April 8, 2026
Through his first six games of the 2026 season, New York Yankees outfielder
Aaron Judge had recorded just three hits in 25 plate appearances while striking out 11 times. While the 33-year-old two-time reigning American League MVP hasn't fully returned to his usual elite form, he's stabilized his early-season stat line by recording seven hits over the first five games of the Yankees' current home stand. Across 48 plate appearances overall this year, Judge is hitting .244/.340/.488 with three home runs, seven RBI, nine runs scored, and one stolen base. As he enters his mid-30's, fantasy managers should be slightly wary of signs of age-related decline for Judge. His 9.1% walk rate is significantly down from the 18.3% walk rate he posted in 2025. Additionally, his 23.1% barrel rate, while still elite, would be his lowest mark since 2021. Still, Judge is showing signs of coming around after a slow start to the year and will likely remain one of the very best hitters in baseball in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 8, 2026
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher
Taj Bradley earned his second win of the season on Tuesday, allowing just one earned run across 6 1/3 innings in his team's 4-2 win over the Detroit Tigers. Bradley allowed six hits but did not walk a batter and struck out 10. The 25-year-old former top prospect is off to a strong start to his 2026 campaign, as he's recorded a 1.08 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 22 strikeouts across his first three starts (16 2/3 innings). Bradley is averaging a career-best 97.7 mph on his fastball and has yet to allow a home run, a major development considering he owns an elevated 1.43 HR/9 across 402 career MLB innings. Raw arm talent has never been Bradley's issue, so the young right-hander could finally be putting it all together in his first full season with the Twins. He profiles as a prime waiver-wire target in most fantasy formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 8, 2026
Buffalo Sabres left winger Zach Benson had two goals as the Sabres defeated the New York Rangers by a score of 5-3 on Wednesday. It was the first multi-goal game of the season for Benson, and it broke a six-game goalless drought for the young forward. Benson now has 12 goals, 39 points, and a plus-21 rating this year in his third NHL season.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
April 8, 2026
Athletics reliever
Joel Kuhnel picked up his first save of 2026 on Wednesday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout in his team's 3-2 win over the New York Yankees. The 31-year-old was just recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday, but he's already made two high-leverage appearances for the A's. Kuhnel spent the entire 2025 season at Triple-A, bouncing from the Philadelphia Phillies organization to the Yankees'. While Kuhnel's save on Wednesday was just the second of his MLB career, he picked up seven minor league saves in 2025. The Athletics do not have an obvious ninth-inning option currently on their roster, with
Mark Leiter Jr.,
Hogan Harris, and
Justin Sterner profiling as Kuhnel's stiffest competition for the closer role. For deep-league managers in need of saves, Kuhnel could be a player to monitor on the waiver wire.
--Will BradySource: MLB.com
April 8, 2026
Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson was perfect in Wednesday night's 4-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. He stopped all 21 shots he faced and has now won five of his last six starts. Thompson has been one of the best goalies in the NHL this year with a 2.47 goals against average, .912 save percentage, and a 28-21-6 record.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
April 8, 2026
Across his first 17 2/3 innings pitched (three starts) of 2026, Detroit Tigers left-hander
Tarik Skubal has recorded a 1-2 record with a 2.55 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts. While Skubal's top-line numbers are still very strong, the two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner hasn't quite found his fully dominant form yet this season. After posting strikeout rates north of 30% in each of the past three seasons, Skubal has struck out just 22.5% of the batters he's faced so far in 2026. Still, Skubal has issued just two walks on the year and is averaging 97.6 mph on his fastball, right in line with where he's been in previous campaigns. The 29-year-old will also get a chance to make his first home start of the year in his next time out against the Miami Marlins on Sunday. Skubal remains an elite starting pitcher option for fantasy managers in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 8, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) threw 61 pitches over 4 1/3 innings in his rehab start with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday, allowing three hits, one earned run, and one walk while striking out six. The 35-year-old is expected to make one more rehab appearance at Triple-A before rejoining the Phillies, putting him on track to make his 2026 debut at some point in the next couple of weeks. Wheeler is working his way back from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, which ended his 2025 campaign in August. The hard-throwing righty was his usual dominant self before getting hurt, pitching to a 2.71 ERA and 0.94 WHIP with 195 strikeouts and 10 wins across 149 2/3 innings (24 starts). Even coming off a serious injury, Wheeler projects as a high-end fantasy starting pitcher and should immediately be plugged into starting lineups upon his return to the big-league mound.
--Will BradySource: milb.com
April 8, 2026
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher
Zach Eflin (elbow) has undergone successful elbow surgery to repair his right UCL and will miss the remainder of the 2026 season, per Robert Murray of FanSided. Eflin exited early from his first start of the year due to elbow discomfort and was recently transferred to the 60-day injured list. Eflin posted back-to-back seasons with at least 160 innings pitched in 2023 and 2024, but he was limited to just 14 starts in 2025 due to multiple back injuries. After signing a one-year contract with Baltimore this past offseason, the 32-year-old is now looking at a completely lost 2026 campaign. With Eflin sidelined, veteran right-hander
Dean Kremer could be the favorite to take over as the Orioles' fifth starter. Across 171 2/3 innings for Baltimore in 2025, Kremer posted an 11-10 record with a 4.19 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 142 strikeouts.
