February 26, 2026
Free-agent right-hander
Max Scherzer agreed with the Toronto Blue Jays on a one-year, $3 million contract on Wednesday night, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The deal includes $10 million in incentives that start at 65 innings pitched and full no-trade protection. Scherzer is a three-time Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star, but Father Time is catching up with him at 41 years old (42 in July). In his 18th big-league season last year with Toronto, he battled injuries and went 5-5 with a career-worst 5.19 ERA (4.99 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP with 82 strikeouts, and 23 walks in 85 innings over 17 regular-season starts. Scherzer was better in the postseason, and he could wind up in the starting rotation to begin the 2026 campaign with
Shane Bieber (forearm) starting on the injured list. He's no longer Mr. Reliable, and his issues with the long ball will probably persist at Rogers Centre.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
February 26, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) is doubtful for Thursday's matchup against Sacramento as he manages a right ankle injury. With Dallas on a back-to-back, the expectation is that Gafford could return Friday against Memphis, but he is unlikely to suit up in this opener.
Marvin Bagley III is positioned to start after producing 22 points and five rebounds in 20 minutes last game. Bagley becomes a short-term streaming option, while
Naji Marshall and
Max Christie could absorb added rebounding chances if Gafford sits.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson potted his 30th goal of the season in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Utah Mammoth. With Nathan MacKinnon (not injury-related) out of the lineup, Nelson skated as the first-line center and registered the game-winning goal on Wednesday night. Nelson has been somewhat of a late bloomer, becoming only the second player in NHL history to record each of his first four 30-goal campaigns after turning 30. In 56 outings, he has also had 20 assists during his first full season in Denver. Although MacKinnon could jump back into action on Thursday against the Minnesota Wild, Nelson will continue to play a vital role for Colorado.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 26, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (ankle/hip) is questionable for Thursday's matchup against New Orleans after picking up right ankle and hip issues during practice. Markkanen is one of Utah's go-to scorers and key floor spacers, so if he sits, the Jazz will have to spread those shots around and lean more on their other scoring options.
John Konchar could slide into the starting group after logging 24 minutes with five points and three steals last game, but
Brice Sensabaugh carries the higher ceiling after erupting for 26 points and four three-pointers in 32 minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Ben Anderson
February 26, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
P.J. Washington (ankle) will sit out Thursday against Sacramento after spraining his left ankle late in Tuesday's win over Brooklyn. Washington usually soaks up around 28 minutes a night, so there are real minutes to fill, especially with
Daniel Gafford (ankle) also banged up.
Klay Thompson stepped into a larger scoring role last game with 17 points in 23 minutes, while
Caleb Martin chipped in five rebounds across the same workload. Thompson carries scoring upside but remains streaky, and Martin is more of a deep-league filler.
Naji Marshall should see the most stable bump in usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov finished Wednesday's 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs with three points. He logged the game-winning goal and dished out two assists, extending the NHL's longest active point streak to 11 games. Kucherov has had only three longer scoring streaks in his career, with his career-best at 13 games. He can match it this week as Tampa Bay takes on Carolina on Thursday and Buffalo on Saturday. Kucherov has been incredible in 2026, amassing 43 points (12 goals, 31 assists) in 17 games. He has jumped to second on the league's scoring list, tallying 94 points (30 goals, 64 assists) in 52 outings this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 26, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Branden Carlson (back) will not return Wednesday against Detroit after experiencing low back soreness in the opening quarter. The two-way big man logged four minutes and finished with four points, four rebounds, and two assists before exiting. Carlson averages just 11 minutes and typically sees run only when
Chet Holmgren (back) or
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) rests, limiting his fantasy relevance. If Holmgren and Hartenstein remain sidelined on Friday,
Jaylin Williams becomes the priority add after erupting for 30 points, 11 rebounds, and five three-pointers in 36 minutes last game.
