February 22, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves center
Rudy Gobert will miss Sunday's game against Philadelphia after the league handed him a one-game ban for exceeding the regular-season flagrant foul threshold following Friday's win over Dallas. The 33-year-old averages 32 minutes with a 13.4 percent usage rate, so the fantasy swing comes from his absence, not volume.
Naz Reid is the clear beneficiary after posting 21 points, seven rebounds, four threes, four assists, one steal, and two blocks in 31 minutes last game. Reid profiles as a strong short-term start, while
Joan Beringer is only a deep-league dart.
Julius Randle and
Anthony Edwards should see marginal rebounding and usage bumps.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (hip) will be sidelined for at least one week as a result of the right hip strain he suffered in Thursday's loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The 29-year-old has struggled to stay healthy of late, most recently missing seven contests because of a sprained right ankle. Unfortunately, the latest update means he will miss even more time moving forward. With
Dillon Brooks (hand) out indefinitely, the Suns will need to lean on
Grayson Allen,
Collin Gillespie, and
Jalen Green.
Jordan Goodwin, who had 17 points from off the bench in Saturday's double-overtime win over Orlando, should see even more work and scoring opportunities, at least until Booker is cleared to return.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
February 21, 2026
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Phoenix Suns forward
Dillon Brooks sustained a broken left hand in Saturday's double-overtime win over the Magic. He is projected to be out "for an extended period of time," although he will meet with physicians on Sunday to "determine an exact timetable." The 30-year-old has played exceptionally well this season, averaging a career-high 21.2 points with 3.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals. With
Devin Booker (hip) out at least a week, losing Brooks is a tough blow to the Suns, a team looking to remain in the Play-In conversation. At any rate, fantasy managers can expect
Collin Gillespie,
Jalen Green, and
Grayson Allen to lead the offense, at least until Booker is back in the mix.
Jordan Goodwin, amassing 17 points versus Orlando, should also gain attention from fantasy managers.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
February 21, 2026
Boston Red Sox relief pitcher
Tyler Samaniego (back) wasn't able to make his scheduled appearance during Saturday's Grapefruit game versus the Minnesota Twins. According to manager Alex Cora, Samaniego is currently viewed as day-to-day with back tightness. Cora said that Samaniego should be able to pitch again in a few days. The 27-year-old posted a 3.99 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 44/11 K/BB ratio across 30 appearances in the minors with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season. He'll attempt to make the big league roster in camp, but will likely head to Triple-A to begin the season. Samaniego should have a decent chance at making his big league debut sometime during the 2026 season.
--Andy WebbSource: Tim Healey
February 21, 2026
New York Yankees starting pitcher
Cam Schlittler (back) progressed to throwing a bullpen session on Saturday. Schlittler has thrown two bullpen sessions and should progress to facing live hitters soon. Schlittler has been slowly ramping up activities after missing time early in camp due to back inflammation. He hasn't experienced any setbacks and should get back up to full speed soon. The 25-year-old is coming off a strong rookie campaign in 2025. He registered a 2.96 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and an 84/31 K/BB ratio across 14 starts with the Yankees.
--Andy WebbSource: Brendan Kuty
February 21, 2026
Texas Rangers infielder
Cody Freeman (back) is going to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks after being diagnosed with a lower back fracture, according to Kennedi Landry. Rangers' manager Skip Schumaker told reporters that Freeman will be shut down for at least a month before starting baseball activities. The 25-year-old was expected to claim a bench spot to open the season, but that doesn't seem to be possible now. Freeman slashed .228/.258/342 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 36 games with the Rangers last season. He put together impressive numbers at Triple-A Round Rock in 2025. Freeman appears to be ready for the next level, so hopefully he'll be able to get healthy and help the Rangers at some point in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Kennedi Landry
February 21, 2026
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Dallas Cowboys are signing running back
Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million extension. Williams was set to become a free agent after signing a one-year deal with the Cowboys last offseason, but will now look to remain in Dallas for the next three seasons. With the Cowboys, Williams turned in a career season, totaling 1,201 yards with 11 rushing scores, both of which set career-highs. Through the air, Williams brought in 35 passes for another 137 yards and two touchdowns. He posted a stellar 4.8 YPC, a massive jump from the 3.7 YPC he averaged during the 2024 season with the Denver Broncos. Fantasy managers should expect Williams to maintain high-end RB2 upside playing in one of the most potent offensive units in the sport, which will continue to provide him with elite scoring opportunities.
