April 23rd NBA Injury Report and Projected Starting Lineups – Updates on Durant, Young & Valanciunas

• There are seven games on the NBA schedule for April 23rd
• Boston and Brooklyn meet in the headline game of the day, while the Grizzlies and Blazers face-off in a game with major playoff implications
• Read below for projected lineups and injury news

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Seven NBA games are on the schedule for Friday night, led by the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets.

Other key games include the Heat versus the Atlanta Hawks, a game Miami is favored in by 4.5 points, and the Memphis Grizzlies against the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland has been in a bit of a slump of late, and they could yet get pulled into the play-in tournament.

NBA injury news is relevant across the Association on Friday. The status of Brooklyn’s stars is vital for any betting decisions against the red-hot Celtics. The same goes for the injury-riddled Hawks as they face Miami.

NBA Injury News – April 23rd

• [4:20pm EST, April 23rd] Kevin Durant is officially out against the Celtics on Friday night 
• [5pm EST, April 22nd] Kevin Durant has been upgraded to questionable after missing two games with a thigh contusion
• [7pm EST, April 22nd] Trae Young will miss at least two games with a left ankle sprain
• [8pm EST, April 22nd] Jonas Valanciunas is out for a third straight game with concussion
• The Clippers are still without Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka and Patrick Beverley

April 23rd NBA Projected Starting Lineups

Heat vs Hawks Projected Starting Lineups

Atlanta had relatively positive news with Trae Young’s ankle, though the point guard will sit out this one. Young joins Kris Dunn, De’Andre Hunter, Danilo Gallinari, Cam Reddish and Tony Snell on the injury report. Brandon Goodwin will play the point in Young’s absence, and Lou Williams could see an uptick in his minutes.

Victor Oladipo remains out indefinitely for Miami, meaning Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson are set to start in the backcourt. Tyler Herro (foot) is questionable for Friday’s game.

Celtics vs Nets Projected Starting Lineups

Having not played a back-to-back yet this season, Kemba Walker isn’t expected to play against the Nets on Friday. Evan Fournier (COVID-19) remains sidelined, though he could return this weekend. Robert Williams (knee) continues to miss time, meaning Tristan Thompson starts at the five.

Kevin Durant’s status being upgraded is the biggest injury news on Friday night. It seems likely he will play. Nic Claxton (COVID-19) and Tyler Johnson (knee) remain out for the Nets, however, and it’s unclear when James Harden will return.

Cavaliers vs Hornets Projected Starting Lineups

Fresh off a blowout win over Chicago, Cleveland has all four of their young core available. Kevin Love joins them in the starting lineup. They are without Damyean Dotson (knee) and Taurean Prince (ankle), however.

Although he’s returned to basketball activities, LaMelo Ball is still a while from returning for Charlotte. Malik Monk (ankle) missed Thursday’s game against the Bulls, and it’s a while until Gordon Hayward (foot) will be back in action.

Clippers vs Rockets Projected Starting Lineups

Predicting the Clippers lineup is a tricky business. Kawhi Leonard (foot), Serge Ibaka (back) and Patrick Beverley (knee) are definitely out. Rajon Rondo is day-to-day with a wrist issue. Paul George sat out the game with Memphis, but he doesn’t feature on the injury report here. Taking another night off is possible against the tanking Rockets.

Sterling Brown and Kevin Porter Jr are unavailable following an incident in Miami. Dante Exum, Eric Gordon and D.J. Augustin are all listed as out per ESPN. Danuel House should be available, having not played since April 4th.

Wizards vs Thunder Projected Starting Lineups

It’s a six-game winning streak for Washington, but they have more injury problems. Deni Avdija suffered a hairline leg fracture and is out for the season, joining Thomas Bryant (ACL) and Rui Hachimura (knee) on the sidelines.

The Thunder are in full tank mode. Al Horford is away from the team. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is seemingly done for the year, and Mike Muscala is out indefinitely. Josh Hall (knee) is unavailable and Luguentz Dort (hip) is questionable.

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers Projected Starting Lineups

Jonas Valanciunas is missing a third consecutive game through concussion. The former Raptor is the only Grizzlies player on the injury report, and Xavier Tillman will likely continue to deputize at center.

Derrick Jones Jr (hip) is questionable for Portland, which could mean more minutes off the bench for Nassir Little. Long-term absentee Zach Collins (ankle) is not close to a comeback.

Nuggets vs Warriors Projected Starting Lineups

The Warriors are already without Klay Thompson, James Wiseman and Eric Paschall. Damion Lee is set to miss a couple of weeks through health and safety protocols, while Juan Toscano-Anderson (concussion) is questionable.

Denver doesn’t have Jamal Murray (ACL) or Monte Morris (hamstring) available. Facundo Campazzo is in line for a seventh start of the season and Austin Rivers should get some bench minutes.