March 1, 2026
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin recorded a goal and two assists in Saturday's 6-2 road win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Dahlin scored the game's first goal and helped Buffalo get a 5-0 lead. His second assist came on the power play in the third period. This was Dahlin's 15th career three-point game, tying him for the 10th most all-time among Swedish defensemen. Three of those performances have come this season as Dahlin has been among the most productive blue-liners in the league. 51 points (12 goals, 39 assists) in 56 games puts Dahlin seventh among defensemen in scoring. He has been held off the score sheet just three times in his last 17 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 1, 2026
Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson is starting 15th for Sunday's DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. The No. 5 Chevrolet driver matched the lowest starting position of his Cup career at the site after qualifying. In five previous races at COTA, Larson has one top-5 finish, a second-place run back in 2021 with the previous-generation car. At road and street courses last season, Larson had two top-15 finishes with a runner-up result at the Charlotte Roval. In practice for this week's race, Larson ranked third in overall lap averages and 10th in five consecutive lap averages. With favorable practice speeds despite underwhelming track history, Larson is a decent DFS option for this week, especially with his starting position providing favorable upside for a driver who can compete for a top-10 finish.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Colorado Avalanche left wing Joel Kiviranta is in concussion protocol, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports. He was hurt in Thursday's loss to Minnesota and didn't play on Saturday night against Chicago. It's unclear when Kiviranta can return. The Finnish veteran has appeared in 30 games this season, recording seven points (two goals, five assists), 25 shots, and 45 hits. On Saturday, Zakhar Bardakov filled in for Kiviranta on the fourth line but logged only 4:13 of action across four shifts.
--Taavi PailkSource: Corey Masisak
March 1, 2026
Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (face) will play on Sunday against the St. Louis Blues, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports. The Swedish forward took a stick to the face in Friday's loss to Utah and was limited to 10:25 of ice time. Fortunately, he won't have to miss additional time after receiving good news from an eye doctor. Eriksson Ek is attempting to post his third 60-point campaign in 2025-26. In 54 outings, he has totaled 17 goals and 25 assists. Prior to his early exit on Friday, he was riding a seven-game point streak.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michael Russo
March 1, 2026
Ryan Blaney of Team Penske will start in the fourth position for the DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. This is Blaney's first top-5 starting position in a COTA race since 2022, when he won the pole position at the site. In five COTA races, the No. 12 Ford driver has one top-10 finish, but he obtained positive Place Differential in each of the last three Cup events at the site. Last year at road and street courses, Blaney scored top-20 finishes in five different events at the track type and led laps in three of them. During practice for Sunday's race, Blaney ranked second in single lap times, but was the fastest driver in all other categories, including five and 10 consecutive lap averages. Blaney's practice speeds are encouraging that he will be competitive on Sunday, but his mixed track history and low upside from his starting position make him playable only in a tournament setting.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (leg) is expected to play in Sunday's contest against the San Jose Sharks. Scheifele appeared to have hurt his right leg late in Friday's overtime loss to Anaheim and took a maintenance day on Saturday. After posting 87 points last season, Scheifele is on pace for another career high in 2025-26. He leads the Jets with 70 points (27 goals, 43 assists) in 58 games. Scheifele has amassed nine goals and 16 assists across his last 20 outings, though he has finished eight of those contests scoreless.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
March 1, 2026
Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing will start in the third position for the DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. It will mark the highest starting position of Briscoe's Cup career at COTA as well as his first time starting in the top five at the site. In five prior starts at COTA, Briscoe has four top-15 finishes with positive PD scored. Last year at road and street courses, the driver of the No. 19 Toyota had five top-15 finishes, including three inside the top 10 at the track type. In practice for Sunday's race, Briscoe ranked 19th in overall lap averages and 12th in 10 consecutive lap averages. Despite his low upside and practice speeds that indicate a finish outside the top 10, Briscoe is usable in tournament lineups as a pivot option with a history of performing solidly at road courses.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Nashville Predators defenseman Adam Wilsby (lower body) was limited to 5:48 of ice time in Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars. He suffered a lower-body injury, leaving the action early in the second period. The Swedish blue-liner has registered 12 points, 47 shots, and 37 blocks across 45 games this season. Justin Barron will likely replace Wilsby in the lineup if he doesn't recover in time for Monday's tilt against the Detroit Red Wings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Nashville Predators
