January 2, 2026
Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (ankle) is listed as questionable for Friday's tilt against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The veteran star has played through an ankle sprain for a couple of games, but he may take Friday night off to get some rest during a back-to-back set. Golden State faces the Utah Jazz on Saturday, and
Draymond Green (rest) has already been ruled out for Friday's contest against the reigning champions. If Curry sits,
Brandin Podziemski will probably be the biggest beneficiary, while
Buddy Hield,
Will Richard, and
Pat Spencer may also help fill his minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 2, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Victor Wembanyama (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers. He hasn't traveled with the team to Indianapolis after hurting his left knee during Wednesday's win over the New York Knicks. Fortunately, an MRI on Thursday showed that the French superstar didn't suffer any ligament damage. Initially, Wembanyama announced that he expected to play on Friday night. However, he will sit out at least one game and is considered day-to-day. Sources have told ESPN that San Antonio will list Wembanyama as questionable for Saturday's home game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Luke Kornet is set to start in Wembanyama's place on Friday, while
Kelly Olynyk will get more burn off the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 2, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho welcomed 2026 with mixed emotions on Thursday, bagging a season-high five points in a matchup against the Montreal Canadiens but ending up on the losing side. Aho finished the contest with two goals and three assists, but Carolina blew a 4-2 lead to lose 7-5. The Finnish forward had two power-play points during his second career five-point outing. After a couple of rough weeks in December, Aho has put together a string of impressive performances, totaling seven goals and 14 points over his last eight appearances. The scoring surge has made Aho Carolina's runaway points leader, with 16 goals and 24 assists through 40 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 2, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews produced a big performance on New Year's Day, totaling four points in a 6-5 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. He potted his 14th career hat trick and delivered one assist, helping Toronto win the game from a 4-1 deficit. Matthews passed Pat LaFontaine for the most hat tricks by a U.S.-born player in NHL history and now needs only two more tallies to break Mats Sundin's franchise record. Recently, Matthews has begun to regain form, tallying eight points (four goals, four assists) across his past three appearances. Yet, he still isn't averaging a point per game for the season, sitting on 18 goals and 13 assists after 34 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 2, 2026
Utah Mammoth winger Dylan Guenther started off 2026 with a bang, notching four points, including his first career hat trick, in a 7-2 road victory over the New York Islanders. The 22-year-old potted all his goals during even-strength play and tallied a power-play assist on Mikhail Sergachev's sixth goal of the season. Last term, Guenther took a big step forward with a 60-point campaign, and he's on course for another career year in 2025-26. The 22-year-old leads Utah with 20 goals and is in a three-way tie for the team scoring lead with 36 points. Over his last four appearances, Guenther has averaged two points per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 2, 2026
Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (undisclosed) tallied his team's fifth goal in Thursday's 7-5 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes but left the game early due to injury. Anderson lit the lamp near the end of the second period and didn't come out for the third. The 33-year-old bagged his ninth goal of the campaign on Thursday night. He has also had four assists, while featuring in all 40 games up to this point. Montreal has used Anderson on the third line. If Anderson is forced to miss his first game of the season on Saturday against the St. Louis Blues, Owen Beck will likely be his replacement in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 2, 2026
New York Islanders center Bo Horvat (lower body) exited Thursday's 7-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth in the third period. He left the action with 12 minutes remaining in regulation. Horvat struggled to put weight on his left leg as he limped down the tunnel. The Islanders' top scorer was injured a day after he was named on Team Canada for the 2026 Olympics. In 36 outings, Horvat has managed 21 goals and 33 points this campaign. The Islanders are expected to provide an update on him either Friday or Saturday. Simon Holmstrom or Calum Ritchie may get an opportunity in the top six if Horvat misses time. Meanwhile, his injury could also impact Team Canada.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 2, 2026
New York Rangers center Noah Laba (upper body) is considered week-to-week. The rookie sustained an upper-body injury during Wednesday's matchup against the Washington Capitals and won't be available for the first few games of 2026. Laba has notched 12 points (five goals, seven assists) across his first 42 career games in 2025-25. The timing of his injury is very unfortunate, as the 22-year-old was hurt just before the 2026 Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers. New York has also lost Conor Sheary (lower body) from its third line ahead of the game. Brett Berard, Anton Blidh, and Justin Dowling are the candidates to fill the gaps in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 2, 2026
New York Rangers left wing Conor Sheary (lower body) was placed on long-term Injured Reserve. He must now sit out at least 10 games, including Friday's Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers. Sheary sustained a lower-body injury in Wednesday's loss to the Washington Capitals. Through 37 appearances, Sheary has contributed one goal and eight assists this season. He was part of the third line on Wednesday, along with Noah Laba (upper body), who was also injured. To bolster the frontline depth, the Rangers called up Brett Berard, Anton Blidh, and Justin Dowling from the AHL, while reassigning Brennan Othmann to the minors.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 2, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard
Jamal Murray (ankle) is listed as probable for Friday's game against Cleveland after managing a right ankle sprain. With Denver shorthanded, Murray is set to carry a heavy offensive burden. Over his last five games, he has averaged 37.7 minutes, 26.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 3.6 three-pointers, functioning as the clear focal point of the offense.
Nikola Jokic (knee),
Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Cam Johnson (knee), and
Christian Braun (ankle) remain sidelined, cementing Murray's elite usage.
Peyton Watson and
Spencer Jones should continue to see modest bumps, while Murray remains a high-floor fantasy anchor with his ceiling intact.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 2, 2026
Atlanta Hawks guard
Trae Young (quadriceps) is questionable for Friday against the Knicks after missing the last two games, keeping Atlanta's backcourt situation fluid.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has started both games in Young's absence and remains a hold even off the bench, with his role and usage expanding noticeably when elevated. He erupted for 30 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block in 40 minutes before posting 11 points and three assists in 31 minutes.
Dyson Daniels,
Jalen Johnson, and
Onyeka Okongwu continue to offer steady multi-category value regardless of Young's availability.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 2, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
Rui Hachimura (calf) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Memphis and will also miss Sunday, with a target return early next week, per coach JJ Redick. His continued absence keeps the Lakers' forward rotation thin and elevates
Jake LaRavia's short-term fantasy profile. Across his 10 starts this season, LaRavia has averaged 10.5 points on 43.7 percent shooting, 1.0 three-pointer, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 32.5 minutes, offering multi-category deep-league value.
Jarred Vanderbilt and
Nick Smith Jr. remain secondary options, while usage stays concentrated with
Luka Doncic and
LeBron James.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dave McMenamin
January 2, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will miss Friday's game against the Warriors after the team ruled him out in advance, extending his absence to three games. His next opportunity to return comes Sunday versus Phoenix. Hartenstein's absence has pushed more frontcourt responsibility onto
Chet Holmgren, who delivered 12 points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks Wednesday, while
Jalen Williams has picked up added rebounding and playmaking.
Branden Carlson recently logged an extended run, finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds, and one block in 20 minutes, though he remains a fringe deep-league streamer.
Cason Wallace offers steals-only appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 2, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Herbert Jones (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, marking his sixth straight absence with a right ankle sprain. His next chance to return comes Sunday against Miami. Jones' continued absence has not produced reliable fantasy value from the supporting cast.
Jordan Hawkins has averaged just 10.4 minutes and 3.4 points over his last five, while rookie
Micah Peavy has logged 9.9 minutes and 2.8 points.
Saddiq Bey (hip), who posted 16 points Wednesday, carries the most stable role if cleared, while the rest remain fringe deep-league options.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 2, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pelicans, extending his absence to eight straight contests with left Achilles tendonitis. Grant is traveling with the team, keeping a Saturday return against the Spurs in play, but his status remains fluid. His continued absence leaves Portland thin at forward, though fantasy returns have been limited.
Kris Murray has averaged 27.9 minutes with 7.6 points and 4.3 rebounds over his last seven, while
Sidy Cissoko has logged 21.9 minutes with 6.9 points and 2.0 assists. Both remain inconsistent deep-league streamers, with
Deni Avdija carrying the most stable usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 1, 2026
Miami Dolphins running back
De'Von Achane (shoulder) missed a second straight practice on Thursday due to a shoulder injury, per the team's official website. Achane is firmly up in the air to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots, unless he can return to the practice field on Friday. Not having the 24-year-old available this weekend would be a huge blow to fantasy managers still competing for a championship, as Achane is the RB6 in half-PPR scoring this year, with 1,350 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns on 238 carries in 16 games. He's added 67 receptions for another 488 yards and four touchdowns through the air. If Achane is not cleared,
Jaylen Wright would be a plug-and-play RB2 in fantasy football, with rookie
Ollie Gordon II also seeing an increased role in Miami's backfield as the backup.
--Keith HernandezSource: MiamiDolphins.com
January 1, 2026
Boston Celtics forward/center
Chris Boucher (personal) is available for Thursday's game against Sacramento after missing three straight contests while away from the team. His return carries limited fantasy impact, as Boucher has not held a consistent role in Boston's rotation.
Neemias Queta has started at center and remains the primary frontcourt option, averaging 10.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block over his last five games.
Luka Garza continues to back him up, posting 10.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in 21.3 minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Boston Celtics
January 1, 2026
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren (ankle) will not return to Thursday's game against Miami after suffering a right ankle sprain. Duren logged 18 minutes before exiting, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, and one steal after briefly attempting to play in the second half. With
Tobias Harris (hip) still out, Detroit is thin up front.
Paul Reed becomes a deep-league streaming option if Duren misses time, averaging 19.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 3.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks in two starts.
Isaiah Stewart and
Ron Holland II could also see expanded roles.
--Brian DailisanSource: Pistons PR
January 1, 2026
Charlotte Hornets center
Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Milwaukee, extending his absence to six straight contests with a left elbow sprain. His ongoing absence leaves the Hornets short-handed at center and keeps fill-in options on the fantasy radar.
Moussa Diabate (wrist) has started in Kalkbrenner's place and has averaged 8.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals over his last five while logging 31.9 minutes, making him a strong short-term streamer if cleared.
PJ Hall could also see rotational minutes if Diabate is limited.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 1, 2026
New York Knicks guard/forward
Josh Hart (ankle) will miss Friday's game against Atlanta, extending his absence to a fourth straight contest while he recovers from a right ankle sprain. His continued absence has opened consistent backcourt and wing minutes for several rotation players.
Miles McBride delivered 21 points in 26 minutes in the last game and remains a viable streamer for scoring and threes.
Jordan Clarkson continues to supply bench offense, while
Tyler Kolek has taken on added playmaking duties.
Mohamed Diawara has started but remains inconsistent, limiting his fantasy appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 1, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal (neck) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday. Vidal started the week with a limited showing in practice on Wednesday. A full session on Thursday suggests that he's ready to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday in Denver against the division-rival Broncos. Meanwhile, rookie
Omarion Hampton (ankle) has yet to practice this week, and
Hassan Haskins has been limited as he works his way through the NFL's concussion protocol. L.A.'s backfield is in flux entering the weekend, but if Hampton is held out, Vidal figures to be the team's lead back in Week 18. The 24-year-old would receive a volume boost, but expectations would need to be tempered in an offense led by backup quarterback
Trey Lance against a stout Denver defense. Fantasy managers need to check back on Friday for more clarity on this backfield.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Chargers
January 1, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Kyshawn George (hip) will miss Friday's game against Brooklyn with a left hip flexor strain, marking a fourth straight absence. His continued absence has kept Washington's wing rotation steady for fantasy streaming.
Bub Carrington has averaged 14.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.3 three-pointers over his last three while playing 25.8 minutes, making him a viable deep-league add. Rookie
Tre Johnson has supplied 17.3 points and 3.7 three-pointers in 26.3 minutes, while
Justin Champagnie continues to contribute rebounds and secondary scoring.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 1, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back
Omarion Hampton (ankle) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday. Hampton spent time on Injured Reserve earlier this year after fracturing his ankle. The 22-year-old hasn't had a setback that we know of, so this could just be the Chargers being cautious as they look to get their players healthy going into the playoffs next week. The Chargers already announced that they will sit quarterback
Justin Herbert for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Denver Broncos, and Hampton could join him on the sidelines. Meanwhile,
Kimani Vidal (neck) upgraded to a full practice on Thursday. The Bolts' backfield is in flux, to say the least, with
Hassan Haskins working his way through the concussion protocol. Check back on Friday, but all signs are pointing to Hampton being held out in Week 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Chargers
January 1, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (ankle/knee) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's game against Dallas, a welcome sign after a stretch of heavy management and spotty availability. When he does play, the production has followed. Embiid has appeared in just 14 games but is coming off a 38-minute overtime effort Tuesday with 34 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and two blocks. His return squeezes minutes for
Andre Drummond and
Adem Bona. Embiid remains a must-start when active, though rest risk lingers in weekly formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Austin Krell
January 1, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (calf) will be re-evaluated in four weeks after a right calf strain, leaving Denver thin up front with
Nikola Jokic (knee) also sidelined.
DaRon Holmes II and
Zeke Nnaji are positioned for increased roles. Holmes has averaged just 8.6 minutes over four games, but an expanded workload would give him deep-league streaming appeal through rebounds and defensive stats. Nnaji could see situational run, while
Peyton Watson may log minutes at the five if Denver goes small.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
January 1, 2026
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that the New York Yankees and New York Mets are concentrating on free-agent outfielder
Cody Bellinger at this time, with Bellinger being the Yankees' No. 1 priority. The Mets also love Bellinger for his all-around play and defense in both the outfield and at first base. Heyman also mentioned the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and potentially the Toronto Blue Jays as landing spots for Bellinger, depending on how things work out with free-agent outfielder
Kyle Tucker. Bellinger declined his $25 million player option for the 2026 season with the Yankees and decided to test free agency after a strong .272/.334/.480 slash line with 29 home runs, 98 RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 152 regular-season games in the Bronx in 2025. Re-signing with the Yanks would likely be the best thing for Bellinger's fantasy value going into next year and beyond.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
January 1, 2026
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that the New York Yankees are among the teams showing interest in free-agent shortstop
Bo Bichette this offseason. In addition to the Yankees, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs have checked in on Bichette. The Yankees could try to pry the superstar shortstop away from the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays. The 27-year-old is open to moving to second base long-term, which will expand what is a weak middle-infield market this winter. Bichette had a down year in 2024, but he rebounded nicely in 2025 with a .311/.357/.483 slash line with 18 home runs and 94 RBI in 139 regular-season games for Toronto. His 2026 fantasy value will depend on where he lands, but Bichette has proven that he's a strong candidate to hit around 20 home runs while delivering a high average for fantasy managers. Adding second base eligibility would make him even more attractive.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
January 1, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
D'Angelo Russell (illness) is out for Thursday's game, continuing a stretch of inconsistent availability. His role has also varied when active, keeping Dallas' point guard rotation unsettled.
Brandon Williams again benefited last game, logging 30 minutes with 22 points, three rebounds, four assists, and one steal, positioning him as a short-term streaming option. Rookie
Ryan Nembhard drew the start but played 17 minutes, while
Max Christie and
Naji Marshall should continue to see steady run.
--Brian DailisanSource: Noah Weber
January 1, 2026
San Francisco 49ers running back
Christian McCaffrey (back) was removed from the Week 18 injury report on Thursday and will play on Saturday night against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, according to Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. McCaffrey has dealt with a bit of back stiffness in the final month of the regular season, but it hasn't been a serious issue, and he'll be fine this weekend as the Niners look to secure the No. 1 seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. The 29-year-old is coming off a second straight 100-yard rushing game in the Week 17 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday night, in which he had 23 carries for a season-high 140 yards and one touchdown on the ground. CMC added 41 receiving yards on four catches. He remains the do-it-all focal point of San Fran's offense and is a must-start, high-end RB1 in all fantasy leagues in Week 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports Bay Area - Jennifer Lee Chan
January 1, 2026
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) is listed as questionable on the final injury report for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday night against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, according to NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan. Pearsall missed yet another game in Week 16 due to knee and ankle injuries, but he returned in the Week 17 win over the Chicago Bears and looked great, securing five of his eight targets for 85 yards. The 25-year-old also played 81% of the offensive snaps. Pearsall didn't look to aggravate either of his injuries on Sunday night, so he should be on the right side of questionable to play against the Seahawks this weekend in a game that will decide the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture. It's not an ideal matchup for fantasy, but if Pearsall is active, he'll be in play as a WR3/flex.
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports Bay Area - Jennifer Lee Chan
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