February 23, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Jaxson Hayes (ankle) will not return to Sunday's loss against the Celtics after suffering a right ankle injury in the first quarter. His availability for Tuesday against Orlando is uncertain. Hayes typically logs around 18 minutes off the bench, so his absence is unlikely to move the needle much in standard fantasy formats.
Jarred Vanderbilt logged 11 minutes and posted three points and five rebounds, while
Maxi Kleber saw only three minutes. Vanderbilt is the more viable deep-league streamer if Hayes misses time, though
Deandre Ayton should continue handling the bulk of center minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dan Woike
February 23, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (back) will not return to Sunday's game against the Suns after aggravating a preexisting low back issue less than one minute into the contest. His availability for Tuesday against Minnesota is uncertain. Avdija's 29.8 usage rate leaves a sizable void.
Scoot Henderson logged 30 minutes Sunday and produced 11 points, six assists, and four rebounds, positioning him as a viable short-term add.
Jerami Grant and
Jrue Holiday should see added scoring responsibility, while
Sidy Cissoko and
Vit Krejci profile as deeper-league streamers if Avdija misses time.
--Brian DailisanSource: Trail Blazers PR
February 23, 2026
Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect
Payton Tolle tossed two innings of one-run ball in his spring training debut on Saturday afternoon. The southpaw was given the starting nod. In the opening frame, he surrendered a solo shot to Minnesota Twins third baseman
Royce Lewis. In the second inning, he would toss a perfect frame and tally his lone strikeout of the contest, against outfielder
Matt Wallner. Tolle is currently in contention for one of the final spots in the starting rotation and will likely need a strong showing in spring training to claim it. Last summer, the left-hander struggled in his MLB debut, posting a 6.06 ERA across his first 16 1/3 innings. However, in the minor leagues, he logged 91 2/3 innings with a strong 3.04 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a 133:23 K:BB. Given his high-end strikeout upside, he is a name to closely watch during spring training as he could be a worthy selection in the final rounds of your draft if he were to emerge as a viable starter.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 23, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (calf) did not return in Sunday's loss to the Knicks after aggravating right calf tightness, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 18 minutes. The injury shifts the frontcourt rotation.
Guerschon Yabusele logged 30 minutes as a starter and posted 11 points, 13 rebounds, and three triples, while
Nick Richards supplied nine points, 14 rebounds, and one block in 23 minutes.
Patrick Williams added 10 points and eight assists in 28 minutes but remains volatile. Yabusele and Richards are priority streamers if Smith misses time.
--Brian DailisanSource: Chicago Bulls
February 23, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect
Jacob Melton went 1-for-3 with a home run during their loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday afternoon. Melton would launch a solo shot (his first of spring training) in the sixth frame. The team's No. 4-ranked prospect on MLB.com is in competition for one of the final spots on the MLB roster and could make a strong case with a productive spring training. Last season, Melton made his MLB debut with the Astros and spent 32 games in Houston. During this stint, the former second-round pick posted a modest .157/.234/.186 slash line with no home runs and a 29:6 K:BB. Through 35 games at Triple-A, Melton was far more productive, posting a .286/.389/.556 line with six home runs and 12 stolen bases. He is a name to monitor in deeper five-outfielder formats as he could have some sleeper appeal if he cracks the Opening Day roster, given his speed upside.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 23, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies outfield prospect
Justin Crawford went 2-for-3 with a strikeout in his spring training debut on Saturday afternoon. Crawford served as the leadoff hitter and knocked a double to center field to open the contest. Later in the game, Crawford would hit a single on a line drive. The team's top outfield prospect is currently the favorite to claim the starting center field role, and his hot start in camp further cements him as a starting option. Last season, the 22-year-old spent the entire 2025 season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and held a .334/.411/.452 slash line with 23 doubles, seven home runs, and an eye-catching 46 stolen bases. While his power upside may be limited, Crawford could produce a high batting average with an elite stolen base total. He is a prime late-round option for those in standard leagues, as he should begin the season in an everyday role.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 23, 2026
Chicago Cubs catching prospect
Moises Ballesteros officially reported to camp on Sunday. The young backstop had his start to the 2026 campaign delayed by visa issues, but was finally able to join the Cubs. The 22-year-old is expected to immediately begin the season in a lead role on the offense, likely serving as the primary designated hitter. Last season, Ballesteros made his MLB debut and held a solid .298/.394/.474 slash line with two doubles, one triple, and two home runs across a 20-game stint. At Triple-A, Ballesteros was one of the most productive hitters in the minor leagues, posting a .316/.385/.473 line with 29 doubles, 13 home runs, and a strong .858 OPS. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in camp and should view him as a solid C2 in all formats with the solid power upside. If he is able to fully claim the DH role, he could carry starting-caliber upside in standard leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Maddie Lee
February 23, 2026
According to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com, Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitching prospect
Parker Messick is one of the names in the running for one of the final spots in the starting rotation. Messick made his spring training debut on Sunday afternoon and tossed two innings of work with no runs, no hits, and a 1:3 K:BB. Joining him in the competition will be young left-hander
Joey Cantillo,
Logan Allen, and
Slade Cecconi. Last summer, Messick made his MLB debut and held his own, logging 39 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.72 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP. During this stint, the southpaw struck out 38 hitters while generating an elite 5.8% barrel rate with a strong 3.6% walk rate. Messick is worth monitoring closely, as he could carry late-round sleeper appeal if he were to open the season as a starter.
