April 16, 2026
Charlotte Hornets point guard
LaMelo Ball has been fined $60,000 for his actions involving Tuesday's play-in game against the Miami Heat, ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk reports. Ball was fined $35,000 "for making unnecessary and reckless contact" with Miami's
Bam Adebayo. The Hornets star was not called for a foul during the game, but he was assessed a flagrant foul 2 after the league reviewed the incident, which forced Adebayo to leave the game early with a lower back injury. Additionally, the NBA fined Ball $25,000 for using profane language in a TV interview after the game. Charlotte will be happy to know that Ball was only fined for the Adebayo incident and didn't receive a suspension. The team will hope to see him lead the Hornets into the playoffs for the first time since 2016 with a victory over Orlando on Friday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ohm Youngmisuk
April 15, 2026
Across his first 77 plate appearances of 2026, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman
Junior Caminero is hitting .234/.351/.406 with three home runs, six RBI, and nine runs scored. Fresh off a 45-homer season as a 21-year-old in 2025, Caminero hasn't been quite as dynamic early on this year. Still, Caminero's 19.5% strikeout rate is right in line with the 19.1% mark he posted last season. Opposing pitchers are being extra cautious this year with Caminero, as his 15.6% walk rate is nearly 10 percentage points higher than his 6.3% rate from 2025. Caminero has consistently shown the ability to make hard contact throughout his MLB career to this point, which should help him regain his power stroke over a larger sample size of at-bats. Fantasy managers should be patient with Caminero through the early portion of the season.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 15, 2026
Across his first 85 plate appearances of 2026, Atlanta Braves outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr. is hitting .247/.341/.384 with one home run, five RBI, six runs scored, and four stolen bases. While Acuna Jr. hasn't quite gotten his power stroke going yet, his 16.4% barrel rate suggests that it's only a matter of time before his fly balls start leaving the yard with more regularity. Acuna Jr.'s four stolen bases are also a positive sign for fantasy managers. The 28-year-old recorded just nine steals in 95 games while returning from a torn ACL in 2025, but the early push in 2026 could be a sign he has more confidence in his surgically repaired knee. While Acuna Jr.'s top-line numbers haven't been quite what fantasy managers might have hoped for so far, it's too early to panic.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 15, 2026
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that starting pitcher
Gerrit Cole (elbow) is scheduled to make a rehab start with Double-A Somerset on Friday, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. The return to live game action represents a big step in Cole's recovery from Tommy John surgery, which caused him to miss the entire 2025 season. Across 95 innings (17 starts) in 2024, Cole posted an 8-5 record with a 3.41 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts. The 35-year-old should not be expected to be the pitcher he once was at his peak, but Cole still carries clear fantasy upside once healthy. Given the long layoff, Cole will almost certainly need to make multiple rehab starts in the minor leagues. Still, he could be tracking towards an MLB return in May, barring any setbacks.
--Will BradySource: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
April 15, 2026
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher
Landen Roupp has gotten off to a strong start to his 2026 season. Across 16 2/3 innings pitched (three starts), the 27-year-old owns a 2-1 record with a 3.24 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 18 strikeouts. Roupp emerged as a capable option for the Giants in 2025, recording a 3.80 ERA across 106 2/3 innings (22 starts). However, he posted an underwhelming 21.4% strikeout rate and a brutal 1.48 WHIP. Early in 2026, Roupp has upped his strikeout rate to 26.1% and has issued just five walks. If his current strand rate of 57.9% regresses closer to his career mark of 71.6%, Roupp could actually be in line to improve on his current 3.24 ERA. Based on the improvements he has shown so far this season, Roupp could be an intriguing target on the waiver wire for fantasy managers. His next start is scheduled for Thursday in Cincinnati against the Reds.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 15, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Jorge Polanco (Achilles) is not in the lineup for his team's matchup on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to continued issues with Achilles bursitis, per Mike Puma of the New York Post. Puma reports that the team plans to re-evaluate him on Friday, and that Mets manager
Carlos Mendoza said a trip to the injured list is on the table for Polanco. Polanco is off to a rough start to his first year in New York, hitting .179/.246/.286 with one home run, two RBI, and three runs scored across 61 plate appearances. Polanco has been in and out of the lineup due to this Achilles issue for over a week now, so an injured list stint could be the best thing for him long term. Mets outfielder
MJ Melendez got the start at designated hitter in place of Polanco on Wednesday, and could be in line for more playing time if Polanco is sidelined for an extended stretch.