--Brian DailisanSource: Nick Crain
February 26, 2026
Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson tallied a goal and an assist in Wednesday's 2-1 road victory over the New Jersey Devils. Thompson had a productive Olympic campaign and continued where he left off, scoring his 31st goal of the season and setting up Peyton Krebs for the game-winner. Thompson leads his team in scoring, with 61 points (31 goals, 30 assists) in 58 outings. He boasts 11 goals and 13 assists across his last 18 appearances. The 28-year-old will head out two more times this week as Buffalo faces a back-to-back set in Florida against the Panthers and Lightning.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 26, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Isaiah Joe (glute) was ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against Detroit after suffering a left glute contusion in the first half. He logged 14 minutes and finished with three points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal before being sidelined. The injury halts his recent surge, as he had delivered back-to-back 22-point outings with six three-pointers in each. Should he miss Friday,
Jared McCain becomes a viable streaming target after posting 20 points and four three pointers in 30 minutes last game.
--Brian DailisanSource: Nick Crain
February 26, 2026
Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston had two goals on four shots in Wednesday's 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken. He produced Dallas' first and last goal as the hosts jumped to a 4-0 lead. With his second marker, Johnston surpassed Mike Modano for the most power-play goals in a single season in team history. Johnston has struck 19 times with the man advantage and boasts 31 goals overall. He's added 30 assists in 58 appearances. This season, Johnston is on pace to average at least a point per game for the first time in his career.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 26, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward/center
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) will not return Wednesday against San Antonio after aggravating a left thumb contusion in the second half. The rookie logged 15 minutes and produced four points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal before being shut down. Murray-Boyles has averaged 22 minutes this season, but any absence should push
Jakob Poeltl into a heavier run after he posted 15 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks in 28 minutes off the bench last game.
Sandro Mamukelashvili is a deeper-league flier.
--Brian DailisanSource: Kayla Grey
February 26, 2026
Seattle Kraken defenseman Ryan Lindgren (undisclosed) exited Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars after logging only 01:24 of ice time. He couldn't continue after a collision with Stars forward Colin Blackwell. Lindgren's early exit from Wednesday's loss leaves him questionable for Thursday's tilt against the St. Louis Blues. Cale Fleury and Josh Mahura are the options to come into the lineup as Lindgren's replacement. Neither player should draw fantasy interest, as they have totaled just five points between them this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 26, 2026
Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Newhook (ankle) will return to action on Thursday against the New York Islanders. A fractured ankle has kept Newhook sidelined for several months, with the 25-year-old missing 40 games. Before the injury, Newhook was off to a strong start to the season, notching 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 17 games. To accommodate Newhook's return, the Canadiens are expected to scratch Zachary Bolduc. Newhook will be eased back into action on the fourth line, but he's also penciled in for a role on the second power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 26, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard
Jamal Murray (illness) exited Wednesday's game against Boston and will not return after logging just eight minutes. He finished with two points on 1-of-3 shooting and one assist before being shut down. Murray entered the night averaging 34.8 minutes and a 28.4 percent usage rate, so any absence would shift ballhandling toward
Nikola Jokic and
Christian Braun.
Bruce Brown, who posted four points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 28 minutes last game, becomes a fringe streamer if Murray sits Friday.
--Brian DailisanSource: Denver Nuggets
February 26, 2026
St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (leg, personal) won't be in the lineup on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken. He has been granted a leave of absence to attend to a personal matter. Thomas is also currently on Injured Reserve after undergoing a minor leg procedure in late January. He is expected to return to the team on Friday, but it's unclear whether he will be an option for this weekend's back-to-back set. Thomas is among St. Louis' top scorers, with 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 42 games. Brayden Schenn (illness) may also be out on Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice. As a result, Dalibor Dvorsky could handle the first-line center duties.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 26, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Kyshawn George (knee) has been tagged as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks. The 22-year-old sophomore led the starters with 11 points in Tuesday's blowout loss to the Hawks, but he may skip the rematch due to a left knee contusion. While George turned a lot of heads early in the season, his form has faded over the course of the season. Across February, he has averaged only 10.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Justin Champagnie could replace George in the first unit on Thursday, and he'll be worthy of some fantasy attention after averaging 12.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals over his last six appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward
Zaccharie Risacher (hip) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's action against the Washington Wizards. He is dealing with a right hip contusion and may depart the lineup after tallying nine points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 28 minutes against the Wizards on Tuesday.
