The opening week has already created a handful of usable fantasy angles, with injuries and new starting jobs pushing unexpected names into larger minutes. Jalen Smith, Gui Santos and Grayson Allen have immediate category-league cases, while Yves Missi, Jonathan Kuminga and Keaton Wagler are positioned for formats that reward volume and single-game production.
Key takeaways
- Jalen Smith opened for Chicago with Nic Claxton sidelined and delivered 15 points, eight rebounds and a block in 19 minutes against Toronto.
- Golden State started Gui Santos in its opener, and Kristaps Porziņģis’ indefinite absence leaves a clear path to more wing minutes.
- Grayson Allen scored 21 points with five 3-pointers in Charlotte’s win over Brooklyn while the Hornets’ preferred starting guards remain injured.
- Yves Missi logged 30 minutes and filled the box score with 13 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks against Indiana.
- Minnesota has installed Jonathan Kuminga as a starter, while Keaton Wagler supplied 15 points and five assists in 29 reserve minutes for the Clippers.
Category-league minutes to watch
Smith is available in 57% of Yahoo leagues despite having a short-term opening in Chicago’s frontcourt. He averaged a career-best 21 minutes last season and produced 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 0.8 blocks and 1.5 made 3-pointers per game. The stretch element was real: he connected on 37.3% of his attempts from deep.
Smith had appeared set for a second-unit role behind Claxton after Nikola Vučević was dealt at the trade deadline, but injuries limited Smith’s chance to build momentum last season. Claxton’s hamstring issue, which surfaced during the preseason, will keep him out for at least the first two weeks of the schedule. Smith made the most of the first start Wednesday versus the Raptors. The 19-minute workload bears watching, but the production makes him a practical add while the center rotation is shorthanded.
Santos is another player whose role could expand fast. In 16 games last season in which he reached the 30-minute mark, the Warriors forward averaged 17.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, four assists and 2.1 3-pointers. Across the full season, he shot 50.0% from the floor and 35.1% from beyond the arc.
He had 12 points, five rebounds and a steal in Golden State’s opening loss to the Lakers, starting and playing 25 minutes. The Warriors were beaten by 22, which trimmed the regulars’ second-half workload. With Porziņģis out indefinitely — and reports indicating he is considering whether to continue his basketball career — Santos has an opportunity to settle into a much heavier nightly rotation spot. He is rostered in only 26% of leagues.
Allen’s case in Charlotte is built around scoring and perimeter volume. LaMelo Ball’s move to Minnesota left the Hornets planning to start Coby White alongside Kon Knueppel, but both guards are unavailable to begin the season. Dennis Schröder and Sion James started Wednesday against Brooklyn; Schröder played 35 minutes and James 27.
Allen came in from the bench but was the more potent offensive option, posting 21 points, three rebounds, four assists and five made 3-pointers in 29 minutes. He went 6-for-9 from the field and made all four free throws. James carries more defensive value, but Allen could still clear him in playing time even without a starting designation. For managers seeking points and 3-point production, Allen’s 30% roster rate leaves room to act.
Points and high-score options
Missi is already rostered in 59% of leagues, though his opening-night line means the remaining availability may not last long. New Orleans has built depth around the rim, but Missi currently owns the starting center assignment. He averaged 27 minutes as a rookie before falling to 20 minutes per game in 2025-26.
Against the Pacers, Missi posted a double-double and added playmaking and defensive events: 13 points, 14 boards, five assists, two steals and three blocks. The 30-minute stint was as important as the stat line. His 60.3% career free-throw percentage is a drag in nine-category setups, but points-league managers can live with it if the starting job and minutes remain intact.
Kuminga has a fresh start in Minnesota after signing a two-year deal during the offseason, and the Timberwolves immediately placed him in the first five. In Wednesday’s 131-106 win over Miami, he played 29 minutes and finished with 12 points, three assists, four steals, one block and two 3-pointers.
His appeal in High Score formats is tied to offensive upside. Kuminga can put points up in a hurry, and playing beside Ball should give Minnesota a faster lead guard setting the table. At 48% rostered, Kuminga profiles as a forward capable of producing regular spike-scoring nights.
Wagler is being brought along from the Clippers bench, but the early need for offense is clear. Kris Dunn started next to Darius Garland in the opener against Sacramento, while Wagler entered with the reserves. Los Angeles won by 25, giving Wagler 29 minutes to make his mark.
He answered with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and three 3-pointers. Brandon Ingram’s absence leaves Garland needing another scorer, and Wagler could become the Clippers’ leading secondary option. That makes the 31%-rostered guard a worthwhile High Score league target even if his early role remains off the bench.
