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In this article, I will be examining injuries throughout the league with the prime focus being on who will benefit if a specific player is not able to suit up. Please utilize this column as a reference for your NBA DFS lineup on Monday, December 3, 2018.
Also, be sure to check out our DraftKings lineup picks, and FanDuel lineup picks and make sure to monitor injury updates before opening tip as their availability may negate some of the picks listed below.
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NBA Injuries and DFS Beneficiaries
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Detroit Pistons
While Terrance Ferguson (ankle) works his way back from the injury that put him out of commission for the past four games, Alex Abrines ($3,500 FD/$3,000 DK) got the most recent spot-start against Atlanta, finishing things up with 21 points. Though his presence in a DFS lineup is like throwing a dart with a blindfold on, the upside is there for him to round out your lineup if you are looking to spend some cash on Anthony Davis or Russell Westbrook.
For the Pistons, Luke Kennard (shoulder) is questionable. If he manages to play, don't expect him to contribute or pose a risk to anyone's playing time, at least initially.
Golden State Warriors @ Atlanta Hawks
It is business as usual in Golden State as Draymond Green (toe) will be out a few more games. However, don't expect anyone to benefit significantly as Coach Kerr has been rolling with Kevon Looney and Jonas Jerebko in his place, but neither does much of anything to be considered a suitable DFS replacement.
Jeremy Lin (ankle) and Dewayne Dedmon (illness) are both listed as probable for the Hawks, though their presence won't significantly impact playing time for anyone outside of Alex Len, who dropped 19 points against OKC a few nights ago.
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Brooklyn Nets
For the Cavs, David Nwaba (knee) and Sam Dekker (ankle) are both in jeopardy of not playing against the Nets. If one or both of those guys can't play, look for Alec Burks ($4,000 FD/$3,800 DK), who scored 13 points and had six boards against the Raptors, to see a slight bump in minutes.
Joe Harris (hip) has missed the past two games and may not play. In his stead, look for DeMarre Carroll ($4,400 FD/$3,900 DK) to see more time on the floor. Carroll had 21 points and 12 rebounds against the Grizzlies, and though he fizzled a bit against Washington, he is worth an add if money is tight. Though Allen Crabbe has been getting more minutes, Shabazz Napier ($4,100 FD/$3,500 DK) should also benefit in the backcourt from Harris' absence.
Washington Wizards @ New York Knicks
Dwight Howard (lower body) will be out for a few months, and Jeff Green (back) is questionable. If Green is out, look for a significant bump for Markieff Morris ($6,600 FD/$5,900 DK). Morris had 20 points against Brooklyn and has a nice upside considering the price. Otto Porter Jr. ($7,000 FD/$5,900) will also see more minutes as a starter, but I like Morris better.
The Knicks have a few guys who could blow the roof off of their values as Emmanuel Mudiay ($5,000 FD/$5,000 DK) filled in splendidly for Frank Ntlikina, who is in the doghouse, and Trey Burke (knee). Mudiay had 28 points on a lavish 10-for-18 shooting from the field and 4-for-5 from downtown throughout 36 minutes against Milwaukee and should continue to get it done for New York. Kevin Knox ($4,400 FD/$4,000 DK) will also be a popular addition in DFS lineups.
Denver Nuggets @ Toronto Raptors
While the Nuggets are relatively free from injuries outside of the usual, the Raptors may be without Kyle Lowry (back) who wasn't available against the Cavs. Fred Vanvleet ($4,900 FD/$4,900 DK) got the start in his place and finished the game exceeding his value. Danny Green ($4,700 FD/$4,500 DK) will also benefit significantly and is averaging 32 minutes, 14 points, and around one block over the last three games.
Houston Rockets @ Minnesota Timberwolves
No significant injuries to report.
Los Angeles Clippers @ New Orleans Pelicans
E'Twaun Moore (calf) did not play against the Heat and will also likely be out on Monday night against the Clippers. As a result, Tim Frazier ($5,200 FD/$4,700 DK), who has been playing well recently, saw some more action and finished the night with nine assists and seven points. Darius Miller and Solomon Hill also benefited, but not enough to mention with confidence moving forward as they both combined for only 19 points.