Jalen Johnson (hip) is also questionable for the game, meaning we could see a lot more of
Jonathan Kuminga and
Corey Kispert on Thursday night. Kuminga was very impressive in his Hawks debut on Tuesday, totalling 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 24 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Atlanta Hawks guard
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (foot) is questionable for Thursday's contest against the Washington Wizards. He has landed on the injury report with a sprained left foot.
Jalen Johnson (hip) is also questionable for Thursday's action, and the Hawks' offense could have a completely different dynamic if both Alexander-Walker and Johnson miss the game.
CJ McCollum and
Jonathan Kuminga would handle more of the offense, while
Corey Kispert and
Gabe Vincent could see their minutes increase. There might be a larger role for
Zaccharie Risacher (hip) as well, but he's also questionable to play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (back) remains on the injury report ahead of Thursday's matchup with the Houston Rockets. He is listed as questionable with a back strain. Suggs has already missed three games because of the injury, allowing
Tristan da Silva to reclaim a starting berth. After a midseason slump, da Silva has performed well recently. He has averaged 10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks over the past three games. On Thursday, da Silva may continue to contribute in Suggs' absence, but scoring could be challenging against the league's fourth-best defense.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back) has a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Thursday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Indiana will likely be without
Pascal Siakam (wrist) on Thursday night, and Nembhard might join him on the sidelines due to a lower back injury. Despite the issue, Nembhard had 23 points and three assists in 28 minutes during Tuesday's loss to Philadelphia. He may be able to shake off the questionable tag again. If not,
T.J. McConnell,
Quenton Jackson, and
Kam Jones will be expected to pick up the slack.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (back) won't play against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. Due to a nagging lower back issue, Avdija is forced to sit out a second consecutive game. Avdija has joined
Shaedon Sharpe (leg) on the shelf, leaving Portland without its two top offensive options. This elevates the offensive usage of
Jerami Grant,
Jrue Holiday, and Scott Henderson. The trio took 46 of Portland's 89 shot attempts in Tuesday's loss to Minnesota.
Kris Murray stepped into the starting lineup in Avdija's absence, contributing 16 points, five rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 29 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is questionable to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night. The veteran star is dealing with soreness in his left ankle. However, despite being banged up, Leonard has made 14 consecutive appearances. After shaking off the questionable tag, Leonard logged 33 minutes in Sunday's loss to Orlando, finishing with 37 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. If Leonard sits on Thursday,
Bennedict Mathurin would become the Clippers' top offensive option, while there could be additional playing time available for
Kobe Sanders and
Jordan Miller.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Free-agent outfielder
Randal Grichuk is signing a minor-league deal that includes a non-roster invitation to major-league spring training on Wednesday night with the New York Yankees, according to Jack Curry of YES Network. Grichuk could see plenty of at-bats against left-handed hitters with a heavy left-handed-hitting outfield. Earning a spot on the Opening Day roster won't be guaranteed to the 34-year-old veteran, though, especially after a rough year in 2025. Grichuk played in 113 combined games with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals in 2025, slashing an ugly .228/.273/.401 with a .674 OPS, nine home runs, 27 RBI, and 35 runs scored in 293 plate appearances. The 12-year veteran and former first-rounder will merely be a cheap source of power as a part-time player in AL-only leagues if he ends up on the Yankees' bench.
--Keith HernandezSource: YES Network - Jack Curry
February 25, 2026
New Orleans Saints center Will Clapp announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Clapp, 30, will hang up his cleats after seven years in the NFL. He was originally drafted by the Saints in the seventh round in 2018 out of LSU. He suffered a Lisfranc foot injury in the preseason last year and missed the entire 2025 campaign. Clapp spent the first four seasons of his career with the Saints before playing two seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and one year for the Buffalo Bills in 2024. He started only 22 of the 66 games he appeared in over the course of his career. Underhill thinks that Clapp may become New Orleans' assistant offensive-line coach now that he is retired from his playing days.
