Following the opening week of the 2023-24 NBA season, numerous fantasy basketball takeaways can already be made. Heading into week two, here is a look-ahead guide and analysis.
Fantasy Basketball 2023-24: Week 2 Guide and Analysis
NBA Schedule
Most of the league plays four games this week, including the Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, and Utah Jazz.
The Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Sacramento Kings play a low of two games.
Potential Waiver Wire Adds
Jalen Johnson – After two excellent games with the Hawks, Johnson moved into the starting lineup. He should continue to see more minutes if he keeps up this level of play. The 21-year-old is mainly a source of points, rebounds, and steals.
Cam Thomas -He’s quickly disappearing off the waiver wire but is worth an add if still available. Thomas is averaging over 30 points in his first two games and adds some rebounds and threes. Those numbers aren’t sustainable, but his usage should increase this year. He’s also more valuable in points leagues as he’s primarily a scorer.
Gordon Hayward – Hayward has gotten the starting nod for the Hornets. He’s played exceptionally well and has been close to posting a double-double of points and assists in two games while also contributing steals. He is injury-prone but is currently a great streamer.
Max Strus – We only have a relatively small sample size, but Strus has already impressed with his new team. He had two standout games, and he’s playing 10 more minutes per game than last season. Strus has had shooting woes but will continue to see increased usage, especially when the Cavaliers’ key players are sidelined.
Dereck Lively II – The 10th overall pick had a great first game but took a step back in the second. Nevertheless, Lively should get plenty of starting opportunities and has displayed great potential.
Ausar Thompson – The rookie hasn’t disappointed yet with the Pistons. He’s a solid all-around player and an excellent shot-blocker who can do it all on the offensive end (just not on efficient shooting).
Xavier Tillman – He is an excellent add now that he’s earned the Grizzlies’ starting center role. Tillman thrives on the defensive end and can provide rebounds, steals, and blocks. He’s also solid offensively and can provide some points, hit some threes, and dish out assists.
Shaedon Sharpe – Sharpe has already taken a huge leap in his game, thanks to more minutes and a bigger role. He’s starting to get rostered in leagues, but he’s still more available than he should be. Expect him to be a top scorer and three-point shooter for the Blazers.
Jeremy Sochan – Since being named as the starting point guard for the Spurs, Sochan has mostly excelled. He’s coming off a rough game but contributes to several categories and should gain some consistency as the season progresses.
Dennis Schroder – With the absence of Fred VanVleet, Schroder is a consistent double-double threat of points and assists. He commits minimal turnovers, but his shooting splits aren’t very efficient.
Other potential adds:
Potential Drops
Al Horford – Horford now sees a bench role as Kristaps Porzingis replaced him in the starting lineup. As a result, his stats have plummeted, and his age and injury history are concerning.
Jaden Ivey – Ivey also lost his starting job to Killian Hayes, the biggest reason his fantasy value has plummeted. He’ll be a great add if he returns to the spot.
Christian Wood – Wood had a high roster percentage early in the season. However, a bench role and a deep Laker’s team have capped his impact. He’s a player to watch out for if the team deals with injuries.
Paul Reed – Many fantasy basketball managers had high expectations for the big man, but he’s posting very low averages. Reed will have little fantasy value with these minimal minutes.
Josh Hart – Hart hasn’t yet had the minutes needed to justify keeping him on a fantasy basketball roster. However, he’s a solid option when starting.
Notable Injuries/Suspensions
Cameron Johnson – Dealing with a calf injury and is expected to return in mid-November.
Nic Claxton – Sidelined with a foot injury but should return soon.
Miles Bridges – Eligible to return November 17th. However, the situation is still unclear.
Lonzo Ball – Out for the season.
Bojan Bogdanovic – Getting re-evaluated in late November for his calf.
Tari Eason – Will miss about another week with a leg injury.
Jarred Vanderbilt – Heel injury will be re-examined in mid-November.
Steven Adams – Out for the season.
Ja Morant – Suspended until December 19.
Trey Murphy III – Expected to be out until mid-November with a knee injury.
James Harden – The 76ers’ guard is reportedly ramping up for a return and undergoing conditioning before his season debut.
Bradley Beal – Considered day-to-day with back stiffness but is yet to play for the Suns with no clear timeline.
Anfernee Simons -Will be out until early December to recover from a thumb injury.
De’Aaron Fox – Suffered a moderate ankle sprain but could reportedly return within a week.
Week 1 Observations
Rookies:
- Scoot Henderson has been disappointing, but it’s normal for a rookie to struggle in the first few weeks. Be patient with him because he has tremendous potential as one of the Trail Blazers’ top options offensively.
- Chet Holmgren looks like a top candidate for Rookie of the Year, especially with his almost triple-double game with points, rebounds, and blocks.
- Victor Wembanyama’s two-way prowess is already in effect, and it’s only a glimpse of what’s to come.
- Ausar Thompson has proven to be the better twin so far, but he has the advantage of more minutes and a starting spot.
Stars of the week:
- Luka Doncic
- Nikola Jokic
- Joel Embiid
- Donovan Mitchell
- Anthony Davis
- Domantas Sabonis
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Jalen Duren
- Tyrese Maxey
- Scottie Barnes
Breakout players:
- Cam Thomas
- Max Strus
- Ben Simmons
- Gordon Hayward
- Dennis Schroder
- Xavier Tillman
- Jeremy Sochan
- Marcus Smart
Disappointments:
- Scoot Henderson
- Walker Kessler
- Jimmy Butler
- Jakob Poeltl
- Austin Reaves
- Andrew Wiggins
