NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
Week 4 features the beginning of the second annual Emirates NBA Cup, with group play games once again scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays. Unfortunately, fantasy managers must also deal with critical injuries while assembling their lineups. While Joel Embiid will make his anticipated season debut on Tuesday, Kevin Durant and Ja Morant are facing extended absences due to their recent injuries. Let’s look at the Week 4 schedule breakdown and some critical storylines.
Week 4 Games Played
4 Games: BKN, CHI, CLE, DAL, DET, HOU, LAC, MIN, NOR, NYK, OKC, PHO, SAC, SAS, UTA, WAS
3 Games: ATL, BOS, CHA, IND, LAL, MEM, MIA, MIL, ORL, PHI, POR, TOR
2 Games: DEN, GSW
Week 4 Storylines
– Suns will be without Kevin Durant for at least two weeks
At 8-1, Phoenix is off to its best start in franchise history. Unfortunately, Friday’s win over the Mavericks included a critical injury, with Kevin Durant suffering a strained calf that will sideline him for at least two weeks. The Suns play four games in Week 4, including two back-to-backs (the first begins on Tuesday). While Ryan Dunn could be Mike Budenholzer’s choice to fill the void in the starting lineup, Royce O’Neale is the player fantasy managers should seek out immediately. Rostered in 22% of Yahoo leagues, he’s ranked just outside the top 50 in 9-cat per-game value.
– Joel Embiid to make his return on Tuesday
The 76ers will welcome back their starting center on Tuesday, as the matchup with the Knicks is the first Embiid is eligible for. Sidelined due to a lingering knee injury, the 2023 NBA MVP was suspended three games for his shoving of a columnist in the 76ers locker room. Tuesday’s Emirates NBA Cup matchup with the Knicks is the first game Embiid is eligible for, but this is not the best schedule for managers who have him or Paul George rostered.
The matchup with New York is the first of a back-to-back, as the 76ers host Cleveland the following night. With Tuesday’s game being a marquee matchup, managers should plan for Embiid and George sitting out the matchup with Cleveland. So, while Andre Drummond’s production has decreased, he’ll have some value during Week 4, and the same…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-25-fantasy-basketball-week-020000667.html
Author : NBC Sports
Publish date : 2024-11-10 02:00:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
