January 10, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (concussion) will return to action on Saturday against the Dallas Mavericks. The 25-year-old has missed a pair of games after suffering a head injury and landing in concussion protocol. Before he was knocked out of the lineup, Smith made three consecutive starts, averaging 11.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks. With
Zach Collins (toe) out of the lineup, Smith is bound to be heavily involved in the rotation, even if he doesn't start.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Houston Rockets forward/center
Alperen Sengun (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game in Sacramento. This is a surprising development, considering he was expected to miss at least two weeks before being re-evaluated. While there's still a realistic chance the 23-year-old won't be out there, it at least appears he's well ahead of schedule. If Sengun remains sidelined,
Steven Adams should stay in the starting lineup at the five spot.
Dorian Finney-Smith may also see more action, especially since
Tari Eason (ankle) won't suit up.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Boston Red Sox infielder
Marcelo Mayer is preparing to play both second and third base this upcoming season. In 2025, Mayer played mostly third base, but saw action at second and shortstop as well. The absence of
Alex Bregman means that Mayer should be able to see regular time at third base now. The Red Sox also don't have an everyday option at second base, but
Kristian Campbell figures to get a fair shot at earning the starting job. Mayer having the ability to play multiple positions should help him get in the lineup more frequently. Due to injuries, Mayer was limited to 44 games with the Red Sox last season. He slashed .228/.272/.402 with four home runs and 10 RBI during his time with the big league club.
--Andy WebbSource: Ian Browne
January 10, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Zach Collins (toe) doesn't have a timeline for his return, Joe Lorenzi of The Athletic reports. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan told reporters before Saturday's contest against the Dallas Mavericks that Collins' toe injury is a "pretty significant sprain," and that he will be in a walking boot for the foreseeable future. Collins hasn't played for Chicago since Dec. 27. In his absence,
Jalen Smith (concussion) has a larger role. Smith will return from a two-game absence on Saturday after clearing concussion protocol.
--Taavi PailkSource: Joel Lorenzi
January 10, 2026
San Antonio Spurs guard/forward
Julian Champagnie (back) has received the green light to play on Saturday night against the Boston Celtics, Matt Guzman of Sports Illustrated reports. He was initially listed as questionable for the game. Champagnie has quietly had a solid campaign with the Spurs, averaging 11.1 points and 5.9 rebounds, both career highs. Recently, Champagnie has benefited from
Devin Vassell's (adductor) absence, starting five consecutive games. This stretch includes a pair of 20-point outings for Champagnie and a huge 36-point career night against the New York Knicks.
--Taavi PailkSource: Matt Guzman
January 10, 2026
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, free-agent outfielder
Cody Bellinger is unlikely to re-sign with the New York Yankees. The two sides have been linked together all offseason, but no deal has been finalized yet. The Yankees reportedly offered Bellinger a five-year deal for at least $30 million per season. Bellinger, who is represented by Scott Boras, is seeking a deal that exceeds five years and surpasses $30 million per season. In 2025, Bellinger slashed .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI across 152 games with the Bronx Bombers. It's certainly going to be a challenge to replace that kind of production if Bellinger decides to head elsewhere. A potential deal could still happen, but it sounds like the Yankees are preparing to move on.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
January 10, 2026
Boston Celtics forward
Sam Hauser (hamstring) has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. The 28-year-old sniper wasn't on the initial injury report, but the team has announced that Hauser won't play due to right hamstring tightness. Hauser has logged 30-plus minutes in back-to-back games as a starter, so his absence marks a significant blow for Boston. With Hauser unavailable,
Jordan Walsh will probably return to the starting unit.
Hugo Gonzalez and
Anfernee Simons may also cover some of his minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: Boston Celtics
January 10, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (illness) will be active on Saturday against the Indiana Pacers. He landed on the injury report late with a questionable tag after picking up a stomach bug. However, Jaquez Jr. has now been cleared for action. The 24-year-old has also recently dealt with an ankle injury, missing two games. Jaquez Jr. faced the Pacers only a couple of weeks ago and gave them nightmares with a 28-point performance across 29 minutes. With him back in the fold, we will likely see
Nikola Jovic and
Pelle Larsson less in the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman
Freddie Freeman has decided to withdraw from the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Freeman has pulled out of the tourney due to personal reasons. He has played for Canada in each of the last two tournaments, but has decided to sit this one out. Freeman has played in back-to-back World Series with the Dodgers, so it makes sense that he'd want to spend as much time as possible with his family. Relief pitcher
Jordan Romano has also dropped out of the WBC, which has opened a door for
Jameson Taillon to join the roster. Also, catcher
Liam Hicks and infielder
Tyler Black will suit up for Canada in the upcoming tourney.
--Andy WebbSource: Shi Davidi
January 10, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward/center
Isaiah Stewart (illness) won't be in the lineup on Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic reports. Stewart was a late addition to the injury report due to illness and hasn't been able to shake off a questionable tag. With
Jalen Duren (ankle) and
Tobias Harris (hip) also out, the Pistons' frontcourt will have a completely different dynamic.
