The 2024-25 NBA regular season has finally arrived. In keeping with recent traditions, Week 1 kicks off with a two-game schedule featuring the reigning champions, the Celtics, along with strong contenders New York and Minnesota. The fourth team in action is the Lakers, who have two superstars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but must navigate a competitive Western Conference. Sadly, several teams are already facing injury challenges, with certain absences poised to have a significant effect on fantasy basketball. Let’s delve into the Week 1 schedule and highlight essential storylines for fantasy managers to watch.
Week 1 Games Played
3 Games: ATL, BOS, BKN, CHA, CHI, CLE, DET, GSW, HOU, IND, LAC, LAL, MEM, MIL, MIN, NOR, OKC, ORL, PHI, PHO, POR, TOR
2 Games: DAL, DEN, MIA, NYK, SAC, SAS, UTA, WAS
Week 1 Storylines
– What will be the playing time for 76ers stars Embiid, George, and Maxey?
Philadelphia is among the teams scheduled to play three games in Week 1, but the status of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey remains uncertain. Embiid and George are grappling with knee problems. The former did not compete in the preseason, while George sustained an injury in a game against the Hawks last week and is set for re-evaluation early next week. Maxey, on the other hand, hurt his thumb during Philadelphia’s preseason finale in Orlando. The good news for fantasy managers with Embiid or George on their rosters is that Philadelphia’s Week 1 schedule does not include any back-to-back games. As the availability of these key players is still unclear, Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre Jr. stand to gain significant value.
– Clippers to be without Kawhi Leonard for an indefinite period
Kawhi Leonard’s knee continues to be a concern, and there’s no word on when he might return. After withdrawing from USA Basketball before the Paris Olympics, he underwent a knee procedure, details of which have not been disclosed. The Clippers are set to start the season with a lineup featuring James Harden, Norman Powell, Terance Mann, Derrick Jones Jr., and Ivica Zubac.
Although Harden is a sought-after early-round pick in fantasy drafts and Zubac holds potential top-100 value, can any output be expected from the other three? Powell may have the best scoring potential, but his prior seasons have shown limited defensive contributions. Additionally, Kevin Porter Jr., generally a valuable reserve, might face league suspension due to off-court legal issues that kept him sidelined last season.
– Cavaliers will be without Max Strus for at least six weeks
On Saturday afternoon, the Cavaliers announced that Max Strus will be re-evaluated in six weeks after suffering a sprained ankle during an individual workout on Thursday. Given the recovery timeline, this injury exceeds a basic rolled ankle. From a fantasy perspective, Strus was only a late-round consideration, heading into the weekend with a Yahoo ADP of 144.8, according to Hashtag Basketball. Consequently, managers drafting this weekend should avoid selecting Strus.
So, who can they target as alternatives for Cleveland’s three-game week? Caris LeVert stands out as the primary option, potentially offering the most long-term streaming value. Observers should also monitor Evan Mobley’s role in the offense and how increased opportunities might affect Jarrett Allen. This was not an issue in the preseason, but regular-season dynamics may vary.
– Will Jalen Williams be available for Oklahoma City?
Jalen Williams sprained his right ankle during Oklahoma City’s exhibition against the Hawks on October 17. He missed Saturday’s practice, but there’s optimism since the Thunder’s season opener isn’t until Thursday night in Denver. However, this match is the first of three games scheduled within four days, culminating with a Saturday/Sunday back-to-back against the Bulls (away) and Hawks (home). With Isaiah Hartenstein sidelined due to a hand injury, Oklahoma City might be missing two crucial players for the start of the week. Regarding Williams, will he be fit for both ends of a back-to-back this early in the season? Alex Caruso is already in line for a larger role due to Hartenstein’s absence, but Isaiah Joe or Aaron Wiggins might also play a more significant part in the rotation.
– Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic are set to play
Both Stephen Curry (finger) and Luka Doncic (calf) battled injuries during the preseason, with Curry sitting out Golden State’s finale on Friday and Doncic missing all of Dallas’ games. Fortunately, both players appear ready for the start of the regular season. Doncic has participated fully in recent practices, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr confirmed before their victory against the Lakers that Curry will be prepared for their opener against Portland.
This is encouraging news for fantasy managers, as both Curry and Doncic are first-round selections based on their Yahoo ADPs. There’s still curiosity about Klay Thompson’s performance alongside Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Thompson should capitalize on catch-and-shoot opportunities in Dallas; despite his poor shooting during the preseason, his established track record helps mitigate some concerns.
- How will the Knicks’ newcomers integrate as the games start to count?
This offseason, New York executed two trades, acquiring Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. Both players had challenges with their three-point shooting during the preseason, with Bridges hitting only around 11%. Towns is now seen as a second-round pick in many fantasy drafts, while Bridges has maintained his value. Playing alongside Jalen Brunson will be beneficial, as he attracts defensive attention. However, the Knicks need both Towns and Bridges to perform well right out of the gate after inconsistent shooting in the preseason.
