January 22, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (eye) will play on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. The former first-overall pick left Tuesday's win over the Denver Nuggets early after being poked in the eye, but the Lakers didn't include him on the injury report for Thursday's game. Before Tuesday night, Ayton had produced three double-doubles in four games. He has a mediocre fantasy matchup on Thursday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Denver Broncos running back
J.K. Dobbins (foot) was limited in practice again on Thursday for the second straight day this week, according to DenverBroncos.com's Aric DiLalla. Dobbins' 21-day practice window was opened on Wednesday, but he would need to be activated to the 53-man roster to play in the AFC Championship game on Sunday against the New England Patriots. The Broncos are holding out hope that Dobbins can return this weekend for the first time since suffering a Lisfranc foot injury back in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, it may not be realistic to expect Dobbins to play against the Patriots unless he upgrades to a full practice on Friday. And even if Dobbins does return against the Pats, Denver may not feel comfortable using him as the lead back right away over rookie
RJ Harvey. Before his injury, Dobbins was on pace for a career year, rushing for 772 yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries in 10 games.
--Keith HernandezSource: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
January 22, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward
Brandon Miller (ankle) will suit up on Thursday against the Orlando Magic. He has received the green light to play after the team initially listed him as probable on the injury report due to left ankle soreness. Miller has scored 20-plus points in four consecutive games, though he struggled against the Magic earlier this season. In a 120-105 win on Dec. 26, Miller notched only 15 points on 3-for-16 shooting.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Patrick Williams (ankle) is available ahead of Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williams is back in the rotation after missing each of the last two games due to a right ankle sprain. Given it was only a two-game absence, Williams shouldn't be under a minutes limit. His return to the rotation should mean less playing time for
Kevin Huerter,
Isaac Okoro, and
Jalen Smith. When healthy, Williams has been an inconsistent fantasy option and isn't someone who is viewed as a must-start right now.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Denver Broncos rookie
Pat Bryant (concussion) improved to a full participant in practice on Thursday ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots, according to Aric DiLalla of DenverBroncos.com. Bryant had three catches for 32 yards in the Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills despite only playing three snaps on offense before suffering a concussion. The rookie out of Illinois was limited in practice on Wednesday, so an upgrade to full on Thursday suggests he's on the right path to clear the NFL's concussion protocol in time for Sunday's big game. Bryant, who became a bigger part of Denver's passing attack late in the season, could be in line for a bigger role if he's active and
Troy Franklin (hamstring) is not. However, with backup quarterback
Jarrett Stidham starting this weekend, Bryant will be even more volatile in fantasy lineups if he's active.
--Keith HernandezSource: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
January 22, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Giddey is officially back after missing each of the last 11 games due to a hamstring injury. Given the lengthy absence, Giddey will be under a minutes restriction during Thursday's game. According to K.C. Johnson, Giddey is expected to play around 24 minutes during his first game back. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can feel safe getting Giddey back in their lineups.
Tre Jones and
Ayo Dosunmu should take a step back in the rotation with Giddey back in the mix.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward
Paul George (knee) has been cleared to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Houston Rockets. He has missed two games due to knee injury management. While
Kelly Oubre Jr. was initially George's replacement in the first unit,
Dominick Barlow will make way for him on Thursday.
Joel Embiid (ankle) will also return for Philadelphia on Thursday, giving the team a lot of scoring potential. George has contributed 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in January.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
The Chicago Cubs signed free-agent outfielder
Chas McCormick to a minor-league deal on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, a source told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. McCormick will be battling for a roster spot during camp this year in his new digs after he struggled in his final two seasons with the Houston Astros. The 30-year-old center fielder hit a career-high .273 with a career-best 22 home runs, 70 RBI, 59 runs, and a career-high 19 steals in 115 games for Houston in 2023, but the last two years combined, he has slashed a mere .211/.273/.301 with a .574 OPS, only six home runs, 32 RBI, 45 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 158 games played. There's a very good chance that McCormick is forced to open the 2026 campaign in the minors at Triple-A Iowa for outfield depth, depending on how he performs this spring.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
January 22, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Cooper Flagg will remain on a minutes limit ahead of Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Flagg made his return to the court during Monday's game versus the New York Knicks. He finished with 18 points, three assists, and seven rebounds across 28 minutes during that contest. The Mavs plan to be more cautious with Flagg during Thursday's game and keep him in the 20-to-25-minute range. His fantasy value is going to be limited, given he won't have a full workload yet.
Ryan Nembhard and
Brandon Williams could see a few extra minutes during Thursday's game.