--Will BradySource: New York Post - Mike Puma
April 15, 2026
New York Mets manager
Carlos Mendoza said, "that's the goal," when asked by reporters whether outfielder
Juan Soto (calf) would return during the team's next home stand. The Mets finish up their current road trip this weekend in Chicago before returning home next Tuesday for a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins. Soto is currently on the 10-day injured list as he recovers from a calf strain that he suffered on April 3. Across 34 plate appearances before getting hurt, the 27-year-old hit .355/.412/.516 with one home run, five RBI, and three runs scored. Once he's back in the lineup, Soto immediately profiles as a must-start fantasy outfielder. However, fantasy managers may want to prepare for limited aggressiveness on the base paths with Soto returning from a leg ailment. Soto was one of the more surprising sources of speed for fantasy managers in 2025 when he stole 38 bags.
--Will BradySource: SNY
April 15, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers center
Thomas Bryant (calf) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs reports. The 28-year-old big man was the only player with limitations during the practice session. Bryant injured his left calf late in the regular season, missing four games. He's in a race to get healthy for the start of the postseason, with Cleveland kicking off its first-round series against Toronto on Saturday. Serving as the backup center, Bryant notched 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game during the regular season. Cleveland could use Bryant's size against
Jakob Poeltl, but he isn't expected to make a major impact in the series.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Cunningham
April 15, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Spencer Jones (hamstring) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Brendan Vogt of DNVR Sports reports. He took part only in the non-contact portions of the practice session. Jones sat out the final six regular-season games due to a right hamstring strain. It's uncertain whether he will be cleared to return to action for Saturday's Game 1 against Minnesota. Although Jones hasn't produced any outstanding numbers this season, he has done a solid job during his sophomore campaign, earning a starting spot in 37 of his 64 appearances. The 24-year-old averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 22.1 minutes per game during the regular season.
Tim Hardaway Jr. and
Bruce Brown will play important roles off the bench against Minnesota if Jones and
Peyton Watson (hamstring) remain out on Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Brendan Vogt
April 15, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (hamstring) practiced on Wednesday, but only in the non-contact portions, Brendan Vogt of DNVR Sports reports. Watson missed the last five regular-season games due to right hamstring tightness. He was labeled week-to-week at the start of the month. While Watson hasn't practiced fully, Nuggets head coach David Adelman still hopes he can play in Saturday's playoff opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Watson finished the regular season as Denver's fourth-highest scorer, putting up 14.6 points per game. Additionally, he tallied 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 29.6 minutes. If he can't play on the weekend, the Nuggets will look to get more production from
Tim Hardaway Jr. and
Bruce Brown.
