{"id":105680,"date":"2025-01-02T17:41:56","date_gmt":"2025-01-02T22:41:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=105680"},"modified":"2025-01-02T17:41:56","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T22:41:56","slug":"tips-dealing-injuries-fantasy-basketball","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/01\/02\/tips-dealing-injuries-fantasy-basketball\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Dealing With Injuries in Fantasy Basketball"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2024-25 NBA season<\/a> has been an injury-riddled<\/a> one. Not many fantasy basketball teams have been left unscathed, but injuries don’t mean your season is over.<\/p>\n

Tips for Dealing With Injuries in Fantasy Basketball<\/h2>\n

Know Depth Charts<\/h3>\n

When a player is out with an injury, his minutes have to go somewhere. Typically, when a starter is injured, their backup replaces them in the starting lineup (handcuffs). This was the case with Victor Wembanyama<\/a> and Zach Collins<\/a>, Aaron Gordon<\/a> and Peyton Watson<\/a>, LaMelo Ball<\/a> and Vasilije Micic<\/a>, Luka Doncic<\/a> and Spencer Dinwiddie<\/a>, etc.\u00a0<\/span>While these reserves usually don’t replicate the same production as the starter, their elevated value helps fill the hole.<\/p>\n

Other times, players will shift positions.\u00a0For example, Chet Holmgren’s<\/a>\u00a0hip injury resulted in Jalen Williams<\/a> moving to center until Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a> was healthy. For the shorthanded Orlando Magic missing Paolo Banchero<\/a> and Franz Wagner<\/a>, sometimes center Wendell Carter Jr.<\/a>\u00a0shifts to power forward while reserve Goga Bitadze<\/a> is the starting big.<\/p>\n

Essentially, depth charts give managers insights into potential gold mines. Guys who may remain off the fantasy radar when a team is at full strength can help keep injured teams when they get opportunities.<\/p>\n

Play the Waiver Wire<\/h3>\n

Losing a player to injury is a tough blow, but managers can compensate for some of their production by playing the waiver wire. Moving a hurt player to the injured reserve or dropping them creates space for a streaming spot. Healthy fringe players could also be cut to open up spots.<\/p>\n

Take the time to examine the options available on the waivers and develop a plan. In shallow leagues, finding a replacement is much easier. In deeper leagues, it’s more challenging to find good players. There will always be injuries\/players sitting out on a game day, providing opportunities for short-term streams. For long-term adds, look for guys replacing a player who is out for an extended period. Streaming strategies also depend on league types. In points leagues, target players who will see high playing time. In category leagues, assess your strengths and weaknesses and pick up players who will boost stats as needed.<\/p>\n

An effective streaming strategy can help keep a manager’s team competitive. Just be mindful of the adds limit and games cap in roto.<\/p>\n

When to Stash and Drop<\/h3>\n

There are several factors to consider when determining whether an injured player is a stash or drop.<\/p>\n