Daily Fantasy Basketball Injury Report: Friday 12/16/16
Several NBA teams are dealing with game-time decisions before tip-off on Friday, so before you fill out your DFS NBA lineups, it's important to stay up-to-date on who will be playing and who will be in street clothes.
That could be the difference between having a great night and finishing in the money, opposed to being disappointed about what could've been.
Notable Injuries
Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
Mike Conley's injury was supposed to kill the Memphis Grizzlies. However, Memphis went 7-2 and Conley is already set to play on Friday after missing just over two weeks. We got a hint of this earlier in the week when the team sent Wade Baldwin IV to the D-League, so it appears Memphis is getting back their $136 million man.
Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
Another point guard looks set to return tonight, as Isaiah Thomas says he will be back in the lineup for the Boston Celtics. He should send Marcus Smart back to the bench and will probably resume his role as the C's top option on offense.
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
Kemba Walker will not play on Friday for personal reasons, so Ramon Sessions immediately becomes a great value play. Sessions should get the start and Walker's absence will give Nicolas Batum some more scoring opportunities. Brian Roberts might also be in play, while the Charlotte Hornets might have to rely on Frank Kaminsky and Jeremy Lamb more, as well.
Jeremy Lin, Brooklyn Nets
Jeremy Lin is questionable after going through parts of practice on Thursday. The Brooklyn Nets have no reason to run him out if he is still experiencing pain, so he might truly be a game-time decision. Isaiah Whitehead and Sean Kilpatrick would benefit the most from Lin's potential absence.
Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic
Nikola Vucevic is officially listed as questionable, but Frank Vogel thinks his big man will be ready to go. He will take away some minutes from Bismack Biyombo and Serge Ibaka, but those two will probably still start.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons' glue guy is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. He does so much for this team on both ends and looks good to go after playing 36 minutes on Wednesday despite a sprained ankle.
Markieff Morris, Washington Wizards
The battle between the Morris twins might be in jeopardy, as Markieff Morris is listed as a game-time decision. Kelly Oubre played 40 minutes when Morris missed Wednesday's game and should be in line for a big boost if Morris is out again.
Tyler Johnson, Miami Heat
Tyler Johnson sat out practice on Thursday with an illness and there has yet to be word on his status for Friday. If he is out, it could give a bump to Wayne Ellington and Rodney McGruder.
Rudy Gay, Sacramento Kings
Rudy Gay and Ben McLemore are listed as doubtful, but after his night of rest, DeMarcus Cousins might have a 50% usage rate with those two out. Darren Collison, Omri Casspi and Anthony Tolliver also deserve a bump.
Philadelphia 76ers
The only real question mark for the Philadelphia 76ers tonight is Joel Embiid. The Sixers' franchise big man has a bruised knee and was downgraded to questionable. Nerlens Noel and Dario Saric are both probable, so if Embiid doesn't play, those two, along with Jahlil Okafor and Richaun Holmes deserve bump. Okafor is easily the best play if Embiid is out.
Lesser Injuries
Lucas Nogueira, Toronto Raptors
Lucas Nogueira missed Wednesday's game and while he is listed as questionable, Dwane Casey seems to think he will play. His return could lessen Jonas Valanciunas' and Patrick Patterson's minutes.
Luc Mbah a Moute, Los Angeles Clippers
Luc Mbah a Moute looks like he is doubtful for Friday. Austin Rivers entered the starting lineup when he missed Wednesday's game and played 38 minutes, scoring 25 points with seven three-pointers. Expect the Los Angeles Clippers to start Rivers again if Mbah a Moute is out once again.
Salah Mejri, Dallas Mavericks
Salah Mejri was originally questionable, but he is ready to play on Friday. The Dallas Mavericks are going to need Mejri against the tough Utah Jazz frontcourt, so expect him to be a solid DFS option.
