February 27, 2026
New York Mets outfield prospect
Carson Benge was perfect at the plate on Wednesday afternoon and continues to make a strong case to be on the Opening Day roster. Facing the Astros, the team's top hitting prospect went a perfect 3-for-3 at the dish (all singles). Given New York's current outfield situation, Benge could make a strong case to begin the regular season as the team's primary right fielder, as
Juan Soto is slated to shift to left field. Last summer, Benge began the season at High-A but was able to reach Triple-A in the second half. While he posted a dominant .317/.407/.571 line across 32 games at Double-A, Benge faced some growing pains during his first stint at Triple-A, posting a much lower .178/.272/.311 line. Despite this, Benge will continue to have an opportunity to claim the starting job from veterans
Tyrone Taylor and
Mike Tauchman. He remains an intriguing late-round target in five-outfielder formats.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 26, 2026
The Washington Commanders are releasing center Tyler Biadasz on Thursday, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The former Pro Bowler with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 spent the last two years with the Commanders and started all 31 games that he appeared in. The 28-year-old spent the first four years of his career in Dallas after they selected him in the fourth round in 2020 out of Wisconsin. Biadasz has made at least 15 starts in each of the last five years, and he should attract plenty of attention around the league from teams in need of a center this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
February 26, 2026
Signing defensive end Will Anderson Jr. to a contract extension that will make him one of the highest-paid pass-rushers in the NFL is a "priority" for the Houston Texans this offseason and could come "soon," according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Anderson was the third overall pick in the 2023 draft out of Alabama, and he's been a Pro Bowler in two of his three seasons while also being named the Defensive Rookie of the Year. The 24-year-old pass-rusher has 23 total sacks the last two seasons, including a career-high 12 in 17 regular-season games in 2025. Anderson also had a career-high 54 total tackles (35 solo), 20 tackles for loss, 23 QB hits, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown). He was a big reason the Texans had the No. 1 defense in the league last year, and he'll be a popular defensive end target in IDP fantasy leagues this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
February 26, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Jaxson Hayes (ankle) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's game against Phoenix after previously carrying a probable tag. Hayes is averaging 6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in 17.3 minutes this season and should slot back into his usual reserve role behind
Deandre Ayton. His availability likely trims frontcourt minutes for
Maxi Kleber and
Jarred Vanderbilt, limiting their deep-league appeal. Hayes remains a fringe option outside of very deep formats, offering modest rebounding and field-goal percentage support without consistent volume.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dave McMenamin
February 26, 2026
Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said he pulled third baseman
Josh Jung (hamstring) from the Cactus League lineup on Thursday against the Chicago White Sox as a precaution because he "felt something" in his hamstring, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. Schumaker said that Jung "wasn't thrilled that I pulled him." Jung is likely to be back in the lineup on Friday, so it's obviously nothing serious. The 28-year-old should be fine, but it's worth noting for a player who has struggled to stay on the field early in his career due to injuries. Jung played a career-high 131 games in 2025 and slashed .251/.294/.390 with a .684 OPS, 14 home runs, 61 RBI, 53 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 511 plate appearances. Injuries in the last two seasons have caused his batted-ball metrics to dip and his draft stock to slide. Jung still has plenty of power from the right side, though, and isn't a bad depth option at the hot corner if you're looking for home runs.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
February 26, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers center
Donovan Clingan (illness) is out, while centers
Robert Williams III (foot) and
Yang Hansen (back) are available for Thursday's game against Chicago. Clingan's absence opens frontcourt minutes, giving Williams per-minute upside appeal. Over his last five games, Williams has averaged 6.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 14.6 minutes, positioning him as a viable blocks streamer who can deliver efficient production even in a limited role. Hansen profiles as a deeper, riskier option.
