February 5, 2026
Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden's attorneys will seek testimony from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and at least four current and former NFL owners in his lawsuit over whether the league leaked the emails that forced his departure as the Raiders' coach, according to a court filing this week. Gruden resigned in October of 2021 after the publication of emails he sent years earlier that included racist, misogynistic, and anti-gay language. Gruden's lawsuit accuses the league and Goodell of a "malicious and orchestrated campaign" to destroy his career. To this point, there have been no settlement talks. Gruden was an on-air analyst for ESPN from 2011 to 2018 when the emails were sent. In its filings to seek dismissal of Gruden's lawsuit, the NFL has said Gruden's case "hinges solely on unsupported allegations that fail as a matter of law or fall far short of stating a claim and should have been promptly dismissed when the NFL Parties first so moved."
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Don Van Natta Jr.
February 5, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward/center
Dylan Cardwell is set to sign a four-year agreement on Thursday, converting his two-way slot into a standard deal with the first two seasons fully guaranteed. The move reflects consistent, low-usage production rather than a clear path to immediate minutes. Over his last ten games, Cardwell has provided late-round value with 5.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.0 blocks while remaining efficient in limited run. With
Domantas Sabonis locked into the starting role and
Maxime Raynaud also in the rotation, Cardwell profiles as a deep-league blocks streamer. Fantasy managers can still track his role if Sacramento shifts toward evaluating younger players later in the season.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 5, 2026
Atlanta Hawks center
Jock Landale has been named a starter for Thursday's tilt against the Utah Jazz. The Australian big man has just joined the team and will be handed a significant role straight away. This is a great matchup for Landale to make a big first impression on the Hawks fans. Not only are the Jazz starting without
Jusuf Nurkic, but they have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to centers over the course of the season. Landale is joining
Dyson Daniels,
Nickeil Alexander-Walker,
Zaccharie Risacher, and
Jalen Johnson in the first unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: Atlanta Hawks
February 5, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen confirmed on Thursday that the majority of work for
Jordan Lawlar will come in the outfield this spring, but the team isn't closing off infield work for him, according to Jody Jackson of The Arizona Republic. The D-backs previously stated that the 23-year-old former top prospect would see work in center field in spring training, but that was before they traded utility man
Blaze Alexander to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. Alexander's departure seemingly opens up playing time at third base going into the 2026 season, but Arizona has their sights set on Lawlar trying his hand in the outfield. There is also a need in the outfield, though, with
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) injured and
Jake McCarthy no longer in town. Lawlar has only played in 42 big-league games for Arizona and hasn't lived up to his prospect hype, slashing .165/.241/.237 with no homers, five RBI, and 37 K's in 108 plate appearances. His bat showed promise in September, though, giving hope to fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues that he can be a post-hype breakout type in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Arizona Republic - Jody Jackson
February 5, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Brandon Williams (lower leg) won't play in Thursday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, Abby Jones of DLLS Sports reports. A right lower leg contusion will keep Williams out for a second consecutive game, as the team has downgraded him from questionable to out. The rest of the Mavericks' bench will absorb Williams' minutes, but there aren't any standout names to count on for fantasy production. All Dallas' reserves finished with seven or fewer points in Tuesday's loss to Boston.
--Taavi PailkSource: Abby Jones
February 5, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) has been upgraded from questionable to available for Thursday's game against San Antonio after managing a sprained right ankle. The clearance is a positive sign given his recent workload and the Mavericks' thin frontcourt. Gafford has started his last two games and delivered back-to-back double-doubles, averaging 13.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 26.5 minutes while shooting 73.3 percent from the field. With
Anthony Davis (finger) no longer in Dallas, Gafford's role carries strong streamer value with mid-tier hold appeal, though ankle management remains a risk.
--Brian DailisanSource: Noah Weber
February 5, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard/forward
Kevin Huerter is available to make his team debut on Thursday against the Washington Wizards. He will start the game on the bench, but Huerter could see a decent amount of action to acclimate to his new teammates. There aren't many matchups better than this in the NBA to make a mark, as Washington holds a 120.0 defensive rating, the second-worst in the league.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 5, 2026
Utah Jazz center
Jusuf Nurkic (bench role) will not start Thursday against Atlanta, signaling a continued shift in the frontcourt rotation. While Nurkic is technically available, Utah has shown little interest in using him, pointing toward a reduced role as the Jazz lean into younger options.
Kyle Filipowski is the clear fantasy beneficiary after starting Tuesday and logging 36 minutes, posting 16 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block. Filipowski profiles as a strong streamer with workload-driven upside, while
Brice Sensabaugh remains a deeper-league points and threes option if Utah continues prioritizing development.
--Brian DailisanSource: Andy Larsen
February 5, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward
Tobias Harris (hip) will miss the first leg of a back-to-back on Thursday against the Washington Wizards. The team has downgraded his status from questionable to out. With Harris out,
Isaiah Stewart will get a chance to make his 12th start of the season, giving his fantasy stock a significant boost. In his previous starts, Stewart has averaged 13.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 27.2 minutes. He and
Jalen Duren could feast against a Wizards team that has had trouble against opposing bigs all season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 5, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham (wrist) will be in the lineup on Thursday against the Washington Wizards. The star guard is managing a wrist injury and was initially listed as questionable on the injury report. Cunningham will try to extend his double-double streak to four games in a very favorable matchup against the second-worst defense in the Association. In his previous meeting with the Wizards, Cunningham finished with a huge 46-12-11 line.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 5, 2026
Utah Jazz forward/center
Kevin Love (illness) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Atlanta, sidelining the veteran for a second straight contest. His absence keeps frontcourt minutes wide open, and the fantasy returns were loud last time out. Second-year big
Kyle Filipowski started and logged 36 minutes, producing 16 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block.
Brice Sensabaugh added 20 points, four three-pointers, and five assists in 30 minutes off the bench. Filipowski profiles as a strong short-term streamer with double-double upside, while Sensabaugh remains a points and threes play in deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Utah Jazz
February 5, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Collin Sexton won't play against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. He was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday and isn't yet ready to join the lineup. Sexton's next opportunity to make his Hornets debut will be on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets. Fellow new arrivals
Anfernee Simons and
Jaden Ivey will be active on Thursday and are set to lead the backcourt.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 5, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Anfernee Simons and
Jaden Ivey are available Thursday against the Toronto Raptors, Sportsnet's Michael Grange reports. Both players are new arrivals to the team, and it was initially unclear whether the Bulls could count on them against Toronto. It's great news for the team that the duo is available, as the backcourt will be without
Josh Giddey (hamstring) and
Tre Jones (hamstring). As a result, Simons and Ivey could have a heavy workload right off the bat with the Bulls. Forward/center
Guerschon Yabusele is also active on Thursday, but he isn't expected to play a significant role.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michael Grange
February 5, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard
Coby White (calf) won't make his debut for his new team for quite a while. The team plans to hold him out until after the All-Star break, Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer reports. White has been dealing with calf issues all season, appearing in only 29 games. Charlotte will be without White for four games, starting with Thursday's clash against the Houston Rockets. In his absence,
Tre Mann,
Sion James, and
Josh Green are candidates for increased playing time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Rod Boone
February 5, 2026
Miami Heat forward
Andrew Wiggins (hamstring) is available for Friday's clash with the Boston Celtics. Wiggins missed Tuesday's loss to Atlanta due to left hamstring tightness.
Norman Powell (personal) will also suit up after a three-game absence. Wiggins is averaging 15.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 29.7 minutes per contest this season. With the 30-year-old veteran forward back in the mix,
Simone Fontecchio will see less playing time and will return to the bench.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 5, 2026
Florida Panthers forwards Brad Marchand (undisclosed) and Evan Rodrigues (illness) won't be in action on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Doug Plagens of the Florida Panthers Radio Network reports. Marchand will sit out the second leg of a back-to-back after making a surprise return from a two-game absence in Wednesday's win over Boston. Rodrigues will come out of the lineup for the first time this season. Florida also won't have defensemen Aaron Ekblad (undisclosed) and Tobias Bjornfot (undisclosed) on Thursday. Luke Kunin, Jesper Boqvist, Donovan Sebrango, and Mikulas Hovorka will enter the lineup, with the latter making his NHL debut.
--Taavi PailkSource: Doug Plagens
February 5, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward/center
Onyeka Okongwu (mouth) won't play on Thursday versus Utah, marking his fourth consecutive absence. He was listed as questionable throughout the day, so it looks like he might be back on Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets. In the meantime,
Jock Landale could find himself in the starting lineup after recently being traded from Memphis. With that said, regardless of Landale's role, he has double-double upside in a meeting with one of the worst teams in the NBA.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 5, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (personal) is available to suit up against the Boston Celtics on Friday. Powell missed three consecutive contests due to a personal matter.
Andrew Wiggins (hamstring) will also return after sitting out Tuesday's matchup against the Hawks. Fantasy managers can expect Powell to be productive against Boston, as he posted 26 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 32 minutes the last time the two teams met on Jan. 15.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 5, 2026
New York Islanders forward Calum Ritchie (lower body) will return from a six-game absence on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils. With Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal both on the first line, Ritchie will take over center duties on the second line. The Islanders are also expected to use him on the first power-play unit. Ritchie had a four-game assist streak last month and has amassed 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 40 outings this season. Anthony Duclair will make way for Ritchie in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 5, 2026
Boston Celtics forward
Jaylen Brown (hamstring) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Friday's showdown with the Heat. He had 33 points in Tuesday's 110-100 win over the Dallas Mavericks. However, Brown wasn't available for Wednesday's victory over Houston.
