Fantasy Basketball Week 1 Key Injuries

The 2024-2025 season kicks off on Tuesday night and there are already some critical injuries that fantasy managers should take into account when building their lineups. Philadelphia could be without two of its three stars when it opens the season on Wednesday, while its opponent (Milwaukee) already knows it will be down a starter. And those aren’t the only injury statuses that could impact the opening week of the NBA season. Below are some of the most impactful injury situations and who could potentially benefit if a projected standout cannot play.

Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid and Paul George

The good news for the 76ers is that Tyrese Maxey (thumb) will be ready when they open their season on Wednesday. The bad thing is that the statuses of Embiid (knee) and George (knee) remain up in the air. While the latter was injured during a preseason match, the former did not play at all as he is still recovering from a post-Olympic procedure on his knee. The good news for fantasy managers is that Philadelphia does not have a back-to-back scheduled for Week 1.

Three players whose values ​​are most affected by Embiid and George’s availability are Andre Drummond, Kelly Oubre Jr. and KJ Martin. Drummond’s rebounding ability makes him a must-have with Embiid sidelined while Oubre was already in the starting lineup. As for Martin, he started the final two preseason games in Philadelphia with George sidelined. While Martin isn’t at the level of Drummond or Oubre in terms of need to select him, he is worth a look in very deep leagues.

Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic

Doncic, who was sidelined with a calf bruise, has been fully participating in training since the weekend. He is on schedule to play in the Mavericks’ season opener against the Spurs on Thursday. And like Philadelphia, they don’t have to navigate back-to-backs during Week 1 (they do in Week 2). With Dante Exum (wrist) out until January, Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy could gain a few extra minutes as backups to Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Is either worth adding? Not with Doncic available, but they are worth monitoring, especially with the Monday/Tuesday back-to-back to start Week 2.

Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski

The Warriors should have all hands on deck when they open their season on Wednesday. After sitting out the preseason finale on Friday, Curry (finger) will be available for the game with Portland. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said his star guard looked healthy during an intrasquad scrimmage held Monday.

Also available is sophomore guard Brandin Podziemski, who suffered a broken nose during the preseason. He played in the preseason finale wearing a mask, so get used to seeing that on the second-year guard’s face. While Curry’s status is secure, Podziemski is someone to keep an eye on as the Warriors are deeper on the perimeter than last season. Klay Thompson’s departure was offset by the signings of De’Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield, meaning more competition for Podziemski in terms of a spot in the starting lineup and playing time overall. All three have been late draft picks based on their respective Yahoo ADPs.

LA Clippers: Kawhi Leonard

Leonard is out indefinitely as he continues to work his way back from an offseason procedure on his knee. One wonders if Leonard would be closer to a return had he not camped with USA Basketball before being cut from the roster ahead of the Paris Olympics. But you can’t blame a player for doing whatever it takes to make that journey and possibly win a gold medal. The Clippers will start with a starting lineup of James Harden, Norman Powell, Terance Mann, Derrick Jones Jr. and Ivica Zubac, while Leonard is sidelined.

Powell’s value needs to be increased; he was most valuable to fantasy managers last season when Leonard, Harden and Paul George were out of the lineup. Mann is a bit tricky; While his versatility gives him value to the team, that hasn’t translated into fantasy basketball. And how much of a boost will Zubac’s value get, if any? He has built good chemistry with Harden, but that doesn’t mean he will be a top scorer.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Isaiah Hartenstein and Jalen Williams

While Hartenstein (hand) came up with his non-shooting (right) hand during a recent practice, he will be sidelined for another four weeks. As for Williams, he is considered day-to-day after spraining his ankle in a preseason game against the Hawks on Thursday. However, he was an active participant in Saturday’s practice, which could bode well for JDub’s availability for Thursday’s opener in Denver.

Oklahoma City closes out its Week 1 series with a Saturday/Sunday back-to-back against the Bulls (road) and Hawks (home). Hartenstein’s injury could allow Alex Caruso to add fantasy value even if Williams is available. Chet Holmgren’s restorative production is also worth seeing. iHart’s absence (Jaylin Williams has also been dealing with injury) could protect the second-year phenom’s value in that category, not to mention the blocks.

Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jackson strained his hamstring during the preseason and has already been ruled out for Memphis’ opener against Utah. On Monday, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said the team will look to get JJJ “a little more five-on-five” in the coming days. If Jackson continues to make progress and avoid setbacks, he could make his season debut by the end of the week. While Zach Edey was already a late-round option in many drafts, Jackson’s injury also increases Santi Aldama’s fantasy potential.

According to the Memphis Commercial-Appeal, he is expected to fill the void left by JJJ, with Edey, Ja Morant, Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane in the starting lineup. Also worth considering is Brandon Clarke for his defensive potential and field goal percentage despite coming off the bench. Memphis will also start the season without Luke Kennard (foot), GG Jackson (foot), Vince Wiliams Jr. (shin) and Cam Spencer (ankle).

Brooklyn Nets: Nic Claxton

Due to a hamstring injury, Claxton did not play at all during the preseason. The good news is that he recently returned to practice and the Nets center is expected to be available for Wednesday’s opener against the Hawks. Even with Claxton in the ranks, second-year big Noah Clowney has added value for the Nets without Day’Ron Sharpe (hamstring).

While Ben Simmons may also see some time at center, Clowney’s shooting ability gives opponents a different look when Claxton isn’t on the floor. Dorian Finney-Smith (back), who suffered a heavy crash during Brooklyn’s pre-season match in Philadelphia last Wednesday, is also expected to be available. What should also help Brooklyn is that they are playing three games without back-to-backs in Week 1.

Charlotte Hornets: Mark Williams

After spraining a tendon in his left foot just before the start of training camp, Williams only recently stepped out of the protective walking boot. Based on the timeline provided when Williams’ injury was announced, he will be re-evaluated before Charlotte opens the season against the Rockets on Wednesday, so there is no guarantee he will be cleared to play.

As was the case last season, we’re all on board the Nick Richards bandwagon as he’s asked to fill the void. Williams’ absence could also result in increased production from Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller, and the Hornets have been solid on the glass for most of the preseason. Given Williams’ recent injury history, Richards could be a player that some deep-league fantasy managers would prefer to retain rather than drop him once the Hornets’ starting center is cleared to return.

San Antonio Spurs: Devin Vassell

Vassell underwent foot surgery just before the start of training camp and is still on track for a re-evaluation on November 1. While Malaki Branham was the usual choice to fill the void when Vassell missed time last season, this is unlikely to be the case. Julian Champagnie started all five Spurs pre-season games, while Branham only started the final in place of Chris Paul.

Champagnie’s shooting ability and rebounding ability make him worth watching in deep leagues, but only on lighter game nights. The Spurs play just twice in Week 1, but Thursday’s opener in Dallas is part of a four-game series. Champagnie would be a better streaming option there than Saturday’s game against the Rockets, as that is one of the 10 games on the NBA schedule.

Milwaukee Bucks: Khris Middleton

To no one’s surprise, Middleton is not expected to be available for Wednesday’s opener against the 76ers after undergoing offseason surgery on both ankles. After appearing in 66 games in the 2021/2022 season, he has played in 33 and 55 games over the past two seasons. Gary Trent Jr. came into the starting lineup during preseason and should have some added fantasy value, but don’t sleep on Bobby Portis even if he and Middleton don’t play the same position.

Whether he comes off the bench or moves to a spot, Portis has been a solid fantasy option, threatening to provide top-100 value even if his Yahoo ADP (117.4) is out of that range. And Portis is someone fantasy managers can hold on to even after Middleton returns. As for Trent, his value could take a significant hit once he returns to the second unit.

New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy

Murphy strained his hamstring during training camp and should be re-evaluated by the end of this week. His absence means there was no need to immediately address the issues on the wings, especially with the addition of Dejounte Murray, meaning CJ McCollum will spend more time without the ball. Add in Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones and it will be interesting to see how Willie Green splits the minutes once Murphy is cleared to play. His absence could result in Jordan Hawkins gaining a few more minutes due to the need for a new perimeter shooter, but Hawkins is unlikely to make a noticeable impact on fantasy basketball.

Other notable injuries: Clint Capela (ATL), Grayson Allen (PHO), Mitchell Robinson (NYK), RJ Barrett (TOR), Patrick Williams (CHI), Max Strus (CLE).