January 31, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (groin) appears ready to rejoin the lineup on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. He practiced on the second line on Friday, and Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube told reporters after the session there is a good chance Nylander will play against Vancouver. The Swedish star has been sidelined for seven games due to a groin injury. Nylander has scored in five of his last six appearances, racking up 17 goals for the season. He paces the Maple Leafs with 48 points in 37 games. Nylander's return will bump Matthews Knies to the third line.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
January 31, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (undisclosed) didn't practice on Friday and may skip Saturday's matchup against the New York Rangers. The veteran blue-liner recently sat out two games due to an upper-body injury, and it's unclear if he has aggravated the same injury or is dealing with something new. After being limited to 30 points last term, Letang already boasts 25 points (three goals, 22 assists) in 50 contests this season. He ranks second on his team with 64 blocks and fourth with 67 hits. Connor Clifton is set to fill in for Letang if he can't play against the Rangers.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 31, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (undisclosed) sat out Friday's practice, leaving his status for Saturday's tilt against the New York Rangers unclear. Malkin recently missed a month of action due to a shoulder injury, and he appeared to have been hurt in Sunday's matchup against the Vancouver Canucks. Yet, the Russian veteran logged his usual minutes on Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. With three goals and three assists in his last four outings, Malkin has been thriving as a winger on the second line. Should he miss Saturday's game, Anthony Mantha may be promoted to the top six.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 30, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham (hip) will play on Friday night against
Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. Detroit's leading man was a slight doubt for the game due to a sore right hip, but he has been cleared for action and will start the contest. After some disappointing outings earlier this month, Cunningham has been back to his best in recent games. He has averaged 25.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 9.7 assists, and 2.0 steals over the last three contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Slater
January 30, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Gui Santos (calf) has been cleared for action and will play on Friday against the Detroit Pistons. The team has upgraded Santos from probable to available ahead of tip-off. Santos is coming off a season-best 16-point performance against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. On Friday, he will go up against a much better team and a tighter defense, making it difficult for Santos to replicate his performance.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard/forward
Caris LeVert (illness) will miss a sixth consecutive game on Friday against the Golden State Warriors. The veteran is having trouble shaking off an illness and was listed as doubtful on the initial injury report. In LeVert's absence, Daniss Jenkin has held a regular role in the rotation. However, his performances as a reserve have been up and down. LeVert's next chance to return will come on Sunday against his first NBA team, the Brooklyn Nets.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Craig Porter Jr. (knee) will miss Friday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. He was a late addition to the injury report due to left knee soreness, and Cleveland has downgraded Porter Jr.'s status from questionable to out. Porter Jr. is a reserve playmaker for the Cavaliers, and his absence shouldn't significantly affect how the team operates.
Lonzo Ball is a natural option to fill in for him.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (calf) will be active against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. Valanciunas put in a 25-minute shift in Thursday's win over Brooklyn and is ready to play for a second consecutive night after initially being listed as probable.
Nikola Jokic's (knee) return will push Valanciunas to the bench, and he will have a tough time making fantasy contributions going forward. As a reserve, Valanciunas has been limited to 8.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (hamstring, hip) will play in Friday's tilt against the Los Angeles Clippers. The team has upgraded his status from probable to available. Murray has been hot recently and tallied 27 points with six assists in Thursday's win over Brooklyn. With
Nikola Jokic (knee) back in the lineup, Murray's offensive usage will drop, but he will remain a key cog in the Nuggets' offense.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic (knee) has been officially listed as available for Friday's contest against the Los Angeles Clippers. The three-time MVP is ready to make his first appearance of 2026 after recovering from a left knee bone bruise. Jokic had a monster game with 55 points and 14 rebounds in his previous meeting with the Clippers. Nuggets head coach Rick Adelman has confirmed that Jokic will have a minutes limit on Friday. Even so, the Serbian superstar doesn't need to see a lot of action to fill the box score.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) was limited in practice all week but was removed from the final injury report on Friday, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. Darnold injured his left oblique in practice before the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. The 28-year-old has played in both of the team's postseason games and has gone 37-for-53 passing for 470 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in wins over San Fran and the Los Angeles Rams. Darnold hasn't wavered since tweaking his oblique several weeks ago, and with another week until the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 8, against the New England Patriots, he should be close to 100%. The former third overall pick back in 2018 by the New York Jets threw for a season-high 346 yards against the Rams last weekend and could put up big numbers in the big game against New England.
