow start to his seventh season, averaging 19.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists. With Morant sitting against the Spurs, expect
Cam Spencer and
Vince Williams Jr. to make an impact in his absence. With the Grizzlies playing back-to-backs, fantasy managers should cross their fingers that Morant didn't suffer a reinjury and is simply managing his health.
--Nathan HarveySource: Memphis Grizzlies
January 6, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
James Harden (shoulder) is considered questionable for Wednesday's tilt against the New York Knicks. He may miss a second straight game due to a sore right shoulder. Harden's absence on Monday night versus the Golden State Warriors gave
Kobe Sanders his fourth start of the season, and the 23-year-old rookie had the best outing of his young career. Across 36 minutes, Sanders notched 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, shooting 9-for-16 from the field. If Harden remains out on Wednesday, Sanders will likely remain in the first unit. Meanwhile,
Kawhi Leonard and
Kris Dunn are expected to have larger offensive roles.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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