January 31, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (personal) will not play Saturday against Chicago and remains uncertain for Sunday's rematch, leaving Miami short-handed again. Powell's absence opens short-term fantasy value elsewhere, especially for
Jaime Jaquez Jr., who has logged at least 28 minutes in four of his last five games and posted 19 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in his most recent outing.
Bam Adebayo should continue to shoulder a heavy offensive load, while
Andrew Wiggins sees steadier usage. Jaquez Jr. profiles as a strong streamer if Powell remains sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 31, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Jeremy Sochan (quad) will miss Saturday's game in Charlotte, extending his absence to three straight contests with left quad soreness, with Sunday against Orlando up next. The development carries minimal fantasy relevance, as Sochan has struggled to secure a steady role in a deep rotation. He has often logged single-digit minutes or been a healthy scratch, limiting his category impact.
Harrison Barnes and
Julian Champagnie remain locked into forward minutes, while
Keldon Johnson continues to anchor the second unit. Sochan can be left on waiver wires outside of very deep formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 31, 2026
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher
Brayan Bello continues to emerge in trade talks, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. Boston currently has a surplus of starting pitchers, with the signings of
Ranger Suarez and
Sonny Gray and the emergence of young arms like
Payton Tolle and
Connelly Early. Through the offseason, reports have suggested the Red Sox have also begun to "quietly" shop for the right-hander, indicating they have been looking for a suitor. The Red Sox were linked to several of the top free-agent third basemen but were unable to agree to terms with any. However, reports suggest they have also shown interest in Houston's
Isaac Paredes, and Bello would likely be included in this package if both sides reached an agreement. Bello logged a career-high 166 2/3 innings with the Red Sox last season and held a 3.35 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP. If he were to remain in Boston, he would likely serve as the team's No. 4 starter.
--Andy SmithSource: Jen McCaffrey
January 31, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Keyonte George (ankle) exited Friday's loss to Brooklyn late in the fourth quarter after turning his left ankle and did not return, though postgame imaging was clean. He still led Utah with 26 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one block, and 32 minutes, underscoring how much offense runs through him. George's strong play this season means any absence would leave a significant usage gap.
Isaiah Collier would be the primary beneficiary after averaging 11.3 points and 7.3 assists over his last three games, with rookie
Walter Clayton Jr. potentially picking up a few extra minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Ben Anderson
January 31, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies left-handed starting pitcher
Jesus Luzardo has yet to begin discussions for a contract extension with the club. However, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reported that the team could look ot start preliminary discussions once spring training begins. Team president Dave Dombrowski has expressed interest in the southpaw, and both sides could look to discuss it before the regular season begins. Earlier this offseason, both sides agreed to an $11 million contract to avoid arbitration. Luzardo made his Phillies debut in 2025 and performed quite well, tossing a career-high 183 2/3 innings and posting a 3.92 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. He struck out 216 hitters and generated a strong 3.33 xERA. Lucardo projects to remain the team's No. 2 pitcher, behind
Cristopher Sanchez, while
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) works his way back from injury. Given his high strikeout upside, Luzardo holds mid-end SP2 upside in all formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Charlotte Varnes
January 31, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard
Stephen Curry (knee) did not return Friday against Detroit after dealing with right knee soreness, wrapping up the night with 23 points, two assists, one rebound, one block, and 25 minutes before heading to the locker room in the third quarter. Curry was noticeably limited before his exit and should be viewed as questionable for Tuesday against Philadelphia.
De'Anthony Melton has already been operating with an expanded role following Jimmy Butler's (knee) season-ending absence and continued to deliver with 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists. If Curry misses additional time, Melton's usage and minutes could climb further, while
Pat Spencer,
Brandin Podziemski, and
Will Richard would see modest bumps in deeper fantasy formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Warriors PR
January 31, 2026
According to Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic, Philadelphia Phillies infield prospect
Aidan Miller is not expected to break camp with the MLB roster. While Varnes noted that a 2026 MLB debut remains in play, he will likely not be on the team's Opening Day roster given the team's current infield depth. Miller is considered the team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com and overall No. 32 prospect in the sport. Miller joined the organization with the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of J.W. Mitchell HS. Miller spent the majority of the 2025 season with Double-A before finishing the season with a brief taste at Triple-A. Through 108 games at Double-A, Miller held a .259/.382/.427 line with 13 home runs and 52 stolen bases. During his brief eight-game stint at Triple-A, Miller posted a .333/.514/.519 line. Even though he is not expected to break camp with the MLB roster, he could become a top stash candidate in deeper category formats early in the season, given his five-category skill set.
