February 28, 2026
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (shoulder) could be activated from long-term Injured Reserve ahead of Saturday's encounter with the St. Louis Blues. The talented blue-liner has missed 10 games with a shoulder injury. Hughes has managed 26 points (five goals, 21 assists) with 104 shots in 49 contests this season. Johnathan Kovacevic has played regularly during Hughes' absence and could come out of the lineup against St. Louis. The Blues allow the fourth-most goals in the league and struggle on the penalty kill, making Saturday's game an attractive fantasy matchup for Hughes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 28, 2026
St. Louis Blues center Oskar Sundqvist (upper body) is an option for Saturday's contest against the New Jersey Devils, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports. The Swedish forward underwent surgery during the Olympic break and wasn't available for Thursday's matchup with the Seattle Kraken. In 43 outings this season, Sundqvist has registered 14 points (four goals, 10 assists), 34 shots, and 53 hits. He is likely to fill a bottom-six role if he returns on Saturday, limiting Sundqvist's fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: Lou Korac
February 28, 2026
Florida Panthers defenseman Uvis Balinskis (undisclosed) was unable to finish Friday's 3-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. He exited the game with an undisclosed injury in the second period, finishing with 8:38 of ice time. Balinskis recorded two shots and one block in the contest. The team plans to evaluate Balinskis on Saturday. The Latvian blue-liner has logged 14 points (five goals, nine assists), 61 shots, 37 blocks, and 63 hits in 50 outings across the season. If Balinskis can't suit up on Sunday against the New York Islanders, the Panthers will likely turn to Tobias Bjornfot to fill in for him.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 28, 2026
Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele appeared to injure his right leg in Friday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks. The star forward was hurt at the end of overtime and was under evaluation when Jets head coach Scott Arniel spoke to reporters after the game. Vladimir Namestnikov (lower body) was also injured in Friday's heartbreaking loss, where the Jets blew a 3-1 lead in the third period. Scheifele's injury could open the door for Jonathan Toews to log top-six minutes on Sunday against the San Jose Sharks. However, the former All-Star hasn't been a good fantasy option in 2025-26 and is currently on an eight-game point drought.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 28, 2026
Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (face) left Friday's 5-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth after logging only 10:25 of ice time. He took a high stick to the face from Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz in the second period. There was no update on him after the game, leaving a question mark hanging over Eriksson Ek ahead of Sunday's matchup with the St. Louis Blues. Eriksson Ek has totaled 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists) in 54 appearances, dishing out 78 hits. If the Swedish forward can't play on Sunday, Danila Yurov could return to the top six, while Ben Jones would be his likely replacement in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 27, 2026
Buffalo Bills wide receiver
Keon Coleman is coming off a deflating sophomore season after being a trendy sleeper during fantasy drafts. Coleman finished the season with 38 catches for 404 receiving yards with four touchdowns on 59 targets. The 22-year-old was a healthy scratch during multiple games in 2025 due to disciplinary reasons and maturity issues. Coleman took the brunt of an ugly breakout between the Bills organization and former head coach Sean McDermott by receiving public criticism. However, newly hired head coach Joe Brady claimed that his hiring is the "best thing" that could have happened for Coleman. With the lack of a clear WR1 in Buffalo and support from his new head coach, Coleman has a glimpse of hope to save his career in Buffalo. Coleman will remain a late-round dart throw in dynasty leagues with mysterious upside.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
February 27, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (groin) is considered week-to-week after sustaining a right groin strain Thursday against Philadelphia, likely sidelining him for multiple games. Powell had been operating as a high-usage scorer, so his absence opens meaningful offensive volume.
Tyler Herro, who posted 25 points with four triples, four rebounds, and seven assists in 32 minutes last game, is positioned for a larger role and is a strong hold.
Pelle Larsson logged 33 minutes with nine points and six assists and remains a viable streamer while Powell is out.
--Brian DailisanSource: Anthony Chiang
February 27, 2026
Houston Rockets forward/center
Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) will not play in Saturday's game against Miami due to a right ankle sprain. Smith turned his ankle in Thursday's win over Orlando and will miss at least one contest, with his next chance to return coming Monday against Washington.
