Fantasy Basketball 2023-24: Week 10 Guide and Analysis

It’s a special week in the NBA with the holiday season here. So, as we enter a new week of the 2023-24 season, here’s a fantasy basketball guide and analysis for week 10.

Fantasy Basketball 2023-24: Week 10 Guide and Analysis

NBA Schedule

The majority of the league is playing three or four games this week. The teams with a high of four are the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, and Washington Wizards.

The Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz all play three.

The teams with a low of two are the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers.

Potential Waiver Wire Adds

Nick Richards/Brandon Miller – With injuries to two key Hornets, Richards and Miller have retained their roles in the starting lineup. Richards is a double-double threat (points and rebounds) who can also block shots and dish out some assists, while Miller mainly provides value in the primary categories and sometimes steals. Although, the forward is day-to-day with an ankle issue.

Patrick Williams – Williams turned around his rough start to the season by continuing to post solid numbers in points, rebounds, threes, and stocks. He’s thrived in a bigger role and will look to keep up this momentum.

Caris LeVert/Craig Porter Jr. – With several injuries on the Cavaliers, two players have stepped up. The main one is LeVert, who contributes to several categories and is one of the more reliable streamers. He is dealing with knee tendinitis but could return by Wednesday. Next, there’s the undrafted Porter Jr., who provides points, rebounds, assists, and stocks.

Dante Exum – Head coach Jason Kidd recently announced that he plans to keep Exum in the starting lineup even when they’re back to full strength. So far, as a starter, he’s been excellent for the Mavericks as a scorer, playmaker, and rebounder.

Jaden Ivey – Ivey strung together some impressive performances in week nine as Killian Hayes missed some time. If Ivey remains in the first unit, consider streaming him, as he is posting great numbers in the main categories and threes.

Trayce Jackson-Davis/Brandin Podziemski/Jonathan Kuminga – Jackson-Davis is a surprising name on this list, but since he carved a role in the rotation, the rookie has taken off. He offers points, rebounds, assists, and some stocks. Fellow rookie Podziemski is providing impressive value in the main categories, along with some threes. Another Warrior benefiting from increased minutes is Kuminga, gifting fantasy managers multi-category value.

Isaiah Hartenstein – The starting center spot will likely be open for the rest of the season, meaning Hartenstein has long-term fantasy value. The big man is a solid source of points, rebounds, blocks, and even some assists. He has been impressive with increased minutes so far.

Cole Anthony – The Magic guard is picking back up again, recording three solid performances last week. Anthony’s production and efficiency can be inconsistent, but he currently provides value in the primary categories and steals.

Grayson Allen/Eric Gordon – Allen has played exceptionally well over the past week on both ends of the court. Moreover, his hamstring issue doesn’t appear to be a major concern, and he’s receiving 30+ minutes with Bradley Beal out. Also, Gordon is another Sun who will benefit from Beal’s absence. However, he’s struggled a bit over the past few games, but that could be attributed to a hip injury.

Potential Drops

De’Andre Hunter – With reports that Jalen Johnson could return as soon as Tuesday, the increased usage Hunter received over the past few weeks will end. Also, he is out for two weeks after undergoing a knee procedure.

Reggie Jackson – While in a bench role, Jackson doesn’t provide enough fantasy basketball value to warrant a roster spot. Although, he is a good streamer when placed in the first unit.

Andrew Wiggins – A few sporadic exceptional performances are all Wiggins has offered managers thus far in the season. As a result, his value has plummeted, and he can safely be dropped.

Santi Aldama – As the Grizzlies return to full strength, Aldama’s numbers have declined. His production is limited while in this bench role, and he fails to make a significant impact even when receiving 25+ minutes.

Kyle Lowry – Lowry’s numbers as of late are rough, and the reasons for that can be attributed to Tyler Herro’s return and a leg injury. As a result, managers shouldn’t expect too much from the 37-year-old unless Miami is dealing with several injuries.

Mitchell Robinson – The Knicks reportedly applied for a disabled player exception for Robinson, which is only granted when a player is out for the rest of the season. Because of this, there’s no use in holding on to the big man.

Goga Bitadze – Now that the Magic’s centers are at full strength again, Bitadze will likely be pushed to the back of the rotation. He didn’t play in last Thursday’s match due to a coach’s decision, which is not a good sign.

Kelly Oubre Jr. – Oubre hasn’t been able to return to form since recovering from his accident. Also, it doesn’t help that the 76ers’ frontcourt is extremely crowded.

Tre Jones – The Spurs still fail to utilize Jones properly, so his fantasy value remains limited. However, he is a player to monitor, as he has potential.

Gary Trent Jr. – While Trent recorded some solid games last week, it’s not enough to justify a roster spot. Ultimately, his numbers are down, he’s inconsistent, and he contributes to few categories.

Notable Injuries/Suspensions

Jalen Johnson – Likely to return early this week.

Ben Simmons – Progressing well and is expected to return around January 5.

LaMelo Ball – Continuing to progress and is ramping up for a return.

Lonzo Ball – Out for the season.

Zach LaVine – On track to return by late December.

Darius Garland – Will miss multiple weeks with a fractured jaw.

Evan Mobley – Undergoing knee surgery and should return in early February.

Kyrie Irving – Diagnosed with a heel contusion with no clear timeline.

Jalen Duren – Will be re-evaluated this week and could return.

Draymond Green – Suspended for a few weeks.

Steven Adams – Out for the season.

Marcus Smart – Should return this week from a foot injury.

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.

Bradley Beal – Will be re-evaluated in January for his ankle injury.

Robert Williams – Out for the season.

Week 9 Observations

-Rookies:

Chet Holmgren – The standout rookie of week nine is Holmgren. He led all rookies in averaged points over the past seven days with 19.7, also contributing the usual impressive numbers in rebounds and blocks.
Trayce Jackson-Davis – Jackson-Davis has finally emerged on the NBA stage. The Warrior averaged a double-double of points and rebounds to pair with almost three stocks per game.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. – Injuries on the heat allowed Jaquez Jr. to retain some of the momentum he had over the past few weeks. He holds more value in the defensive categories but also contributes points.

-Stars of the week: