2016 NBA Injury Report: December 20

Atlanta Hawks: Dwight Howard missed Monday’s game  with tightness in his back.  Howard should be considered day-to-day for the rest of the week.    

Brooklyn Nets:   Brook Lopez  will miss Tuesday’s game against the Raptors due to a rest day, and should be back in the lineup for the rest of the week.

Cleveland Cavaliers:  Kevin Love will miss Tuesday’s game against the Bucks as he is dealing with a left knee bruise.  The Cavs have a back to back against Milwaukee, and should be considered questionable for their second game on Wednesday.

Dallas Mavericks:  Andrew Bogut and Dirk Nowitzki will both remain out through the week, with a small chance that they will suit up on Christmas Day.  J.J. Barea did return to the court on Monday, and showed no signs of continued calf issues.

Houston Rockets:  Clint Capela fractured his left fibula during Saturday’s game, and is expected to miss as much as six weeks.  Montrezl Harrell may benefit the most from Capela’s injury even if he is still coming off the bench.

Indiana Pacers:  Monte Ellis  has been ruled out of Tuesday’s  game against the Knicks as he continues to deal with a right groin strain.  He did not travel with the team, and may continue to be out for the rest of the week.  Rodney Stuckey has missed his last three games, is is listed as doubtful for Tuesday’s game against the Knicks with a hamstring injury.

Los Angeles Clippers:  Blake Griffin will miss between three to six week after having surgery on his right knee.  While he is out, expect Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan to have an increase in usage, and for Mo Speights, Brandon Bass, and Austin Rivers to see an increase in minutes.

Memphis Grizzlies:  Chandler Parsons:  has missed Memphis’s last 17 games, but is now officially listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game against Charlotte.  He has been out with a bone bruise, and if he plays, expect Parsons to be on a minutes restriction for his first few games back.

Miami Heat:   Dion Waiters has been ruled out for Tuesday’s game, and has not played since November 26.  He has returned to being a limited participant in practice, and is close to returning.  Rodney McGruder is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Magic due to a left ankle injury, and Wayne Ellington missed Saturday’s game against the Celtics, and is listed as doubtful for Tuesday’s game with a hamstring issue. 

Milwaukee Bucks:  Michael Beasley will be a game-time decision for Tuesday’s game against Cleveland after missing the last two games while dealing with a foot injury.  He was a limited participant in Monday’s practice, and if playing, Teletovic will likely lose some minutes. 

Orlando Magic:  Nikola Vucevic did not play during Saturday’s game against the Nuggets with a lower back bruise, but did go through the pre-game workout.  Vucevic should be considered day-to-day heading into Tuesday’s game against the Hawks. 

Philadelphia 76ers:   Nik Stauskas sat out Sunday’s game against the Nets, and is considered day-to-day heading into Tuesday’s game against the Pelicans.  Jerryd Bayless is now expected to miss the rest of the season after having wrist surgery. 

Portland Trail Blazers: Al-Farouq Aminu has missed Portland’s last three games with a back issue, and is listed as a game-time decision for Tuesday’s game against the Kings.

Sacramento KIngs:  Rudy Gay has been out of the Kings lineup for the last three games, and is considered doubtful for Tuesday’s game against Portland while he deals with a hip issue.  Omri Casspi is also doubtful for Tuesday’s game while he continues to deal with an illness that has kept him out for the last two games.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a weekly report of recent NBA player injuries, as well as players returning from injury this week.  Find the most up to minute news at http://www.fantasyalarm.com/nba/headlines/