We’ve got just six games on Thursday’s NBA slate, anchored by a doubleheader on TNT. Here’s a look at the day’s injury report, along with the relevant fantasy and betting implications.
NBA Injury Report: March 9
Charlotte Hornets vs. Detroit Pistons
Bojan Bogdanovic (Achilles) - OUT, likely to be shut down
Killian Hayes (hand) - available
Jalen Duren (ankle) - available
Alec Burks (foot) - OUT
Isaiah Stewart (hip) - OUT
Update - Hayes and Duren are available for Detroit. Neither player is getting the start.
The Pistons continue to tank, so Marvin Bagley and James Wiseman remain strong value plays. Hayes could be a nice filler option as a perimeter player. We’ll see if Duren actually gets decent minutes or if Detroit decides it has seen enough of him this season.
Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers
Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh) - OUT
With Porter Jr. out, Jalen Green is the best volume play for the Rockets.
Utah Jazz vs. Orlando Magic
Jordan Clarkson (finger) - OUT
Walker Kessler (illness) - available
Update - Clarkson is out, while Kessler is in. We’ll see how much the big man actually plays.
Ochai Agbaji and Udoka Azubuike are likely to get big minutes even if Clarkson and Kessler are available for Utah.
Wendell Carter Jr. (hip) - OUT
Gary Harris (groin) - available
Harris is available to play but it’s hard to say he’ll get big minutes. Moritz Wagner is set to start with Carter Jr. out.
Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Kevon Looney (back) - available
Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) - OUT
Update - Looney is in for Golden State.
Update - Kuminga has been downgraded to out, which is interesting considering he entered the day probable. Moses Moody likely sees some extra minutes here, but Donte DiVincenzo is likely the biggest beneficiary in terms of playing time.
Both guys should be in for Golden State.
Ja Morant (personal) - OUT, expected to miss at least next four games
Tyus Jones will continue to get the start with Morant still away from the team.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Nic Claxton (Achilles, thumb) - OUT
Spencer Dinwiddie (rest) - OUT
Cam Johnson (knee) - OUT
Look for Day’Ron Sharpe, Cam Thomas and Mikal Bridges to be the prominent players for Brooklyn in this game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) - OUT
Jrue Holiday (neck) - available
Jae Crowder (ankle) - available
Update - There has to be some sort of penalty for this, as the Bucks have now ruled Antetokounmpo out with an illness. He was initially listed as probable, so there’s clearly some type of misrepresentation going on here. Either way, Holiday and Khris Middleton will get more touches offensively with Bobby Portis set to get more minutes.
Both stars should be in for Milwaukee.
New York Knicks vs. Sacramento Kings
Jalen Brunson (foot) - available
Update - Brunson is set to return after missing a few games, so Quickley will go back to his bench role.
If Brunson doesn’t play, Immanuel Quickley will remain the best value play on the fantasy/DFS slate.
De’Aaron Fox (hamstring) - available
Fox is officially off the injury report, so he’s good to go for this clash. Davion Mitchell will go back to his bench role with the All-Star back in action.