As we enter a new year, a new week of the 2023-24 NBA season is also beginning, so here’s a fantasy basketball guide and analysis for week 11.
Fantasy Basketball 2023-24: Week 11 Guide and Analysis
NBA Schedule
Every team will play at least three games for the first week of January. Those with four are the Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, and Utah Jazz.
Teams with a low of three games are the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, and Washington Wizards.
Potential Waiver Wire Adds
Saddiq Bey – Even with the return of Jalen Johnson, a starting spot opened up with the loss of De’Andre Hunter due to injury. Bey will provide solid value in points, threes, rebounds, and steals for the next two weeks.
Brandon Miller/Nick Richards – As the Hornets are still dealing with several injuries, Miller and Richards are continuing to see increased minutes. The rookie contributes to several categories, while the center is a double-double threat (points and rebounds) and shot-blocker.
Andre Drummond – Nikola Vucevic will likely remain out for the rest of the week, and Drummond has thrived in his absence. The 30-year-old has been on another level over the past few games, posting monster double-doubles and defensive numbers.
Caris LeVert – Despite having some consistency issues, LeVert remains one of the more reliable Cavaliers to stream. He’s also receiving increased minutes due to team injuries and provides points, assists, rebounds, threes, and steals.
Dante Exum – Even though he’s day-to-day with a heel contusion and Kyrie Irving returned, Exum is expected to remain in the starting lineup. He posts solid numbers in the primary categories in addition to threes and steals.
Jaden Ivey – Ivey is counting to play about 30 minutes per game, allowing him to provide managers with solid fantasy value as a two-way player. As long as he sees consistent minutes, he’s an excellent add.
Brandin Podziemski – As of late, the rookie has been very impressive. Podziemski has managed to make an impact whether he starts or comes off the bench. He contributes points, rebounds, assists, threes, and steals.
Tari Eason – A leg injury hasn’t been able to slow Eason down. The forward is on a 25-27-minute restriction, but he’s still been able to produce. He offers stats across several categories and should maintain a significant role on the Rockets.
Aaron Nesmith – Over the past few weeks, Nesmith has been on a hot streak, especially from beyond the arc. He provides value on both ends of the court and earned a starting role a few games ago.
Isaiah Hartenstein – The new starting center for the Knicks is an excellent long-term add. He’s a solid two-way player who is currently racking up steals. Hartenstein gives managers multi-category value even though his points are low.
Scoot Henderson – Over the past few games, Henderson has turned around a disappointing start to the season. Several injuries on the Blazers are one reason for that, and the rookie posts excellent numbers in points, threes, assists, and rebounds, with some stocks.
Potential Drops
De’Andre Hunter – Hunter is set to miss some time as he underwent a non-surgical procedure on his knee on December 26. Even when he returns, the forward’s value will dip in the first unit.
Cam Thomas – After a breakout run at the start of the season, Thomas has cooled off since returning from injury. He’s a very one-dimensional player and usually only provides value in points.
Ausar Thompson – Despite a strong and promising start to the season, Thompson’s production has significantly dropped off. He hasn’t received enough minutes to be impactful due to the Pistons’ depth.
Norman Powell – Even when he receives 20+ minutes, Powell doesn’t provide enough fantasy value to warrant a roster spot. His numbers are inconsistent, and he doesn’t offer much outside points, threes, and rebounds.
Mitchell Robinson – The center is expected to miss the rest of the season, so there’s no use in holding him.
Paul Reed/Kelly Oubre Jr. – Now that Joel Embiid is healthy, it’s time for Reed to return to a bench role and to be dropped. Although, he played well as a starter and should be streamed again if Embiid misses time. Similarly, Oubre’s production will decrease, but he’s a worthy stream when in a bigger role.
Harrison Barnes – A string of underwhelming games, even though he received solid minutes, means it’s time to drop Barnes. He’ll have his moment again when the Kings experience injuries.
Gary Trent Jr. – Trent Jr.’s explosive performance on December 30th was an outlier due to the Raptors trading OG Anunoby before the game. He will still see a bench and a limited role for much of the rest of the season.
Notable Injuries/Suspensions
Ben Simmons – Reportedly progressing well and is expected to return around January 5.
LaMelo Ball – Not yet cleared for contact and remains without a timeline.
Gordon Hayward – Will miss at least the next seven games (two weeks) with a calf strain.
Mark Williams – Still receiving doubtful tags for each game.
Lonzo Ball – Out for the season.
Zach LaVine – Assigned to the G League as he nears a return.
Nikola Vucevic – Will miss at least seven to 10 days with a groin strain.
Darius Garland – Will miss a few more weeks with a fractured jaw.
Evan Mobley – Underwent knee surgery and should return in early February.
Draymond Green – Suspended for a few weeks.
Steven Adams – Out for the season.
Mitchell Robinson – Expected to miss the rest of the season due to an ankle injury.
Markelle Fultz – Could return this week from a knee issue.
Deandre Ayton – Missing some games due to knee tendinitis.
Robert Williams – Out for the season.
Zach Collins – Out for two to four weeks with an ankle injury.