Throughout New York’s three-game opening week, it’s also essential to keep an eye on Josh Hart’s role within the offense. He has not shied away from criticism, even failing to attempt a shot in one preseason game. Hart, as a starter, stands to lose the most productivity with the addition of Bridges and Towns; will he embrace this challenge, or will adjustments to the rotation be necessary? Stay tuned.
Light Game Days
Tuesday: 2 Games
NYK vs. BOS
MIN vs. LAL
Thursday: 4 Games
BOS vs. WAS
SAS vs. DAL
OKC vs. DEN
MIN vs. SAC
Sunday: 5 Games
PHI vs. IND
MIL vs. BKN
NOR vs. POR
ATL vs. OKC
LAC vs. GSW
Week 1 Back-to-backs
Tuesday-Wednesday: None
Wednesday-Thursday: None
Thursday-Friday: None
Friday-Saturday: CHA, CHI, CLE, DET, HOU, LAL, MEM, ORL, PHO, TOR
Saturday-Sunday: LAC, OKC
Sunday-Monday (Week 2): ATL, IND, MIL, POR
2024-25 NBA Season Preview: Key Storylines and Fantasy Insights for Week 1
Major Storylines to Watch in the 2024-25 NBA Season
The 2024-25 NBA season is upon us, and excitement is building among fans and fantasy basketball enthusiasts alike. Here are some key storylines that are expected to shape the landscape of the league:
The Rise of Young Talent
With a new wave of young players making their mark, the NBA continues to evolve. Stars like Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, and Chet Holmgren are poised to rise to superstardom:
- Victor Wembanyama: The 7-foot-3 phenom is expected to dominate the court with his unique skill set.
- Scoot Henderson: The electrifying guard brings excitement and energy to the Portland Trail Blazers.
- Chet Holmgren: After missing last season, Holmgren is ready to showcase his versatility with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Team Dynamics and Trades
Offseason trades have reshaped rosters and created intriguing dynamics. Key trades to monitor include:
- The Kevin Durant Effect: How will Durant’s presence in Phoenix impact the Suns’ championship aspirations?
- Damian Lillard’s Move: With Lillard now a Miami Heat player, how will he mesh with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo?
The Championship Chase
This season’s championship race is wide open, with several teams eyeing the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Teams to watch include:
- Milwaukee Bucks: With Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way, the Bucks look dangerous.
- Denver Nuggets: Fresh off their championship victory, can they repeat their success?
Fantasy Basketball Insights for Week 1
As the season kicks off, fantasy basketball managers are eager to maximize their lineups. Here are some critical insights for Week 1:
Key Players to Target
Identifying breakout players early on can set the tone for your fantasy season. Consider these players:
- Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers): Expected to be a top contributor with his playmaking ability.
- Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves): With an increased role, Edwards could put up huge numbers.
- Jalen Green (Houston Rockets): Look for him to take a leap this season and become a scoring machine.
Injury Updates
Monitoring player injuries is crucial as it can impact your fantasy lineup. Here are some players to keep an eye on:
- Stephen Curry: Curry has dealt with injuries in previous seasons; keep tabs on his health for the Warriors.
- Kawhi Leonard: His minutes may be managed early in the season.
Waiver Wire Targets
Early in the season, waiver wire pickups can make a significant difference. Consider these players:
- Jaden Ivey (Detroit Pistons): Watch for his development and increasing minutes.
- Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets): His potential as a double-double machine could be valuable.
Benefits of Early Season Fantasy Planning
Being proactive in your fantasy league can pay off tremendously. Here are some benefits:
- Understanding Player Roles: Early analysis helps you understand which players will have increased responsibilities.
- Spotting Trends: Watching early-season games can help you spot trends in player performance and team dynamics.
Practical Tips for Week 1 Fantasy Management
To maximize your fantasy success, here are some practical tips for Week 1:
- Stay Updated: Follow injury reports and player news closely.
- Analyze Matchups: Look at weekly matchups to determine which players might have advantageous conditions.
- Be Flexible: Adjust your lineup based on real-time news and performance.
Table of Top Fantasy Players by Position for Week 1
| Position | Player | Team | Projected Points (Week 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG | Tyrese Haliburton | Pacers | 38 |
| SG | Anthony Edwards | Timberwolves | 35 |
| SF | Jayson Tatum | Celtics | 40 |
| PF | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Bucks | 42 |
| C | Joel Embiid | 76ers | 45 |
First-Hand Experience: What to Expect in Week 1
As a seasoned fantasy player, starting off strong in Week 1 can set the tone for your entire season. Based on experiences from previous seasons, here are some insights:
- Take Risks: Don’t be afraid to start a player with a great matchup but who may be a bit under the radar.
- Follow the Trends: Players often come out swinging in the first week; capitalize on that momentum.
Conclusion: Preparing for an Exciting Season
The 2024-25 NBA season promises to be filled with thrilling matchups, emerging stars, and intense competition. By keeping a close eye on key storylines and making informed decisions for your fantasy lineup in Week 1, you’ll be well-equipped for a successful season ahead.