--Andy WebbSource: Noah Weber
January 22, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (ankle) will play on Thursday against the Houston Rockets. He will return to the lineup after a one-game absence, having been initially listed as probable for Thursday's matchup. The former MVP has scored 30 points in each of his last two appearances and is averaging 26.7 points and 7.3 rebounds for the month. Houston is ranked sixth in defensive efficiency and allows the fewest rebounds in the league to opposing centers, so Embiid must bring his A-game on Thursday to be effective.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
After being acquired by the New York Mets on Wednesday night in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, right-hander
Freddy Peralta is open to signing a contract extension with the Mets, sources told Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated. The Mets gave up two of their top-five prospects in infielder
Jett Williams and right-hander
Brandon Sproat, and they're also receiving right-hander
Tobias Myers. Given the cost of acquiring Peralta, New York is incentivized to lock Peralta up for years to come before he hits free agency after the 2026 season. Peralta was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2025, going 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 204 strikeouts, and a 5.5 bWAR in 176 2/3 innings over 33 regular-season starts. While the landing spot with the Mets isn't ideal, Peralta's track record of consistency speaks for itself -- 3.59 ERA and 14.9 bWAR in 211 games with Milwaukee. He'll be a top-20 fantasy starter in his first year with the Mets.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Pat Ragazzo
January 22, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard
LaMelo Ball (thumb) has been upgraded to available for the second game of his team's back-to-back on Thursday night against the Orlando Magic. Charlotte played their star guard off the bench on Wednesday against the Cavaliers, and he collected just two points across 22 minutes while also sustaining a thumb contusion on his shooting hand. Despite thumb pain, the 24-year-old will likely rejoin the Hornets first unit during tonight's action. If he has a setback,
Brandon Miller and
Kon Knueppel will have to produce more on the offensive end, while
Collin Sexton could see extended minutes.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Tim Hardaway Jr. (knee) will be in the lineup on Thursday against the Washington Wizards. The team has upgraded Hardaway Jr.'s status on the injury report from probable to available. The veteran sniper has struggled in recent games, scoring a combined 16 points on 1-for-13 three-point shooting in back-to-back losses to the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers. Prior to the slump, Hardaway Jr. posted a season-high 30 points in a 121-115 win over Washington on Saturday. The Wizards are giving up the most points in the Eastern Conference, giving Hardaway Jr. a good opportunity to get back on track.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
The Baltimore Ravens are hiring Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as their head coach on Thursday, signing him to an undisclosed five-year contract, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Minter visited with the Ravens on Wednesday and will now reunite with the team he coached for from 2017 to 2020. The 42-year-old was the defensive coordinator for Jim Harbaugh in L.A. for the last two seasons, and he also coached the offense for Michigan under Harbaugh from 2022 to 2023. Minter will have giant shoes to fill following the departure of long-time head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons in Baltimore. With Minter now the lead man in Baltimore, the team's hiring of an offense coordinator will be important as the franchise looks to get quarterback
Lamar Jackson going after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 22, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) is ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors. This marks the fourth game in a row that Gafford has missed due to a right ankle sprain. His absence should continue to mean extended playing time for
Dwight Powell and
Moussa Cisse in the rotation. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Saturday to see if Gafford gets cleared for that one. Cisse has been the better fantasy option between the two big men lately. The rookie center has averaged nearly a double-double during each of his last three games. Fantasy managers in need of help ahead of Thursday's slate should consider streaming Cisse until Gafford returns.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valaniunas (calf) has been officially listed as available for Thursday's matchup against the Washington Wizards. He will make his first appearance of 2026 after missing three weeks with a calf strain. With
Nikola Jokic (knee) out, Valanciunas' return is a major boost for Denver. However, Nuggets head coach David Adelman said Valanciunas' minutes will be "pretty limited" on Thursday night. The return of Valanciunas is set to impact the playing time of DaRon Holmes and
Zeke Nnaji.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) was upgraded from probable to available on the injury report and will play on Thursday against the Washington Wizards. Gordon is a mainstay on Denver's injury report, but he has missed only one of the last eight games. He has logged 30-plus minutes in each of his last five appearances, which is another pleasing fact for fantasy managers. On Saturday, Gordon nearly had his third career triple-double in a home game against the Wizards, finishing with eight points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) has been downgraded to doubtful ahead of Thursday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Mitchell was tagged as questionable earlier in the day due to a left shoulder bruise. He has now been downgraded to doubtful, so fantasy managers should prepare to be without Mitchell. The Heat are already without
Tyler Herro (rib), so losing Mitchell is going to put them in a bad spot. It would likely mean significant minutes for
Pelle Larsson,
Kasparas Jakucionis, and
Dru Smith in the rotation. Among the trio, Larsson is the best streaming choice ahead of Thursday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Julius Randle (foot) has been upgraded to active for Thursday's clash with the Chicago Bulls. Randle is dealing with foot soreness and was added to the team's injury report late, but he has since been cleared to play. Fantasy managers should expect the 31-year-old to still be a big part of the team's offensive attack despite the foot pain. He's played in all 44 Wolves games this campaign, averaging 22.4 points, 5.4 assists, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 33.7 minutes per outing.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Timberwolves PR
