January 9, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
Rui Hachimura (calf) will miss a sixth consecutive game on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Although Hachimura was first listed as questionable and seemed close to returning, his status has now been downgraded to out.
Jake LaRavia has offered good fantasy value as Hachimura's replacement in the starting lineup. The Wake Forest product has averaged 15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals over the past five games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Cason Wallace (toe) is listed as out for Friday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Wallace is set to miss his first game since October 23rd due to a sore left toe. The 22-year-old guard has averaged 7.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 27 minutes. Wallace also leads the NBA in steals (2.2 per game) and has started in 30 of 37 games this season. With Wallace,
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle), and
Chet Holmgren (shin) out on Friday, and
Alex Caruso (back) questionable, the Thunder will look for
Aaron Wiggins and
Isaiah Joe to step up, while
Jalen Williams will have to be relied on heavily against the Grizzlies. With the Thunder back in action on Sunday, Wallace and the others will look to return against the Miami Heat.
--Nathan HarveySource: Brandon Rahbar
January 9, 2026
According to Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies have shown interest in Minnesota Twins backup catcher
Ryan Jeffers on the trade market. The Phillies are currently in discussions to re-sign catcher
J.T. Realmuto, but have been unable to agree on a contract. Additionally, Gelb and Rosenthal noted that they could also look to sign free agent
Victor Caratini if they cannot reach an agreement with Realmuto. Jeffers has spent his entire six-year MLB career with the Twins. Last season, Jeffers posted a .266/.356/.397 line with 26 doubles and nine long balls. In 2024, Jeffers hit a career-best 21 home runs. Jeffers could be worth a look in deeper two-catcher leagues if he were to sign in Philadelphia, as he would be joining a deeper lineup, which could boost his counting stats.
--Andy SmithSource: Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal
January 9, 2026
Washington Wizards forward
Khris Middleton (knee) is ready to play ahead of Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Middleton sat out of Wednesday's game, which isn't shocking considering it was the second leg of a back-to-back set. The veteran forward is back in the starting five ahead of Friday's tip-off. This season, Middleton is averaging 9.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds across 24.4 minutes per game this season. Middleton is going to have his rest games, but is consistent enough to be trusted as a low-end streaming option.
--Andy WebbSource: Washington Wizards
January 9, 2026
Washington Wizards guard
Kyshawn George (hip) is active and in the starting five ahead of Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. George is back after missing seven games due to a left hip flexor strain. There is no word on George being limited, so fantasy managers should expect him to be a full-go. Before going down, George was averaging 13.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over his previous 12 games.
Tre Johnson will head back to the bench and will lose streaming appeal with George back in the mix.
--Andy WebbSource: George Finberg
January 9, 2026
Free agent catcher
Victor Caratini could be an option for the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Ken Rosenthal and Matt Gelb of The Athletic. The Phillies are currently in discussions to re-sign long-time backup
J.T. Realmuto, but if they are unable to reach an agreement, they could look to sign Caratini. Last season, Caratini appeared in 114 games for the Houston Astros and posted a .259/.324/.404 line with 14 doubles, 12 home runs, and one stolen base. Under the hood, he placed in the 59th percentile in xwOBA and xBA. Rosenthal and Gelb noted that if Caratini were to sign with the Phillies, he would likely operate in a timeshare with
Rafael Marchan, which would likely limit both of their fantasy values. Caratini projects to be a serviceable low-end C2 in two-catcher leagues in 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal
January 9, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard
Vince Williams Jr. (knee) is available to play Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Williams returned Monday, playing 22 minutes and recording 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists. After missing the second half of Tuesday's back-to-back, Williams is set to play and have a big role against the defending champions. With
Ja Morant (calf),
Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe),
Ty Jerome (calf), and
John Konchar (thumb) all out, and rookie
Cedric Coward (ankle) listed as a game-time decision, Williams may have to handle a heavy workload despite just returning from injury. Fantasy managers can rely on the 25-year-old guard to provide some value against the Thunder, who have been struggling as of late.