Paul Reed will presumably operate as the starting center, and players like
Ron Holland II,
Tolu Smith, and
Javonte Green may see more action.
--Taavi PailkSource: Hunter Patterson
January 10, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will play on Saturday against Detroit. The team is usually overly-cautious with the multi-time All-Star, so it's surprising to see him suit up for the second game of a back-to-back. He had 26 points, five boards, five assists, three steals, and one block in Friday's win over the Brooklyn Nets. However, Leonard and company should have a tougher time on both ends of the floor versus one of the best teams in the National Basketball Association.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham (wrist) will sit out a second straight game on Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic reports. The team has ruled him out of the contest after initially listing Cunningham as questionable. His absence from the lineup boosts the fantasy value of
Jaden Ivey and
Daniss Jenkins. The Clippers are a weak defensive team, giving the two an opportunity to make a significant impact on Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Hunter Patterson
January 10, 2026
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher
Ken Waldichuk was designated for assignment by the organization on Saturday. This is a short-lived stint in Atlanta for Waldichuk, who was claimed by the organization off waivers from the Athletics on Thursday. The team needed to make room for newly signed reliever
Tyler Kinley, and Waldichuk is the odd man out. The southpaw missed all of the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. He posted an ugly 8.17 ERA, 1.96 WHIP, and 68/42 K/BB ratio across 17 games (16 starts) in Triple-A with the Athletics in 2025. He hasn't pitched in the MLB since the 2023 season with the A's, where he posted a 5.36 ERA in 35 games. The former fifth-round pick will likely be organizational depth if he's claimed by another team.
--Andy WebbSource: Atlanta Braves
January 10, 2026
Boston Red Sox first baseman
Triston Casas (knee) has resumed baseball activities and is optimistic about playing in Spring Training. Casas is working his way back from a serious knee injury that limited him to 29 games. It seems that Casas is heading in the right direction, but might not be ready for Opening Day. The 26-year-old is likely going to be limited to designated hitter duties with
Willson Contreras joining the club this offseason. The Red Sox have enough organizational depth that they could potentially send Casas to the minors until he's ready to contribute again. Casas has only played one full season since making his MLB debut in 2022. There's decent upside here, but Casas is looking more like a late-round option.
--Andy WebbSource: Mac Cerullo
January 10, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back) is available on Saturday versus Miami. He didn't play on Thursday against the Hornets, opening the door for
T.J. McConnell to finish with 23 points, eight boards, and four steals from off the bench. While McConnell will still have a role, his outlook isn't as favorable, so fantasy managers should temper their expectations for a meeting with a tough defensive squad.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Seattle Kraken forward Jaden Schwartz (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday and will return to the lineup against the Carolina Hurricanes. In a corresponding move, Chandler Stephenson (personal) was placed on the non-roster list. Stephenson will miss his first game of the season. Fortunately for the Kraken, they will have Schwartz available after a 19-game absence. Before sustaining a lower-body injury, the veteran was having a fine campaign, notching 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 23 contests. On Saturday, Schwartz should be part of the top-six group and skate on the first power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 10, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen won't play on Saturday against Charlotte. He had 33 points, seven boards, and four assists in 40 minutes in Thursday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, so fantasy managers can understand why he'll get the night off. The veteran is expected back on Monday versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. With
Jusuf Nurkic (toe) and
Ace Bailey (hip) also out,
Keyonte George,
Brice Sensabaugh,
Isaiah Collier, and
Walter Clayton Jr. should all be considered must-start options in all fantasy setups, especially since this contest is projected to be one of the highest-scoring on the slate.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
The Atlanta Braves have agreed to terms with relief pitcher
Tyler Kinley on Saturday. The two sides have agreed to a one-year, 4.25 million contract for the upcoming 2026 season. That deal includes a $5.5 million club option that carries a $1.25 million buyout. Kinley returns to Atlanta after posting excellent numbers during his time with the organization. He registered a 0.72 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, and 22/6 K/BB ratio in 24 appearances with the Braves. Overall, Kinley posted a 3.96 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 73/33 K/BB between 73 games with the Colorado Rockies and Braves. He figures to serve as a middle relief option with
Robert Suarez and
Raisel Iglesias being the late-inning relievers.
--Andy WebbSource: Mark Feinsand
January 10, 2026
Utah Jazz center
Jusuf Nurkic (toe) won't play on Saturday versus Charlotte, marking his second-straight absence. He's been battling a toe injury, so fantasy managers may see him miss more time moving ahead until things clear up. With
Lauri Markkanen (rest) and
Ace Bailey (hip) ruled out,
Keyonte George and
Brice Sensabaugh could surge from a scoring standpoint.
