January 19, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (face) rejoined practice on Sunday. He has been sidelined since Dec. 20 after taking a puck to the face in a matchup against the Calgary Flames. While Nazar is expected to miss his 14th consecutive game on Monday against the Winnipeg Jets, he could be an option to return to the lineup on Thursday versus the Carolina Hurricanes. Nazar has notched 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 33 outings this campaign. With Teuvo Teravainen (upper body) also out, Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev are currently part of the top-six group in Chicago, giving them additional fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 19, 2026
Cincinnati Reds prospect
Sal Stewart is expected to earn opportunities at first base during camp. Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reported that, given Cincinnati's crowded infield, the Reds will look to provide Stewart as many opportunities as possible instead of keeping him in the DH spot. Last summer, the team's top hitting prospect made his MLB debut and spent most of his time at first base. However, coming up in the minor leagues. Stewart never saw a game at first base and instead covered second and third. However, with
Ke'Bryan Hayes at the hot corner and
Matt McLain at second, the 22-year-old has had to learn a new position. Managers should monitor his status during camp, as Stewart could shift between first base and DH if his bat can continue to produce. During his first 18 games with the Reds, Stewart flashed solid upside, hitting five home runs with an .838 OPS.
--Andy SmithSource: Charlie Goldsmith
January 19, 2026
St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist (lower body) was involved in a scary incident during Sunday's 5-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, suffering a skate cut. He needed assistance to leave the ice in the third period after being cut by a skate on his lower body. "Luckily, it did not touch his Achilles," Blues head coach Jim Montgomery said after the game. "So it's just going to be now, how long he's out, it's day-to-day... We know the cut was deep, I don't know how long that takes until he's back and has the flexibility in his ankle without hurting the cut." Sundqvist operates in a bottom-six role, recording 10 points (three goals, 10 assists) and 47 hits in 39 appearances this season. The team will turn to Robby Fabbri or Jonatan Berggren to fill Sundqvist's spot in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 19, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Sam Merrill (hand) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Oklahoma City, marking his second straight absence with a right-hand sprain, though he remains day-to-day. With
Darius Garland (toe) also sidelined, Cleveland's backcourt rotation stays thin, and usage is redistributed.
Jaylon Tyson continues to benefit most, coming off a 39-point outing in 38 minutes Friday while handling a larger offensive role.
Lonzo Ball and
Craig Porter Jr. should see added minutes off the bench but remain situational fantasy plays due to volatile production.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Edmonton Oilers right wing Kasperi Kapanen (undisclosed) was labeled day-to-day after his early exit from Sunday's win against the St. Louis Blues. Kapanen only recently returned from a knee injury, and unfortunately, he will have to miss time again. However, it's good news that he isn't expected to be out long-term. The Finnish forward has played well in recent weeks, producing three goals and four assists in eight games since his return to the lineup. The Oilers' offense is also without Leon Draisaitl (personal) and Adam Henrique (undisclosed), resulting in Trent Frederic moving into the top six. Kapanen's departure from the lineup will open up another spot on the second line.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 19, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder forward
Jalen Williams (hamstring) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Cleveland after exiting Saturday early, with additional testing confirming a right hamstring strain and no clear return timeline. His absence opens perimeter minutes and usage, pushing
Ajay Mitchell into a larger role after he posted 15 points in 28 minutes Friday.
Aaron Wiggins offers scoring upside, while
Cason Wallace and
Alex Caruso provide defensive stats with volatile offensive returns. Mitchell profiles as the strongest short-term add.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Defenseman Zach Whitecloud was acquired by the Calgary Flames from the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, with defenseman Rasmus Andersson heading in the opposite direction. Calgary also acquired defensive prospect Abram Wiebe, a 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-round pick. Whitecloud was an undrafted free-agent signing by the Golden Knights in 2018 and has carved out a solid NHL career. The 29-year-old has made 368 career appearances, winning the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023. This season, Whitecloud contributed seven points (two goals, five assists), 63 blocks, and 73 hits in 47 outings, averaging 18:46 of ice time. Whitecloud could see increased usage in Calgary, though his fantasy stock will remain low due to his limited offensive skills.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 19, 2026
According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportnet, the Toronto Blue Jays have had meetings with free agent left-hander
Framber Valdez and remain in the mix to sign him. The Blue Jays have had a very active offseason, including signing
Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year deal and starting pitcher
Dylan Cease to a seven-year contract. Additionally, they were heavily linked to Kyler Tucker and even offered him a massive $350 million, 10-year deal before he signed with the Dodgers. With Tucker off the board, the Blue Jays have remained active among the top free agents and could look to further bolster their rotation by adding Valdez. The southpaw has been one of the most stable workhorse pitchers in the sport as he has logged over 190 innings in three of his last four seasons. During these four campaigns, the southpaw has held a 3.21 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP. Valdez projects to carry solid SP2 upside in all formats heading into 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Ben Nicholson-Smith
January 19, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will not play Monday against Cleveland as he continues to rehab a right soleus strain, with Wednesday in Milwaukee representing his next possible checkpoint. With
Jalen Williams (hamstring) also sidelined, the Thunder will continue to lean heavily on
Chet Holmgren, who logged 14 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks in 30 minutes Friday.
Jaylin Williams has seen a steadier run off the bench and profiles as a deep-league streamer, while
Kenrich Williams remains volatile and matchup dependent.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
The Vegas Golden Knights acquired defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames on Sunday night. In the deal, Vegas departed with defenseman Zach Whitecloud, prospect defenseman Abram Wiebe, a 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-round pick. The 2028 pick becomes a first-rounder if Vegas wins the Stanley Cup in 2026. Andersson is on an expiring contract with a $4.55 million cap hit. Calgary will retain 50 percent of Andersson's salary. The Swedish blue-liner is expected to sign an extension with the Golden Knights. Andersson has spent his entire 10-year NHL career in Calgary and has had one of his best campaigns in 2025-26. In 48 games, Andersson has recorded 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists), 112 shots, and 90 blocks, while averaging 24:14 of ice time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 19, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Milwaukee, extending his absence to six straight contests as he continues to manage left Achilles tendinitis, with his next opportunity to return coming Wednesday. The continued absence keeps
Onyeka Okongwu entrenched as the primary center, and he has delivered strong fantasy value with 21 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in 33 minutes Friday.
Mouhamed Gueye remains the backup, but his role is limited, making Okongwu a clear hold while Porzingis remains sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
The New York Mets remain interested in the top hitter available on the free agent market, outfielder
Cody Bellinger, even after signing infielder
Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract on Friday afternoon. According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Mets would prefer to sign Bellinger to a short-term deal after signing Bichette to that high contract. While Bellinger has been heavily linked to the Yankees on a longer-term deal as well, the Mets would likely offer a higher annual value, albeit for a shorter term. With the Yankees last season, Bellinger posted a strong .272/.336/.480 line with 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases. His home run total was the highest since his incredible 2019 campaign. If Bellinger were to join the Mets, he could potentially block top prospect
Carson Benge from an everyday role early in the season.
--Andy SmithSource: Will Sammon
January 19, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard/forward
Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Philadelphia, extending his absence to nine straight contests since suffering a right thumb sprain on Jan. 2. Indiana continues to reshuffle wing minutes, keeping
Aaron Nesmith (rest) in a featured scoring role upon his return.
Johnny Furphy has started recently and delivered double-digit scoring twice over his last five games, making him a deep-league streamer.
Ben Sheppard remains a volatile option due to fluctuating minutes and usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Before signing a three-year, $45 million extension with the Philadelphia Phillies, catcher
J.T. Realmuto was linked to the Tampa Bay Rays. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Rays were interested in the veteran backstop but were unable to match Philadelphia's contract offer. The 34-year-old has spent the majority of his 12-year MLB career in Philadelphia. Last summer, he saw his offensive production take a hit, posting a low .257/.325/.384 line with 12 home runs and eight sotlen baes. Under the hood, he generated a .316 xwOBA with a slightly above-average 45.5% hard-hit rate. With the Rays missing out on Realmuto, managers should expect Nic Fortes,
Hunter Feduccia, and
Dominic Keegan to compete for starting opportunities. Fortes will likely be the starting option but holds minimal fantasy value outside of 15+ team AL-only formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal
January 19, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (illness) has been ruled out for Monday's game against San Antonio, marking his fourth straight absence, though a return Tuesday remains possible. Utah continues to redistribute usage, making
Brice Sensabaugh the clear fantasy beneficiary after averaging 31.7 points on 61.4 percent shooting over his last three games.
Ace Bailey has also stepped into a larger role, logging 14.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in expanded starts. Sensabaugh's scoring volume and secure minutes profile him as a strong short-term add in standard leagues.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Kansas City Royals are unlikely to land either of the two hitters they have been pursuing in trade talks,
Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals, or
Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox. Through the winter, both the Cardinals and Red Sox have been listening to offers for these two players, but have yet to strike a deal. However, Rosenthal believes that the Royals appear to be out of the running to bolster their lineup ahead of spring training. Donovan is a super-utility infielder who turned in a productive 2025 campaign, posting a .287/.353/.422 line with 10 home runs and three stolen bases. Duran took a step back in 2025 as he held a lower .256/.332/.442 line compared to the impressive .285/.342/.492 slash line he held in 2024. With the Royals likely missing out on both bats, managers should expect
Jonathan India to remain the primary second baseman heading into camp, while
Lane Thomas,
Kyle Isbel, and
Jac Caglianone hold the positions in the outfield. This is an excellent sign for former top prospect Caglianone, as he will face even less competition for a full-time role.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal
January 19, 2026
Houston Rockets center
Steven Adams (ankle) was diagnosed with a sprained left ankle after exiting early in Sunday's win over New Orleans, with significant swelling reported and further testing pending. Adams was unable to put weight on the ankle, putting his short-term availability in doubt. Fantasy managers should expect
Alperen Sengun to shoulder heavier frontcourt minutes, while
Clint Capela could see a situational bump off the bench. Capela remains a risky streamer given Houston's occasional small-ball lean, but he can return value when minutes spike.
--Brian DailisanSource: Kelly Iko
January 19, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers could look to shop outfielder
Ryan Ward following the signing of star outfielder
Kyle Tucker. As reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Dodgers are "likely" to explore trade offers for the 27-year-old ahead of spring training. While initial reports suggested they could shop
Teoscar Hernandez, the Dodgers are likely to shift him to left field and instead move the long-time minor leaguer. Last season, Ward turned in an impressive campaign with Triple-A Oklahoma City and was making a strong push to join the Dodgers down the stretch. The Pacific Coast League MVP posted a remarkable .290/.380/.557 line with a .937 OPS, 31 doubles, 36 home runs, and 16 stolen bases. Ward is a name to closely monitor as he would become an intriguing sleeper for deeper leagues if he can join a club that would give him an opportunity to crack an Opening Day roster.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal
January 19, 2026
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Dodgers could look to shop right-handed pitcher
Bobby Miller in a potential trade. Rosenthal noted that while reports suggested
Teoscar Hernandez could be on the trade block following the signing of
Kyle Tucker, Rosenthal believes the Dodgers would instead look to move young right-hander Miller. Miller flashed immediate upside in his debut season back in 2023. He logged 124 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.76 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. However, in 2024, Miller would take a massive step back, logging 52 innings with a hefty 8.52 ERA and a 1.77 WHIP. Last summer, Miller tossed only five innings with the Dodgers as he spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Miller could be an intriguing buy-low asset for some teams, given his prospect pedigree. For now, he does not expect to carry any value in standard redrat leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal
January 19, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward/center
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) was ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's matchup against the Lakers after aggravating his left thumb in the third quarter. The rookie logged 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in 25 minutes before exiting. If he misses time, Toronto would continue to operate shorthanded in the frontcourt with
Jakob Poeltl (back) sidelined.
Sandro Mamukelashvili is the preferred fantasy stream after producing 13 and 15 points in two of his last five games. At the same time,
Jonathan Mogbo remains a risky deep-league option due to inconsistent usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: Kayla Grey
January 18, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Stefon Diggs caught four of his six targets for 40 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. The veteran receiver had a decent revenge game against his old team while helping the Patriots punch their ticket to the AFC Championship. Diggs has a solid 11 targets over his last two games, but his 56 yards during that span are a big step backward from the 282 yards he accrued over the final three weeks of the regular season. Fortunately for Diggs' managers and bettors, he salvaged his performance with the touchdown, delivering double-digit fantasy points (full-PPR) for the third time in his last five games. He'll likely carry a similar touchdown-dependent outlook into next week's matchup against a strong Denver defense. After all, the Broncos allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers during the regular season.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 18, 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver
Jayden Higgins caught six of his 10 targets for 59 yards during Sunday's Divisional Round loss against the New England Patriots. Higgins took on a larger role with
Nico Collins (concussion) sidelined, and it resulted in him leading the team in both catches and receiving yards. The Iowa State product put together a strong rookie campaign, catching 41 passes for 525 yards and six touchdowns through 17 regular-season games. He added another 14 catches and 98 yards in the playoffs. Heading into next year, Higgins will continue to face competition for targets from Nico Collins and
Jaylin Noel.
