Daily Fantasy Basketball Injury Report: Wednesday 12/14/16
It's another big night in the NBA and the list of guys resting is almost as long as the list of guys who are actually dealing with injuries. Finding value should not be hard tonight with all of the guys sitting.
Notable Injuries
Cleveland Cavaliers
After winning the first half of a home-and-home set against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Cleveland Cavaliers have chosen to keep their big three at home for the second night of the back to back. With LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love all not playing, there are going to be a ton of value plays for Cleveland. J.R. Smith, Channing Frye, Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert are all in play, but there's an easy chance this one gets out of hand quickly. The biggest boosts might go the the Grizzlies.
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid is ready to roll on Wednesday, but Nerlens Noel won't play for the Philadelphia 76ers frontcourt. It also looks like Sergio Rodriguez will be back, sending T.J. McConnell to the bench.
Sacramento Kings
It may get ugly for the Sacramento Kings tonight. DeMarcus Cousins is resting while Rudy Gay and Ben McLemore are out with their respective injuries. It might be the Darren Collison show tonight for the Kings on offense. Willie Cauley-Stein and Kosta Koufos could see some hefty minutes with Cousins out. Expect Omri Casspi to see minutes well into the 30s, as well.
Utah Jazz
It's about time the Utah Jazz got some good news. They will be getting back Derrick Favors and Rodney Hood while Dante Exum is expected to play, as well. George Hill is still out, so expect Hood, Favors, Gordon Hayward and Rudy Gobert to do most of the heavy lifting on offense.
Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
Isaiah Thomas is out again on Wednesday for the Boston Celtics, so Marcus Smart should continue to see big minutes as the starting point guard. Al Horford gets a nice bump in usage, too. However, it's a tough matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, so tread lightly.
LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
Gregg Popovich saw that half the league was resting tonight so he couldn't help but get the San Antonio Spurs into the mix. He will sit out LaMarcus Aldridge on Wednesday, which should give some more minutes to Pau Gasol, David Lee and Dewayne Dedmon.
Justise WInslow, Miami Heat
Justise Winslow went through a full practice on Tuesday, but he is listed as out on the game notes, so this could be a surprise heading into roster lock if he suddenly plays. Keep an eye on him.
Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic
Nikola Vucevic missed another game yesterday, and it's unknown right now whether or not he'll suit up for Wednesday. If he misses again, Bismack Biyombo should see heavy minutes while Serge Ibaka's usage will likely keep going up. Jeff Green is also seeing time playing the power forward with Vucevic out.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Detroit Pistons
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope rested over the weekend, but he practiced on Monday and should be ready to play tonight.
Lesser Injuries
Rodney Stuckey, Indiana Pacers
Rodney Stuckey is ready to roll on Wednesday night as the Indiana Pacers take on the Miami Heat. With Monta Ellis out, the Pacers are going to need Stuckey off the bench more, but they are going to keep starting Glenn Robinson III for Ellis.
Austin Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers
Austin Rivers has passed the league's concussion protocol and is ready to play on Wednesday. His presence takes a little value away from Jamal Crawford.
Luc Mbah A Moute, Los Angeles Clippers
Luc Mbah a Moute has been great on the defensive end for the Los Angeles Clippers this season, but he is doubtful on Wednesday with a shoulder injury. It might not add much value to the Clips from a DFS perspective, but it does hurt their defense. Alan Anderson, Paul Pierce or Wesley Johnson could all see increased minutes on Wednesday, but none are great DFS options.
