LeBron James Out Against Spurs
On Tuesday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports that Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) will not play against the San Antonio Spurs. James will sit out the second leg of a back-to-back for injury maintenance after finishing with 22 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists in 36 minutes during Monday's loss to OKC. Luka Doncic (hamstring), Austin Reaves (calf), and Marcus Smart (ankle) will also be sidelined. With several key contributors out of action, the Lakers will be forced to rely heavily on their remaining rotation, creating additional usage opportunities for players like Luke Kennard and Dalton Knecht during tonight's matchup.
Source: Dave McMenamin
Source: Dave McMenamin
Jordan Spieth Looking For a Return to Form at Pebble Beach
After missing the cut last week in Phoenix, Jordan Spieth travels to the Monterey Peninsula this week in hopes of getting things back on track at a course that used to be his stomping grounds. He was the man to beat early in the now 32-year-old's career. However, he's struggled to find the same magic over the last three seasons, and the reasons are as clear as day: inaccuracy off the tee and poor putting. Spieth has lost an average of -0.953 strokes on the greens in that time, and is notoriously one of the more erratic drivers of the golf ball on the PGA Tour. It's too soon to tell which version of Spieth is wielding the putter yet this season, and the inability to consistently hit fairways is what it is. However, he's a fun flyer pick for GPP.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Quentin Grimes Still Dealing With Illness, Questionable to Play Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Quentin Grimes (illness) could miss a second consecutive game on Wednesday versus the New York Knicks, as the team has listed him as questionable on the injury report. Grimes missed Monday's loss to Portland due to illness after being a late addition to the injury report. With Grimes out of the mix, Kyle Lowry made his first appearance in nearly a month. The veteran guard had six points, one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block in 18 minutes. Unfortunately, the days of Lowry providing fantasy value are long gone.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Shane Bieber to Open Season on Injured List
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Shane Bieber (forearm) will open the 2026 season on the injured list, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. Bieber is dealing with right-forearm fatigue and will have his ramp-up during spring training delayed past Opening Day. Manager John Schneider said Bieber is feeling good and is playing catch, but he's week-to-week and won't start the season on time. The 30-year-old still hasn't recovered from the extra workload he took on last fall during the team's run to the World Series. Bieber pitched well in the postseason, but he made five appearances after making seven starts for Toronto in the regular season in his return from Tommy John surgery. He pitched well in his return and showed an increase in his velocity, but this is a reminder that Bieber carries significant injury risk.
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Joel Embiid Questionable to Face Knicks Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's Eastern Conference showdown against the New York Knicks. Embiid has been a regular in the lineup since January but didn't play in Monday's loss to Portland to manage his knee injury. The former MVP hasn't missed back-to-back games since mid-December. Another absence for Embiid on Wednesday would allow Andre Drummond to remain in the starting lineup. He had 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in Monday's tilt. Adam Bona served as the backup center, finishing with seven points and one board.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Bowden Francis Done for the Year After Having UCL Reconstruction
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that right-hander Bowden Francis (elbow) will miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing UCL reconstruction, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Francis also missed time last year with a right-shoulder impingement and was limited to 64 innings over 14 starts during the regular season. The 29-year-old posted a career-worst 6.05 ERA (6.85 FIP) and 1.53 WHIP while striking out 54 and walking 27 in 2025 in his fourth year in the big leagues with the Jays. His strong 2024 campaign was aided by a .211 BABIP and 78.3 left-on-base percentage, but his split-finger fastball did prove to be a pretty nasty pitch. Francis was much easier to hit last year and allowed 19 home runs in just 64 innings of work. The former seventh-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017 now faces a lengthy recovery.