--Keith HernandezSource: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
January 30, 2026
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
Logan Evans (elbow) will miss the entire upcoming 2026 campaign. Evans had surgery to repair a torn ulnar in his right elbow last week. Sadly, the 24-year-old won't be able to take the mound this season after having Tommy John surgery. Evans posted a 4.32 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and a 59/31 K/BB ratio across 16 games (15 starts) with the Mariners last season. Evans wasn't expected to be a top option in the rotation, but was likely going to be counted on as a back-end pitcher. The Mariners will now need to look to free agency for help or find another internal option to help fill the void.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Jude
January 30, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) is listed as questionable on the team's final injury report of the week, according to the team. Hollins was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before upgrading to a full session on Friday. The Patriots still have another week before they face off with the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 8. Hollins, who was activated from Injured Reserve last week, should be fine to play by then. The 32-year-old veteran caught both of his targets for a team-high 51 yards in the 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship in his first game back from IR. Hollins won't be expected to stand out in the big game against Seattle after he caught 46 of his 65 passes for 550 yards and only two touchdowns in 15 regular-season contests.
--Keith HernandezSource: New England Patriots
January 30, 2026
The New England Patriots listed quarterback
Drake Maye (shoulder, illness) as questionable on Friday's final injury report, per the team's official website. Maye injured his right shoulder in the win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship on Sunday and was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He did not take part in practice on Friday, but it was because of an illness. The 23-year-old MVP candidate still has another week to rest, though, and he's fully expected to play in the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 8. Fantasy managers in playoff leagues shouldn't be concerned about Maye not playing in the big game, but rather Seattle's strong defense. In just his second NFL season, Maye was one of the best QBs during the regular season, but he has struggled in his three playoff games, with 15 sacks taken, six turnovers, and a 55.5 completion percentage.
--Keith HernandezSource: Patriots.com
January 30, 2026
Chicago White Sox infielder
Miguel Vargas is excited about the chance to primarily be a third baseman this upcoming season. Vargas said he's 100 percent happy with playing third base, and it's a position he has been playing since he was a kid. He did see action at the hot corner last season, but also played 63 games at first base. Given these comments, it seems likely that
Munetaka Murakami is going to be the everyday option at first base. The shift to full-time third baseman is a downgrade defensively for Vargas, who made nine errors in 79 games at the hot corner last season. He doesn't offer a ton of upside with the bat, but he did produce decent power numbers last season. Vargas slashed .234/.316/.401 with 16 home runs, 60 RBI, and six steals in 138 games in 2025. He figures to be the everyday man at third base with
Lenyn Sosa mixed in as well.
--Andy WebbSource: Scott Merkin
January 30, 2026
Chicago White Sox catcher
Kyle Teel has reportedly put on some muscle this offseason. According to Scott Merkin, Teel has added about 20 pounds of muscle mass as he prepares for the 2026 season. The 23-year-old put together solid numbers during his time on the South Side last season. Teel slashed .273/.375/.411 with eight home runs and 35 RBI in 78 games in 2025. The hope is that the addition of muscle mass will help Teel in the power category this upcoming season. The former first-round pick is hopefully going to be a big part of the future on the South Side of Chicago. Fantasy managers should be excited to see what a full season of Teel looks like at the big league level.
--Andy WebbSource: Scott Merkin
January 30, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies have signed infielder/outfielder
Dylan Moore to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Moore can earn up to $3.25 million with incentives for the 2026 season, assuming he makes the roster. The 33-year-old doesn't offer a ton of upside with the bat. His upside comes from his versatility to play just about every position on the diamond. Last season, Moore slashed .201/.267/.374 with 11 home runs, 25 RBI, and 14 stolen bases in 106 games between the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers. Moore is a much better hitter against left-handed pitching, so he'll likely be a platoon player in Philly. His fantasy value is unlikely to be consistent, as he probably won't be an everyday player.