--Andy SmithSource: Ian Rapoport
February 21, 2026
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
Logan Gilbert is scheduled to make his Spring Training debut versus the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday. It's still early in camp, which means Gilbert will likely only face a handful of batters. Reliever
Jose A. Ferrer is also scheduled to pitch on Monday, but the rest of the arms are unknown at the moment. Gilbert posted a strong 2025 campaign but was limited to 25 starts due to injuries. During that time, Gilbert posted a 3.44 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 173/31 K/BB ratio across 131.0 innings of work. He is one of the most consistent arms in the Mariners' rotation. The 28-year-old should be a trustworthy fantasy option heading into the 2026 campaign.
--Andy WebbSource: Ryan Divish
February 21, 2026
Chicago Cubs first baseman
Jonathon Long (elbow) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's Cactus League matchup versus the Texas Rangers. Long suffered a left elbow sprain while attempting to make a catch at first base. The timetable for his injury is unknown right now, but Long is expected to miss some time. The expectation is that Long will make his MLB debut at some point in 2026. Last season, Long slashed .305/.404/.479 with 20 home runs and 91 RBI in 140 games at Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs have
Michael Busch at first base, but Long could become a platoon partner at first base at some point. The 24-year-old figures to begin the season at Triple-A, but figures to see action in Chicago this season.
--Andy WebbSource: Maddie Lee
February 21, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Walter Clayton Jr. (calf) has been upgraded to available ahead of Saturday's game against the Miami Heat. Clayton is ready to go after missing the last three games due to a right calf contusion. It's unclear what kind of role he'll have in the rotation with
Ty Jerome and
Scotty Pippen Jr. both available for this game. This season, Clayton is averaging 6.9 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.0 rebounds across 18.3 minutes per game. He's not someone who needs to be rostered in all formats right now, but could gain traction in the second half of the season.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Dru Smith (calf) has been upgraded to available ahead of Saturday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Smith was uncertain coming into this game due to left calf soreness that limited him to three minutes on Friday. He was able to shed the questionable tag and will suit up for Saturday's game. That is good news for the Heat, with fellow guard
Davion Mitchell (illness) being ruled out for this game. The expectation is that Smith and
Kasparas Jakucionis will see increased playing time on Saturday. Smith has been a viable streaming option when he's able to log in 20-plus minutes on the court. It's unclear if he'll play that much on Saturday, but it's possible with Mitchell out and
Tyler Herro still limited.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Davion Mitchell (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Mitchell was able to play through the illness on Friday, but will sit out the second night of this back-to-back set. He finished with seven points, seven assists, and five rebounds across 27 minutes of action on Friday. The Heat will have a significant void to fill in the rotation with
Tyler Herro still under a minutes limit.
Dru Smith and
Kasparas Jakucionis are likely going to see increased roles with Mitchell being ruled out. Herro is the best fantasy option among the guards, but Jakucionis could be a decent streaming option for Saturday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Miami Heat forward
Nikola Jovic (back) is ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Jovic has been downgraded to out after being listed as questionable earlier in the day. He's dealing with lower back tightness and will miss this game after playing only three minutes during Friday's contest. His absence should free up playing time for
Kel'el Ware and
Simone Fontecchio in the rotation. Between the two, Ware is the much better fantasy option for Saturday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Norman Powell (illness) is available to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. As expected, Powell will suit up after being listed as probable on the injury report. Powell returned to the court on Friday after missing the final two games before the All-Star break due to an illness. He finished with 15 points, two assists, and three rebounds across 25 minutes of action on Friday. His overall scoring might take a slight hit with
Tyler Herro back in the mix now. Fantasy managers should still feel comfortable starting Powell in season-long formats on Saturday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (ribs) is available to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. As expected, Herro has been cleared to play after making his return to the court on Friday. It was unclear if Herro would play in both games of the back-to-back set following a 15-game absence due to a rib injury. He finished with 24 points, four rebounds, and three assists across 23 minutes of action. The assumption is Herro will have a similar workload once again while he works his way back to full speed. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can get Herro active on Saturday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Dejounte Murray (Achilles) has been downgraded to out ahead of Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Murray was listed as doubtful for this game and will ultimately remain on the sideline. Murray hasn't played since tearing his Achilles in January of 2025. The organization believes Murray is extremely close to getting back on the court. His next chance to play will come on Tuesday versus the Golden State Warriors. Fantasy managers should expect Murray to have heavy minutes restrictions once he's cleared to play. Murray is worth stashing in most fantasy formats, with his return to the court hopefully coming soon.