April 9, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Ben Sheppard (hip) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. This marks the third game in a row that Sheppard has missed due to a lingering hip issue. His next chance to play will come on Friday, so fantasy managers should check for another update ahead of that contest.
Quenton Jackson and
Ethan Thompson should see a boost in playing time with Sheppard sidelined. Jackson is the better fantasy option between the two, with 10 or more points scored in three of his last five games.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Jarace Walker (hip) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Walker is dealing with a hip issue, but it won't be enough to hold him out of this contest. He finished with 11 points, five assists, and six rebounds across 28 minutes of action during Tuesday's game. Given the injuries to this roster, Walker is likely going to continue playing significant minutes over the final few games of the regular season. He's usually a consistent enough contributor to be trusted as a DFS option ahead of Thursday's game.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
According to Zack Cox of the Boston Herald, Boston Celtics forward
Sam Hauser (back) is available for Thursday's matchup against the New York Knicks. Lower-back spasms won't keep him out, as this will be his 26th consecutive appearance. Hauser has been a regular starter for Boston in 2026, averaging 10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists since joining the first unit. The 28-year-old could see an increased role with
Jaylen Brown (Achilles) sidelined tonight.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Zack Cox
April 9, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Collin Sexton (finger) is expected to suit up for Thursday's matchup against the Washington Wizards. Sexton was previously listed as probable due to a right finger injury but has since been cleared to play. He profiles as a solid streaming option and should see increased usage tonight, especially given his recent play. Over his last nine games, he is averaging 19.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.8 steals in 27.6 minutes per contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
According to Taylor Snow of the Boston Celtics' official site, center
Neemias Queta (toe) will play against the New York Knicks on Thursday. Despite dealing with a toe sprain, the 26-year-old is set to suit up. Fortunately,
Derrick White (knee) is also available after previously being listed as questionable, as
Jaylen Brown (Achilles) is on the shelf. Queta has been on a strong run recently, averaging 16.3 points and 8.3 rebounds across 30.3 minutes per game over his last four outings.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Taylor Snow
April 9, 2026
According to Taylor Snow of the Boston Celtics' official site, guard
Derrick White (knee) is available for Thursday's matchup with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Despite dealing with a right knee contusion, he has been cleared to play tonight. The 31-year-old should be considered a strong fantasy option with an increased offensive role, especially with
Jaylen Brown (Achilles) on the shelf.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Taylor Snow
April 9, 2026
Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman (personal) will miss Thursday's encounter with the Colorado Avalanche. The team is in the midst of a six-game road trip, but Coleman has returned home for the birth of his son. Coleman has been among Calgary's top goal-scorers this season, finding the back of the net 19 times with 166 attempts on net. In 65 outings, he has also contributed 14 assists, while logging a team-best plus-13 rating. John Beecher will play instead of Coleman on Thursday, but he isn't expected to make a fantasy impact. Victor Olofsson will also rejoin the frontline against his former team, with Martin Pospisil sitting as a healthy scratch.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 9, 2026
Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (knee) is unavailable for Thursday's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. The two-time MVP has just returned from a knee injury, but he will have the first leg of a back-to-back off for injury maintenance. Curry should be back in action on Friday against Sacramento.
Pat Spencer and
Brandin Podziemski will likely take on extended minutes in Curry's absence.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield (undisclosed) will play on Thursday night against the Vancouver Canucks. It was initially unclear whether Byfield would be available for the matchup after he missed Wednesday's practice. The 23-year-old is trying to record his third straight 50-point campaign in 2025-26, but he will have to improve his scoring form in the final games to achieve it. In 74 games, Byfield has tallied 20 goals and 24 assists. Thursday's clash against the NHL's worst team is a great opportunity for Byfield to make up some ground. He will center the second line and the second power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 9, 2026
Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (forearm) will rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Florida Panthers. He broke his right forearm on March 23 and was expected to be out for 4-8 weeks following surgery three days later. Yet Chabot has been cleared to play after just two weeks. Jordan Spence's fantasy value takes a hit with Chabot's return, as he won't be part of either power-play unit going forward. Chabot has been a busy man for the Senators, totaling 31 points (seven goals, 24 assists) and 108 blocks in 55 appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 9, 2026
Boston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown (Achilles) will miss Thursday's matchup against the New York Knicks. He will sit out the first leg of a back-to-back due to left Achilles tendinitis.
Derrick White (knee) is also listed as questionable, meaning Boston could be without two of its top scorers.
Jayson Tatum could be in line for an increased offensive workload as he returns to the arena where he tore his Achilles tendon last year.
