The first two weeks of the NBA have been filled with excitement and some surprises. Unfortunately a few players experienced significant injuries, including All-Stars and NBA Champions. It is important to utilize IR spots in fantasy basketball, and be mindful of backups and secondary stars. It’s just as important to scoop players on the waiver wire and free agent pool who are exceeding expectations. First let’s take a look at the injuries then some key fantasy basketball waiver wire additions.

 

 

 

NBA Injury Report - Week 3

Trae Young, Guard, Atlanta Hawks: Knee 

A major blow to the Atlanta Hawks, and a major blow to several fantasy basketball managers. A sprained MCL is expected to keep Young out for all of this month, if not longer.

Darius Garland, Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers: Toe

It is not a new injury, but Garland has been playing with the G League and is expected back this week. Monitor the situation.

Dereck Lively, Center, Dallas Mavericks: Knee

Lively sat out the Dallas Mavericks’ match in Mexico City. He could be out for their next game but is expected back at some point this week.

Anthony Davis, Forward/Center, Dallas Mavericks: Calf

Anthony Davis has been dealing with bilateral Achilles tendinopathy, and came into the season overweight (Texas food will do that to you). He was planning to ‘play himself into shape’ but the former 2012 first overall pick isn’t a spring chicken. Nor are his bones and joints what they once were. Davis’ owners need to monitor his health closely, and possibly trade him for another player.

De’Anthony Melton, Guard, Golden State Warriors: Knee

Melton continues to work himself back from an ACL injury, and is expected back in a few weeks. Keep an eye on his progress.

Obi Toppin, Forward, Indiana Pacers: Foot

The Indiana Pacers can not catch a break, as the aftermath of a long season is showing its nasty side. Toppin is expected out until the All-Star break. He should be dropped, except for leagues with an abundance of IR spots.

Andrew Nembhard, Guard, Indiana Pacers: Shoulder

The Pacers can not afford another injury to their backcourt. Three playmakers were out prior to Nembhard’s shoulder injury. The good news is he’s expected back this week. 

Bennedict Mathurin, Guard, Indiana Pacers: Toe

Another Indiana Pacer guard that went down in week two was Mathurin. He’s trying to play through it, but is expected back at some point this week. Monitor the situation as he is the Pacers best back court player.

Kevin Porter, Guard, Milwaukee Bucks: Knee

An untimely injury for the Bucks, as Porter Jr. was improving and has massive potential in Head Coach Doc Rivers’ scheme. He is expected out until at least Thanksgiving, if not longer.

Anthony Edwards, Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves: Hamstring

An impactful injury to the fantasy basketball community, as well as the Minnesota Timberwolves. Hamstring injuries are difficult to come back from in a timely manner. With Edwards’ explosive style of basketball, this could be an on/off injury all season. He is expected back sometime in mid November.

Chet Holmgren, center, Oklahoma City Thunder: Back

Holmgren is monitoring his back, and dealing with soreness. It appears to be “load management” and caution from the Thunder. He is expected back in action this week, but monitor the situation going forward.

Dillon Brooks, Forward, Phoenix Suns: Groin

Brooks has been out for the Suns last three games and could miss a couple more. The Suns are headed for another disappointing season, and are in no rush to bring him back. However he is questionable for their next game.

Matisse Thybulle, Forward, Portland Trail Blazers: Thumb

Thybulle tore his ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb and required surgery due to it. Expect the young Aussie to be out for at all of November, if not longer.

Luke Kornet, Center, San Antonio Spurs: Ankle

Kornet sprained his ankle and is expected to miss the first week of action in November, or possibly longer. The San Antonio Spurs are one of the most cautious organizations when it comes to injuries. Look to Victor Wembanyama to keep shining in his absence. 

Jakob Poeltl, Center, Toronto Raptors: Back

The veteran has been dealing with back tightness, and is expected out for today’s match. It could be an on and off again issue this season. Keep an eye out for more details.

 

 


Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Week 3

Jeremiah Fears, Guard, New Orleans Pelicans

There is a great deal of scrutiny being thrown at the Pelicans and new Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars. But perhaps he/they know what they are doing. Jeremiah Fears is a rookie from Oklahoma, and was the seventh overall pick in the 2025 draft. Some said it was a bad move, but Fears has played 29 or more minutes in the past two games.

He is averaging 13.2 points per game, and has 14 assists in the last two games. He has been added to over 34,000 fantasy basketball teams on the Sleeper platform. Pick him up off of the waivers, and put him in your lineups.

Ryan Rollins, Guard, Milwaukee Bucks

What a pleasant surprise Ryan Rollins has been for the Milwaukee Bucks. He carried them to a victory over the Golden State Warriors without Giannis Antetokounmpo. His per game averages are 32.0 minutes, 18.2 points, and 5.5 assists. A true must add across all platforms. At least until Kevin Porter returns, but Rollins’ production could maintain when Porter returns.

Jarace Walker, Forward, Indiana Pacers

As mentioned the Indiana Pacers have been decimated by injuries this season… and they’ve only played six games. That is putting pressure on others to produce more points. Jarace Walker has answered the call. He’s averaging 29.5 minutes, 11.2 points, and 6.0 rebounds per game, and attempted 39 threes this season.

Royce O’Neale, Forward, Phoenix Suns

Royce O’Neale is ninth in fantasy points per game among small forwards in Draftkings scoring. Part of that production is due to the absence of Dillon Brooks, but O’Neale is able to play more minutes with Kevin Durant no longer there. His per game averages are 33.3 minutes, 13.0 points, and 5.7 rebounds. Claim O’Neale and have a sneaky good player.

Jake Laravia, Forward, Los Angeles Lakers

Jake Laravia has been gaining some popularity due to his great play. He will see a dip in production once LeBron James returns, but not as severe as some may believe. It is his fourth season, but first in Los Angeles. And most importantly his first with Luka Doncic. He has scored 40 combined points in the past two games, earned 13 rebounds rebounds, and recorded three steals against his former team. 

Ryan Kalkbrenner, Center, Charlotte Hornets

An early second round pick is usually not asked to produce as soon as the season begins. However, Ryan Kalkbrenner is doing that. Averaging 27.8 minutes, 7.0 rebounds, and 10.2 points per game he is exceeding expectations. The former Creighton Bluejay has also recorded 7 blocks in his past two games.