--Keith HernandezSource: NewOrleans.Football - Nick Underhill
February 25, 2026
New York Yankees right-hander
Cam Schlittler (back, lat) faced hitters for the first time on Wednesday since being sidelined earlier in camp with left lat/mid-back discomfort, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Schlittler threw 25 pitches in his live batting practice session. Manager Aaron Boone said Schlittler "should be ready for the beginning of the season," but he probably won't be "fully built up in terms of stamina." "I'll take 70 pitches of Cam Schlittler," Boone said. "Especially with some of the off-days you have, even if you're in a piggyback situation for a time or two, sign me up for that." It sounds like the 25-year-old will open the year in the starting rotation, although he'll have a lower fantasy ceiling with an inning limit. The former seventh-rounder impressed in his first 14 MLB starts (73 innings) in his rookie year with an ERA under 3.00 and with 84 K's. Fantasy managers should expect at least a little bit of regression in 2026, but there's a lot to like long-term about Schlittler's profile.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
February 25, 2026
New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Devaughn Vele (shoulder) caught 25 of his 39 targets for 293 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games (seven starts) in his second year in the NFL. Statistically, it was a step backward after he had 41 catches for 475 yards and three touchdowns on 55 targets in 13 games (seven starts) in his rookie campaign with the Denver Broncos. The 28-year-old finished his sophomore season on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury, too. However, Vele had become a much bigger part of New Orleans' offense just before his season-ending injury in Week 15. In his final three games, Vele had 16 catches on 19 targets for 202 yards and one of his two touchdowns on the year. The former seventh-rounder by Denver has some momentum going into next season, but his role could change drastically based on what the team does in free agency and the draft.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 25, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward
Keegan Murray (ankle) won't return to Wednesday's game against Houston. The 25-year-old recently returned after missing over a month because of a sprained left ankle. Unfortunately, he re-injured the same ankle late in the first quarter on Wednesday night. Murray would go on to finish with three points in nine minutes of action. The Kings play again on Thursday in Dallas, although fantasy managers shouldn't expect to see him out there for that one. If that's the case,
Nique Clifford, averaging 9.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 10 starts this season, would be considered the favorite to enter the starting lineup.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Michael Scotto
February 25, 2026
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Boston Celtics forward
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) has been a "full go" in five-on-five scrimmages of late. The multi-time All-Star suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals versus the New York Knicks. As expected, he underwent surgery, with many assuming he would miss the entire 2025-26 campaign. Miraculously, only nine months removed from the injury, it appears Tatum could suit up at some point before the end of the regular season. There are some hurdles the former Duke Blue Devil will need to clear. He'll also be limited from a minutes standpoint until the end of the postseason. However, fantasy managers can keep Tatum stashed, considering he might be ready to go soon. If that happens, he'll still have value for fantasy participants even with a limited workload.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
February 25, 2026
Tennessee Titans wide receiver
Chimere Dike saw plenty of playing time as a rookie in 2025 after the Titans took him in the fourth round out of the University of Florida. The 24-year-old made the Pro Bowl as a special teams player -- he returned two punts for touchdowns and led the league with 17.3 yards per punt return. Dike wasn't in the top 50 receivers in terms of overall half-PPR points at the end of the year, but he also showed plenty of promise on offense by finishing with 48 receptions on 74 targets for 423 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games played. In dynasty/keeper leagues, Dike has plenty of potential, mainly as a big-play threat with his 4.34-second 40-yard dash speed. Long-term durability is a bit of a question mark, though, as he stands at a thin 6-foot-1, 196 pounds. His role on offense is a question mark as well, with the Titans expected to be looking to add around quarterback
Cameron Ward.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 25, 2026
New York Yankees right-hander
Will Warren got his spring training off to a strong start in Tuesday's Grapefruit League victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. Warren picked up the win by allowing an earned run on four hits while walking none and striking out four in 2 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old threw 36 of his 49 pitches for strikes in the outing. In his first full season in the big leagues in the Bronx last year, Warren went 9-8 with a 4.44 ERA (4.07 FIP) and 1.37 WHIP with 171 strikeouts and 65 walks in 33 starts over 162 1/3 innings pitched. He should be a lock to start the year in the Yankees' starting rotation with
Gerrit Cole (elbow),
Carlos Rodon (elbow), and
Clarke Schmidt (elbow) all starting on the injured list. Warren led all MLB rookies in strikeouts. To take the next step, Warren will need to fool hitters more regularly with his secondary pitches and lower his walk rate. Going into his second full season, RotoBaller has him ranked just inside the top 100 overall players.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
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