--Andy SmithSource: Charlotte Varnes
January 31, 2026
Chicago White Sox infielder
Luisangel Acuna is expected to compete for the starting center field role during spring training, according to Dan Bartels of The New York Post. Acuna was shipped to the White Sox from the New York Mets earlier this winter in exchange for outfielder
Luis Robert Jr. Acuna made his MLB debut during the 2024 season, but earned his first extended stint in the big league last summer. Across a career-high 95 games with the Mets in 2025, Acuna held a .234/.293/.274 slash line with seven doubles and 16 stolen bases. Through 159 career games at Triple-A, Acuna has held a .265/.307/.360 line with seven long balls and 48 stolen bases. Even though Acuna has primarily been an infielder coming up through the New York system, he will have an opportunity to carve out a role in the Chicago outfield. He is a name to watch in deeper category formats given his high-speed upside.
--Andy SmithSource: Dan Bartels
January 31, 2026
Seattle Mariners infield prospect
Colt Emerson has earned an invite to big-league spring training. Emerson is currently viewed as the top prospect in the Seattle system on MLB.com and the No. 9-ranked overall prospect in the sport. Emerson joined the Mariners with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of John Glenn HS. Last summer, Emerson began the season with High-A Everett but finished it at Triple-A. Through 90 games at High-A, Emerson posted a .281/.388/.453 slash line with 16 doubles, 11 home runs, and six stolen bases. Through 40 games shared between Double-A and Triple-A, Emerson held a .293/.372/.470 line. Managers should closely monitor his progress during camp as he could be in the mix to crack the Opening Day roster.
--Andy SmithSource: Seattle Mariners
January 31, 2026
Chicago White Sox catcher
Edgar Quero was working at Driveline in the offseason to improve his swing. Quero has been looking to increase his bat speed and quality of contact for the upcoming campaign. The young backstop made his MLB debut last summer and posted a .268/.333/.356 line with 17 doubles and five home runs. While he showed a strong eye at the plate with a 17.6% K%, he struggled to generate hard contact, posting a low .290 xwOBA and 67.5 mph bat speed, which placed him in the fourth percentile. Coming up in the minor leagues, Quero posted an .829 OPS across 98 games at the upper levels during the 2024 season. This season, Quero is slated to share catching duties with
Kyle Teel, but he could carve out a role as a primary DH if he were to increase his power upside. For now, he is a name to monitor in deeper two-catcher formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Aiden Gonzalez
January 31, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Charlie Coyle led his team on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring his second career hat trick in a 4-2 win. The 33-year-old produced a power-play goal late in the first period, opened the second period with an even-strength tally, and sealed his hat trick with an empty-net goal. Coyle also collected an assist on Friday night. In recent games, Coyle has been on another level, notching five goals and four assists across his last three outings. The hot streak has boosted Coyle's scoring total to 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists) in 53 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 31, 2026
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek (illness) missed Friday's practice but is expected to play on Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre reports. Hronek hasn't sat out any games this season and looks ready to keep his proud record despite dealing with an illness. Since Quinn Hughes moved to Minnesota, Hronek has been Vancouver's No. 1 defenseman, averaging 24:50 of ice time in January. He has notched 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in his last 15 appearances. For the season, Hronek has managed 32 points (five goals, 27 assists) in 54 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 31, 2026
Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha (upper body) is not traveling with the team for Sunday's Stadium Series matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After sustaining an upper-body injury in Thursday's win over Philadelphia, Zacha is also in danger of missing Wednesday's contest against the Florida Panthers. Boston also lost Elias Lindholm (upper body) this week, leaving the team without two of its top centers. Fraser Minter has moved up in the lineup to fill Lindholm's spot, and with Zacha out, Matthew Poitras could also see time on a scoring line. The team may also decide to use Casey Mittelstadt as a center on Sunday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 31, 2026
Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm (upper body) will remain behind as the team heads out for two games in Florida. The Swedish forward suffered an upper-body injury earlier this week, and unfortunately, he won't be healthy enough to play in Sunday's Stadium Series contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Additionally, Lindholm will miss a meeting with the Florida Panthers on Wednesday. Pavel Zacha (upper body) will also sit out the two games, meaning youngsters Fraser Minten and Matthew Poitras may be Boston's top-six centers for at least a couple of games. Casey Mittelstadt could also slot into the middle after spending time on the wing.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 31, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (groin) appears ready to rejoin the lineup on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. He practiced on the second line on Friday, and Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube told reporters after the session there is a good chance Nylander will play against Vancouver. The Swedish star has been sidelined for seven games due to a groin injury. Nylander has scored in five of his last six appearances, racking up 17 goals for the season. He paces the Maple Leafs with 48 points in 37 games. Nylander's return will bump Matthews Knies to the third line.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
January 31, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (undisclosed) didn't practice on Friday and may skip Saturday's matchup against the New York Rangers. The veteran blue-liner recently sat out two games due to an upper-body injury, and it's unclear if he has aggravated the same injury or is dealing with something new. After being limited to 30 points last term, Letang already boasts 25 points (three goals, 22 assists) in 50 contests this season. He ranks second on his team with 64 blocks and fourth with 67 hits. Connor Clifton is set to fill in for Letang if he can't play against the Rangers.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 31, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (undisclosed) sat out Friday's practice, leaving his status for Saturday's tilt against the New York Rangers unclear. Malkin recently missed a month of action due to a shoulder injury, and he appeared to have been hurt in Sunday's matchup against the Vancouver Canucks. Yet, the Russian veteran logged his usual minutes on Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. With three goals and three assists in his last four outings, Malkin has been thriving as a winger on the second line. Should he miss Saturday's game, Anthony Mantha may be promoted to the top six.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 30, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham (hip) will play on Friday night against
Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. Detroit's leading man was a slight doubt for the game due to a sore right hip, but he has been cleared for action and will start the contest. After some disappointing outings earlier this month, Cunningham has been back to his best in recent games. He has averaged 25.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 9.7 assists, and 2.0 steals over the last three contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Slater
January 30, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Gui Santos (calf) has been cleared for action and will play on Friday against the Detroit Pistons. The team has upgraded Santos from probable to available ahead of tip-off. Santos is coming off a season-best 16-point performance against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. On Friday, he will go up against a much better team and a tighter defense, making it difficult for Santos to replicate his performance.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard/forward
Caris LeVert (illness) will miss a sixth consecutive game on Friday against the Golden State Warriors. The veteran is having trouble shaking off an illness and was listed as doubtful on the initial injury report. In LeVert's absence, Daniss Jenkin has held a regular role in the rotation. However, his performances as a reserve have been up and down. LeVert's next chance to return will come on Sunday against his first NBA team, the Brooklyn Nets.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Craig Porter Jr. (knee) will miss Friday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. He was a late addition to the injury report due to left knee soreness, and Cleveland has downgraded Porter Jr.'s status from questionable to out. Porter Jr. is a reserve playmaker for the Cavaliers, and his absence shouldn't significantly affect how the team operates.
Lonzo Ball is a natural option to fill in for him.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (calf) will be active against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. Valanciunas put in a 25-minute shift in Thursday's win over Brooklyn and is ready to play for a second consecutive night after initially being listed as probable.