Reed Sheppard is the leading candidate to absorb extra minutes after posting 20 points with five triples, three rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in 31 minutes off the bench last game. Sheppard has been trending up and is more than a short-term streamer, especially if the added minutes continue.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 27, 2026
New York Jets wide receiver
Garrett Wilson is coming off a season-ending knee injury he sustained in December. Wilson was shut down in the middle of the 2025 season to avoid major injury and focus on a full recovery. In a limited season, Wilson had 36 catches for 395 receiving yards with four touchdowns on 59 targets. The 25-year-old was averaging over nine targets per game and was on pace to clear 160 targets. Heading into 2026, the Jets' future is very murky with no clear starting quarterback in place and
Breece Hall potentially departing during free agency. Wilson will remain a fringe WR1 in dynasty based on his talent as a receiver alone, but his ceiling will continue to be capped due to the poor offensive ecosystem around him.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
February 27, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Lakers after practicing Friday as he looks to end a three-game absence. Porzingis appeared in one game since joining Golden State, posting 12 points with two triples and one block in 17 minutes, flashing immediate fantasy upside. If active alongside
Draymond Green (back), Porzingis would likely cut into
Al Horford's minutes and could push
Quinten Post out of the rotation. Horford's short-term value would take a hit, while Porzingis carries clear upside if fully cleared.
--Brian DailisanSource: Nick Friedell
February 27, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Draymond Green (back) is listed as probable for Saturday's matchup against the Lakers after sitting out Wednesday for lower-back injury management on the second night of a back-to-back. Head coach Steve Kerr indicated he is expected to return to the lineup. Over his last five games, Green has averaged 10.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.8 three-pointers in 27.4 minutes, offering steady multi-category production. With Green returning, the frontcourt minutes should settle back into place, which likely eats into
Al Horford's short-term streaming appeal as Green steps back into his normal role.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 27, 2026
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Josh Downs is coming off the worst NFL season of his young career. Despite
Daniel Jones playing at an MVP level early in 2025, Downs was unable to become a consistent contributor in the offense. The 24-year-old had career lows in receptions (58), targets (88), and receiving yards (566) while scoring four touchdowns in 16 games. Downs took a backseat in the Colts' passing attack as
Alec Pierce had a breakout season and
Tyler Warren established himself as one of the NFL's best tight ends. However, there could be major changes coming to the Colts' offense that favor Downs, with Pierce becoming a free agent and
Michael Pittman Jr. a potential cut candidate. This would open up more targets in the offense and create an opportunity for Downs to become a top-3 pass catcher. Even with these possibilities, Downs won't be much more than a late-round dart throw in dynasty leagues, with limited upside in 2026.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
February 27, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Spencer Jones (shoulder) and forward
Julian Strawther (toe) are available for Friday's game against Oklahoma City. Jones has been managing a right shoulder strain but will continue in a reserve role after posting six points and seven rebounds in 26 minutes against Boston. He has averaged 5.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in 21.3 minutes over his last four contests and remains a fringe option. Strawther, who has been playing through a left toe sprain, started again Wednesday and recorded 12 points with two triples. He carries deeper-league appeal but remains matchup dependent.
--Brian DailisanSource: Katy Winge
February 27, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard
Jamal Murray (illness) and guard
Jalen Pickett (knee) are available for Friday's game against Oklahoma City. Murray saw only brief action in Wednesday's win over Boston because of illness but is set to resume his full workload as the starting point guard. He remains a strong fantasy play given his 28.4 percent usage rate and consistent scoring alongside
Nikola Jokic. Pickett returns from a two-game absence but averages 15 minutes per game and remains off the fantasy radar in most formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Katy Winge
February 27, 2026
Athletics first baseman/outfielder
Tyler Soderstrom went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's Cactus League win over the Texas Rangers, and he's gone 3-for-7 with two RBI, two runs, a walk, and a strikeout in his three spring games. The 24-year-old left-handed slugger is part of the A's exciting mix of young players. He signed a seven-year, $86 million contract extension in December after slashing .276/.346/.474 with a career-high .820 OPS, 25 home runs, 93 RBI, 75 runs scored, and eight stolen bases in 624 plate appearances over 158 games played in his first full season in the big leagues in 2025. With
Nick Kurtz locked in at first base, Soderstrom will be the A's regular in left field going into the 2026 campaign. His batted-ball metrics indicate his breakout was for real, especially as he made more contact.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 27, 2026
The Green Bay Packers are not placing a tender on impending free-agent running back
Emanuel Wilson, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Wilson will hit the free-agent market this offseason after carrying the ball a career-high 125 times for 496 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. He added a career-best 15 catches on 17 targets for 99 yards and no touchdowns through the air in his third year in the NFL. It remains to be seen if the Packers have any interest in bringing Wilson back as the backup to starter
Josh Jacobs. The 26-year-old filled in nicely as a plug-and-play RB2 in fantasy lineups last year in the two games that Jacobs missed due to injury, but outside of that, he was merely a handcuff for Jacobs. Wilson will likely operate as a backup somewhere else if he leaves in free agency. In his three seasons in Green Bay, he's averaged a healthy 4.5 yards per carry for 1,083 yards and seven rushing touchdowns on 242 carries.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
February 27, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to approach shortstop prospect
