We’ve had some earth-shattering NBA injuries take place lately, primarily with Victor Wembanyama, that have opened up the door for some really electric fantasy basketball waiver wire picks.

Let’s jump into some of the top fantasy basketball waiver wire picks and some of the players we’re monitoring with NBA injuries.

 

 

 

NBA Injury Report Ahead Of Week 18 Games: Fantasy Basketball Injuries

As we enter the stretch run of the year, with most teams around 25 games left as the week kicks off, we’re going to see teams shorten their rotations for the stretch run and some give some of their younger players more opportunities.

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

 

 

 

NBA Week 18 Injury Report

Victor Wembanyama Injury Update - Shoulder

It’s an unfortunate end to Victor Wembanyama’s season, but it’s complete due to some scary circumstances. 

Wemby has blood clots in his shoulder and although the Spurs are calling it a one off, we hope for Wemby’s sake this isn’t something that will re-occur at any point during his career.

Anthony Davis Injury Update - Thigh

There’s no specific timeline for Anthony Davis, but a March return seems the most likely. He re aggravated his abductor.

Deandre Ayton Injury Update - Calf

The report on Deandre Ayton isn’t great. He’s expected to miss a minimum of four weeks, which puts his timeline at the end of March. Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams will primarily operate as the team's centers while Jabari Walker sprinkles in too.

Jalen Suggs Injury Update - Quadriceps

Jalen Suggs’ injury has been limited to barely doing anything seemingly, per head coach Jamahl Mosley. We’ll see when he’ll get back on the floor, but until he’s back, Cole Anthony is a solid fantasy option.

 

 

 

Cam Thomas Injury Update - Hamstring

Per head coach Jordi Fernandez, Cam Thomas’ return is going to be soon, but he didn’t give an exact date. Thomas likely won’t be a viable fantasy option this week, but moving forward is a different story.

D'Angelo Russell Injury Update - Ankle

We’re unsure how many games Russell will miss, but we know he’s at least going to miss one more this week. Russell’s fantasy upside is capped with how limited he’s been in the Brooklyn eco system, but he’s a decent depth piece.

Jonathan Kuminga Injury Update - Ankle

It’s been reported that Jonathan Kuminga will miss at least two more games. He’ll play a prominent role off of the Warriors bench.

Ayo Dosunmu Injury Update - Shoulder

This sore shoulder that Ayo Dosunmu is dealing with is going to shut him down for a timeline that’s TBD. We haven’t had anything else said about the situation.

Mitchell Robinson Injury Update - Ankle

Yes, it’s exciting for the Knicks to get Mitchell Robinson back. It’s not viable in fantasy given his injury history and likely limitations playing off the bench.

 

 

 

Fantasy Basketball Week 18 Waiver Wire

Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies - 46% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy

The minutes are trending upwards as the games are of the utmost importance for the remainder of the year. Aldama’s scoring and rebounding are the two things that make him really valuable in fantasy. 

The Grizzlies always have the ability to use Jaren Jackson at center, which gives Aldama a lot more playing time.

Wendell Carter, Orlando Magic - 29% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy

The Magic have gone back to Wendell Carter in the starting lineup and he’s been fantastic. He has two double-doubles and in the third game he had nine points and 15 rebounds. 

He’s been dominating on the glass and providing them an offensive spark as a fourth option. He doesn’t give you much else, but consistent double-double threats being available in over 70% of Yahoo! Leagues don’t fall from trees.

 

 

 

Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs - 24% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy

With Victor Wembanyama out for the year, Keldon Johnson should step up offensively in a big way. He’s scored 15 and 28 points in the two games without Wembanyama and his minutes have trended up to 25 and 30. Hard to ignore his offensive firepower on a team that needs it.

Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers - 23% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy

As the 76ers are in a full collapse mode, Quentin Grimes has been a breath of fresh air for them since his addition. He has scored double-figure points in all six games he’s played with Philadelphia. 

What he’ll also benefit from is how often Joel Embiid and Paul George are in and out of the lineup. While the team figures out what they want to do, whether or not it’s let Joel Embiid get surgery, Grimes will continue to thrive.

Moses Moody, Golden State Warriors - 10% Rostered on Yahoo! Fantasy

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s what is happening for the Warriors right now as they’re inserted Moses Moody into the starting lineup lately and are simply extending him in general. 

Since they acquired Jimmy Butler, they’ve put more shooting around him with Moody and he’s scored double figures in four straight games. He’s put up 26 or more fantasy points in four consecutive games and has been good on both ends of the floor.