December 29, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks guard/forward
Gary Trent Jr. (calf) will return from a two-game absence on Monday against the Charlotte Hornets. Trent Jr. recently sustained a calf contusion in a game against the Indiana Pacers, but the team has upgraded his status from questionable to available. During the season, the 26-year-old has been in and out of the starting lineup, averaging 9.6 points and 1.6 assists in 26.8 minutes. Unfortunately, Trent Jr. has not provided much fantasy production, and his performances against Charlotte have been even poorer, as he has notched 5.0 points per game across two contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports that Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman said there's a chance we see forward
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and guard
Christian Braun (ankle) on this roadtrip for Denver. "Hoping at the back end of this road trip we see them," said Adelman. The Nuggets are in the midst of a seven-game road trip that began on Saturday in Orlando. Gordon has been out since November 21 due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. Braun has been dealing with a left ankle sprain and has been sidelined since November 12. Both players are on the team's road trip and participated in a pregame workout before Saturday's 127-126 loss in Orlando. Fantasy managers should expect them to return likely during the first week of the new year.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Katy Winge
December 29, 2025
Although Arizona Cardinals running back
Michael Carter doesn't have a high fantasy ceiling, he's still the team's lead back for the final week of the regular season for a divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. In the Week 17 loss on the road to the Cincinnati Bengals, Carter was held in check, picking up only 29 yards on the ground on seven rushing attempts. The 26-year-old added two receptions on four targets for 14 yards. He was outsnapped by backfield mate
Emari Demercado, but Carter had two more touches. It was a disappointing performance for Carter in a plus matchup against a bad Bengals defense, but with the Cardinals falling behind by multiple scores early, they weren't really able to keep using Carter as a runner. On the bright side, Carter has 208 rushing yards and 4.6 yards per carry in the last six games, and he's had double-digit carries in two of the last three games. He'll be in play as an RB3/flex in deeper fantasy leagues this weekend against L.A.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 29, 2025
Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk will be a healthy scratch on Monday night against the Seattle Kraken. His performances have not been up to par during his second season of a seven-year, $38.5 million contract. In 37 appearances, DeBrusk has contributed only nine goals and seven assists. Just one of his goals has come during even-strength play. Last season, DeBrusk produced a career-high 28 goals and finished with 48 points in 82 outings. With DeBrusk in the press box on Monday, Liam Ohgren will get an opportunity in the top six. Since being acquired from the Minnesota Wild in the Quinn Hughes deal, the 21-year-old has notched two goals and one assist in six games with the Canucks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says he doubts that Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll will be back with the team in 2026. If the Raiders come away with another loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday, they will have the No. 1 overall pick for the 2026 NFL Draft. As things currently look, the Raiders would be expected to draft Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick next year after the failed
Geno Smith experiment in 2025. The Raiders are desperately searching for some glimmer of hope for the future, and securing the No. 1 overall pick would be a big step in the right direction. However, the front office will need to surround a new franchise QB with the right coaching staff as well. Carroll, at 74 years old, wouldn't exactly be a great fit for a rookie signal-caller.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
December 29, 2025
Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is set to play in Monday's tilt against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was labeled a game-time decision earlier in the day. A lower-body injury sidelined Pinto for 10 games. Despite his multi-week absence, Pinto remains Ottawa's third-highest goal-scorer with 13 markers. In 27 outings, he has also had six assists. Defenseman Tyler Kleven (lower body), who has missed three games, is also available on Monday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Monday that wide receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr. (foot) suffered a new foot injury in Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Harrison missed Weeks 14 and 15 due to a heel injury that was on the opposite foot of the one he injured in Week 17. Gannon said that Harrison will play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams "if he is healthy enough to play." Given all of the 23-year-old's injuries this year and the fact that the Cardinals have nothing to play for, fantasy managers still playing for a championship this week shouldn't be holding their breath for Harrison. Even if Harrison ends up suiting up, he probably won't be on the field all that much as the No. 3 target behind
Michael Wilson and star tight end
Trey McBride.
