May 6, 2026, 9:29 PM ET

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Game 2 against the Detroit Pistons. Due to a hamstring injury, Merrill played just seven minutes in the series opener on Tuesday. He underwent an MRI on Wednesday and didn't practice. It appears unlikely that Merrill will play, but the questionable tag leaves open the possibility he could be available. If not, Dennis Schroder and Jaylon Tyson may see larger roles off the bench. Merrill's absence will also likely increase the workload for some of the starters. He has played 18.5 minutes per game in the playoffs, averaging 6.6 points with a 37.9% success rate from beyond the arc.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

May 6, 2026, 9:27 PM ET

New York Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich said that veteran quarterback Geno Smith is the "perfect fit" for his offense, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. "I feel his resilience, his toughness," Reich said. The Jets swung and missed with their free-agent acquisition of QB Justin Fields last year, so this year they acquired Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders after he was one of the worst starting signal-callers in the league in 2025. Perhaps they're hoping the 35-year-old veteran can lead the Jets to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 draft like he did for the Raiders this year. The former second-rounder by the Jets in 2013 out of West Virginia made back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2022 and 2023 with the Seattle Seahawks, but he went 2-13 in his 15 starts for the Raiders in 2025, throwing for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-high 17 interceptions. He also took the most sacks of any QB with 55. Smith will start for the Jets in Week 1, but we wouldn't be surprised if he was benched sooner rather than later. At best, he's a QB3 option in superflex fantasy leagues for the 2026 campaign despite the Jets adding some weaponry to their offense in this year's draft in the form of tight end Kenyon Sadiq and receiver Omar Cooper Jr.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini

May 6, 2026, 9:20 PM ET

When a source was asked if the noise about veteran free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers going to the Arizona Cardinals was real, the source said, "Not at all," according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. If Rodgers decides to return for a 22nd year in the NFL, it will only be for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Cardinals have veteran signal-callers Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew under center, and just drafted former University of Miami QB Carson Beck in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft. All signs this offseason have pointed to a reunion between Rodgers and Pittsburgh, although recent reports suggest the Steelers' brass could be growing impatient since the 42-year-old has yet to make a decision on his playing status for the 2026 season. Even if another team like Arizona were to make an offer to Rodgers, the Steelers have the right of first refusal to match any offer sheet. They have Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar in their QB room, but if Rodgers re-signs, he'll be the starter once again for the upcoming season. Despite improvements to the team's WR room, Rodgers figures to be a low-upside QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues if he's playing in 2026. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 29 player at the position.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss

May 6, 2026, 9:14 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (neck) has picked up a questionable tag on the injury report before Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. After recording seven points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 29 minutes off the bench in Game 1, Kennard is dealing with neck soreness. The second unit already lost Jarred Vanderbilt (finger) to injury in Tuesday's series-opening loss, so the starters could face a massive workload on Thursday night if Kennard is also out. Jaxson Hayes, Jake LaRavia, Bronny James Jr., and Dalton Knecht will be the primary bench options, but they can't be relied on for fantasy production.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

May 6, 2026, 9:13 PM ET

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said on Wednesday on the Rich Eisen Show that wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter (knee) should be "full-go" for the start of training camp in late July and that he will play both on offense and defense again in 2026 in his second NFL season. The 22-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner tore the LCL in his knee in late October, cutting what could have been a promising rookie year short. The former second overall pick out of Colorado finished his rookie campaign with 28 receptions on 45 targets for 298 yards and one touchdown in seven games on offense, and he really didn't do much as a receiver until his final game in London against the Los Angeles Rams, when he went over 100 yards for the first time and scored his lone TD. Gladstone elaborated that Hunter is expected to see an uptick in usage as a defensive back in 2026, but that won't mean that Hunter's usage on offense will decrease. He's going to play both ways, but the Jags have more of a need in their defensive backfield than they do in their WR room. On offense, Hunter will still be involved, but with Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Parker Washington all still around, it's going to be difficult for him to stand out from a production standpoint every week as a pass-catcher. Hunter's redraft and dynasty stock is down considerably from what it was a year ago at this time, and RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 75 fantasy wideout for the upcoming season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Rich Eisen Show

