We’ve got seven games on the schedule for Thursday, April 8th, and there are plenty of big names on the injury report. We also are looking out for players who were acquired prior to the NBA Trade Deadline last week. Some of those names are still in the process of joining their new team and getting into the lineup. Here we’ll be monitoring all the latest injury news with some analysis and how to approach the injury for DFS and fantasy basketball.
NBA Injury Report: Thursday, April 8th
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C, Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks PF/C Giannis Antetokounmpo is being listed as doubtful to play on Thursday vs. the Dallas Mavericks due to a knee injury. Giannis was a surprise addition to the injury report prior to Tuesday’s game vs. the Golden State Warriors. It appears Giannis will be held out again. If that is the case, both Jrue Holiday ($8,100) and Khris Middleton ($7,800) will be good GPP plays again in a great game environment. Bobby Portis ($5,300) presents the most value, getting more minutes in place of Giannis at PF.
Kyle Kuzma, SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers SF/PF Kyle Kuzma has a calf strain and is considered a game-time decision for Thursday vs. the Miami Heat. If Kuzma is sidelined, the Lakers will be without LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Talen Horton-Tucker as well. Markieff Morris ($5,000) and Alex Caruso ($3,800) become very good value options, while Dennis Schroder ($7,000) and Montrezl Harrell ($6,200) are mid-range plays.
Zach LaVine, SG, Chicago Bulls
Bulls SG Zach LaVine is being listed as probable to play Thursday vs. the Toronto Raptors despite an ankle injury. LaVine hasn’t missed much time due to the injury but it’s clearly made an impact. The All-Star guard has shot 14-of-35 from the floor over the past two games, well below his season average, which is above 50 percent. LaVine should play 30+ minutes against the Raptors but his production won’t be the same with Nikola Vucevic in town. Plus, the Raptors are missing Fred VanVleet, which could give the Bulls a big advantage, leading to a blowout.
Fred VanVleet, PG/SG, Toronto Raptors
Raptors PG/SG Fred VanVleet will not play in Thursday’s game vs. the Bulls after being suspended for Tuesday’s altercation with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Raptors also won’t have DeAndre’ Bembry. So we can expect rookie PG Malachi Flynn ($4,700) to get a ton of minutes again and be a very appealing cash/GPP play. Flynn will likely be very chalky but we’re talking about the potential for 10x value on his salary. OG Anunoby ($7,000) and Gary Trent Jr. ($6,300) are also good GPP plays.
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