We have eight games on Monday’s NBA slate, with a few prominent players looking to come back from injuries. Here’s a look at the day’s injury report, along with the relevant fantasy and betting implications.
NBA Injury Report: December 5
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Charlotte Hornets
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) – questionable
Paul George (hamstring) – questionable
Norman Powell (groin) – OUT
Luke Kennard (calf) – questionable
Nicolas Batum and Terance Mann would be valuable additions if Leonard, George and Kennard cannot go. The two stars should be close to returning after sitting the team’s last game despite being listed as questionable.
LaMelo Ball (ankle) – OUT
Gordon Hayward (shoulder) – OUT
Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. are the plays here with Ball and Hayward out.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) – available
Jrue Holiday (ankle) – available
Khris Middleton (wrist) – probable
Grayson Allen (foot) – questionable
Brook Lopez (rest) – questionable
The stars should be back in for Milwaukee. Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton would take on bigger roles if Lopez and Allen sit.
Jalen Suggs (ankle) – OUT
Mo Bamba (back) – questionable
Gary Harris (hamstring) – OUT
Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony gain some value with Suggs out. If Bamba sits, Mo Wagner continues to be a strong filler option.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young (shoulder) – available
We know this isn’t really a shoulder injury. There’s some tension between Young and head coach Nate McMillan, which caused the point guard to skip the team’s last game. We’ll see if the situation gets addressed one way or the other in the near future.
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors
Marcus Smart (hip) – TBD
Smart missed Sunday’s game with this injury, so there’s a chance the Celtics were just resting him on one of the back-to-back games. If he sits again, Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White gain value.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Houston Rockets
James Harden (foot) – plans to play
Harden is planning on making his return from a foot issue which has sidelined him for about a month. The 76ers do need him back to provide some support to Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris. Look for Philadelphia to close the year strong with Harden back in the mix.
Miami Heat vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Jimmy Butler (knee) – questionable
Tyler Herro (ankle) – probable
The Heat have several other players who are likely as well. Butler is the key. If he can come back here, he will show he’s getting over some lingering knee soreness. This injury has flared up from time to time for Butler, but he badly needs to return to this team to give them a chance to compete for a playoff spot.
Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks
Chris Paul (heel) – OUT
This has become an interesting situation with Paul, but the Suns keep rolling. Cam Payne and Devin Booker continue to gain playmaking value with the veteran point guard sidelined.
Christian Wood (illness) – questionable
If Wood cannot play, Maxi Kleber will see more looks as the stretch forward for the Mavericks.
Indiana Pacers vs. Golden State Warriors
Tyrese Haliburton (groin) – OUT
With Haliburton out, Bennedict Mathurin gains some value as a playmaker for the Pacers.
Jordan Poole (ankle) – questionable
Andrew Wiggins (groin) – questionable
Klay Thompson would see more minutes if Poole sits, as would Moses Moody. If Wiggins sits, Jonathan Kuminga seems like the natural replacement option.