January 17, 2026
San Antonio Spurs guard
Stephon Castle (illness) is available to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was tagged as questionable coming into the game, but will play through the illness. In January, Castle is averaging 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in eight contests. He has scored 15 or more points in six of his last eight games. The second-year guard should be rostered and started in basically all fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: Paul Garcia
January 17, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard/forward
Ausar Thompson (heel) has shed a probable tag and will suit up on Saturday against the Indiana Pacers. The 22-year-old is ready to play through a heel contusion. Thompson has struggled offensively in recent weeks, averaging only 8.7 points per game in January. He will look to overcome the slump on Saturday night against the Pacers, who are allowing the eighth-most points per game this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham (wrist) will be active against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. The team has upgraded his status from probable to available. Cunningham has been dealing with a wrist contusion in his shooting hand. He shot only 18.8 percent from the field in Thursday's win over the Phoenix Suns. However, the Pistons star is in a good bounce-back spot on Saturday, as the Pacers have not been a good team this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
Brooklyn Nets guard/forward
Ziaire Williams (conditioning) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Chicago Bulls. The 24-year-old recently missed time due to illness and is now working on his conditioning to get back into game shape. Sunday's game will
Mark Williams' sixth consecutive absence. Brooklyn will also be without
Michael Porter Jr. (rest) and
Drake Powell (knee) on Sunday, which should create more playing opportunities for
Danny Wolf,
Terance Mann, and
Nolan Traore.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
Brooklyn Nets shooting guard
Drake Powell (knee) won't play on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls. He will sit out the front end of a back-to-back to manage a left knee injury. Powell has made three consecutive starts for the Nets, averaging 9.7 points over that stretch. His absence on Sunday could give
Terance Mann an opportunity to rejoin the first unit.
Nolan Traore and
Cam Thomas are also candidates for increased playing time, especially with
Michael Porter Jr. (rest) out of the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (knee) is questionable to return in Saturday's AFC Divisional Round game against the Denver Broncos. Oliver was activated from the Injured Reserve ahead of Saturday's game after being out since Week 8 with a torn bicep. The 28-year-old did not record a stat before exiting Saturday's game with a knee injury. The Bills' run defense takes a little bit of a hit with Oliver sidelined as they try hold a one-point lead against Denver in the fourth quarter.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Buffalo Bills
January 17, 2026
The Green Bay Packers have signed head coach Matt LaFleur to a multi-year contract extension, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com. There had been plenty of speculation about LaFleur's future after Green Bay lost in the Wild Card Round, but this new contract ensures that he'll remain with the Packers for several years to come. Green Bay has been one of the better regular-season teams under LaFleur's leadership, making the playoffs in six of seven seasons during that span. He has at least eight wins every year, and he owns a career 76-40-1 record. However, the playoffs have been a different story. Green Bay hasn't made a Super Bowl in the LaFleur era, and they haven't played in an NFC Championship since 2020. He is 3-6 in the playoffs. Nevertheless, Green Bay has to be encouraged by the trajectory of its organization, even in a crowded NFC North. The Packers have found their franchise quarterback in
Jordan Love, and the defense is trending up after adding Micah Parsons. This LaFleur-led squad should be a playoff contender again in 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Tom Pelissero
January 17, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) is listed as doubtful to suit up for Sunday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. This isn't shocking news considering Giddey hasn't played in a game since December 29. He's still working his way back from a hamstring injury, but the doubtful tag suggests that he's not quite ready to play yet. The expectation is that
Tre Jones will continue to start in Giddey's place. He scored 34 points with seven assists during Tuesday's game against the Houston Rockets. Jones has enough upside to warrant rostering in most fantasy formats while Giddey is out.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Michael Porter Jr. (rest) won't be in action on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls. The team has decided to rest him for the first leg of a back-to-back. Porter Jr. is Brooklyn's leading scorer, and without him on the floor, the rest of the starting unit gets to play a larger role on offense. Meanwhile,
Danny Wolf is expected to step into Porter Jr.'s starting role, as he has done in the past. The 21-year-old rookie has averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.7 steals as a starter.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Patrick Williams (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Williams was only able to play 12 minutes on Friday before exiting due to a sprained right ankle. Another absence would likely mean an extended look for
Dalen Terry and
Jalen Smith in the rotation. When healthy, Williams hasn't been much of an asset, averaging 6.5 points, 1.2 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game. He's too inconsistent at the moment to be trusted in most fantasy formats. Smith is the preferred streaming option with back-to-back double-doubles. He'll once again be a strong streaming choice if Williams is unable to play.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee) is officially active for Saturday's Divisional Round contest against the Seattle Seahawks. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. Pearsall returns to action following a two-game absence. Injuries bothered him throughout most of the regular season, limiting him to just 36 catches, 528 yards, and zero touchdowns through nine games. His return comes at a perfect time for the Niners, who were in need of pass-catching reinforcements after losing
George Kittle (Achilles) for the rest of the playoffs. Pearsall will step up as the No. 2 receiver alongside
Jauan Jennings against Seattle. The last time he faced the Seahawks, back in Week 1, Pearsall caught four passes for 108 yards.