May 6, 2026, 9:06 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (finger) is listed as doubtful for Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. The 27-year-old sustained a gruesome finger injury in Tuesday's series opener. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Vanderbilt is day-to-day, so he could still be an option in the series. Vanderbilt is averaging 3.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in 12.0 minutes per game this postseason. We will likely see Jake LaRavia handle a heavier workload if Vanderbilt misses time, but his fantasy value will remain limited.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

May 6, 2026, 9:00 PM ET

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) has been listed as out for Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. He injured his left hamstring early in the playoffs and will be unavailable for a fourth consecutive game. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault mentioned on Monday that Williams remains week-to-week, adding that he is "progressing according to plan." Ajay Mitchell has broken into the starting lineup during Williams' absence, averaging 18.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists over the last three games. At the same time, Chet Holmgren has taken on a larger role on offense, posting back-to-back 24-point, 12-rebound double-doubles.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

May 6, 2026, 8:50 PM ET

San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (foot) is available on Wednesday night for Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 20-year-old rookie is dealing with a foot injury and didn't play in the series opener. Fortunately for the Spurs, they will have an extra option available off the bench in Game 2 after Bryant shook off a questionable tag. Bryant has averaged 3.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 9.2 minutes per game in his first postseason campaign, making five appearances.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

May 6, 2026, 8:43 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) revealed on Wednesday that he was initially given an eight-week recovery timeline, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. "The day I did the MRI on the hamstring, the doctor told me eight weeks [recovery] at the beginning," Doncic said. "I'm doing everything I can in the process, and I think we're on a good way. But at the beginning, he told me eight weeks." Thursday will mark five weeks to the day since Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Based on the initial timeline, Doncic still appears far from returning, but he has progressed to running. In an effort to speed up his recovery, Doncic underwent platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) while overseas.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Dave McMenamin

May 6, 2026, 8:32 PM ET

Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards (knee) will play in Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. The team initially listed Edwards as questionable for Wednesday night, then upgraded him to available. Edwards returned from a knee injury in Game 1, amassing 18 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one block in 25 minutes. Before Game 2, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch told reporters that Edwards "might be able to play a few more minutes." Minnesota also has Ayo Dosunmu back in the mix, so Terrence Shannon Jr.'s playing time will probably decrease substantially. Mike Conley's workload will likely be affected as well.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

May 6, 2026, 6:56 PM ET

Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (shoulder, foot) left his minor-league rehab outing on Wednesday early at Triple-A Omaha with right-shoulder discomfort, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Estevez recorded two outs, but his velocity was down, and he exited after the second out when a trainer came to visit with him. Estevez has been on the 15-day injured list since he was hit by a comebacker on his left foot after his first appearance of the season. The 33-year-old Dominican veteran and two-time All-Star allowed six earned runs in one-third of an inning of work before being hit in the foot, and his velocity was noticeably down in spring training as well. Estevez might have recovered from his foot injury, but now he has shoulder concerns and could need to restart a rehab assignment. It's becoming harder to justify stashing Estevez in fantasy leagues, and Lucas Erceg's run as KC's primary closer could be extended, depending on how serious Estevez's shoulder injury is. Estevez is currently rostered in 64% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers

May 6, 2026, 6:54 PM ET

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers. He was questionable coming into this game due to an illness, but the Knicks have ultimately decided to hold him out. His absence won't have a huge impact on the rotation, with Karl-Anthony Towns playing a majority of the minutes at center. Ariel Hukporti could pick up some additional playing time, but he won't be someone worth targeting in DFS contests.--Andy Webb
Source: NBA Injury Report

May 6, 2026, 6:49 PM ET

Detroit Pistons guard Kevin Huerter (adductor) is currently considered doubtful ahead of Thursday's Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Huerter remains uncertain to play after already missing four straight games due to a lingering adductor injury. Daniss Jenkins, Javonte Green, and Duncan Robinson have all seen increased roles with Huerter on the sideline. The expectation is that it will continue to happen unless Huerter gets upgraded before tip-off on Thursday night. Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris should continue to do the heavy lifting on offense.--Andy Webb
Source: NBA Injury Report

