December 22, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Dominick Barlow (illness) is questionable for Tuesday's matchup against Brooklyn. Like many players around the NBA, he's not feeling well, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see how things play out. Barlow is easily having the best season of his career, averaging 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. His three-point percentage isn't great, although he's certainly still exceeded expectations. If Barlow can't suit up,
Jabari Walker, averaging 2.0 points and 3.2 rebounds in five starts this season, might find his way back into the starting lineup. However, his upside is limited as long as
Tyrese Maxey,
Paul George, and
Joel Embiid (knee), who is probable, are on the floor.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (elbow) has come off the injury report ahead of Tuesday's clash against his former team, the Phoenix Suns. An elbow injury kept Ayton sidelined for two games, allowing
Jaxson Hayes to work as a starter.
Jarred Vanderbilt also had a larger workload in the frontcourt. He may still see additional action on Tuesday due to
Rui Hachimura's (groin) absence. Ayton's last appearance was against the Suns, and he did a good job showing what they are missing. In 30 minutes, the 27-year-old big man had 20 points, 13 rebounds, one block, and two steals in a 116-114 win on Dec. 14.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren (shoulder) is off the injury report and available to play against the Portland Trail Blazers. Duren played fewer minutes in their previous game against the Charlotte Hornets but was listed as probable heading into Monday night's game. The 22-year-old is having a breakout season, averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 29 minutes per game. With the fourth-year center set to play against the Blazers,
Isaiah Stewart has limited value coming off the bench. Duren is a sure-fire start for fantasy managers against one of the worst defenses in the NBA.
--Nathan HarveySource: Omari Sankofa II
December 22, 2025
Washington Wizards center
Alexandre Sarr (adductor) is off the injury report ahead of Tuesday's meeting with the Charlotte Hornets. Sarr last played on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies, finishing with an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double. However, he didn't suit up versus the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, the second of back-to-back contests.
Tristan Vukcevic got the start, ending with 18 points and nine boards. Of course, with Sarr's return, Vukcevic will head to the bench, although he may see some action if
Marvin Bagley III (calf) can't play.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Austin Reaves (calf) has picked up a questionable designation on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. He has missed three games with a left calf strain but is on the cusp of returning to the lineup. On Monday, Reaves was a limited participant at practice, and the team considers him day-to-day.
Luka Doncic (leg) has been ruled out for Tuesday night, and Reaves could have a massive role on the offensive end if he plays. However, if he remains out,
Nick Smith Jr. and
Dalton Knecht would presumably play a larger role. The two have not been trustworthy fantasy contributors.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (toe) will remain out of the lineup on Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors. He recently re-aggravated a toe injury, and it's unclear when Herro will be available to return. Tuesday's game will be his fifth straight absence. Fortunately for Miami, the team's other big guns have been cleared for Tuesday's game. With Herro out, all the other starters get additional scoring chances. At the same time, his absence has helped
Kel'el Ware to reclaim a starting spot. The 21-year-old has exploded for 24.7 points and 15.0 rebounds over the last three games since rejoining the first unit, adding 1.7 blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Detroit Pistons small forward
Ron Holland II (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Holland is dealing with left knee soreness and didn't appear to have any injury in their previous game against the Charlotte Hornets. The second-year forward has seen a slight jump in his sophomore season, averaging 8.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in just 21 minutes per game. With Holland out, expect to see more
Javonte Green as the primary backup behind
Ausar Thompson. With the Pistons traveling to face Sacramento on Tuesday, there's a chance Holland is managing some soreness and will be active for their matchup against the Kings.
--Nathan HarveySource: Omari Sankofa II
December 22, 2025
New York Knicks forward
OG Anunoby (ankle) won't suit up for Tuesday's encounter with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has landed on the injury report with a sore left ankle, indicating that Anunoby isn't dealing with anything serious. It looks like the team simply wants to give him some rest before facing the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day.
Guerschon Yabusele (illness) also won't play on Tuesday, making it likely that
Mohamed Diawara will log his second career start. It's a great opportunity to impress for the 20-year-old rookie, but fantasy managers should tame their expectations. In his first career start, Diaward settled for five points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Detroit Pistons. Grant is set to miss his second straight game due to left Achilles tendon soreness. The 12-year veteran has played in 26 games this season, averaging 20 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in a little over 30 minutes per game. With Grant ruled out, expect second-year forward
Kris Murray to start once again, and other starters like
Deni Avdija,
Shaedon Sharpe, and Toumani Camera to see a jump in fantasy value as well. With Portland facing the Orlando Magic as part of a back-to-back, fantasy managers could be without Grant until after Christmas.
--Nathan HarveySource: Danny Marang
December 22, 2025
New York Knicks point guard
Jalen Brunson (ankle) will miss his third game of the season on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Brunson had a monster game on Sunday against the Miami Heat with 47 points, but he will take Tuesday off to manage a right ankle injury ahead of Thursday's Christmas clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks' backcourt is also without
Miles McBride (ankle) and
Landry Shamet (shoulder), giving
Jordan Clarkson and
Tyler Kolek significant roles in the rotation. With that said, Tuesday's matchup is a tricky one for the duo, as Minnesota typically does a good job limiting the offensive impact of guards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (illness) appears ready to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets, as the team considers him probable for the game. After sitting out two games due to illness, the former MVP came through a full practice on Monday. Embiid's return to the lineup would force
Andre Drummond into a bench role, significantly reducing his fantasy value. Before he was sidelined by illness, Embiid logged 30-plus minutes in three consecutive appearances, averaging 25.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (illness) is available for Monday's contest against the Utah Jazz. Valanciunas was listed on the injury report with an illness heading into Monday, but the veteran will continue his streak of not missing a game in 2025. The 14th-year big man is averaging 8.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in just 13 minutes per game. He has yet to start a game this season, filling in behind superstar
Nikola Jokic, which will continue to limit his fantasy value. With Jokic in the lineup for Monday's game against the Jazz, Valanciunas should be left out of fantasy lineups.
--Nathan HarveySource: Denver Nuggets
December 22, 2025
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Victor Wembanyama (calf) is considered questionable for Tuesday's intriguing matchup against the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The French superstar continues to manage a calf injury that recently kept him sidelined for nearly a month. Since returning, Wembanyama has averaged only 20.3 minutes across five appearances. Despite the limited playing time, he has still provided high-level fantasy production, posting 19.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. If Wembanyama takes the night off on Tuesday,
Luke Kornet and
Kelly Olynyk will share the center minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers point guard
Luka Doncic (leg) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Doncic injured his left leg in Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and will sit out at least one game. His injury isn't believed to be a long-term issue, as the Lakers consider him day-to-day. According to Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Doncic has dealt with the same issue several times this season.
Dalton Knecht and
Nick Smith Jr. could see increased usage due to Doncic's absence, though
Austin Reaves (calf) may return on Tuesday and would significantly impact the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (trunk) is available to play on Monday against the Utah Jazz. Watson has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but is off the injury report and slated to play on Monday. The fourth-year forward has started in 15 of 25 available games this season, averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. With
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) still out after suffering his injury on November 21st, Watson will continue to start as the power forward for the Nuggets. While a minute restriction is possible given the missed time, Watson offers some fantasy value as a streaming option with Gordon off the floor.
--Nathan HarveySource: Denver Nuggets
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