Multiple critical injuries have shaken NBA lineups this week, directly influencing the play and strategies of several teams. Among the most notable shifts is the absence of Stephen Curry, who has been sidelined by a right knee injury sustained during the Golden State Warriors’ recent loss to the Detroit Pistons. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves made a significant return to action for the Los Angeles Lakers, providing a boost after his time away from the court. These developments come amid ongoing injury woes affecting other teams, as well as an approaching trade deadline intensifying roster adjustments.
Atlanta Hawks Face Challenges as Onyekwne Okongwu Remains Out
Onyekwne Okongwu, the Hawks’ promising young center, has missed the last three games following dental surgery caused by an injury from an altercation with Jaylen Brown during a January 28 victory over the Celtics. With missing teeth and continued recovery, head coach Quin Snyder indicated Okongwu will be sidelined for an extended period. Kristaps Porziņģis, returning from an Achilles injury, was unable to contribute in Tuesday’s win against the Miami Heat due to illness.
Backup options for the center position, Christian Koloko and Mouhamed Gueye, have seen limited success. Gueye delivered a more productive effort with six points, six rebounds, and multiple defensive stats in 22 minutes, while Koloko recorded minimal contributions in limited playtime. The Hawks have occasionally shifted to a smaller lineup that leverages forward Jalen Johnson’s versatility, but neither center has demonstrated sufficient production to attract serious fantasy basketball attention.
“Snyder says Okongwu wanted to play after his hit to the face, but stays that wasn’t possible. He had to have surgery for his missing teeth and he’ll be out for a while.” – Dustin Dopirak
Chicago Bulls Adjust Amid Guard and Frontcourt Injuries
The Bulls completed a flurry of trades on Tuesday, acquiring guards Jaden Ivey, Mike Conley, and Anfernee Simons, while moving on from Kevin Huerter, Nikola Vučević, Jevon Carter, and Dario Šarić. Josh Giddey, after returning from a hamstring injury, has now missed four consecutive games due to continued strain, and no clear return timetable exists. Ayo Dosunmu has stepped into the starting guard role, offering potential value while the perimeter lineup remains unsettled.
Billy Donovan expressed concern over forward/center Zach Collins, who has been out since December 27 with a foot injury and remains in a boot. The timing of when Collins removes the boot may determine if he misses the remainder of the season.
“Billy Donovan on Zach Collins potentially being shut down for season depending on when he gets boot off: ‘That could happen.’ Giddey is still having hamstring tightness.” – K.C. Johnson
With Vučević traded to the Celtics, Jalen Smith’s significance grows despite limited availability due to a calf injury. Patrick Williams has not been a consistent fantasy contributor but is occasionally used as a small-ball five. His minutes could increase temporarily due to roster needs.
Dallas Mavericks’ P.J. Washington Enters Concussion Protocol
After recovering enough to play five games, Washington sustained a head injury during Saturday’s loss to the Houston Rockets that placed him in the league’s concussion protocol. Caleb Martin filled the starting small forward role, producing 13 points and five rebounds in 29 minutes, but his value in fantasy leagues remains limited given the team’s reduced schedule.
Stephen Curry’s Status Raises Uncertainty for Warriors’ Lineup Stability
Stephen Curry’s right knee injury, originally sustained against the Pistons, forced him to miss the Warriors’ subsequent game against the Philadelphia 76ers. In his absence, Gui Santos stepped into the starting lineup and contributed an efficient 13 points, alongside strong defensive stats and three three-pointers in 26 minutes. Although Brandin Podziemski and De’Anthony Melton have lessened production, they maintain higher fantasy upside for now. The Warriors will face the Phoenix Suns and Lakers late this week, making Curry’s availability critical.
Indiana Pacers’ Obi Toppin Progresses but Will Remain Absent for Now
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle noted that Toppin is ahead of schedule in recovering from October foot surgery but confirmed the forward is not expected to return to game action soon. With the team focusing on the draft lottery, strategic rest for key players is anticipated. This approach elevates Jarace Walker’s profile, who recently contributed 24 points and six rebounds in a game loss.
LA Clippers Deal Roster and Face Guard Injury Concerns
Darius Garland was traded to the Clippers but has remained sidelined with a right great toe injury. His recent individual workout offered limited insight, and no clear return date has been announced. Meanwhile, Kris Dunn has managed the point guard responsibilities during James Harden’s personal absences, and rookie Kobe Sanders has joined the starting lineup. This duo is expected to continue leading the backcourt for the foreseeable future.