--Taavi PailkSource: Brendan Vogt
April 15, 2026
Charlotte Hornets point guard
LaMelo Ball is being investigated by the NBA for his trip of Miami Heat's
Bam Adebayo (back) in Tuesday's Play-In Tournament game, ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk reports. The two collided in the second quarter, and Adebayo exited the game after the incident due to a lower-back injury. Sources have told ESPN's Shams Charania that the NBA has contacted both teams and will interview Ball. A ruling is expected before Friday's play-in game, in which the Hornets will face the loser of Wednesday's Philadelphia-Orlando matchup. It's possible the Ball play will be upgraded to a flagrant foul 1 or 2, but there likely won't be a suspension. Ball scored a game-winning layup in Tuesday's 127-126 overtime victory, finishing with 30 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, and one block.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ohm Youngmisuk
April 15, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers center
Isaiah Jackson (ankle) will play on Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors. He was upgraded to probable earlier on Wednesday and is now listed as available. Jackson couldn't help the Clippers in the final eight regular-season games due to a right ankle sprain. He has made 17 appearances with the Clippers since arriving from Indiana, posting averages of 7.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 15.9 minutes. Jackson's playing time has been fairly limited due to
Brook Lopez's presence, so he doesn't offer much fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 15, 2026
The No. 46 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Rams tight end
Terrance Ferguson had a quiet year as a rookie. Across 14 games, the 23-year-old recorded just 11 receptions for 231 yards and three touchdowns on 25 targets. Ferguson's path to playing time in Los Angeles was largely blocked off by Rams tight ends
Colby Parkinson and
Tyler Higbee, both of whom will be back in the mix in 2026. Still, Ferguson's impressive average of 21 yards per reception as a rookie and his pre-draft pedigree dictate some reason for upside for fantasy managers. Additionally, Los Angeles uses multiple tight end sets as much as any offense in the NFL, which could allow Ferguson to carve out a significant role alongside the Rams' veteran tight ends. In dynasty formats, now might be the ideal time for managers to buy low on Ferguson.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 15, 2026
Across 17 games in 2025, Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz recorded 82 receptions for 777 yards and three touchdowns on 106 targets. The 29-year-old's production surge came as a bit of a surprise, as he posted three consecutive seasons with fewer than 60 receptions and 90 targets from 2022 through 2024. Still, despite the bump in volume, Schultz's fantasy upside is limited by his lack of explosiveness. He averaged fewer than 10 yards per reception in 2025 and has never averaged more than 10.8 yards per catch in any of his eight NFL seasons. Schultz's 2025 production was also boosted by the absence of fellow Texans tight end
Cade Stover, who missed eight games with a foot injury. Schultz maintains some fantasy value as a high-floor PPR streamer, but his dynasty upside remains capped heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 15, 2026
After starting the 2025 season on the practice squad, Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal was not expected to play a significant role in his team's offense. However, early-season injuries to Chargers backs
Omarion Hampton and
Najee Harris led to Vidal spending a sizable chunk of the year as his team's lead rusher. Across 13 games, the 24-year-old collected 779 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 171 touches. Los Angeles re-signed Vidal this offseason, so he will be back in the mix for the Chargers in 2026. Still, Hampton is expected to be fully healthy and will likely return to the RB1 role. Additionally, Los Angeles signed former Baltimore Ravens running back
Keaton Mitchell in free agency, which could push Vidal to the Chargers RB3 role. Despite the surprisingly strong year in 2025, Vidal's fantasy value in dynasty formats is questionable heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 15, 2026
New Orleans Saints tight end
Juwan Johnson had the most productive season of his career in 2025, recording 77 receptions for 889 yards and three touchdowns on 102 targets across 17 games. The 29-year-old's 102 targets were good for second on the team behind only star wide receiver
Chris Olave. While New Orleans signed veteran tight end
Noah Fant in free agency, Johnson should function as the Saints' lead receiver at the position once again in 2026. Additionally, the outlook for New Orleans' pass game overall is trending up after quarterback
Tyler Shough's emergence as a capable signal-caller down the back half of 2025. Johnson may not offer fantasy managers explosive upside, but he should provide a safe production floor, especially in PPR-scoring formats. Johnson's short-term dynasty value is rising after his solid year in 2025.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 15, 2026
Carolina Panthers running back
Chuba Hubbard opened the 2025 season as his team's RB1. However, an early-season calf injury forced Hubbard to the sidelines and opened the door for
Rico Dowdle to emerge as Carolina's new feature back. While Hubbard worked his way back into a more even playing time split down the stretch of the season, he finished the year with just 734 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 164 touches. Luckily for Hubbard, Dowdle signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, reopening the door for Hubbard to get his starting role back. The 26-year-old Hubbard is just one year removed from his breakout 2024 campaign with Carolina, when he racked up 1,366 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns on 293 touches. Hubbard's dynasty value is firmly trending upwards heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 15, 2026
A fourth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans tight end
Gunnar Helm worked his way into a regular role in his team's offense as a rookie. Across 16 games, the 23-year-old recorded 44 receptions for 357 yards and two touchdowns on 55 targets. Helm split playing time with veteran tight end
Chig Okonkwo, which limited the production upside for both players. However, Okonkwo signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency, opening the door for Helm to emerge as the Titans' clear lead tight end. While Tennessee signed wide receiver
Wan'Dale Robinson over the offseason, the Titans do not have any other clear high-volume target-earners standing in Helm's way. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues may want to consider buying low on Helm ahead of a potential 2026 breakout.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 15, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard
Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) was limited to an individual workout Tuesday and remains day-to-day ahead of Saturday's Game 1 against Cleveland. His status is trending toward questionable, creating some uncertainty in Toronto's backcourt rotation. If Quickley sits,
Ja'Kobe Walter and
Jamal Shead are the primary beneficiaries. Walter started April 10 and posted 15 points with four three-pointers in 30 minutes, offering streaming appeal for scoring and threes, while Shead logged 27 minutes but saw limited usage.