--Nathan HarveySource: Jonah Dylan
January 9, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Friday against the Orlando Magic. Embiid continues to manage his left knee and was initially listed as questionable on the injury report, but he is ready to make his sixth consecutive appearance. We have seen a vintage Embiid lately, as teams have struggled to contain the former MVP. Most recently, he notched 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in just 25 minutes in a blowout victory against the Washington Wizards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Leonard was questionable coming into this game after tweaking his ankle on Wednesday. It wasn't significant enough to hold Leonard out of action, so he'll suit up for the first game of this back-to-back set. Over his last 10 games, Leonard is averaging 32.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 37.1 minutes per game. Fantasy managers should double-check their lineups and make sure Leonard is active ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: Law Murray
January 9, 2026
According to Ari Alexander of 7News, the New York Yankees have claimed right-handed pitcher
Kaleb Ort off waivers from the Houston Astros. The Astros designated the relief pitcher for assignment earlier in January and will compete for a spot on the Yankees' Opening Day roster. Ort struggled during the 2025 campaign, logging 46 innings to the tune of a 4.89 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. However, during the 2024 season, Ort was one of the most reliable relievers in the Houston bullpen. Through 24 2/3 innings, the 33-year-old posted an impressive 2.55 ERA with a near-perfect 0.81 WHIP. During this campaign, he tallied 26 punchouts and added three holds. Managers in deeper holds leagues should monitor his status during spring training, as he could carve out a high-leverage role in the Bronx.
--Andy SmithSource: Ari Alexander
January 9, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward
Trey Murphy III (back) will return from a one-game absence on Friday versus the Washington Wizards. He's been dealing with lower back spasms, but the team upgraded Murphy III's status from questionable to available. Murphy III began the week with a career night against the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 42 points on Tuesday night. He could cook up something special again on Friday, as Washington has the second-worst defensive rating in the league.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is scheduled to interview for the Tennessee Titans' head-coaching job next Wednesday, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. McDaniel has generated significant interest around the league since the Dolphins fired him on Thursday after posting a 35-33 record and two playoff trips in his four seasons at the helm in Miami. He is not only generating interest for head-coaching jobs around the league, but also openings at offensive coordinator. The Lions are one team interested in McDaniel as a coordinator. The Cleveland Browns are another team reportedly interested in talking to McDaniel about their head-coaching position. If McDaniel is hired by the Titans, it would be good news for the development of quarterback
Cameron Ward, who struggled in his first year in the NFL after being taken first overall by Tennessee last April.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 9, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Tristan da Silva (back) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. This comes as a surprise, given da Silva looked fine during Wednesday's game. He finished with 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists across 24 minutes of action. His absence should free up playing time for
Tyus Jones and
Jett Howard in the rotation.
Jalen Suggs (knee) is also sidelined, so Jones will probably see heavy minutes. He's the better streaming choice between the two players for Friday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: Orlando Magic
January 9, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Michael Porter Jr. (knee) will play against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. The team upgraded his status on the injury report from probable to available. The 27-year-old has shaken off knee soreness and will continue to lead Brooklyn's offense on Friday. Porter Jr. averaged 28.3 points in December and has been even more productive in his first few outings in January, notching 30.5 points per game. Since the Clippers have the fifth-worst defensive rating in the NBA, Porter Jr. could be in line for another prolific scoring performance on Friday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
The Washington Nationals claimed left-handed pitcher
Paxton Schultz off waivers on Friday from the Toronto Blue Jays. The southpaw was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays earlier this week. The 28-year-old made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays last summer and logged 24 2/3 innings to the tune of a 4.38 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. Across this stint, the left-hander Schultz struck out 28 hitters and served up eight free passes. While his ratios seem high on the surface, he generated a promising 3.77 xERA with an above-average .219 xBA, suggesting he could enjoy a strong sophomore season in the big leagues. Through 203 1/3 career frames at the Triple-A level, Schultz has posted a 4.47 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP. Managers should expect Schultz to compete for a role in the Washington bullpen during Spring Training.
