December 23, 2025
Dallas Mavericks guard
Jaden Hardy will start on Tuesday versus Denver. With
Klay Thompson (knee),
P.J. Washington (foot), and
Max Christie (illness) sidelined, the Mavs need others to step up. This will be Hardy's first start of the 2025 campaign. Although he hasn't been productive this season, he certainly has more than enough streaming potential to justify starting him in all fantasy formats. In three starts last season, he averaged 14.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Mike Curtis
December 23, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
DK Metcalf will miss the remainder of the regular season after the league upheld his two-game suspension. Metcalf was suspended after a confrontation with a fan during Sunday's win against the Detroit Lions. The 28-year-old appealed his suspension but was unsuccessful as the league upheld the decision on Tuesday. The Steelers will now be without their top wideout for the final two games of the regular season.
Adam Thielen and
Calvin Austin III (hamstring) should see larger roles in the receiving game. Also, running back
Kenneth Gainwell could take on an even larger role as he has tallied five or more receptions over each of his last three games. If Austin can move past his hamstring injury, he could hold WR3 upside in deeper leagues in a tilt against the Browns, as he should take on the WR1 role in the offense.
--Andy WebbSource: Ian Rapoport
December 23, 2025
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Klay Thompson (knee) will skip the second leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets. The veteran gets some well-deserved rest after producing one of his best outings of the season in Monday's loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Thompson posted 20 points with five makes from downtown. Since Thompson has only sat out games during back-to-back sets this season, it appears likely he will be available to return on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors. With Thompson and
Max Christie (illness) sidelined on Tuesday,
D'Angelo Russell may see increased usage.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Philip Rivers will remain the starting quarterback for the Week 17 matchup against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed on Tuesday that Rivers would make his third straight start this weekend. The 44-year-old has earned himself another start after a promising outing during Monday's blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Rivers has performed fairly well against two tough teams and will get at least one more start with the Colts technically still in playoff contention. The veteran signal-caller will be on the lower end of the streaming radar for this Sunday's game against the streaking Jags. In Monday night's loss to San Fran, Rivers went 23-for-35 passing for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
--Andy WebbSource: Jeremy Fowler
December 23, 2025
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (illness) will be in action on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks. The team has upgraded him from probable to available. Despite dealing with an illness, Valanciunas posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double in just 16 minutes during Monday's win over the Utah Jazz. It could be another good bench outing for the Lithuanian giant on Tuesday, as Dallas gives up the second-most rebounds to second-unit players.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (side) has been cleared to play in the second leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks. He returned from a two-game absence in Monday's win over the Utah Jazz, registering an impressive 20 points in 28 minutes. With Watson returning to the lineup,
Tim Hardaway Jr. shifted to a bench role but remained effective, netting 21 points with six triples.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Jaden McDaniels (oblique) won't play on Tuesday versus the New York Knicks. He suffered an oblique contusion in Sunday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Fantasy managers will need to await an update ahead Minnesota's next contest, which will be on Christmas night against the Denver Nuggets. For now,
Naz Reid should see more work, potentially entering the starting lineup, giving him an even higher upside for fantasy participants.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Jordan Poole (ankle) and forward
Herbert Jones (ankle) will be missing from the lineup on Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both players are dealing with ankle injuries.
Bryce McGowens will take Jones' spot in the starting lineup. As a starter, McGowens has been quite productive this season, averaging 13.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in five games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Buffalo Bills quarterback
Josh Allen (foot) didn't participate during Tuesday's walkthrough. Allen is dealing with a foot issue that he suffered during Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns. It seems like the issue is still bothering him a few days afterwards, but fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried, as the expectation is that Allen will still be able to suit up for the Week 17 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the injury report throughout the week in case the superstar QB faces any type of setback. The absence of Allen would certainly be devastating to many fantasy managers playing in their championship games this weekend, given his elite weekly ceiling. If Allen were to miss Sunday's game, veteran
Mitch Trubisky would take over QB1 duties in Buffalo.
--Andy WebbSource: Chris Brown
December 23, 2025
Dallas Mavericks guard
Max Christie (illness) won't play on Tuesday versus Denver, marking his second-straight absence. Under normal circumstances, his absence wouldn't be a significant concern. However, with
Klay Thompson (knee) and
P.J. Washington (foot) sidelined, Christie could have seen additional action. Fortunately,
Brandon Williams (ankle) is available, which will help.
D'Angelo Russell should also see more work while Williams is on the shelf. His next chance to suit up will be on Thursday for the Christmas clash with the Golden State Warriors.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard
Darius Garland (quadriceps) will be active against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. He played 30 minutes in Monday's win over the Charlotte Hornets and was initially listed as questionable for Tuesday's matchup. This will be the first time this season that Garland appears in both games of a back-to-back set. On Tuesday, Garland may struggle to produce his usual numbers, as New Orleans has posted good defensive numbers against opposing point guards, giving up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to the position.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Minnesota Vikings running back
Jordan Mason (ankle) is trending in the wrong direction ahead of Thursday's Christmas matchup against the division-rival Detroit Lions. Mason suffered an ankle injury during last week's win over the New York Giants. Mason has been a non-participant during the first two practices of the week. He's considered a long shot to suit up for Week 17 as a result. The absence of Mason would mean that
Aaron Jones Sr. should see more work as the lead back in Minnesota. His fantasy value will certainly be on the rise, while
Zavier Scott should see more chances as the backup as well. Fantasy managers should check back for more updates, but they should be prepared for Mason to miss this divisional clash on a short week.
--Andy WebbSource: Jeremy Fowler
December 23, 2025
Dallas Mavericks guard
Brandon Williams (ankle) will play on Tuesday versus Denver. He tweaked his ankle during Monday's loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, ending his night after only 15 minutes of work. However, despite popping up on the injury report, as expected, he'll suit up. It's good news for the Mavs, considering the team will be without
Max Christie (illness),
Klay Thompson (knee), and
P.J. Washington. As a result, Williams could see enough action to justify his presence in all fantasy lineups, especially if he enters the starting lineup.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Utah Jazz center
Jusuf Nurkic (rest) will miss Tuesday's contest against the Memphis Grizzlies. He put in a big 35-minute shift in Monday's loss to the Denver Nuggets and will be rested for this game.
Kevin Love (rest), who sat out Monday night, will take Nurkic's spot in the lineup.
Kyle Filipowski will probably start the game at center, but Love has had a couple of good outings recently and could also see plenty of playing time. However, with Memphis allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to centers this season, Utah's bigs may be in for a frustrating night on Tuesday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Dallas Mavericks forward
P.J. Washington (foot) won't play on Tuesday versus Denver. He's coming off a rough showing, scoring eight points in Monday's loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. His next chance to play will be on Christmas against the Golden State Warriors. For now,
Moussa Cisse, who was called up from the G League, could see some additional action, although it's unknown how productive he'll be on both ends of the floor.
D'Angelo Russell may also be more involved, increasing his potential for fantasy managers.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Noah Weber
December 23, 2025
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (groin) won't play on Tuesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. He will be sidelined for a third time in four games due to a groin issue.
Kyle Filipowski will likely have his workload increased on Tuesday, while
Keyonte George,
Ace Bailey, and
Isaiah Collier will be tasked with leading the offense. This matchup could produce several impressive fantasy performances, given both teams' up-tempo style of play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (ankle) was forced to make an early exit from Monday's win over the Indianapolis Colts. The good news is that Kittle appears to have avoided any serious issues. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Kittle suffered a mid-to-low ankle sprain during Monday's blowout victory at Indy. His status for the Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears is up in the air right now. The 49ers will monitor Kittle during practice throughout the week before making a final decision. Fantasy managers will need to check back throughout the week for more updates on his status.
Jake Tonges would be in line for increased playing time if Kittle is forced to miss any action, and he'd be in play as a TE2 streamer in deeper leagues if Kittle is unable to face Chicago on Sunday night.
--Andy WebbSource: Jeremy Fowler
December 23, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (ankle) won't be available for a fourth consecutive game on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz. He remains out of commission due to a left ankle sprain.
Cam Spencer will continue to play a key role in the backcourt. The 25-year-old is averaging 18.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.9 assists this month, shooting an incredible 58.7 percent from downtown. Spencer's hot streak should continue on Tuesday night against the Jazz, who give up the third-most three-point shots per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Brooklyn Nets guard/forward
Terance Mann (illness) and guard
Ben Saraf (ankle) will be in the lineup on Tuesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Saraf returns from a four-game absence, while Mann has been cleared to play after picking up a late questionable tag. Mann is a starter for Brooklyn and holds more fantasy value than Saraf. With that said, the Nets' offense mostly runs through other players, and Mann has been limited to only 8.4 points and 3.7 assists per game this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward
Josh Green (calf) will play on Tuesday against the Washington Wizards. He was listed as probable on the initial injury report. It's good to see Green playing for a second consecutive night, as he only recently made his season debut. The Australian has posted 5.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 15.4 minutes per game. Tuesday's matchup offers Green a great opportunity to build up even more momentum, as the Wizards are the worst defensive team in the league.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Charlotte Hornets center
Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) and
Mason Plumlee (groin) won't play in Tuesday's contest against the Washington Wizards. Kalkbrenner will be sidelined for a second consecutive game, while Plumlee joins him on the sidelines after suffering a groin injury on Monday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. With two bigs out of the lineup,
Moussa Diabate looks set to have an extremely busy night. He turned heads on Monday by grabbing 14 rebounds and snagging six steals.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Charlotte Hornets guard
Collin Sexton (quadriceps) will return from a seven-game absence on Tuesday against the Washington Wizards. His return is poised to impact the playing time of
Tre Mann,
KJ Simpson, and
Sion James. Sexton has had a solid year in Charlotte, averaging 15.5 points and 4.2 assists in 25.2 minutes. In this season's first meeting with the Wizards, Sexton shot 70 percent from the field and finished with 20 points.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (illness) is good to go for Tuesday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. The team has upgraded his status from probable to available ahead of tip-off. Due to illness, Embiid has sat out two games, giving
Andre Drummond a chance to shine as a member of the first unit. Embiid will reclaim his starting spot on Tuesday and is heading out in a favorable matchup, as the Nets have given up the 11th-most fantasy points to centers this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Demarcus Robinson caught his first touchdown pass of the season in the team's 48-27 win over the Colts on Monday night. Robinson finished the game with two catches for 22 yards and the score on two targets. Outside of the trip to the end zone, Robinson did not benefit from
Ricky Pearsall's (knee, ankle) absence from the game. Instead, Robinson appears to have slipped back behind
Kendrick Bourne on the depth chart, seeing a 44% snap share to Bourne's 70% share. Given his lack of involvement in the offense all season, fantasy football managers shouldn't read too much into Robinson's touchdown on Monday. It is too early to know Pearsall's status for Week 17, but even if he is held out, Robinson should not be relied on in the fantasy football championship round.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
December 23, 2025
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Bilal Coulibaly (ankle) has been upgraded from questionable to available for Tuesday's clash against the Charlotte Hornets. He will return from a two-game absence. Coulibaly faces a favorable fantasy matchup on Tuesday, but he is having a tough year. The 21-year-old is shooting below 36 percent from the field, averaging 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals in 26.8 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Washington Wizards forward/center
Marvin Bagley III (calf) will play on Tuesday against the Charlotte Hornets. He has shaken off a questionable tag and will return from a one-game absence. Bagley III has made some noise in fantasy recently, averaging 16.8 points and 9.3 rebounds across his last four appearances. However, this has come while
Alexandre Sarr (adductor) has battled health issues. The Frenchman will be in the lineup on Tuesday, potentially limiting Bagley III's role.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers forward/center
Dominick Barlow (illness) will miss Tuesday's clash against the Brooklyn Nets. The team has downgraded Barlow from questionable to out. He is one of three Philadelphia players missing the contest due to illness. Barlow's absence will open up minutes for
Jabari Walker and
Justin Edwards. Still, their offensive impact should be limited, as the Sixers' Big Three --
Tyrese Maxey,
Paul George, and
Joel Embiid (illness) -- are all expected to be in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers guards
VJ Edgecombe (illness) and
Quentin Grimes (illness) won't suit up on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. Both players are battling an illness and will have their first chance to return on Friday against the Chicago Bulls. With the two unavailable, this could be a big night for
Jared McCain. The 21-year-old sophomore has mostly been an afterthought this season, but he has built up some momentum recently, and there shouldn't be an issue getting minutes on Tuesday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Boston Bruins winger Viktor Arvidsson (lower body) could return from a five-game absence on Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens, as he is considered a game-time decision. If he is cleared for action, Arvidsson is expected to rejoin the second line and operate on the second power-play unit. This has been Arvidsson's second spell out this season, with the Swedish veteran limited to 25 appearances. He has recorded seven goals and 14 points. Arvidsson scored a 3-2 game-winning goal on the power play when Boston and Montreal clashed for the first time this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 23, 2025
Washington Capitals right wing Ryan Leonard (shoulder) was activated from Injured Reserve and is set to end a seven-game absence on Tuesday against the New York Rangers. The exciting rookie will hope to continue where he left off. Just before he was injured, Leonard exploded for a four-point outing and had a stretch of eight points (two goals, six assists) in six games. He is tied for fifth in scoring among first-year players, sitting on 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 29 games. On Tuesday, Leonard may see increased ice time if Tom Wilson (undisclosed) gets ruled out.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
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