Payton Pritchard and
Nikola Vucevic could also take on expanded roles, especially if White is ultimately ruled out.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitching prospect
Trey Yesavage (shoulder) allowed four earned runs while walking one and striking out six in 2 2/3 innings on Thursday in his minor-league rehab start for Single-A Dunedin, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Yesavage threw 34 of his 52 pitches for strikes. All four of the runs he allowed came on a string of singles in the first inning. Most importantly, Yesavage's velocity held firm, and his command was solid. The Blue Jays should announce a plan for the next step in his rehab on Friday. In his first rehab start with Dunedin, the 22-year-old allowed an earned run while walking one and striking out three in 2 2/3 innings. Yesavage slightly increased his workload, so he'll most likely be asked to make another rehab start or two before the Jays clear him to rejoin the big-league rotation. The prized young arm will be a fixture in Toronto's rotation for years to come, but they are going to slow-play him back into the big leagues in 2026 after a quick rise to the majors last year and an extended workload going deep into the postseason. He needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues for his high-end upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
April 9, 2026
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (undisclosed) has been ruled out for the rest of the season. He is set to undergo a procedure to fix an unspecified injury. New Jersey faces four more games, starting with Thursday's clash against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hughes will finish the campaign with 35 points (six goals, 29 assists), 150 SOG, and 52 blocks in 68 games. His absence will boost Simon Nemec's fantasy stock late in the season. He is expected to skate on the first power-play unit in Thursday's game. Dennis Cholowski will fill the void in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 9, 2026
The Miami Marlins are calling up first baseman
Deyvison De Los Santos from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, a source told Kevin Barral of Fish On First. The move comes with outfielder
Griffin Conine (knee) likely to land on the 10-day injured list after injuring his left knee while diving for a ball in the outfield in Thursday's win over the Cincinnati Reds. It will be the second time that the 22-year-old is with the Marlins in 2026, as he went 1-for-2 with a double in a short stint with the Fish earlier in April. He will compete for at-bats in Miami between first base and designated hitter, but he's unlikely to play enough to generate any real interest from fantasy managers in mixed leagues. Raw power is De Los Santos' calling card, but his poor defensive play and issues making contact will need to improve for him to have a chance at more playing time down the road in the big leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Fish On First - Kevin Barral
April 9, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner (eye) will return to the crease on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils. Last weekend, Skinner was struck near his left eye by a puck when he was serving as a backup goalie in a game. Luckily for Pittsburgh, the incident didn't result in a serious injury for Skinner, and he is ready to help the team on Thursday. Skinner has posted an 11-8-5 record since joining the Penguins in December, allowing 2.99 goals with a .886 save percentage. This isn't a great matchup for Skinner, as the Devils' offense has significantly improved late in the season, averaging 3.72 goals per game since March.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 9, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander
Brandon Sproat is no longer listed among the team's probable starters for this weekend's series against the Washington Nationals, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Right-hander
Chad Patrick is scheduled to start on Friday, followed by lefty
Kyle Harrison on Saturday, and veteran right-hander
Brandon Woodruff on Sunday in the series finale. Sproat was originally scheduled to take the mound for his next start on Saturday. It's unclear exactly why Milwaukee will skip the 25-year-old, but it probably has something to do with his 14.85 ERA through 6 2/3 innings in his first two appearances (one start) with the team this year. In addition to allowing 11 runs, Sproat has walked as many as he's struck out (seven) in his first couple of games after being included in the offseason trade that sent starting pitcher
Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets. If Sproat isn't injured, the Brewers might just be taking advantage of Thursday's off day to push him back and give him more time to make some adjustments before his next outing.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
April 9, 2026
According to Tim Bontemps of ESPN, the Philadelphia 76ers announced that center
Joel Embiid (appendicitis) is undergoing emergency surgery in Houston on Thursday after being diagnosed with appendicitis a few hours before the team's matchup with the Rockets. It's unclear when the 32-year-old big man will be able to return to the floor. With Embiid sidelined,
Adem Bona and
Andre Drummond should handle the bulk of the minutes at center over the final stretch of the regular season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Tim Bontemps
April 9, 2026
Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri (finger) could be done for the rest of the regular season. He injured a finger in Tuesday's win over St. Louis, and Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said Kadri "will miss some games." Since rejoining Colorado from Calgary, Kadri has made 16 appearances for the Avalanche, recording nine points (four goals, five assists). Joel Kiviranta is expected to replace Kadri on the third line against Calgary on Thursday night. Zakhar Bardakov could also see some action while Kadri is on the mend.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
April 9, 2026
Athletics left-hander
J.T. Ginn will make the start in Friday's series opener against the New York Mets, according to MLB.com's Martin Gallegos. Ginn will be the first man up to take over
