February 18, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward
Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will be re-evaluated in approximately one week as he continues rehabbing a left knee bone bruise, the team announced Wednesday. The injury occurred Jan. 22, and Kuminga will miss at least the next stretch of games before another update. His delayed debut keeps minutes open on the wing.
Corey Kispert has averaged 12.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.8 threes in 25.4 minutes over his last eight games, while
Zaccharie Risacher is posting 10.5 points and 1.5 threes in 24.2 minutes across 42 contests. Both are viable deeper-league streamers but remain fringe options until Kuminga is cleared.
--Brian DailisanSource: Atlanta Hawks
February 18, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams announced on Wednesday that they re-signed offensive lineman David Quessenberry to an undisclosed one-year deal. Quessenberry was in his first year with the Rams in 2025, and he appeared in 13 regular-season games (zero starts). The 35-year-old veteran offensive tackle only played 18 snaps on offense, though, and 73 snaps on special teams. The former sixth-round pick out of San Jose State in 2013 will return to L.A. next season as offensive-line depth. Quessenberry has bounced around the league in his eight years in the NFL, having already played for five different teams.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Rams
February 18, 2026
Free-agent catcher
Mitch Garver and the Seattle Mariners agreed on a minor-league deal on Wednesday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 35-year-old veteran backstop spent the last two seasons with the Mariners and will compete for the backup job in 2026 to American League MVP runner-up
Cal Raleigh. In his two years in the Pacific Northwest, Garver hit a measly .187/.290/.341 with a .632 OPS, but he did contribute 24 home runs, 81 RBI, and 66 runs scored in 201 regular-season games over 720 plate appearances. His primary competition for the No. 2 job will be
Andrew Knizner, with
Jhonny Pereda also in the mix this spring. Garver's average was up a bit (.209) last year in 87 games, but his power (nine homers) was down. Because his glove is below-average, it will be an uphill battle for playing time in Seattle if he wins the backup job.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
February 18, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center
Evan Mobley (calf) will make his first appearance since straining his left calf during a Jan. 26 win over Orlando when Cleveland faces Brooklyn on Thursday. He has missed seven straight games and may not immediately resume a full workload, with a potential minutes restriction in play. Mobley is averaging 17.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks in 33.4 minutes this season and remains a must-start in all formats. His return should cut into the roles of
Jaylon Tyson and
Sam Merrill, both of whom saw expanded minutes during his absence.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 18, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Jorge Polanco is unlikely to appear in the first week of Grapefruit League games in spring training as the team looks to slow-play him, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon and Tim Britton. Polanco isn't coming off any injury concerns from last year with the Seattle Mariners, but the 32-year-old veteran has averaged 110 games played over the last four years. Polanco's 138 games played for Seattle last year were his highest total since 2021. In addition to trying to keep him healthy going into his first year in Queens, Polanco will be given some extra time in camp to learn first base, a position he could play a lot of in 2026 after
Pete Alonso left in free agency. The Dominican switch-hitter had a nice bounce-back campaign last year, hitting .265/.326/.495 with an .821 OPS, 26 home runs, 78 RBI, 64 runs, and six stolen bases. His batted-ball metrics looked solid, but durability issues will keep him as more of an infield depth option in fantasy with power in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Will Sammon and Tim Britton
February 18, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward
Keegan Murray (ankle) said he is ready to return for Thursday's game against Orlando, according to James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento. Murray has been out since early January but recently resumed full basketball activities. In 19 appearances this season, he is averaging 14.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 threes in 35.9 minutes. With
Zach LaVine (hand) and
Domantas Sabonis (knee) out for the year, Murray should absorb more offensive responsibility alongside
DeMar DeRozan. The Kings could ease him back, but he's worth holding as his workload builds.
