As we move into the weekend, fantasy sports fans are looking forward to attractive-play opportunities in a robust football-Basketball slate. Among them, Jim McCormick, a freelance writer for ESPN, provides weekly analysis on player performances and their potential effects on fantasy leagues. This week’s article unpacks the recent updates to player availability and performance measurements that might impact your fantasy roster decisions.
Not surprisingly, in the world of basketball, a number of NBA teams are reeling from their injury fate. These are the adjustments the Philadelphia 76ers must make to weather the storm without Joel Embiid. At the same time, the Atlanta Hawks will miss their best playmaker too, Trae Young. Whether by design, injury, or other absences, they have provided opportunities for players to step up and fill the scoring void.
Player Performances and Impact
Saddiq Bey has fully established himself as a core player to the team. He’s been averaging a double-double and playing almost 40 minutes a night. His scoring touch deep and ability to rebound the ball are key assets to a team still looking for reliable scoring sources outside of Darius McGhee. Bey’s performances are already looking impactful in fantasy leagues, especially with other star players missing time.
The 76ers can’t rely on their secondary players to come through in the clutch. This reliance does highlight the importance of monitoring performance trends in players’ performances. Without Embiid, guys like Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey could be tasked with bigger loads. Fantasy managers should closely monitor their performances as they seek to capitalize on any available opportunities.
The Hawks’ predicament is similar to that of the 76ers, as they navigate life sans Trae Young. That leaves the door open for players such as Dejounte Murray and Kevin Huerter to step in and up their individual scoring averages. As both teams adjust strategies to manage their rosters effectively, fantasy players must assess how these changes may affect game outcomes and individual performances.
Injury Reports and Game-Day Decisions
Needless to say, injuries will shape the landscape of multiple teams this weekend. The San Antonio Spurs currently have seven players on their injury report. Harrison Ingram is currently a game-time decision due to an undisclosed issue, while Jordan McLaughlin is out with a hamstring injury. The important Stephon Castle is out with a hip flexor. On the other hand, exciting rookie Victor Wembanyama will miss the game due to his calf issues.
Their absence would significantly change what the Spurs’ starting (or closing) lineup would look like. Fantasy owners should consider the potential for increased minutes and production from other roster members in light of these injuries.
Ja Morant remains out for the Memphis Grizzlies, as he works his way back from a calf injury. This circumstance is changing the team’s offensive identity. Javon Small is still out with a toe injury. With Brandon Clarke’s knee injury, however, the frontcourt suddenly has an identifiable hole.
It’s not all smooth sailing for the Kings, either. Domantas Sabonis is out with a knee injury and his absence may prove to be the difference between their overall production and that of their opponents. Dennis Schroder, who is battling a hip joint problem, is expected to be a game-time decision. Unfortunately, that vagueness leaves a level of ambiguity for fantasy managers who must rely on his production.
Matchup Considerations and Strategies
Players who are suddenly thrust into bigger opportunities with injuries create interesting double-dip opportunities to gain points. With Embiid and Young both absent from the matchup, those bench players and role players are forced to take control. They’ve recently morphed into the centerpieces of their squads’ offenses.
Reality or fantasy, people should be paying attention to player matchups this entire weekend. For instance, teams that are up against bad defenses can lead to more favorable scoring chances for players who enter the lineup in expanded roles. Determining how to adjust lineups around the best possible matchups is key to locking in the most point potential.
Monitoring injury reports as they come in on game day can give a competitive advantage in fantasy leagues, too. Staying alert to late-breaking changes will take some of the guesswork out of managers’ decisions about who to start, who to bench. Matchups change across the weekend. Flexibility will be key with both strategy and player availability changing in real-time.
Leave a Reply