NBA

Daily Fantasy Basketball Injury Report: Tuesday 11/15/16

Jordan Sharp  —  @TehSharp Nov 15th, 2016
Despite a lighter slate, there are several injuries impacting the DFS landscape, with the possible return of Brook Lopez near the top of the list.

Tuesday looks like a nice slate of games, but when you throw in all the injuries it starts to look a little tougher. Several key point guards are dealing with ankle injuries and could come down to game time decisions. These injuries could vastly alter your optimal lineups tonight.

Notable Injuries

Goran Dragic, Miami Heat

Goran Dragic seems to be making progress but it doesn't look like his ankle is ready for Tuesday. It will once again be the Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson show in Miami, with Hassan Whiteside being forced to become the team's top offensive option.

Rajon Rondo, Chicago Bulls

Rajon Rondo appears to be dealing with an ankle sprain of his own, and he has been listed as questionable for Tuesday night. With Michael Carter-Williams still on the shelf, if Rondo were to miss tonight, Isaiah Canaan might draw his first start with the Chicago Bulls, with Jerian Grant serving as his main backup. However, the better value might come in Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade in a fast-paced game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

JR Smith, Cleveland Cavaliers

J.R. Smith has, you guessed it, an ankle injury that has him listed as questionable for the Cleveland Cavaliers' game against the Toronto Raptors. He missed Sunday's game, which resulted in Mike Dunleavy starting, but Iman Shumpert saw the most fantasy production. Considering the Cavs are the next team up in trying to slow down DeMar DeRozan, they are going to need Shumpert on the court regardless of Smith's status.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves are dealing with several key wing injuries. Zach LaVine and Shabazz Muhammad are both reportedly questionable to play tonight. Brandon Rush, a guy who could benefit from either of the above two missing, is also questionable. Nemanja Bjelica and Andrew Wiggins both played 41 minutes and had career games last game, while Ricky Rubio had a double-double. Depending on who is in and who is out, it could open up value, but the Wolves also have a tough matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.

Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets are going to be a frustrating team when it comes to injuries this season. Brook Lopez sat out last night, but it looks like he is ready to play tonight. Isaiah Whitehead did not play on Monday after suffering a concussion, but the Nets also got blown out by the league's leader in defensive rating, the Los Angeles Clippers. Tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers, if Whitehead is held out again, Sean Kilpatrick and Yogi Ferrell will likely see run at point guard.

Lesser Injuries

Doug McDermott, Chicago Bulls

Doug McDermott has already been ruled out with a concussion, and he likely won't join the team on Thursday, either. Nikola Mirotic might see some run at small forward tonight and with Rondo questionable, the Bulls could be a huge source of value tonight.

DeMarre Carroll, Toronto Raptors

DeMarre Carroll did not participate in shootaround this morning, and it looks like he could be out again tonight. He missed the Toronto Raptors' last game, and Norman Powell had a fantastic outing, playing 29 minutes and totaling 19 points and five rebounds. Powell is going to be a popular play on the short slate.