--Andersen PickardSource: San Francisco 49ers
January 17, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) is officially active for Saturday's NFC Divisional Round game versus the San Francisco 49ers. The 28-year-old injured his oblique during Thursday's practice and hasn't thrown since then. According to Brady Henderson of ESPN, Darnold did not come out for early warmups with the rest of the team. It's also worth noting that Darnold hasn't been seen on the field with about an hour left until kickoff. Darnold has struggled in both games against the 49ers this season, throwing for 348 yards while rushing for 25 yards on eight attempts with no touchdowns and interceptions in both games. With the oblique injury and lack of production versus San Francisco earlier in the year, Darnold is a risky start in playoff leagues and is mainly a GPP play in DFS.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Brady Henderson of ESPN
January 17, 2026
Miami Heat forward
Nikola Jovic (illness) has been cleared to play on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jovic has been battling an illness, and the team handed him a questionable tag on the injury report earlier in the day. He has now been upgraded to available. Jovic has averaged 8.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 20.9 minutes per game this month. On Saturday, the 22-year-old may play a larger role for the Heat, who won't have
Davion Mitchell (shoulder),
Tyler Herro (toe, ribs), and
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (knee) in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
Indiana Pacers center
Isaiah Jackson (concussion) is available to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Jackson has cleared the league's concussion protocol and will play for the first time since December 22. He has missed the last 13 games, so it wouldn't be shocking to see the Pacers ease him back into action.
Jay Huff figures to remain the starting center, so Jackson will compete for backup minutes with
Tony Bradley and
Micah Potter. Jackson isn't a very attractive streaming option at the moment, but could gain value once he's back to full speed.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (toe, ribs) won't play in Saturday's contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Miami has downgraded Herro from questionable to out, leaving the team without a second starter.
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) also won't play on Saturday night.
Pelle Larsson moved into the starting unit as Mitchell's replacement on Thursday against the Boston Celtics, and
Kasparas Jakucionis could take over Herro's spot on Saturday. However,
Kel'el Ware is also an option to start, having recently enjoyed a long stretch in the starting lineup as Herro's replacement.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (ankle) is available to play ahead of Saturday's game against the New York Knicks. Booker will shed the questionable tag and return to the lineup after missing Thursday's game due to an ankle issue. He was able to participate in shootaround on Saturday and is feeling good enough to suit up. The return of Booker will send
Grayson Allen back to the bench. Allen was strong in his place as he scored 33 points during Thursday's game. He'll lose streaming appeal coming off the bench, but is still worth a look as a streaming choice.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward
Anthony Edwards (foot) will return from a two-game absence on Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs. He'll hope to repeat his heroics from last Sunday, when Edwards made the 104-103 game-winning shot against the Spurs. Overall, he had 23 points in the game, marking a quiet outing compared to his usual standards.
Mike Conley will presumably drop back to the bench on Saturday, while Edwards' return also hurts the fantasy value of
Bones Hyland.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
Atlanta Hawks guard/forward
Dyson Daniels (ankle) won't be in the lineup on Saturday against the Boston Celtics. He's dealing with a right ankle sprain and has been downgraded from questionable to out. Daniels' absence from the lineup may give
CJ McCollum a starting role.
Luke Kennard is another option to start, while
Vit Krejci could be more involved in the rotation due to Daniels' absence. Daniels will have his first chance to return on Monday versus the Milwaukee Bucks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
New York Knicks guard/forward
Josh Hart (ankle) won't suit up on Saturday against the Phoenix Suns. Hart was a late addition to the injury report due to right ankle soreness, and the Knicks have downgraded him from questionable to out.
Jalen Brunson (ankle) also won't be playing, leaving the team without two starters.