--Will BradySource: FanSided - Robert Murray
April 8, 2026
Boston Celtics guard
Derrick White (knee) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report before Thursday's big game against the New York Knicks. He is nursing a right knee contusion. The Celtics might head out with a very different starting lineup, as White is joined on the injury report by
Jaylen Brown (Achilles),
Sam Hauser (back), and
Neemias Queta (toe). White's absence would open the door to the first unit for
Payton Pritchard, while
Baylor Scheierman and
Hugo Gonzalez might be more involved in the action. The Celtics also play on Friday against New Orleans, and there's a strong chance White will return to the lineup if he sits out Thursday's contest.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Tre Johnson (foot) is questionable for Thursday's game against Chicago after missing the last two contests due to a right foot sprain. If the rookie lottery pick remains sidelined,
Bub Carrington should continue to see solid run after posting 14 points, two three-pointers, four rebounds, and seven assists in 32 minutes Tuesday, giving him some deep-league streaming appeal for assists.
Jamir Watkins could also remain part of the rotation after finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes.
Jaden Hardy (back) could also benefit if available.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Boston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown (Achilles) is considered questionable for Thursday's showdown against the New York Knicks. Boston has listed him on the injury report with left Achilles tendinitis. This is the first game of a back-to-back, so the team might be considering giving Brown some rest late in the regular season.
Derrick White (knee) is also on the injury report, which means the Celtics could be without two of their four leading scorers. It might be a big night for
Jayson Tatum, who returns to the arena where he tore his Achilles tendon last year.
Payton Pritchard and
Nikola Vucevic would also need to take on larger offensive roles if the Celtics aren't at full strength.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Bilal Coulibaly (foot) is questionable for Thursday's game against Chicago after finishing with 19 points, three rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 24 minutes in Tuesday's loss to the Bulls. If he sits, Washington could lean more on
Will Riley and
Jamir Watkins for additional minutes on the wing. Riley logged two points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 31 minutes on Tuesday and remains a deep league option for managers seeking late production. Watkins could also see increased run after posting 13 points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Gui Santos (pelvis) is questionable to play on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. He landed on the shelf earlier this week with a right pelvic contusion and could miss a second consecutive game. Santos has been among Golden State's offensive leaders in recent months, averaging 16.3 points per game.
Stephen Curry (knee) might not play against the Lakers either, so
Brandin Podziemski,
De'Anthony Melton, and
Pat Spencer could carry the offense.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Washington Wizards center
Alexandre Sarr (toe) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Chicago and has not played since March 27, raising the possibility he could miss the rest of the regular season. His continued absence should keep
Julian Reese in a significant role after he posted 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks in 36 minutes in a recent start, making him an intriguing deep-league streaming option.
Anthony Gill (neck) could factor into the rotation if healthy, though Reese offers more fantasy appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Al Horford (calf) will remain on the shelf against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. He has been out since mid-March due to a calf injury, missing 13 games. Over the weekend, Golden State announced Horford was "making good progress." This suggests that the veteran big man could soon be ready to play, but it's possible the Warriors will keep him on the shelf until the play-in tournament. Golden State will run with a shorthanded frontcourt on Thursday night, opening up opportunities for
Charles Bassey (ankle) and
Malevy Leons.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward
Caleb Martin (heel) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Phoenix and will miss his 12th straight contest due to a right heel strain. Martin has not played since March 15 and has held only a limited reserve role when healthy, leaving little fantasy impact from his continued absence.
Khris Middleton and
John Poulakidas should continue to handle available wing minutes, while
AJ Johnson could also remain in the rotation. Martin can remain on waiver wires in most formats as the regular season winds down.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will miss Thursday's action against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Latvian veteran was sidelined on Tuesday night against Sacramento due to a knee injury and must now sit out another game because of illness.
Al Horford (calf) remains out as well, so
Charles Bassey (ankle) and
Malevy Leons could take on larger roles in the frontcourt. Bassey is coming off an impressive performance, finishing Tuesday's victory over the Kings with 14 points, 12 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Klay Thompson (rest) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Phoenix as part of routine maintenance on the second night of a back-to-back. His absence should open additional wing minutes for
John Poulakidas and
AJ Johnson, though both remain deep-league dart throws. Poulakidas logged three points, six rebounds, one steal, and one block in 19 minutes on Monday, while
Khris Middleton could continue seeing starting minutes after playing 20 minutes in that contest. Thompson is expected to return on Friday.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. The two-time MVP has just returned from a knee injury, playing in two consecutive games. However, it looks like Golden State will be without its leader for at least one game this week, as Thursday's contest marks the start of a back-to-back. LJ Cryer (illness) is likely to return from a two-game absence on Thursday and will help cover for the absence of Curry if needed. At the same time,
Pat Spencer might face another very busy night after he logged a team-high 41 minutes in Tuesday's win over Sacramento.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Brandon Williams (illness) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Phoenix and will miss both ends of the back-to-back set. His absence should keep
Ryan Nembhard in the rotation after he produced 12 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in 25 minutes against the Clippers, making him a possible deep-league streamer for assists.
