As we enter a new week of the 2023-24 NBA season, here’s a fantasy basketball guide and analysis for week six.
Fantasy Basketball 2023-24: Week 6 Guide and Analysis
NBA Schedule
Most of the league plays three games this week. Although, a handful play four, including the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Utah Jazz.
The teams with three games are the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards.
The only teams with a low of two games are the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs.
Potential Waiver Wire Adds
Saddiq Bey/De’Andre Hunter – With Jalen Johnson out for a while, Bey and Hunter move from drops to adds. Bey is the more reliable streamer here, but both will see increased usage until Johnson returns.
Brandon Miller – With the Hornets losing their star during Sunday’s game, Miller was thrust into a starting role in the second half. He finished with a solid stat line and should bear more offensive responsibilities this week.
Coby White – White continued his excellent play this week, a trend that should continue as the Bulls struggle. He played 30+ minutes in the past four games and posted incredible numbers in points, threes, rebounds, and assists.
Jaden Ivey – While he was listed as a drop for the past few weeks, after starting the last three games, Ivey’s production is improving. The Pistons have an abundance of guards, but if Ivey continues to start, he has restorable fantasy value.
Santi Aldama – On a struggling Grizzlies team, Aldama is still thriving in a starting role. He’ll have an off night here and there, but he’s someone worth picking up, thanks to his contributions to several categories.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. – As the Heat continue to deal with injuries, Jaquez Jr. is shouldering a bigger workload. He’s a solid scorer who also provides rebounds and assists and can heat up from beyond the arc.
Malik Beasley – Adding Beasley is a bit of a gamble, but he recorded some solid games over the past few weeks. Khris Middleton’s injury issues have opened more opportunities for Beasley, who contributes points, rebounds, threes and steals.
Dyson Daniels – Daniels should remain a starter until CJ McCollum returns, meaning he’ll hold his solid fantasy value for a little longer. His versatility is impressive, especially on the playmaking and defensive end.
Cole Anthony – A hole in the Magic’s crowded backcourt opened up more minutes for Anthony. He’s on a tear as of late, providing value in the primary categories and some production defensively.
Goga Bitadze – Wendell Carter Jr. is yet to return, although he is close. In the meantime, stream Bitadze since he’s starting at center. His blocks and rebounds are excellent, and he is also improving his playmaking and overall offensive impact.
Eric Gordon – Gordon’s strong showing as Bradley Beal’s replacement is promising. He’s a tremendous offensive spark and three-point specialist who will have heavy duties for a while.
Keyonte George – The rookie’s ability to provide great fantasy basketball value despite significant efficiency issues is exceptional. He put up great numbers in points, rebounds, and assists last week.
Potential Drops
P.J. Washington – It’s safe to say that Miles Bridges is Charlotte’s new starting power forward, pushing Washington to the bench. He’ll have a few good games, but his performance fluctuates too much to hold on to.
Caris LeVert – With the Cavaliers at full strength with key players, LeVert’s role is diminished. He’s more valuable as a streamer when there’s an injury.
Andrew Wiggins – Wiggins’ roster percentage is still very high despite providing little fantasy value. What we’ve seen from him so far this year will likely continue for the rest of the season.
Bennedict Mathurin – Surprisingly, Mathurin’s production was lower than expected this season. As of late, his value is still trending downwards, especially with a move to the second unit on Friday.
Marcus Smart – Due to an injury, Smart is sidelined until after Ja Morant returns. Whatever his role may be, Smart’s minutes and production will decrease. He could be stashed, but a drop may be the better option.
Luguentz Dort – Dort had some excellent performances this season but is very inconsistent. Last week, he had notably poor production, and managers should turn to him as a streamer rather than hold.
Skylar Mays – As the Trail Blazers slowly regain their players from injuries, Mays headed back to the bench. His role will significantly decrease and hold virtually zero rosterable value.
Gary Trent Jr. – Outisde of points and threes, Trent Jr. doesn’t offer much else. Even then, his numbers are low, and he doesn’t receive enough playing time to have the same impact he had last season.
Notable Injuries/Suspensions
Jalen Johnson – Diagnosed with a wrist fracture and will be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks.
Kristaps Porzingis – Will have his calf re-evaluated in a week.
Cam Thomas – Showing improvements with his ankle injury and will return to team activities this week.
Ben Simmons – Beginning light work as he waits for a re-evaluation in a few days for a nerve impingement in his back.
Lonzo Ball – Out for the season.
Aaron Gordon – Should miss a few more games due to a heel injury.
Jamal Murray – Could return this week from a hamstring injury.
Bojan Bogdanovic – Still ruled out early this week but could return soon.
Steven Adams – Out for the season.
Ja Morant – Suspended until December 19.
Marcus Smart – Diagnosed with a foot sprain and should return in mid-December.
Tyler Herro – It is unclear when he will return, but it should be soon, as he shed his walking boot last week.
Jaden McDaniels – Set for a two to three-week absence with an ankle injury. He will be re-evaluated in one week.
CJ McCollum – May return this week as he recovers from a collapsed lung.
Wendell Carter Jr. – Nearing a return from a fractured finger.
Markelle Fultz – Dealing with knee tendinitis.
Kelly Oubre Jr. – Beginning to participate in on-court workouts and will be re-evaluated in one week.
Bradley Beal – Sidelined for at least two more weeks as he recovers from a back strain.
Anfernee Simons – Thumb injury is recovering well and could return in a few weeks.
Robert Williams – Out for the season.
Jeremy Sochan – Suffered a knee injury on Sunday. The severity is unclear.
Week 5 Observations
-Rookies:
- Chet Holmgren – The second-overall pick led all rookies in scoring last week with 25.5 PPG. He complemented that with his usual incredible numbers in rebounds and blocks.
- Victor Wembanyama – Wembanyama’s two-way prowess was on full display last week. He posted impressive numbers in several categories as he continues to make a strong case for Rookie of the Year.
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. – With increased minutes, Jaquez is solidifying a spot in the rotation once the Heat are back at full strength. He’s a great scorer who’s hitting threes at a high clip while adding rebounds and some steals.
-Stars of the week:
- Nikola Jokic
- Joel Embiid
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Trae Young
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Devin Booker
- Anthony Davis
- Jayson Tatum
- Brook Lopez
-Breakout players:
- Brook Lopez
- Kyle Kuzma
- Nic Claxton
- Spencer Dinwiddie
- Jerami Grant
- Cole Anthony
- Dario Saric
- Malcolm Brogdon
- Buddy Hield
- Cam Johnson
-Disappointments:
