March 19, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (foot) is available for Thursday's game against the Heat after being listed as questionable on the second night of a back-to-back. The 41-year-old continues to produce at an elite level, finishing with 30 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 34 minutes in Wednesday's win over Houston. He remains a must-start fantasy anchor during the playoffs given his workload and all-around production.
Luka Doncic should continue sharing primary usage, while
Austin Reaves (forearm) could see slightly fewer on-ball reps with James active.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Detroit Red Wings forward Andrew Copp (lower body) is ready to rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports. Copp has missed three games due to a lower-body injury and was initially considered a game-time decision. The veteran forward will skate with Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton on the third line, though he could also receive some top-six usage due to Dylan Larkin's (leg) continued absence. Copp has had points in four of his last five appearances, boosting his total to 37 points (eight goals, 29 assists) in 65 games this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ansar Khan
March 19, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Isaiah Collier (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He'll sit out the second leg of this back-to-back set due to left hamstring soreness. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day ahead of Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Without Collier available,
Bez Mbeng and
Elijah Harkless should split up the starting point guard role. Between the two, Harkless is the better streaming option, but remains a deep league choice.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (upper body) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Detroit Red Wings. The veteran forward is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Anderson has been Montreal's sixth-best goal-scorer this season, lighting the lamp 13 times in 61 games. He's also contributed nine assists while averaging 14:11 of ice time. Joseph Veleno is expected to replace Anderson as the partner of Phillip Danault and Brendan Gallagher in a top-six role. Anderson will have his first chance to return on Saturday against the New York Islanders.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 19, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (calf) is out for Thursday's game against the Cavaliers on the second night of a back-to-back, though he is expected to return Monday against Houston. His absence should mean more run for
Nick Richards, who finished with 10 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks in 30 minutes in a recent start, putting him on the radar as a deep-league streamer for boards and defensive stats during the fantasy playoffs.
Guerschon Yabusele could also see a larger role after producing five rebounds and two steals in a prior start.
Matas Buzelis may also absorb extra frontcourt usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: K.C. Johnson
March 19, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Collin Sexton (leg) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sexton made his return after a four-game absence on Wednesday. He finished with 14 points, five assists, and one steal across 18 minutes of action. There was some speculation that Sexton would sit out the second leg of the back-to-back set. That won't be the case as Sexton is available and should see a slightly heavier workload. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can go ahead and get Sexton active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: Will Gottlieb
March 19, 2026
ESPN's John Keim writes that the Washington Commanders are still seeking another receiver "who can serve as a No. 2 wideout" opposite
Terry McLaurin this offseason. The Commanders did sign backups
Dyami Brown and
Van Jefferson and also re-signed
Treylon Burks, but they still want someone who can be a true No. 2 behind McLaurin, like
Deebo Samuel Sr. was last year. An intriguing name that Keim thinks the Commanders could pursue is San Francisco 49ers receiver
Brandon Aiyuk (knee) once he's released. The team is aware of Aiyuk's desire to play with quarterback
Jayden Daniels, but they likely won't sign him for more than a one-year, prove-it deal after he missed all of the 2025 season. The Commanders could also look to the upcoming NFL draft for another wideout to pair with McLaurin. Neither McLaurin nor Daniels was healthy last year, leading to a disappointing season overall for the franchise. If McLaurin and Daniels stay healthy in 2026, he could be a solid WR2 for fantasy managers, regardless of whether they bring another WR.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - John Keim
March 19, 2026
Phoenix Suns forward
Royce O'Neale (knee) is out for Thursday's game against the Spurs, marking his first absence of the season and an unfortunate development during fantasy playoff week with Phoenix scheduled for five games. Rookie forward
Rasheer Fleming could draw a spot start after posting nine points with two three-pointers in 15 minutes last game, while
Ryan Dunn added seven points, four rebounds, and one block in 17 minutes. Both are only on the radar in deeper leagues for managers needing short-term help.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Darius Garland (foot) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Unsurprisingly, the Clippers have decided to rest Garland in the second leg of this back-to-back set. He finished with 13 points with six assists across 29 minutes of action on Wednesday. He figures to be back in the mix for Saturday's game. The expectation is that
Kobe Sanders will likely move into the starting five, while
Kris Dunn sees an increased workload as well. Dunn is the more consistent fantasy option between the two, even with Sanders likely starting.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander
Logan Henderson was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Henderson made his major-league debut with the Brew Crew last year and looked great, allowing only five earned runs on 17 hits (three homers) while walking eight and striking out 33 in 25 1/3 innings over his five starts. It's a disappointment that he won't be in the team's Opening Day starting rotation after allowing an earned run on two hits with no walks and one strikeout in four Cactus League innings this spring. The good news for fantasy managers that decide to stash Henderson in deep-mixed and NL-only leagues is that he'll probably be one of the first to be called up from the minors if a big-league starting-rotation spot is needed. Henderson has a history with elbow issues, but when healthy, he makes for a deep-league sleeper who has a nasty changeup.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
March 19, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Malik Monk (ankle) is slated to suit up against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. He will return to action after missing four straight games due to a right ankle sprain. Monk is expected to be assigned a heavy workload in his return, with
Nique Clifford (hamstring) sidelined. The 28-year-old is averaging 12.6 points, 2.7 assists and 2.0 three-pointers per contest across 53 outings this campaign.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (oblique) has been downgraded to unavailable for Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Embiid was previously listed as doubtful and will now miss his 11th consecutive contest due to a right oblique strain. His next opportunity to return will be Saturday against the Utah Jazz.
Adem Bona and
Andre Drummond should continue to see increased frontcourt minutes in his absence. Drummond has been the more reliable fantasy option of late, even in a reserve role.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports that Miami Heat guard
Terry Rozier is expected to be released in the near future. Chiang adds that Rozier will not be part of the team's playoff roster, with a formal release anticipated in the coming weeks. The 32-year-old veteran has been away from the team since October following his arrest as part of a federal investigation tied to sports gambling.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Anthony Chiang
March 19, 2026
The Seattle Mariners announced on Thursday that right-hander
Logan Gilbert will make the start on Opening Day next Thursday, March 26, against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. It will be Gilbert's second straight Opening Day assignment. The 28-year-old went 6-6 with a 3.44 ERA (3.35 FIP) and 1.03 WHIP with 173 strikeouts and 31 walks in 131 innings over his 25 starts in 2025 in his fifth year in the big leagues with the M's. He was a first-time All-Star in 2024, when he had a nice 3.23 ERA, league-leading 0.89 WHIP, and a career-high 220 strikeouts in a league-high 208 2/3 innings over 33 starts. Gilbert's 2025 season might have looked much better had he not dealt with a flexor strain in his right elbow that caused him to miss over a month of action. Despite dealing with arm issues last year, Gilbert had a career-high 32.3% strikeout rate, and he has one of the highest floors of any high-end fantasy starter. RotoBaller has Gilbert ranked as the No. 6 fantasy starting pitcher in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Seattle Mariners
March 19, 2026
Miami Heat forward/center
Nikola Jovic (back) is slated to suit up Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Jovic was available during Tuesday's matchup with Charlotte, but he didn't see any playing time. Jovic has been out of action for nearly a month due to a back issue. His minutes will likely be limited with
Bam Adebayo (calf) back in action after a one-game absence due to right calf tightness.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Los Angeles Angels right-hander
Grayson Rodriguez (arm) is dealing with some arm soreness in camp, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Manager Kurt Suzuki called it dead arm, and there's still a chance he'll be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season next week if his arm feels better in the coming days. The Angels will continue to monitor him, but this could turn into an injured-list situation for Rodriguez. It's not what Angels fans want to hear from a pitcher who missed all of the 2025 season in Baltimore due to late and elbow issues, but the good news is that Rodriguez still played catch in spring training on Thursday, and the Angels genuinely don't believe it's anything serious. Still, it's a situation that could cause him to miss the start of his first year in Anaheim. The former 11th overall pick by the O's in 2018 was once the top pitching prospect in baseball, and he's shown high-end upside at times. He showed improvement in Year 2 in 2024, going 13-4 with a 3.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 130:36 K:BB in 20 starts before injuries shut him down. Rodriguez is a high-risk, high-reward late-round flier who has a 4.97 ERA with 12 strikeouts and 10 walks in 12 2/3 Cactus League innings this year.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
March 19, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (hip) is unavailable for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 25-year-old will be held out of action during tonight's contest due to hip tightness. With Jaquez Jr. out,
Simone Fontecchio and
Keshad Johnson will likely be assigned expanded roles. Both turned in impressive outings off the bench in Tuesday's loss to the Hornets, combining for 25 points. Johnson also logged three steals and one blocked shot.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Orlando Magic center
Wendell Carter Jr. (rib) will not play on Thursday due to a rib contusion. Even though he wasn't on the team's initial injury report, they downgraded him straight to out on Thursday afternoon. Carter had been playing well with double-digit points in four straight and six of his last seven, and without him in the middle, the Magic could go with some smaller lineups with
Paolo Banchero at center or give
Moritz Wagner or
Goga Bitadze a much bigger role against the Hornets. Carter's next chance to return will be Saturday against the Lakers.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman
Pavin Smith (forearm) is at first base and is batting third for Thursday's Cactus League game against the Chicago White Sox. Smith is back after missing some time with a minor forearm injury, so he'll be ready to go for Opening Day a week from now. The 30-year-old left-handed hitter is expected to be on the strong side of a platoon between first base and designated hitter for the Snakes in 2026. The former seventh overall pick in 2017 out of the University of Virginia hit .258/.362/.434 with a .797 OPS, eight home runs, 28 RBI, 36 runs scored, and two steals in 87 games played in 2025 in his sixth year with the D-backs. Smith played in only eight games after July 5 due to two injuries in the second half of the season. He has decent power from the left side, but his high strikeout rate and limited playing time limit his fantasy appeal to a late-round bench stash in deep-mixed leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Diamondbacks
March 19, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (calf) is listed as questionable for the team's home game on Thursday night against Cleveland. Since returning from a multi-game absence with a calf injury, Smith has started four of the last five games, sitting out the second night of a back-to-back. While he only played 17 minutes in the team's loss on Wednesday, the Bulls could still choose to be cautious with their best big man, who has stepped up since joining the starting lineup. If Smith is out,
Nick Richards will likely move into the starting five as he did for the last game without Smith. Richards had 10 points and eight rebounds in 30 minutes in that game, while
Guerschon Yabusele played 20 minutes off the bench. Both players would get an upgrade if Smith is out on Thursday, although the matchup is a tough one against Cleveland's
Evan Mobley.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Miami Heat forward/center
Bam Adebayo (calf) is available for Thursday's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. Adebayo was previously listed as probable after sitting out Tuesday's contest due to calf tightness. The 28-year-old big man has been dominant of late, averaging 34.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.6 three-pointers, 1.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks across 37.6 minutes per game over his last five outings. He should remain locked into fantasy lineups during the playoffs. Kel'el Ware is expected to see a reduced role with Adebayo back in action, while
Tyler Herro and
Norman Powell should continue to provide fantasy managers with consistent offensive production.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (eye) was added to the team's injury report for Thursday against the Bulls as questionable due to a left eye contusion. Late additions to the injury report often lead to absences, and if Mitchell is unable to play this game in Chicago, it will be a great spot for
Dennis Schroder,
Keon Ellis, and
Max Strus next to
James Harden.
Evan Mobley could also get even more work in a great matchup, so check back on Spida's status to see if the rest of the Cavs get an upgrade from Mitchell missing.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Cleveland Guardians third baseman
Jose Ramirez (shoulder) is back at third base and will bat third in the team's Cactus League game on Thursday against the Kansas City Royals, according to MLB.com. Ramirez left the spring training game last Sunday with shoulder inflammation, but the 33-year-old veteran is back and should have no issues being ready to go for Opening Day next week. He's gone 7-for-30 (.233) with two home runs, nine RBI, three runs scored, and three stolen bases in 13 Cactus League games this spring. J-Ram is a seven-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger who has been one of the best all-around hitters for the last eight seasons. He's ranked as the No. 6 overall player in fantasy baseball as he heads into his 14th MLB season. Not only is Ramirez durable, but he provides across all fantasy categories. He hit .283/.360/.503 with an .863 OPS, 30 homers, 85 RBI, 103 runs, and a career-high 44 stolen bases in 2025. Ramirez has hit 30-plus homers in three of the last five seasons and has 40-plus steals in each of the last two years. The dude does it all.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 19, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Bilal Coulibaly (heel) will miss Thursday's rematch with the Pistons, which will be his second straight absence. With
Trae Young (quad),
Kyshawn George (elbow), and Coulibaly all sidelined, there should be plenty of work for rookies
Tre Johnson and
Will Riley, along with
Bub Carrington and
Jaden Hardy, who chipped in 16 points in 32 minutes on Tuesday in the team's first game against Detroit. Riley and Hardy are both strong enough plays to consider as DFS bargains or streaming options this Thursday against Detroit, which is also dealing with injury issues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Washington Wizards center
Alexandre Sarr (toe) was upgraded from questionable to available for his team's home game against
