Washington Wizards forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (knee) is doubtful to play Tuesday against the Atlanta Hawks. Porzingis is trending towards a second straight absence due to knee soreness which would likely pave the way for another start from Deni Avdija. Avdija did not perform well in the last start but has some upside due to his ability to stuff the stat sheet. Daniel Gafford should also see a boost and is coming off a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double performance.

Washington Wizards forward Kristaps Porzingis (knee) is out on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls. The veteran has a sore left knee, which is nothing new, meaning he may be back in the lineup for Tuesday's meeting in Atlanta. But until Porzingis returns, Deni Avdija is expected to take his spot in the rotation. Avdija has averaged 9.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in 32 starts in 2022-23, so he'll warrant consideration from fantasy managers. However, he's shot only 32.1% from deep while rolling with the first five, which is something for category participants to consider.

Washington Wizards power forward/center Kristaps Porzingis stayed hot, leading the team to a 118-104 home win against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. Porzingis finished the night with 36 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 35 minutes while shooting 13-for-22 from the field and 8-for-14 from behind the arc, tying his career-high of eight threes. Porzingis has dropped 30-plus-point games in three of his last four contests. With Kyle Kuzma (ankle) out the previous two games, the value of Porzinigis and Deni Avdijahave vastly increased. If Kuzma is to remain out, consider Avdija a viable streaming option.

Without a doubt, Kyrie Irving is arguably one of the most naturally gifted players in the National Basketball Association. He's a fantastic ball-handler and can get to the rim with ease. However, the former Duke Blue Devil's career has been surrounded by controversy, ultimately impacting his ability to win an MVP.The NBA trade deadline kicked off with a bang when Irving, who had demanded a trade out of Brooklyn, was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. NBA fans and fantasy managers are left wondering how things will play out.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

Kyrie Irving's Season Recap

Irving got suspended for an antisemitic social media post, keeping him out of the lineup for eight games. But since then, the 30-year-old stayed out of the limelight, so most had assumed he finally turned things around. He's played well all season, averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 40 appearances.https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1622324668047794177?s=20&t=NTffJ2tRvNpjAA7bddjYHQHe was also selected to the All-Star team for the eighth time in his career. However, things were apparently going too well, as Irving dropped a bombshell by requesting a trade. His wish was granted, as he was sent to Dallas in exchange for ... [More]

Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) is expected to miss some time after suffering an injury during Saturday's game. Head coach Wes Unseld sounded optimistic about the issue after the game. However, the organization is considering Porzingis week-to-week with a sprained left ankle. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Wizards be cautious with Porzingis given his injury history. Deni Avdija is likely going to play significant minutes with Rui Hachimura being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. That being said, fantasy managers should check the waiver wire and see if Avdija is available. He's probably worth rostering with the Wizards shorthanded at the forward spot.

Washington Wizards forward/center Kristaps Porzingis suffered a fresh injury blow in Saturday's matchup against Orlando when he sprained his left ankle in the third quarter. The injury ended what could've been a big night for Porzingis, as he managed to pile up 17 points and six rebounds with one block in 23 minutes before being forced off. Porzingis' injury lifted Rui Hachimura into a bigger role and the Japanese star matched his career high with 30 points on 13-for-22 shooting. The performance came just a few days after it emerged that the Wizards are looking to move Hachimura in a trade. The 24-year-old could now become a big piece for the team if Porzingis is forced to miss any time. Deni Avdija and Daniel Gafford also look set for bigger roles.

It wasn't a good day for many clubs around the National Basketball Association, with many teams dealing with unsettling injuries to their top players. Although these situations are always challenging for teams, fantasy managers are also left scrambling to find a replacement.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Saturday, January 21, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

Marcus Smart Injury Update

The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum for Saturday's meeting with Toronto, as the MVP candidate got the day off to deal with wrist soreness. Luckily, the C's recently got Jaylen Brown back from a three-game layoff, so the team at least had its No. 2 scoring option. Boston also had Marcus Smart, who is proficient on both ends of the floor.Unfortunately, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year's evening didn't last long, as he exited in the first half after suffering a sprained right ankle. Smart has battled ankle injuries throughout his career, so fantasy managers are familiar with this.https://twitter.com/ChrisForsberg_/status/1616933981362028546?s=20&t=ADA6dM_t2muMcgq6cJRitwWhile X-ray results were encouraging, revealing no structural damage, he'll likely miss a game or two, possibly more. As a result, ... [More]

Washington Wizards forward Kristaps Porzingis (ribs) is available on Friday against the Knicks. The veteran only missed one game because of a rib contusion, so he'll be back in the lineup for this one. While Porzingis is always a must-start fantasy option, he could be even more motivated to produce versus his former team.

Washington Wizards big men Kristaps Porzingis (ribs) and Daniel Gafford (ankle) both missed the team's last game on Wednesday night and now they're in danger of missing another. On Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls, Taj Gibson received the starting nod while Rui Hachimura and Anthony Gill saw some extra playing time off of the bench. The team made Vernon Carey Jr. available as well in case they needed more front-court help. If fantasy managers are looking for streaming help, Gibson and Hachimura would be the best bets.

