NBA

Daily Fantasy Basketball Injury Report: Thursday 11/17/16

Jordan Sharp  —  @TehSharp Nov 17th, 2016
Despite a smaller five-game slate, the injury report is full once again, potentially opening up some value in various spots.

The Utah Jazz may be legitimately cursed with the injury bug right now, but they also might be getting back a few starters after losing another. With a shorter slate, there is a good bunch of injuries opening up cheap punt plays on a five-game night.

Notable Injuries

Utah Jazz

The hits just keep coming for the Utah Jazz. Derrick Favors has already been ruled out after an MRI revealed a bone bruise in his knee. Yes, the same troublesome knee that kept him out of training camp and the preseason. He is out and with no timetable to return, but it does look like Utah is catching a few breaks. Rodney Hood will return on Thursday after sitting out on Tuesday, and the Jazz might also get back George Hill, who participated in parts of practice on Wednesday. With Favors out, Rudy Gobert is going to be a popular play tonight against the Chicago Bulls. Trey Lyles and Boris Diaw also deserve a bump.

Goran Dragic, Miami Heat

Goran Dragic has missed three games with a sprained ankle, but the good news out of Miami Heat camp this morning was that Dragic went through shootaround and is apparently a game-time decision. If Dragic is able to go tonight, it will take a lot of value away from Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson, assuming Dragic can play at least 30 minutes.

Justise Winslow, Miami Heat

Justise Winslow has been playing through a dinged wrist, and it looks like he is going to miss Thursday's game. Derrick Williams started on Tuesday but only played 18 minutes, while James Johnson ended up being the best value, scoring 13 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in 26 minutes. However, with Dragic potentially returning, it may take away some of those shots Johnson got two nights ago.

Rajon Rondo, Chicago Bulls

Rajon Rondo sat out Tuesday, and the Chicago Bulls looked really good with Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade running the show. Jerian Grant got the start and looked pretty good, too, as the Bulls scored 113 points on 108 possessions. Rondo reportedly didn't do much at practice yesterday, and he might come down to a game-time decision. Even against the defense of the Jazz, Butler and Wade are going to be great sources of upside if Rondo is out again.

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

After sitting out last night, Joel Embiid will be back in the lineup for the Philadelphia 76ers and likely playing around 24 minutes. Feel free to trust The Process (no, that saying isn't getting old).

Lesser Injuries

Patrick Beverley, Houston Rockets

Patrick Beverley is set to make his return for the Houston Rockets, and while he will be in the starting lineup, we don't know how many minutes he will play. Until he is up around 30, he is not a great DFS option. His return should take a bite out of Eric Gordon's minutes.

Shabazz Muhammad and Brandon Rush, Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves might still be a little shorthanded tonight unless Shabazz Muhammad and Brandon Rush can get back into the rotation. Both players will test their respective injuries before Thursday's game, essentially making them game-time decisions against the Philadelphia 76ers. If they are out again, Nemanja Bjelica might get the biggest boost, but he is nothing more than a tournament flier if both are out.