Jerami Grant and
Toumani Camara should also see slight rebounding boosts with Clingan sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
New York Mets left-hander
Sean Manaea performed like an ace in the second half of 2024 after lowering his arm slot to emulate
Chris Sale. In 2025, Manaea went even lower with his arm slot, but it didn't work, and he also dealt with elbow and oblique injuries before finishing with a 5.64 ERA in just 60 2/3 innings. The Athletic's Will Sammon writes that Manaea is "one of the Mets' biggest X-factors" in 2026, and while working with Tread Athletics over the offseason, he is "closer to where he was at his best in 2024" in terms of his revised arm slot. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw is also feeling totally healthy this spring. Pitching coach Justin Willard describes Manaea's fastball as "elite" because it's "a different pitch than hitters are used to seeing." Manaea has relied mostly on his fastball and sweeper in recent seasons, but he's working more on his changeup to potentially bring it back. Manaea isn't a bad late-round flier in fantasy drafts to mitigate the risk of an aging pitcher with two above-average seasons since 2020.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Will Sammon
February 26, 2026
Chicago Bulls center
Jalen Smith (calf) and forward
Patrick Williams (quad) are expected to miss at least one week due to right leg strains. The timeline likely sidelines both for multiple games, thinning Chicago's frontcourt rotation.
Guerschon Yabusele started the last contest and logged 27 minutes, producing 11 points, four rebounds, three three-pointers, one assist, and two steals, while
Nick Richards added six points and five rebounds in 22 minutes. Yabusele profiles as a short-term streamer for threes and steals, and Richards offers deep-league rebounding value.
Matas Buzelis should continue to see a steady run in the frontcourt.
--Brian DailisanSource: Joel Lorenzi
February 26, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward
Keldon Johnson (shoulder) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Johnson was a late addition to the injury report, but he does shed the questionable tag. He figures to have his normal workload after only playing 14 minutes during Wednesday's contest. Johnson has been struggling lately; he has only scored over 10 points in two of his last seven games. The hope is that he is able to bounce out of this rough patch soon. Fantasy managers should continue to ride with him and should get him active ahead of tip-off on Thursday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward
Khris Middleton (shoulder) will play Thursday against Sacramento after entering the night with a shoulder stinger. The veteran wing has averaged 14.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 three-pointers in 23.0 minutes across his last five games, but he remains a volatile fantasy option given fluctuating minutes and workload management risk. With Dallas shorthanded in the frontcourt, Middleton should see steady involvement, though his availability could trim opportunities for
Klay Thompson and
Caleb Martin on the wing. Middleton is more of a matchup-based play in standard leagues, while deeper formats can justify holding for scoring and triples.
--Brian DailisanSource: Ron Harrod Jr.
February 26, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Cody Ponce made his Grapefruit League debut on Wednesday and threw a clean inning with no walks, no hits, and two strikeouts against the Detroit Tigers. Ponce is an interesting arm going into the 2026 season in the middle of Toronto's starting rotation. The Jays signed him to a three-year, $30 million contract in December after he was named the MVP of the Korean League last year with the Hanwha Eagles, where he had an impressive 1.89 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 252:41 K:BB in 180 2/3 innings pitched. Ponce won't have it easy as he returns to the majors in the tough American League East and in a hitter-friendly home ballpark, but he's returning with a better splitter and the addition of a kick-change. The 31-year-old had a 5.86 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and 48:17 K:BB in 20 outings (five starts) in 2020 and 2021 with the Pirates. Ponce will be one to watch in deep-mixed leagues and a sleeper for those in AL-only leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 26, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) will sit out Thursday's game against Sacramento due to right ankle injury management. With
P.J. Washington (ankle) also sidelined, Dallas is thin up front.
Marvin Bagley III is the clear streaming target after posting 22 points, five rebounds, and one assist in 20 minutes off the bench in the last win. He should approach 24 to 28 minutes if inserted into the starting group.
Naji Marshall and
Khris Middleton could see added frontcourt usage, while Bagley profiles as a short-term points and rebounds boost.
--Brian DailisanSource: Ron Harrod Jr.
February 26, 2026
Miami Heat forward/center
Nikola Jovic (back) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. This marks the third straight game that Jovic has missed due to a lingering back issue. His next chance to play will come on Saturday versus the Houston Rockets. The absence of Jovic should mean increased playing time for Simone Fontechhio and
Pelle Larsson. Neither player offers great fantasy value at the moment. Larsson has been consistent with 10 or more points in each of the last three games. He's worth a look as a low-end streaming option while Jovic is out.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
San Antonio Spurs guard
Stephon Castle (hip) is available for Thursday's game against Brooklyn after being listed as questionable with left hip tightness. The second-year guard has averaged 15.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.0 three-pointers across 25.0 minutes over his last five outings and logged 28 minutes in Wednesday's win, signaling no workload restriction. Castle's 27.7 percent usage keeps him rostered in standard formats, especially with
Keldon Johnson (shoulder) questionable. He offers points and assists with manageable risk, while
De'Aaron Fox and
Victor Wembanyama continue to command primary touches.
--Brian DailisanSource: Paul Garcia
February 26, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Davion Mitchell (illness) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Mitchell will shed the questionable tag and suit up despite dealing with an illness. There is no indication that Mitchell is going to be limited after having a full workload on Tuesday. This season, Mitchell is averaging 9.0 points, 7.1 assists, and 2.6 rebounds across 28.8 minutes per game. With Mitchell active,
Kasparas Jakucionis will remain on the bench, which will limit his fantasy upside.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee, shin) is available ahead of Thursday's game against the Miami Heat. As expected, Embiid is ready to go after being listed as probable on the injury report. Before Tuesday's contest, Embiid missed five straight games due to knee and shin issues. On Tuesday, Embiid finished with 27 points, five assists, and six rebounds in 26 minutes of action. The expectation is that Embiid will have a similar workload until he's fully healthy again. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can feel safe getting Embiid into their lineups on Thursday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Friday's meeting with the Denver Nuggets. He has been sidelined since suffering an abdominal injury, keeping him off the floor for OKC's previous nine contests. While SGA may be limited for at least a few contests, he should be plugged right back into all fantasy lineups.
Chet Holmgren (back) and
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) are also off the injury report, meaning lower ceilings for
Cason Wallace,
Jaylin Williams, and
Aaron Wiggins.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (groin) will suit up against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. Powell was a late addition to his team's injury report on Thursday afternoon due to groin soreness, but he's since been cleared to play. The 32-year-old has made three appearances since the break and collected 26 points in Tuesday's loss to the Bucks. If Powell has any setbacks, backcourt minutes could be available for
Kasparas Jakucionis,
Pelle Larsson, and
Jaime Jaquez Jr. alongside
Tyler Herro, who is still playing limited minutes after his recent return.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Anthony Chiang
February 26, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a formal meeting with Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (ankle) at the NFL scouting combine, a source told Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com. Allar suffered a season-ending left-ankle injury last year that caused him to miss the entire All-Star game circuit, but he plans to throw at the combine in Indianapolis this weekend. Pittsburgh's interview with Allar is their first-known QB meeting at the combine as they make plans at the position going into the 2026 season. He played in only six games last year, throwing for eight touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 64% of his passes. He was a three-year starter for the Nittany Lions and had 61 total touchdowns at Penn State. Allar has a strong arm, but there are plenty of concerns about his overall game and lack of experience as he heads to the next level, most likely making him a mid-round target in this year's NFL draft. The Steelers are unsure if future Hall of Fame QB
Aaron Rodgers will return in 2026, but they're also high on
Will Howard.
--Keith HernandezSource: PennLive.com - Nick Farabaugh
February 26, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward
Zaccharie Risacher (hip) will play on Thursday versus Washington. He was listed on the injury report because of a hip contusion after amassing nine points and nine boards when these clubs met on Tuesday night. With
Jalen Johnson (hip) and
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (foot) both ruled out, Risacher has an excellent opportunity to get more involved against one of the worst defensive squads in the National Basketball Association. Still, his volatility throughout the campaign makes him hard to trust.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports that Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back) will suit up against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday. Nembhard previously carried a questionable tag, but he is now good to go. In his last outing, he collected 23 points and three assists in 28 minutes during Tuesday's loss to the Sixers. The 26-year-old should continue to see minutes in the high-20s, and he remains a viable streaming option going into tonight's tilt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Dustin Dopirak
February 26, 2026
Atlanta Hawks guard
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (foot) won't play in Thursday's rematch with Washington. The Hawks are also down
Jalen Johnson (hip), meaning there will be plenty of shots up for grabs. There are several directions head coach Quin Snyder can go regarding the starting lineup. However,
CJ McCollum,
Onyeka Okongwu, and
Jonathan Kuminga may be the most productive from a fantasy standpoint no matter who gets the start. Kuminga looked fantastic in his first game in Atlanta, amassing 27 points, seven boards, and two steals in 24 minutes.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Atlanta Hawks