--Keith HernandezSource: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
December 29, 2025
St. Louis Blues forward Pius Suter (ankle) will sit out at least four weeks of action. He injured his right ankle during Saturday's 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators. Suter has gone 10 consecutive games without registering a point. However, he was sharp early in the campaign and has managed 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 37 games for the season. Robby Fabbri is slated to replace Suter in the lineup on Monday against the Buffalo Sabres. Since joining the team on Dec. 10, Fabbri has recorded two assists in six appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (lower body) is "probably out for the year," head coach Rod Brind'Amour said Monday. He is set to undergo lower-body surgery, and Carolina placed Kochetkov on Injured Reserve ahead of Monday's clash against the New York Rangers. The Russian netminder also missed time at the start of the campaign due to a lower-body injury and has made only eight starts in 2025-26, going 6-2-0 with a 2.33 goals-against average, a .899 save percentage, and one shutout. Brandon Bussi and Frederik Andersen will share the Hurricanes' crease for the rest of the way. Recently, Bussi has operated as the primary starter, posting the second-longest single-season point streak in franchise history with a 10-0-1 run.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
The Houston Texans announced on Monday that they activated wide receiver
Justin Watson (calf) from Injured Reserve. Watson will be eligible to play in the team's Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but it's unclear if he'll actually be active. The Texans activating the 29-year-old this week ensures that they'll have him available for their playoff run as additional receiving depth behind
Nico Collins, rookies
Jayden Higgins and
Jaylin Noel, and slot man
Christian Kirk. Watson had played in only two games with Houston before landing on IR, catching three of his four targets for 30 yards. The eight-year vet probably isn't going to be a huge part of the Texans' offense the rest of the way, barring an injury to a receiver ahead of him on the depth chart.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Texans
December 29, 2025
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (undisclosed) is expected to be in the lineup when the team hosts Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Monday. He was listed as day-to-day after missing Sunday's practice. Officially, Morrissey is regarded as a game-time decision on Monday. Winnipeg's No. 1 defenseman is currently tied for sixth in scoring among blue-liners, boasting 30 points (six goals, 24 assists) in 36 games. Assuming he plays on Monday, Morrissey will look to record his second three-game point streak of the month. If he suffers a setback, either Haydn Fleury or Connor Miller will take Morrissey's place.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
Indiana Pacers center
Jay Huff (ankle) is available for Monday's matchup with the Houston Rockets. Huff was tagged as questionable on Sunday for tonight's tilt due to a left ankle sprain. The 28-year-old has appeared in all 32 Pacers games this season and will play once again this evening. Despite posting 11 points, one rebound, two assists, one steal and three blocks on Saturday against Miami, he will likely make a minimal impact in fantasy going up against a solid Rockets defense.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (upper body) was moved to Injured Reserve and will remain out on Monday against the Nashville Predators. The move is retroactive to Dec. 23, so Vejmelka will be eligible to return to the lineup for Utah's next game on Thursday against the New York Islanders. This season, Vejmelka has registered a lowly .896 save percentage. Yet, he carries a solid 16-10-2 record with a 2.70 goals-against average. Vitek Vanecek, who is 2-8-1 for the year, will start in Monday's favorable matchup against the 24th-ranked offense in the league.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (personal) is back with the team and is expected to play on Monday against the St. Louis Blues. The Sabres captain spent the holidays in Sweden to be with his fiancée, who is recovering from a heart procedure. He missed Saturday's 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins. Jacob Bryson entered the lineup at the weekend, and Bowen Byram took Dahlin's spot on the first power-play unit. On Monday night, Dahlin will likely resume his regular duties with the man advantage and as Mattias Samuelsson's partner on the first defensive pairing. The Swedish blue-liner has amassed 28 points (four goals, 24 assists) in 33 games during the 2025-26 campaign.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
Indiana Pacers point guard
T.J. McConnell (hamstring) is set to suit up against the Houston Rockets. McConnell will return to the floor on Monday after missing Saturday's matchup against Miami due to hamstring soreness. The 33-year-old veteran backup point guard is averaging 10.0 points, 4.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 16.8 minutes per contest across 20 games this season. He's finished with 16 points in two of his last three outings, going into this evening.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Winger Yegor Chinakhov will continue the 2025-26 campaign with the Pittsburgh Penguins after he was traded on Monday. The Columbus Blue Jackets gave up Chinakhov for forward Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick. Heinen cleared waivers on Monday and has been assigned to the AHL. Chinakhov is a former first-round draft pick who struggled to establish himself in Columbus. This season, the 24-year-old has been limited to 10:16 of ice time across 29 appearances, producing just six points (three goals, three assists). Only a couple of years ago, Chinakhov flirted with a 20-goal campaign and had 29 points in 53 outings. Pittsburgh will be counting on him to rediscover that form, making him a player to watch for fantasy managers.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 29, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that quarterback
Trey Lance will make the start on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. The Chargers will rest
Justin Herbert, and he won't dress for the game in Denver. Lance will make his first start of the year and only the sixth start of his NFL career.