Miles McBride is set to fill in for Brunson, while
Mitchell Robinson could be Hart's replacement in the first unit. At the same time,
Jordan Clarkson,
Tyler Kolek, and
Landry Shamet might see more time on the court.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
New York Knicks point guard
Jalen Brunson (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. The Knicks initially listed him as questionable due to a right ankle sprain. Brunson will miss a second consecutive game, with his absence giving
Miles McBride another opportunity to start. On Thursday night against the Golden State Warriors, McBride excelled in a starting role, shooting 6-for-12 from downtown to finish with 25 points and six assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 17, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes left wing William Carrier (lower body) will remain on the shelf on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils, Mike Morreale of NHL.com reports. The veteran power forward is struggling to shake off a lower-body injury, missing a fourth consecutive game. In 38 appearances this season, Carrier has recorded 10 points (five goals, five assists), 45 shots, and a team-high 91 hits. Jesperi Kotkaniemi has returned to the lineup during Carrier's absence and contributed one assist in Thursday's 9-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. Carrier's next chance to return will be on Monday against the Buffalo Sabres.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mike Morreale
January 17, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (lower body) is expected to remain out of Saturday's game against the New Jersey Devils, Mike Morreale of NHL.com reports. The veteran blue-liner has been dealing with an illness this week and missed Friday's blowout win over the Florida Panthers due to a lower-body injury. Jaccob Slavin rejoined the lineup on Friday, going plus-one in 17:56 of ice time but not registering any other significant stats. At the same time, Alexander Nikishin had a big game as Gostisbehere's replacement on the first power-play unit, finishing with a goal and an assist. On Saturday, Nikishin will be in a prime spot to make a big impact again, as New Jersey holds a 76.7 percent power play.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mike Morreale
January 17, 2026
Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is poised to re-enter the lineup on Saturday night against the Ottawa Senators. Evans has been out since Dec. 20 due to a lower-body injury. To make room for Evans in the lineup, Montreal is projected to scratch Joe Veleno for Saturday's contest. In 34 outings this season, Evans has notched 10 points (five goals, five assists) while delivering 44 hits. He lacks fantasy appeal as a fourth-line grinder
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 17, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks winger Teuvo Teravainen (upper body) will be sidelined for a second straight game on Saturday against the Boston Bruins. The Finnish veteran is dealing with an upper-body injury and doesn't have a return timeline. Teravainen is tied for fourth on Chicago's scoring charts, notching 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 45 games. Fortunately for the Blackhawks, Connor Bedard recently returned from a shoulder injury and will spearhead the attack on Saturday night, flanked by Ryan Greene and Andre Burakovsky on the first line.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 17, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (lower body) will be absent from the lineup on Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets. Nylander aggravated a lower-body injury this week and may have to skip multiple games. "Right now, I don't expect him in today for sure, Monday (against the Minnesota Wild) probably not. I don't know how long it's going to be," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said. Matthew Knies is expected to slot into Nylander's spot on the second line against Winnipeg. Knies ended a season-worst four-game point drought with two assists in Thursday's overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 17, 2026
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver
Pat Bryant (concussion) won't return in Saturday's AFC Divisional Round game against the Buffalo Bills after being diagnosed with a concussion. Bryant took a hit during the team's opening drive and was quickly diagnosed with a concussion by the team's medical staff. The 23-year-old finishes Saturday's playoff game with three catches for 32 yards before exiting.
Troy Franklin,
Marvin Mims Jr., and Lil' Jordan Humphrey should see an uptick in targets with Bryant sidelined. The Broncos' rookie wideout will likely enter the league's concussion protocol and will have to clear it next week in order to have a chance to suit up for the AFC Championship game if Denver advances.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network
January 17, 2026
Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (lower body) could return from a six-game absence on Saturday against the Florida Panthers. The power forward rejoined practice earlier this week and participated in an optional morning skate on Saturday. Wilson is having a career year in 2025-26, sitting on a team-high 42 points (22 goals, 20 assists) through 41 appearances. Wilson's return on Saturday would probably bump Ethen Frank from the first line. However, Frank may still see increased usage due to Justin Sourdif's (upper body) continued absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 17, 2026
Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson (thigh) will miss 3-5 weeks after undergoing a procedure on Friday to treat a Morel-Lavallee lesion in his left thigh. Carlsson has missed two games due to the injury. The young Swedish star now faces a race against time to get healthy for the Olympics. Sweden begins its tournament on Feb. 11. Meanwhile, it's clear Carlsson won't play for the Ducks until after the Olympics. Carlsson has had a special campaign in 2025-26, recording a team-high 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) in 44 games. In his absence, Mason McTavish has taken on first-line center duties, with Mikael Granlund jumping to the second line.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 17, 2026
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (personal) has taken a leave of absence and won't play on Saturday night against the Vancouver Canucks. The German superstar has returned to his native country due to a family illness. Edmonton expects to have him back next week. Draisaitl is having another phenomenal season, posting 67 points (25 goals, 42 assists) in 48 games. Andrew Mangiapane is expected to re-enter the lineup on Saturday, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins taking over the second-line center role. Meanwhile, Vasily Podkolzin will replace Nugent-Hopkins on the first line. The Russian forward will have additional fantasy value as Connor McDavid's partner.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 17, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam (rest) won't play against the Pistons. He had 27 points, six rebounds, five assists, and one block in Friday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The veteran will sit this one out to rest, so fantasy managers can expect to have him back in the lineup for Monday's game in Philadelphia. In the meantime,
Jarace Walker is the favorite to replace him in the rotation and could be more productive than usual, considering the team won't have
T.J. McConnell (knee),
Andrew Nembhard (back), and
Aaron Nesmith (rest).
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
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