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 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
February 21, 2026
Across 13 games in 2025, Arizona Cardinals running back
Emari Demercado recorded 413 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown on 57 touches. Demercado opened the year as the RB3 in Arizona behind
James Conner (ankle) and
Trey Benson (knee). However, Conner suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 3, and Benson went down for the year with a knee ailment in Week 4. Despite the injuries ahead of him, Demercado was unable to carve out a lead role in Arizona and ended up splitting playing time with running backs
Michael Carter and
Bam Knight. Demercado is now set to hit restricted free agency, so there is no guarantee he will be back with the Cardinals in 2026. Even if he gets a new contract in Arizona, it seems clear that the team views him as a complementary piece. The Cardinals should also get Benson back in time for the start of next season, and could look to add more talent in either free agency or the draft. In dynasty formats, Demercado may no longer be worth rostering after his underwhelming 2025 showing.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
The Minnesota Twins announced that right-hander
Joe Ryan (back) was scratched from his start in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox due to lower-back tightness on his right side, according to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic. We'll have a better idea of the severity of Ryan's back injury in a day or two, but hopefully it's nothing serious enough to put him on the injured list to start the 2026 season, especially after the Twins already lost ace
Pablo Lopez (elbow) for the season due to Tommy John surgery. The 29-year-old finally stayed healthy through the 2025 season and made 30 starts, going 13-10 with a career-best 3.42 ERA (3.74 FIP), 1.03 WHIP, and a 194:39 K:BB in a career-high 171 innings pitched. Despite not lighting up the radar gun, Ryan induces plenty of whiffs and has excellent control. As long as his back injury doesn't jeopardize the start of his 2026 season, Ryan should be viewed as a top-20 fantasy starting pitcher.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman
February 21, 2026
A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers running back
Trevor Etienne played a minimal role on offense in his rookie year. Across 17 games, the 21-year-old recorded 107 yards from scrimmage on just 23 touches. Etienne spent the entire year buried on the depth chart behind veteran Panthers backs
Chuba Hubbard and
Rico Dowdle. Dowdle is a free agent heading into 2026 and may not return to Carolina. However, the Panthers may be getting back 2024 second-round running back
Jonathon Brooks (knee), who missed the entirety of 2025 while rehabbing from a torn ACL. Even if Dowdle signs elsewhere and Brooks' injury issues continue, Etienne did little as a rookie to prove he should be part of Carolina's long-term plans. Depending on league size and format, Etienne may not be worth stashing on dynasty rosters after his underwhelming 2025 campaign.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander
Merrill Kelly's (back) live batting practice session in camp on Saturday was scratched due to mid-back tightness, and he will undergo testing in the next 24 hours, manager Torey Lovullo told Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. It's an ominous sign for a 37-year-old veteran, but we'll know more about the severity of his injury soon. Kelly began the 2025 campaign in Arizona before being traded to the Texas Rangers to close out the season. He was better with the D-backs in 22 starts, posting a 3.22 ERA (3.58 FIP) and 1.06 WHIP with 121 K's and 38 walks in 128 2/3 innings. In Texas, he had a 4.23 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 46:10 K:BB in 10 starts. Kelly knows how to command the baseball, but he lacks a ton of fantasy upside because of his lack of strikeout upside, and home runs have also been an issue. Depending on the severity of his back injury, he could fall off the radar in mixed fantasy leagues entirely entering the 2026 regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
February 21, 2026
Across 16 games in 2025, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Kendrick Bourne recorded 37 receptions for 551 yards on 53 targets. A significant chunk of Bourne's production came in a two-game stretch in Weeks 5 and 6, when he hauled in 15 receptions for 284 yards on 20 targets. As the 49ers' pass-catching corps got healthier in the later part of the season, Bourne's role faded out of fantasy relevance. Bourne is now set to hit free agency ahead of 2026, which will be his age-31 season. Fellow 49ers wideout
Jauan Jennings is also a free agent, and star San Francisco tight end
George Kittle (Achilles) could miss a chunk of 2026 with a torn Achilles tendon. As a result, a return to San Francisco could mean Bourne has a role in the team's passing game, especially early in the year. However, the veteran wideout's best days appear to be behind him, and he may not play a fantasy-relevant role in 2026 and beyond.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed outfielder
Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, a source told Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Suwinski could be back on waivers before the start of the 2026 regular season, as he's out of minor-league options and is likely to face an uphill battle to make the Dodgers' Opening Day roster out of spring training. The 27-year-old center fielder has hit under .200 in his four big-league seasons in Pittsburgh and slashed just .147/.281/.253 with a career-worst .534 OPS, three home runs, 10 RBI, 15 runs scored, seven steals, and 57 strikeouts in 178 plate appearances over a career-low 59 games in 2025. Suwinski has decent plate discipline, but he has simply been overmatched by big-league pitchers, especially the last two seasons. If he sticks around with the Dodgers, he'll provide minor-league outfield depth at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
February 21, 2026
Once a former top prospect with the Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers first baseman
Andrew Vaughn was demoted to Triple-A while still with the White Sox organization in the middle of 2025. A mid-season trade to Milwaukee provided the 27-year-old with a second chance, and he took advantage of the opportunity. Across 254 plate appearances with the Brewers, Vaughn hit .308/.375/.493 with nine home runs, 46 RBI, and 26 runs scored. With a career 46.5% hard-hit rate, Vaughn has always carried intriguing underlying numbers, so the change of scenery may have been all he needed to unlock his potential. Heading into 2026, Vaughn should have a chance to lock down the starting first base job in Milwaukee. While he's not a speed threat, Vaughn has the chance to provide fantasy managers with four-category production and comes at a reasonable average draft position of pick 284.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
After emerging as a high-level fantasy contributor in 2024, Colorado Rockies outfielder
Brenton Doyle came crashing back down to Earth in 2025. Across 538 plate appearances, the 27-year-old hit .233/.274/.376 with 15 home runs, 57 RBI, 57 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases. With a career 28.1% strikeout rate and a questionable eye at the plate, Doyle carries significant batting average risk for fantasy managers. However, he remains an intriguing power/speed threat even after his down year in 2025. Doyle's barrel rate rose from 10.5% in 2024 to 10.8% in 2025, and his hard-hit rate jumped from 41.1% to 44.6%. He also has the benefit of playing his home games at the hitter-friendly Coors Field, which could help his batting average on balls in play improve from the .289 mark he posted in 2025. While the Rockies once again project to be one of the worst teams in baseball, Doyle's excellent defense in center field should keep him in the lineup every day and help him rack up counting stats. With an average draft position of pick 157, Doyle could be a buy-low candidate for fantasy managers to target heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher
Jack Flaherty struggled throughout most of the 2025 season, finishing the year with an 8-15 record, 4.64 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 188 strikeouts across 161 innings pitched (31 starts). With a 27.6% strikeout rate, the 30-year-old still provided fantasy managers with plenty of whiffs. However, his walk rate jumped from 5.9% in 2024 to 8.7% in 2025, and he allowed a 10.3% barrel rate, the worst mark of his career. Flaherty has an established issue with allowing home runs, as he has logged a HR/9 of 1.29 or worse in each of the past two seasons. If his walk rate continues to climb towards the double-digits, he may have a difficult time keeping his ERA to a manageable number. Detroit owes Flaherty $20 million in 2026, so his spot in the rotation should be secure as long as he stays healthy. Flaherty's ability to rack up strikeouts gives him fantasy appeal as long as he remains in a high-volume role. However, Flaherty has posted an ERA north of 4.60 in two of his last three seasons and represents real risk in the ERA and WHIP categories for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
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