Week 7 is shaping up to be a hectic period for the NBA, with most of the league’s 30 teams scheduled to play four games each. This busy slate is understandable with the Emirates NBA Cup quarter-finals just a week away. Alongside scheduling pressures, the Golden State Warriors face significant injury concerns, notably with Stephen Curry, who has sustained a quadriceps contusion. While it may not seem severe, this injury could have serious implications. Let’s break down Week 7’s schedule and key storylines that fantasy basketball managers should watch closely.
Week 7 Games Breakdown:
- 4 games: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Golden State, Houston, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami, New York Knicks, Orlando, Portland
- 3 games: Indiana, Memphis, Minnesota, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, San Antonio
- 2 games: Phoenix, Sacramento
Back-to-Back Games in Week 7:
- Sunday to Monday: Atlanta, Houston, Lakers, Utah
- Monday to Tuesday: It was unclear
- Tuesday to Wednesday: New York Knicks, Portland, San Antonio
- Wednesday to Thursday: Brooklyn
- Thursday to Friday: Boston, Raleigh, Charlotte, Toronto, Utah
- Friday to Saturday: Atlanta, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami, Milwaukee
- Saturday to Sunday: Golden State
- Sunday to Monday (Week 8): None
Key Injury Report and Highlights:
Giannis Antetokounmpo is questionable for Wednesday’s game against Miami due to a groin strain, having already missed three games.
Stephen Curry’s right quadriceps injury, sustained on November 26 during a Warriors loss, is a big concern. Though he could potentially return in Week 7 if tests go well, past examples like Grayson Allen’s lengthy recovery from a similar injury suggest caution. Golden State’s schedule includes four games, ending with back-to-back matches against Cleveland and Chicago. Brandin Podziemski has taken a starting role during Curry’s absence and might keep it for the foreseeable future.
Avoid rostering players from Phoenix and Sacramento in Week 7 due to their light schedules of just two games each, which limit fantasy value and streaming opportunities. The Kings and Suns should be monitored heading into Week 8, which features the NBA Cup knockout round and additional regular-season games.
Thursday is the lightest game day with only five matchups, and several teams will be playing back-to-back games between Thursday and Friday. Friday is the busiest day with 12 games scheduled, and key players like Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers show promising signs of durability after recent consistent minutes.
Teams like the Hawks, Rockets, Lakers, and Jazz will face multiple back-to-back scenarios that could impact player availability and fantasy value. Injuries, such as Kristaps Porzingis missing consecutive games, and uncertain roles for players like Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson in Utah, add complexity for fantasy managers.
On a positive note, Boston, Philadelphia, and Toronto have favorable schedules to wrap up Week 7, all playing three games from Thursday to Sunday. Despite some injury concerns on these teams, this provides an opportunity for fantasy managers to capitalize on their star players.
Fan Take:
This packed Week 7 schedule, combined with key injuries like Stephen Curry’s, adds a thrilling layer of unpredictability to the NBA season. For basketball fans and fantasy managers alike, the coming week could reshape team dynamics and player values as teams gear up for the critical Emirates NBA Cup quarter-finals.
