-
November 8, 2024, 11:35 am
Injury Report
Indiana Pacers @ Charlotte Hornets
Game Time: : 7:10 pm ET
DraftKings Lines
IND -7 (-270), CHA +7 (+220)
Game Total 235Key Storylines
Walker Watch: Jarace Walker is coming off his best game of the season last time out, going 7-for-7 from the field including 3-of-3 from beyond the arc on his way to 17 points, adding six rebounds, two steals and one block in 23 minutes of action. The Pacers have lost two centers for the season due to injury in Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, meaning they will have to look for other options to go with at the five. This potentially opens the door for Walker to get some consistent run in small-ball lineups. The absence of Aaron Nesmith has also benefited Walker. Make sure to add Walker to your watchlist in standard formats to see how his role develops moving forward after his strong performance on Wednesday. Obi Toppin is the other player to monitor but has not been able to take advantage of his opportunities as of yet.
Relief: LaMelo Ball appeared on the injury report ahead of Wednesday’s action with an ankle issue but did suit up in the end and seemed to get through the game without any further complications. Ball has a lengthy history with ankle-related injuries, so it is never good to see him being listed on the injury report. However, we will most likely encounter this situation with LaMelo more often throughout the season, as the Hornets will play it cautiously with their franchise player in a season in which they are not expected to win many games.
Stream of the Game
Grant Williams will continue to see extended minutes with the Hornets shorthanded in the frontcourt and is the preferred option.
Miles Bridges is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks with a bruised knee, making Cody Martin a low-end streaming option in standard formats.
Alternatives: Cody Martin, Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell (if available).
Atlanta Hawks @ Detroit Pistons
Game Time: 7:10 pm ET
DraftKings Lines
ATL +1 (-102), DET -1 (-118)
Game Total 226.5Key Storylines
Neither Option Is Convincing: Both Hawks’ Centers Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu have played at a sub-par level to start the season. From a fantasy perspective, the almost even split in minutes between the two makes it difficult to consider either player as a must-roster player in standard formats. Okongwu offers more upside than Capela, and should be held onto rosters at the moment. However the Hawks’ coaching staff still seems to be reluctant to hand the reins at the position to Okongwu, limiting his upside.
Next Man Up: Jalen Duren is listed as doubtful for Friday’s contest which should result in a start for Isaiah Stewart. Fantasy managers have seen Stewart in an elevated role in prior years, and so should temper expectations even with Stewart starting. Stewart is a solid stream for Friday’s slate. Paul Reed is someone to consider in deeper formats.
Stream of the Game
The previously mentioned Isaiah Stewart can be streamed for fantasy managers in need of big man stats. For managers in need of a scoring boost, you can consider Tim Hardaway Jr.
Alternatives: Malik Beasley, Garrison Mathews, Paul Reed (deeper formats).
New Orleans Pelicans @ Orlando Magic
Game Time: : 7:10 pm ET
DraftKings Lines
NOP +6.5 (+195), ORL -6.5 (-238)
Game Total 226.5Key Storylines
Want to get access to the rest of this game preview Layup Line article? You’ll need to have an NBA FantasyPass membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!
Premium Access RequiredÂ
Click here to join us on Discord! And Follow us on Twitter by clicking here!
Join the SportsEthos team by filling out an application by clicking here!Â