As we enter a new week of the 2023-24 NBA season, here’s a fantasy basketball guide and analysis for week 13.
Fantasy Basketball 2023-24: Week 13 Guide and Analysis
NBA Schedule
In week 13, most of the league plays three or four games. Those with a high of four are the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, and Washington Wizards.
The Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, and Portland Trail Blazers.
Teams with a low of two games are the Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Sacramento Kings.
Potential Waiver Wire Adds
Saddiq Bey – As De’Andre Hunter is expected to increase basketball activities, Bey will continue to take his place in the starting lineup for the Hawks. He’s provided solid value in the points, rebounds, threes, and steals.
Dennis Smith Jr./Lonnie Walker IV – Finding reliable, consistent players on the Nets is difficult. However, two streamers who have shown some promise are Smith Jr. and Walker. While it’s yet to be seen how the minutes will be divvied up, these two should see increased usage.
Nick Richards – Richards is still in the starting center role for the Hornets, and he should stay there for a little while longer. The big man has mostly been consistent, offering some points, rebounds, and blocks.
Caris LeVert – The Cavaliers are still dealing with two key injuries, maintaining LeVert’s fantasy relevance. He offers multi-category value and is one of the more reliable streamers on the team.
Tim Hardaway Jr. – Hardaway pulled together an excellent string of games since entering the starting lineup. He’s receiving about 40 minutes per contest in that role while giving managers points, threes, and rebounds.
Jaden Ivey/Alec Burks/Killian Hayes – All three Pistons guards have benefitted from increased usage and should continue to thrive this week. Ivey is the best streamer here, but he’s harder to find on the waiver wire.
Jonathan Kuminga – Kuminga played exceptionally well last week. He’s been coming off the bench but is receiving about 25-30 minutes a night, providing points, rebounds, and some threes and assists.
T.J. McConnell – One of the more sought-after streamers, McConnell is still available in many leagues. He may not be in the starting lineup or receiving 30+ minutes, but he’s a solid source of assists and offers some production in other categories.
Xavier Tillman Sr./Vince Williams Jr./Luke Kennard/Gregory Jackson II – The Grizzlies are missing almost all their stars and are likely out of playoff contention. As a result, several other players will benefit from this opportunity. Tillman and Willams are the must-grabs, Kennard is the next-best pickup, and Jackson is a deep league option (but is showing tremendous potential).
Goga Bitadze – Bitadze has mostly maintained a starting spot for the Magic, and he’s been impressive in that role. He offers more value in points leagues as he doesn’t post nig numbers.
Duop Reath – Portland’s primary big man is still sidelined with an injury, meaning more minutes are still in store for Reath. So far, he’s done a solid job in the role, offering points, rebounds, and some stocks.
Tre Jones – Jones continues to draw starts for the Spurs, and he is rewarding the team and fantasy managers with career-highs and great numbers in assists. He is an add if he keeps his first unit spot.
Potential Drops
De’Andre Hunter – The 14-day mark originally given for Hunter’s re-evaluation timeline recently passed. Even as he continues to ramp up for a return, his value is overshadowed by other Hawks.
Brandon Miller/P.J. Washington – With LaMelo Ball back, Miller’s production has dipped, and he’s also dealing with a back contusion. Meanwhile, Washington’s impact off the bench has been minimal, though he records a solid game now and then.
Patrick Williams/Andre Drummond – Both Bulls have seen their production drop once Chicago’s two stars returned. Williams and Drummond are back in bench roles and are droppable.
Kyle Lowry – Age and injuries have significantly slowed down Lowry’s game. Even when in the starting lineup, he doesn’t offer enough fantasy value to warrant a roster spot.
Wendell Carter Jr. – Despite being the Magic’s starting center, Carter has had an underwhelming season so far with multiple injuries. There are too many concerns about his production and availability.
Harrison Barnes – Barnes has struggled over the past few games. Managers can drop and stream him again when he’s in a bigger role.
Gary Trent Jr. – Trent doesn’t have a consistent role for the Raptors and offers little value outside of points.
Notable Injuries/Suspensions
Ben Simmons – Progressing with no clear timeline.
Mark Williams – Still out with no clear return date.
Lonzo Ball – Out for the season.
Darius Garland – Returning soon from a fractured jaw injury.
Evan Mobley – Underwent knee surgery and should return in early February.
Luka Doncic – Dealing with an ankle injury.
Cade Cunningham – Will be re-evaluated soon for a knee injury.
Chris Paul – Underwent surgery on his hand and could return in early February.
Tyrese Haliburton – Diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Steven Adams – Out for the season.
Desmond Bane – Diagnosed with an ankle sprain and will miss the next six weeks.
Ja Morant – Undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.
Marcus Smart – Suffered a severe finger injury and is out for the next six weeks.
Mitchell Robinson – Could return from an ankle injury late in the regular season.
Franz Wagner – Sidelined with an ankle sprain.
De’Anthony Melton – Will miss about a week with a back injury.
Deandre Ayton – No timetable for a return from his knee injury.
Robert Williams – Out for the season.
Zach Collins – Out for a few weeks with an ankle injury.