--Andy SmithSource: Tim Stebbins
February 23, 2026
Miami Marlins left-handed pitching prospect
Robby Snelling tossed a perfect inning in his spring debut on Saturday afternoon. Facing the top of the New York lineup, Snelling would generate three straight outs against
Marcus Semien,
Juan Soto, and
Bo Bichette. While he was unable to tally any strikeouts, he made quick work of them, throwing only 10 pitches. The 22-year-old appeared to be in the mix to earn the final spot in the Miami rotation but now projects to be the season as the team's No. 6 option, and likely at Triple-A. With veteran
Chris Paddack being named as a starter and both
Max Meyer and
Braxton Garrett healthy, Snelling projects to be on the outside for the time being. However, he would likely be the first name called in the case of an injury. Last summer, the southpaw looked quite comfortable in his first taste of Triple-A, tossing 63 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.27 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. He remains a worthy early-season stash candidate for those in deeper 12-team leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 22, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward
Kyle Anderson (knee) is doubtful for Monday's matchup against the Kings and appears likely to miss a second straight contest due to right knee soreness. His absence should keep
Olivier-Maxence Prosper and
Taylor Hendricks in the rotation mix. Prosper started last game and delivered nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals in 26 minutes, while Hendricks added four points, two rebounds, one steal, and one block in 24 minutes. Both remain risky deep-league streamers, with limited upside unless Memphis thins further.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 22, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward
Cedric Coward (knee) will remain out for Monday's matchup against the Kings, extending his absence to four straight games due to a posterior capsule sprain in his right knee. With Coward sidelined,
Walter Clayton Jr.,
Cam Spencer, and
Olivier-Maxence Prosper should continue seeing elevated minutes. Clayton logged nine points, four rebounds, and six assists in 26 minutes last game, while Prosper added nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals. All three remain fringe streamers, with limited upside unless Coward's absence stretches further.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 22, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) has been upgraded to available for Sunday's game against the Magic after initially being listed as questionable due to left ankle soreness. Leonard has been dominant since early February, averaging 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 steals while handling a 34.5 usage rate. He posted 31 points with four 3-pointers, four rebounds, and five assists in 31 minutes in the recent loss to the Lakers. Leonard remains a must-start, while
Kris Dunn and
Bennedict Mathurin benefit from the defensive attention he draws.
--Brian DailisanSource: Joey Linn
February 22, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (back) is out for Sunday's game against the Clippers, marking his second straight absence due to back spasms. With Suggs sidelined,
Desmond Bane should continue to anchor the offense after erupting for 34 points with five three-pointers, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in 40 minutes last game.
Anthony Black logged 45 minutes, while
Jevon Carter and
Tristan da Silva each topped 30 minutes. Bane remains a must-start, Black profiles as a strong hold, and Carter is a viable short-term streamer.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 22, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar
Shohei Ohtani was able to throw a live batting practice session without any issues on Sunday. Ohtani threw 33 pitches across two innings of work and touched 99 mph on his fastball. This is expected to be the last time that Ohtani will throw for the Dodgers in camp. He'll now leave to join Team Japan for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. It doesn't sound like Ohtani will pitch in the tourney, so he likely won't take the mound again until the start of the regular season. The Dodgers might ease Ohtani in, but he should be a solid No. 2 starter in fantasy once he's fully stretched out.