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Juuse Saros Starting Wednesday
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros will start for Finland against Slovakia on Wednesday. He is expected to be the team's No. 1 throughout the Olympic tournament, ahead of Kevin Lankinen of the Vancouver Canucks and Joonas Korpisalo of the Boston Bruins. Saros has not been at his best in 2025-26. He has no shutouts in 44 starts, posting a 21-17-5 record, a 3.20 goals-against average, and a .892 save percentage. The 30-year-old has allowed at least three goals in nine consecutive starts. Still, Saros remains Finland's best option in net and has previously performed at a high level with the team. Across the Four Nations Face-Off and three World Championships, Saros has gone 7-4 with Team Finland, allowing 1.71 goals with a .941 save percentage. He has tallied three shutouts in 11 games.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Austin Reaves Sidelined on Tuesday
According to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (calf) will not play against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. The 27-year-old will sit out the back end of a back-to-back due to left calf injury management, with his next opportunity to return coming Thursday against the Mavericks. Luka Doncic (hamstring), LeBron James (foot), and Marcus Smart (ankle) are also expected to miss Tuesday's contest. As a result, Dalton Knecht, Kobe Bufkin, Nick Smith, and Luke Kennard should be more involved in the rotation this evening.
Source: Broderick Turner
Source: Broderick Turner
Anthony Santander to Miss 5-6 Months Due to Shoulder Surgery
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said on Tuesday that outfielder/designated hitter Anthony Santander (shoulder) will miss around five to six months after he has left-labral surgery on Wednesday, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. There goes Santander's chances of bouncing back in 2026 in his second year after signing a five-year, $92.5 million deal last offseason. The 31-year-old veteran only appeared in 54 games in 2025 in his first year in Toronto due to injuries and hit a disappointing .175/.271/.294 with a .565 OPS, six home runs, and 18 RBI. The lack of production from Santander made the Blue Jays' run to the World Series even more amazing. At best, fantasy managers won't have Santander until some point in the second half of this season, and when he returns, there's no guarantee he'll return to his level of play in his final year in Baltimore in 2024, when he hit 44 homers and drove in 102 runs.
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
William Nylander Iffy for Olympic Opener
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (groin) didn't practice on Tuesday and is considered a game-time decision for Sweden's Olympic opener against Italy on Wednesday. Nylander has battled health issues throughout 2026, appearing in only four games for Toronto since the turn of the year. While Team Sweden should easily handle the hosts even without Nylander, it would be a significant blow to the squad if the Maple Leafs star is not at 100 percent at the tournament. Despite playing in only 40 of Toronto's 57 games, Nylander has posted a team-high 52 points (18 goals, 34 assists).
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Steelers in No Hurry for Aaron Rodgers' Decision on Playing Future
The Pittsburgh Steelers definitely want impending free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to return for the 2026 season, but they are in no hurry for a resolution, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The Steelers don't think it will take quite as long as it did last year for the situation to resolve itself, and in the meantime, they are content to focus on the development of second-year QB Will Howard. With Rodgers away, Howard will have an opportunity to compete to become the QB1 over Mason Rudolph. But it remains to be seen if the former sixth-rounder can become a viable starter in the NFL, and it will be a moot point if Rodgers re-signs in the Steel City. Expect Rodgers to take his time to decide so he can miss the voluntary portion of the offseason program. If the future Hall of Famer does return to Pittsburgh for another year, he'll be a low-end QB2 option for fantasy after throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 16 regular-season games in 2025.
Source: Pro Football Talk - Mike Florio
Source: Pro Football Talk - Mike Florio
Martin Necas Ready for Thursday
Colorado Avalanche right wing Martin Necas (lower body) will be available for Team Czechia's Olympic opener against Canada on Thursday. Prior to the Olympic break, Necas sat out three Colorado games due to a lower-body injury. Ahead of Thursday's matchup, Necas has practiced with David Pastrnak and Tomas Hertl on the first line. Much of Czechia's tournament success hinges on the performance of its top trio. Necas has been in hot form this season, logging 62 points (22 goals, 40 assists) in 52 appearances with the Avalanche.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Will Campbell Played Through Torn Knee Ligament
New England Patriots left tackle Will Campbell (knee) said he tore a ligament in his knee during the 2025 season and wasn't 100% for the playoffs, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. Campbell was a weak spot on New England's offensive line during four postseason games this year, allowing 29 pressures in four games. The 22-year-old's injury helps explain why he was so bad to end the year, and head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters that the team isn't going to move him off left tackle going into his second year in the NFL. The Patriots took Campbell fourth overall in last year's NFL Draft out of LSU. If he's past his knee injury for the 2026 campaign, Campbell should have better results as he protects quarterback Drake Maye's blind side. Maye was sacked a whopping 21 times in four playoff games and fumbled seven times, losing four of them.
Source: MassLive.com - Mark Daniels
Source: MassLive.com - Mark Daniels
Drake Maye Says his Shoulder Injury was Significant
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (shoulder) acknowledged that the hit he took in the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos was significant as it relates to his right throwing shoulder, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. Maye was managing his shoulder injury in the two weeks leading into Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks, but both Maye and the Patriots downplayed the severity. Maye admitted that his shoulder was an issue in the 29-13 loss to Seattle in the Super Bowl, in which he went 27-for-43 passing for 295 yards and two touchdowns. The second-year QB threw picks and lost a fumble as well in what was a disappointing finish to an excellent second year for the North Carolina product. Maye doesn't expect to require surgery, though, and he should be fully healthy going into the 2026 campaign. The 23-year-old led the NFL with a 72% completion percentage during the regular season and finished as a top-five fantasy QB, although New England's regular-season schedule was extremely soft.
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
Grayson Rodriguez Must Prove his Health to Earn Rotation Spot
Los Angeles Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said that right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) will have to prove he's healthy to earn an Opening Day starting rotation spot, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. The same is true for right-hander Alek Manoah, while Suzuki named lefties Yusei Kikuchi and Reid Detmers, and right-hander Jose Soriano as locks for the rotation. Rodriguez was acquired by the Angels from the Baltimore Orioles back in November, but after missing all of last year with elbow and lat injuries, the Halos want to make sure he's fully healthy before committing to him as a starter. The 26-year-old former first-rounder was one of the top prospects in baseball in the O's system before he made his big-league debut in 2023, though, so he could bounce back nicely if he can stay on the mound. Rodriguez showed high-end potential in 2024, when he had a 3.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a 26.5% strikeout rate.
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Noah Schultz's Knee Not an Issue, Expects to Make MLB Debut in 2026
Chicago White Sox left-handed pitching prospect Noah Schultz (knee) believes that he will make his major-league debut in 2026 and also said his right knee "feels great." "Having no issues. It's been great. Did PT through the offseason and in a good spot, and it's not an issue," Schultz said about his knee. The 22-year-old southpaw, who is ranked as the No. 49 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline, was shut down last September due to tendinitis in his knee, but he's expected to be a full-go for the start of this season. Schultz had a 3.34 ERA and 1.56 WHIP with 58 strikeouts and 36 walks in 12 starts (56 2/3 innings) at Double-A Birmingham before struggling to a 9.37 ERA in five starts at Triple-A Charlotte to end his 2025 campaign. The 6-foot-10 hulking lefty was the 26th overall pick in 2022. Schultz will go undrafted in single-year leagues, but he's a firm stash and hold in dynasty/keeper formats.
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Austin Slater Agrees to Minor-League Deal With Tigers
Free-agent outfielder Austin Slater agreed to a minor-league deal on Tuesday with the Detroit Tigers that includes a non-roster invitation to major-league spring training, multiple people with knowledge of the agreement told Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Slater will make $2 million if he's on the MLB roster, plus an extra $500,000 in incentives. The 33-year-old veteran hit a combined .216/.270/.372 with a .642 OPS, five home runs, 13 RBI, and 22 runs scored in 148 at-bats in 2025 with the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees. He'll bring a much-needed right-handed bat to Detroit's outfield group, but at best, Slater will most likely be on the short side of a platoon in the Tigers' outfield in 2026, limiting his fantasy appeal. Slater was slightly better against lefties in 2025, hitting .224/.290/.435 against them with a .726 OPS and all five of his home runs.
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
Brett Baty a Candidate for Starting Role in Right Field?
Michael Baron of Just Mets lists Carson Benge, Brett Baty, Tyrone Taylor, and MJ Melendez as options for right field this year for the New York Mets, with Juan Soto shifting to left field. Baron also adds that if he had to guess, the Mets are hoping that the left-handed-hitting Baty wins the job in spring training. If the 23-year-old Benge isn't quite ready to make the transition to the big leagues, the 26-year-old Baty might be the favorite to start in right field for New York to open the 2026 season, at least against right-handed pitching. The offseason acquisitions of Marcus Semien, Bo Bichette, and Jorge Polanco leave no room on the infield for Baty. Although Baty had a mediocre .254 batting average in 130 games last year, he did have a career-best .748 OPS, 18 home runs, and hit over .300 after Aug. 1. The former first-rounder has a much higher fantasy ceiling than Taylor, can do a little bit of everything, and can play multiple positions.
Source: Just Mets - Michael Baron
Source: Just Mets - Michael Baron
Norman Powell Will Not Play Wednesday
Miami Heat guard/forward Norman Powell (back) was listed as out for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans. Powell will be missing his second straight game with this back issue after missing three games a couple of weeks ago due to a hand injury. Powell has been excellent when available for the Heat this season, averaging 23.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 30.6 minutes per game. Pelle Larsson (elbow), who would normally help fill in for Powell, is also out, meaning more work in this favorable matchup for Simone Fotechhio, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Andrew Wiggins (toe) if he can play through his questionable tag.
Source: Ira Winderman
Source: Ira Winderman
Jalen Smith Unlikely to Play Wednesday Against the Celtics
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) was listed as doubtful for his team's matchup in Boston on Wednesday, meaning he's likely to miss his third straight game and his fifth game in Chicago's last seven. Smith has been puttin gup bit numbers, averaging 13.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 25.9 minutes per game over his last 11 contests (eight starts). After the Bulls traded Nikola Vucevic to the Celtics at the trade deadline, Smith could be in for an expanded role when available the rest of the season. The 25-year-old has been a great per-minute producer this year and will be worth a roster spot in most standard leagues when he's able to resume a full workload. With the week off for the All-Star break after Wednesday's game, though, it makes sense for the Bulls to be cautious for this contest. Without Smith, Guershon Yabusele, Matas Buzelis, Nick Richards, and Patrick Williams will continue to hold down the frontcourt.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Juan Soto to Play Left Field for Mets in 2026
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto will play left field for the team in 2026, according to president of baseball operations David Stearns. The 4x All-Star played 157 games in right field for the Mets last year, but will make the transition to left, which is the same position he played when he broke in with the Nationals and during his time with the Padres in 2023. The 27-year-old is coming off another fantastic season in which he amassed a .263-43-105-120-38 stat line with a .390 wOBA and 156 wRC+. The Dominican is one of the safest choices atop draft boards, currently going around pick No. 4 in most leagues.
Source: Jorge Castillo
Source: Jorge Castillo
Luka Doncic Out Tuesday Against the Spurs
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) will miss a third straight game on Tuesday night, when his team hosts the Spurs. Doncic is dealing with a mild hamstring strain, according to what coach JJ Redick said last Saturday. The star guard is averaging 32.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists in 35 minutes per game in his 41 games this season. Without him, Austin Reaves and LeBron James will have to pick up more of the workload again on Tuesday night, while newcomer Luke Kennard and veteran Marcus Smart will likely get more work as well. Reaves just returned from an extended absence with a calf injury, so his availability will be key to watch for this Tuesday as well.
Source: Dave McMenamin
Source: Dave McMenamin
Kris Bryant Heads to 60-Day Injured List
Colorado Rockies outfielder/first baseman Kris Bryant (back) was placed on the 60-day injured list on Tuesday, meaning he's already set to miss a big chunk of the 2026 campaign. The move wasn't necessarily a surprise as the former first-round draft pick continues to rehab his ailing back, and the move also cleared up space for newly acquired RHP Tomoyuki Sugano. Bryant's injury history since joining the Rockies is well known, having played in just 170 games combined during the first four years of his seven-year contract with Colorado. During the limited time he's been on the field over those four years, his production has dropped precipitously by multiple measures. The 34-year-old is off the fantasy radar until he returns and proves otherwise.
Source: Bob Nightengale
Source: Bob Nightengale
Ivica Zubac Out for "A While"
Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (ankle) will not make his Pacers' debut in either game of the team's back-to-back on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to coach Rick Carlisle. Carlisle said that Zubac will be out through the break and added, "I don't think he's going to play for a while. He's got a lingering ankle situation." Zubac was acquired from the Clippers before the trade deadline as a key piece for the Pacers' future roster after Tyrese Haliburton returns from his injury. Until then, the team doesn't have much motivation to push him to return early, since they are only 13-40 and well out of the playoff picture, and also likely looking to improve their draft position. The team will continue to lean heavily on Jay Huff, Jarace Walker, and Micah Potter in the frontcourt while Zubac is out.
Source: Alex Golden
Source: Alex Golden
Orioles Believe Shane Baz is a Cy Young-Caliber Pitcher
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Shane Baz, who was acquired this offseason via trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, is viewed very positively within his new organization. Baltimore's new manager, Craig Albernaz, recently commented that "Shane Baz's upside is a Cy Young award winner." The right-hander certainly has the pedigree, having been selected with the 12th-overall pick in the 2017 Draft, but injuries have kept him from living up to the potential thus far. The 6-foot-3 hurler debuted in 2021, but made just 23 starts through 2024 before finally staying on the mound for 31 starts in 2025. Last year, the former first-rounder pitched to a 4.87 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and a 15.8 percent K-BB% in 166 1/3 innings pitched. Despite those numbers, he did flash dominating stuff at times, including five games with nine or more strikeouts. The 26-year-old is going late in 2026 fantasy drafts, currently with an ADP of 205, so he could prove to be a value if he can live up to some of the Orioles' expectations.
Source: Andy Kostka
Source: Andy Kostka
Josh Giddey Doubtful Again on Wednesday
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) is unlikely to return to the Bulls before the All-Star break, since he was listed as doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Celtics. Giddey and Tre Jones (hamstring) are both doubtful for the team's last game before the break, leaving new Bulls Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey, Collin Sexton, and Rob Dillingham likely to carry the workload. Giddey and Jones will fit into the new-look rotation when they're healthy, but until then, the new acquisitions should continue to get a chance to earn their roles with their new team on Wednesday in Boston.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Xander Schauffele Trying to Get the Motor Going at Pebble Beach
It has been a slow start to the new season for Xander Schauffele. In his first two starts back, he's struggled around the greens and hasn't been able to get many putts to find the hole. We've long known that the 32-year-old is one of the best ball-strikers on tour, but scoring on and around the greens is what decides losing and winning out there. Luckily, he doesn't typically trend negatively in either area, and he's putted well in the three prior events played at Pebble Beach (averaging +1.38 strokes gained putting). Expect Schauffele to return to his usual high level of form soon, perhaps even this week. However, currently playing him in DFS is more of a hope play than a statistics one.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Dalen Terry Will Sign Two-Way Contract With Sixers
Free-agent guard/forward Dalen Terry will join the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-way contract and could be active for up to 18 of the final 29 games of the season. Terry was traded from the Bulls to the Knicks for Guerschon Yabusele and then to the Pelicans for Jose Alvarado. New Orleans waived Terry, who will now join the wing rotation for the Sixers. He played 204 games with the Bulls over the last four seasons since being drafted as the No. 18 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He has averaged only 3.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 11.1 minutes per game in his NBA career and isn't likely to make much of an impact with Philadelphia either. It is worth watching his fit with his new team, though, especially as the Sixers look to figure out their rotation without Paul George for a while.
Source: Adam Aaronson
Source: Adam Aaronson
Drake London Primed for a Return to the Top Five?
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London finished 2024 as the WR5 in Half-PPR formats, and at times in 2025, he looked primed for a repeat performance. However, a knee injury cost him four games down the stretch, leaving him looking like a shell of himself upon his return. While the quarterback situation in Atlanta remains unsettled heading into 2026, London has proven himself to be an elite talent in the league, finishing as a top-six graded receiver by PFF in back-to-back seasons. If the Falcons can find even league-average quarterback play for the foreseeable future, London should again be one of the best fantasy bets at the position in 2026 and could actually be undervalued in dynasty leagues, as the current consensus WR8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Will Kyren Williams Continue to Cede Touches in 2026?
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has finished as an RB1 in each of the past three seasons, often overcoming lower efficiency outings with sheer volume and touchdowns. In 2025, he saw his per-game touches dip to a three-year low, as second-year back Blake Corum handled a career high 145 carries, forming a true backfield committee down the stretch of the regular season and in two out of three playoff games. Both players looked to have fresh legs on a run that went as deep as the NFC championship game, and it would come as no surprise to see carries divvied up similarly in 2026. With Los Angeles' top-ranked offense expected to return the bulk of its starters, Williams will still be viewed as an RB1 in 2026 redraft leagues and likely just outside of that in dynasty startups, making the 25-year-old a potential early-season sell candidate.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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