With the NBA Trade deadline past us and new faces in new places, plenty of opportunity around the league has opened up for players to become viable fantasy basketball additions. Some players in new spots, such as Max Christie, have made such an immediate impact on their new teams you’d be hard pressed to let them sit on the waiver wire any longer. Let’s dive into this week's top fantasy basketball waiver wire adds and the injuries we’re dealing with too.

 

 

 

NBA Injury Report Ahead of Week 17 Games: Fantasy Basketball Injuries

It was definitely a bit of an awkward week as many believed Luka Doncic would make his Los Angeles Lakers debut Saturday night, forcing ESPN's hand to re-organize their television schedule. Alas, he has yet to make his debut in Southern California and the expected date has been slightly delayed.

Let's dive into the fantasy basketball waiver wire adds and the top players we’re monitoring in terms of NBA injuries.

 

 

 

NBA Week 17 Injury Report

Luka Doncic Injury Update - Calf

We’re likely going to see Luka Doncic make his Los Angeles Lakers debut on Monday as he returns from a calf injury that has sidelined him since Christmas.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update - Calf

This is a fourth straight absence for Giannis Antetokounmpo as he is dealing with a calf injury. Calf injuries are scary because it’s directly tied to the Achilles. There’s nothing suggesting that’s what’s happening here, but missing four straight and possibly more is something to monitor.

 

 

 

Anthony Edwards Injury Update - Hip

After scoring 90 points in two games, Anthony Edwards sat out on Saturday due to a hip injury. This is something to monitor moving forward. 

Anthony Davis Injury Update - Groin

Despite an absolute dominant performance in the first half for Anthony Davis, he left late in the third quarter with a groin injury. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported it’s not anything serious and not anything that will keep Davis out for a long stretch. 

Kevin Durant Injury Update - Ankle

We haven’t seen Kevin Durant in back-to-back games after turning his ankle during the Suns’ overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Phoenix next plays on Tuesday.

RJ Barrett Injury Update - Concussion

Although he’s been ruled out for Sunday, RJ Barrett is trending in the right direction as he rejoined the team ahead of Sunday’s game. Seems as if he’s a good day of practice away from returning.

 

 

 

Michael Porter Injury Update - Hamstring

For what it’s worth, Michael Porter told Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette he could’ve played on Saturday if needed, so it doesn’t seem like it’s anything serious.

P.J. Washington Injury Update - Ankle

P.J. Washington returned from personal matters on Saturday and immediately turned his ankle in the second quarter and was immediately ruled out. It looked like a pretty brutal sprain, so it’s possible we don’t see Washington until after the All-Star break.

OG Anunoby Injury Update - Toe

Shams Charania of ESPN reported that OG Anunoby won’t return to action until after the All-Star break, so we should see Precious Achiuwa continue to start for the Knicks until he’s back.

 

 

 

Fantasy Basketball Week 17 Waiver Wire

Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz - 36% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy

In the last three games that Jordan Clarkson has played in, he’s been extended past 33 minutes and has been the elite scorer we’ve seen his whole career. He’s scored 21 or more points, three or more rebounds, three or more assists and 32-plus fantasy points. Clarkson, even when the team is fully healthy, he’s the team’s primary bench scorer and has been really consistently scored fantasy points, which is the most important thing here.

Isaiah Collier, Utah Jazz - 33% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy

Isaiah Collier has been incredibly impressive for Utah for the better part of a month now. He’s been so impressive, that Keyonte George was moved to the bench! He’s had six or more assists in nine straight games and in 18 of his last 19 overall. He’s had nine or more in his last four contests and three double-doubles too. The scoring has been what’s really driven his value sky-high, too, because he had scored 11 or more points in seven straight games before Saturday’s game. Collier is a must-own in all formats at this point, especially when you see Utah starting him even when they’re at full strength. That tells you all you need to know about how they view him.

 

 

 

Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls - 26% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy

Matas Buzelis checks in for the second consecutive week for a reason. He’s blossoming into a stud, right before our eyes. Buzelis has started a few games in a row and has now put up 30-plus fantasy points in three straight. He’s scored 12-plus points in six consecutive games and has been consistently filling up the rebounds and stocks columns too. With the position the Bulls are in, Buzelis is a must-add at this point.

Max Christie, Dallas Mavericks - 24% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy

There have been plenty of players across the NBA that have gotten expanded roles and bettered their situations after the NBA trade deadline and few have made a bigger impact than Max Christie. Yes, you read that correctly. Max Christie. Through three games with the Mavericks, Christie’s topped 30 minutes in each, has scored at least 15 points including 23 last game, while stuffing the stat sheet elsewhere. Putting up 30 or more fantasy points in each of your first three games for your new team, while coming off the bench. I’m not sure how long Christie is going to be coming off the bench for.

Georges Niang, Cleveland Cavaliers - 3% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy

In his first game since the trade deadline, Georges Niang started at power-forward for the Atlanta Hawks, a void left by De’Andre Hunter and Jalen Johnson. Niang was awesome, knocking down four threes, while posting a 16 point, six rebounds, three assist, and three steal game. He’s very good when extended and can do a LOT of different things. If he can continue to knock down 40% of his threes like he has his entire career, he’s going to fit in perfectly with the Hawks considering how often Trae Young is looking for teammates. This is a match made in heaven.