March 1, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Gage Goncalves (undisclosed) didn't finish Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. He exited in the second period with an undisclosed injury. Goncalves has recently been part of the top-six group and began the week with a three-point performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has posted 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 54 games overall. Dominic James (leg), who scored Tampa's first goal on Saturday, was also injured, so Jon Cooper may have to make several changes to his lineup in the next game. The Lightning will return to the ice on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Wild.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 1, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Russell Westbrook (thigh) is off the injury report and expected to play Sunday against the Lakers. He sat out Thursday's win over Dallas due to a thigh contusion but is ready to return. Over his last five appearances, the veteran has averaged 15.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 three-pointers. His return likely sends
Devin Carter back to the bench after Carter posted 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in 32 minutes in the last game. Westbrook remains a viable source of points and assists, though his shooting efficiency and fluctuating role can make him a bit unpredictable from night to night.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 1, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is off the injury report and expected to play Sunday against New Orleans. He sat out Thursday with left ankle soreness and missed practice due to illness, but he is ready to return. Leonard has been rolling, averaging 28.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.0 three-pointers across 32.1 minutes in his last five games. His return pushes
Bennedict Mathurin back into a secondary role and trims
Kris Dunn's usage. Leonard remains a must-start in all formats, with his recent workload easing concerns about durability.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 1, 2026
Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing obtained a starting position of 24th after qualifying for the DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. This is the lowest starting position of Wallace's career to date at COTA. In five races at the Texas road course, Wallace has two top-20 finishes, which were scored in his last two appearances at the site. He also led four laps and won the first stage in last year's COTA race before placing 20th. At road and street courses last year, Wallace had four top-20 finishes and gained positive Place Differential four times in six events at the track type. In practice, Wallace ranked 16th in overall lap averages, 15th in five consecutive lap averages, and ninth in 10 consecutive lap averages. With solid practice speeds, decent finishes in recent COTA races, and a hot start to the 2026 season, Wallace is a favorable DFS value option for this week's race.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Joe Gibbs Racing's Ty Gibbs is starting ninth for this week's DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. It will be the second time that Gibbs will start a race at COTA inside the top 10, after he started in second at the Texas track in 2024. In three prior starts at COTA, Gibbs has two top-10 finishes with a best finish of third in 2024. Last year at road and street courses, the No. 54 Toyota driver finished 12th or better in four of the six races at the track type, including two top-10 finishes. In practice for this week's race, Gibbs ranked 27th in 10 consecutive lap averages and 28th in overall lap averages. The JGR driver has a solid history at COTA, but his starting position in the field does not offer as much upside as other drivers in his salary range. Fantasy players should mainly consider Gibbs as a tournament option who can compete for a top-10 finish.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Spire Motorsports driver Michael McDowell will start sixth for Sunday's DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. This will mark the first time that McDowell will start in the top 10 in a Cup race at the site. In five previous races at COTA, McDowell has four finishes of 13th or better with one DNF due to steering issues. The No. 71 Chevrolet driver also led three laps in last year's race at COTA. In practice, McDowell ranked first in single lap times, second in five consecutive lap averages, fifth in 10 consecutive lap averages, and sixth in overall lap averages among all drivers. Although McDowell's upside for Place Differential is not high, his history at COTA and road courses in general is favorable. The low upside makes McDowell best for tournament lineups, but he is still a solid option to consider for a top-10 finish.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with Brooklyn, marking his third straight absence. The team does not anticipate a long-term issue, though he remains day-to-day heading into Tuesday. If
James Harden (thumb) is unable to play, Cleveland would have even more offensive workload and minutes to spread around the rotation.
Jaylon Tyson started the last game and logged 41 minutes, finishing with 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals, and four three-pointers.
Sam Merrill added 20 points in 36 minutes, while
Craig Porter Jr. recorded 12 assists in 32 minutes. Tyson profiles as the top short-term add, and Merrill remains a viable scoring streamer.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 1, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (oblique) will sit out the next three games after imaging confirmed a strain. The former MVP experienced right-side discomfort following Thursday's win and is targeting a potential return on March 7. With Embiid sidelined,
Andre Drummond is expected to step into the starting role. In his last start on Feb. 22, Drummond logged 22 minutes and produced six points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Second-year big man
Adem Bona added eight points and five rebounds in 20 minutes that night. Drummond profiles as a short-term rebounding streamer, while
Tyrese Maxey should shoulder even heavier offensive usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: Tony Jones
March 1, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with Oklahoma City, stretching his absence to seven games because of a midfoot sprain. He is trending toward missing Tuesday as well. With
P.J. Washington (ankle) doubtful and
Naji Marshall (finger) carrying a questionable tag, Dallas may be forced to lean heavily on
Brandon Williams, who owns a 26.3 percent usage rate in a reserve role.
Max Christie,
Khris Middleton, and
Klay Thompson should also see added scoring responsibility.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 1, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Darius Garland (toe) is expected to make his team debut Monday against Golden State after being sidelined since Jan. 14. The All-Star guard, acquired at the trade deadline, is returning from toe issues that kept him out for several weeks. In 26 games prior to the move, he averaged 18.0 points, 6.9 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 30.5 minutes. Garland's return should give the offense a steady playmaker next to
Kawhi Leonard and likely trim
Kris Dunn's role while reducing
Bennedict Mathurin's on-ball opportunities. Garland profiles as a must-start in standard leagues if his minutes are not heavily restricted.
--Brian DailisanSource: Chris Haynes
March 1, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward/center
Zion Williamson (ankle) will not return to Saturday's game against Utah after exiting in the second quarter. He finished with four points, two assists, and one rebound in 11 minutes before being shut down. If he misses time, New Orleans could lean more heavily on
Karlo Matkovic and
Derik Queen. Matkovic delivered eight points, six rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in 25 minutes, profiling mainly as a blocks streamer. Queen added seven points, nine rebounds, and three assists in 19 minutes and offers the more intriguing upside in deeper formats if the role expands.
--Brian DailisanSource: New Orleans Pelicans
February 28, 2026
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar scored twice in Saturday night's victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. His first goal came with nine seconds left in the second period, and the second one came on an empty-netter late in the third period. Centers Nathan Mackinnon and Martin Necas were credited with assists on both goals. Makar is now tied for fourth among all defensemen in scoring, trailing only Jakub Chychrun, Zach Werenski, and Matthew Schaefer.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
February 28, 2026
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid collected three more assists in Saturday afternoon's game versus the San Jose Sharks, but it wasn't enough to help them win the game, as they fell 5-4. McDavid now has 103 points in 61 games played, which is the most in the NHL. He is on pace to finish with 130 points for the third time in four years. His next match will be on Tuesday night at home versus the Ottawa Senators.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
February 28, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Keyonte George (ankle) is available to play ahead of Saturday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. It has been a tough month for George, who has only appeared in one contest during February. He has missed six straight games before getting cleared ahead of Saturday's contest. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Jazz have George under a minutes limit. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can go ahead and get George active in their lineups. The third-year guard won't be an ideal DFS choice, given his workload is unknown.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 28, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard
De'Anthony Melton (knee) has been cleared to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Melton is back in the mix after sitting out Wednesday's win due to left knee injury management. Given he has only missed one game, Melton should have his normal workload on Saturday. Over the last seven games, Melton is averaging 16.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over 25.3 minutes per game. He's worth a look as a streaming option given his recent play.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 28, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Draymond Green (back) is available to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Green is returning after sitting out Wednesday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies due to lower back injury management. The expectation is that Green will have his full workload on Saturday. His return to the lineup should push
Al Horford back to the bench. Horford won't be as appealing as a streaming option playing with the second unit. Fantasy managers can get Green active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 28, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder
Keston Hiura (hand) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's Cactus League matchup against the Chicago Cubs. Hiura exited immediately after taking a 97-mph sinker off his hand during the fifth inning of Saturday's contest. The severity of the injury is unknown, but Hiura is likely going to at least miss a few days. The 29-year-old is attempting to make the roster as a bench player, but has an uphill battle ahead of him. Hiura spent most of his time in Triple-A Albuquerque with the Colorado Rockies organization last season. He slashed .272/.369/.507 with 21 home runs and 67 RBI in 100 games. He hasn't seen significant big league action since the 2022 season with the Milwaukee Brewers.
--Andy WebbSource: Jack Vita
February 28, 2026
Athletics shortstop
Leo De Vries (illness) was removed early during Saturday's Spring Training contest against the San Francisco Giants. De Vries was pulled out of the game due to illness, which was likely dehydration. Luckily, this sounds like something minor that shouldn't keep De Vries sidelined for long. The expectation is that he'll be back in the lineup within a day or two. The 19-year-old is viewed as one of the top prospects in the league. He made it to Double-A last season and is likely going to open the 2026 season there or in Triple-A. There's a chance that De Vries makes his MLB debut in 2026, but that depends on how he performs in the minors. Regardless, the future is extremely bright for the youngster.
--Andy WebbSource: Martin Gallegos
February 28, 2026
Miami Marlins outfielder
Kyle Stowers (hamstring) underwent imaging after being scratched ahead of Saturday's game. The MRI has revealed that Stowers has suffered a minor hamstring strain. This sounds like a good diagnosis as far as hamstring injuries go. The Marlins expect Stowers to miss 1-2 weeks of action. Barring any setbacks, Stowers should be ready to go by the beginning of the regular season. The 28-year-old is coming off a breakout campaign with the Marlins last season. Stowers slashed .288/.386/.544 with 25 home runs and 73 RBI in 117 games. Assuming he's healthy to begin the season, Stowers should offer top-30 fantasy outfielder value.
--Andy WebbSource: Christian De Nicola
February 28, 2026
New York Yankees outfielder
Cody Bellinger (back) is dealing with a back injury that could sideline him for a few days. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Bellinger's back went out on him. This is a similar issue to what Bellinger dealt with early last season. The Yankees aren't going to take any risks this early into camp. The plan is to give Bellinger a few days off before getting him back in the lineup as early as Tuesday. Bellinger signed a five-year, $162 million deal with the Yankees over the offseason. He's expected to be a key piece in the middle of the order this season. This sounds like a minor issue that should only sideline Bellinger for a couple of days.
--Andy WebbSource: Bryan Hoch
February 28, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Corbin Carroll (wrist) is likely going to be ready for Opening Day. On Saturday, D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo said he wouldn't be surprised if Carroll was back for the season opener. Carroll is currently recovering from a broken hamate bone in his wrist that he suffered earlier this month. It's hard to believe that Carroll would be ready by late March, but the organization has faith in a quick recovery. Carroll slashed .259/.343/.541 with 31 home runs, 84 RBI, and 32 steals in 143 games. Despite the injury, Carroll should still be viewed as a first-rounder in fantasy drafts.
--Andy WebbSource: Nick Piecoro
February 28, 2026
Winnipeg Jets forward Vladislav Namestnikov (lower body) is considered week-to-week, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports. He sustained a lower-body injury in Friday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks. The Russian forward will exit the lineup after collecting 13 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 57 contests. Walker Duehr is expected to take over from Namestnikov on the third line when Winnipeg returns to action on Sunday against the San Jose Sharks. Although Duehr has been productive in the AHL this season, he has managed only 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) in 92 career outings in the big league and should be ignored by fantasy managers.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mitchell Clinton
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