Konnor Griffin with a long-term contract extension this spring, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Despite being only 19 years old with just 21 games of experience beyond High-A in the minor leagues, Griffin is the No. 1 prospect in the sport and is trending toward beginning the 2026 season as Pittsburgh's starting shortstop. If the 2025 Minor-League Player of the Year isn't on the Opening Day roster, it shouldn't be long before he makes his MLB debut. Passan writes that Griffin has "top-of-the-scale power and speed with a nifty glove and a shotgun-blast arm." His work ethic is also off the charts. If he makes the Opening Day roster, Griffin would be the first teenage hitter to debut on Opening Day since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989. A contract extension this spring would accelerate his timetable to the big leagues and continue to raise his ADP in fantasy baseball drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
February 27, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Dejounte Murray (Achilles) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. The Pelicans are going to play it safe and rest Murray during the first game of this back-to-back set. The expectation is that Murray will be back in the mix for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Murray made his season debut versus the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. He missed the first 58 games of the season while recovering from a torn Achilles. He finished with 17 points, nine assists, and four steals during Thursday's game. Murray should offer strong upside once he's back to full speed.
Bryce McGowens,
Jordan Poole, and
Jeremiah Fears should all see increased playing time with Murray out on Saturday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 27, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward
Trey Murphy III (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. This will mark the fifth game in a row that Murphy has missed due to a right shoulder contusion. He is being ruled out a full day in advance, so he's probably not close to returning. The Pelicans haven't given a clear timetable on his return yet. His absence should mean
Bryce McGowens and
Jordan Poole continue to see increased run. Poole is inconsistent at times, but his scoring upside makes him worth rostering in most fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 27, 2026
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said on MLB Network on Thursday that designated hitter
Yordan Alvarez will see time in left field this season. Espada discussed how Alvarez enjoys playing left field, so the skipper believes it's important to get him some time on defense. It also allows the Astros to get some other players looks in the DH spot. It's unclear if it will be enough to give the Cuban left-handed slugger outfield eligibility in fantasy leagues, but if it is, it will make Alvarez even more attractive as a potential bounce-back candidate after his injury-plagued 2025 season. The 28-year-old three-time All-Star and former American League Rookie of the Year only played in 48 games and hit .273/.367/.430 with a career-worst .797 OPS, six home runs, 27 RBI, and 17 runs scored. Durability is the issue for Alvarez, but if he can stay healthy, he could easily post his fifth 30-homer season.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB Network
February 27, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Caleb Martin (back) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. This sounds like a minor issue, so hopefully Martin will return for Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Mavs are banged up with
P.J. Washington (ankle),
Cooper Flagg (foot), and
Klay Thompson (rest) all absent on Friday. That means
Khris Middleton,
Brandon Williams, and
Max Christie should all see increased playing time. Honestly, all three of them are suitable streaming options with the Mavs thin on depth right now.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 27, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Klay Thompson (rest) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Unsurprisingly, the Mavs have decided to rest the veteran guard in the second leg of the back-to-back set. The expectation is that Thompson will be back in the mix for Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The absence of Thompson should mean an uptick in fantasy value for
Brandon Williams,
Max Christie, and
Miles Kelly. Among the three, Williams is the most consistent streaming option ahead of Friday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 27, 2026
The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs thinks the Chicago Bears would most likely need a "second-round pick or two picks equaling that value" to make it worth their while to trade backup quarterback
Tyson Bagent this offseason. Biggs also questions whether any team would actually offer a second-rounder for Bagent, who has only made four starts (all in his rookie season in 2023) in his three years in the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals have been rumored as a team that could potentially trade for Bagent, and the New York Jets are another organization that might look to save money at the QB position in 2026. It's just hard to imagine any team, no matter how desperate, wanting to give up much for Bagent before they make moves in free agency and the upcoming NFL draft. If Bagent is traded, he wouldn't be guaranteed a starting role going into Week 1 and would have to win a QB competition in training camp.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs
February 27, 2026
Buffalo Bills wide receiver
Khalil Shakir, who signed a four-year, $60.2 million contract with the team in February of last year, is a player "likely taking on a bigger role" next season, according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. New head coach Joe Brady called Shakir "one of the team's best football players" and noted his ability to play both inside and outside. The 26-year-old has mostly operated out of the slot in his four years in Buffalo, but it sounds like Brady has more ideas of how to get him the ball in 2026. The former fifth-round pick in 2022 out of Boise State had 72 receptions on 95 targets for 719 yards and a career-high-tying four touchdowns in 16 regular-season games last season. Shakir also contributed 124 punt-return yards on special teams during the regular season. Shakir's involvement next year will also depend on any offseason additions on offense. It feels like the 6-foot, 190-pounder's ceiling was probably his 821-yard, 76-catch 2024 campaign.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
February 27, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
P.J. Washington (ankle) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He was tagged as questionable, but has now been downgraded to out due to a left ankle sprain. Washington will sit out both games of the back-to-back set after sustaining an ankle injury on Tuesday. His next chance to play will come on Sunday versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, so fantasy managers will need to check back ahead of that game.
