There were not many games in week 8, but there were a couple significant  injuries. Previously injured players are not cleared for action, although the belief was they would be. The injury report will help you set rosters with IR moves, and help navigate tough week 9 fantasy basketball decisions.

The waiver wire is full of players that have been sitting in free agency. As well as new players that were dropped to win a short slate week in fantasy basketball. The waiver wire list will help add depth to week 9 rosters, and replace injured players for short-term success. Some names may surprise some, but every mentioned player is available in most leagues.

 

 

 

NBA Injury Report Week 9

Trae Young, Guard, Atlanta Falcons: Knee

Trae Young is expected to resume practice Monday, and he could return in Atlanta’s game on December 18th.

Collin Sexton, Guard, Charlotte Hornets: Ankle

Sexton went down December third with a quadriceps injury. He could be back for the game on the 18th. 

Evan Mobley, Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers: Calf

Mobley injured his calf in the Cavaliers most recent match, and is expected out at least two weeks. He is most likely out until 2026. Keep him on the IR, do not drop him.

Dereck Lively, Center, Dallas Mavericks: Foot

Declared out for the season. Droppable in all but dynasty formats.

Zach Edey, Center, Memphis Grizzlies: Ankle

Edey has played 11 games this season, but will be out once again with an ankle injury. He is expected to miss a month, if not more.

AJ Green, Guard, Milwaukee Bucks: Shoulder

Green was injured on the fifth, and has yet to return. It is a lingering shoulder injury, but he could return the 18th. Monitor his status for this week.

Franz Wagner, Forward, Orlando Magic: Ankle

The Magic will be without their star forward, Franz Wagner. He injured his ankle in the game against the Knicks last week, and is expected to be out for at least two more weeks. Keep him on the IR.
 

 

 

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Week 9

Maxime Raynaud, Forward, Sacramento Kings: Rostered in 11% of Sleeper Leagues

The rookie is starting to make a big jump forward for the Kings. He has been forced into more action with Domantas Sabonis out, and become more of a scorer with Zach Lavine out. He is fortunate to play with Russell Westbrook, who can teach him how to take advantage of a strong 1-2 game. Pick up Raynaud from the waiver wire, and put him in the starting lineup for week 9.

De’Andre Hunter, Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers: Rostered in 41% of Sleeper Leagues (Starting in just 16%)

Hunter is about to see a major increase in minutes. With both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen injured, more responsibility will fall on Hunter. Offensive and defensive responsibilities, and both should boost his fantasy basketball production. Cleveland desperately needs a frontcourt player to step up, and Hunter could be that one. Start him with confidence while Allen and Mobley are injured.

Jordan Clarkson, Guard, New York Knicks: Rostered in 11% of Sleeper Leagues

Clarkson is a backup for the New York Knicks and will be one of four teams playing on Tuesday night. Play chess while your opponents are playing checkers. Pick up Clarkson for Tuesday and if he produces great, lock him in. If he doesn’t then drop him off and pick up another player. For daily set line ups, he is perfect. Utilize him on the short Tuesday to boost the weekly score, and drop him Wednesday for a better player. Pick up Clarkson from the waiver wire and have a player for a short Tuesday slate.

Marcus Smart, Guard, Los Angeles Lakers: Rostered in 13% of Sleeper Leagues

Smart is finally healthy and should see an increase in production over the next few weeks. He played 28 minutes and scored 26 points in the NBA Cup match against the Spurs. The Lakers will look to utilize him during their four-game road trip, and he could be a valuable member for a fantasy basketball roster. For managers needing backcourt help he could be the best available option. Pick him up off of the waiver wire.

Thomas Bryant, Center, Denver Nuggets: Rostered in 0% of Sleeper Leagues

For those in need of a deep dive, the Cleveland Cavaliers have three games December 14th through the 19th. As mentioned Mobley and Allen are both out, and backup center Larry Nance hasn’t played since November 28th. Bryant is the only healthy center on the roster, and even if Allen comes back, he will be limited. Pick up Bryant in deep fantasy basketball leagues, and for managers that need to add up points on a short week.
 

 

 

Week 9 Daily Game Amounts

  • Mon-5, Tue-1 (NBA Cup Championship), Wed-2, Thur-12, Fri-5, Sat-10, Sun-6

Tuesday’s match is the NBA Cup championship between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. The Wednesday matches are the Cleveland Cavaliers versus the Chicago Bulls, and the Memphis Grizzlies versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. Daily lineup leagues should stack players from these six rosters.
 

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