Week 6 Injury Watch

TEAM INJURIES

Atlanta Hawks OUT — T.J. Warren (Foot), Spencer Dinwiddie (Knee), Gary Harris (Thigh).
Recovered — None

No new additions to the report and no one taken off. Having any of these names might push Atlanta into slightly more comfortable playoff territory. The team's wing depth is well-built to handle these losses with Eric Bledsoe, Joe Harris, and Danuel House able to step in or step up but it becomes a house of cards. The Hawks will be able to sleep much better when all of these guys come back.

Brooklyn Nets OUT — Caris LeVert (Kidney), Jahlil Okafor (Knee), Glenn Robinson III (Waived in NBA).
Recovered — None

Robinson is a new name to the list being waved in the NBA. But neither he or the other two names on this list are tipping the scales too much for the Nets. These are all depth pieces that collectively their loss can hurt, but the star power in Brooklyn is capable of carrying the load.

Boston Celtics OUT — George Hill (Thumb), Patrick Patterson (Personal).
Recovered — Chris Silva (Hip)

Silva has a chance to make his 2020-21 debut this week provided there's a spot in the rotation for him. With Patterson still out that may be possible since Boston is hurting slightly for natural PFs to play in that spot. Hill's continued absence is absorbable thanks to Westbrook and Kendrick Nunn, but the sooner he's back, the better the bench backcourt will be.

Charlotte Hornets OUT — Jrue Holiday (Illness), Harry Giles (Calf), Jalen Harris (Finger), Kristaps Porzingis (Back).
Recovered — None

Jalen Harris and Kristaps Porzingis are added to the list for a Hornets team that just can't seem to be healthy this year. They have the stars to mostly keep up with the 76ers and Bucks in the East, but haven't been able to wield all their might against these towering foes. If injuries persist, Brooklyn may surpass Charlotte in the standings.

Chicago Bulls OUT — P.J. Dozier (Hamstring), DAngelo Russell (Leg), Al Horford (Rest).
Recovered — Taurean Prince (Ankle), PJ Washington (Ankle)

Chicago gets dealt a bad hand with Horford resting a Friday game and will sit out this week because of it. He will get a boost to the frontcourt with Prince and Washington returning if it makes him feel any better. Though there isn't another listed center on his roster at the moment and only one healthy player 6-10 or taller so expect some small-ball this week from the Bulls.

Cleveland Cavaliers OUT — Jay Scrubb (Foot), Kris Dunn (Ankle), Zach Collins (Ankle), Jaren Jackson Jnr (Knee), Aaron Gordon (Ankle).
Recovered — None

The Cavaliers remain the league's least healthy team with six guys on the report (seven last week but they cut one of them). Scrubb is currently two-way so he's not much of a factor in the rotation, but Gordon and Jackson Jr are big hits to the frontcourt. On the bright side, it should give Xavier Tillman more time to shine as one of the better rookies this season.

Dallas Mavericks OUT — Otto Porter (Back), Caleb Martin (Illness), Chimezie Metu (Wrist).
Recovered — None

Neither Martin or Metu's absence hurts Dallas, but Porter being out holds back the wing rotation. However, with CP3 and DeMar DeRozan still healthy, the main core of the team is still intact and able to keep the Mavericks in a top three spot in the West.

Denver Nuggets OUT — Jonathan Isaac (Knee), Udoka Azubuike (Ankle), Paul Millsap (Knee)
Recovered — Greg Whittington (Knee)

Rejoice, for the long night of Whittington's absence is over! On a side note, anyone know who Greg Whittington is?

Detroit Pistons OUT — Klay Thompson (Knee), Cole Anthony (Shoulder), Elfrid Payton (Calf).
Recovered — None

Payton heading to the bench leaves the the Pistons with a paper-thin point guard rotation behind Ja Morant. Bruce Brown is the only remaining player listed as a point guard, though he's a more natural wing than point man.

Golden State Warriors OUT — Bogdan Bogdanovic (Knee), JaMychal Green (Shoulder).
Recovered — None

Green gets added to the list to add another minor problem in the rotation. Alone, neither Bogdan or Green's absence kills the rotation since there are guys on the roster who can step up, but for a team on the cusp of the top eight in the West, it could make a difference.

