January 26, 2026
Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (head) was on the receiving end of a high hit at the end of Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Penguins forward Bryan Rust hit Boeser in the head with an extended elbow as time expired. Canucks head coach Adam Foote called it a "vicious headshot." "I'm sure the league will take a look at it," Foote added. Boeser had scored in back-to-back games before the Penguins neutralized him. The 28-year-old has notched 12 goals and 25 points in 50 games this season. He has been a disappointment to fantasy managers after averaging 0.66 points per game last campaign. David Kampf was scratched on Sunday and could return to the lineup if Boeser has to miss time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 26, 2026
According to Chris Henrique of The Boston Sports Journal, the Red Sox have received interest in right-handed starting pitcher
Brayan Bello. Henrique notes that, given Boston's starting pitching depth, teams have begun to call to acquire Bello. Additionally, the team has started "quietly" gauging his value on the trade market. Bello logged a career-high 166 2/3 innings last season and posted a 3.35 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP. He struck out 124 hitters and showed solid command, allowing walks at an 8.4% rate. However, he posted a rather high 4.48 xERA, suggesting he may regress in 2026. With
Ranger Suarez joining the rotation and several budding arms in contention for a lead role like
Connelly Early and
Payton Tolle, the Red Sox may look to move Bello to improve their starting lineup instead.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Henrique
January 26, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (undisclosed) appeared to have gotten hurt during Sunday's 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. He was seen grabbing his shoulder on the bench as the Penguins celebrated their win at the end of the game. Malkin scored Pittsburgh's first goal on Sunday and has looked fantastic since returning from an upper-body injury. Across his last 10 appearances, Malkin has produced five goals and six assists. He is averaging over a point per game for the season, with 13 goals and 27 assists in 40 outings. We should know more about what happened to Malkin before Thursday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 26, 2026
Chicago Cubs catching prospect
Moises Ballesteros appears poised to take on a larger role in the major leagues this season. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com notes that with outfielder
Owen Caissie now in Miami, Ballesteros faces minimal competition for everyday at-bats and should be in a great position to take on a lead role early in the campaign. Last summer, Ballesteros made his MLB debut and had success during his brief 20-game stint, holding a .298/.394/.474 line with two doubles, one triple, and two home runs. He spent most of the season with Triple-A Iowa, where the 22-year-old posted an impressive .316/.385/.473 line with an .858 OPS, 29 doubles, and 13 home runs. Given his projected role as the primary DH, Ballesteros carries sleeper appeal in all 12-team formats heading into 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Jordan Bastian
January 26, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Sam Merrill (hand) is questionable for Monday's game against Orlando as he works through a right-hand sprain that has already sidelined him for five straight contests. If Merrill remains out,
Jaylon Tyson continues to be the clear fantasy beneficiary, especially with
Darius Garland (toe) still unavailable. Tyson has started five straight games and is averaging 20.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.2 three-pointers in 34.0 minutes during that span.
Craig Porter Jr. and
Tyrese Proctor are tough to trust, offering only matchup-based fantasy value.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Deni Avdija (back) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against Boston as he works through a lower-back strain that already cost him one contest. If Avdija sits again, Portland's wing rotation stays fluid.
Sidy Cissoko logged 33 minutes on Friday but managed just three points with three rebounds, limiting his fantasy appeal to deep leagues.
Caleb Love is the cleaner streamer after producing 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 29 minutes, while
Rayan Rupert remains a minutes-based flier with inconsistent usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward
Zaccharie Risacher (knee) will sit again Monday against Indiana, extending his absence to nine straight games as he continues to recover from a left knee bone bruise. The second-year forward has recently ramped up activity with a G League assignment, suggesting a return may be getting closer. Until then, Atlanta's wing rotation remains unsettled.
