This week's fantasy basketball injury report is headlined by Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic being put in the NBA's health and safety protocols, and so far he's just missing one game, but that could easily turn into him sitting out for the next few games. Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James is dealing with a strained adductor and he'll likely need a few more games as well. Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart is also sidelined for a few weeks, can the returning Marvin Bagley III take advantage of the open center minutes in Detroit? Or will Jalen Duren get the edge when it comes to minutes and shots? Here's the NBA injury report for week five of the fantasy basketball season. 

 
NAMEPOS.TEAMINJURYDATE INJUREDEXP. RETURN DATEANALYSIS
Nikola JokicCDENCovid15-NovDAY TO DAYJokic has entered the league's health and safety protocols and while he's out, Jamal Murray becomes the prioritized scorer and will have even more time with the ball, and Jeff Green and DeAndre Jordan will have to help Aaron Gordon defend the post.
Luke KennardSG/SFLACCalf15-NovDAY TO DAYKennard left early in the Clippers last game and he strained his calf meaning he's likely looking at a multi-game absence and Norman Powell will be relied on even more and Terance Mann could pick up reserve minutes as well.
Keegan MurrayFSACBack15-NovDAY TO DAYMurray left his last game with an injured back and for now, we'll consider him day-to-day. If Murray needs to sit for a game or two, Harrison Barnes will get more shots. Terence Davis can see reserve run as well.
Isaiah StewartCDETToe14-NovLate Nov-Early DecStewart hurt his toe and will likely be out until early December and while he's recovering Jalen Duren and Marvin Bagley will help guard the middle of the paint. Saddiq Bey should see a few more shots.
Tre MannGOKCBack13-NovDAY TO DAYMann has a sore back and if he needs more time to recover, Luguentz Dort can always shift down to relieve Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey if they need time off the floor.
Zion WilliamsonPFNOPFoot12-NovDAY TO DAYWilliamson will miss another game due to a foot injury and while he's recovering Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy will see more minutes and Jones can pick up a few more shots in the offense.
Desmond BaneSG/SFMEMToe11-NovLate Nov-Early DecBane is recovering from a sprained toe and Dillon Brooks will see more shots and John Konchar has filled in at multiple positions and he can toggle to the SG position. We could potentially see Bane make it back before the start of December if he recovers quickly enough.
Jarrett AllenCCLEAnkle11-NovDAY TO DAYAllen is dealing with a sore ankle and while he recovers, Evan Mobley can toggle between PF and C, but the Cavs will also turn to Kevin Love to help stretch the floor and he'll see an uptick in minutes.
JaVale McGeeCDALNeck10-NovDAY TO DAYMcGee has had to sit out a few games with a strained neck and until he's ready to return to action Christian Wood and Dwight Powell should absolutely see a boost in minutes.
Dennis Smith JrPGCHAAnkle10-NovDAY TO DAYSmith has been dealing with a sprained ankle and he's still day to day but clearly not ready to return to action and LaMelo Ball is back and will be the main ball-handler and Terry Rozier and Theo Maledon can back him up.
Justise WinslowFPORIllness10-NovDAY TO DAYWinslow has been sick and the Blazers are taking it game by game with him, if he needs more time off the floor, Trendon Watford and Nassir Little could see more playing time.
Landry ShametSGPHXConcussion9-NovDAY TO DAYShamet needs at least one more game to recover from a concussion and while he's out, it'll give Cameron Payne even more playing time even with Chris Paul healthier and Damion Lee can possibly see a reserve run.
Malcolm BrogdonGBOSHamstring9-NovDAY TO DAYBrogdon's hamstring is sore and while he's out, more will be asked of Derrick White who can play multiple positions on the floor and Payton Pritchard can back up Marcus Smart and help run the offense.
Cade CunninghamGDETShin9-NovDAY TO DAYCunningham will need at least a couple of more games to rest his shin and while he's out, Jaden Ivey will see a lot more time with the rock and other backcourt Pistons such as Alec Burks and even Killian Hayes should see more playing time.
LeBron JamesFLALAdductor9-NovDAY TO DAYJames has had to sit for the last couple of games and while he's out Anthony Davis will become the Lakers top scoring option and Lonnie Walker will certainly pick up more shots. Juan Toscano-Anderson and Wenyen Gabriel will have to help fill in.
Darius BazleyFOKCAnkle9-NovDAY TO DAYBazley has had to sit for a few games and Kenrich Williams will absolutely benefit if he needs any more time off. Aleksej Pokusevski will see more time with the ball at the elbow and a slight uptick in shots.
Precious AchiuwaCTORAnkle9-NovNo TimetableAchiuwa joins Pascal Siakam on the sidelines with ligament damage in his ankle and while he's shelved, Chris Boucher and Khem Birch will have to help Christian Koloko and OG Anunoby guard the post.
Jrue HolidayGMILAnkle7-NovDAY TO DAYHoliday has had to sit for a few games, but he's getting closer to returning to action and until he does, Jevon Carter will have to continue helping provide backcourt offense and George Hill will see a bump in minutes.
Paolo BancheroPF/CORLAnkle7-NovDAY TO DAYBanchero continues to sit with a sprained ankle and Chuma Okeke and Bol Bol will see more playing time if Banchero continues to miss the action.
Chris PaulPGPHXHeel7-NovDAY TO DAYWe should see Paul return within the Suns, next couple of games, but until he does Cameron Payne will still run the point. Devin Booker will help out as well.
Keon JohnsonSG/SFPORHip5-NovDAY TO DAYJohnson has missed a handful of games with an injured hip and we'll see a lot more involvement from Nassir Little, and Shaedon Sharpe will pick up more shots in a few more minutes as well.
Chris DuarteSG/SFINDAnkle4-NovDecemberDuarte suffered a pretty bad ankle sprain and while he's out, Buddy Hield and Bennedict Mathurin will see more time with the ball and shots. Aaron Nesmith will grab reserve mid-court minutes.
Zach CollinsPF/CSASLeg4-NovNo TimetableCollins is no stranger to injury and he's back on the shelf with a fractured fibula and we don't know when he'll be back on the floor. Charles Bassey and Isaiah Roby will have to help Keldon Johnson and Jakob Poeltl guard the post.
Mitchell RobinsonCNYKKnee4-NovDAY TO DAYRobinson is dealing with a minor knee injury and will need a few more games off to recover and while he's recovering, Isaiah Hartenstein, Obi Toppin, and Jericho Sims will help fill the void.
Cameron JohnsonFPHXKnee4-NovDecember-JanuaryJohnson recently had a procedure on his knee and we may not see him back on the floor until after the New Year. While he's out, Mikal Bridges will see more shots and Torrey Craig will see a major minutes boost.
Tyler HerroSGMIAAnkle4-NovDAY TO DAYHerro has had to sit because of a sprained ankle and if he needs to continue to recover, Max Strus and Kyle Lowry will see more shots. Duncan Robinson will continue to see more shots.
Pascal SiakamPF/CTORAdductor4-NovLate Nov-Early DecSiakam will need a few weeks off and while he's out, the Raptors will have to open up their rotation a bit and Christian Koloko and Chris Boucher should get more run. Precious Achiuwa will pick up reserve minutes as well.
James HardenGPHIFoot2-NovLate Nov-Early DecWith Harden sidelined for at least the next few weeks, De'Anthony Melton will enter the starting lineup and Tyrese Maxey will see a lot more time with the ball and more shots.
Gordon HaywardFCHAShoulder2-NovNo TimetableHayward injured his shoulder a few games ago and if he continues to sit, Jalen McDaniels will see more playing time and P.J. Washington will be prioritized more in the Hornets offense.
Jae'Sean TateFHOUAnkle30-OctLate Nov-Early DecTate will need a few more weeks to recover as he's been hurt for most of the year. Eric Gordon and Tari Eason will benefit by receiving more minutes in the interim. Great opportunity for Eason to show his strong defense.
Blake WesleySGSASKnee30-OctLate Dec-Early JanWesley sprained his MCL and will be on the shelf for potentially two months and while he's sidelined Josh Richardson and Tre Jones will have to handle more of the scoring burden.
Coby WhiteGCHIThigh29-OctNo TimetableWhite's dealing with an injured thigh and hasn't played in November yet and we don't know when he'll be back on the floor. Ayo Dosunmu, Goran Dragic, and Zach LaVine will be the main ball-handlers
Cole AnthonyPGORLOblique26-OctLate Nov-Early DecAnthony is dealing with an injured oblique and he'll need at least another few weeks to recover while he's out Jalen Suggs will run the point and RJ Hampton will run the offense with the Magic's second unit.
Delon WrightGWASHamstring25-OctLate NovemberWright will miss at least a few weeks of action with this hamstring injury. While he's out Monte Morris will get a lot more minutes and Bradley Beal can help run the point as well until Wright returns.
Kawhi LeonardSFLACKnee24-OctLate NovemberLeonard has been practicing but his timeline to return is currently confusing. It's starting to look like he's getting closer and he's practicing. Norman Powell and Luke Kennard will benefit by getting more shots until Leonard returns and that could be sooner than we think. The pain in his knee has subsided if he's practicing.
Bruno FernandoCHOUKnee21-OctLate NovemberAlperen Sengun completely benefits with Fernando out of action and if the Rockets need a back up, Usman Garuba will see more playing time and the Rockets may need to shift Jabari Smith up until Fernando returns.
Cody MartinSG/SFCHAKnee19-OctDecember-JanuaryMartin had knee surgery recently and we don't know if we'll see him before January at this point. The Hornets backcourt is banged up and Kelly Oubre Jr will be a key contributor along with Jalen McDaniels.
Khris MiddletonFMILWristPre-SeasonLate NovemberWe've been told that Middleton would need a few weeks to recover from wrist surgery and he should be able to play at some point in November. Until then. Grayson Allen (if healthy) walks into more shots and Jordan Nwora and Wes Matthews will see an uptick in minutes.