--Andy WebbSource: Jack Harris
February 22, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Patrick Williams (hand) is available for Sunday's game against the Knicks after being listed with a left-hand injury. Williams has averaged 7.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 23.2 minutes over his last five outings, but his usage remains modest in a crowded rotation. He logged six points, one rebound, one assist, and two steals in 16 minutes during the recent loss to Detroit. With
Josh Giddey and
Matas Buzelis handling larger roles, Williams remains off the standard-league radar and profiles as a deep-league filler at best.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 22, 2026
The Cleveland Guardians have signed free-agent first baseman
Rhys Hoskins to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Hoskins is coming off a down year in 2025, which likely impacted his free agent value. Last season, Hoskins slashed .237/.332/.416 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI across 90 games with the Milwaukee Brewers. The 32-year-old does have legit power with five seasons of 25-plus home runs under his belt. This is a low-risk move for the Guardians, who might end up getting a solid power hitter out of Hoskins. He'll earn $1.5 million in 2026, assuming he makes the roster.
--Andy WebbSource: Jon Heyman
February 22, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Deni Avdija (back) is available for Sunday's game in Phoenix and is expected to handle his usual workload. The 25-year-old has been Portland's primary engine this season, averaging 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.2 3-pointers while carrying a 29.6 usage rate. He logged 15 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds in 30 minutes during the last loss to Denver. Fantasy managers should keep him locked in, though a mild re-aggravation risk exists.
Jrue Holiday and
Jerami Grant would see added playmaking and scoring opportunities if Avdija's minutes dip.
--Brian DailisanSource: Trail Blazers PR
February 22, 2026
Chicago Bulls guards
Josh Giddey and
Tre Jones will be on minute restrictions for Sunday's game against the Knicks. Giddey recently returned from an eight-game absence and posted 27 points, six rebounds, and three assists with five 3-pointers in 27 minutes in the last loss to Detroit. Jones added seven points and six assists in 26 minutes. With both capped,
Collin Sexton and
Rob Dillingham could see modest bumps off the bench. Giddey remains a must-start, but slight workload limits introduce mild risk in weekly formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Stefan Bondy
February 22, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder
Jack Brannigan (head) was forced to exit early during Sunday's Spring Training game versus the Philadelphia Phillies. Brannigan was removed from the contest after getting hit in the face by a batted ball. He's currently being evaluated for further injury, so he should be considered day-to-day right now. Brannigan is competing for a bench role on the team, but will likely start the season in the minors. Last season, Brannigan slashed .225/.329/.358 with five home runs, 30 RBI, and nine steals in 59 games with Double-A Altoona. He'll likely need to prove himself a little more in the minors before he's ready for the big league level.
--Andy WebbSource: Kevin Gorman
February 22, 2026
Chicago Bulls center
Nick Richards (foot) will play Sunday against the Knicks. Richards remains the primary backup to
Jalen Smith, who continues to operate under a minutes restriction, keeping the door open for a steady second-unit run. Through five appearances with Chicago, Richards has averaged 8.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 19.0 minutes. He logged five points and five rebounds in 19 minutes during the last loss to Detroit. Richards is a fringe, risk-leaning option in standard leagues, but deeper formats can target his block upside while Smith's workload is monitored.
--Brian DailisanSource: K.C. Johnson
February 22, 2026
Kansas City Royals outfielder
Dairon Blanco (head) was removed early during Sunday's Spring Training contest versus the Milwaukee Brewers. Blanco is being evaluated for a head injury after being hit in the head by a 90 mph pitch in the seventh inning. Manager Matt Quatraro said Blanco was dizzy getting up, but was able to walk and knew where he was. There is no word on whether or not Blanco has suffered a concussion. The expectation is that the Royals will take the cautious approach and hold out Blanco for the next few days.
--Andy WebbSource: Anne Rogers
February 22, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Jalen Green (hamstring) is available, while guard/forward
Grayson Allen (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against Portland. Green logged 37 minutes in his last appearance, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two 3-pointers, and he should again anchor the offense with
Devin Booker (hip),
Dillon Brooks (hand), and
Jordan Goodwin (calf) sidelined. Green's 29.5 usage rate keeps him locked into must-start territory. Allen's absence solidifies minutes for
Royce O'Neale and
Collin Gillespie, though Green remains the primary fantasy beneficiary.
--Brian DailisanSource: Duane Rankin
February 22, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop
Aidan Miller (back) is likely going to sit out for a few days. According to Todd Zolecki, Miller is dealing with back soreness, so the Phillies plan to be careful with him. The team will take it easy with Miller while he gets treatment this week. The 21-year-old is expected to begin the season in the minors, but it shouldn't be too long before he's in Philly. In 2025, Miller slashed .264/.392/.433 with 14 home runs, 42 RBI, and 59 stolen bases in 116 games between Double-A and Triple-A. The majority of his games were played in Double-A, so Miller will likely begin the 2026 campaign in Triple-A. He could be on the short list to Philly if he shows that he can handle Triple-A pitching.