Corey Kispert and
Vit Krejci continue to pick up minutes, but neither has delivered consistent fantasy value. Kispert has reached eight points just twice in his last five games and rarely clears 20 minutes, while Krejci's fluctuating role keeps him limited to deep-league consideration.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) will miss Monday's game against Indiana, extending his absence to nine straight contests as he continues to manage left Achilles tendinitis. A clearer return window could emerge soon, with Wednesday next on the schedule. His continued absence locks
Onyeka Okongwu into a featured frontcourt role. Okongwu delivered 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 36 minutes in the win over Phoenix and remains a strong fantasy start. His expanded workload keeps him firmly in must-roster territory, while Atlanta's frontcourt rotation stays condensed.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward
Austin Reaves (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Chicago as he continues to work back from a left calf strain. Reaves has advanced to full-contact practice, but the Lakers are opting for caution with his return, eyeing Wednesday as his next chance to play. His absence keeps
Marcus Smart in a stable rotation role. Over his last five games, Smart is averaging 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.4 three-pointers in 28.6 minutes, making him a serviceable short-term fantasy hold.
LeBron James and
Luka Doncic also maintain elevated usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Kris Dunn (ankle) exited in the second quarter Sunday after turning his right ankle and was unable to return, though he remained on the bench for the second half. Dunn finished with two points, three rebounds, and one steal in 13 minutes, putting his availability for the next game in question. If he sits,
Kobe Sanders profiles as the primary minutes beneficiary after logging 30 minutes off the bench and posting nine points, four rebounds, and two assists. Sanders becomes a short-term deep-league streamer, while
Jordan Miller also gains fringe appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
January 26, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Cason Wallace (groin) was ruled out for the second half Sunday after developing left groin soreness, finishing with three points, one rebound, and one assist in 16 minutes. His status is worth monitoring ahead of Tuesday's matchup with New Orleans. If Wallace misses additional time,
Aaron Wiggins and
Isaiah Joe are lined up for expanded wing minutes. Wiggins logged 30 minutes and delivered 11 points with four assists, while Joe provides low-end three-point streaming appeal in deeper fantasy formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Clemente Almanza
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Jordan Whittington (chest) returned to Sunday's NFC Championship game during the fourth quarter. He had exited in the third quarter and was initially listed as questionable before being cleared to re-enter. Even though he climbed further up the depth chart with
Tutu Atwell (coach's decision) inactive, Whittington had not been targeted prior to his departure. However, he did contribute on special teams with five kick returns for a total of 116 yards. On offense, he and
Konata Mumpfield will occupy depth roles behind
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Kobie Turner (cramps) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's NFC Championship against the Seattle Seahawks. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, Turner had two tackles and two quarterback hits. The 26-year-old amassed seven sacks and one fumble recovery through 17 regular-season games, and he continued to establish himself as a top weapon on defense. As a result, his departure from Sunday's game could be pivotal as the Rams look to mount a fourth-quarter comeback against Seattle. As long as Turner is on the sideline, Tyler Davis will earn more snaps on defense.
--Andersen PickardSource: Los Angeles Rams
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Jordan Whittington (chest) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's NFC Championship against the Seattle Seahawks. He is officially listed as questionable to return. He had not been targeted at the time of his departure, but he was third on the depth chart with
Tutu Atwell (coach's decision) inactive for the second week in a row. Most of Los Angeles' passing game funnels through
Puka Nacua,
Davante Adams, and
Colby Parkinson, so Whittington's exit doesn't have enormous implications for the Rams. Nevertheless, with Atwell inactive, Los Angeles could use all the wide receiver depth it can get. As long as Whittington remains on the sideline,
Konata Mumpfield should operate as the No. 3 receiver behind Nacua and Adams.
--Andersen PickardSource: Los Angeles Rams
January 25, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Paul George (knee) won't play on Monday against the Hornets. The Sixers will face the Bucks on Tuesday night, so George will sit this one out before presumably returning for that contest. With
Joel Embiid (knee) also ruled out,
Tyrese Maxey,
VJ Edgecombe, and
Kelly Oubre Jr. should see the most scoring opportunities.
