NBA Injury Report & Waiver Wire Ahead Of Week 15 Games: Luka Doncic, Kel'el Ware
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We’re just weeks away from both the NBA trade deadline and the NBA All-Star break and teams could look very different after the deadline.
What’s this mean? More fantasy basketball waiver wire options could open up!
NBA Injury Report Ahead of Week 15 Games: Fantasy Basketball Injuries
There are also some major NBA injuries we’re monitoring as Luka Doncic is nearing a return and Jalen Johnson re-injured his shoulder.
Let's dive into all the injuries we’re monitoring and players that we should prioritize on the fantasy basketball waiver wire heading into Week 15 of the NBA season.
NBA Week 15 Injury Report
Luka Doncic Injury Update - Calf
It seems as if things are trending in the right direction for Luka Doncic and reports suggest he will be back before the All-Star break. He could be back by the time Week 16 of the fantasy season kicks off.
Jalen Johnson Injury Update - Shoulder
It’s unfortunate, but the Hawks announced that there is currently no timetable for the return of Jalen Johnson due to another aggravation of his shoulder. Johnson’s going to get an MRI and then we’ll go from there.
Paul George Injury Update - Finger
Sunday was a big day for Paul George after he left Saturday’s game with a jammed pinky. Head coach Nick Nurse said George was getting an MRI on Sunday (today) to see the severity.
Brandon Miller Injury Update - Wrist
It’s unfortunate, but Brandon Miller has officially been ruled out for the remainder of the year due to wrist surgery.
Coby White Injury Update - Ankle
After being listed as questionable before last Thursday’s game, Coby White was ruled out for at least a week. That timeline would get him back for the final two games of the week if it holds firm. White wouldn’t be a weekly roster lock option if that timeline holds firm.
Donte DiVincenzo Injury Update - Toe
It was revealed this past Friday that Donte DiVincenzo is dealing with turf toe and a partial tear of the plantar ligament but does not need surgery. He’ll be re-evaluated in three weeks.
Fantasy Basketball Week 15 Waiver Wire
Kel'el Ware, Miami Heat - 45% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy
It’s hard to imagine anyone on the waiver wire is as productive as Kel'el Ware figures to be for the remainder of the season. Sure, he didn’t play all too well this past Saturday, but he had scored 20-plus points and grabbed eight-plus rebounds in the three games prior.
He’s started four straight games and with Jimmy Butler slated to return from suspension, that shouldn’t change. This is the top add on the waiver wire and it’s not all too close.
Nick Richards, Phoenix Suns - 42% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy
The fit in Phoenix for Nick Richards has gone swimmingly as he’s coming off a career-high 19 rebound game while also scoring 20 points. It’s the third time in four games in which he’s grabbed at least 11 rebounds and in two straight he’s had 15-plus.
He’s clearly the go-to center option as he’s entered the starting lineup, and Mason Plumlee is the backup while Jusuf Nurkic rots on the bench and is in every trade rumor there is. Richards is still available in over 50% of Yahoo! Fantasy leagues and has a four-game week to look forward too.
Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors - 42% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy
My eyebrow was raised watching the two games Brandin Podziemski has played since returning from injury because the minutes and production have been solid. He’s played 21 and 24 minutes and scored 20 and 34 fantasy points.
The Warriors have a LOT of struggling pieces and multiple injuries they’re dealing with as well. Podziemski could very well play himself into more playing time if he continues to be a positive for a struggling Warriors squad.
Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves - 41% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy
With Donte DiVincenzo expected to miss more time, Jaden McDaniels should continue to flourish on both ends of the ball. We know his ability defensively, that’s not what has been in question up to this point. His offense and his rebounding have taken a leap since DiVincenzo went down.
McDaniels has scored in double-figures in six straight games and has eight or more rebounds in three straight and four of five. The minutes are at an all-time high, too, as he’s played no fewer than 30 in 11 straight and has played in 38 or more in three of four. Safe, solid production, that has massive upside because of the stocks he can provide.
Vit Krejci, Atlanta Hawks - 10% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy
Vit Krejci has already been starting, but with the news that Jalen Johnson’s injury will be something that’s indefinite and there’s no timetable for, he should see plenty of opportunity moving forward.
Let’s not forget Zaccharie Risacher is out too, so while both are sidelined, it’s hard to ignore the minutes and potential fantasy upside. He’s available in over 90% of Yahoo! Fantasy leagues and in January, he’s averaging 12.2 points, 3.9 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game while shooting a robust 48% from three and 50% from the floor.
Player News
Dwight Powell has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Warriors.
PJ Washington is listed as active ahead of the his team’s Sunday matchup with the Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) will miss at least two more games before suiting up for the Warriors again.
Trayce Jackson-Davis (illness) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Mitchell Robinson hopes to make his 2024-25 debut in the next week.
The Knicks will start Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns against the Celtics on Sunday.