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Los Angeles Kings right wing Joel Armia amassed three points in Saturday's bronze-medal matchup against Slovakia, helping Finland to a 6-1 victory. Armia bagged an empty-net goal and had two assists, becoming the first Finnish player with three-plus points in a playoff game at an Olympic tournament featuring NHL players. The 32-year-old was on fire throughout the Olympics in Milan and is tied for fourth in scoring, with only the final left to play. In six games, Armia had three goals and five assists. Armia's offensive production in the NHL is far from the same level, but he will have good momentum when the season resumes next week. With the Kings, Armia has tallied 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 51 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 21, 2026
Florida Panthers goaltender Daniil Tarasov (lower body) will be available on Thursday when the team continues its season against the Toronto Maple Leafs, David Dwork of The Hockey News reports. Tarasov has used the Olympic break to recover from a lower-body injury he suffered on Feb. 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Before the break, Tarasov suffered back-to-back defeats, but he has been solid overall as Sergei Bobrovsky's backup. Across 18 starts, Tarasov has posted an 8-8-2 record, a 2.83 goals-against average, and a .899 save percentage. With the Panthers facing a back-to-back set in their return to action, Tarasov is poised to get some work next week.
--Taavi PailkSource: David Dwork
February 21, 2026
Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues (illness) will be available on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, David Dwork of The Hockey News reports. Just before the Olympic break, Rodrigues missed his first game of the season due to illness. The 32-year-old has contributed 10 goals and 15 assists in 58 outings. However, Rodrigues has made it on the score sheet just 10 times since the start of December, making him an unreliable fantasy option. He has gone five consecutive games without a point against his hometown Maple Leafs.
--Taavi PailkSource: David Dwork
February 21, 2026
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (undisclosed) is expected to play Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, David Dwork of The Hockey News reports. An undisclosed health issue kept Ekblad out of Florida's last game before the Olympic break. Having Ekblad back is a big boost for the Panthers, who remain without Seth Jones (upper body) and Dmitry Kulikov (upper body) on defense. Tobias Bjornfot (undisclosed) is also expected to be an option on the back end next week. On Thursday, Ekblad will aim to end a six-game scoring drought. He has notched 21 points (three goals, 18 assists) in 55 games this season, adding 88 blocks and 67 hits to his tally.
--Taavi PailkSource: David Dwork
February 21, 2026
Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha (concussion) will be available for action next week. He practiced in a regular jersey on Saturday and is poised to rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Zacha suffered a concussion in late January and wasn't able to join Team Czechia for the Olympics. With 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) in 54 games, Zacha is Boston's fourth-highest scoring forward. 15 of his points have come on the power play. Given Columbus' poor 77.4 percent penalty-killing efficiency, Zacha could have a significant impact in his return on Thursday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 21, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (foot) remains out for Sunday's matchup with Indiana. The rookie has already missed two games because of a left midfoot sprain. He was spotted wearing a walking boot during the All-Star break, so he'll likely miss extended time moving ahead. Truth be told, with the Mavs not expected to make the postseason, Flagg probably won't be rushed back. Without Flagg on the court,
Naji Marshall and
Khris Middleton are favorites to roll with the first-five. Both men may end up getting the start on Sunday, depending on the status of
Max Christie (ankle), who currently holds a questionable tag. If Christie is also sidelined, Middleton and Marshall should be classified as starting fantasy options for the favorable outing on the horizon.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Vancouver Canucks right wing Jonathan Lekkerimaki (shoulder) needs season-ending shoulder surgery, Ben Kuzma of The Province reports. The 2022 first-round pick appeared in five consecutive games for the Canucks before the Olympic break. Sadly, he won't see any more action in 2025-26, finishing the campaign with three points (two goals, one assist) in 13 outings. Lekkerimaki had 13 goals and 20 points in 21 AHL games. Having proven himself in the minors, the Finnish youngster will look to battle for a regular spot on the Canucks roster next season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ben Kuzma
February 21, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward
Scottie Barnes (personal) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's meeting with Milwaukee. He's out with a personal issue, so his next opportunity to return will be on Tuesday against the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder. Without Barnes on the court,
