As we enter a new week of the 2023-24 NBA season, here’s a fantasy basketball guide and analysis for week seven.
Fantasy Basketball 2023-24: Week 7 Guide and Analysis
NBA Schedule
With the first-ever NBA In-Season Tournament playoffs commencing this week, the schedule is a bit confusing.
All 30 teams will play two games this week, regardless of their performance in the tournament. Most matches occur on Wednesday and Friday; the only games that don’t count for fantasy are those over the weekend (the championship). Essentially, streams will mostly depend on a team’s matchup and injuries.
Potential Waiver Wire Adds
Bogdan Bogdanovic/Saddiq Bey/De’Andre Hunter – All three Hawks have had an impressive week. While Bogdanovic is rostered in most leagues, Bey and Hunter are two additions to consider with Jalen Johnson out for a few weeks. Bey is the more reliable option, and he offers points, threes, rebounds, and steals.
Al Horford – Kristaps Porzingis is ruled out for Monday’s matchup against the Pacers, so Horford will likely get another start. He shined over the past three games in the first unit, putting up excellent numbers on both ends of the court.
Brandon Miller – With LaMelo Ball sidelined for a few weeks, Miller is seeing increased usage. This trend will continue for a while, and the rookie has been solid so far with the heavy workload. He’s also a safer add than P.J. Washington. Although the forward compiled some hot performances, his fantasy basketball impact is streaky with limited upside now that he’s on the bench.
Coby White – With the mess that is the Bulls, White has been a bright spot. He extended his hot streak last week, catching fire from three-point range and recording excellent stats in the primary categories.
Dereck Lively II – After a monster game on Saturday, Lively is proving his fantasy value. While managers shouldn’t expect that performance on a gamely basis, they should get solid numbers in points, rebounds, and blocks.
Killian Hayes – Now that he’s returned to the starting lineup, Hayes turned around his rough performances from late November. He should provide value as a multi-category contributor as long as he stays in that role.
Santi Aldama – As the Grizzlies continue to struggle, Aldama is making the most of his minutes. He moved to the bench for a few matches but still provided good fantasy value. Aldama is a double-double threat (points and rebounds) who also adds some assists and steals.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. – With two of the Heat’s star players likely missing some time this week, Jaquez should continue his high level of play. The rookie is thriving on the offensive end through his scoring and playmaking while adding some rebounds and steals.
Malik Beasley – Beasley has been on a tear since mid-November, but he took his game to another level in week six. He played 30+ minutes in all of his outings and compiled plenty of points, threes, rebounds, and steals.
Cole Anthony – Even though his role fluctuates, Anthony maintained the momentum built over the past few weeks. As long as he receives decent minutes, the guard should give managers solid output in the main categories.
Potential Drops
Caris LeVert – LeVert started trending downwards two weeks ago and struggled in week six. Part of the blame is because of a knee injury, but he also posted subpar stats when given 20-30 minutes. He will become fantasy relevant again, but not yet.
Jaden Ivey – Despite moving into the starting lineup, Ivey was in a slump over the past three games. As the Pistons continue experimenting with different lineups, Ivey may find himself back on the bench this week.
Andrew Wiggins – After hurting his finger and missing some games, Wiggins could return this week. Still, he had a rough start to the season, a trend that should continue. He did have an excellent performance last week, but it was an outlier.
Dillon Brooks – Injuries have plagued Brooks over the past few games, but he’s struggled to be consistent. He posted numbers in various categories, just not enough to have a significant fantasy basketball impact.
Bennedict Mathurin – Mathurin’s performances vary each game, usually going through a cycle of posting underwhelming stats and then having a solid game. He’s more valuable as a streamer when the Pacers deal with injuries.
Norman Powell – His production last week was limited, only contributing a few points. Powell also received under 20 minutes in some games and failed to impress even when given 30.
Marcus Smart – With Ja Morant set to rejoin the Grizzlies from his suspension in a few weeks, Smart’s return from his injury will likely be met with fewer minutes and less production.
Dyson Daniels – Daniels likely won’t see as many starting opportunities with the two players returning from injuries. His fantasy value has already declined as a result.
Gary Trent Jr. – Once again, Trent Jr. should be a drop. His fantasy basketball impact is limited as he contributes to few categories and doesn’t receive enough usage.
Notable Injuries/Suspensions
Jalen Johnson – Diagnosed with a wrist fracture and will be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks.
Kristaps Porzingis – Out for Monday’s game.
Ben Simmons – Had an epidural injection and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
LaMelo Ball – Suffered an ankle injury and will likely miss a few weeks at least.
Lonzo Ball – Out for the season.
Zach LaVine – Expected to miss this week with a foot injury.
Chris Paul – Will be re-evaluated for a leg injury on Monday.
Steven Adams – Out for the season.
Ja Morant – Suspended until December 19.
Marcus Smart – Wearing a boot and should return in mid-December.
Bam Adebayo – Will miss at least Wednesday’s game with a hip injury.
Tyler Herro – Still at least a week away from returning from a sprained ankle.
Jaden McDaniels – Out for about two more weeks with an ankle injury.
Wendell Carter Jr. – Nearing a return from a fractured finger.
Kelly Oubre Jr. – Participating in on-court workouts and will be re-evaluated in one week.
Bradley Beal – Likely sidelined for longer than one week 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.
Lauri Markkanen – Dealing with a hamstring strain.
Week 6 Observations
-Rookies:
- Victor Wembanyama – Despite only playing one game last week, Wembanyama led all rookies in scoring with 21 PPG. What’s more impressive is his six stocks and 12 rebounds. Once again, his two-way prowess was on full display.
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. – The Heat rookie continued to catch fire last week. Jaquez is a solid scorer who also provides some assists, rebounds, and steals.
- Brandon Miller – As a result of increased usage, Miller is thriving in a starting role. His main contributions are points and rebounds. Although, he can collect some assists and steals.
-Stars of the week:
- Luka Doncic
- Nikola Jokic
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Anthony Davis
- De’Aaron Fox
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Julius Randle
- Scottie Barnes
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Joel Embiid
-Breakout players:
- Al Horford
- Rudy Gobert
- Franz Wagner
- Mikal Bridges
- D’Angelo Russell
- Coby White
- Terry Rozier
- Shaedon Sharpe
- Derrick White
- Michael Porter Jr.
-Disappointments:
