February 27, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jake Guentzel recorded a hat trick of assists in Thursday's entertaining 5-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. His passing ability helped Tampa Bay erase a 3-0 deficit in the game, but Guentzel couldn't celebrate a victory over his former team. Guentzel is having a career year in 2025-26, posting 26 goals and 63 points in 57 outings. This could be his first campaign with 90 points. The newly crowned Olympic champion has been especially hot since the turn of the year, amassing 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) in 18 games in 2026. This stretch includes nine multi-point performances.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 27, 2026
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl had his third four-point game of the season on Thursday night, finishing an 8-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings with a goal and three assists. The German superstar potted a power-play goal in the third period to become only the fifth player born outside North America to record at least eight consecutive seasons with 30 markers. He has also recorded 54 assists in 57 appearances. With 84 points, Draisaitl is fourth in the league. Meanwhile, only his partner in crime, Connor McDavid (40), has managed more power-play points than Draisaitl (36). The deadly duo will look to close out the week in style on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks, who have a 78.7 percent penalty kill.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 27, 2026
Colorado Avalanche winger Joel Kiviranta (undisclosed) left Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild midway through the second period. He was unable to continue after absorbing a hit from Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian. Kiviranta has played in only 30 of Colorado's 57 games and could miss time again. The Finnish forward has contributed two goals and five assists as a fourth-line grinder. Colorado is carrying Zakhar Bardakov as an extra forward, and he'll likely hop into the lineup if Kivirant can't play in Saturday's contest against the Chicago Blackhawks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 27, 2026
Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (illness) was forced to leave Thursday's 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche with only 1:04 remaining in the third period. The Swedish netminder became ill during the game. Gustavsson put in a big performance, saving 44 of 45 shots. Jesper Wallstedt allowed one goal on two shots after replacing Gustavsson, who improved to 21-9-6 on Thursday night. With the Wild back in action on Friday against the Utah Mammoth, Wallstedt is likely to receive the starting nod. He has also seen a lot of success in the Wild crease this season, posting a 14-5-4 record.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 27, 2026
Seattle Mariners top prospect
Colt Emerson has begun to find his footing in spring training and is making a strong case to crack the Opening Day roster. On Tuesday, Emerson went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run. In his next contest on Thursday, Emerson stayed hot at the dish, going 2-for-3 once again. He has now gone 4-for-11 through his first five contests this spring. Last summer, the 20-year-old spent most of his time at High-A and Double-A but did earn a short stint at Triple-A, which has opened the door for an early 2026 MLB debut. Across 124 games shared between High-A and Double-A, Emerson posted a .280/.380/.444 line with 14 long balls and 14 stolen bases. The No. 9-ranked prospect on MLB.com remains a top name to watch in camp as he would hold high-end sleeper value if he can earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 27, 2026
Los Angeles Kings right wing Joel Armia was limited to 4:46 of action on Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers, leaving the game with an upper-body injury. Armia was one of the standout players at the Olympic tournament and was looking to build on that momentum. Unfortunately, he played only a handful of minutes on Thursday night and could miss additional time. Armia has totaled 10 goals and 20 points in 53 games with the Kings this season. Andrei Kuzmenko (undisclosed) or Samuel Helenius could replace Armia in the lineup on Saturday against the Calgary Flames. Kuzmenko is dealing with an undisclosed injury but was labeled day-to-day on Thursday and might be ready to play over the weekend.
--Taavi PailkSource: Los Angeles Kings PR
February 27, 2026
Baltimore Orioles catching prospect
Samuel Basallo (abdomen) is not expected to undergo further testing. The top prospect was removed from Thursday's game with an abdominal injury, but it appears the move was precautionary. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status over the next few days, but Basallo looks to have avoided a serious injury. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz also noted that Basallo could have remained in the game. The 21-year-old made his MLB debut last summer and is poised to see a near-everyday role in the upcoming campaign. Through his first 31 games in the majors, Basallo held a .165/.229/.300 line with a modest .559 OPS. However, at Triple-A Norfolk, Basallo posted a strong .270/.377/.589 line with 23 home runs across 76 games. The young backstop is a top high-end No. 2 catcher in all formats heading into 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Jake Rill
February 27, 2026
Colorado Rockies first base/outfield prospect
Charlie Condon has been among the top hitters throughout the opening week of spring training games. The former third overall selection from the 2024 MLB Draft has gone 6-for-10 with two home runs and a 2:2 K:BB. The 22-year-old is in the mix to claim the starting first base job, and a strong showing in camp opens the door for an early promotion. Last summer, the former Georgia standout spent most of his time with High-A and Double-A. With High-A, Condon posted a .312/.431/.420 line across a 35-game stint. In his first look at Double-A, Condon flashed higher power, launching 11 long balls but held a lower .235/.342/.465 line. While he is likely ticketed for Triple-A to begin the campaign, Condon could remain in the mix for an early-season call-up if he continues this trajectory.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 27, 2026
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty suffered a lower-body injury in Thursday's 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. He was limited to 15:15 of ice time, exiting the action in the second period. The former Norris Trophy winner has been held scoreless in 19 of his last 20 outings and could struggle to reach the 20-point plateau this season. In 51 appearances, Doughty has managed three goals and 11 assists. The Kings complete this week's action on Saturday against the Calgary Flames, with Jacob Moverare ready to step in for Doughty if needed.
--Taavi PailkSource: Los Angeles Kings PR
February 27, 2026
According to Lochlahn March of The Philly Inquirer, Phillies top infield prospect
Aidan Miller (back) is still getting treatments on his back but remains without a clear timetable to resume hitting. March noted that the Phillies remain very cautious with the former 27th overall selection. The 21-year-old was in the mix to potentially crack the Opening Day roster, but this injury will likely send him back to Triple-A to begin the season. In 2025, Miller spent the majority of his campaign with Double-A before earning a short taste of Triple-A in the final month. Through 108 games at Reading, Miller held a stellar .259/.382/.427 line with 13 home runs and an eye-catching 52 stolen bases. In his first eight games at Triple-A, Miller swiped another seven bags while holding a .333 AVG. Even though Miller is trending towards beginning the season in the minor leagues, he remains a viable stash option for deeper leagues given the immense speed upside he possesses.
--Andy SmithSource: Lochlahn March
February 27, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect
Andrew Painter is set to make his spring debut on Sunday against the New York Yankees. Painter is currently in contention for the final spot in the starting rotation, and a strong showing in camp should put him as the favorite to claim it. Last summer, Painter returned to the bump for the first time since 2022 (after undergoing Tommy John surgery) and found little consistency. Across 106 2/3 innings at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the former 13th overall pick posted a modest 5.40 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, with a 111:46 K:BB. However, before undergoing surgery in 2022, Painter posted a stellar 1.56 ERA and 0.89 WHIP over 103 2/3 innings at the lower levels. During camp, the Phillies have noted that the right-hander has shown improved command and looks far more comfortable another year removed from his surgery. Painter remains a prime late-round sleeper given that immense strikeout upside he flashed early in his career.
--Andy SmithSource: Corey Seidman
February 27, 2026
New York Mets outfield prospect
Carson Benge was perfect at the plate on Wednesday afternoon and continues to make a strong case to be on the Opening Day roster. Facing the Astros, the team's top hitting prospect went a perfect 3-for-3 at the dish (all singles). Given New York's current outfield situation, Benge could make a strong case to begin the regular season as the team's primary right fielder, as
Juan Soto is slated to shift to left field. Last summer, Benge began the season at High-A but was able to reach Triple-A in the second half. While he posted a dominant .317/.407/.571 line across 32 games at Double-A, Benge faced some growing pains during his first stint at Triple-A, posting a much lower .178/.272/.311 line. Despite this, Benge will continue to have an opportunity to claim the starting job from veterans
Tyrone Taylor and
Mike Tauchman. He remains an intriguing late-round target in five-outfielder formats.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 26, 2026
St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington is not on the roster for Thursday night's game versus the Kraken. Goaltender Joel Hofer will get the start in his place, and Georgi Romanov will serve as the backup. Binnington is expected to rejoin St. Louis for Saturday's game against New Jersey. For the season, Binnington has a 3.65 goals-against average and an .864 save percentage.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com - St. Louis Blues
February 26, 2026
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood is receiving the start for Thursday's game against the Wild. Blackwood is in net for the second half of the Avalanche's back-to-back set after they picked up a win on Wednesday night against the Mammoth with goaltender Scott Wedgewood in the crease. Blackwood has been productive when healthy this season, with a record of 16-5-1 to go along with a 2.25 goals-against average, three shutouts, and a .916 save percentage through 23 appearances for the league-leading Avalanche.
--Marko23Source: Daily Faceoff
February 26, 2026
The Washington Commanders are releasing center Tyler Biadasz on Thursday, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The former Pro Bowler with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 spent the last two years with the Commanders and started all 31 games that he appeared in. The 28-year-old spent the first four years of his career in Dallas after they selected him in the fourth round in 2020 out of Wisconsin. Biadasz has made at least 15 starts in each of the last five years, and he should attract plenty of attention around the league from teams in need of a center this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
February 26, 2026
Signing defensive end Will Anderson Jr. to a contract extension that will make him one of the highest-paid pass-rushers in the NFL is a "priority" for the Houston Texans this offseason and could come "soon," according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Anderson was the third overall pick in the 2023 draft out of Alabama, and he's been a Pro Bowler in two of his three seasons while also being named the Defensive Rookie of the Year. The 24-year-old pass-rusher has 23 total sacks the last two seasons, including a career-high 12 in 17 regular-season games in 2025. Anderson also had a career-high 54 total tackles (35 solo), 20 tackles for loss, 23 QB hits, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown). He was a big reason the Texans had the No. 1 defense in the league last year, and he'll be a popular defensive end target in IDP fantasy leagues this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
February 26, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Jaxson Hayes (ankle) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's game against Phoenix after previously carrying a probable tag. Hayes is averaging 6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in 17.3 minutes this season and should slot back into his usual reserve role behind
Deandre Ayton. His availability likely trims frontcourt minutes for
Maxi Kleber and
Jarred Vanderbilt, limiting their deep-league appeal. Hayes remains a fringe option outside of very deep formats, offering modest rebounding and field-goal percentage support without consistent volume.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dave McMenamin
February 26, 2026
Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said he pulled third baseman
Josh Jung (hamstring) from the Cactus League lineup on Thursday against the Chicago White Sox as a precaution because he "felt something" in his hamstring, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. Schumaker said that Jung "wasn't thrilled that I pulled him." Jung is likely to be back in the lineup on Friday, so it's obviously nothing serious. The 28-year-old should be fine, but it's worth noting for a player who has struggled to stay on the field early in his career due to injuries. Jung played a career-high 131 games in 2025 and slashed .251/.294/.390 with a .684 OPS, 14 home runs, 61 RBI, 53 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 511 plate appearances. Injuries in the last two seasons have caused his batted-ball metrics to dip and his draft stock to slide. Jung still has plenty of power from the right side, though, and isn't a bad depth option at the hot corner if you're looking for home runs.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
February 26, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers center
Donovan Clingan (illness) is out, while centers
Robert Williams III (foot) and
Yang Hansen (back) are available for Thursday's game against Chicago. Clingan's absence opens frontcourt minutes, giving Williams per-minute upside appeal. Over his last five games, Williams has averaged 6.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 14.6 minutes, positioning him as a viable blocks streamer who can deliver efficient production even in a limited role. Hansen profiles as a deeper, riskier option.
Jerami Grant and
Toumani Camara should also see slight rebounding boosts with Clingan sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
New York Mets left-hander
Sean Manaea performed like an ace in the second half of 2024 after lowering his arm slot to emulate
Chris Sale. In 2025, Manaea went even lower with his arm slot, but it didn't work, and he also dealt with elbow and oblique injuries before finishing with a 5.64 ERA in just 60 2/3 innings. The Athletic's Will Sammon writes that Manaea is "one of the Mets' biggest X-factors" in 2026, and while working with Tread Athletics over the offseason, he is "closer to where he was at his best in 2024" in terms of his revised arm slot. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw is also feeling totally healthy this spring. Pitching coach Justin Willard describes Manaea's fastball as "elite" because it's "a different pitch than hitters are used to seeing." Manaea has relied mostly on his fastball and sweeper in recent seasons, but he's working more on his changeup to potentially bring it back. Manaea isn't a bad late-round flier in fantasy drafts to mitigate the risk of an aging pitcher with two above-average seasons since 2020.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Will Sammon
February 26, 2026
Chicago Bulls center
Jalen Smith (calf) and forward
Patrick Williams (quad) are expected to miss at least one week due to right leg strains. The timeline likely sidelines both for multiple games, thinning Chicago's frontcourt rotation.
Guerschon Yabusele started the last contest and logged 27 minutes, producing 11 points, four rebounds, three three-pointers, one assist, and two steals, while
Nick Richards added six points and five rebounds in 22 minutes. Yabusele profiles as a short-term streamer for threes and steals, and Richards offers deep-league rebounding value.
Matas Buzelis should continue to see a steady run in the frontcourt.
--Brian DailisanSource: Joel Lorenzi
February 26, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward
Keldon Johnson (shoulder) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Johnson was a late addition to the injury report, but he does shed the questionable tag. He figures to have his normal workload after only playing 14 minutes during Wednesday's contest. Johnson has been struggling lately; he has only scored over 10 points in two of his last seven games. The hope is that he is able to bounce out of this rough patch soon. Fantasy managers should continue to ride with him and should get him active ahead of tip-off on Thursday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward
Khris Middleton (shoulder) will play Thursday against Sacramento after entering the night with a shoulder stinger. The veteran wing has averaged 14.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 three-pointers in 23.0 minutes across his last five games, but he remains a volatile fantasy option given fluctuating minutes and workload management risk. With Dallas shorthanded in the frontcourt, Middleton should see steady involvement, though his availability could trim opportunities for
Klay Thompson and
Caleb Martin on the wing. Middleton is more of a matchup-based play in standard leagues, while deeper formats can justify holding for scoring and triples.
--Brian DailisanSource: Ron Harrod Jr.
February 26, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Cody Ponce made his Grapefruit League debut on Wednesday and threw a clean inning with no walks, no hits, and two strikeouts against the Detroit Tigers. Ponce is an interesting arm going into the 2026 season in the middle of Toronto's starting rotation. The Jays signed him to a three-year, $30 million contract in December after he was named the MVP of the Korean League last year with the Hanwha Eagles, where he had an impressive 1.89 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 252:41 K:BB in 180 2/3 innings pitched. Ponce won't have it easy as he returns to the majors in the tough American League East and in a hitter-friendly home ballpark, but he's returning with a better splitter and the addition of a kick-change. The 31-year-old had a 5.86 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and 48:17 K:BB in 20 outings (five starts) in 2020 and 2021 with the Pirates. Ponce will be one to watch in deep-mixed leagues and a sleeper for those in AL-only leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 26, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) will sit out Thursday's game against Sacramento due to right ankle injury management. With
P.J. Washington (ankle) also sidelined, Dallas is thin up front.
Marvin Bagley III is the clear streaming target after posting 22 points, five rebounds, and one assist in 20 minutes off the bench in the last win. He should approach 24 to 28 minutes if inserted into the starting group.
Naji Marshall and
Khris Middleton could see added frontcourt usage, while Bagley profiles as a short-term points and rebounds boost.
--Brian DailisanSource: Ron Harrod Jr.
February 26, 2026
Miami Heat forward/center
Nikola Jovic (back) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. This marks the third straight game that Jovic has missed due to a lingering back issue. His next chance to play will come on Saturday versus the Houston Rockets. The absence of Jovic should mean increased playing time for Simone Fontechhio and
Pelle Larsson. Neither player offers great fantasy value at the moment. Larsson has been consistent with 10 or more points in each of the last three games. He's worth a look as a low-end streaming option while Jovic is out.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
San Antonio Spurs guard
Stephon Castle (hip) is available for Thursday's game against Brooklyn after being listed as questionable with left hip tightness. The second-year guard has averaged 15.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.0 three-pointers across 25.0 minutes over his last five outings and logged 28 minutes in Wednesday's win, signaling no workload restriction. Castle's 27.7 percent usage keeps him rostered in standard formats, especially with
Keldon Johnson (shoulder) questionable. He offers points and assists with manageable risk, while
De'Aaron Fox and
Victor Wembanyama continue to command primary touches.
--Brian DailisanSource: Paul Garcia
February 26, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Davion Mitchell (illness) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Mitchell will shed the questionable tag and suit up despite dealing with an illness. There is no indication that Mitchell is going to be limited after having a full workload on Tuesday. This season, Mitchell is averaging 9.0 points, 7.1 assists, and 2.6 rebounds across 28.8 minutes per game. With Mitchell active,
Kasparas Jakucionis will remain on the bench, which will limit his fantasy upside.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee, shin) is available ahead of Thursday's game against the Miami Heat. As expected, Embiid is ready to go after being listed as probable on the injury report. Before Tuesday's contest, Embiid missed five straight games due to knee and shin issues. On Tuesday, Embiid finished with 27 points, five assists, and six rebounds in 26 minutes of action. The expectation is that Embiid will have a similar workload until he's fully healthy again. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can feel safe getting Embiid into their lineups on Thursday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Friday's meeting with the Denver Nuggets. He has been sidelined since suffering an abdominal injury, keeping him off the floor for OKC's previous nine contests. While SGA may be limited for at least a few contests, he should be plugged right back into all fantasy lineups.
Chet Holmgren (back) and
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) are also off the injury report, meaning lower ceilings for
Cason Wallace,
Jaylin Williams, and
Aaron Wiggins.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
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