Luis Morales' spot in the team's starting rotation. The 26-year-old former second-rounder by the Mets in 2020 out of Mississippi State has made three relief appearances for the A's so far in 2026 and has allowed four earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out four in seven innings of work. In his three MLB seasons, Ginn has recorded a 4.87 ERA (4.46 FIP), 1.34 WHIP, and 132:42 K:BB in 131 1/3 innings over 34 appearances (22 starts). He's been worse as a starter, posting a 5.04 ERA with a 1.40 WHIP and 105 strikeouts in 105 1/3 innings pitched. Against the Mets to kick off the weekend, fantasy managers should be looking to avoid Ginn as a deep-league or DFS streamer.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
April 9, 2026
Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones (foot) will be unavailable for the final few games of the regular season, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports. He suffered a broken bone in his foot during Tuesday's loss to Montreal. Earlier in the season, Jones missed time due to an upper-body injury and will finish the campaign with only 52 appearances. He posted 32 points (seven goals, 25 assists), 88 SOG, 61 blocks, and 47 hits. The Panthers' blue line has already been without Dmitry Kulikov (finger), Aaron Ekblad (finger), Uvis Balinskis (foot), and Niko Mikkola (lower body) to end the year. Mike Benning is a major beneficiary of the injury crisis and will join the first power-play unit on Thursday against Ottawa.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jameson Olive
April 9, 2026
Athletics outfielder
Brent Rooker (side) will undergo further testing on Friday morning after being pulled early from Thursday's 1-0 win in the Bronx over the New York Yankees, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Rooker said he's feeling "alright" with some tightness and soreness in his right side after taking an aggressive swing in the first inning. If it's an oblique injury for the 31-year-old veteran, he will almost certainly require a trip to the 10-day injured list, and he could end up missing several weeks. Rooker entered Thursday's game hitting just .150 (6-for-40) with two home runs, eight RBI, four runs scored, and two stolen bases in his first 11 games of 2026, and he went 0-for-1 in his only plate appearance on Thursday before being pulled. If Rooker lands on the IL, he will be a must-stash player due to his high-end power upside at one of the most hitter-friendly home ballparks in Sacramento.
Carlos Cortes figures to be the biggest beneficiary on the A's in terms of playing time if Rooker requires a stint on the IL.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
April 9, 2026
Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever
Carlos Estevez (foot) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Thursday, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. After an abysmal start to the 2026 season, the Royals placed Estevez on the 15-day injured list last Wednesday with a left-foot contusion that he suffered when he was struck by a comebacker. The 33-year-old veteran Dominican hurler was showing decreased velocity this spring, and it continued into the start of the regular season. In just one-third of an inning pitched in his only outing of the year before going on the shelf, Estevez allowed six earned runs on four hits (one grand slam) while walking two and striking out none. The two-time All-Star had a league-high 42 saves in his first year in KC in 2025, but there were underlying signs that his stuff was in decline.
Lucas Erceg has stepped up as the Royals' closer, and he may not relinquish the title, even when Estevez is cleared to return from the IL.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
April 9, 2026
Detroit Tigers outfielder
Parker Meadows (head) was carted off the field in the eighth inning at Target Field on Thursday after a scary collision in the outfield with left fielder
Riley Greene, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Meadows was sitting up and was alert as he was being carted off, but he'll surely be put through the league's concussion protocol and could end up landing on the seven-day concussion injured list. The 26-year-old came into Thursday's game hitting .273 (9-for-33) with two RBI, three runs scored, and three stolen bases in his first 11 games, and he went 0-for-3 with a strikeout on Thursday before being pulled from the game.
Matt Vierling could see the biggest playing time bump in Detroit if Meadows is forced to the IL. At the very least, we wouldn't expect Meadows to be back in the starting lineup in Friday's series opener at Comerica Park against the visiting Miami Marlins.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Jason Beck
April 9, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Jorge Polanco (Achilles) is getting the day off in Thursday's series finale against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks after his Achilles didn't feel great after playing on Wednesday, according to Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News. Manager
Carlos Mendoza said that at some point, the Mets might have to put Polanco on the injured list, but for now, the situation remains "fluid." It's a recurring Achilles tendon issue for the veteran infielder, which is bad news for the Mets, considering his lengthy history of lower-body injuries. The 32-year-old Dominican's production on the field could be affected by his Achilles, too, as he's gone just 8-for-40 (.200) with no homers, one RBI, two runs, five walks, and six strikeouts in his first 10 games with the Mets in 2026. With outfielder
Juan Soto (calf) on the 10-day injured list, both
Mark Vientos and
Brett Baty are seeing more consistent playing time in Queens.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Daily News - Abbey Mastracco
April 9, 2026
New York Mets outfielder
Juan Soto (calf), who is on the 10-day injured list with a right-calf strain, has been swinging a bat indoors and playing catch, but he's not close to starting a running program, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Soto will continue to take part in light baseball activities when he heals. It's not a very serious calf injury, but the All-Star outfielder won't be back immediately when he's eligible to return from the 10-day IL. The four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner is an absolute must-stash in all fantasy leagues as a five-category contributor. Soto was off to a strong start before his injury, too, going 11-for-31 (.355) at the plate with a homer, two doubles, five RBI, three runs scored, three walks, and six strikeouts in eight games played.
