Week 4 is upon us and there were a few plug and play starters that were injured last week. A few role players came back from significant injuries to start their season. Utilize IR spots and take advantage of the NBA players mentioned in the waiver wire to gain an advantage against your fantasy basketball competitors.

 

 

 

NBA Injury Report Week 4

Cam Thomas, Guard, Brooklyn Nets: Hamstring

Thomas strained his hamstring against the Indiana Pacers last week. This is not his first hamstring injury, and he is expected back in four to five weeks. However do not be surprised if this injury keeps him out for most of December as well.

Brandon Miller, Forward, Charlotte Hornets: Shoulder

Miller suffered a shoulder subluxation, a slight dislocation. He is expected back within two weeks, which is roughly four to six more games for the Hornets. 

Larry Nance, Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers: Knee

Nance Jr. is dealing with a hurt knee, and sat out Saturday’s match. This could be rest for the veteran, and he might be back as soon as Monday’s game.

Darius Garland, Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers: Toe

He returned last week, was managed yesterday, but is expected to return for Monday’s game as well.

Dereck Lively, Center, Dallas Mavericks: Knee

Lively was mentioned last week but was expected back. The sprained knee is taking longer than anticipated to recover from. The hope is he’s playing this week.

Quenton Jackson, Guard, Indiana Pacers: Hamstring

Jackson suffered a hamstring strain on the third of November, and will be out at least one more game. 

Kawhi Leonard, Guard, Los Angeles Clippers: Ankle

Leonard has missed the last three games, and is expected to miss “a few” more. Gauging recovery times for Leonard has been difficult his entire career. Keep him in the IR spot for now.

Austin Reaves, Guard, Los Angeles Lakers: Groin

A groin issue has kept Reaves out since November third. He could return for the Lakers game Monday, monitor his progress as he’s a must start when healthy.

Bam Adebayo, Center, Miami Heat: Toe

Adebayo injured his toe last week against the Denver Nuggets, and has not returned to action. He could return this week, but the Heat could be cautious with their leader.

Jordan Poole, Guard, New Orleans Pelicans: Quadricep 

Poole is dealing with a quadricep strain and knee discomfort. He will be re-evaluated in about a week, and could be back for the Pelicans’ game on November 16.

Zion Williamson, Forward, New Orleans Pelicans: Hamstring

Williamson is dealing with a hamstring strain that has kept him out three games. The expectation is he will be out a few more but could return from injury this week.

Aaron Wiggins, Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder: Shoulder

Wiggins is ruled out today with a left adductor strain, but could be back as soon as Tuesday.

Jalen Green, Guard, Phoenix Suns: Hamstring

Green reinjured his hamstring yesterday against the Los Angeles Clippers. This is a common occurrence for players who return too quickly from a hamstring injury. It would be surprising to see him play this week.

Blake Wesley, Guard, Portland Trail Blazers: Foot

Wesley’s injury unfortunately required surgery. He is out for at least the next eight weeks, but could be out until February. He is droppable in most formats.

Walker Kessler, Center, Utah Jazz: Shoulder

Kessler tore his labrum and will be out for the season. In just five games he averaged a double-double. This hurts both the Jazz and other teams who were interested in Kessler. Excluding dynasty leagues, Kessler is a must drop.
 

 

 

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Week 4

T.J. McConnell, Guard, Indiana Pacers

McConnell has been ramping up to return, and that could happen this week. If he’s not rostered, pick him up on the waiver wire or with a free agent move. He’s going to play at least 20+ minutes in every game, and has potential to be an impactful fantasy basketball player.

Kon Knueppel, Guard/Forward, Charlotte Hornets

There were several doubters about Knueppel, including me. But he was drafted by the correct team, the Charlotte Hornets. He has played 25 or more minutes in every game this season, and 30 or more in all but three of them. The young man has really balled out with Brandon Miller’s injury. Knueppel has 20 or more points in the last three matches, and has an average of 8+ rebounds over the past four games. Pick him up off the waivers and plug him in your lineup.

Trendon Watford, Forward/Center, Philadelphia 76ers 

Watford is in his fifth year, but has had little fantasy basketball relevance until this season. He earned a triple-double against the Toronto Raptors Saturday, and could be an excellent fit with the new fast-paced 76ers. He has tremendous value in daily start leagues. Pick him up as he’s available in most leagues.

Naji Marshall, Forward, Dallas Mavericks

Marshall has seen an uptick of minutes for the Mavericks. This is partially due to injuries, and partially due to Dallas trying to find some rhythm. He has played over 25 minutes in his last three games, and has recorded 46 points and 15 rebounds over the last two games. Dallas has four games in this upcoming week, and he has a great opportunity to be productive. Pick him up off the waiver wire.

 

 

 

Week 4 Daily Game Amounts

Mon-9, Tue-6, Wed-12, Thur-3, Fri-9 (NBA Cup), Sat-5, Sun-8.

For fantasy basketball leagues which require daily rosters, Thursday’s games are the Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers at Phoenix Suns, and Atlanta Hawks at Utah Jazz.