Ron Harper Jr. took his spot in the rotation, finishing with 11 points and nine rebounds. While it's unknown if Harper will continue to receive consistent work moving forward, he's worth monitoring in case he carves out a stable role.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 5, 2026
Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson (upper body) will miss a second straight game on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Benson scored in Monday's 5-3 win over Florida but also sustained an upper-body injury. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff expects to have Benson back after the Olympic break. Josh Norris (upper body) is also on track to rejoin the lineup when the Sabres resume play on Feb. 24. He will miss his 12th consecutive game on Thursday. Jordan Greenway (abdomen) is also expected to remain out against Pittsburgh. As a result of the injuries up front, Peyton Krebs has joined the first line, giving his fantasy stock a massive boost.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 5, 2026
According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (ribs) will not travel with the team during an upcoming two-game road trip. Herro has missed 11 straight contests due to a costochondral rib injury, and there have been no encouraging updates since he exited the lineup in mid-January.
Pelle Larsson and
Jaime Jaquez Jr. should continue to be the primary beneficiaries during Herro's extended absence.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Ira Winderman
February 5, 2026
New York Knicks forward
Josh Hart (ankle) is questionable for Friday's matchup with Detroit. The veteran sprained his left ankle during a recent meeting with the Washington Wizards and wasn't available for Wednesday's double-overtime win over the Denver Nuggets.
Jordan Clarkson entered the starting lineup, finishing with 11 points. If Hart remains on the shelf against the Pistons, Clarkson would presumably remain with the first-five, although
Landry Shamet, who is coming off a 16-point effort, has a higher upside for fantasy managers.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 5, 2026
Washington Capitals forward Pierre-Luc Dubois (abdomen) will return to action on Thursday night against the Nashville Predators. He has been out of commission since Oct. 31, missing 47 games due to abdominal and adductor muscle surgery. Before landing on the shelf, Dubois had a slow start to the season, going scoreless in six games. He is set to center the second line and the second power-play unit on Thursday. Sonny Milano (personal) will come out of the lineup. Dubois may have struggled early this season, but fantasy managers should keep an eye on him, as he set a career high with 66 points only a year ago.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 5, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell (lower body) was injured during the morning skate and won't play on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres. Penguins head coach Dan Muse labeled Rakell day-to-day, so it appears he'll be fine to play for Team Sweden in the Olympics. Rakell has been quiet lately, but he's been productive overall for the Penguins, recording 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 35 appearances. Rutger McGroarty will replace Rakell on the first line. The Penguins also won't have Blake Lizotte (personal) on Thursday, while Noel Acciari (illness) is a game-time decision.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 5, 2026
New York Knicks forward/center
Karl-Anthony Towns (eye) is questionable for Friday's encounter with the Pistons. KAT suffered a laceration above his right eye during the double-overtime win over the Denver Nuggets. It forced him to briefly exit the contest, although he still finished with a 24-point, 12-rebound double-double. Considering the 30-year-old played through the injury on Wednesday, it would be surpising if he didn't suit up. However, if Towns isn't out there,
Mitchell Robinson, averaging 3.7 points, 8.4 boards, and 1.1 blocks in 13 starts, is the favorite to replace him in the rotation. While those aren't the most impressive statistical marks, Robinson could be more productive if
Josh Hart (ankle) and
OG Anunoby (toe) don't play.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 5, 2026
Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports that Portland Trail Blazers guard
Scoot Henderson (hamstring) will finally make his long-awaited season debut against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Henderson was out of action due to a torn left hamstring. The 2023 No. 3 overall pick averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 26.7 minutes per contest across 66 outings last season. Initially, fantasy managers should expect the 22-year-old to operate under a minutes restriction as he works his way back into game shape. As a result, his immediate fantasy upside will be limited, and
Caleb Love should continue to hold short-term streaming appeal until Henderson is cleared for a full workload.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Sean Highkin
February 5, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (lower body) has been ruled out for the Olympics. Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis will replace him on Team Canada. Point suffered a lower-body injury on Jan. 12 and has been in a race against time to get healthy for the Olympic tournament. Unfortunately, he won't be ready to play. After a slow start to the campaign, Point had a great four-week stretch before his injury, collecting 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in 15 games. He has 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) in 37 games for the season. Point skated on Thursday morning but will sit out his 10th straight game against the Florida Panthers. With him back on the ice, it appears there's a good chance Point will be available after the Olympic break.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 5, 2026
Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau will undergo season-ending hip surgery in March. He played his final game of the campaign on Wednesday night, scoring a power-play goal in a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Huberdeau has been dealing with the hip issue all year and will finish the season with a career-low 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 50 games. Overall, Huberdeau has tallied 194 points (65 goals, 129 assists) in 291 regular-season games with the Flames. He is only three years into an eight-year, $84 million contract, the largest in franchise history. The 32-year-old is expected to be healthy for the start of the 2026-27 season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 5, 2026
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Charlotte Hornets waived veteran point guard
Mike Conley on Thursday. Once he clears waivers, Conley will be free to sign with a team of his choosing, with speculation suggesting a possible return to Minnesota. Regardless of where the 38-year-old lands, his fantasy outlook is unlikely to change. Conley is posting career-low production during the 2025-26 season, averaging just 4.4 points and 2.9 assists per game.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Brett Siegel
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