Robert WilliamsCBOSKneePre-SeasonNo TimetableWilliams had surgery on his knee and it isn't recovering and it wouldn't be surprising if Williams is out until March. Reports indicate that he won't be ready until after the all-star break. While he's out, Al Horford will start at center and Noah Vonleh will back him up with Grant Williams helping out more at PF.
Lonzo BallPGCHIKneePre-SeasonNo TimetableWe still don't know when Ball will be back on the court but it is possible he makes it back before the end of the season. Ayo Dosunmu will continue drawing starts and both Goran Dragic and Coby White (when healthy) are other options to run the point. Zach LaVine will bring up the rock too.
Dennis SchroderPGLALThumbPre-SeasonDAY TO DAYSchroder is recovering from surgery on his Thumb and apparently could make it on the court in the Lakers next few games. Patrick Beverley and Russell Westbrook will help bring up the ball more until he's back and we can't forget about LeBron James who already leads the Lakers in assists per game.
Gary HarrisSG/SFORLKneePre-SeasonNo TimetableWith Harris sidelined with an unspecified return date, we'll see Terrence Ross and Jalen Suggs get more run. Franz Wagner will need to play more as well.
Kira Lewis Jr.PGNOPTorn ACLPre-SeasonNo TimetableLewis is recovering from multiple knee injuries and we don't know when he'll be back on the floor but reports are out about him going to the Pelicans G-League team which shows progress. CJ McCollum, Devonte' Graham, and Jose Alvarado will help run the point.
Danilo GallinariPFBOSTorn ACLPre-SeasonOUT FOR THE SEASONGallinari won't play this season after tearing his ACL. Grant Williams and Blake Griffin will help Jayson Tatum guard the post.
Ricky RubioPGCLETorn ACLPre-SeasonNo TimetableRubio tore his ACL at the end of last year and as we wait for him to recover, Donovan Mitchell and Raul Neto will help Darius Garland run the point.
Gary Payton IIGPORAbsPre-SeasonLate Nov-Early DecPayton should be ready to return to action in the next few weeks. Rookie Shaedon Sharpe will continue having a bigger role until Payton is ready. Payton will be a key reserve for Portland when he's ready.
Omer YurtsevenCMIAAnklePre-SeasonNo TimetableYurtseven just had ankle surgery and we don't know when we'll see him back on the floor leaving Dewayne Dedmon the reserve minutes behind Bam Adebayo who has been playing over 35 minutes per game.
Markelle FultzPGORLToePre-SeasonDecemberFultz always gets hurt and reports are out that we could see him back in action at some point in December while he's out Cole Anthony (when healthy), Jalen Suggs , and RJ Hampton will help run the point.
Thomas BryantCLALThumbPre-SeasonDAY TO DAYBryant has had trouble staying healthy throughout his career but the Lakers need the size and Bryant's return to the floor is close. Anthony Davis will continue playing in the middle and LeBron James and Juan Toscano-Anderson will have to help guard the post.
Victor OladipoSG/SFMIAKneePre-SeasonNo TimetableOladipo is another player who isn't a stranger to health issues and even when he's ready to play, he'll have his minutes monitored. Max Strus has been playing over 30 minutes per game and will continue doing so even when Oladipo plays for a good amount of the season.
Jonathan IsaacFORLKneePre-SeasonDecemberIt's been a long time since we've seen Isaac take the floor, but he recently told the media that he's on the right track and could return in the next month. Even when he eventually gets on the floor, he'll be under heavy playing time restrictions. Bol Bol and Chuma Okeke will continue to see a bump in playing time.
Joe InglesFMILKneePre-SeasonNo TimetableIngles is coming off of a torn ACL, and we won't see him take the floor for a few months. While he's out Wes Matthews and Jordan Nwora will continue seeing more playing time even when Khris Middleton re-joins the team.
T.J. WarrenFBKNFootPre-SeasonNo TimetableWarren isn't ready to take full contact in practice and will need more time to get in game shape and while he's sidelined, Royce O'Neale will continue starting and Markieff Morris will see reserve minutes at PF relieving Kevin Durant.
Ziaire WilliamsSFMEMKneePre-SeasonLate Nov-Early DecWilliams hasn't played yet and he'll need another month or two to recover. Dillon Brooks will get even more playing time and John Konchar has done an excellent job producing points, boards, and steals in the mid-court.
Daniel TheisCINDKneePre-SeasonNo TimetableTheis won't be seen on the floor for a while after having knee surgery. Isaiah Jackson and Jalen Smith can help relieve Myles Turner at center pushing Theis way down the bench when he's healthy.
Mo WagnerPF/CORLFootPre-SeasonNo TimetableWagner is not only dealing with a sprained foot, but once healthy, it'll be hard for him to get minutes behind Wendell Carter Jr. and Mo Bamba. He's starting to practice a little.
 

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