DJ Uiagalelei will be elevated from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster to back Lance up. The 25-year-old former first-round pick has completed seven of his 13 pass attempts in three games played for the Bolts in 2025 for 90 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. With other starters on offense possibly being rested while facing one of the best defenses in the league (the Broncos will be playing for a first-round bye), Lance will not be set up for success in Week 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
December 29, 2025
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that quarterback
Josh Allen (foot) is dealing with "some soreness" in his right foot, much like he was last week, but he might be slightly better this week, according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. The Bills will see how Allen looks over the course of the week, but as of right now, fantasy managers should expect him to be available to play in a juicy Week 18 matchup against the division-rival New York Jets. The 29-year-old underwent precautionary X-rays after Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and they came back negative. Despite not being 100% on Sunday, the former MVP did run the ball seven times for 27 yards and two touchdowns in the one-point loss to Philly. Allen went 23-for-35 passing for 262 yards without a TD or interception as a passer. Depending on how Allen progresses this week, it's still possible that Buffalo decides to shut him down for the regular-season finale.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
December 29, 2025
Golden State Warriors center
Al Horford (toe) is back on the injury report and won't play on Monday night in Brooklyn. The 39-year-old has been in street clothes more often than his uniform in his first season with the Warriors. When he's active, he's playing about 20 minutes per game, while shooting a career-low 36% from the field. Quentin Post will continue to start at center for Golden State, with
Trayce Jackson-Davis filling in the gaps.
--Andrew BallSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that center Tyler Biadasz (ankle, knee) doesn't need surgery for his injuries, but he's unlikely to play on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. In addition to Biadasz, quarterback
Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) is expected to miss a second straight game to close out the year. It means that Nick Allegretti will most likely be snapping footballs to journeyman QB
Josh Johnson to close out the season against an Eagles team that could be resting most of their starters this weekend. The 28-year-old Biadasz suffered ankle and knee injuries in last Thursday's Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ben Standig
December 29, 2025
Phoenix Suns forward
Ryan Dunn (knee) won't be a part of the rotation Monday night when the Suns visit the Washington Wizards. The second-year forward is managing soreness in his right knee, which caused him to miss Saturday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Dunn sees about 22 minutes of action per game, mostly off the bench, and averages 7.2 points, five rebounds, and 1.3 steals. The Phoenix rotation is ravaged by injuries, and the coaching staff used a committee approach to fill the gaps on Saturday. Starters
Collin Gillespie and
Royce O'Neale, along with sixth-man
Jordan Goodwin, have seen increased roles recently.
--Andrew BallSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that quarterback
Justin Herbert won't play on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale on the road against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Harbaugh said that other starters with "the most bruises" and need "the most healing" won't play either. Herbert has been playing through a fractured left hand for weeks, but he's been practicing in full and hasn't missed any time. The Bolts are electing to give the 27-year-old signal-caller some extra rest before the start of the postseason. With Herbert sitting this Sunday, backup
Trey Lance will be thrust into a starting role, and it remains to be seen what other offensive skill players the Bolts might rest. With a win this weekend, the Broncos would clinch the top seed in the AFC and a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
December 29, 2025
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that linebacker Terrel Bernard (calf) will not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday versus the division-rival New York Jets due to the calf injury that he suffered in Sunday's 13-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, per Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. The 26-year-old linebacker will sit out the final game of the regular season, but the Bills will hope he can make enough progress to play in the wild-card round of the playoffs against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Even though Bernard being ruled out will be a downgrade for Buffalo's defense in Week 18, their defense/special teams unit will still be a strong play in lineups where titles are still on the line against the lowly Jets. With Bernard out, Joe Andreessen and Dorian Williams will both see more playing time.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
December 29, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Jose Alvarado (suspension) will serve the first game of his two-game suspension on Monday against the New York Knicks. The league handed down the suspension after Alvarado got into a fight with Phoenix Suns center
Mark Williams on Saturday night. Alvarado will also sit out the matchup with the Chicago Bulls on New Year's Eve. The reserve guard is averaging 8.3 points, 3.2 assists, and one steal per game.
