It was a busy nine-game slate around the National Basketball Association. However, it wasn't a good night for many clubs, especially the ones that dealt with an injury.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Wednesday, January 18, 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. 

LaMelo Ball Injury Update

LaMelo Ball exited Monday's meeting with the Rockets with a sprained left ankle. This is an all too familiar ailment, as the 21-year-old injured it twice already this season. He missed the first 13 games of the 2022-23 campaign because of it before making his season debut on November 12 against Miami.https://twitter.com/HornetsOnBally/status/1615898994508546048?s=20&t=2ONmwk9cIuX1k5z8xOpxsQUnfortunately, the 2020 No. 3 overall pick was incapacitated again after stepping on a fan's foot during a matchup with Indiana just a few days later, keeping him sidelined for an additional 11 games. Now, it appears fantasy managers will be without Ball for a while, considering he needed help getting to the locker room.With ... [More]

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro will move into the starting five for Saturday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. The Cavs have decided to start Okoro with Lamar Stevens (knee) ruled out for this game. This will be the first time that Okoro has played since November 28th. Okoro has limited upside offensively, so Cedi Osman remains the better streaming choice between the two players.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro finished with 17 points during the preseason loss to Orlando on Friday. He shot an efficient 6-for-7 from the field while adding three rebounds, one assist, one rebound, and one block. Okoro was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft. In his two seasons with the Cavs, he's averaged 9.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. The 21-year-old, who had his team option picked up for 2023-23, may start this season. However, even if he doesn't, he should receive enough minutes to keep him relevant for fantasy managers in deeper formats.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (elbow) will make his return to the court on Friday against the San Antonio Spurs. He was expected to miss 2-3 weeks of action, but easily beat that timetable. The Cavs could certainly use his help with the roster being banged up with injuries. However, the Cavs are likely to limit Okoro during his first game back. He should get plenty of minutes once he's back to full speed. However, this is likely a wait-and-see type of situation in most fantasy formats.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (elbow) is expected to miss the next two to three weeks of action. He was diagnosed with a left elbow sprain, which is a tough blow to the Cavs roster, a team that is already without Ricky Rubio (knee) and Collin Sexton (knee) for the rest of the season. Also, Cedi Osman is still in COVID-19 quarantine, so it's uncertain when he'll get back on the court. Okoro wasn't a great option for the Cavs, but he was playing heavy minutes in the rotation. Now, Dean Wade will be asked to step into a bigger role on the team. Wade might have some low-end streaming appeal until Osman is back.

Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard/small forward Isaac Okoro has been cleared to play in Tuesday's contest against New Orleans, returning to action after a stint in the league's health and safety protocols that cost him three contests. Okoro enjoyed his most consistent offensive stretch just prior to landing in the protocols, averaging 18.5 PPG on 70 percent shooting across his last four games. His return comes at a much-needed juncture for Cleveland, who will be without Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen for the time being due to the protocols. Okoro's offensive contributions have fluctuated significantly throughout his early NBA career, but he is worth a short-term flier in most season-long formats due to the Cavs' limited depth.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Isaac Okoro is questionable for Tuesday's meeting with New Orleans. The former No. 5 overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft has missed his previous three games because of health and safety protocols surrounding COVID-19. He was cleared a few days ago, but he will need to ramp up his conditioning level before getting back on the floor. Nonetheless, it appears that there is a good chance he will be in the lineup, although he could be limited for the next game or so. However, if he remains out, Darius Garland and Ricky Rubio should continue to hold things down in the backcourt.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro has entered the league's health and safety protocols. The Cavs are already shorthanded and will likely be without Okoro for possibly a week or two. It's a shame because Okoro was playing his best basketball of the season right now. Cedi Osman and Denzel Valentine will be asked to step up while Okoro is sidelined. Osman is the much better fantasy option between the two and could be a streaming option in deep formats.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (hamstring) has a chance at playing during Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards. The young forward has missed each of the last seven games due to a hamstring issue. However, head coach J.B Bickerstaff mentioned that Okoro should play if everything goes right for him in shootaround. Okoro would be nice depth for the Cavs, but doesn't have much fantasy value right now. He might be a deep league option, but fantasy managers should wait until he's back to being fully healthy.

Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Isaac Okoro (hamstring) will be sidelined for his seventh consecutive outing Sunday against the Knicks due to a strained left hamstring. Dean Wade has benefited from more minutes being available on the wing, but he has contributed more on the defensive end of the floor on most nights. Even when healthy, Okoro has yet to score in double figures this year, which caps his season-long viability in all but the deepest of formats. His next opportunity to take the floor comes Wednesday vs. Washington.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (hamstring) will not suit up for Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. He continues to sit out while dealing with a lingering hamstring issue. It wouldn't be shocking to see Okoro limited once he does finally get back on the court. The Cavs are likely going to use a committee approach to fill the void. Cedi Osman should benefit the most and should be a solid streaming option and have DFS value as well for Wednesday.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (hamstring) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. The young forward continues to be bothered by a lingering hamstring issue. It wouldn't be shocking to see him miss a few more games because of the issue. In the meantime, Cedi Osman will likely see the biggest boost in fantasy value. Although, Okoro's playing time will likely be split up between a committee of players. Okoro isn't someone worth rostering in most fantasy formats right now.

Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Isaac Okoro (hamstring) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He is dealing with a left hamstring strain and it sounds as if he will miss multiple games. Okoro has been seeing big minutes off the bench so far this year, but he hasn't been delivering many enticing statistics. Over his first four games, he played 27 minutes per contest and averaged 7.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.8 blocks per game. Okoro is a strong on-ball defender, but he doesn't really have many skill sets that lend well to fantasy at this point in his career. While he's out, Cedi Osman, Dylan Windler and Denzel Valentine are candidates for increased minutes.