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Sport: BasketballCategory: Injuries

Injuries pave way for Keaton Wagler and Jaxson Hayes in NBA opener

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 21, 2026, 11:21 PM

Last updated Oct 21, 2026

Injuries pave way for Keaton Wagler and Jaxson Hayes in NBA opener
Summary

The NBA opening night sees numerous key players sidelined due to injuries, impacting fantasy basketball values. Bradley Beal, Brandon Ingram, and Jimmy Butler are among those out, which opens opportunities for rookies like Keaton Wagler of the Clippers and Jaxson Hayes of the Jazz. Wagler is expected to start, while Hayes is likely to take on a significant role at center. Other players, including Derrick Jones, Jalen Smith, and various wing players, are set to increase their minutes. As these players step into larger roles, their performances could significantly affect fantasy rosters this season.

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CBS Sports
Status Watch
  • •Bradley Beal and Brandon Ingram are out with injuries.
  • •Keaton Wagler is projected to start for the Clippers.
  • •Jaxson Hayes is likely to start at center for the Jazz.
  • •Derrick Jones is expected to take on a bigger workload.
  • •Nic Claxton is sidelined for at least two weeks due to a hamstring injury.
Latest Updates
  • 11:21 PMCBS Sports — Fantasy basketball injuries: Overnight waiver targets Keaton Wagler, Jaxson Hayes ready to shine
What they're saying
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Injuries create opening-night opportunities for Keaton Wagler, Jaxson Hayes and Dennis Schroder to deliver Fantasy value

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