Quentin Grimes may also find a spot in the starting lineup, with the former Knick averaging 12.0 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in seven starts this season.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) won't play on Monday in Charlotte. The 31-year-old has picked things up from a production standpoint of late, most recently amassing 38 points in Saturday's loss to the New York Knicks. His knee appeared to be bothering him late in that contest, so it's unknown if he's being held out for that reason, or if its to keep him fresh for Tuesday's meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks. With Embiid sidelined,
Andre Drummond will likely slide into the starting lineup, with the 2012 No. 9 overall pick averaging 8.9 points and 11.2 boards in 16 starts this season.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
The Detroit Tigers are "one of many teams" interested in signing free-agent starting pitcher
Lucas Giolito, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Giolito impressed in the Red Sox's rotation last year, and he remains on the market with less than one month until spring training. He tossed 145 innings across 26 starts in 2025, posting a 3.41 ERA, 7.51 K/9, and 3.48 BB/9. His 4.59 xFIP suggests he may have gotten lucky at times last season, but the results were enough to keep Giolito entrenched in the No. 2 starter role behind
Garrett Crochet. It doesn't sound like a deal is imminent, but if Giolito does land in Detroit, he'll go from pitching behind one AL Cy Young candidate in Crochet to another in
Tarik Skubal. He'd also reunite with Tigers starter
Jack Flaherty, who was his teammate in high school. Giolito currently ranks as the #123 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings, but that placement will presumably shift a little once we know where he'll be pitching in 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jon Heyman
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee, illness) is available against the Nets. The multi-time All-Star isn't feeling well while also dealing with a left knee contusion. However, he's good to go for a favorable matchup versus Brooklyn, a team that has struggled defensively throughout the 2025 campaign. With Leonard cleared for action,
Kobe Sanders and
Jordan Miller should see considerably fewer scoring opportunities.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Justin Russo
January 25, 2026
The Chicago Cubs have signed outfielder
Dylan Carlson to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Greg Zumach of The Baseball Tribune. Carlson was the Cardinals' first-round pick in 2016 and made his MLB debut with the organization in 2020. He ascended into the role of everyday right fielder and was a finalist for National League Rookie of the Year in 2021. However, his productivity at the plate dipped over time. He was traded to the Rays in 2024 and spent last season in a platoon role with the Baltimore Orioles. Across 83 big-league contests in Birdland, he slashed just .203/.278/.336 with an 8.7% walk rate, a 22.4% strikeout rate, and 74 wRC+. He posted negative fWAR for the second season in a row, forcing him to settle for a minor league contract this offseason. Now back in the NL Central for the first time since 2024, Carlson will look to compete for a 26-man roster spot in camp. It's a relatively crowded position battle, though, especially after the Cubs inked outfielder
Chas McCormick to a similar minor league deal last week.
--Andersen PickardSource: Greg Zumach
January 25, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Norman Powell (back) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns. As expected, Powell is cleared to play after being listed as probable coming into this game. He has been dealing with a back issue, but will continue to play through the injury. Powell will continue to have a significant workload while the Heat are without
Tyler Herro (ribs) and
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) right now. Fantasy managers should make sure to get Powell in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher
Jared Jones (elbow) has been throwing bullpen sessions twice a week as he continues his rehab program, he told John Perrotto of PiratesRoundtable. Jones experienced UCL discomfort last spring and ultimately underwent an internal brace procedure in May. As a result, he hasn't pitched in a game since his rookie season in 2024. During that campaign, he tossed 121.2 innings across 22 starts with a 3.78 xFIP, 9.76 K/9, and 2.88 BB/9. At just 24 years old, he brings plenty of upside to a young Pirates rotation that also features
Paul Skenes,
Mitch Keller,
Braxton Ashcraft, and
Bubba Chandler. Perrotto said that, although the Pirates don't have an exact timetable for Jones' recovery, a June return seems realistic at the moment. He currently ranks as the #139 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: John Perrotto
January 25, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Kasparas Jakucionis (head) has been upgraded to available ahead of Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Jakucionis made an early exit during Saturday's game after taking an elbow to the head. He suffered a facial contusion, which put his status for this game in jeopardy. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to keep him sidelined, so fantasy managers can get Jakucionis in their lineups. He figures to play a larger role with
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) ruled out for this game. Jakucionis is worth a look as a low-end streaming option while Mitchell is sidelined.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Jalen Green (hamstring) is ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. Green made an early exit from Friday's game after appearing to aggravate his right hamstring. The Suns have decided to take the cautious approach and hold Green out for Sunday's contest. They will be shorthanded with
Devin Booker (ankle) also heading to the sideline here. Their absence should mean,
Grayson Allen and
Collin Gillespie are likely going to play heavy minutes during this game. Both players are looking like strong streaming options for Sunday's slate. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on Green's timetable.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Aaron Wiggins (groin) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Wiggins is back in the mix after missing each of the last two games due to a lingering groin issue. He figures to have a full workload, given Wiggins only missed two games. This month, Wiggins is averaging 10.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 25.1 minutes per game.
