Clippers Part Ways with Chris Paul
In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Clippers have decided to part ways with Chris Paul, a veteran player they had brought back to enhance their roster’s competitiveness. Paul, who had expectations of a thriving return, ended up receiving sporadic playing time, diminishing his status as a viable fantasy basketball option. With his restriction to minimal participation—reflected in his low five percent roster rate across Yahoo! leagues—the implications of his departure won’t shake up the fantasy landscape immediately. This is particularly pertinent since the Clippers currently operate as a second-apron team, limiting their ability to make transactions, including waiving Paul at this point.
Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy Basketball
In Week 7, various injuries are impacting fantasy basketball rosters across the league. One notable absence is Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks, who will remain sidelined for at least two weeks following a sprained right MCL sustained on October 29. As Young recovers, Nickeil Alexander-Walker will continue in the starting role and has made a case for increased consideration in 10-team and 12-team leagues due to his solid playing time.
Kristaps Porziņģis is also facing challenges as he deals with illness, missing several consecutive games. His situation raises concerns for fantasy managers, especially given his previous struggles with health that hindered his performance last season. Until he returns, Onyeka Okongwu will fill the starting position and is expected to provide good value, while Mouhamed Gueye remains a less favorable option due to underwhelming contributions.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Hornets’ Brandon Miller has been diagnosed with a shoulder subluxation that hampers his recovery from a prior shoulder injury, compelling the team to adjust its lineup. With rookie Sion James stepping in, it might be wise for fantasy managers to eye players like Kon Knueppel or Collin Sexton, who could yield rewards in deeper leagues during Miller’s absence.
The Chicago Bulls are grappling with injuries to key players Coby White and Kevin Huerter as they prepare for their game against the Brooklyn Nets. White’s calf strain and Huerter’s hamstring issues place added pressure on Tre Jones and Ayo Dosunmu to rise as valuable contributors until the team regains its strength.
Notable Injury Setbacks
Also noteworthy are the injury setbacks of stars like Jamal Murray (right ankle sprain), Stephen Curry (quadriceps injury), and Zion Williamson (strained right adductor). Curry’s absence for the Warriors could lead Brandin Podziemski to gain even more relevance, while Williamson’s extended recovery period propels other players like Trey Murphy into vital roles as the Pelicans navigate his loss.
As various teams adjust to these injuries, the fantasy basketball landscape remains dynamic, with several players stepping up to fill critical roles, highlighting how quickly team circumstances can change during the season. Expect further updates as this week’s games unfold and players recover from their respective ailments.