--Brian DailisanSource: James Ham
February 18, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Thursday's game against Washington. He's battled nagging injuries throughout the campaign, so he got the night off versus the Nets in Indiana's final contest leading up to the All-Star break. With
Pascal Siakam (personal) and
Ivica Zubac (ankle) ruled out, and
Aaron Nesmith (back) and
T.J. McConnell (hamstring) questionable, Nembhard should receive plenty of chances to produce in a meeting with one of the worst defensive squads in the National Basketball Association.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 18, 2026
New York Mets catcher
Francisco Alvarez is unlikely to appear in the first week of the Grapefruit League as the team looks to slow-play him, according to Will Sammon and Tim Britton of The Athletic. Alvarez is expected to be ready to go for Opening Day in late March, but the Mets are going to be cautious with the 24-year-old backstop after he had thumb surgery at the end of last season. In addition to a torn UCL in his right thumb last August, Alvarez also got a late start in 2025 due to a left-hand fracture. The injuries limited the Venezuelan catcher to 76 games in his fourth year in the majors. In 277 plate appearances for the Mets, Alvarez hit .256/.339/.447 with a career-high .787 OPS, 11 home runs, 32 RBI, and 32 runs scored. Alvarez's injury history is concerning, but he'll be the team's primary catcher, and he's pretty intriguing for his power upside at the cost of a backup fantasy catcher.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Will Sammon and Tim Britton
February 18, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
T.J. McConnell (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's game against Washington. He wasn't available versus the Nets in the Pacers' final contest before the All-Star break. Hopefully, the time off did him some good, although it's possible he may need another night off to recover from nagging hamstring soreness. With
Pascal Siakam (personal) and
Ivica Zubac (ankle) ruled out, and
Aaron Nesmith (back) listed as questionable, McConnell might work his way into the starting lineup, assuming he gets the green light to play. At the same time, even if the 33-year-old comes off the bench, he'll be worth streaming in most fantasy setups.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 18, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander
Hunter Dobbins (knee) was scheduled to visit with a doctor on Wednesday and is hoping to be fully cleared for baseball activities in spring training, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Dobbins is throwing bullpen sessions and live batting practice in camp, but he hasn't been able to field his position or do any running after having surgery on his right ACL last July. The 26-year-old could be on track to make some appearances in Grapefruit League games for his new team, but whether he'll be ready for Opening Day in late March is another question. The fact that Dobbins has yet to be fully cleared for baseball activities certainly isn't a good sign. For fantasy purposes, the former eighth-rounder doesn't have much long-term appeal with limited strikeout upside. In his 13 outings (11 starts) for Boston last year in his first MLB season, Dobbins had a 4.13 ERA (3.87 FIP) and 1.28 WHIP with 45 K's and 17 walks in 61 innings.
--Keith HernandezSource: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
February 18, 2026
Washington Wizards guard
Trae Young (knee) has not been cleared for contact and did not practice Wednesday, coach Brian Keefe said, via The Athletic. There is no timetable for his debut, and he can be considered week-to-week as he works back from a right knee MCL sprain and quad contusion. His absence keeps
Bub Carrington in the starting role. Carrington is averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 threes in 28.0 minutes across 53 games, though on 40.2 percent shooting.
Tre Johnson remains a viable streamer after posting 12.9 points and 2.1 threes in 25.0 minutes over 40 games.
--Brian DailisanSource: Josh Robbins
February 18, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard/forward
Aaron Nesmith (back) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Wizards. He didn't suit up for the meeting with the Nets ahead of the All-Star break because of a lumbar strain. While Nesmith has a shot at playing on Thursday, it's also realistic to assume he won't be back on the court until Friday when these clubs meet again. With
Pascal Siakam (personal) sidelined,
Andrew Nembhard and
Jarace Walker have the best chance of leading the way offensively if Nesmith doesn't suit up.
