Week 2 of NBA action brought more wonderful, and, unfortunately, some tough news regarding injury issues. In this article, we’ll review the most notable updates from around the league and any subsequent implications to help fantasy managers get the best value going forward.
Paolo Banchero started the week with a stellar performance as he delivered a career-high 50 points on 16-for-26 shooting, to go with 13 rebounds, nine assists, a steal and two blocks in a win over the Pacers. He continued the strong play with 31 points in the next game, but things took a turn for the worst when he was listed as questionable for action a day later, before finally being diagnosed with a torn oblique on October 31. The injury is expected. to keep the Magic’s budding star sidelined until at least early December, but there is no official timetable for his return. Banchero’s absence will open up more opportunities throughout the Magic’s roster, especially for Jonathan Isaac, Moritz Wagner, Anthony Black and rookie, Tristan da Silva.
Wizards rookie Alex Sarr continues to show ability on the defensive end as he has collected four blocks in each of his last two outings and is averaging 2.8 blocks per game this season. Meanwhile, Jonas Valanciunas started the week, before returning to a bench role in the next two games. The veteran big man has managed to put up solid numbers on a few occasions, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be an overly reliable provider at the center position.
More of the Wizards is the intriguing play of sophomore Bilal Coulibaly, who has scored more than 20 points in each of his last two outings and three times in five games this season.
Nikola Jokic started the week with a second consecutive 40-point performance. He followed up with a triple-double in the next outing and closed the week with two more double-doubles. The three-time MVP remains one of the top producers in the league.
Taylor Hendricks picked up his third straight start on Monday, but unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending sprain late in the game. Rookie Cody Williams has been given the starting job in the three games following the injury to Hendricks, while Drew Eubanks and Kyle Filipowski are also in the spotlight for extra minutes for the Jazz.
Anthony Edwards caught fire from long range last week, hitting seven threes in back-to-back games and shooting 17-for-34 from deep over three outings. He continues to build on his impressive trajectory, averaging career highs of 28.3 points per game and 43.2 percent shooting from deep this season.
Dennis Schroder kicked off the week with a 28-point, 14-assist double-double and followed it up with a season-high 33-point performance in the next outing. In his final two games of the week, he finished with less than 10 points in each outing but still managed to fill the stat sheet with rebounds, assists and steals. Overall, Schroder has been one of the best all-around contributors for the Nets this season.
Additionally, the Nets’ Ben Simmons has yet to score in double figures and is averaging 5.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists, with 3.3 turnovers over six games played. On a brighter note, he dished out a season-high 11 assists in a win over the Bulls on Friday.
Despite missing Stephen Curry for three straight games, the Golden State Warriors managed to snap a three-game winning streak. The squad was led primarily by Buddy Hield, who averaged 25.3 points on 51.0 percent shooting over the three outings. Hield has scored more than 20 points in five of his six games this season. Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski and Draymond Green have also been consistent contributors during the streak, while Lindy Waters exploded for 21 points in Tuesday’s win over the Pelicans. Curry is expected to make his return sometime within the next week.
RJ Barrett has put together a massive week, starting with a 20-point performance in his season debut on Monday, followed by three straight games with more than 30 points. Barrett is averaging 28.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists over four games this season. Also from the Raptors, second-year player Gradey Dick has taken his game to another level with back-to-back 30-point outings and is averaging 21.0 points on 46.8 percent shooting through seven games this season.
Scottie Barnes opened Week 2 with his third straight 20-point game and his first double-double of the year. However, the young Raptors star suffered a blow to the face late in the game that fractured his orbital bone and will keep him sidelined until at least late November. Ochai Agbaji and Jonathan Mogbo should continue to see additional playing time in Barnes’ absence.
Bronny James scored his first NBA points late in a blowout loss in Cleveland on Wednesday. However, he is not expected to see consistent or significant playing time in the near future.
Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double in each of his three games during Week 2 action, bringing him to four double-doubles in five outings this season. He also delivered a season-high 44 points in a win in Miami on Wednesday, and seems to be finding his groove with his new squad.
Victor Wembanyama made NBA history by becoming the third player to ever record multiple 5×5 games. He accomplished the feat for the second time in his career when he tallied 25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, five steals and five blocks in a win at Utah on Thursday. Additionally, the play of veteran Chris Paul was a bright spot for the up-and-coming squad. Paul has scored in double figures in four straight outings, including back-to-back double-doubles in his two most recent games.
Zion Williamson has logged an impressive week of action, scoring more than 30 points in two of his three outings, including a double-double with 34 points and 10 assists on Friday. However, he sat out of Sunday’s matchup with a hamstring strain, marking his second absence in seven games. Williamson remains doubtful to play heading into Monday’s game.
Domantas Sabonis is coming off his second triple-double of the season and the 60th of his career, which moves him past Larry Bird for the 10th-most triple-doubles of all time. Sabonis led the league with 26 triples last season and is on pace to challenge that total again.
The Memphis Grizzlies had four players (Santi Aldama, Zach Edey, Ja Morant and Scotty Pippen) record double-doubles in a win in Philly on Saturday. Additionally, Jay Huff had another impressive performance in the same game when he piled up 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting in just 14 minutes of action off the bench.
James Harden continues to do everything he can to carry the Clippers in the absence of an All-Star caliber running mate. The superstar guard has produced a double-double in each of his six outings this season, including a triple-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists, two steals and two blocks in a loss to the Suns on Thursday.
After a modest start to the campaign, Jalen Johnson put together a big week, providing two double-doubles and a season-high 29 points on two occasions. Johnson is averaging 18.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocks through seven games and should continue to emerge as one of the top contributors at the power forward position.
Finally, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder remain the only two undefeated teams in the league. The Thunder continue to be led by the dominant play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while the Cavs follow the lead of Donovan Mitchell. However, it is the top-notch supporting casts of both teams that have been the key to their consistent success. On the other hand, the Jazz is the only team that has not yet registered a victory. They are now hampered by injury trouble, with Lauri Markkanen at risk of missing a third consecutive game, and Jordan Clarkson expected to miss at least the next week of action. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks may have the most alarming start, with a 1-5 record and the fifth worst point differential in the NBA. The team has struggled to find any decent production outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, while also averaging the league’s fifth fewest assists per game.