--Andy WebbSource: Todd Zolecki
February 22, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Keyonte George (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game in Houston after missing seven of the last eight contests. The second-year guard averages 30.0 minutes with a team-high 29.2 usage rate, so his potential return would reshape the backcourt rotation.
Isaiah Collier capitalized in the last outing with 24 points, five rebounds, four steals, and two blocks in 25 minutes, making him a strong add if George remains sidelined. If George plays, Collier likely shifts back to the second unit, while
Ace Bailey and
Lauri Markkanen maintain steady offensive roles.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 22, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center
Naz Reid (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against Philadelphia, marking his first absence of the season. With
Rudy Gobert also sidelined due to suspension,
Joan Beringer is set to start at center, creating short-term streaming appeal in deeper formats. Beringer logged four minutes with two points and two blocks in his last appearance, but an expanded run could translate to boards and defensive stats.
Julius Randle and
Anthony Edwards should absorb more frontcourt usage, while
Ayo Dosunmu may see added offensive responsibility with the rotation thinned.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 22, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (illness) is probable for Monday's game against Houston after sitting out the previous two contests. In his last five appearances, the seven-footer has averaged 21.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 24.6 minutes, maintaining a steady scoring role when active. His return would likely trim minutes for
Cody Williams, who logged 38 minutes with five points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in the last game.
Brice Sensabaugh also stands to lose touches after posting nine points and four rebounds in 19 minutes. Markkanen remains a must-start in all formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 22, 2026
Utah Jazz center
Jusuf Nurkic (nose) will miss Monday's game against Houston, extending his absence to three straight contests. The veteran big has averaged 11.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 26.0 minutes this season, but his continued absence keeps the frontcourt condensed for fantasy managers.
Kyle Filipowski started in the last outing and logged 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in 28 minutes, making him a strong add. With Utah potentially shifting into development mode, Filipowski is trending toward long-term hold value.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 22, 2026
Across 17 games in 2025, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Rachaad White recorded 790 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 172 touches. White seemingly had a golden opportunity to reclaim a workhorse role in Tampa Bay after fellow Bucs running back
Bucky Irving went down early in the year with injuries that ultimately cost him seven games. However, White struggled with rushing efficiency and ultimately lost out on snap share to Tampa Bay back
Sean Tucker. White is now set to hit free agency, which could help him find a new home that can offer a less crowded running back room. Still, White is averaging fewer than four yards per carry on 677 career attempts and may not be suited for a lead rushing role. The 27-year-old should still be a fantasy-relevant player due to his pass-catching ability, as he's hauled in 205 receptions for 1,450 yards and 11 touchdowns across 67 career games. At the same time, his dynasty value is fading as he slides back into a more complementary phase of his career.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 22, 2026
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Michael Wilson emerged as a breakout pass-catcher in 2025, recording 78 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns on 126 targets across 17 games played. The 25-year-old's rise coincided with the Cardinals' mid-season quarterback change from
Kyler Murray to
Jacoby Brissett, as well as injury issues in the team's backfield that led Arizona to become one of the NFL's most pass-heavy offenses. Entering 2026, the Cardinals will have an entirely new coaching staff led by former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. Arizona could also have a new quarterback under center, as Brissett is a career journeyman and the team is reportedly looking to move on from Murray. The turnover in Arizona creates some uncertainty that Wilson will be able to repeat his 2025 success in 2026 and beyond. However, his breakout season cannot be ignored, and Wilson's value in dynasty formats should be on the rise.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 22, 2026
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Jameson Williams got off to a slow start to the 2025 season, recording just 16 catches for 289 yards and two touchdowns on 17 targets across the first seven weeks of the year. However, the 24-year-old emerged following Detroit's Week 8 bye, hauling in 49 receptions for 828 yards and five scores over his final 10 games played. Williams became a bigger focal point in the team's offense once Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties from former offensive coordinator John Morton, who was fired after the season. At the same time, Williams' production surge can also be correlated to the absence of Lions tight end
Sam LaPorta (back), who went down for the season in Week 10 with a back injury. If LaPorta can make a healthy return in 2026, it's fair to wonder if Williams may fall back into a low-volume role in a Lions' offense that also includes star wideout
Amon-Ra St. Brown. Still, Williams has continued to make small steps up in production in each of his four NFL seasons, and he remains an explosive playmaker with fantasy upside in dynasty formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
RADIO
