Deng has not played the last 71 games for the Lakers, which made the logistical gymnastics the Lakers had to engage in because of his injury a little silly. They called him questionable, but the Lakers have already determined he won't play for the rest of the season. For most of that season, Deng has been inactive. That's the only difference when Deng is active with an injury vs. active without one. He was no more or less likely to play in either scenario.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 25, 2018 17:03 UTC