The Chris Paul Departure and Its Impact on Fantasy Basketball
The NBA world was caught off guard on Wednesday when the Los Angeles Clippers announced their decision to move on from Chris Paul. Once a veteran addition aimed at bolstering the Clippers’ Western Conference contender status, CP3’s stint with the team did not live up to expectations. His playing time became inconsistent, sliding from a reliable fantasy option in San Antonio to a player whose roster spot (with only a five percent ownership in Yahoo! leagues) became questionable. While his departure may not immediately shake up the fantasy basketball landscape, given the Clippers’ inability to add a new player or waive Paul right away, it’s a development worth monitoring for potential ripple effects.
Key Injuries Impacting Fantasy Basketball in Week 7
Week 7 of the NBA season has been marred by several significant injuries, with some players’ absences creating opportunities for others. Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, who sprained his right MCL, will miss at least two more weeks. In his absence, Nickeil Alexander-Walker (47 percent ownership) has stepped up and should be a valuable addition for 12-team leagues and some 10-team leagues. His consistent minutes and reliable fantasy output make him a player to hold onto even after Young’s return. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porziņģis (who missed the last three games due to an illness) remains a concern, especially given the late-season illness that derailed his 2024-25 season. Onyeka Okongwu (86 percent ownership) will continue to start, providing stable fantasy value, while Mouhamed Gueye (two percent ownership) plays rotation minutes but lacks the production to justify rostering in most leagues.
Brandon Miller’s Shoulder Injury and Its Fantasy Implications
Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets tweaked his left shoulder during Saturday’s game, a recurrence of the injury that sidelined him for 13 games earlier this season. The Hornets updated his status to a shoulder subluxation for Wednesday’s game against the Knicks, raising concerns about his immediate availability. In his absence, managers in 12-team leagues (and some 10-team leagues) should consider adding Kon Knueppel (51 percent ownership). Collin Sexton (28 percent ownership) is also a deeper league option, especially given LaMelo Ball’s injury history.
Coby White and Kevin Huerter’s Injuries and Chicago Bulls Rotational Changes
The Chicago Bulls’ injury report for Wednesday’s game against the Nets included several notable names, with Coby White (strained calf) and Kevin Huerter (strained hamstring) being the most impactful. With White and Huerter out, Tre Jones (22 percent ownership, questionable with a sprained ankle) and Ayo Dosunmu (23 percent ownership) become key targets. Dosunmu, in particular, has a higher ceiling when the Bulls are close to full strength. Additionally, Zach Collins (one percent ownership) participated in Wednesday’s shootaround and could make his season debut, though he isn’t an immediate must-add but is worth monitoring.
Jarrett Allen’s Absence and Cleveland Cavaliers’ Rotational Adjustments
Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers was held out of Sunday’s loss to the Celtics due to a strained right ring finger and will miss at least one week. Jaylon Tyson (20 percent ownership) has emerged as a top-50 player in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks, making him a valuable target in Allen’s absence. Evan Mobley has shifted to the center position, though his fantasy value hasn’t significantly increased yet. The Cavaliers’ frontcourt shuffle provides opportunities for managers to bolster their rosters with Tyson’s consistent contribution.
Key Injuries and Rotational Changes in Other Teams
In the Dallas Mavericks, Dereck Lively II (injured foot) and Daniel Gafford (injured) have led to Anthony Davis and Dwight Powell (less than one percent ownership) taking on increased roles. Naji Marshall (18 percent ownership) becomes a valuable waiver wire addition, especially with P.J. Washington (45 percent ownership) out with a sprained right ankle.
For the Denver Nuggets, Jamal Murray’s sprained right ankle makes Jalen Pickett, Tim Hardaway Jr. (six percent ownership), and Bruce Brown (two percent ownership) potential short-term streamers. Peyton Watson (26 percent ownership) and Spencer Jones (five percent ownership) also gain increased value with Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun out.
The Golden State Warriors are without Stephen Curry (right quad contusion) and Jimmy Butler III (sore left knee). Brandin Podziemski (37 percent ownership) replaces Curry in the starting lineup, while new addition Seth Curry (one percent ownership) and Pat Spencer (less than one percent ownership) are worth monitoring.
Ja Morant’s strained right calf continues to sideline the Memphis Grizzlies, with Vince Williams Jr. (19 percent ownership) and Cam Spencer (seven percent ownership) benefiting from increased minutes.
The Miami Heat’s Norman Powell (sprained left ankle) may miss more games, with Pelle Larsson (two percent ownership) and Jaime Jaquez Jr. (39 percent ownership) stepping in. However, their fantasy ceilings are limited with Tyler Herro’s return.
In the Milwaukee Bucks, Kevin Porter Jr. (lower back spasms) is questionable for Wednesday’s game, with Ryan Rollins (57 percent ownership) and AJ Green (14 percent ownership) poised to benefit from his absence.
Zion Williamson’s strained right adductor will sideline him for at least three weeks, with Tre Murphy (reeb), Saddiq Bey (36 percent ownership), and Bryce McGowens (one percent ownership) gaining increased fantasy importance for the New Orleans Pelicans.
For the Oklahoma City Thunder, Luguentz Dort (strained adductor) and Alex Caruso (sore quad) have led to Ajay Mitchell (35 percent ownership) and Cason Wallace (26 percent ownership) remaining on the radar in 12-team leagues.
The Phoenix Suns are without Devin Booker (groin injury) for at least three games, with Dillon Brooks (43 percent ownership), Collin Gillespie (32 percent ownership), and Royce O’Neale (20 percent ownership) stepping up.
The Portland Trail Blazers are without Jrue Holiday (strained calf), leading to Deni Avdija (99 percent ownership), Jerami Grant (41 percent ownership), and Toumani Camara (43 percent ownership) taking on more significant roles.
The San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (calf injury) and Stephon Castle (hip injury) are progressing, with Luke Kornet (11 percent ownership) and Julian Champagnie (17 percent ownership) filling in effectively.
RJ Barrett’s sprained right knee keeps him out for the Toronto Raptors, with Ja’Kobe Walter (one percent ownership) and Gradey Dick (three percent ownership) gaining increased minutes.
Finally, the Washington Wizards are without Alex Sarr (sore right adductor), with Marvin Bagley III (13 percent ownership) providing top-25 value in the starting lineup. Justin Champagnie (one percent ownership) has also seen increased minutes, but his long-term value remains questionable.