--Andy SmithSource: Toronto Blue Jays
January 9, 2026
The Baltimore Ravens announced on Friday that they completed an interview with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski for their head-coaching position. The Ravens are casting a wide net for their next head coach following the firing of John Harbaugh earlier this week after 18 years with the organization. Stefanski has been a hot head-coaching candidate this cycle after the Browns fired him on Monday. He has already met with the New York Giants and is expected to interview with the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans as well. Stefanski spent the first 14 years of his NFL career on the Minnesota Vikings' coaching staff before joining the Browns in 2019. He finished 45-56 during the regular season in his six years as Cleveland's head coach, leading the team to its first playoff appearance in 18 years and first playoff victory in 26 years.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baltimore Ravens
January 9, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (foot/sciatica) is now considered probable for Friday's action against the Milwaukee Bucks. The team initially listed him as questionable on the injury report. The fact that James was upgraded to probable indicates he is likely to return to the lineup after a one-game absence. While James has ridden the backseat for most of the campaign, he has started 2026 in dominant fashion. Across three January appearances, the veteran star has produced 29.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. It's been a remarkable run, given that James turned 41 on Dec. 30.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Nicolas Claxton will move back into the starting five ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Claxton returned on Wednesday after missing two games due to personal reasons. He operated under a minutes limit on Wednesday as the team wanted to ease him back into action. He'll return to the starting five on Friday, which will shift
Day'Ron Sharpe to the bench. Claxton is averaging 13.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 29.9 minutes per game this season. He appears to be a full-go now, so fantasy managers can get him back into their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: C.J. Holmes
January 9, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
Brandon Ingram (thumb) will miss his first game of the season on Friday against the Boston Celtics. The former All-Star injured his right thumb during Wednesday's win over the Charlotte Hornets and was ruled out for Friday after initially being considered a game-time call. Ingram's first opportunity to return will come on Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers. On Friday, the Raptors are also rolling without
Scottie Barnes (knee), so
RJ Barrett and
Immanuel Quickley could have extremely high usage rates. Meanwhile,
Jamal Shead,
Ja'Kobe Walter, and
Gradey Dick may see additional time on the court.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
San Jose Sharks defenseman John Klingberg (lower body) could be ready to rejoin the lineup on Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights, Max Miller of NHL.com reports. The Swedish veteran won't take the ice for Saturday's matchup against the Dallas Stars, missing his fourth consecutive game. However, Klingberg is closing in on his return and may be an option for the next game. Klingberg has registered 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) and 41 blocks in 31 games this season. He has been inconsistent with his offensive production, as half of Klingberg's points came last month during a five-game hot spell.
--Taavi PailkSource: Max Miller
January 9, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward
Scottie Barnes (knee) won't play on Friday against Boston. He injured his knee in Wednesday's win over the Charlotte Hornets. While the 24-year-old could miss a few contests, the fact he wasn't ruled out early heading into this one at least suggests he might be day-to-day, meaning there may be a chance he suits up on Sunday versus Philly. With
Brandon Ingram (thumb) also unavailable,
RJ Barrett and
Immanuel Quickley should pick up more of the slack offensively.
Collin Murray-Boyles and
Sandro Mamukelashvili could also benefit on both ends of the floor.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Free-agent infielder
Andy Ibanez agreed to terms on an undisclosed one-year big-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday that is pending a physical, a source told ESPN insider Kiley McDaniel. The 32-year-old Ibanez became a free agent when he was non-tendered by the Detroit Tigers in November. The 32-year-old Cuban right-handed hitter spent the last three years with the Tigers and hit a combined .251/.304/.392 with a .696 OPS, 20 home runs, 94 RBI, 96 runs scored, and seven steals in 304 regular-season games. Ibanez hit .239 (42-for-176) in 91 regular-season games in 2025, adding four home runs, 21 RBI, 24 runs, and a career-high four stolen bases. Because he's out of minor-league options, he's a good bet to make L.A.'s Opening Day roster as infield depth off the bench. As a light-hitting utility infielder, Ibanez should be ignored in all mixed fantasy leagues in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Kiley McDaniel
January 9, 2026
New York Rangers center Noah Laba (upper body) will be a game-time decision on Saturday against the Boston Bruins, Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic reports. Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan called Noah Laba "a possibility" for the game. The 22-year-old practiced fully on Friday after missing three games due to an upper-body injury. Laba's first year in the NHL has gone fairly well. He has contributed five goals and seven assists in 42 outings, averaging 13:13 of ice time. If he's ready to return against Boston, Laba is expected to fill third-line duties.