The Washington Wizards will be very thin in the frontcourt on Wednesday with Daniel Gafford (ankle) and Kristaps Porzingis (ribs) both ruled out. Gafford and Porzingis were both questionable with their respective ailments but neither could play through the injuries. Deni Avdija will get the spot start and would be a great streaming option. On the other side of the court, Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic should be in for a huge day with the Wizards shorthanded.

Washington Wizards forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (ribs) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's clash with Chicago. He has a right rib contusion and could be forced to sit for the fifth time this season. Porzingis has stayed relatively healthy throughout the campaign and it's helped him to have a nice season with averages of 22.0 points and 9.0 rebounds. Rui Hachimura and Daniel Gafford (ankle) are in line for bigger roles if Porzingis isn't able to play, although the latter is also questionable for the game. With Bradley Beal (hamstring) still on the shelf, all the offense is set to run through Kyle Kuzma.

Washington Wizards forward/center Kristaps Porzingis had a very good outing against the Magic on Friday, leading all scorers with 30 points and adding 13 rebounds, two assists, one steal and four blocks in a 119-100 victory. He shot 9-for-13 from the field, including 3-for-6 from deep, and had a 9-for-11 record at the foul line. In 35 minutes on the floor, Porzingis also matched his season high with five turnovers, but his work all over the court was more than enough to make up for it. The Unicorn is having a nice season in Washington with averages of 21.9 points and 8.9 rebounds. The team is once again without Bradley Beal (hamstring), and Porzingis's output jumps to 23.7 points with him out of the lineup.

Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) has been deemed questionable to suit up for Friday's contest vs. the Kings as he battles a non-COVID illness that has kept him out the past two games. Daniel Gafford has drawn starts at the five in his place and has proven to have a solid DFS floor. Without Porzingis in the mix, Deni Avdija and Rui Hachimura have led Washington in rebounding, elevating their upside as well if the All-Star is held out again. When healthy, Porzingis has been on an offensive role, having logged at least 20 points in 10 of his last 11 outings, a stretch in which he has shot 51.1 percent overall from the floor. Fantasy managers will want to check back prior to the late tip for the final word on Porzingis.

Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz. The big man will miss his second game in a row due to a non-COVID related illness. Daniel Gafford figures to move into the starting five, while Taj Gibson gets increased playing time off the bench. Between the two, Gafford is the much better fantasy option, so consider him as a streaming choice for Thursday.

Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) was a late addition to the injury report for the team's last game and now he's questionable for the second game in a row. The star big man is dealing with a non-COVID illness right now and it wouldn't be surprising if he had to sit out one more game. If he can't suit up, look for Daniel Gafford and Taj Gibson to get some more minutes with the former being the best streaming option if needed.

Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) was tagged as questionable late into the afternoon on Tuesday before tipoff. The star big man seems to be dealing with a non-COVID illness and may not be able to suit up against a short-handed Phoenix Suns team. The fact that he went straight to questionable after not appearing on the injury report at all is concerning for his status come game time. If Porzingis has to stay on the sidelines, Daniel Gafford would be the best streaming option if needed.

Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis (back) is likely to make his return to action Saturday vs. the Clippers, head coach Wes Unseld Jr. announced Friday. Porzingis missed his second outing of the year Wednesday due to lower back tightness, which allowed Taj Gibson to shift into the starting five and Daniel Gafford to see added frontcourt run; with the big man back, both Gibson and Gafford slot into undesirable fantasy roles. Porzingis is amidst a scorching offensive stretch that has seen him drop at least 20 points in nine consecutive games, averaging 27.1 points while shooting 53.8 percent in that span. He dominated the LA interior as recently as last week to the tune of a 30-point, 15-rebound performance.

Washington Wizards forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (back) has been ruled out of Wednesday's game against Denver. He was forced to exit Monday's meeting with Brooklyn due to lower back tightness and the issue hasn't yet fully cleared up. Porzingis is having a very strong season and his recent form has been particularly impressive, with the 27-year-old giant averaging 26.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game across his last five appearances. Daniel Gafford should pick up most of Porzingis' minutes Wednesday. He was able to grab a double-double with a few extra minutes against the Nets, and Gafford also posted a double-double and had four blocks in the first game Porzingis missed this season.

Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis (back) exited Monday's loss to Brooklyn with back tightness. He did not return. Fortunately, he reported after the game that he spent the fourth quarter receiving treatment while adding he's feeling better. The 27-year-old has played exceptionally well in 2022-23, tying his career-high average of 22.7 points per game. With Washington losing 10 of its last 11 contests, including dropping the previous seven straight games, the team hopes to have him out there on Wednesday in Denver. However, if Porzingis isn't available, Daniel Gafford will probably replace him in the starting lineup, with the 2019 second-round pick logging 5.9 points, 4.0 boards, 1.1 blocks, and shooting an impressive 73.6% from the field this season.

Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. He rolled his ankle during their last contest, but was able to stay in the game. The oft-injured big man could very well sit out especially after playing 35 minutes in that game. Daniel Gafford would likely be asked to move into the starting five if Porzingis sits out. He's a nice source of rebounds and blocks, but doesn't offer much more than that. Kyle Kuzma would be the player that probably benefits the most in terms of fantasy production.