Jay Huff could also be more involved on both ends of the floor, especially with
Ivica Zubac (ankle) still on the shelf.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 18, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam (personal) won't play on Thursday against Washington. These clubs will meet again on Friday, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see if he'll be back for that one. The Pacers have a number of players listed on the injury report, specifically,
T.J. McConnell (hamstring),
Aaron Nesmith (back),
Micah Potter (ankle), and
Ivica Zubac (ankle). As a result,
Kam Jones and
Ben Sheppard could see more work. That may also apply to
Quenton Jackson and
Ethan Thompson, depending on if they get the bump from the G League. With that said, there's a chance McConnell, Nesmith, and Potter will play, so there are a lot of moving parts in this scenario.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 18, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Darius Garland (toe) is considered week-to-week and continues practicing on a limited basis while managing his surgically repaired left foot, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. The team expects him to return this season, but a debut is unlikely before March. Garland carries a 28.6 usage rate when active, so his absence keeps
Kris Dunn entrenched as the starting point guard while
Kawhi Leonard maintains primary offensive control with a 34.8 usage rate.
Bennedict Mathurin and
Kobe Sanders carry value in deeper formats, though both profile as fringe options. Garland remains a firm hold in all competitive leagues.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
February 18, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder
Garrett Mitchell (shoulder) said that he received full clearance for baseball activities in early February, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Mitchell is a full-go in camp after having a second surgery on his left shoulder that limited him to just 25 games last season. The 27-year-old UCLA product was a first-rounder (20th overall) in 2020, but he just hasn't been able to stay on the field due to injuries. Mitchell hasn't played in more than 69 contests in a single season since debuting in the big leagues in 2022. In his four years with the Brewers, he's combined to hit .254/.333/.433 with a .766 OPS, 13 home runs, 40 RBI, 61 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases in 141 games and 443 plate appearances. Mitchell should have a role in Milwaukee's outfield if he can stay healthy, and there is still enough power and speed in his profile to make him a worthwhile deep-league stash.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
February 18, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Nicolas Claxton (ankle) won't play on Thursday versus Cleveland. He tweaked his ankle during practice on Wednesday, so it appears his absence might extend beyond Thursday's contest. While Claxton is sidelined,
Day'Ron Sharpe will likely replace him in the starting lineup. Sharpe has averaged 13.8 points, 8.5 boards, 2.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks in four starts this season, meaning he needs to be featured in all fantasy lineups as long as Claxton remains on the shelf.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 18, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward/center
Dylan Cardwell (ankle) sprained his left ankle at practice Tuesday and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, according to James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento. The rookie was providing 5.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 21.2 minutes across 29 games, flashing strong per-minute rebounding. With
Domantas Sabonis (knee) already out for the season,
Maxime Raynaud is locked into heavy run. Raynaud is averaging 9.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 23.5 minutes over 48 games and now projects for 30-plus minutes. He is a must-add in standard leagues, while
Precious Achiuwa gains deeper-league appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: James Ham
February 18, 2026
Atlanta Braves infielder
Mauricio Dubon will be the team's starting shortstop while
Ha-Seong Kim misses at least the first five weeks of the 2026 season after having surgery on his right middle finger, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Defense and positional versatility are Dubon's calling card, but he did hit 10 homers and posted a .720 OPS in 492 plate appearances for the Houston Astros in 2023. He had a .651 OPS the last two seasons in Houston, not drawing more than 428 plate appearances either year. Defensively, Dubon should be able to hold down the 6 in Kim's absence after tying for the seventh-highest Fielding Run Value (six) among MLB shortstops last year. The 31-year-old Honduras native has appeared at every spot in the big leagues except catcher and pitcher, so he offers the Braves a lot of flexibility on defense. But he barely moves the needle in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
February 18, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (shin) won't play on Thursday versus Atlanta. He reported soreness in his right shin during the All-Star break, so he'll miss at least one contest. However, the 31-year-old will be re-evaluated leading up to Philly's three-game road trip in New Orleans, Minnesota, and Indiana, meaning there is a chance he might miss more time. While Embiid is out of commission,
Andre Drummond, averaging 8.9 points and 10.8 boards in 19 starts this season, will presumably replace him in the rotation.
Adem Bona should also see additional action and would be worth streaming if Drummond sits out a game during the road trip.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Associated Press
February 18, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) will be sidelined indefinitely after further evaluation revealed he requires additional rehabilitation for soreness stemming from a left high ankle sprain, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks, leaving a significant usage gap in the interim. Wagner carries a 25.6 usage rate, and his absence elevates
Anthony Black, who is averaging 16.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 threes in 31.1 minutes across 53 games.