Scottie Barnes and
RJ Barrett would also handle more playmaking duties.
--Brian DailisanSource: Ryan Wolstat
April 15, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers center
Isaiah Jackson (ankle) is probable for Wednesday's Play-In Tournament matchup against Golden State after missing eight straight games with a right ankle sprain. Jackson last appeared March 27, logging four points and four rebounds in 15 minutes, and he should slot back into a limited backup role behind
Brook Lopez. Across his appearances this season, Jackson has produced efficient scoring and defensive stats in short bursts, but his role caps his fantasy ceiling. Lopez should still handle most of the center minutes, while
John Collins could give up a bit of his rotation time with Jackson back in the mix.
--Brian DailisanSource: Justin Russo
April 15, 2026
New York Knicks guard
Tyler Kolek (oblique) returned to practice Wednesday after missing the final four regular-season games with a right oblique strain, putting him on track for Game 1 against Atlanta on Saturday. Kolek logged eight points, two three-pointers, two assists, and one steal in 12 minutes in his last outing, April 3, but he faces a crowded rotation.
Miles McBride started the finale and hit four three-pointers in 24 minutes, while
Jordan Clarkson remains in the mix. Kolek is a deep-league flier at best, with limited playoff role security behind
Jalen Brunson.
--Brian DailisanSource: Jared Schwartz
April 15, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers forward/center
Trendon Watford (illness) is available for Wednesday's Play-In Tournament game against the Orlando Magic. Watford was previously listed as probable due to an illness, but he has since been cleared to play in tonight's contest in Philadelphia. It's unclear where the 25-year-old will fit into the rotation, as he has been used sparingly in April, averaging 4.7 minutes across three outings.
Joel Embiid (abdomen) remains sidelined, which could open up a limited frontcourt role for Watford, but he's still unlikely to see enough action to make a major fantasy impact.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 15, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Jonathan Isaac (knee) will not play in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament matchup against Philadelphia, extending his absence to over a month due to a left knee sprain. Isaac logged just one minute in his last appearance March 12 and has held a minimal role even when active, limiting his fantasy relevance. His absence keeps
Tristan da Silva in a steady bench role after posting eight points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 24 minutes Sunday. Da Silva remains a deep-league streamer, while
Paolo Banchero and
Franz Wagner continue to anchor frontcourt usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: Jason Beede
April 15, 2026
According to Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com, San Antonio Spurs guard
Dylan Harper (thumb) is probable for Game 1 on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers. Harper sustained a left thumb injury during Sunday's regular-season finale loss to Denver, finishing with nine points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 18 minutes. With the Spurs entering the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, the 20-year-old rookie is expected to maintain a steady role in the rotation. If Harper is active Sunday but experiences any setbacks, additional backcourt minutes will shift to
De'Aaron Fox,
Jordan McLaughlin and
Stephon Castle.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Michael C. Wright
April 15, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner will remain limited in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament game against Philadelphia, though head coach Jamahl Mosley expects a slight increase in workload. Wagner logged 26 minutes Sunday, finishing with 20 points, two three-pointers, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal, and he has averaged 20.7 points in 23.6 minutes over his last three outings with a 32.4 usage rate. The cap lowers his ceiling slightly, keeping him more in mid-round range, while
Paolo Banchero and
Jalen Suggs should continue seeing stable usage with Wagner not fully unleashed.
