With the Christmas milestone now in the rearview mirror, the NBA season officially turns the corner from early-season rhythm to the grind that tests depth, durability, and decision-making. As teams pivot toward the heart of the schedule, injury management becomes just as important as matchup strategy making this the point where availability, not just talent, starts to define contenders and pretenders.
Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs
Sustained a slight hyperextension of his left knee in a game vs the Knicks, initial testing showed no structural damage and he will miss some time, though not as much as Nikola Jokic who sustained a similar injury.
Jonas Valanciunas - Denver Nuggets
Sustained a right calf strain and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. This leaves the Nuggets very thin at center with Jokic out for a similar timeframe.
Josh Giddey - Chicago Bulls
Sustained a left hamstring strain and will miss a few weeks. Giddey has been having a strong season averaging 19.2 points, 9 assists and 8.9 rebounds per game.
Nikola Jokic - Denver Nuggets
Exited tonight's game before halftime, by video, expecting a diagnosis of a hyperextension and bone bruise, will miss some time, could be weeks, the hope is ACL was spared, season is not over. We will await news from the team before making any further analysis but he will be updated when the team updates him.
DeAaron Fox - San Antonio Spurs
Fox was sidelined for Saturday's game with left adductor tightness, and he's at risk of missing Monday's game as well with a questionable tag. Julian Champagnie stepped into the starting lineup Saturday in place of Fox, and the former would likely draw another start if Fox sits Monday.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - Memphis Grizzlies
Exited Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. Caldwell-Pope left Sunday's game with right hamstring soreness and was considered doubtful to return. He wound up missing the rest of the contest. The injury being a hamstring, it would seem likely he misses some time this week.
Anthony Davis - Dallas Mavericks
Listed As Questionable with an adductor injury sustained during the Christmas Day game and is at risk of missing time this week. An adductor injury is the same one he was dealing with last season when he was traded to the Mavericks and subsequently aggravated.
Mitchell Robinson - New York Knicks
Robinson has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Pelicans due to left ankle injury management. Robinson has dealt with a lingering ankle injury this season, and he'll get the night off Monday to manage the issue.
Isaiah Hartenstein - Oklahoma City Thunder
Hartenstein appeared to turn his right ankle and limped to the locker room late in the third quarter of Sunday’s game. It would appear he could miss some time this week but the team hasn’t specified any information as of yet.
NEED AN EDGE ON THE NBA? - USE SIC PICKS!
SIC PICKS ARE BASED ON INSIDER INJURY KNOWLEDGE FROM FORMER PRO SPORTS TEAM DOCTORS TO GIVE YOU A WINNING EDGE IN SPORTS BETTING!
SIC PICKS are powered by the proven SIC Score algorithms from our exclusive panel of former Pro Sports Team doctors to give you a sports betting edge. Each day our team of doctors analyze the players and teams and share their expert insights to help you make informed bets on the biggest unknown to sportsbooks and sports bettors - player health and injuries!
For our Best Bets including spreads, totals, props and live in game with instant alerts as game day opportunities arise with research notes, sign up to SIC Picks here for less than $2 a day on an annual plan.
Sign up to SIC Picks today to get our picks sent direct to your cell!