May 6, 2026, 6:47 PM ET

Houston Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (finger) was pulled from his start early on Wednesday against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning, and The Athletic's Chandler Rome reported that McCullers was looking down at his finger before manager Joe Espada and a trainer came out to check on him. McCullers has dealt with blister issues in the past, as well as several arm injuries that derailed his career for quite some time. It was a rough outing for the 32-year-old veteran before being pulled, as he allowed six earned runs on four hits (one homer) while walking three and striking out four in just 2 2/3 innings against the first-place Dodgers to pick up his third loss of the year. The poor outing raised McCullers' ERA to 7.41 in seven starts this year. The former first-rounder in 2012 will be droppable in most leagues if he finds his way to the injured list. McCullers is only rostered in 10% of Yahoo leagues right now.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome

May 6, 2026, 6:43 PM ET

Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller (shoulder) is out indefinitely after he underwent shoulder surgery to address a left shoulder issue. The Hornets aren't in the playoffs, so Miller will have plenty of time to recover before next season. He injured his shoulder early this season, but managed to play through the issue. He finished with an average of 20.2 points, 3.3 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 30.3 minutes per game in 65 contests. He wore a wrap on his shoulder throughout most of this season, but should no longer need that after having successful surgery on Wednesday.--Andy Webb
Source: Charlotte Hornets

May 6, 2026, 6:37 PM ET

Cincinnati Reds right-handed closer Emilio Pagan (hamstring) said he suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain on Tuesday night, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer. Doctors told Pagan that it will be four to eight weeks before he can return to the mound for the Reds, but it's a best-case scenario after the level of pain that he experienced on Tuesday night when he was carted off the field against the Chicago Cubs. "Leaving the field yesterday, I thought my season was done," Pagan said. The Reds placed Pagan on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday. The 34-year-old veteran reliever will be dropped in a lot of fantasy leagues after this news. It's not like he was pitching well before his hamstring issues, sporting a 6.43 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, six saves, 11 strikeouts, and six walks in 14 innings pitched out of the bullpen. Going forward, right-hander Tony Santillan is the name to know for a waiver-wire pickup for save opportunities, although righty Graham Ashcraft could also see some save chances with Pagan sidelined.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Gordon Wittenmyer

May 6, 2026, 6:34 PM ET

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (calf) has been upgraded to available ahead of Wednesday's Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs. He's back in action after missing each of the last two games due to a lingering calf injury. The return of Dosunmu is a welcoming sight for Minnesota, as he has been electric since joining the team. Terrence Shannon Jr. should see a reduced role after playing over 30 minutes in each of the last two games. Shannon won't be an appealing DFS option with Dosunmu back in the rotation for Wednesday's game.--Andy Webb
Source: NBA Injury Report

May 6, 2026, 6:32 PM ET

Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (elbow) is officially listed as the team's scheduled starter for Saturday's game in Cleveland against the division-rival Guardians, according to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic. The Twins pulled Ryan from his last outing against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday after just nine pitches with soreness in his right elbow. Thankfully, an MRI exam ruled out any structural damage for the 29-year-old, and he's been cleared to make his next start this weekend in a plus matchup against a Guardians team that ranks 22nd in OPS (.693). Despite the plus matchup, Ryan will be extra risky for fantasy managers and could be on a shorter leash on Saturday after throwing only nine pitches his last time out. The former seventh-round pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018 out of Cal State Stanislaus has gone 2-3 this year for the Twins with a 3.72 ERA (3.01 FIP), 1.06 WHIP, and 40:10 K:BB in 38 2/3 innings across his eight starts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman

May 6, 2026, 6:29 PM ET

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle, hip) has been downgraded to out ahead of Wednesday's Game 2 against the New York Knicks. He came into this game with a probable tag, but will ultimately sit out due to two nagging injuries. The Sixers were blown out in Game 1, and that was with Embiid on the court. It's going to be an uphill battle to win Game 2 without the big man available. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will be asked to split up the minutes at the center spot. Neither player is an ideal DFS option, even with an expanded role. Tyrese Maxey and Paul George will be asked to do the heavy lifting on offense.--Andy Webb
Source: NBA Injury Report