Christian Kirk is expected to depart in free agency, but
Tank Dell (knee) should take his place on offense and will create additional competition. There are a lot of mouths to feed in Houston, but Higgins will have a chance to emerge as the No. 2 target behind Collins.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 18, 2026
New England Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye completed 16 of his 27 pass attempts for 179 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He also rushed for 10 yards, took five sacks, and lost two fumbles. Maye didn't have the cleanest game by any means, and his three turnovers made life more difficult for the Patriots. Nevertheless, New England fended off the Houston Texans, who had one of their worst offensive performances in a while. Maye played better than his quarterback opponent,
C.J. Stroud, and as a result, he'll survive another week. The former No. 3 pick moves on to face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game next week. It'll be another tough matchup, as Denver allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks during the regular season.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 18, 2026
New England Patriots running back
Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 70 yards on 16 carries during Sunday's Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. He also caught all four of his targets for an additional 11 receiving yards. Stevenson led the backfield in touches on Sunday, and understandably so. He was far more efficient (4.4 YPC) than teammate
TreVeyon Henderson (2.1 YPC) once again. We'll likely see a similar distribution of touches heading into next week's AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos. Denver has a strong defense, allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs during the regular season. With that being said, Stevenson has shown that he can produce even against strong run defenses. Look no further than Sunday's playoff win over Houston. He should remain a strong option for DFS managers and bettors going forward, especially in formats where his pass-catching role gives him a boost.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 18, 2026
Houston Texans quarterback
C.J. Stroud completed 20 of his 47 pass attempts for 212 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions during Sunday's Divisional Round loss against the New England Patriots. He also took three sacks and rushed for 11 yards. The former No. 2 pick had an ugly game, and his turnovers proved to be the difference-maker in Houston's two-possession loss. It was previously reported that the Texans have decided to pick up Stroud's fifth-year option for 2027, and while that decision isn't official yet, Sunday's game likely won't change much. However, this frustrating performance could have some impact on whether Stroud earns a long-term extension in the future. He is now 3-3 in the playoffs through three seasons, totaling six touchdowns, six interceptions, and seven fumbles during that span. He'll look to clean up the turnovers ahead of the 2026 regular season. He should rank as a fringe top-12 fantasy quarterback heading into next summer's fantasy drafts.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 18, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. The Nuggets have decided to take the cautious approach and hold Gordon out for the second leg of the back-to-back set. The absence of Gordon should mean increased playing time for
Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes. Last time Gordon sat out on Jan. 5, Holmes drew the start, but Nnaji was the more productive player. Both players should be viewed as low-end streaming options with Gordon unavailable on Sunday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 18, 2026
Charlotte Hornets center
Moussa Diabate (hamstring) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Diabate is back in the mix after sitting out the front end of the back-to-back set due to a right hamstring strain. He's back on Sunday and should return to his role as the starting center. This month, Diabate is averaging 9.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 30.5 minutes across six games in January.
Ryan Kalkbrenner will take the biggest hit to his fantasy value with Diabate back in the mix. Diabate offers enough upside to at least be rostered in deep leagues.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 18, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Jalen Green (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Monday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Green appears to be nearing a return after getting in some 5-on-5 work this weekend. He hasn't played since November 8 due to a right hamstring strain. If he plays, Green would likely operate under a minutes limit, which would limit his fantasy value. His return would also mean that
Collin Gillespie,
Jordan Goodwin, and
Grayson Allen would see decreased roles. Gillespie has been playing extremely well in the rotation while Green is out. His fantasy value would likely take the biggest hit once Green is available to return. Fantasy managers should check back on Monday for another update on Green.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 18, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (rib) is not traveling with the team and has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Herro will miss his second straight game due to a rib contusion, which could keep him out much longer. Herro will undergo an MRI, so fantasy managers should get a better timetable soon. The Heat play the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday; it seems unlikely that Herro will be ready for that one.
Pelle Larsson figures to draw another start, but his playing time could be limited with
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) probable for that game. Larsson finished with 16 points and three rebounds during Saturday's game. He'll offer some low-end streaming appeal while Herro is out.
--Andy WebbSource: Anthony Chiang
January 18, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Jaxson Hayes (hamstring) is available ahead of Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Hayes is back in the rotation after missing the last three games due to a left hamstring issue. He figures to play his regular role in the rotation with fellow big man
Deandre Ayton (knee) active as well. The return of both big men will probably mean decreased roles for
Maxi Kleber and
Drew Timme. This season, Hayes is averaging 6.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 17.6 minutes per game. He's normally only playing minutes in the teens, which isn't going to offer high streaming appeal.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
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