Nikola Jokic's (knee) return will push Valanciunas to the bench, and he will have a tough time making fantasy contributions going forward. As a reserve, Valanciunas has been limited to 8.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (hamstring, hip) will play in Friday's tilt against the Los Angeles Clippers. The team has upgraded his status from probable to available. Murray has been hot recently and tallied 27 points with six assists in Thursday's win over Brooklyn. With
Nikola Jokic (knee) back in the lineup, Murray's offensive usage will drop, but he will remain a key cog in the Nuggets' offense.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic (knee) has been officially listed as available for Friday's contest against the Los Angeles Clippers. The three-time MVP is ready to make his first appearance of 2026 after recovering from a left knee bone bruise. Jokic had a monster game with 55 points and 14 rebounds in his previous meeting with the Clippers. Nuggets head coach Rick Adelman has confirmed that Jokic will have a minutes limit on Friday. Even so, the Serbian superstar doesn't need to see a lot of action to fill the box score.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) was limited in practice all week but was removed from the final injury report on Friday, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. Darnold injured his left oblique in practice before the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. The 28-year-old has played in both of the team's postseason games and has gone 37-for-53 passing for 470 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in wins over San Fran and the Los Angeles Rams. Darnold hasn't wavered since tweaking his oblique several weeks ago, and with another week until the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 8, against the New England Patriots, he should be close to 100%. The former third overall pick back in 2018 by the New York Jets threw for a season-high 346 yards against the Rams last weekend and could put up big numbers in the big game against New England.
--Keith HernandezSource: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
January 30, 2026
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
Logan Evans (elbow) will miss the entire upcoming 2026 campaign. Evans had surgery to repair a torn ulnar in his right elbow last week. Sadly, the 24-year-old won't be able to take the mound this season after having Tommy John surgery. Evans posted a 4.32 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and a 59/31 K/BB ratio across 16 games (15 starts) with the Mariners last season. Evans wasn't expected to be a top option in the rotation, but was likely going to be counted on as a back-end pitcher. The Mariners will now need to look to free agency for help or find another internal option to help fill the void.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Jude
January 30, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) is listed as questionable on the team's final injury report of the week, according to the team. Hollins was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before upgrading to a full session on Friday. The Patriots still have another week before they face off with the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 8. Hollins, who was activated from Injured Reserve last week, should be fine to play by then. The 32-year-old veteran caught both of his targets for a team-high 51 yards in the 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship in his first game back from IR. Hollins won't be expected to stand out in the big game against Seattle after he caught 46 of his 65 passes for 550 yards and only two touchdowns in 15 regular-season contests.
--Keith HernandezSource: New England Patriots
January 30, 2026
The New England Patriots listed quarterback
Drake Maye (shoulder, illness) as questionable on Friday's final injury report, per the team's official website. Maye injured his right shoulder in the win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship on Sunday and was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He did not take part in practice on Friday, but it was because of an illness. The 23-year-old MVP candidate still has another week to rest, though, and he's fully expected to play in the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 8. Fantasy managers in playoff leagues shouldn't be concerned about Maye not playing in the big game, but rather Seattle's strong defense. In just his second NFL season, Maye was one of the best QBs during the regular season, but he has struggled in his three playoff games, with 15 sacks taken, six turnovers, and a 55.5 completion percentage.
--Keith HernandezSource: Patriots.com
January 30, 2026
Chicago White Sox infielder
Miguel Vargas is excited about the chance to primarily be a third baseman this upcoming season. Vargas said he's 100 percent happy with playing third base, and it's a position he has been playing since he was a kid. He did see action at the hot corner last season, but also played 63 games at first base. Given these comments, it seems likely that
Munetaka Murakami is going to be the everyday option at first base. The shift to full-time third baseman is a downgrade defensively for Vargas, who made nine errors in 79 games at the hot corner last season. He doesn't offer a ton of upside with the bat, but he did produce decent power numbers last season. Vargas slashed .234/.316/.401 with 16 home runs, 60 RBI, and six steals in 138 games in 2025. He figures to be the everyday man at third base with
Lenyn Sosa mixed in as well.
--Andy WebbSource: Scott Merkin
January 30, 2026
Chicago White Sox catcher
Kyle Teel has reportedly put on some muscle this offseason. According to Scott Merkin, Teel has added about 20 pounds of muscle mass as he prepares for the 2026 season. The 23-year-old put together solid numbers during his time on the South Side last season. Teel slashed .273/.375/.411 with eight home runs and 35 RBI in 78 games in 2025. The hope is that the addition of muscle mass will help Teel in the power category this upcoming season. The former first-round pick is hopefully going to be a big part of the future on the South Side of Chicago. Fantasy managers should be excited to see what a full season of Teel looks like at the big league level.
--Andy WebbSource: Scott Merkin
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