Fantasy Basketball Injury Report – Week 1

The 2026-27 NBA season is just two days old, and teams have only played one game each. However, that doesn’t mean we are without injury issues. There are injuries that have either carried over from last season or crept up over the summer. Going forward, the hope is that this article stays as short as possible, but we know that’s not going to be realistic. Let’s set the stage with some initial fantasy basketball injuries we have our eyes on.

Fantasy Basketball Injury Report

Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are not entering the season from a position of strength. We know that the focus in Golden State is on Stephen Curry, but his supporting cast is getting thinner and filled with more questions by the day. Butler is expected to be his main sidekick, so the sooner he returns, the better. Until then, Curry’s usage will be high. We know he can handle it, and it’s going to do great things for his fantasy value, but how sustainable is it? Quite simply, Curry will need help. Based on their current roster, I’m not sure who can truly step up.

Following ACL surgery, Butler is expected to be back sometime in January or February. Stashing him on your roster could be a nice addition for the second half of the season. However, it’s going to be difficult to trust him initially.

Kristaps Porzingis, Golden State Warriors

When healthy, Porzingis is a dynamic talent who can be productive across multiple categories. The problem is that he’s simply not healthy, and it’s unclear when he will be. If you can stash him on your Injured List, do so for now, but until we have clarity, it’s difficult to tie up the roster spot.

Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles Clippers

Much has been made about Ingram as the replacement for Leonard. Obviously, it’s not a true one-for-one equation, but from a usage and role perspective, Ingram is the answer. He averaged 21.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season, so we also know that he can score. However, an Achilles injury means that Ingram is going to be out for a substantial amount of time. How long is unclear, but he’s too good to ignore until we know more.

Bradley Beal, Los Angeles Clippers

Beal played just six games last year with a hip injury, and now knee inflammation is keeping him out of action at the beginning of the season. The veteran has a lengthy track record of being a scorer, and he shouldn’t be ignored, especially in deeper leagues, when he returns. Don’t rush out to stash Beal just yet, but keep him on your radar.

Nic Claxton, Chicago Bulls

With 11.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season, Claxton had a little bit of a down season on the boards. This is after previously flirting with a double-double in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. The Bulls acquired Claxton this summer to be their starting center, but a hamstring injury should keep him out for about the first month of the season. Upon his return, the center should be a solid option.

Mark Williams, Phoenix Suns

If only Williams could stay healthy. This time, it was shoulder surgery, and Williams’ absence will be measured in months. That means things are opened up for Khaman Maluach to make good on the upside that led to him being drafted 10th overall last year. Let’s see what Maluach can do with an extended look.

AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards

For good reason, the debut of Dybantsa is highly anticipated. It also makes sense that Washington would want to be cautious with the first overall pick as he deals with a lingering ankle sprain from the last preseason game. He’s still practicing on a limited basis, so I wouldn’t expect Dybantsa to miss too much, if any, more time.