May 6, 2026, 6:23 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back) will undergo an MRI exam on his back, but he's not expected to go on the injured list, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Glasnow said he felt his back "gave out" during a warm-up throw before the second inning of his outing on Wednesday in Houston against the Astros. He tried to throw another pitch, but it didn't feel any better. It's the same issue that forced him to skip a start in Baltimore in 2025 and that sent him to the IL in 2024. The Dodgers are calling Glasnow's injury back spasms for now. If Glasnow's back doesn't get any worse and he's able to make his between-starts bullpen session, he'll be lined up for a great matchup next week against the division-rival San Francisco Giants. In his inning of work on Wednesday, the hard-throwing right-hander allowed an earned run on a solo home run while walking none and striking out two. Given the 32-year-old's lengthy injury history, it wouldn't be a surprise if he lands on the IL as a precaution.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya

May 6, 2026, 6:17 PM ET

Washington Nationals infielder Luis Garcia Jr. (wrist) remains out of the starting lineup on Wednesday against the visiting Minnesota Twins with a hand/wrist injury, per MLB.com. Curtis Mead will make another start at first base for the Nats and will hit third in the batting order against Twins right-hander Bailey Ober. Garcia is missing a second straight start after injuring his hand/wrist in Sunday's series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers. The 25-year-old is considered day-to-day for now and could be back as early as Thursday's series finale in D.C. against the Twins. Garcia, who is merely an infield depth option in deeper fantasy leagues, has hit just .234 (25-for-107) with a homer, 16 RBI, 14 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his 33 games played so far in 2026 as the team's regular first baseman. Mead has one hit in just two career at-bats against Ober.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

May 6, 2026, 6:11 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs announced on Wednesday that they placed left-hander Matthew Boyd (knee) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to May 4) with a left-knee meniscus injury that will require surgery. The team selected right-hander Trent Thornton's contract from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move. Boyd's timetable for a return is unknown right now, but in a best-case scenario, he probably will not be ready to return to Chicago's starting rotation until after the All-Star break in mid-July. It's yet another injury blow to the Cubs' pitching staff, and it's unclear right now who will take Boyd's spot in the rotation. Right-handers Ben Brown and Javier Assad are two options out of the bullpen, as is left-hander Jordan Wicks (elbow) whenever he's ready to return from his IL stint. The 35-year-old Boyd will be dumped in a lot of redraft leagues with this news, especially since he currently has an unsightly 6.00 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 31 strikeouts in 24 innings over his five starts so far in 2026. He's currently rostered in 72% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Chicago Cubs

May 6, 2026, 6:05 PM ET

Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez's six-game suspension has been reduced to five games, according to the team. MLB.com's Jason Beck reports that Valdez will begin serving his suspension in Wednesday's series finale against the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old southpaw allowed back-to-back home runs during his outing on Tuesday against Boston before hitting shortstop Trevor Story, which caused both benches to clear. No punches were thrown, but the Dominican hurler was ejected for his actions and will now be suspended for the next five games. He will be eligible to make his next start in New York against the Mets on May 13, where he should be in starting fantasy lineups despite his disappointing start to his Tigers tenure. The two-time All-Star has gone 2-2 through his first eight starts in 2026 with a 4.57 ERA (4.34 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 35 strikeouts and 15 walks in 43 1/3 innings pitched. The Mets have the worst team OPS (.629) in all of baseball, so it will be a good spot for Valdez to bounce back.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck

May 6, 2026, 5:58 PM ET

Vancouver Canucks left wing Nils Hoglander (undisclosed) won't play for Sweden at the 2026 World Championship, Adam Kierszenblat of The Hockey News reports. He was injured in a pre-competition game last weekend. Detroit's Lucas Raymond has been called up as Hoglander's replacement. The 25-year-old also began the 2025-26 campaign nursing an injury and was limited to 38 appearances, registering two goals and three assists. It was a hugely disappointing season for Hoglander in the first year of a three-year, $9 million contract. Having flirted with a 40-point campaign a couple of years ago, Hoglander could be poised for a strong bounce-back season in 2026-27.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Adam Kierszenblat