Khris Middleton figures to see an expanded role in the rotation once again with Washington out on Friday. He finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 33 minutes of action on Thursday. Middleton is worth a look as a streaming option while Washington is sidelined.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 27, 2026
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane thinks that the Philadelphia Eagles will decide on whether they'll trade wide receiver
A.J. Brown "in the next 10 days" before the start of the legal tampering period. Brown had his fourth straight 1,000-yard receiving season in 2025, but the Eagles' offense was downright ugly at times, and Brown openly complained about his role while not being on the same page with head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback
Jalen Hurts. The 28-year-old had seven touchdowns for the third straight year, but he was more volatile from a fantasy perspective and averaged a career-low 12.9 yards per catch. A trade out of Philly could help Brown become more consistent, and teams such as the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills could be potential landing spots. If Philly were to trade Brown before June 1, it would result in over $40 million in dead cap.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
February 27, 2026
Texas Rangers third baseman
Josh Jung (hamstring) is expected to make his return to the lineup on Sunday or Monday, according to Shawn McFarland. Jung was pulled from Thursday's lineup as a precaution due to a hamstring issue. He was initially expected to return on Friday, but the team is giving him a few extra days to rest. It's early in camp, so teams are usually going to be extremely cautious with players, even with minor issues. When healthy, Jung has good upside, but keeping him on the field has been a struggle. Last season, Jung slashed .251/.294/390 with 14 home runs and 61 RBI in a career-high 131 games. The 28-year-old could be worth a look as a late-round option due to his power upside.
--Andy WebbSource: Shawn McFarland
February 27, 2026
Chicago White Sox outfielder
Andrew Benintendi (side) was scratched ahead of Friday's Spring Training contest versus the Texas Rangers. Benintendi was pulled out of the lineup due to right-side soreness. For now, Benintendi is considered day-to-day, so hopefully, he has avoided any significant issues. The 31-year-old is coming off a decent campaign with the White Sox in 2025. He slashed .240/.307/.431 with 20 home runs and 63 RBI in 116 games.
Darren Baker took over in left field on Friday and could see an expanded role until Benintendi returns.
--Andy WebbSource: James Fegan
February 27, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher
Orion Kerkering (hamstring) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday. This will mark the first time that Kerkering has thrown since suffering a Grade 1 hamstring strain earlier this month. If everything goes well, Kerkering should progress to facing live hitters. After that, Kerkering should get back to pitching in live games. The right-hander has plenty of time to ramp up at his own pace before Opening Day. Last season, Kerkering posted a 3.30 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and a 65/27 K/BB ratio across 69 games with the Phillies. He figures to be an important late-inning option, but his fantasy value is limited due to the lack of save opportunities.
--Andy WebbSource: Charlotte Varnes
February 27, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Grae Kessinger (knee) is reportedly getting imaging done after suffering a left knee injury during Friday's Grapefruit League contest against the St. Louis Cardinals. Mets manager
Carlos Mendoza said the injury didn't look too good, but the team will wait until the MRI comes back before they decide the next step. Normally, Kessinger's presence wouldn't be a huge factor, but he's currently in the running for the starting shortstop gig.
Francisco Lindor (hand) is uncertain for Opening Day, so the Mets might need to pivot once again if Kessinger misses significant time. The 28-year-old was unlikely to make a big impact on the Mets, given his .131/.243/.213 career slash line. However, the injury to Kessinger gives the Mets less depth going forward.
--Andy WebbSource: SNY Mets
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