Jakob Poeltl may move back into the starting lineup, with
Collin Murray-Boyles sliding over to the four. Poeltl has been limited since returning from his lengthy stint on the shelf because of a back injury, logging 20 minutes or less in the last two games, meaning his fantasy upside should remain capped even if he is back with the first-five. There's also a chance
Sandro Mamukelashvili gets the start, with the 26-year-old averaging 16.0 points, 6.6 boards, and 2.9 assists in 11 starts during the campaign.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen sat out Finland's 6-1 win over Slovakia on Saturday due to a lower-body injury. Eeli Tolvanen filled in for Rantanen as the Finns secured bronze at the Olympics. It's unclear whether the injury will affect Rantanen's availability next week when the NHL season resumes. Rantanen is the NHL's eighth-highest scorer, with 69 points (20 goals, 49 assists) in 54 games. He was also in fine form throughout the Olympics, finishing with two goals and six points in five outings. Dallas will be back in action on Wednesday against the Seattle Kraken.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 21, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (ankle) will return on Saturday versus Orlando after missing the last four games. The 30-year-old is having a fantastic campaign, averaging 17.0 points, a career-high, with 3.0 boards, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals. He will come off the bench, with
Jalen Green entering the starting lineup. However, despite the demotion, Allen should remain heavily involved, especially with
Devin Booker (hip) sidelined for this one.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Duane Rankin
February 21, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (back) won't play on Saturday against Phoenix. The 24-year-old has been sidelined multiple times this season. However, since returning from an eight-game absence due to a knee injury, he's appeared in Orlando's previous 11 contests. Only time will tell if the back spasms will keep Suggs out beyond Saturday's contest, including for Sunday's meeting versus the Clippers. In the meantime,
Jevon Carter, most recently amassing 14 points, four assists, and three rebounds in Thursday's blowout win over the Sacramento Kings, might enter the starting lineup, with
Jett Howard in line for more minutes from off the bench.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Jaden Ivey (knee) will miss time. The former Piston is experiencing soreness in his left knee and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. He was acquired from Detroit ahead of the deadline. In Ivey's four games with the Bulls, he's averaged 11.5 points, 4.8 boards, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 steals. Considering his injury history, which includes a fractured left leg and right-knee surgery, fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked to see his absence extend beyond the two-week window. Fortunately, Chicago's backcourt is loaded, so
Collin Sexton and
Tre Jones should both gain extra minutes behind
Anfernee Simons and
Josh Giddey moving forward.
Rob Dillingham, most recently amassing four points in 10 minutes in Thursday's loss to Toronto, might also see additional action, although not enough to earn him a starting spot in most fantasy setups.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Chicago Bulls
February 21, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston got off to a scalding start to the 2025 season and looked to be on his way to a breakout campaign. Across the first four games of the year, Johnston recorded 22 catches for 339 yards and four touchdowns on 37 targets. However, the 24-year-old cooled off the rest of the way and finished the year with just 51 receptions for 735 yards and eight scores on 84 targets across 14 games played. Los Angeles has moved on from former offensive coordinator Greg Roman in favor of former Miami Dolphins head coach and play-caller Mike McDaniel, which could help the entire offense unlock a new level of production. Additionally, veteran Chargers wideout
Keenan Allen is set to hit free agency, although he's publicly stated a desire to remain with the team. Johnston could surpass Allen on the target pecking order in Los Angeles, but he may also feel pressure from wide receiver
Tre' Harris, whom the Chargers selected in the second round of the 2025 draft. Johnston still carries fantasy upside, and the shifting environment in Los Angeles may end up working in his favor. However, Johnston may ultimately end up profiling similarly to what he has shown in his NFL career to this point, which is a boom/bust fantasy WR3 at best.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
Across 15 games in 2025, Cincinnati Bengals running back
Samaje Perine recorded 469 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 101 touches. The veteran back has established himself as a quality pass-blocker and capable RB2 over the course of his nine-year NFL career. That's the role Perine played alongside Bengals RB1
Chase Brown in 2025, and with both backs under contract for 2026, Cincinnati appears likely to run it back next season. Without an injury to Brown, Perine carries limited fantasy upside. Even if Brown were to miss time, it's possible the Bengals would look to bring in a more dynamic rusher and keep Perine in a secondary role. While Perine has recorded at least 400 scrimmage yards in five straight seasons, he hasn't topped the 700-yard mark since his rookie year in 2017 and has logged just 19 touchdowns in 125 career NFL games. Perine's fantasy ceiling is uninspiring as he hits the late stages of his career.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
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