Cason Wallace and
Isaiah Joe would likely see reduced roles with Wiggins back in the mix. Given the injuries to this roster, Wiggins does have decent streaming appeal with the Thunder banged up.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher
Justin Steele (elbow) resumed throwing off a mound last week, according to the team's injury tracker on MLB.com. Steele has been on the injured list since undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery last April, and the only significant update on his status between then and now was an October report that said Steele had resumed throwing. Throwing off a mound is the latest step in his recovery, and Steele recently said that he is either on or ahead of schedule. He might not be ready for Opening Day, but an April return remains a real possibility, especially amid reports that he should face batters during spring training. Steele was the ace of the Cubs' staff when he was fully healthy in 2024, putting together a 2.74 xERA with 9.02 K/9, 2.47 BB/9, and a 44.8% ground ball rate. It's unclear which rotation spot he'll slot into upon his return, as the Cubs' five current projected starters all had sub-3.75 ERAs last year. Despite the crowded pitching staff, Steele's track record puts him in line for a prominent rotation role once he's healthy enough to pitch again. If anything, the Cubs' pitching depth could allow them to be extra cautious and not rush Steele back.
--Andersen PickardSource: MLB.com
January 25, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Jose Alvarado (oblique) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. This marks the first time that Alvarado has suited up since January 6. He's likely going to have his minutes monitored, given Alvarado has missed nine straight games. His return to the court will likely reduce playing time for
Jordan Poole and
Jeremiah Fears. Alvarado offers some low-end streaming appeal, but isn't an ideal option given he'll likely be limited on Sunday. He's someone worth keeping an eye on once he gets back to full speed.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
The Texas Rangers have signed free agent left-handed pitcher
Austin Gomber to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. The 32-year-old has spent parts of seven seasons in the majors, including the last five with the Colorado Rockies. He tossed just 57.2 innings over 12 starts last year, pitching to a 0-7 record and 7.49 ERA. It's possible that he was a bit unlucky, as his xFIP was 5.67 and presumably would have been even lower if he didn't have to pitch at Coors Field. Still, it was the worst season of his career, as his strikeout rate dropped to 5.3 K/9 and his home run rate soared to 2.5 HR/9. Joining the Rangers should allow Gomber to pitch in a park that is far more pitcher-friendly, but first, he'll have to make the team. Gomber will spend spring training competing for the Rangers' fifth and final rotation spot behind
Jacob deGrom,
Nathan Eovaldi,
MacKenzie Gore, and
Jack Leiter.
--Andersen PickardSource: Aram Leighton
January 25, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Trey Murphy III (hand) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Murphy was tagged as probable earlier in the day due to right-hand soreness. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to keep Murphy on the sideline. Fantasy managers should expect Murphy to have his full workload on Sunday. This season, Murphy is averaging 22.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 35.7 minutes per game. Fantasy managers should double-check their lineups and make sure Murphy is in there ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard
Ja'Kobe Walter (hip) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Walter is back in the mix after missing the last seven games due to a hip injury. It's unclear if Walter will have a minutes limit during his first game back in the rotation. Walter hasn't been a consistent contributor this season anyway, so he's better off left on waivers. His role will likely be minimal, especially with
Immanuel Quickley (ankle) cleared to play.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard
Immanuel Quickley (ankle) has been upgraded to available ahead of Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He entered this game as questionable due to right ankle soreness. Quickley is feeling good enough to play and should have his normal role in the starting five. This season, Quickley is averaging 17.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 32.6 minutes per game. Fantasy managers should double-check their lineups and make sure Quickley is in there ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
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