Basketball schedules are a grind. Honestly, by the time January hits, the "probables" and "questionables" start looking like a CVS receipt. Tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026, is no different. We’ve got a massive slate of nine games, and the list of nba players out tonight is basically a Who's Who of All-Stars and high-impact rookies. If you’re trying to set a fantasy lineup or just wondering why your favorite team’s bench is playing 30 minutes, you’ve come to the right place.
It’s rough out there.
👉 See also: Honduras National Football Team Games: What Most People Get Wrong
The Big Names Sidelined
The headline of the night has to be Dallas. If you were hoping to see a full-strength Mavs squad against the Utah Jazz, I've got bad news. Kyrie Irving is still out following that left knee surgery back in December. To make matters worse, the Mavericks are also missing Anthony Davis (left finger sprain) and their star rookie Cooper Flagg, who is dealing with a left ankle sprain.
Basically, the Mavericks’ rotation is a skeleton crew right now.
Over in Boston, the Celtics are playing the Hawks without Jayson Tatum. He’s still recovering from that right Achilles repair. You've also got Payton Pritchard out with ankle soreness and Josh Minott sidelined. It’s a lot for a team trying to stay at the top of the East.
The Full List: NBA Players Out Tonight
Here is a breakdown of who is missing from the hardwood tonight.
🔗 Read more: Terrence Shannon Jr Banner: What Really Happened at State Farm Center
Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz
The Mavs are decimated. Along with Kyrie and AD, they are missing D’Angelo Russell (illness), Daniel Gafford (ankle), and P.J. Washington, who is out for personal reasons. On the Utah side, Lauri Markkanen is out with an illness, and Walker Kessler is nursing a shoulder injury.
Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta isn't exactly healthy either. Kristaps Porzingis is out with Achilles tendinitis against his former team. The Hawks are also missing Zaccharie Risacher (knee) and Dyson Daniels (ankle).
Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons
Indiana is playing "rest the starters" roulette. Tyrese Haliburton is a long-term absence (Achilles), but for tonight, they’ve also ruled out Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith for rest. Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) and Andrew Nembhard (back) are also sidelined. Detroit is mostly healthy, though Wendell Moore Jr. is out with a hamstring.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
This one is a mess. Portland is without Damian Lillard (ACL) and Scoot Henderson (hamstring). The Lakers are missing Luka Doncic—yes, he's a Laker in 2026—who is dealing with a groin strain. Austin Reaves is also out with a calf issue.
Golden State Warriors vs. Charlotte Hornets
Good news here: Stephen Curry is officially playing. He had a quad scare but he's cleared. However, the Warriors will be without Seth Curry (sciatic issue) and Gui Santos (ankle). Charlotte is missing Moussa Diabate and Mason Plumlee.
📖 Related: Ohio State Football Games: Why the Experience Hits Different in 2026
Why This Matters for Your Betting and Fantasy
When you see this many nba players out tonight, the lines move fast. Vegas hates uncertainty. For example, the Mavs being down four starters makes the Jazz a much more attractive play, even if Utah is missing Markkanen.
Fantasy-wise, it’s "streaming" season.
With Siakam and Haliburton out, someone like Jarace Walker or T.J. McConnell’s replacement (since T.J. is also out with a knee issue) becomes a must-start. You’ve basically got to be a detective to win your league in January.
The Nuance of "Rest" vs. "Injury"
You’ll notice a lot of these designations are "Rest" or "Personal." In 2026, the NBA's player participation policy has tried to curb this, but teams have found ways around it. The Pacers resting Siakam on a random Saturday in Detroit is exactly what the league office hates, but for a veteran player, it’s the difference between being fresh in April or hitting the wall.
Honestly, the "illness" tag is the one to watch. D'Angelo Russell being out with an illness usually means he's truly under the weather, but in a 82-game season, "illness" is sometimes code for "the guy needs a night off."
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the 6:30 PM ET Report: The NBA mandates injury updates at specific times. The "Final" report usually drops 30 minutes before tip-off.
- Monitor Social Media: Beat writers like Kristian Winfield or Josh Lewenberg often post warm-up videos. If a guy is "Questionable" but isn't taking jumpers 45 minutes before the game, he's probably sitting.
- Adjust Fantasy Lineups Early: Don't wait until the 7:30 PM games start to check your 10:00 PM West Coast slots. If Luka is out, move him to your IL immediately to grab a replacement.
- Look for Value in Back-ups: When stars sit, usage rates skyrocket for the remaining players. Look for the "next man up" in the Dallas and Indiana rotations tonight for high-volume opportunities.
The injury landscape changes by the minute, so keep your notifications on. Most of these absences are minor, but they completely shift the gravity of tonight's matchups. Enjoy the games, even if the stars are wearing suits on the sidelines.