Houston Rockets OUT — Jeff Green (Shoulder), Tyler Herro (Hip).
Recovered — None

Houston went three consecutive weeks without a player on the injury report but get two for Week 5. The Rockets could surely tank the loss of Green, but losing Herro along with him will probably hinder the team's push for an above-.500 record.

Indiana Pacers OUT — C.J. McCollum (Foot).
Recovered — Gordon Hayward (Back), P.J. Tucker (Quad)

Virtue is it's own reward for Sheed. CJ remains out and his absence is the main thing keeping him from being among the better teams in the East. Getting Hayward back could help the Pacers leapfrog Detroit and maybe catch Brooklyn. At the least, it'll put distance between them and the Heat, Celtics and Hawks.

LA Clippers OUT — No one (Yay!)

LA Lakers OUT — Christian Wood (Ankle), Jabari Parker (Illness), Cody Zeller (Hip), Devin Vassell (Illness).
Recovered — James Wiseman (Wrist), Elijah Hughes (Ankle), Kostas Antetokounmpo (Knee)

The Lakers took three players off the injury report but had to put three new names on. Christian Wood is still out, but Parker, Zeller and Vassell are the new additions. However, losing those three for the moment will likely be lost in the joy of getting Wiseman back and getting a ROY campaign back online.

Memphis Grizzlies OUT — Marcus Smart (Calf), Killian Tillie (Foot).
Recovered — Shake Milton (Ankle)

Memphis' win-now push has been greatly hindered by Smart's lack of on-court time this year. Milton has also not played as much as desired for such a key bench player. Getting the latter back will help, but for a team firmly in lottery range, they'll need Smart back to make the push back into playoff range.

Miami Heat OUT — Jordan Nwora (Ankle), Shaquille Harrison (Waived in NBA), Delon Wright (Groin).
Recovered — Rajon Rondo (Back)

None of these players who are still out are key rotation players for the Heat. Harrison's situation will be something to keep an eye on to see if he gets a new NBA team.

Milwaukee Bucks OUT — Killian Hayes (Hip), Romeo Langford (Wrist), Jusuf Nurkic (Wrist).
Recovered — None

Nurkic is the only relevant player out but it remains Milwaukee's primary concern. Giannis is the only other player on the roster capable of playing center at a level acceptable for the championship-chasing Bucks. So long as Nurkic is out, the Bucks will have a hard time going back-to-back.

Minnesota Timberwolves OUT — Kevin Love (Calf), Avery Bradley (Illness), Larry Nance Jr. (Wrist), Cam Reddish (Achilles), Devonte Graham (Knee).
Recovered — None
The persistence of injuries among Minnesota's better players is one of the bigger reasons the team is on the longest current losing streak in the NLL. To the list of Love, Nance and Bradley, the T-Wolves were forced to add Reddish and Graham this week. As soon as some of these guys return, the T-Wolves might be able to add a win or two.

New Orleans Pelicans OUT — D.J. Augustin (Personal).
Recovered — Jarrett Culver (Ankle)

The Pelicans get Culver back but then lost the primary backup PG to John Wall. This swap of names on the injury report shouldn't make too much of an issue, it'll probably just mean more minutes for Alex Caruso and maybe Facundo Campazzo.

New York Knicks OUT — Andre Drummond (Personal), Quinn Cook (Waived in NBA).
Recovered — Goran Dragic (Ankle)

Drummond sitting out is really throwing a wrench in Darko's plan for the season. Getting Dragic back does give him great two-deep depth at point guard, but he still needs a center.

Oklahoma City Thunder OUT — Marquese Chriss (Leg), Hassan Whiteside (Illness).
Recovered — Cody Martin (Illness)

Hassan Whiteside joins the report which means OKC's new signee, Damian Jones, will have to play primary backup minutes while on his 10-day contract. We'll see if it's enough to keep OKC's win streak, second-longest active in the NBA, alive for a little longer.

Orlando Magic OUT — Thomas Bryant (Knee), Blake Griffin (Personal), Tyrese Haliburton (Calf).
Recovered — Nicolas Claxton (Knee)

Haliburton just put together his best week in the NLL, including a career-high 20 points to lead Orlando to its second win of the season, but will now have to sit and wait to continue one of the better rookie performances of this season.

Philadelphia 76ers OUT — Rudy Gay (Illness).
Recovered — None

After no injuries for two weeks, the 76ers will be without Rudy Gay, who is on the trade block anyway. It's unlikely this impacts the undefeated 76ers.

