This is a test. It has to be, right? That’s the only reasonable way to explain the carnage that we have seen over the past few days across the NBA. And these aren’t insignificant injuries either. We are talking about real studs here. Being without players such as Ja Morant, Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, Chet Holmgren, and others truly can leave a negative impact on your fantasy team. Fear not though, as our NBA Week in Review has you covered. Of course, this is done from a fantasy basketball perspective to help you on the path to victory. All stats referenced are entering play on Monday.
Fantasy Basketball Week in Review
Scotty Pippen is Stepping Up
If only it were that easy for Ja Morant to stay on the court, and this time, it’s a hip injury. After beginning the season averaging 20.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and five assists per game, Morant is now considered week-to-week.
From a fantasy perspective, there is no replacing Morant, but Memphis has to try. If you were able to add Scotty Pippen off the waiver wire though, you are at least in a solid position. The starting role belongs to Pippen and he recently put up a triple-double against Washington.
It’s the third season for Pippen but we have seen him begin to capitalize on the situation. This is the best we’ve seen of Pippen who is now up to six straight games with double-digit points. In that stretch, he is averaging 14 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game in 27 minutes.
Who Will Step up in Phoenix
Filling Kevin Durant’s shoes won’t be easy for the Suns. You aren’t going to find just one player who can step in off the bench and replace Durant’s production. Ultimately, whoever that is will fall in behind Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. We know that the offense will run through Booker, but I see Beal taking on a larger role. At least for now, Beal is healthy and off the injury report. He’s averaging 17 points per game in 35 minutes of action, but his volume should increase with Durant sidelined.
Grayson Allen should see his minutes increase and there could be value there from a three-point perspective. Royce O’Neale doesn’t do anything especially well, but he can fill the stat sheet when given the chance. If you are looking for upside though, then Ryan Dunn should be on the radar.
After missing one game with an ankle injury, Dunn retuned and got the start on Sunday. He played in just 21 minutes though scoring eight points while grabbing two rebounds. However, if he continues to start, the rookie could start to find a groove.
Here We Go Again with Zion
This time it’s a hamstring injury that has sent Zion Williamson to sidelines. It is good timing for the Pelicans though with Trey Murphy returning from the Injured List. At least initially, New Orleans will be cautious with Murphy as they were keeping him to 20 minutes on Monday. Murphy’s minutes will be restricted at first, but he should be eased back into action pretty quickly.
Last season, Murphy averaged 14.8 points per game along with 4.9 rebounds. The volume and opportunity is there for Murphy. Williamson isn’t the only injury New Orleans is dealing with, so it’s possible that Javonte Green and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl could take on larger roles.
There is a Ceiling in Atlanta
And that ceiling is high. It makes sense though considering that Zaccharie Risacher was the number one overall pick in June’s draft.
Last week against the Knicks, we got a glimpse as to what Risacher is up to as he dropped 33 points. It came in the midst of an up and down season from the rookie as he alternates good games with bad. Overall, Risacher is averaging 12 points and 3.5 rebounds per game but it has been a bumpy ride for the rookie. The good news is that the upside is there, and also too good to pass up from a fantasy perspective. You just need to be prepared for that.
Let’s Hope This is a Quick One for Anthony Davis
There is no secret as to how good Anthony Davis is. To begin the season though, Davis has taken things even another step further. The big man is averaging 31.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. That is production that cannot be easily replaced.
After taking a shot to the eye, it’s unsure how long Davis will be sidelined. This isn’t production that can easily be replaced, but both the Lakers and your fantasy team do have to try. For as long as Davis is out, Jaxson Hayes should come off the bench with increased playing time. Through 10 games, Hayes is averaging 6.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. The big man certainly has been efficient though as it has come in just 17 minutes.
Chet Holmgren Will Miss a Few Months
After missing his entire rookie season, Chet Holmgren made it through all 82 games last season. He averaged 16.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in what was a strong debut. To begin this season, Holmgren was on a similar track with 16.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. The forward was quite efficient as his production came in just 27 minutes per game.
The problem though, is that not only do we lose weeks of production from Holmgren, but we also don’t get to see him continuing to grow and develop. It will be a team effort to replace Holmgren, and that’s especially the case until Isaiah Hartenstein returns. Regardless though, Jalen Williams will just continue to ascend.
In his breakout season, Williams is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. The Thunder will only continue to lean on Williams to help fill the void left by Holmgren.