Jordan Poole should see an uptick in minutes off the bench behind starting point guard
Jeremiah Fears.
--Andrew BallSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson is under contract through the 2027 season, but a prominent NFL agent said on Sunday that "the biggest story of the offseason is going to be Lamar. That is going to be crazy." Head coach John Harbaugh has downplayed stories suggesting that his relationship with Jackson has been strained amid a disappointing season for the two-time MVP QB. Jackson and Baltimore have been in this position before, but after a lengthy contract negotiation and a trade request from Jackson, the two sides agreed to a five-year, $260 million extension in April of 2023. "The fact that Lamar does not have an agent is really a big negative," an NFL team executive said. When he's been at his best (and healthy), Jackson has been elite at the QB position, but outside of two seasons, the dual-threat QB hasn't been consistently great. With a lengthy injury history, too, it makes sense as to why Baltimore might consider trading Jackson this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mike Sando
December 29, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) is slated to miss a sixth consecutive game with left Achilles tendonitis on Monday night against the Dallas Mavericks. The veteran remains without a timetable to return, putting his status for Wednesday's matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder also in doubt. Forward
Kris Murray (quad), who has started during Grant's absence, is questionable. Murray hasn't taken advantage of his increased minutes (7.2 points per game in his last five starts), and
Sidy Cissoko likely won't either if he's forced into the lineup.
--Andrew BallSource: Grant Afseth
December 29, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said on Monday that the team is still trying to decide if they will play their starters in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders. "There's still things up in the air as far as seeding goes. We'll end up doing what we think is best for the team. And we're still thinking through that. That's not a decision I have to make today -- or tomorrow," Sirianni said. The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 or 3 seed for the NFC playoff picture this year. Philly is currently in the No. 3 spot, but they can bump up to the No. 2 seed with a win over Washington on Sunday and a Chicago Bears loss to the Detroit Lions. In the No. 2 seed, they'd be matched up against the Packers in the wild-card round of the postseason. If the Eagles stay in the No. 3 spot, they'd host the third-place team in the NFC West on wild-card weekend. Fantasy managers will want to pay close attention to the Eagles' decision on playing their starters this weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena
December 29, 2025
Toronto Raptors center
Jakob Poeltl (back) will miss his fourth-straight game with a back injury when his team hosts the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Poeltl missed two games earlier this month and aggravated the injury after about seven minutes of playing time on December 21st. He's expected to be out at least another week. Toronto will also be without forward
RJ Barrett (knee) on Monday, so
Sandro Mamukelashvili is likely to pick up his fifth start in the last seven games. He's averaged 17.2 and 7.2 rebounds in those starts and is squarely on the fantasy basketball radar.
--Andrew BallSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said the team is looking to get rookie first-round wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan more involved in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Saturday, according to Joseph Person of The Athletic. McMillan was under the weather last weekend and ended up catching just one pass for five yards in the Week 17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, his worst performance of his rookie season. "Our focal point is T-Mac. We try to build formations and try to get him into spots to get him the ball," Canales said. "I didn't do a good enough job of that last week, and we'll make sure that that comes alive." McMillan saw a lot of man and press coverage, which was considered his weak spot coming out of college. In the first game against Tampa two weeks ago, McMillan had six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. Fantasy managers playing for a title in Week 18 will be hoping the Panthers grease the squeaky wheel in the rematch.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Joseph Person
December 29, 2025
Toronto Raptors forward
RJ Barrett (knee) won't play in the second night of a back-to-back on Monday, following an extended absence with a knee sprain. The 25-year-old played just under 24 minutes on Sunday after missing the previous 15 games, scoring 12 points and grabbing seven rebounds. With fellow starter
Jakob Poeltl (back) also sidelined,
Ochai Agbaji and
Sandro Mamukelashvili should pick up starts again when the Raptors host the Orlando Magic.
--Andrew BallSource: NBA Injury Report
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