Phoenix Suns OUT — Lauri Markkanen (Shoulder), Kevin Durant (Illness), Jaylen Adams (Illness), DeMarcus Cousins (Waived in NBA).
Recovered — None

Cousins getting waived shouldn't be a long-term concern for the Suns, but it's yet another setback that keeps them from fulfilling the top-of-the-west potential we all saw in them preseason. If Phoenix ever manages to get Durant, Markkanen, Cousins, Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry on the court at the same time, we could see some fireworks.

Portland Trail Blazers OUT — Anzejs Pasecniks (Waived in NBA), DeAndre Hunter (Knee), Daniel Oturu (Quad), Hamidou Diallo (Groin).
Recovered — None

Hamidou Diallo joins the crew of largely irrelevant players in Portland's rotation. DeAndre Hunter is the main loss on the report but the Blazers have capable wings like Wiggins and Coby White who can step up temporarily to fill the void.

San Antonio Spurs OUT — Anthony Davis (Calf), Quinndary Weatherspoon (Illness), Keldon Johnson (Illness).
Recovered — None

Keldon Johnson joins the list, though Davis is the big name since he's the heart and sole of this team. With him largely unhealthy, the reigning Western Conference champions are currently sub-.500.

Sacramento Kings OUT — Trevor Ariza (Personal), Ishmael Smith (Quad).
Recovered — Kevon Looney (Ankle)

Looney returns but he comes back at a position where Sacramento already has guys established ahead of him in the rotation. Smith's long-term absence is much more impactful with Cory Joseph being the only other PG-capable veteran on the roster.

Toronto Raptors OUT — Jordan Bell (Waived in NBA), Mitchell Robinson (Hand).
Recovered — LaMarcus Aldridge (Hip), Dennis Schroder (Illness)

The Raptors get a huge boost with Aldridge and Schroder coming back. If they stay for a while, it could lead to Toronto jumping up from 13th in the East and into a playoff spot.

Utah Jazz OUT — Markelle Fultz (Knee), Justise Winslow (Hip), Pascal Siakam (Illness).
Recovered — Dillon Brooks

Utah swaps out Brooks for Siakam. It'll probably keep them down as the Jazz struggle at the back end of the playoff race with a sub-.500 record.

Washington Wizards OUT — Chandler Hutchison (Personal), JaKarr Sampson (Illness), Dario Saric (Ankle).
Recovered — Ben Simmons (Illness)

Getting Simmons back should kick the Wizards back in gear after a 1-2 Week 5 where the only win was against Orlando.