--Andy WebbSource: Will Sammon
January 30, 2026
First baseman
Vinnie Pasquantino and the Kansas City Royals agreed to a two-year contract on Friday to avoid salary arbitration, sources told Anne Rogers of MLB.com. The deal is worth more than $11 million guaranteed and can max out at close to $16 million with incentives. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger played in all but two games in 2025 in his fourth year in the big leagues and slashed .264/.323/.475 with a .798 OPS, career-high 32 home runs, career-high 113 RBI, and career-high 72 runs scored in 682 plate appearances. Pasquantino managed to have a career year because he stayed off the injured list for the first time since 2022. He's one of the best sources of left-handed power at the first base position, but Pasquantino will need to improve against lefties if he wants to continue his upward trajectory. The former 11th-rounder in 2019 has top-five upside at his position.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
January 30, 2026
The Athletic reports that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein connected New York Giants chairman and co-owner Steve Tisch with multiple women, according to newly released emails. Tisch received scouting reports on women from Epstein, and the two men discussed whether women were "pro or civilian" or a "working girl." The 76-year-old Tisch assumed his role with the Giants in 2005 after his father purchased 50% of the team back in 1991. Epstein died by suicide in August of 2019 in his jail cell while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Tisch offered Epstein two tickets to his suite for a Giants game in September 2013 and also invited him to other games. Epstein invited Tisch to visit him on his private island in the Caribbean, but it's unclear if Tisch ever went. It's obviously a bad look for the organization, although it's unclear how the Giants and the NFL will handle it. Stay tuned.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Carson Kessler, Nathan Fenno, and Katie Strong
January 30, 2026
Boston Celtics center
Neemias Queta (illness) will return from a one-game absence on Friday against the Sacramento Kings. The Portuguese big man couldn't play on Wednesday against Atlanta due to illness.
Amari Williams and
Luka Garza shared the center minutes in Queta's absence. With Williams back in the G League, Queta looks set to resume his regular duties as Boston's starting center. The 26-year-old has averaged 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 24.9 minutes this season. Queta has a good opportunity to shine on Friday, as Sacramento won't have
Domantas Sabonis (knee) in the lineup. Additionally, the Kings give up the second-most fantasy points to centers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
New York Knicks guard
Miles McBride (ankle) will be absent for a second consecutive game on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers, Steve Popper of Newsday reports. This was expected after McBride was downgraded to doubtful on the injury report earlier in the day. McBride's absence will secure expanded roles for
Landry Shamet and
Tyler Kolek, but neither player has provided consistent fantasy value. Still, Kolek impressed with his playmaking on Wednesday against Toronto, delivering 10 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: Steve Popper
January 30, 2026
New York Knicks guard/forward
Josh Hart (ankle) will play against his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers, on Friday night, Steve Popper of Newsday reports. He was initially uncertain for the contest due to ankle soreness, but the team has officially listed him as available. Hart's offensive production tends to be inconsistent, but he's done a solid job overall for the Knicks. Across eight January appearances, Hart has averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.0 steals. Among these games is an 18-point outing against Portland that occurred three weeks ago.
--Taavi PailkSource: Steve Popper
January 30, 2026
Former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is expected to be in the mix for the New York Giants' offensive-coordinator job, especially after he was "on the fringe of their head-coaching search," according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. Raanan lists Jim Bob Cooter, Josh McCown,
Davis Webb, Charlie Weis Jr., Greg Roman, Jake Peetz, Justin Outten, Lunda Wells, Matt Nagy, and Alex Tanney as other candidates to work under head coach John Harbaugh. Kinsbury is most likely one of the favorites for the job in New York, as he's considered one of the brightest offensive minds in the league and also has previous head-coaching experience from his time with the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback
Jaxson Dart, running back
Cam Skattebo, and receiver
Malik Nabers would become even more interesting in fantasy if Kingsbury is working with them.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
January 30, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Tre Johnson (ankle) won't play on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers. He sprained his left ankle during Thursday's win over Milwaukee and will sit out at least one game due to the injury. On Thursday,
Bub Carrington started the second half in Johnson's absence and figures to have a larger role again in Friday's game.
