It is already week five of the NBA. Where does the time go? Three teams stand out above the rest, but they are experiencing injuries that will affect not only their rosters, but fantasy basketball rosters across the world. Here are the injuries, waiver wire suggestions, and daily game amounts ahead of week 5.

 

 

 

NBA Injury Report Week 5

Brandon Miller, Forward, Charlotte Hornets: Shoulder

Miller suffered a shoulder subluxation, a slight dislocation. His injury has been monitored as this is his third week with an injury. He is expected back this week, and more will be mentioned about him later.

Ryan Nembhard, Guard, Dallas Mavericks: Knee

Nemhard is out with a knee injury, but is expected back this week. He’s really only a factor in deep leagues, and dynasty fantasy basketball leagues.

Christian Braun, Guard/Forward, Denver Nuggets: Ankle

Braun injured his ankle against the Los Angeles Clippers on November twelfth. An ankle sprain will keep him out for six weeks. Put him in the IR spot, and in leagues with shallow benches or no IR spot, drop him.

Cameron Johnson, Forward, Denver Nuggets: Bicep

Johnson was also injured against the Clippers on November twelfth. He has a right bicep strain, and did not play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on the fifteenth. He is expected back, but it is a situation to monitor.

Jonathan Kuminga, Forward, Golden State Warriors: Knee

Kuminga has been a key piece for the 2025 Warriors, but he is out with an injury. Kerr said he hopes to have him back ‘sooner rather than later’, but he missed the last game and could miss more this week.

Tari Eason, Forward, Houston Rockets: Oblique/Hip

Eason was injured on the fourteenth against the Portland Trail Blazers. He is averaging 11.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, but will be out four to six weeks. Put him on the IR if there is space. If not he is droppable in most fantasy basketball leagues.

Aaron Nesmith, Guard, Indiana Pacers: Knee

Nesmith experienced a knee injury against the Phoenix Suns on November thirteenth, and is expected out at least four weeks. Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle stated, ‘He’s not in a brace, he is walking…’. Place Nesmith on IR, and hold onto him in competitive leagues. 

Bradley Beal, Guard, Los Angeles Clippers: Hip

Beal has a fractured hip that will require surgery. He is out for the season.

Bam Adebayo, Center, Miami Heat: Toe

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

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.

Paolo Banchero, Forward, Orlando Magic: Groin

Banceho sat out Orlando’s last game, and could miss a few more with a groin strain. He stated, ‘It doesn’t feel too crazy… It’s nothing major… It’s just a little sore’. The Magic are likely to be cautious with their best player.

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. He has been injured a week, and could miss more time.

Grayson Allen, Guard, Phoenix Suns: Quadriceps 

Allen left with a quadricep injury against the Indiana Pacers November thirteenth. He could miss significant time, and this injury should be monitored all week.
 

 

 

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Week 5

Tim Hardaway, Guard, Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway could be the best free agent signing of the 2025 offseason. He is already in rhythm with Nikola Jokic, and is productive on the court. He’s averaging 12.0 points per game, and has an outstanding 49.3 three-point percentage. With Christian Braun out 4-6 weeks Hardaway is a must add. Pick him up in free agency or with a waiver wire pick. Spend FAAB on him.

Brandon Miller, Forward, Charlotte Hornets

Brandon Miller has only played in two games this season, but he is expected back this week. He’s likely available in the free agency pool, and a waiver wire pick is suggested. He can be a dominant force for the Hornets. He produced 25 points, 7 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal in his only full game this season. Miller is a sneaky good add, and when healthy is a starter in most fantasy basketball leagues. Pick him up before he is healthy and inserted into the lineup.

Tobias Harris, Forward, Detroit Pistons

Harris is a veteran who is expected back from an injury this week. He has not played since the international match in Mexico City on November first. He is a key player for the Detroit Pistons who will have an impact once he comes back. His per game averages are; 32.2 minutes, 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. He should be rostered in almost every fantasy basketball format.

Lebron James, Forward, Los Angeles Lakers

This is something the fantasy basketball community has not seen before. LeBron James available on the waiver wire in week 5 of the NBA. To be fair, he is owned in 99% of leagues on Sleeper, but that means there are leagues he’s available. He’s starting in 3% of lineups which is not good, but he will be inserted into starting lineups going forward.

James had a full-contact practice on Thursday with the Lakers G-League team. He is expected back with the Lakers this week, and they practiced Monday. Get him out of the IR spot, and get him ready to be inserted into the lineup. For the 1% of leagues that he is not rostered… go get him! This could be the last season we get to roster one of the greatest basketball players of all-time. 

 

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