TEAM	INJURIES
	OUT — T.J. Warren (Foot), Spencer Dinwiddie (Knee), Gary Harris (Thigh). Recovered — None No new additions to the report and no one taken off. Having any of these names might push Atlanta into slightly more comfortable playoff territory. The team's wing depth is well-built to handle these losses with Eric Bledsoe, Joe Harris, and Danuel House able to step in or step up but it becomes a house of cards. The Hawks will be able to sleep much better when all of these guys come back.
	OUT — Caris LeVert (Kidney), Jahlil Okafor (Knee), Glenn Robinson III (Waived in NBA). Recovered — None Robinson is a new name to the list being waved in the NBA. But neither he or the other two names on this list are tipping the scales too much for the Nets. These are all depth pieces that collectively their loss can hurt, but the star power in Brooklyn is capable of carrying the load.
	OUT — George Hill (Thumb), Patrick Patterson (Personal). Recovered — Chris Silva (Hip) Silva has a chance to make his 2020-21 debut this week provided there's a spot in the rotation for him. With Patterson still out that may be possible since Boston is hurting slightly for natural PFs to play in that spot. Hill's continued absence is absorbable thanks to Westbrook and Kendrick Nunn, but the sooner he's back, the better the bench backcourt will be.
	OUT — Jrue Holiday (Illness), Harry Giles (Calf), Jalen Harris (Finger), Kristaps Porzingis (Back). Recovered — None Jalen Harris and Kristaps Porzingis are added to the list for a Hornets team that just can't seem to be healthy this year. They have the stars to mostly keep up with the 76ers and Bucks in the East, but haven't been able to wield all their might against these towering foes. If injuries persist, Brooklyn may surpass Charlotte in the standings.
	OUT — P.J. Dozier (Hamstring), DAngelo Russell (Leg), Al Horford (Rest). Recovered — Taurean Prince (Ankle), PJ Washington (Ankle) Chicago gets dealt a bad hand with Horford resting a Friday game and will sit out this week because of it. He will get a boost to the frontcourt with Prince and Washington returning if it makes him feel any better. Though there isn't another listed center on his roster at the moment and only one healthy player 6-10 or taller so expect some small-ball this week from the Bulls.
	OUT — Jay Scrubb (Foot), Kris Dunn (Ankle), Zach Collins (Ankle), Jaren Jackson Jnr (Knee), Aaron Gordon (Ankle). Recovered — None The Cavaliers remain the league's least healthy team with six guys on the report (seven last week but they cut one of them). Scrubb is currently two-way so he's not much of a factor in the rotation, but Gordon and Jackson Jr are big hits to the frontcourt. On the bright side, it should give Xavier Tillman more time to shine as one of the better rookies this season.
	OUT — Otto Porter (Back), Caleb Martin (Illness), Chimezie Metu (Wrist). Recovered — None Neither Martin or Metu's absence hurts Dallas, but Porter being out holds back the wing rotation. However, with CP3 and DeMar DeRozan still healthy, the main core of the team is still intact and able to keep the Mavericks in a top three spot in the West.
	OUT — Jonathan Isaac (Knee), Udoka Azubuike (Ankle), Paul Millsap (Knee) Recovered — Greg Whittington (Knee) Rejoice, for the long night of Whittington's absence is over! On a side note, anyone know who Greg Whittington is?
	OUT — Klay Thompson (Knee), Cole Anthony (Shoulder), Elfrid Payton (Calf). Recovered — None Payton heading to the bench leaves the the Pistons with a paper-thin point guard rotation behind Ja Morant. Bruce Brown is the only remaining player listed as a point guard, though he's a more natural wing than point man.
	OUT — Bogdan Bogdanovic (Knee), JaMychal Green (Shoulder). Recovered — None Green gets added to the list to add another minor problem in the rotation. Alone, neither Bogdan or Green's absence kills the rotation since there are guys on the roster who can step up, but for a team on the cusp of the top eight in the West, it could make a difference.
	OUT — Jeff Green (Shoulder), Tyler Herro (Hip). Recovered — None Houston went three consecutive weeks without a player on the injury report but get two for Week 5. The Rockets could surely tank the loss of Green, but losing Herro along with him will probably hinder the team's push for an above-.500 record.
	OUT — C.J. McCollum (Foot). Recovered — Gordon Hayward (Back), P.J. Tucker (Quad) Virtue is it's own reward for Sheed. CJ remains out and his absence is the main thing keeping him from being among the better teams in the East. Getting Hayward back could help the Pacers leapfrog Detroit and maybe catch Brooklyn. At the least, it'll put distance between them and the Heat, Celtics and Hawks.
	OUT — No one (Yay!)
	OUT — Christian Wood (Ankle), Jabari Parker (Illness), Cody Zeller (Hip), Devin Vassell (Illness). Recovered — James Wiseman (Wrist), Elijah Hughes (Ankle), Kostas Antetokounmpo (Knee) The Lakers took three players off the injury report but had to put three new names on. Christian Wood is still out, but Parker, Zeller and Vassell are the new additions. However, losing those three for the moment will likely be lost in the joy of getting Wiseman back and getting a ROY campaign back online.
