NBA injury report, February 1: Updates for Joel Embiid, Desmond Bane, Trae Young, more
We have nine games on Wednesday’s NBA slate, anchored by a doubleheader on ESPN. Here’s a look at the injury report of the day, along with the relevant fantasy and betting implications.
NBA Injury Report: February 1 Washington Wizards vs. Detroit Pistons
Daniel Gafford (illness) – questionable
If Gafford is unable to get dressed, Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma will command more frontcourt minutes.
Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) – questionable
If Carter Jr. is out, it will mean more minutes for Mo Bamba and Mo Wagner.
Joel Embiid (foot) – questionable
It’s a bit of a throwaway tag, as Embiid has adapted over the past three games and played heavy minutes in all of them. He’s been dominant, so expect him to play here. If he doesn’t dress, Montrezl Harrell and Paul Reed could see more minutes.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Jusuf Nurkic (calf) – probable
Josh Hart (hamstring) – likely
Both players were for the Blazers on Monday and are expected to be back tonight.
Desmond Bane (knee) – questionable
If Bane adapts, it will limit Dillon Brooks and John Konchar’s impact on fantasy/DFS formats. If unable to play, Brooks is a strong added value while Konchar could be a filler option.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics
Ben Simmons (knee) – OUT
TJ Warren (shin) – OUT
Simmons and Warren are both absent, which elevates actors like Joe Harris, Royce O’Neale and Nic Claxton into DFS formats.
Robert Williams (ankle) – questionable
Al Horford and Blake Griffin would be in line for big minutes if Williams was seated. Horford likely gets the start if Williams is out, while Griffin would have an important bench role.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets
Jalen Green (calf) – OUT
Alperen Sengun (illness) – available
With Green out and Kevin Porter Jr. also sidelined, Eric Gordon and Jae’Sean Tate should get big minutes here. Sengun has a nice match inside and could be a solid add-on for DFS users.
Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Rudy Gobert (groin) – questionable
It’s a bit of a misleading designation, as Gobert adapted to this injury. If he has a backhand and doesn’t play, Naz Reid will get big inside minutes.
Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs
No notable day-to-day injuries for either team at this time.
Toronto Raptors vs. Utah Jazz
OG Anunoby (wrist) – OUT
Anunoby remains out, which means Gary Trent Jr. and Scottie Barnes will continue to get big minutes on the wing.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Phoenix Suns
Trae Young (ankle) – likely
Young is expected to be back after missing Monday’s game. With his return, Dejounte Murray and De’Andre Hunter will lose value in DFS formats. Aaron Holiday will return to his bench role.