October 20th NBA Injury Report & Projected Starting Lineups

• There are 11 games in the NBA on Wednesday, October 20th
• 2021 No. 1 NBA Draft pick Cade Cunningham out for Detroit opener
• Get the full injury report and projected lineups below

It’s opening night for the rest of the NBA on October 20, though recent developments have zapped some of the star power in a busy 11-pack of games Wednesday night.

Ben Simmons worked himself out of the 76ers lineup after getting suspended, while Philly’s opponent, New Orleans, will be without superstar Zion Williamson, who’s dealing with a foot injury.

Another young star may be stalled out of the gates. Cade Cunningham, the top pick in this summer’s NBA Draft, has been shelved with an ankle injury, an ailment that knocked him out all preseason games.

Read on to find our injury report and lineups for all of the action.

NBA Injury News – October 20th

• [6:32pm ET Oct 19th] NBA 2021 top draft pick Cade Cunningham (ankle) to miss Detroit Pistons’ opener vs Bulls
• Pelicans’ star Zion Williamson (foot) is out as New Orleans opens at home against the 76ers
• Ben Simmons (suspension) is out Wednesday vs Pelicans for conduct detrimental to the team
• Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic (ankle) a gametime decision for Denver’s opener vs Suns

October 20th NBA Projected Starting Lineups

Pacers vs Hornets Projected Lineups

The Pacers are one of the biggest MASH units even before tipping off Game 1 of their season. Starters Caris Levert (back) and TJ Warren (foot) are already ruled out.

Second-year guard Kelan Martin (hamstring) is also out Wednesday, while Malcolm Brogdon (shoulder), Jeremy Lamb (wrist) and Justin Holiday (ankle) are listed as day-to-day, but will likely play at less than 100%.

Charlotte starters Terry Rozier (knee) and Mikal Bridges (ankle), are considered day-to-day, but expected to play.

Bulls vs Pistons Projected Lineups

Nothing to report on the Bulls’ side, but along with Cunningham, the Pistons will also be without forward Isaiah Livers, who’s recovering from offseason foot surgery and forward Chris Smith, who has been cleared to practice as he recovers from a knee injury.

Celtics vs Knicks Projected Lineups

COVID-19 has struck Celtics’ forward Jaylen Brown, but he is listed as available for the opener. Al Horford has already been listed as out. For the Knicks, backup big man Nerlens Noel is day-to-day with a knee injury.

Wizards vs Raptors Projected Lineups

NBC Sports Washington is reporting that X-rays on Bradley Beal’s knee came back negative Monday, and he appears to be fine for Wednesday’s regular-season opener in Toronto. Forward Rui Hachimura (COVID) will be out, as will guard Cassius Winston, who’s dealing with a sore hamstring. Thomas Bryant is still recovering from knee surgery.

The Raptors will have to adjust their starting lineup as Pascal Siakam is out with a shoulder injury. Yuta Watanabe (ankle) will also miss the opener, while Chris Boucher (finger) is day-to-day.

Rockets vs Timberwolves Projected Lineups

We know that John Wall will sit games while the Rockets try to relocate him, and newly acquired Matthew Garrison will not be available as he needs to go through COVID protocols. Danuel House Jr (personal) is considered day-to-day.

For the Timberwolves, Patrick Beverley will not be available due to suspension, while guards Jaylen Nowell (back spasms) and Jordan McLaughlin (groin) are questionable.

76ers vs Pelicans Projected Lineups

The Ben Simmons suspension already shortened a 76ers’ backcourt that will also be without Shake Milton, who’s dealing with an ankle sprain.

With Zion Williamson out, look for Brandon Ingram to slide to the power forward spot, while Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Devonte’ Graham likely start as a three-guard backcourt.

Cavaliers vs Grizzlies Projected Lineups

Grizzlies’ starting wing Dillon Brooks (thigh, hand) will be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks, as the Memphis’ medical staff has determined that his fractured left hand needs more time to heal.

For the Cavaliers, forward Dean Wade is doubtful to play with an ankle injury. Guard Dylan Windler is already ruled out with a hip injury.

Magic vs Spurs Projected Lineups

Plenty of injury ink for Orlando.

Rookie Jalen Suggs (illness) is trending towards playing Wednesday. Guard E’Twaun Moore (knee) is out, as is forward Chuma Okeke (hip). Forward Jonathan Isaac and guard Markelle Fultz are both still out recovering from knee surgery and Michael Carter-Williams underwent surgery Monday to remove a bone fragment and to repair a ligament in his left ankle. There’s no timetable for his return.

For San Antonio, Zach Collins is still recovering from a foot injury, which should keep him on the shelf till December.  Newly-acquired Devontae Cacok isn’t yet with the team and won’t be available for the opener, and big man Jock Landale (concussion) is questionable.

Thunder vs Jazz Projected Lineups

Nothing to report for the Thunder.

The Jazz will be without wings Rudy Gay (foot) and Trent Forrest (concussion). Forward Eric Paschall (finger) is listed as day-to-day but is expected to play.

Nuggets vs Suns Projected Lineups

Jamal Murray is still out as he recovers from a torn ACL. The rest of the injured: Vlatko Cancar (hip), Michael Porter Jr (ankle), Nikola Jokic (ankle), JayMychal Green (ankle) and PJ Dozier (knee) are listed as day-to-day, and are all gametime decisions.

The Suns enter Wednesday with a clean bill of health.

Kings vs Trail Blazers Projected Lineups

The only injury reported by both teams is Trail Blazers’ forward Tony Snell, who will sit with a foot injury.