Jaxson Hayes DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (face) is not on the injury report for Wednesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. The 24-year-old big man played only seven minutes in the previous game against the Utah Jazz, exiting the action with a facial contusion. However, he will not have to miss additional time because of the injury. Hayes has started seven consecutive games for the Lakers, averaging 8.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks over that span. With the Mark Williams trade rescinded, the Lakers will likely continue to roll with Hayes in the starting unit at the number five position.

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Jaxson Hayes will take Anthony Davis' (abdomen) starting position in Thursday's game against the Washington Wizards. Davis has been ruled out for at least a week, meaning Hayes should receive multiple opportunities to start in the upcoming games. Hayes has averaged 6.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in 28.7 minutes in his previous three starts this season. The Wizards allow the most fantasy points in the league to centers, so Hayes should be more productive on Thursday if he receives enough playing time. Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Koloko will provide backup at the center position.

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes hasn't played since November 26 due to an ankle injury, but he'll be able to return to action on Thursday at home against Portland, according to coach JJ Redick. Not only is he ready to get back into action, he'll jump right back into the starting lineup in place of Anthony Davis (ankle). Hayes has made one start this season, producing eight points, 10 rebounds, and one assist in 35 minutes against the Grizzlies. He probably won't be ready for that much work after such a long absence, but he does make an intriguing DFS value given his likely expanded role. The 24-year-old has averaged 6.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in his 17.5 minutes per game in 11 games this season. In addition to Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith and Rui Hachimura will likely help fill Davis's minutes in the frontcourt while LeBron James and Austin Reaves will get more usage and production in this favorable matchup.