Last updated: July 30, 7:30 pm ET
This blog will set the table for the day’s slate. We’ll look at each team’s injury situation, what we expect and what the fantasy fallout will be. More detail on the DFS implications of these injuries can be found in Top Plays, Matchups Columns and Live Shows. Also remember to consult our continuously updating depth charts.
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THURSDAY 2-GAME SLATE
Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 6:30 PM EDT
* Bojan Bogdanovic (wrist, out) — Royce O’Neale figures to start at SF with Georges Niang entering the rotation. But the big winner is Jordan Clarkson, who should see additional time with increased usage.
* Zion Williamson (personal, questionable) — Coach Alvin Gentry said it’ll be up to the medical staff to determine how much he plays. As you’d expect, Zion wants to play a lot. “If you know me, you know I want to hoop,” he said. We suspect his minutes could be managed after missing almost a week, which could help Nicolo Melli, J.J. Redick and Josh Hart see extra time. But any reduced minutes for Zion mean big bumps in usage for Brandon Ingram and the rest of the Pelicans core pieces.
Update 5:30 ET: Zion Williamson will start and play with short-minute bursts.
LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 9:30 PM EDT
* Montrezl Harrell (personal, out) — The Clips are thin up front, especially if Ivica Zubac is eased back in as we suspect. The Clippers may also use JaMychal Green at the five when Anthony Davis is at center. Joakim Noah should also be in the rotation. Even in a revenge game, Zubac might be limited after having COVID-19.
* Lou Williams (personal, out) — Lou cannot resist chicken wings at Magic City, so he will not be available for this game. Reggie Jackson figures to slot into Lou Williams‘ role as the first guard off the bench while Marcus Morris is more likely to get minutes down the stretch, especially in a matchup against a bigger lineup.
* Patrick Beverley (questionable, personal) — Was limited at shootaround without a jersey in at least portions of the session. He’s questionable, and is very questionable to play. If Beverley sits, Reggie Jackson would get a big boost in minutes.
UPDATE 7:30 ET: Patrick Beverley will play after being limited in shootaround.
* Landry Shamet (probable, personal) — We suspect Shamet will be available, but he missed the scrimmages and his minutes will likely be light even with Lou out. Amir Coffey could crack the rotation.
* Anthony Davis (questionable, right eye) — Davis did practice on Wednesday and was looking at protective eye wear. He has an eye issue and sat out of the final scrimmage on Monday, and he did not practice on Tuesday. Davis was wearing sunglasses on Tuesday, so we’re expecting him to at least get a probable tag. We’re tentatively expecting him to play.
Update 7:20 ET: Anthony Davis will start as expected. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LeBron James, Danny Green and JaVale McGee will join him in the first unit
* Rajon Rondo (thumb, out) — Will not play for another 4-6 weeks due to a thumb injury. With Avery Bradley also opting out, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will start while Alex Caruso should handle the ball more while LeBron James is off the court. J.R. Smith should also sub in for Danny Green while Dion Waiters and Quinn Cook could be in the rotation.
