Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (ankle) was forced to exit Saturday's game after spraining his left ankle and will now miss at least one game because of it. The team officially ruled him out ahead of time which means the ankle sprain may end up keeping him out for a couple more games after this. Deni Avdija is the most likely candidate to take over the starting role while Taj Gibson and maybe even Will Barton could see some time off of the bench. The latter two aren't recommended as streaming options in any format.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (ankle) was injured during Saturday's loss to the Brooklyn Nets. The 27-year-old tweaked his left ankle in the second quarter and didn't return, ending his night after only 11 minutes of work. Kuzma has played well this season, averaging a career-high 21.6 points along with 7.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists. With the Wizards hosting the Cavaliers on Monday, there's a chance he won't be on the floor. If that's the case, Deni Avdija, who's averaged 8.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 30 starts this season, is the favorite to take Kuzma's spot in the starting lineup if he doesn't suit up.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma poured in buckets during their five-point win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. The 27-year-old registered 33 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block while shooting 12-for-25 overall and 5-for-13 from deep. Now that Rui Hachimura has been traded, Kuzma will likely see even more usage at the four since most of the bench pieces are guards. So, he'll continue to enjoy his best season yet in terms of traditional stats, but his efficiency may suffer.

It wasn't a good day for many clubs around the National Basketball Association, with many teams dealing with unsettling injuries to their top players. Although these situations are always challenging for teams, fantasy managers are also left scrambling to find a replacement.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Saturday, January 21, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

Marcus Smart Injury Update

The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum for Saturday's meeting with Toronto, as the MVP candidate got the day off to deal with wrist soreness. Luckily, the C's recently got Jaylen Brown back from a three-game layoff, so the team at least had its No. 2 scoring option. Boston also had Marcus Smart, who is proficient on both ends of the floor.Unfortunately, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year's evening didn't last long, as he exited in the first half after suffering a sprained right ankle. Smart has battled ankle injuries throughout his career, so fantasy managers are familiar with this.https://twitter.com/ChrisForsberg_/status/1616933981362028546?s=20&t=ADA6dM_t2muMcgq6cJRitwWhile X-ray results were encouraging, revealing no structural damage, he'll likely miss a game or two, possibly more. As a result, ... [More]

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma had himself a night as he led the team in three separate categories in a 116-105 win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday. The 27-year-old finished the game with 27 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block while shooting 11-for-24 from the floor and 4-for-12 from deep. He had the ultimate green light in this game and even led the team in plus/minus on top of points, rebounds, and assists. Kuzma is trying to play his way to a big payday and he's been doing a decent job as he's averaging a career-high in points and assists per game.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma went full Kevin Durant against the Knicks on Friday, scoring a game-high 40 points in a 112-108 loss. He had the same amount of points he had combined with his two previous appearances and just one more make from the field would've given Kuzma his new scoring record. He finished with 14-for-27 shooting and had a 4-for-10 record from deep with seven rebounds, seven assists and one block. Kuzma averages 21.7 points for the season, so he doesn't reach the 30-point mark too often in games, let alone 40. However, he was feeling it Friday night and the Knicks had no answers to him. Kuzma will get a rematch with New York next week, but the Wizards have to deal with the Warriors first, which looks like another promising matchup for Kuzma, with Golden State ranked only 21st in defensive efficiency.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma ended up with his second career triple-double as the team took down a short-handed Milwaukee team 118-95 on Sunday. The 27-year-old forward tallied 10 points with 13 rebounds and 11 assists. Kuzma had one of his worst scoring performances of the season due to horrible 5-for-16 shooting. However, the triple-double must have been a very pleasant surprise for fantasy managers. He also had one last season with a 15-13-10 line against Brooklyn. Kuzma is having a superb season in D.C. and will get another chance to shine against the Bucks on Tuesday, although Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and some of his crew should be back for the contest, and putting together another impressive line will be much tougher for Kuzma.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma had a nice double-double night against the Clippers on Saturday, leading the team with 35 points and adding 12 rebounds in a 114-107 loss. He was superb from downtown with a 7-for-11 record and shot 14-for-27 overall. In 38 minutes of action, Kuzma was also able to post three assists and one steal with six turnovers. Taking care of the ball has been a big problem lately for Kuzma, with him averaging close to four turnovers per game this month. Kuzma is having a career year in Washington this season, and he's currently also benefitting from Bradley Beal's (hamstring) absence, having averaged 27.3 points across the last four games.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Boston Celtics. The 27-year-old is dealing with lower back pain, so they might wait until closer to tip-off to see how Kuzma is feeling. Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis would be tasked with taking on bigger scoring roles if Kuzma is unable to go. Also, Jordan Goodwin and Anthony Gill could see more playing time, but are risky fantasy options.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma had a strong outing against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. He logged 28 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists as he shot 55.6% from the floor and 50% from three. The 27-year-old was key in the team's tenth win of the season. Over this past week, he's been inching closer to a top-100 fantasy asset as well. Averages of 22.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game are something that fantasy managers won't complain about.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (illness) is questionable ahead of the meeting with Utah. Kuzma is dealing with a non-COVID-related illness, and considering he was a late addition to the injury report, there's a good chance he may not play. Bradley Beal (illness) remains out on Saturday, so Kristaps Porzingis (groin), who is available, should be the No. 1 option offensively if Kuzma can't suit up. At the same time, Deni Avdija, Will Barton, and Rui Hachimura could see a notable uptick in production.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (shoulder) will play against Charlotte. The 27-year-old was riding a questionable tag due to shoulder soreness heading into this one. However, he's good to go and should carry the load on Monday night with Bradley Beal out because of health and safety protocols.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the New York Knicks. This doesn't come as much of a surprise considering Kuzma has been out since mid-March. The Wizards are already eliminated from the postseason, so there's no reason for them to risk the health of Kuzma. Rui Hachimura will remain in the starting lineup, while Deni Avdija gets a boost of the bench. Both players should have relevant fantasy value with Kuzma sidelined.