January 22, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (hip) will be active on Thursday against the Washington Wizards. He will make his sixth consecutive appearance after the team listed him as probable on the initial injury report. Murray has been on fire lately, averaging 29.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 9.1 assists in January. The two teams met last weekend, and Murray stole the show with a 42-point performance, shooting 5-for-8 from downtown. He also had six assists, three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Norman Powell (back) has been downgraded from probable to questionable ahead of Thursday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Powell was a late addition to the injury report due to lower back tightness. It seems like the team is going to wait and see how he feels during warmups before making a final decision. If he sits,
Pelle Larsson and
Nikola Jovic would likely see larger roles in the rotation. Between the two, Larsson is the better streaming option ahead of Thursday's game. The second-year guard finished with 16 points, nine assists, and six rebounds during Tuesday's game. He's bringing enough to the table to warrant streaming while the Heat are banged up right now.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (calf) is expected to play against the Washington Wizards on Thursday. The veteran center sustained a right calf strain against Toronto on New Year's Eve and was initially due to miss at least four weeks. With
Nikola Jokic (knee) still out, the Nuggets could use Valanciunas to bolster their frontcourt during tonight's tilt. If he does indeed return, the 33-year-old would provide much-needed support to
Aaron Gordon (hamstring), who has recently filled in at center.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Bennett Durando
January 22, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (upper body) is questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Edmonton Oilers. He is dealing with an upper-body injury and missed Wednesday's win over the Calgary Flames after being a game-time decision. Jack St. Ivany came into the lineup and impressed with two assists in a 4-1 win. Ryan Shea, who took Letang's spot on the first power-play unit, made an impact as well with one assist. Brett Kulak also saw power-play time, while Parker Wotherspoon led the blue line in ice time with 22:14. The entire defensive unit must step up again on Thursday night if Letang remains out. Pittsburgh's defense has also recently operated without Erik Karlsson (lower body), who missed a fifth consecutive game on Wednesday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 22, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks forwards Frank Nazar (face) and Andre Burakovsky (illness) will hop back into the lineup on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes. Nazar has missed 14 games after taking a puck to the face, while Burakovsky wasn't available for Monday's win over the Winnipeg Jets due to illness. During the morning skate, Nazar worked as the second-line center, and Burakovsky joined Ryan Greene and Connor Bedard on the first line. The duo will also strengthen Chicago's power-play units. Nazar has managed 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 33 appearances this season. Burakovsky is Chicago's third-highest scorer, with 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 43 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 22, 2026
Charlotte Hornets PR announced that Charlotte Hornets forward
Grant Williams (knee) won't suit up against the Orlando Magic on Thursday due to right knee injury management. Williams has played in five games this season since recovering from an ACL tear that kept him out of action since November 2024. With Williams sidelined,
Josh Green and
Sion James could land expanded roles in the Hornets frontcourt during tonight's clash.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Charlotte Hornets PR
January 22, 2026
The FBI is investigating the death of Jim Irsay, the former owner of the Indianapolis Colts. Irsay died on May 25, 2025, due to cardiac arrest while vacationing in Beverly Hills at the age of 65. The FBI recently began investigating the cause of his death after obtaining a federal grand jury subpoena requesting records on his death, substance use, and his relationship with his addiction recovery specialist, Dr. Harry Haroutunian. Haroutunian oversaw Irsay's health before his passing. Haroutunian has assisted Irsay with his many battles with substance abuse and was responsible for giving him opioid prescriptions and a ketamine injection shortly after his relapse, which he suffered months before his death. Irsay's father, Robert Irsay, became the owner of the Colts in a trade in which he sent the Rams' ownership rights to Carroll Rosenbloom in exchange for the Colts. Currently, Irsay's daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, serve as co-owners of the franchise, with Carlie serving as CEO.
--Andy SmithSource: The Washington Post
January 22, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is set to rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Dallas Stars. Marchment hasn't played for eight games due to an upper-body injury. He is projected to have a top-line role against Dallas, skating with Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko. Marchment is also on track to join the first power-play unit. The 30-year-old, who was acquired from Seattle on Dec. 19, has been a perfect fit in Columbus. He has recorded five goals and two assists in seven outings with his new team.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 22, 2026
Montreal Canadiens winger Alexandre Texier (lower body) remains day-to-day and won't play on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres. A lower-body injury will keep him out for a second consecutive game. Texier's next chance to return will be on Saturday in an Original Six matchup against the Boston Bruins. In the meantime, Kirby Dach will continue in a top-line role. He ended a 31-game absence on Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild, logging 16:46 of ice time. Although Dach went pointless, he still made an impact in a 4-3 victory with three blocked shots, one hit, and two shots on goal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 22, 2026
Houston Rockets guard
Aaron Holiday (back) won't suit up against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. Holiday was unable to shed a questionable tag and will sit out tonight's contest due to back spasms. The 29-year-old guard has struggled to make his mark in fantasy, averaging 6.0 points in 14.0 minutes per contest across 30 outings so far this campaign.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Minnesota Wild forwards Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body) and Marcus Johansson (lower body) skated on Thursday morning and could return to the lineup against the Detroit Red Wings. Eriksson Ek has sat out six games due to a lower-body injury and must be activated from Injured Reserve to return. Johansson has been dealing with a lower-body injury as well, missing three games. If they are ready to return, Eriksson Ek and Johansson are expected to join the second line and link up with Vladimir Tarasenko, who has been red-hot lately. Over the last four games, Tarasenko has notched five goals and three assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
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