AJ Johnson could also see a slight uptick in minutes, though his role is not guaranteed. With the regular season winding down, Williams does not need to be held outside of very deep formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (foot) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Thursday's clash against the Golden State Warriors. Due to a foot issue, James sat out Tuesday's loss to Oklahoma City. The legendary forward finished his most recent outing against Dallas with 30 points, nine rebounds, and 15 assists. His offensive usage went through the roof with
Luka Doncic (hamstring) and
Austin Reaves (oblique) out of the lineup. James will be the main man again on Thursday night, dictating the offense alongside
Luke Kennard.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (shoulder) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Phoenix due to a right shoulder impingement, forcing him to miss both ends of the back-to-back set. His absence should lead to expanded roles for
Marvin Bagley III and
Dwight Powell. Bagley is the more appealing fantasy option after posting 21 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in 26 minutes off the bench Monday, making him a viable short-term streamer. Powell could also see starting minutes for rebounds, though his limited offensive role caps his upside in most formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (quadriceps) won't play on Wednesday night against the Dallas Mavericks. He was initially listed as questionable for the game after a 26-minute outing in Tuesday's loss to Houston. Allen has been banged up for most of the year, often missing time during back-to-back sets, so it's not unexpected that he won't play against Dallas. In his absence,
Royce O'Neale and
Collin Gillespie will probably see more time on the floor. This is a favorable matchup for Phoenix's bench unit, facing a team that gives up the seventh-most field-goal attempts to opposing benches.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Naji Marshall (hip) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Phoenix after suffering a left hip injury in Monday's loss to the Clippers. With Dallas already short-handed, his absence should open additional minutes for
Ryan Nembhard,
Khris Middleton, and
John Poulakidas. Nembhard is the most intriguing deep-league option after posting 12 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in 25 minutes last game. Middleton should continue to see starting minutes, while
AJ Johnson could also see a slight uptick in playing time as Dallas fills rotation gaps.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (wrist) is available for Wednesday's game against Phoenix after being listed as probable with a left wrist sprain. The rookie No. 1 pick should continue handling a heavy offensive workload with Dallas missing multiple starters. Over his last five games, Flagg averaged 30.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 33.7 minutes, reinforcing his must-start status in all formats. His availability keeps
Max Christie and
Marvin Bagley III in complementary roles, though both could still benefit from the Mavericks' thin rotation.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Jahmai Mashack (concussion) is available for Wednesday's game against Denver after missing the last two contests while in the league's concussion protocol. The rookie second-round pick could return to a rotation role, especially with Memphis short on healthy guards. Over his last five appearances, Mashack averaged 8.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.4 steals across 26.2 minutes, giving him some deep-league appeal for defensive stats. His return could slightly trim the minutes of
Walter Clayton Jr.,
Adama Bal, and
Dariq Whitehead in the backcourt rotation.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Rayan Rupert will not play Wednesday against Denver as the team manages his availability under his two-way contract. Rupert also sat out the previous game, though he remains eligible for Memphis' final two regular-season contests. He showed intriguing upside earlier this month with 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and four steals across 39 minutes against Milwaukee, making him a speculative deep-league streamer if he returns to a similar role.
Dariq Whitehead and
Adama Bal could continue seeing extra backcourt minutes in his absence.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Olivier-Maxence Prosper (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Denver after initially being listed as doubtful with right ankle soreness. With the season nearing its end, Prosper's absence opens more frontcourt minutes for
Taylor Hendricks and
Toby Okani. Hendricks flashed some upside in a recent start against Milwaukee with 11 points, three three-pointers, four rebounds, and four steals in 13 minutes, making him a speculative deep-league streamer.
Taj Gibson could also see spot minutes to help on the glass. Okani could also see deeper-league streaming appeal if the minutes hold.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Vit Krejci (calf) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against San Antonio, extending his absence to 12 consecutive games due to a left calf contusion. With no clear timetable and the season nearing its conclusion, Krejci holds little fantasy relevance after averaging just 20 minutes in a reserve role when active. His absence should allow
Kris Murray and
Matisse Thybulle to continue handling backup forward minutes, with Thybulle offering some deep-league appeal for defensive stats. Krejci can remain on waiver wires in most fantasy formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Casey Holdahl
April 8, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Shaedon Sharpe (calf) has been downgraded from doubtful to out for Wednesday's game against San Antonio, extending his absence to 28 straight games after last playing Feb. 6. With the regular season winding down, Sharpe holds little redraft value.
Scoot Henderson should continue to see elevated minutes after producing 18 points, four three-pointers, three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block across 36 minutes in his last start.
Matisse Thybulle also remains a deep-league defensive streamer after posting 14 points and five steals in 33 minutes off the bench.
--Brian DailisanSource: Casey Holdahl
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