We have eight games on Saturday’s NBA slate, with action getting started early and just one nationally televised contest on NBATV. Here’s a look at the day’s injury report, along with the relevant fantasy and betting implications.
NBA Injury Report: March 18
Denver Nuggets vs. New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson (foot) - available
Update - Brunson is officially in for the Knicks, and will likely be on some type of minutes limit. We’ll see if he can make it through the game without aggravating the problem like he did last time he tried to return from this injury.
If Brunson plays, he’ll be making a return after missing five out of the last six games. If he remains out, Immanuel Quickley will continue to start for New York.
Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Jalen Suggs (concussion) - OUT
This is tough because Suggs was playing well lately. Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz will headline the guard rotation Saturday.
Kawhi Leonard (injury management) - OUT
It’s a back-to-back set for LA, so Leonard is out for the first game. Paul George will be the focal point for the Clippers offensively.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers
Joel Embiid (injury management) - available
James Harden (injury management) - OUT
Tyrese Maxey (injury management) - available
Jalen McDaniels (hip) - available
P.J. Tucker (ankle) - OUT
Update - Harden has been scratched. Maxey and De’Anthony Melton will take on bigger roles in this offense. McDaniels is in for Philly.
Update - It looks like all the stars will be in for Philly, while McDaniels and Tucker are listed as questionable.
We’ll see how Philly plays this on the second night of a back-to-back set.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Toronto Raptors
Rudy Gobert (ankle) - available
Naz Reid (calf) - available
Anthony Edwards (ankle) - OUT
Update - Edwards is out, but Gobert and Reid are both in for Minnesota.
Update - Everyone is listed as questionable, which seems to be Minnesota’s default setting for any injury. Edwards is most likely to not play here, especially since he was in a walking boot after Friday’s game.
Edwards suffered his injury Friday and will likely sit. Jaden McDaniels and Taurean Prince would have a bigger role if that happens. If either big man sits, Luka Garza should see solid minutes in this rotation.
Sacramento Kings vs. Washington Wizards
Kevin Huerter (hamstring) - OUT
Huerter has been officially ruled out. Malik Monk and Harrison Barnes should see more shots from the perimeter with him out, with Monk potentially getting the start for Sacramento.
Kyle Kuzma (knee) - available
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) - OUT
We’ll see if Kuzma plays on the second night of a back-to-back set. If he sits, that means more shots for Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis.
Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls
Kyle Lowry (knee) - OUT
Update - Lowry is out, so Vincent and Herro are the main backcourt players for Miami.
If Lowry doesn’t play, Gabe Vincent will see more minutes at point guard. Tyler Herro will also get touches as a creator.
DeMar DeRozan (injury management) - available
Zach LaVine (injury management) - available
Alex Caruso (illness) - available
Update - Caruso is probable with an illness, while DeRozan and LaVine appear to be available for this matchup.
We’ll see if the Bulls guards play on the second night of a back-to-back set.
Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Stephen Curry (thumb) - available
Kevon Looney (back) - available
Draymond Green (technicals) - available
Klay Thompson (injury management) - available
Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) - available
Update - Kuminga is probable but it looks like everyone else is gonna be in for Golden State.
Green should be back in after serving his suspension Friday. We’ll see how the other guys are handled later in the day.
Boston Celtics vs. Utah Jazz
Jayson Tatum (hip) - available
Marcus Smart (hip) - OUT
Malcolm Brogdon (Achilles) - available
Al Horford (injury management) - OUT
Update - Horford and Smart have been ruled out, while Tatum and Brogdon are in. Brogdon and Derrick White will have a lot of value in DFS lineups, while Grant Williams, Mike Muscala and Blake Griffin should headline the frontcourt rotation with Horford out and Robert Williams still sidelined indefinitely.
We’ll see how the Celtics play this. Horford and Brogdon are the most likely candidates to sit this one.
Jordan Clarkson (finger) - OUT
Update - Clarkson is out Saturday.
Ochai Agbaji is going to see heavy minutes for Utah regardless of Clarkson’s status.