Checking the Friday night slate and seeing your favorite star in street clothes is basically the worst feeling for a fan. You’ve got the TV tuned in, the snacks ready, and then you see the notification. It’s happening a lot lately. Tonight, January 16, 2026, the list of nba players not playing tonight is surprisingly long, and it's hitting some of the biggest names in the league.
Honestly, the injury bug isn't just biting; it’s practically taking chunks out of starting lineups from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. Whether it’s "injury management" or actual structural stuff like sprained ankles and torn ligaments, the landscape of tonight’s games has shifted significantly since the morning shootarounds.
The Big Names Sidelined: Stars You Won't See
If you were hoping to see Jayson Tatum lead the Celtics against the Heat, I’ve got bad news. He’s still out with that nagging Achilles injury. It’s been a long road for him since last year's playoffs, and Boston is being incredibly cautious. They’re winning without him—sitting at 24-15 right now—but the league just feels different when he’s not on the floor.
Then there’s the Kawhi Leonard situation. He’s officially listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain for the Clippers' game against Toronto. We know how the Clippers handle Kawhi. If there’s even a hint of a limp, he’s probably watching from the bench. His teammate Ivica Zubac is in a similar boat with a left ankle issue, making the Clippers' frontcourt look a bit thin tonight.
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Over in Cleveland, the backcourt is a mess. Darius Garland is out. It’s a right great toe soreness thing—not the same toe he had surgery on, which I guess is "good" news, but still frustrating. Without him, the Cavs are going to have to get creative against a Philly team that might actually have Joel Embiid and Paul George available, though they're both technically "probable" with knee management.
The Full List: Who's Out and Why
Sometimes it's easier to just see the names. Here’s a breakdown of the key absences across the league for this Friday night:
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland (Toe), Sam Merrill (Hand), Max Strus (Foot), and Dean Wade (Knee) are all ruled out.
- Chicago Bulls: Josh Giddey is out with a hamstring strain. Zach Collins is also sidelined with a toe injury.
- Dallas Mavericks: This one is a heartbreaker for some. Kyrie Irving (Knee) and Anthony Davis (Hand) are both out. Even the rookie sensation Cooper Flagg is a game-time decision with an ankle sprain.
- New Orleans Pelicans: They are missing their engine. Tyrese Haliburton is out, alongside Dejounte Murray and Herbert Jones. It's a rough night to be a Pelicans fan.
- Houston Rockets: Fred VanVleet remains out long-term with that ACL tear, while Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith are battling ankle issues.
- Brooklyn Nets: Ziaire Williams is dealing with an illness and won't suit up.
Why This Many NBA Players Are Not Playing Tonight
It feels like every year we talk about load management, but in 2026, the science has gotten even more specific. Teams aren't just resting guys because they're tired. They’re using biometric data to predict when a player is at a 15% higher risk for a soft-tissue injury.
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Take Stephen Curry, for instance. He’s been dealing with sciatica issues. The Warriors have him sidelined for at least another two weeks. In the past, a guy might try to "play through" the tightness. Now? The medical staff sees a nerve impingement and shuts it down immediately to avoid a three-month disaster.
There’s also the "contract factor." You've noticed how many players on this list are in the middle of trade rumors or nearing extension talks. Ivica Zubac being "questionable" with an ankle sprain while his name is swirling in trade talks isn't always a coincidence. Teams protect their assets. It’s business. Kinda cold, but that's the league.
The Impact on Betting and Fantasy
If you’re a gambler or a daily fantasy player, tonight is a minefield. When nba players not playing tonight include guys like Garland or Tatum, the point spreads move fast. The Philly vs. Cleveland line jumped as soon as the Garland news broke.
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You have to look at the "usage rate" shifts. With Jalen Brunson questionable for the Knicks and Tatum out for Boston, guys like Jaylen Brown or Mikal Bridges see their shot attempts skyrocket. Brown is actually averaging a career-high 29.5 points this season because he’s had to carry the load. If you're looking for value, look at the second-unit guards in New Orleans—somebody has to take those 18 shots Haliburton usually takes.
What to Watch Instead
Even with the stars out, tonight isn't a total wash.
- The "Next Man Up" Narrative: Watch Miles McBride for the Knicks if Brunson sits. These guys play like their lives are on the line when they finally get 35 minutes.
- Rookie Showcases: With the Mavs' vets out, if Cooper Flagg plays, he’s going to have the ultimate green light.
- Defensive Battles: Teams like the Detroit Pistons are actually healthy and sitting atop the East. They’ve been punishing short-handed teams all year with a physical, structured defense.
The reality of the modern NBA is that the 82-game grind is more of a suggestion for the elite stars. We might hate it as fans who paid for tickets, but for the teams, it's about being healthy in May, not January.
Actionable Insights for Tonight:
- Verify Lineups: Check the official NBA injury report exactly 30 minutes before tip-off. Many "questionable" tags turn into "out" during warmups.
- Adjust Fantasy Rosters: If you have Davis or Irving, swap them now. Don't wait for the late-night West Coast news to catch you sleeping.
- Watch the Odds: If a spread looks "too good to be true," it usually means a star player is about to be ruled out.
Keep an eye on the late-night reports for the Clippers and Kings games, as those are the most likely to have "surprise" scratches right before the ball goes up.