Austin Reaves Returns Strong for Los Angeles Lakers
After an extended absence, Reaves returned to the Lakers’ rotation with 21 minutes off the bench, scoring 15 points alongside rebounds, steals, and a three-pointer. His minutes restriction means he has not yet returned to a starter’s role, and the Lakers have not indicated a corresponding bench demotion for Marcus Smart. Instead, Jake LaRavia was moved to a reserve spot, despite holding a starting position since late December due to Rui Hachimura’s injury.
Miami Heat Adjust Starting Lineup Amid Andrew Wiggins’ Absence
Andrew Wiggins missed a game because of tightness in his left hamstring, which paved the way for Myron Gardner to start. Gardner built on a recent double-double performance by adding 14 points and other strong stats in 22 minutes. Still, Gardner’s value in fantasy leagues diminishes with Wiggins’ presence in the lineup. Jaime Jaquez Jr. remains a critical target for fantasy managers, especially in standard 12-team leagues, while Pelle Larsson continues to be an option in deeper formats as he covers for the injured Tyler Herro.
Milwaukee Bucks Await Kevin Porter Jr.’s Return Amid Trade Speculation
As the Bucks‘ roster remains in flux given Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, guard Kevin Porter Jr. appears close to returning from an oblique injury. Head coach Doc Rivers suggested Porter might be back as soon as Wednesday or Friday. Porter has missed the last six games, with Kyle Kuzma filling his role. Although Kuzma has had a strong individual performance, fantasy managers remain cautious due to surrounding injury questions within the Bucks’ roster.
“Doc Rivers revealed that Kevin Porter Jr. is close to returning from his oblique injury, possibly as soon as tomorrow or Friday.” – Jackson Gross
New York Knicks Manage Ankle Injuries to Key Guards
Josh Hart left a recent game earlier than expected due to a right ankle sprain suffered previously on Christmas Day but may still play in upcoming games as no walking boot was seen when he departed. Conversely, Miles McBride’s left ankle injury has kept him out of action for four games. Reports indicate McBride is seeking multiple medical opinions, signaling a potentially serious problem.
“Deuce McBride is getting multiple opinions on his ankle. No timeline is set for his return. Being told it’s more than just soreness. Stay tuned.” – CP “The Fanchise”
Due to these absences, Jordan Clarkson has re-entered the rotation, with Landry Shamet and Tyler Kolek filling increased roles.
Portland Trail Blazers Struggle as Deni Avdija Remains Out
Deni Avdija missed two straight games and seven out of the Blazers’ last 11 contests due to a lower back injury sustained on January 11. On a positive note, Jrue Holiday returned from a personal leave to log 29 minutes in a recent game, although his minutes restriction is still somewhat in place. For fantasy players seeking alternative options, Toumani Camara might offer better value, particularly for those targeting rebounds and three-pointers.
Sacramento Kings Adjust Rotation While Monitoring Domantas Sabonis’ Health
Domantas Sabonis has been sidelined with a lower back issue, casting doubt on his availability for Wednesday’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. In his absence, Maxime Raynaud has started but has yet to fully fill the veteran’s role. Dylan Cardwell has also seen increased minutes and serves as a useful option in categories focused on rebounds and blocks, highlighting his potential as the Kings deal with roster changes post-trade deadline.
San Antonio Spurs Play Forward Stephon Castle’s Injury Impact
Stephon Castle missed a recent victory against the Orlando Magic due to an oblique injury, prompting Harrison Barnes to reclaim a starting position. Barnes’ production, though steady, is not exceptional enough to tempt many fantasy managers should Castle remain out. Dylan Harper, also sidelined by a right ankle issue, complicates options further. If both players remain unavailable, considering Julian Champagnie, who has improved in scoring and rebounding, may provide a strategic edge.
Washington Wizards Adapt to Tre Johnson’s Ankle Injury
Following Tre Johnson’s left ankle sprain on January 29, Bub Carrington took over as a starter and has averaged solid points, assists, and three-point shooting over three games, though his relatively modest minutes limit his fantasy impact. Another rookie, Will Riley, has seen significant playing time and posted strong all-around stats, making him a player to monitor for continued development as the season moves past the All-Star break.
Snyder says Okongwu wanted to play after his hit to the face, but stays that wasn't possible. He had to have surgery for his missing teeth and he'll be out for a while.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) January 31, 2026
Billy Donovan on Zach Collins potentially being shut down for season depending on when he gets boot off: “That could happen.”
Giddey is still having hamstring tightness.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 3, 2026
Doc Rivers revealed that Kevin Porter Jr. is close to returning from his oblique injury, possibly as soon as tomorrow or Friday.
— Jackson Gross (@JGrossReporter) February 3, 2026
Deuce McBride is getting multiple opinions on his ankle. No timeline is set for his return. Being told it's more than just soreness. Stay tuned pic.twitter.com/VnjtnscAnK
— CP "The Fanchise" (@CPTheFanchise) February 4, 2026