Jalen Duren and the Pistons on Thursday night. Sarr has a very high ceiling when he's at full strength and is averaging 16.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 28 minutes per game on the season. He missed a month before returning last Sunday, but in his four games since then, he has played 23 minutes or less. He can still post excellent numbers in short bursts, but his workload for this game and for the rest of the season is very uncertain, with the Wizards well out of playoff contention.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
The San Francisco Giants announced on Thursday that right-hander
Hayden Birdsong (elbow) will undergo Tommy John surgery next week and will miss the entire 2026 season, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports. Fantasy managers will obviously want to avoid Birdsong everywhere in single-year leagues, and the 24-year-old's development will now be paused for at least a year for those in dynasty/keeper leagues. An MRI exam that Birdsong had on Sunday showed a Grade 2 forearm strain and a UCL sprain, and rather than go the rest-and-rehab route, the Giants have decided that Birdsong will go under the knife. Not only will he miss all of this year, but he probably won't be ready for the start of the 2027 campaign, either. The former sixth-round pick in 2022 out of Eastern Illinois has gone 9-10 with a 4.77 ERA (4.81 FIP), 1.44 WHIP, and 156:80 K:BB in 137 2/3 innings over 37 appearances (26 starts) since debuting in the big leagues with San Fran in 2024.
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports Bay Area - Alex Pavlovic
March 19, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is on the team's injury report on Thursday, listed as questionable for the second game of the two-game, back-to-back set in New Orleans. Kawhi had 25 points in 29 minutes in the team's loss on Wednesday, but it isn't certain if he'll be able to play as the team looks to bounce back Thursday. With
Darius Garland (toe) out for the second game of the set,
Kris Dunn and
Jordan Miller will already get more work in the backcourt, and if Kawhi is also out, the Clippers would likely rely more heavily on
Derrick Jones Jr. and
Kobe Sanders since
Bennedict Mathurin (toe) has already been ruled out as well.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
New York Yankees left-hander
Ryan Weathers will be in the team's Opening Day starting rotation, manager Aaron Boone told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. "He's healthy, and the stuff is in line with where it needs to be. I don't put a lot of stock in numbers in spring," Boone said. Weathers beat out right-handed pitching prospect
Carlos Lagrange for the final spot in New York's rotation to begin the year despite allowing 10 runs (nine earned) on 15 hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out 12 in 9 1/3 innings of work in the Grapefruit League. The 26-year-old southpaw will have some runway to be a sleeper and matchup-based streamer until injured starters
Gerrit Cole (elbow) and
Carlos Rodon (elbow) are ready to make their season debuts. Injuries have limited Weathers' fantasy upside, but increased velocity this spring has many hopeful that he'll be fantasy relevant in his first year in the Bronx.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
March 19, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Darius Garland (toe) will not play on Thursday, as his team finishes a back-to-back set against the Pelicans in New Orleans. Garland played 29 minutes in the team's loss on Wednesday, but only had 13 points to go with six assists. While he is out for injury maintenance on Thursday,
Kris Dunn and
Jordan Miller will carry more work in the backcourt, while
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will be more the focal point of the offense if he's able to play through a questionable tag of his own. Garland's next chance to return will be Saturday in Dallas.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher
Gabriel Moreno (forearm) is serving as the team's designated hitter and will bat fifth in Thursday's Cactus League game versus the Chicago White Sox. Moreno will return after missing a few spring training games due to tightness in his right forearm, which mostly affected him while throwing the baseball. The 26-year-old starting backstop should be fine for Opening Day next week. He'll be hoping to get some more timing down before the start of the 2026 regular season, as he's gone just 5-for-28 (.179) with a homer, three RBI, one walk, and six strikeouts in nine Cactus League games played. Injuries have been an issue for Moreno in his four years in the big leagues, as he's only played over 100 games once, back in his second year in the league and first with Arizona in 2023. Moreno slashed .285/.353/.433 with a career-high .786 OPS, nine homers, and 40 RBI in 83 games in 2025. Treat Moreno as a low-end No. 1 catcher/high-end No. 2 option in upcoming fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Diamondbacks
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