Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, Luka Doncic headline NBA injury report for Saturday, January 28

There are 11 games on Saturday’s NBA slate, anchored by a tripleheader on ABC. Here’s a look at the day’s injury report, along with the relevant fantasy and betting implications.

NBA Injury Report: January 28

Denver Nuggets vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Bruce Brown (knee) - available
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (wrist) - available
Nikola Jokic (hamstring) - available
Michael Porter Jr. (personal) - available
Jamal Murray (hip) - available

Update - Well, everyone is in for the Nuggets and that is certainly going to move the lines a bit as the 76ers were initially listed as 3.5-point favorites. Porter Jr. coming back is a big boost for the Nuggets, who get a dynamic offensive threat to shift attention off Murray and Jokic.

The Nuggets have a lot of players on this report, and all are key guys in the rotation. The statuses for Porter Jr. and Murray carry the most importance. Aaron Gordon and Bones Hyland stand to benefit in the event those guys are ruled out.

Joel Embiid (foot) - available

Update - Embiid is in for the 76ers.

Embiid should suit up in this matchup against Jokic, but we’ll see if the Sixers play this cautiously. Montrezl Harrell and Paul Reed could see more playing time if Embiid is out.

New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets

Ben Simmons (knee) - OUT
T.J. Warren (shin) - OUT

Update - Shortly after Woj’s report, Simmons and Warren have both been ruled out by the Nets.

Update - Adrian Wojnarowski reports Simmons is unlikely to play in Saturday’s game against the Knicks. His designation might not officially change yet but the Nets will need peripheral players to step up in Simmons’ presumed absence.

Brooklyn’s role players like Nic Claxton, Joe Harris and Royce O’Neale gain some value if Simmons is ruled out. Kyrie Irving remains the top offensive option for the Nets.

Houston Rockets vs. Detroit Pistons

Jalen Green (calf) - OUT
Kevin Porter Jr. (foot) - OUT Alperen Sengun (non-COVID illness) - OUT

Eric Gordon should see more shots with Green and Porter Jr. both out. Jabari Smith is also in line for additional offensive touches here due to the late Sengun scratch.

Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic

No notable day-to-day injuries for either team at this time.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Atlanta Hawks

No notable day-to-day injuries for either team at this time.

Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Rudy Gobert (groin) - questionable
Anthony Edwards (wrist) - questionable

Update - Gobert and Edwards are both questionable, while Taurean Prince has been ruled out. Jaden McDaniels would be a great DFS play if Edwards sits, while Naz Reid gains some value if Gobert is sidelined.

Gobert started Friday’s game, so we’ll see how he’s handled on the second night of a back-to-back. If Gobert sits, Domantas Sabonis could have a big day for the Kings.

Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) - OUT

Update - Porzingis is out for Saturday’s game.

With Porzingis likely out, Daniel Gafford and Kyle Kuzma gain some value as DFS filler plays.

Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs

Jeremy Sochan (knee) - available
Josh Richardson (knee) - questionable

Update - Sochan is in for the Spurs.

Keldon Johnson is San Antonio’s top fantasy/DFS play. Sochan and Richardson both have some value if they’re able to suit up, but the backup options here don’t offer much value for fantasy players.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics

Anthony Davis (foot) - probable
LeBron James (ankle) - questionable

If James doesn’t play, Davis will take on a bigger role in this offense. Russell Westbrook will also see more usage as the primary ball handler.

Marcus Smart (ankle) - OUT
Robert Williams (ankle) - OUT

Update - Williams has been ruled out for Saturday’s game, which means more minutes for Horford and Griffin in Boston’s rotation.

Update - Williams is a late add to the report and is questionable. If he sits, Al Horford likely starts and Blake Griffin will have a bigger role off the bench for Boston in this matchup.

Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon will be the top guards in Boston’s rotation with Smart out. Brogdon offers more value as a passer and rebounder for those considering a Celtics guard in DFS lineups.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz

Luka Doncic (ankle) - OUT

Doncic has a “mild sprain” per the team and is considered day-to-day. With him out, Spencer Dinwiddie and Tim Hardaway Jr. will be the primary offensive options for Dallas.

Toronto Raptors vs. Portland Trail Blazers

OG Anunoby (wrist) - OUT

Update - Anunoby is out for the Raptors tonight.

Anunoby suffered this injury in Friday’s game and did not return. If he doesn’t play, Scottie Barnes and Gary Trent Jr. would be in line for more shots, although the Raptors might punt this contest entirely on the second night of a back-to-back.

Jusuf Nurkic (calf) - questionable
Josh Hart (hamstring) - questionable

If Hart is out, Keon Johnson and Shaedon Sharpe should see more minutes. If Nurkic is ruled out, Jerami Grant will gain some value as a rebounder.