--Taavi PailkSource: Vince Z. Mercogliano
January 9, 2026
New York Giants running back
Cam Skattebo (ankle) is out of his walking boot after being "stuck" in it for eight weeks, and he said he is on schedule in his recovery from a gruesome dislocated right ankle that he suffered in Week 8, according to Dan Salomone of Giants.com. Skattebo said he will soon start "upping" his speed, and training camp remains his ultimate goal for a return date. The 23-year-old fourth-round pick out of Arizona State last April should be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season this fall as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks once he begins ramping up on-field workouts.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. remains in the fold in New York's backfield, but before Skattebo's injury, he had become the Giants' clear preferred option at RB. Skattebo is a bruising dual-threat back that had 410 rushing yards and five scores on 101 carries in his first eight NFL games, adding 24 catches for 207 yards and two more TDs.
--Keith HernandezSource: Giants.com - Dan Salomone
January 9, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (upper body) will be a game-time call on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports. Philadelphia has taken several injury hits this week. But while Bobby Brink (upper body) and Jamie Drysdale (undisclosed) are expected to miss a few games, Konecny may avoid his first absence of the season on Saturday. The 28-year-old sustained an upper-body injury during Thursday's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Konency is on pace for his second consecutive 70-point campaign. He has scored 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) across 42 games. If Konecny isn't available on Saturday night, we may see Matvei Michkov in a larger role.
--Taavi PailkSource: Kevin Kurz
January 9, 2026
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Dallas Mavericks forward/center
Anthony Davis (hand) "could miss a number of months." AD suffered an injury to his left hand in Thursday's loss to the Utah Jazz. He is heading for a second opinion, and there's a chance he may need surgery. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, Davis might find himself remaining with the Mavericks. However, the team could still find a trade partner, although his asking price can't get much lower. With that said, with Davis out of the picture,
Moussa Cisse and
Dwight Powell may gain consistent minutes behind
Daniel Gafford throughout the remainder of the 2025 campaign, assuming Dallas can't acquire another big.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Utah Mammoth center Kevin Stenlund (illness) will hop back into the lineup for Friday's tilt against the St. Louis Blues. Due to illness, the veteran forward was absent from Wednesday's win over the Ottawa Senators, missing his first game of the season. As a fourth-line center, Stenlund doesn't have any fantasy value. However, he has done solid work in the role for the Mammoth, recording 10 points (three goals, seven assists), 38 shots, 31 blocks, and 25 hits across 43 appearances, while winning 52.9 percent of his faceoffs. Stenlund's return will push Kailer Yamamoto out of the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Houston Texans running back
Jawhar Jordan (ankle) remained sidelined at practice on Friday due to a high-ankle sprain that he suffered on an illegal hip-drop tackle in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, league sources told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. High-ankle sprains often sideline players for multiple weeks, so the 26-year-old Jordan is looking like a long shot to be able to play on Wild-Card weekend on Monday night against the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers. Jordan had taken over RB2 duties in the final few weeks of the regular season from veteran
Nick Chubb before his injury. With Jordan now looking unlikely to play on Monday, expect Chubb to be active against the Steelers and serve as the backup to rookie RB
Woody Marks. Jordan had only 43 rushing attempts for 193 yards and no touchdowns in four games for Houston during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
January 9, 2026
Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (lower body) will sit out a second consecutive game on Friday night against the Winnipeg Jets. The Kings captain sustained a lower-body injury in Monday's win over the Minnesota Wild and remains day-to-day. Joel Armia (lower body), Trevor Moore (upper body), and Corey Perry (personal) are also still out, leaving L.A. with a depleted frontline for another contest. With key forwards out, Taylor Ward and Jeff Malott are expected to continue in top-six roles, and the team will also dress an extra defenseman for the game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Jonnu Smith (glute) was added to the injury report on Friday and was listed as a limited participant in practice, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. It's unclear if Smith injured his glute in practice on Friday, but either way, his status for Monday night's Wild-Card game against the visiting Houston Texans is now up in the air. We should have a better idea of his availability after Pittsburgh's final practice of the week on Saturday. With
Darnell Washington (forearm) out of the picture the rest of the way,
Pat Freiermuth would be the team's clear pass-catching tight end on Monday if Smith is unable to play. In offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's multi-TE system, Smith struggled to produce in 2025 after a career year with the Dolphins in 2024. He had just 38 catches for 222 yards and two touchdowns for the Steelers during the regular season, and Smith should be ignored in fantasy lineups if he's active, especially with receiver
DK Metcalf returning from a two-game suspension.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
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