	OUT — Marcus Smart (Calf), Killian Tillie (Foot). Recovered — Shake Milton (Ankle) Memphis' win-now push has been greatly hindered by Smart's lack of on-court time this year. Milton has also not played as much as desired for such a key bench player. Getting the latter back will help, but for a team firmly in lottery range, they'll need Smart back to make the push back into playoff range.
	OUT — Jordan Nwora (Ankle), Shaquille Harrison (Waived in NBA), Delon Wright (Groin). Recovered — Rajon Rondo (Back) None of these players who are still out are key rotation players for the Heat. Harrison's situation will be something to keep an eye on to see if he gets a new NBA team.
	OUT — Killian Hayes (Hip), Romeo Langford (Wrist), Jusuf Nurkic (Wrist). Recovered — None Nurkic is the only relevant player out but it remains Milwaukee's primary concern. Giannis is the only other player on the roster capable of playing center at a level acceptable for the championship-chasing Bucks. So long as Nurkic is out, the Bucks will have a hard time going back-to-back.
	OUT — Kevin Love (Calf), Avery Bradley (Illness), Larry Nance Jr. (Wrist), Cam Reddish (Achilles), Devonte Graham (Knee). Recovered — None The persistence of injuries among Minnesota's better players is one of the bigger reasons the team is on the longest current losing streak in the NLL. To the list of Love, Nance and Bradley, the T-Wolves were forced to add Reddish and Graham this week. As soon as some of these guys return, the T-Wolves might be able to add a win or two.
	OUT — D.J. Augustin (Personal). Recovered — Jarrett Culver (Ankle) The Pelicans get Culver back but then lost the primary backup PG to John Wall. This swap of names on the injury report shouldn't make too much of an issue, it'll probably just mean more minutes for Alex Caruso and maybe Facundo Campazzo.
	OUT — Andre Drummond (Personal), Quinn Cook (Waived in NBA). Recovered — Goran Dragic (Ankle) Drummond sitting out is really throwing a wrench in Darko's plan for the season. Getting Dragic back does give him great two-deep depth at point guard, but he still needs a center.
	OUT — Marquese Chriss (Leg), Hassan Whiteside (Illness). Recovered — Cody Martin (Illness) Hassan Whiteside joins the report which means OKC's new signee, Damian Jones, will have to play primary backup minutes while on his 10-day contract. We'll see if it's enough to keep OKC's win streak, second-longest active in the NBA, alive for a little longer.
	OUT — Thomas Bryant (Knee), Blake Griffin (Personal), Tyrese Haliburton (Calf). Recovered — Nicolas Claxton (Knee) Haliburton just put together his best week in the NLL, including a career-high 20 points to lead Orlando to its second win of the season, but will now have to sit and wait to continue one of the better rookie performances of this season.
	OUT — Rudy Gay (Illness). Recovered — None After no injuries for two weeks, the 76ers will be without Rudy Gay, who is on the trade block anyway. It's unlikely this impacts the undefeated 76ers.
	OUT — Lauri Markkanen (Shoulder), Kevin Durant (Illness), Jaylen Adams (Illness), DeMarcus Cousins (Waived in NBA). Recovered — None Cousins getting waived shouldn't be a long-term concern for the Suns, but it's yet another setback that keeps them from fulfilling the top-of-the-west potential we all saw in them preseason. If Phoenix ever manages to get Durant, Markkanen, Cousins, Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry on the court at the same time, we could see some fireworks.
	OUT — Anzejs Pasecniks (Waived in NBA), DeAndre Hunter (Knee), Daniel Oturu (Quad), Hamidou Diallo (Groin). Recovered — None Hamidou Diallo joins the crew of largely irrelevant players in Portland's rotation. DeAndre Hunter is the main loss on the report but the Blazers have capable wings like Wiggins and Coby White who can step up temporarily to fill the void.
	OUT — Anthony Davis (Calf), Quinndary Weatherspoon (Illness), Keldon Johnson (Illness). Recovered — None Keldon Johnson joins the list, though Davis is the big name since he's the heart and sole of this team. With him largely unhealthy, the reigning Western Conference champions are currently sub-.500.
	OUT — Trevor Ariza (Personal), Ishmael Smith (Quad). Recovered — Kevon Looney (Ankle) Looney returns but he comes back at a position where Sacramento already has guys established ahead of him in the rotation. Smith's long-term absence is much more impactful with Cory Joseph being the only other PG-capable veteran on the roster.
	OUT — Jordan Bell (Waived in NBA), Mitchell Robinson (Hand). Recovered — LaMarcus Aldridge (Hip), Dennis Schroder (Illness) The Raptors get a huge boost with Aldridge and Schroder coming back. If they stay for a while, it could lead to Toronto jumping up from 13th in the East and into a playoff spot.
	OUT — Markelle Fultz (Knee), Justise Winslow (Hip), Pascal Siakam (Illness). Recovered — Dillon Brooks Utah swaps out Brooks for Siakam. It'll probably keep them down as the Jazz struggle at the back end of the playoff race with a sub-.500 record.
	OUT — Chandler Hutchison (Personal), JaKarr Sampson (Illness), Dario Saric (Ankle). Recovered — Ben Simmons (Illness) Getting Simmons back should kick the Wizards back in gear after a 1-2 Week 5 where the only win was against Orlando.