Malaki Branham could also be more involved in the rotation, especially with
Khris Middleton (knee) also absent against the Lakers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
ESPN's Adam Schefter said on Friday on The Pat McAfee Show that Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak "is getting the Raiders or the Cardinals" head-coaching job. "He's definitely getting one of those jobs." Kubiak has established himself as one of the best offensive coordinators and play-callers in the last few seasons. He led a scrappy New Orleans Saints team in 2024 and has helped quarterback
Sam Darnold lead the Seahawks to the Super Bowl in his first year with the team in 2025. The son of former head coach Gary Kubiak, Klint is considered the front-runner for the head-coaching gig with the Raiders, but if he for some reason doesn't get hired there, it sounds like the Cardinals will bring him on board. Both organizations are a mess, but the Raiders have the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft and are expected to take Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza. Under Kubiak this year, Seattle's offense ranked fourth in yards per play and second in yards per pass play.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 30, 2026
Washington Wizards forward
Khris Middleton (knee) won't play against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. Washington will be in action for a second consecutive night, and it's not surprising that Middleton will be held out of Friday's contest due to his right knee injury. With Middleton out,
Will Riley could see an expanded role against the Lakers, though the 19-year-old hasn't been a very productive player during his rookie campaign.
Justin Champagnie and
Bub Carrington may get a chance to step up offensively without Middleton.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 30, 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to have a new starting running back for the 2026 season, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. The Chiefs had one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL last year with RBs Isaiah Pacheco and
Kareem Hunt. Pacheco didn't have a single rush of 20-plus yards, while Hunt had only one. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who is returning to the franchise, will be tasked with improving the rushing attack in KC, although head coach Andy Reid will remain the offensive play-caller. Both Pacheco and Hunt will be free agents in March, leaving
Brashard Smith as the only RB on the roster under contract. It means that the Chiefs' backfield could look drastically different in 2026, and they will most likely be in play for one of the top free-agent RBs. Hunt led the Chiefs in rushing in 2025 with only 611 yards on 163 carries (3.7 yards per tote), while Pacheco had only 462 yards on 118 carries (3.9 YPC).
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
January 30, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Austin Reaves (calf) won't play in Friday's game against the Washington Wizards, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. Reaves is nearing his return and had a questionable tag on the initial injury report, but he isn't quite ready to play yet. His next chance for a comeback will be on Sunday against the New York Knicks. Reaves' absence from the backcourt allows
Marcus Smart and
Gabe Vincent to play larger roles. While Smart had a disappointing two-point outing on Wednesday against Cleveland, he has played well in January. He's in a great bounce-back spot on Friday against the Wizards, who allow 122.3 points per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dave McMenamin
January 30, 2026
The Tennessee Titans are hoping that new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll will help young quarterback
Cam Ward, who struggled in his first year in the NFL after the Titans took him first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. During Daboll's time in New England under Bill Belichick, he learned the Erhardt-Perkins system, which employs a concept-based passing scheme and runs to set up the pass. ESPN's Turron Davenport points out that Daboll has also used play-action, with vertical passing concepts, which match Ward's skill set. Ward had plenty of success using run-pass-option plays in college, and the Giants used RPOs at a 12.6% rate last year under Daboll, the fourth-highest rate in the league. The 23-year-old plans to clean up his mechanics after throwing for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his first 17 games. Ward must fix his accuracy issues to take the next step, but he should be in good hands with Daboll.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Turron Davenport
January 30, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers point guard
Luka Doncic (ankle) will be available on Friday against the Washington Wizards, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. The NBA's leading scorer tweaked his left ankle in Wednesday's loss to Cleveland and was listed as questionable on the initial injury report. Doncic has notched 33.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game during his first full season in L.A. He could cook up something very special against the league's second-worst defense on Friday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dave McMenamin
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