Washington Wizards power forward Kyle Kuzma (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's contest against Atlanta as he continues to work through right knee tendinitis. Kuzma has not suited up since March 18, and with Washington eliminated from playoff contention, it's unlikely the team would rush him back for its final two outings. His absence will continue to pave the way for Rui Hachimura to see extended minutes, while Kristaps Porzingis remains the team's offensive focal point. Barring an update, fantasy managers can operate as if the next time Kuzma suits up, it will be 2022-23.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (knee) will remain sidelined on Friday when the team takes on the Dallas Mavericks. Kuzma has been out since March 18 due to right knee tendinitis. Rui Hachimura has stepped his game up with Kuzma sidelined. Hachimura has been regularly playing 25-30 minutes per game lately. On Wednesday, he had one of his better games of the year, racking up 17 points, seven boards, three assists, two blocks and one three-pointer. Kuzma's next chance for a return will be on Sunday against the Boston Celtics.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic. This marks the seventh game in a row that Kuzma has missed due to right knee tendinitis. The Wizards haven't ruled him out for the rest of the season, but it certainly seems like a strong possibility. Rui Hachimura should continue to start and dropped 21 points during Tuesday's game. He appears to be a solid streaming option, while Deni Avdija is worth a look as well.

Washington Wizards power forward Kyle Kuzma (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's contest against Chicago due to right knee tendinitis. The fact that Kuzma has been consistently ruled out ahead of time, combined with the lack of timeline provided for his return is indicative that it could stretch beyond his current six-game stint on the sidelines. Rui Hachimura has shifted into the starting five in Kuzma's absence and averaged 10.6 points and five rebounds in that stretch, earning himself some DFS appeal with a solid floor. Three different Wizards have led Washington in scoring without Kuzma in the mix, as Kristaps Porzingis has taken over No. 1 scoring duties for the time being.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Golden State Warriors. This shouldn't come as a shock considering Kuzma has been dealing with right knee tendinitis for a week or so. Rui Hachimura should continue to draw the starts in his absence. He is fairly average when it comes to fantasy production, while Deni Avdija has been playing much better off the bench. At this point, Avdija is the better streaming option until Kuzma returns.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons. This shouldn't come as a surprise since Kuzma has been sidelined for about a week due to right knee tendinitis. Rui Hachimura should continue to start, while Deni Avdija benefits as well. Neither have been reliable fantasy options lately, but Avdija does have a bit more upside. Both players could have low-end streaming appeal until Kuzma returns.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. It's not good news to see the Wizards ruling out Kuzma well before tip-off. Rui Hachimura should remain in the starting five, while Deni Avdija should get more playing time as well. Both players have been putting up solid numbers lately, but Avdija has slightly more upside. Fantasy managers should consider both of them for Thursday's game.