As we enter a new week of the 2023-24 NBA season, here’s a fantasy basketball guide and analysis for week 15.
Fantasy Basketball 2023-24: Week 15 Guide and Analysis
NBA Schedule
Week 15 is hectic, as most of the league plays four games. Those with four are the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, 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, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.
The Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, and Toronto Raptors play three games.
Potential Waiver Wire Adds
Saddiq Bey – Despite being a drop last week, Bey got out of his slump and is a short-term add. While he’s playing well, these stat lines aren’t sustainable, and there is the looming return of De’Andre Hunter.
Nick Richards – As Mark Williams remains out, Richards needs to be added, especially as a long-term option. He exploded last week across three games, providing solid value in points, rebounds, and blocks.
Alex Caruso/Ayo Dosunmu – With Zach LaVine out (and likely a trade incoming), Caruso and Dosunmu have stepped up. Their numbers aren’t eye-popping, but they provide multi-category value.
Jonathan Kuminga/Andrew Wiggins – Over the last three games, Kuminga has been dominant. He’s disappearing off the wire, and now is the time to grab him and capitalize off his strong play. Meanwhile, Wiggins was a pleasant surprise in week 14 after a disappointing first half of the season. Add him while he has fantasy relevance.
Jarred Vanderbilt – While he’s been inconsistent for most of the season, a great stretch of games has highlighted Vanderbilt as a short-term add. Monitor his situation, and he is droppable once his value declines.
Luke Kennard/Santi Aldama/John Konchar – Vince Williams Jr., the best streaming option for the injury-riddled Grizzlies, is already scooped up in most leagues. Luckily, Kennard is more available and is the next-best option to consider. Aldama and Konchar are also some deeper options.
Donte DiVincenzo/Josh Hart – Due to Julius Randle’s injury, DiVincenzo and Hart will receive more usage since the Knicks don’t have other options at power forward. DiVincenzo is harder to find on the waivers, and Hart is quickly disappearing, so grab them while you can.
Jabari Walker – Since entering the starting lineup, Walker emerged as a decent fantasy option. He is a riskier add since his numbers fluctuate, but he has flashed potential of being a double-double threat with some stocks.
Harrison Barnes/Kevin Huerter – Barnes and Huerter are very hot and cold players. For the moment, they are incredibly hot. This value is unsustainable, so take advantage now.
Jeremy Sochan – Sochan revitalized his fantasy value over the past few weeks. He’ll have a mediocre game occasionally, but he remains a great addition who contributes to multiple categories.
Potential Drops
Alec Burks – With the return of Cade Cunningham, Burks’ role is diminished. His minutes have dipped, and as a result, so has his production.
Kevon Looney – With Draymond Green reclaiming his starting spot, Looney’s minutes have dropped significantly. He’s not playing enough to have fantasy relevance.
Dillon Brooks – Brooks’ high minutes typically don’t match his fantasy output. He’s very inconsistent but will record a solid game here and there.
T.J. McConnell/Obi Toppin – The return of Tyrese Haliburton this week means it’s time to drop backup point guard McConnell. Likewise, Toppin has fallen out of the rotation due to the Pacers’ trade with the Raptors and is too risky to hold.
Duncan Robinson – The Terry Rozier trade caused a drop in Robinson’s minutes and impact. He was already more of a deeper league option, but this further limits his value.
Trey Murphy III – Murphy is disappointing this season, mainly because he was a solid fantasy player last year as a result of the Pelicans being short-staffed. He hasn’t met those expectations in 2023-24 and can be dropped.
Luguentz Dort – Dort underwent a rough stretch of games last week. But fantasy managers know he is an incredibly streaky player, so he is droppable until he warms up.
Goga Bitadze – With Wendell Carter Jr.’s strong play and Moritz Wagner receiving the bulk of backup center minutes, Bitadze has fallen out of the rotation.
Zach Collins – An ankle injury and playing under 20 minutes per game are some culprits for Collins’ declining fantasy value. He is a safe drop.
Dennis Schroder/Gary Trent Jr. – The Raptors’ trade acquisitions have diminished Schroder’s and Trent Jr.’s role and pushed the former to the bench. It’s hard to justify rostering them unless they have a significant role.
Notable Injuries/Suspensions
Mark Williams – Still out with no clear return date.
Lonzo Ball – Out for the season.
Zach LaVine – Out with an ankle sprain for at least another week.
Darius Garland – Returning soon from a fractured jaw injury.
Chris Paul – Underwent surgery on his hand and should return in mid-February.
Tyrese Haliburton – Could return from hamstring injury management on Tuesday.
Ivica Zubac – Diagnosed with a calf strain and will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
Steven Adams – Out for the season.
Desmond Bane – Diagnosed with an ankle sprain and will miss six weeks.
Ja Morant – Undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.
Marcus Smart – Suffered a severe finger injury and is out for six weeks.
Julius Randle – Dislocated his shoulder and will miss multiple weeks.
Mitchell Robinson – Could return from an ankle injury late in the regular season.
De’Anthony Melton – Could return soon from a back injury.
Robert Williams – Out for the season.
Jakob Poeltl – Could return soon from an ankle injury.
