Opening night is here, and the fantasy basketball injury report is already crowded. Bradley Beal, Brandon Ingram, Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, Mark Williams and Shaedon Sharpe headline a long list of key players who are sidelined, and each absence changes fantasy value for their teammates. Rookie Keaton Wagler is in line for a starting role with the Clippers, while Jaxson Hayes, Jalen Smith, Derrick Jones and Dennis Schroder could all see bigger workloads.
Use this guide for the latest NBA injury news, expected return timelines, and the best waiver wire pickups, sleepers and streaming options to protect your fantasy basketball roster in 2026-27. Beal is listed as out, with knee inflammation and has no solid return date confirmed. Strus is dealing with a partial tear to his plantar fascia, an injury that will keep him out for at least the first couple of weeks of the season.
Ingram was on track to carry a major offensive load when he was traded over from the Raptors late in the offseason. However, it was discovered that he had a partially torn Achilles, which has since been addressed through surgery, resulting in an uncertain return date for the 29-year-old. On the flip side, fifth-overall pick Keaton Wagler is projected to gain a significant boost and start at shooting guard.
The handful of injuries to wing players puts the rookie in line for a great opportunity to get his NBA career off to a hot start. Additionally, Kris Dunn, Kobe Sanders and Gradey Dick are also likely to see more action while Beal and Strus remain sidelined. Derrick Jones will be the one to step up in the absence of Ingram.
Jones has proven that he can provide good value as a starter and should serve as a reliable replacement. Nurkic is expected to be sidelined until at least early November due to a partial plantar plate tear in his toe. Filipowski is sidelined due to ongoing recovery from a back surgery and is without a clear timeline for return.
In the meantime, Jaxson Hayes is up for a significant role, as he is likely to start at center, while Mo Bamba is in line as a backup. Ace Bailey and Brice Sensabaugh could also see a boost by shifting to play some minutes at power forward. Claxton is expected to remain out for at least two weeks due to a hamstring injury.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