February 26, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) threw his first bullpen session this spring on Thursday since undergoing thoracic outlet surgery on Sept. 23 of last year, which involved the removal of a rib, according to Corey Seidman of Sports Illustrated. Wheeler felt great after throwing 21 fastballs on Thursday. When asked if Wheeler could be ready to pitch in a big-league game six weeks from Thursday, manager Rob Thomson said, "Possibly." It's also possible that he could pitch in a Grapefruit League game, but it's still unclear. Barring soreness or a setback, Wheeler should be expected to throw another bullpen on Sunday. Wheeler will begin the 2026 season on the injured list, but if he continues to progress at this pace, it's possible he could make his season debut in April. Still, the 35-year-old veteran isn't a lock to return to his ace form, which is why he's dropped in the starting pitching rankings to No. 48 overall at RotoBaller.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Corey Seidman
February 26, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Obi Toppin (foot) will suit up on Thursday versus Charlotte. He had played in only three games this season before suffering a stress fracture in his right foot. Prior to the injury, the 2020 No. 8 overall pick appeared to be well on his way to having the best year of his career, averaging 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. With that said, Toppin will be on a minutes restriction for the remainder of the season, likely making him irrelevant for fantasy purposes.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Dustin Dopirak
February 26, 2026
Tyler Smith of IndySportsLegends.com reports that Indiana Pacers forward/center
Pascal Siakam (wrist) is unavailable for Thursday's matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. Siakam was considered doubtful previously, but he's since been ruled out due to a left wrist sprain and will miss his second game in a row. The Pacers will be provided with some relief as
Obi Toppin (foot) is set to suit up. However, his minutes will likely be limited, giving
Ben Sheppard and
Micah Potter plenty of frontcourt scoring opportunities.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Tyler Smith
February 26, 2026
New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect
Nolan McLean was dominant in his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday against the Houston Astros, allowing no runs on one hit, one walk, and six strikeouts in four innings pitched, according to MLB Pipeline. The No. 6 overall prospect in all of baseball picked up where he left off after posting a 2.06 ERA in eight starts for the Mets last year in his MLB debut. McLean retired 12 of the 14 batters he faced on the day and topped out at 97.9 mph on the radar gun with his fastball. The 24-year-old former third-rounder in 2023 out of Oklahoma State University should be considered a top-100 overall fantasy player going into his first full year in the big leagues. In addition to his 2.06 ERA in New York in 2025, McLean had a 1.04 WHIP, 57 strikeouts, 16 walks, and a 61.1% ground-ball rate in 48 innings. McLean already has an advanced arsenal with multiple offspeed pitches that can also generate swings and misses. He's one of the most attractive young arms in the game.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB Pipeline
February 26, 2026
St. Louis Blues forward Dylan Holloway (ankle) will return to work on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken. He has missed 23 of the last 24 games due to a right high ankle sprain. The injury has been one of many challenges for Holloway during a testing campaign. A year after a 63-point season, he has contributed just eight goals and nine assists in 34 games. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect an improvement from Holloway, as the Blues are bound to finish among the worst teams in the league. For Thursday's game, Holloway is expected to be paired with Pius Suter and Jonatan Berggren on the third line. He will also have a spot on the second power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 26, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (back) will return from his three-game absence on Thursday versus Houston.
Tristan da Silva had been starting while Suggs was on the shelf, most recently amassing 13 points, six rebounds, and two steals in Tuesday's 110-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Although it's realistic to assume Suggs might see less work than usual in his first game back, his presence should eliminate nearly all of da Silva's streaming appeal. The same can be said for
Jett Howard and
Jevon Carter, who were sporadically productive while Suggs was out of commission.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Jason Beede
February 26, 2026
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (lower body) is poised to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators after being activated from Injured Reserve. A lower-body injury kept him out of action for seven games before the Olympic break. Edvinsson has drawn praise for his steady play this season, recording 17 points (six goals, 11 assists), 57 shots, 104 blocks, 63 hits, and a plus-six rating in 48 games. The Swedish blue-liner will rejoin his usual partner, Moritz Seider, on the first defensive pairing and will grab a spot on the second power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 26, 2026
New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (lower body) will play on Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers. Before the Olympic break, Fox missed 13 consecutive games and has been available for just three of the last 30 games. When in the lineup, Fox has been top-class, recording 28 points (four goals, 24 assists), 56 shots, and 45 blocks in 30 appearances. The Flyers allow over three goals per game (3.16) and have a .884 save percentage this season, making it a favorable fantasy matchup for Fox and the Rangers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
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