:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72923592/1813814612.0.jpg "NBA Injury Report, December 2: Updates on Tyrese Haliburton, LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan and more")
We take a look at the NBA injury report for Saturday, December 2 and break down all the latest news in fantasy basketball.
The NBA’s 12-game slate is full on Saturday, with elimination rounds for the league’s first in-season tournament set to begin next week. Here’s a look at the day’s injury report, along with the associated fantasy and betting implications.
NBA Injury Report: December 2
Warriors vs. Scissors
Chris Paul (leg) – out
Andrew Wiggins (finger) – Questionable
Paul is out, so Brandin Podziemski is still a strong DFS player. If Wiggins sits, look for Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga to play larger roles.
Timberwolves vs. Hornets
Anthony Edwards (hip) – doubtful
Edwards will be sidelined again, which means more opportunities for Kyle Anderson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Brandon Miller (ankle) – Questionable
If Miller continues to be sidelined, Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington will serve as Charlotte’s forwards. Expect Washington to provide more overall value in fantasy/DFS formats.
Cavaliers vs. Pistons
Caris LeVert (knee) – out
With LeVert out, Max Struss and Georges Niang should get more playing time for Cleveland. Craig Porter Jr. is also a sneaky option in the DFS lineup.
Bojan Bogdanovic (Mavericks) – Possible
Orsar Thompson (face) – Possible
Bogdanovic will debut in the 2023-24 season. Thompson should be great in this game.
Magic vs. Nets
Jonathan Isaac (ankle) – TBD
Isaac was injured on Friday, so we’ll see how serious the injury is on Saturday afternoon when the Magic issue their first injury report.
Hawks vs. Bucks
Pat Connaughton (ankle) – out
With Connaughton out, Malik Beasley and Marchon Beauchamp should get more playing time in this game.
Pacers vs. Heat
Tyrese Haliburton (ankle) – doubtful
If Haliburton plays, Andrew Nembhard and TJ McConnell will be Indiana’s primary point guards. It also means more shooting opportunities for Benedict Maturin and Myles Turner.
Bam Adebayo (hip) – out
Jimmy Butler (ankle) — Possible
The Heat will be without Adebayo, which means Haywood Highsmith should get more playing time at center. Thomas Bryant is quite possibly the best player in DFS as he is expected to start. Butler should represent Miami.
Pelicans vs. Bulls
Zion Williamson (rested) – May sit
Williamson has rested the second night of each back-to-back game so far this season, so it’s unlikely he will play in this game. We’ll see if New Orleans remains the other team.
DeMar DeRozan (ankle) – Questionable
Zach LaVine (foot) – Out, expected to miss at least 1 week
If DeRozan does return, expect him to see more shooting opportunities without LaVine. Coby White will likely provide more value in the DFS lineup as he will likely start for Chicago.
Grizzlies vs. Suns
Devin Booker (ankle) – TBD
Booker sat out the first night of a back-to-back on Friday, so we’ll see if this is part of a load management protocol or if this injury will cost the star guard another game.
Thunder vs. Thunder Mavericks
Luka Doncic (individual) – TBD
Kyrie Irving (rested) – TBD
Doncic missed Friday’s game due to the birth of his first child. We’ll see if he comes back on Saturday or if he needs another day off. Head coach Jason Kidd said Friday night that Irving is unsure whether to play.
Trail Blazers vs. Trail Blazers Jazz
Jordan Clarkson (thigh) – out
Lauri Markkanen (hamstring) – out
Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) – Questionable
With Markkanen out, Olynyk should get some playing time as an added value in the DFS lineup. John Collins is more likely to see an uptick in usage, though. Clarkson’s absence means more opportunities for Collin Sexton.
Nuggets vs. Kings
Aaron Gordon (heel) – TBA
Jamal Murray (hamstring) – TBD
Friday, the first night of a back-to-back, neither player was suiting up, so we’ll see if it’s load management. Murray is a likely candidate for load management for the remainder of the season.
Keegan Murray (D) – Questionable
Murray had a full training session on Friday, so he appears to be on track to return. If he does play, he’ll take some shots away from Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter.
Rockets vs. Lakers
Anthony Davis (hip/groin) – Possible
Jackson Hayes (elbow) – Likely
LeBron James (Mavericks) – Questionable
Cam Reddish (groin) – Possible
I don’t understand why James, despite playing every game, is likely to be questioned by everyone else. Please get these guys dressed up on Saturday night.