Mark Vientos should continue to see his playing time rise as long as Soto remains on the shelf.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
April 9, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Corbin Carroll (hip) is out of the starting lineup against the New York Mets in the series finale on Thursday because he's dealing with what he says is a minor hip injury that he felt during his triple on Wednesday, according to Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. Carroll doesn't think the injury is serious and doesn't expect to miss much time. We'll consider him day-to-day for now and check back on his status on Friday to see if he can play against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. With Carroll out on Thursday,
Jorge Barrosa is starting in right field for the Snakes and is batting ninth against Mets right-hander
Nolan McLean. Carroll's hip injury is worth watching, and hopefully, for his fantasy managers' sake, it doesn't affect him on the basepaths. The former National League Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star is off to a strong start in 2026, hitting .333/.408/.690 with two homers, 11 RBI, nine runs scored, and a steal in 42 at-bats.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
April 9, 2026
Miami Marlins outfielder
Griffin Conine (knee) will likely be placed on the 10-day injured list after injuring his left knee in Thursday's win over the Cincinnati Reds, according to Daniel Alvarez-Montes of El Extra Base. The Marlins are calling up first baseman
Deyvison De Los Santos from Triple-A Jacksonville to replace Conine on the active roster. Conine came up lame on Thursday while diving for a ball in left field and limped off the field with a trainer. The severity of his knee injury is unknown, but it looks like he'll at least miss the next 10 days. The 28-year-old former second-round pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018 out of Duke came into Thursday's action hitting .300 (6-for-20) with two home runs, four RBI, six runs scored, and two stolen bases, and he went hitless in two at-bats before departing the game.
Heriberto Hernandez replaced Conine in left on Thursday and could see more playing time in the outfield with Conine on the IL.
--Keith HernandezSource: El Extra Base - Daniel Alvarez-Montes
April 9, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Corbin Carroll is taking the day off on Thursday in the series finale at Citi Field against the hosting New York Mets, according to MLB.com.
Jorge Barrosa will make the start in right field for the Snakes and will hit ninth against Mets right-hander
Nolan McLean. Carroll will take a seat after a strong start to the 2026 season, as he has gone 14-for-42 (.333) with two home runs, three doubles, a league-leading three triples, 11 RBI, nine runs scored, a steal, six walks, and 10 strikeouts in 49 plate appearances over 12 games played. Because of his ability to contribute in all fantasy categories at a high level, Carroll is one of the most valuable players in the game. He should be back in action on Friday for the team's series opener in Philadelphia against the Phillies. Barrosa has gone 4-for-19 (.211) with four doubles and two RBI in his first six games of the year. He'll be a poor DFS option on Thursday out of the nine-hole for Arizona.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 9, 2026
Arizona State wide receiver
Jordyn Tyson (hamstring), who is projected to be a first-round pick in this month's 2026 NFL draft, will hold an individual workout for NFL teams on Friday, April 17, at Arizona State, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Tyson injured his hamstring last year and then re-injured the same hamstring while preparing for the scouting combine at the end of February. He's no stranger to injuries, as he also broke his collarbone in 2024 and tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL in 2022. The fact that Tyson is still in consideration in the first round in this year's draft just shows how talented he is on a football field. In his third and final year with the Sun Devils in 2025, Tyson caught 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in nine games, a year after posting a 75-1,101-10 line in 12 games in his junior year at Arizona State. If Tyson shows well at his individual workout at the end of next week, he'll solidify himself as a first-round prospect.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
April 9, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers third base prospect
Andrew Fischer belted his first home run of the season (a grand slam) at High-A Wisconsin on Wednesday, finishing 2-for-4 with a walk, four RBI, and two runs scored. He was also caught stealing once. The Brewers' first-round pick from the 2025 Draft is now 5-for-13 (.385) on the young season, with three walks and a hit-by-pitch helping him to a robust .529 OBP. The Brewers' sixth-ranked prospect hit well at that level in 19 games last season, too, slashing .311/.402/.446 with a home run and eight steals. The left-handed slugger could see a quick hook to Double-A Biloxi and could see some time at Triple-A before the season is over. Although he is unlikely to see the majors in 2026, with a solid hit tool and above-average power, the 21-year-old could be fantasy-relevant in redraft leagues in 2027.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
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