Paolo Banchero should handle more creation duties, while
Tristan da Silva and
Noah Penda profile as short-term streamers.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 18, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward/center
Domantas Sabonis (knee) underwent season-ending surgery Wednesday to repair a torn left meniscus. The 29-year-old was limited to 19 appearances this season, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 29.7 minutes before being shut down as the 12-44 Kings shift focus to development. With backup center
Dylan Cardwell (ankle) also sidelined, rookie
Maxime Raynaud is positioned to handle 30-plus minutes nightly. Raynaud is averaging 9.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 23.5 minutes across 48 games and now profiles as a must-add in standard leagues.
Precious Achiuwa should see a steadier run off the bench, while
Keegan Murray and
DeMar DeRozan gain modest usage bumps. Sabonis can be dropped in redraft formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 18, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Kyrie Irving (knee) will not return this season as he continues recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery performed March 26, the team announced Wednesday. The 33-year-old has yet to play in 2025-26, and Dallas is prioritizing a full recovery with an eye toward next fall. His absence locks in heavy on-ball duties for rookie guard
Cooper Flagg, who carries a 28.3 usage rate in 35.0 minutes, while
Brandon Williams and
Max Christie should continue seeing expanded roles. Irving remains a stash only in dynasty formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dallas Mavericks
February 18, 2026
The Cleveland Browns and left guard Joel Bitonio pushed the void date of his contract to the start of the new league year on March 11, a league source told Dan Labbe of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Bitonio's contract was previously set to void on Monday, Feb. 16. The team's longest-tenured player will now have a little extra time to decide if he wants to return to play a 13th year in the NFL. The 34-year-old veteran offensive lineman will be extended or released by March 11 because the Browns would take on a $23 million dead-cap hit if his contract voids. If Bitonio chooses to return to Cleveland in 2026, he'll be expected to start at left guard. He was originally drafted in the second round in 2014 out of Nevada. Bitonio has been a stalwart interior offensive lineman for the franchise, being named to the Pro Bowl for seven straight seasons from 2018 to 2024.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Dan Labbe
February 18, 2026
New Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said on Wednesday that he expects everyone to be in attendance for the team's voluntary organized team activities this spring, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. The team's offseason program will start on April 6, with their first on-field workouts beginning in May. Quarterback
Lamar Jackson, who had a down year by his standards in 2025, has typically skipped most of the voluntary OTAs and didn't take part in eight of the nine on-field practices last spring. Whether the Ravens can get a new deal done with Jackson, who represents himself in contract negotiations, could impact his availability this spring. The 29-year-old is tied for the best career passer rating (102.2) and has the most rushing yards ever by a QB (6,522), making him one of the best dual threats at the position all time. Injuries slowed him down in 2025, though, and he'll be looking to bounce back with a first-time play-caller in Doyle.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
February 18, 2026
The New England Patriots have promoted inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr as their full-time defensive coordinator, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Kuhr was hired as the team's inside linebackers coach last season, but he took over as the defensive play-caller in Week 2 after defensive coordinator Terrell Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Williams was cleared to return last week, according to head coach Mike Vrabel, and he was elevated to a higher-ranking role on the coaching staff. The 37-year-old Kuhr drew rave reviews from Williams at Super Bowl LX, and the Patriots' defense was instrumental in helping them get to the big game. Coaching assistant Vinny DePalma is expected to take over Kuhr's former position as inside LBs coach. The Pats' defense allowed the fourth-fewest points per game (18.8) and eighth-fewest total yards per game (295.2) during the 2025 regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
February 18, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander
Quinn Priester (wrist) has recovered from the wrist issue that he dealt with late last year, but he will be slow-played this spring, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "He's had a couple of things that have kept him from progressing, but he's thrown bullpens. Nothing shutting him down or anything like that," manager Pat Murphy said. In his first year with the Brew Crew in 2025, the 25-year-old had a strong season, going 13-3 with a career-best 3.32 ERA (4.01 FIP) and 1.24 WHIP with 132 strikeouts and 50 walks in 157 1/3 innings pitched over his 29 appearances (24 starts). The former first-round selection generated a lot less hard contact, but his 20.2% strikeout rate, 3.59 xERA, and 3.81xFIP all indicate that some regression could be in store in 2026 in his second year in Milwaukee. Priester is in a good situation with the Brewers, but his ceiling for fantasy purposes might be as a mid-tier starting pitcher with limited strikeout upside. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 73 fantasy starting pitcher.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
February 18, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates manager
Don Kelly told Pittsburgh sportscaster Shelby Cassesse that "it would be a tough ask" for shortstop prospect
Konnor Griffin to make the Opening Day roster, according to Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan. "Keep in mind he's only had a handful of at-bats at Double-A," Kelly said. Spring training games have yet to begin, but it sounds like the Bucs are pretty set on having Kriffin, the consensus top prospect in the game, start at Triple-A Indianapolis in 2026. The ninth overall pick in 2024 made it all the way to Double-A Altoona in his first pro season in 2025, slashing a combined .333/.415/.527 with a .941 OPS, 21 home runs, 94 RBI, 117 runs scored, and 65 stolen bases in 122 games played at three different levels. Griffin will still be a stash candidate in all single-year leagues, even if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster, but keep in mind that the Pirates generally have not rushed their top prospects to the majors.
--Keith HernandezSource: 93.7 The Fan - Andrew Fillipponi
February 18, 2026
The Miami Dolphins have had trade talks with teams this offseason regarding five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Miami already released four players earlier this week, including Pro Bowl receiver
Tyreek Hill (knee), and they are in the early stages of resetting their roster under a new regime. The Dolphins acquired the 29-year-old defensive back from the Pittsburgh Steelers last year in the deal that sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Steel City. Fitzpatrick could be on the move again this year after he recorded 82 tackles (59 solo), one sack, four tackles for loss, one interception, six pass breakups, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 14 games in his return to Miami. He should have plenty of suitors on the trade market as the Dolphins look for draft-pick compensation.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
February 18, 2026
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that outfielder
Kevin Alcantara has prepared well for a job coming into spring training, according to Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network. Alcantara said on Wednesday that he is confident in his ability and has matured while waiting for his chances. Additionally, the 23-year-old Dominican said he made swing adjustments in the offseason to find more consistency at the plate. In the last two years, Alcantara has only appeared in 13 major-league games with the Cubbies, going 5-for-21 (.238) with no homers, one RBI, one stolen base, one walk, and five strikeouts. He slashed .266/.349/.470 with 17 home runs, 10 stolen bases, and a 29.8% strikeout rate in 102 games at Triple-A Iowa in 2025. Alcantara has plus speed and raw power, but no clear path to playing time in Chicago in 2026. He also has minor-league options remaining, so starting in Iowa again is a possibility.
--Keith HernandezSource: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
February 18, 2026
Los Angeles Rams impending free-agent tight end
Tyler Higbee has been a key weapon in the organization for a full decade, but he could be headed for a change of scenery as he enters free agency in 2026. Higbee played 10 games in 2025, missing the remaining seven due to an ankle issue. He was held to just 25 catches, 281 yards, and three touchdowns, ranking as the overall TE40 in PPR leagues. It was another underwhelming year for the veteran tight end, who has been healthy for just 13 of 34 games over the last two years. Not only has Higbee's recent downturn made him a non-priority for the Rams in free agency, but so has the emergence of two key teammates.
Colby Parkinson scored eight touchdowns in a late-season breakout, and the Rams also invested significant draft capital in
Terrance Ferguson, who had five catches, 87 yards, and two touchdowns over his final two games as a rookie in 2025. There's no real spot for Higbee in this offense, especially if he and the Rams don't agree on a salary. If Higbee, 33, wishes to return for an 11th NFL season, it seems likely it'll be with an organization other than the Rams.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
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