May 6, 2026, 5:43 PM ET

Philadelphia Flyers center Christian Dvorak (undisclosed) is likely to play in Thursday's Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes, Adam Kimelman of NHL.com reports. The Flyers practiced without Dvorak on Wednesday, but head coach Rick Tocchet said he will likely play Thursday night. On Wednesday, Tocchet ruled out fellow center Noah Cates (lower-body injury) for the rest of the second-round series, making Dvorak's availability crucial for Philadelphia. In his first season with the Flyers, Dvorak has enjoyed a career year, posting 51 points (18 goals, 33 assists) in 80 regular-season appearances. He has added three assists in eight postseason outings.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Adam Kimelman

May 6, 2026, 5:36 PM ET

Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett (undisclosed) will be a game-time call for Thursday's tilt against the Carolina Hurricanes, Adam Kimelman of NHL.com reports. The 27-year-old has yet to play in the series because of a lingering injury that also affected him in the first-round matchup with Pittsburgh. Getting Tippett back would be huge for the Flyers, especially after losing Noah Cates (lower body) for the rest of the series. In the playoffs, Tippett has been limited to two points (one goal, one assist) in six outings, but he was a consistent offensive threat during the regular season. Across 81 outings, Tippett produced a team-high 28 goals and 23 assists.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Adam Kimelman

May 6, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Philadelphia Flyers center Noah Cates (lower body) will sit out the rest of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs second-round matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes, Adam Kimelman of NHL.com reports. Cates suffered a lower-body injury in Game 2 of the series and was initially deemed day-to-day. The 27-year-old finished the 2025-26 regular season with a career-high 47 points (18 goals, 29 assists) in 82 games and has also played well in the playoffs. In eight outings, Cates has contributed one goal and three assists. With him on the shelf, Philadelphia plans to bring Trevor Zegras back to the center position and also use Denver Barkey more in the middle.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Adam Kimelman

May 6, 2026, 5:23 PM ET

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj will re-enter the lineup on Wednesday in Game 1 against the Buffalo Sabres, Shawn P. Roarke of NHL.com reports. Montreal scratched the heavy-hitting blue-liner for Sunday's Game 7 against Tampa Bay, with Noah Dobson making his 2026 postseason debut. Xhekaj played in each of the first six games of the first-round matchup, recording one assist, five SOG, three blocks, 31 hits, and 12 penalty minutes. On Wednesday, he will rejoin Kaiden Guhle on the third defensive pairing, bumping Jayden Struble out of the lineup.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Shawn P. Roarke

May 6, 2026, 5:17 PM ET

Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher will be a healthy scratch in Game 1 against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, Shawn P. Roarke of NHL.com reports. The veteran will return to the press box after also sitting out the first four games of the first-round matchup with Tampa Bay. Gallagher scored in his 2026 postseason debut, but that has remained his only point. In three outings in Round 1, he averaged just 6:25 of ice time. On Wednesday, Gallagher will be replaced in the lineup by Joe Veleno, who will make his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut. Veleno will likely have a similar workload to Gallagher on the fourth line and isn't expected to make an offensive impact. Across 61 regular-season games, Veleno posted only five points (two goals, three assists).--Taavi Pailk
Source: Shawn P. Roarke

May 6, 2026, 5:11 PM ET

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Logan Stanley (illness) will return from a one-game absence on Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens, Shawn P. Roarke of NHL.com reports. Stanley is projected to rejoin Connor Timmins on the third defensive pairing. He didn't play in Game 6 against Boston on Friday. Michael Kesselring filled in for Stanley and will be scratched Wednesday night. In the first round, Stanley didn't score any points in five outings, but he had five SOG, six blocks, six hits, and five penalty minutes.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Shawn P. Roarke