Kevin Love, who is coming off a double-double in Thursday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, can be considered for streaming purposes in deeper fantasy formats.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights left wing Brandon Saad (undisclosed) will miss this weekend's back-to-back set against the St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks, per SinBin.vegas. The veteran forward is considered day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Saad has not had a great campaign with Vegas, posting only seven points (two goals, five assists) in 39 games. In Saad's absence, Cole Reinhardt is projected to enter the lineup on Saturday night. Reinhardt will be limited to a fourth-line role and won't offer fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: SinBin.vegas
January 10, 2026
Charlotte Hornets center
Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) will play on Saturday against Utah after missing the last 10 games because of a sprained left elbow. The rookie, who has averaged 8.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks this season, will presumably return to the starting lineup. However, he'll likely be limited in his first game back. With that said, Kalkbrenner still has a favorable outlook versus one of the worst defensive teams in the league.
Moussa Diabate is expected to head back to the bench, significantly lowering his fantasy ceiling.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is on track to play on Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. The talented rearguard has missed nearly a month of action due to an upper-body injury, sitting out 11 games. Theodore will be part of the second defensive pairing and the second power-play unit. This season, Theodore has managed 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 31 games, adding 48 blocks to his tally. With him now available, Dylan Coghlan was reassigned to the minors.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Webster
January 10, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve and will end a 10-game absence on Saturday night against the Seattle Kraken. Overall, Slavin has appeared in only five games this season due to health issues. Slavin was paired with Jalen Chatfield during the morning skate, and he will also have a role on the penalty kill. Joel Nystrom will make room for Slavin in the lineup and has been reassigned to the AHL. While Slavin strengthens the Hurricanes' blue line with his experience and steady play, he offers little in terms of fantasy production.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 10, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (upper body) will miss his first game of the season on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He will sit out at least one game due to an upper-body injury sustained in Thursday's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile, Bobby Brink (upper body) will be absent for a second straight game, giving Matvei Michkov a spot on the first line. This enhances Michkov's fantasy value, though Saturday's matchup is a tough one against the third-best defensive team in the NHL.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 10, 2026
Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (undisclosed) will remain sidelined on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators. The veteran forward was on the ice Saturday morning but will sit out his second consecutive game. With Marchand out of the lineup, the Panthers are without their top scorer. Marchand has registered 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) in 41 games. Sandis Vilmanis will make his NHL debut on Saturday, while A.J. Greer will continue in a second-line role. Marchand's next opportunity to return will be on Monday when the Panthers face the Buffalo Sabres.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 10, 2026
Los Angeles Kings right wing Corey Perry (personal) will likely play on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers, Sportsnet's Jack Michaels reports. The veteran was activated from the non-roster list after he missed two games for personal reasons. In a corresponding move, Anze Kopitar (lower body) was placed on Injured Reserve. With Kopitar out and a couple of other forwards also missing, Perry could play a more prominent role on Saturday night against his former team. The veteran forward has notched 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 35 games this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jack Michaels
January 10, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve and will return from a six-game absence on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. Nylander is available after missing a couple of weeks due to a lower-body injury. Despite missing time, Nylander remains Toronto's top scorer. He has amassed 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in 33 games. The Swedish star makes his return in a good matchup, as only the Anaheim Ducks have allowed more goals than the Canucks this season. He'll be on the second line with Matias Maccelli and John Tavares and will also join the first power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 10, 2026
Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (groin) was activated from Injured Reserve ahead of Saturday night's Wild-Card game against the Green Bay Packers, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gordon practiced in full on Thursday after being limited the first two days of practice this week. The 26-year-old cornerback has appeared in just three games this season due to calf, hamstring, and groin injuries, last playing in Week 13 before being placed on IR for a second time. In the three game Gordon has played, the Bears have allowed just 18 points per game, compared to their season average of 24.4. Gordon will make his return on Saturday night and provide a major boost to the Chicago secondary.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Adam Schefter
January 10, 2026
Green Bay Packers quarterback
Jordan Love managed to stay off the injury report a week after clearing the league's concussion protocol, and he heads into Saturday night's Wild Card matchup against the Bears with no limitations. In his only full game against Chicago this season, Love threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns, finishing as the QB10 on the week. The Bears have been one of the most favorable defenses for opposing quarterbacks this season, and with Green Bay's injury-stricken defense struggling to keep points off the board down the stretch, this should be a matchup to target in fantasy playoff leagues. Love is RotoBaller's QB9 for Wild Card Weekend, but he could easily outperform that projection in a game that might see fireworks.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 10, 2026
Chicago Bears quarterback
Caleb Williams will get his first taste of postseason action in Saturday night's Wild Card matchup with the Packers, and it appears he will do so with his full complement of wide receivers. After missing the past five games with a foot injury, second-year wideout
Rome Odunze (foot) carried no injury designation after managing a full practice on Thursday.
Luther Burden III, who missed Week 16 with an ankle injury and popped up on the Week 18 injury report with a quad issue, enters the playoffs having stayed off the injury report for the first time in weeks. With his offense as healthy as it's been in weeks, and facing a Green Bay defense that can not make the same claim, Williams is RotoBaller's QB6 for the first week of fantasy playoff leagues.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
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