Week 10 was full of big games, due to the importance of games on Christmas day. Some players are coming back from injury, others are dealing with soreness, strains, and tightness and it’s not even January. Role players have stepped up in the spotlight, and the waiver wire is packed with players that are great spot starts. Let’s look at injuries that will impact week 11, and players to pick up off of the waiver wire. 

 

 

 

NBA Injury Report Week 11

Anthony Davis, Center, Dallas Mavericks: Groin

Davis was injured against the Golden State Warriors after 11 minutes. He missed Dallas’ game against the Sacramento Kings, and could miss more games this week. Monitor his progress, and keep him on the IR until he’s declared healthy.

Cameron Johnson, Forward, Denver Nuggets: Knee

Johnson hyperextended his knee in the game against the Dallas Mavericks, and is also labeled with a knee contusion. He’s expected out at minimum four weeks, but it could be longer.

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

Melton was injured against the Mavericks as well, but it is not believed to be serious. He could miss a couple games this week, but should return without limitations.

T.J. McConnell, Guard, Indiana Pacers: Hamstring

T.J. McConnell sat out the game on the 27th with hamstring tightness. His injury is not believed to be serious. Monitor his situation this week.

Ivica Zubac, Center, Los Angeles Clippers: Ankle

Zubac sprained his ankle against the Los Angeles Lakers, and it is severe. He’s missed the last two games and is expected to miss the next two weeks. Keep him on IR as he is a top ten center.

Austin Reaves, Guard, Los Angeles Lakers: Calf

A calf strain takes down another star. The 2025-26 season will be known as the year of the calf. In what was supposed to be a career year for Reaves, he will now miss at least the first weeks of January, if not more. Put him on the IR as Reaves is too valuable to hit free agency.

Bam Adebayo, Center, Miami Heat: Back

Adebayo is managing his body and back pain, but it is not believed to be serious. He’s missed the Heat’s last two games, but is not expected to be out long-term. Monitor his status throughout the week.

Herbert Jones, Guard, New Orleans Pelicans: Ankle

Jones has missed the last three Pelicans games with an ankle sprain. He is expected back soon, but he could be placed on minute restrictions. His situation should be monitored.

Josh Hart, Guard/Forward, New York Knicks: Ankle

Hart has missed the Knicks game on the 27th, and although the injury is not believed to be serious he might miss a few games. Put him on the IR, as it should be a short stint. 

Joel Embiid, Center, Philadelphia 76ers: Ankle

Embiid is set to miss at least one game if not more. It’s more precaution than injury, but he’s listed with an ankle injury. Embiid owners should be well prepared for his absence.

Keegan Murray, Forward, Sacramento Kings: Calf

Murray is averaging 37.1 minutes, 14.9 points, and 6.4 rebounds per game. Those numbers must be replaced by someone. Put Murray on the IR and save him for his return.

De’Aaorn Fox, Guard, San Antonio Spurs: Thigh

Fox missed the Spurs last game against the Utah Jazz. He’s expected back soon, and this injury is not believed to be serious. 

Jakob Poeltl, Center, Toronto Raptors: Back

Poeltl is managing this injury, and has been throughout this season. He has played 7 minutes in the past five games, all in one game. Poeltl is oft-injured and is only valuable in leagues with deep benches. 
 

 

 

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Week 11

Brook Lopez, Center, Los Angeles Clippers: Rostered in 14% of Sleeper Leagues

Lopez will draw more responsibility with Ivica Zubac out. He has set season high marks in minutes played over the past three games. His minutes were 24, 27, 33. He scored 31 points in the Clippers last game and has an opportunity to be a great fantasy basketball player for the next three weeks. Pick him up from the week 11 waiver wire.

Sandro Mamukelashvili, Forward/Center, Toronto Raptors: Rostered in 12% of Sleeper Leagues 

The Raptors have leaned on Mamukelashvili with Jakob Poeltl out. He has played 27 or more minutes in four of the last five games. He has earned 32.75 or more fantasy basketball points in those games, and that is in bland scoring. Poeltl will comeback but Mamukelashvili will continue to have value, and could remain the starter going forward.

Dennis Schroder, Guard, Sacramento Kings: Rostered in 41% of Sleeper Leagues

Schroder came back from injury on December 14th and is available in 59% of leagues. He has 20 or more minutes in every game since coming back, and has 10 or more points in five of six of games. He has four games with 5 or more assists including 10 assists against the Houston Rockets.

The Kings have three sets of back-to-back games from December 27th to January 12th. Schroder will have an uptick of minutes and be a great fantasy basketball player over the next two weeks. Pick him up off the waiver wire and put him on the bench.

Tyler Kolek, Guard, New York Knicks: Rostered in 15% of Sleeper Leagues

Kolek became a Knicks legend for his role in the comeback performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas. He made four threes off the bench, and chipped in 9 assists to lead the comeback in the fourth quarter. His +/- was +24 in 24 minutes of play.

The Knicks have six games from January 2nd to January 11th. Kolek could see at least one game as the starting point guard, and is guaranteed more minutes. Pick him up off of the waiver wire and utilize him over the next two weeks.

Marcus Smart, Guard, Los Angeles Lakers: Rostered in 15% of Sleeper Leagues

Marcus Smart has played six games since returning from injury. He has played 27 or more minutes in every one of those games, and put up good fantasy basketball numbers. He has a steal or block in all but two of those games, and double-digit points in three of those six games. He will play more minutes with Austin Reaves out the next four weeks. Pick up Smart and put him in the lineup.
 

 

 

Week 11 Daily Game Amounts

  • Mon-11, Tue-4, Wed-9, Thur-5, Fri-10, Sat-8, Sun-8

The games are much more consistent this week with the short slate on Tuesday. The largest slate of games is on Monday.
 

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