--Brian DailisanSource: Adam Aaronson
April 15, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar
Shohei Ohtani will pitch against the New York Mets on Wednesday, but he will not serve as the designated hitter, according to Buster Olney of ESPN. The Dodgers won't overdo it with Ohtani in his two-way role early on and have opted to give him a little rest while he pitches on Wednesday. As a hitter, Ohtani has gone hitless in his last seven at-bats with a run scored in the last two games. With Ohtani only pitching, catcher
Dalton Rushing is serving as the DH and will hit seventh against Mets right-hander
Clay Holmes. Outfielder
Kyle Tucker moves into the leadoff spot for the Blue. Ohtani has gone 12 innings in his first two starts of the 2026 season, and he's yet to allow an earned run while walking four and striking out eight. Fantasy managers should be starting Ohtani the pitcher on Wednesday night against a Mets team that is really struggling offensively with All-Star outfielder
Juan Soto (calf) on the injured list.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Buster Olney
April 15, 2026
San Diego Padres right-hander
Nick Pivetta (elbow) declined to discuss what his MRI exam showed, but he did say he will rest and rehab and that he's confident he will pitch again this season, according to Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Without knowing for sure what is wrong with Pivetta's elbow, it doesn't sound like he's looking for a speedy return anytime soon after being placed on the 15-day injured list this week with a right-elbow injury. In addition to what looks like a lengthy injury absence for the 33-year-old Canadian, Pivetta was inconsistent in his first four starts for the Friars compared to his breakout in 2025. He had a 4.50 ERA in his 16 innings, but that also came with a 1.28 FIP, 24 strikeouts, and six walks in 16 innings, so Pivetta probably deserved some better luck. Pivetta had a career-best 2.87 ERA in 31 starts for the Friars in 2025 and a 26.4% strikeout rate. Fantasy managers need to sit tight for now while we wait to see how much time Pivetta might actually miss.
--Keith HernandezSource: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Jeff Sanders
April 15, 2026
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon (lower body) is expected to miss the team's playoff opener against the Boston Bruins, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports. The 33-year-old sustained a lower-body injury earlier this month and won't be available for a fifth straight game on Wednesday night against the Dallas Stars. Colten Ellis is expected to start the matchup as Buffalo plans to rest several key players for the regular-season final, including No. 1 goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The Sabres are also likely to be without forward Noah Ostlund (upper body) at the start of the postseason.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mike Harrington
April 15, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Jett Howard (ankle) will play in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Howard missed the final five games of the regular season due to a sprained left ankle, but he has been cleared to return for tonight's matchup in Philadelphia. The 22-year-old averaged 5.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 12.6 minutes per game this season, so his fantasy impact is expected to be minimal in this contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 15, 2026
The New York Mets announced on Wednesday that they placed infielder/outfielder
Jared Young (knee) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to April 13) with a left meniscus tear. In a corresponding move, the Mets recalled outfielder
MJ Melendez from Triple-A Syracuse. Young will need to have surgery, which could keep him out for the rest of the first half of the season. The 30-year-old was taking advantage of extra opportunities early in the year in New York with star outfielder
Juan Soto (calf) on the IL, and he was hitting .350 (7-for-20) with two RBI and two runs scored in 11 games before his knee injury on Tuesday. With Young now out, both
Brett Baty and
Mark Vientos should see even more playing time between the outfield and first base, at least until Soto returns. Baty is off to a cold start, hitting .218 (12-for-55) with no homers, while Vientos is batting .227 (10-for-44) with a homer and five RBI in his 14 games played for the Mets.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Mets
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