March 1, 2026
Joe Gibbs Racing's Ty Gibbs is starting ninth for this week's DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. It will be the second time that Gibbs will start a race at COTA inside the top 10, after he started in second at the Texas track in 2024. In three prior starts at COTA, Gibbs has two top-10 finishes with a best finish of third in 2024. Last year at road and street courses, the No. 54 Toyota driver finished 12th or better in four of the six races at the track type, including two top-10 finishes. In practice for this week's race, Gibbs ranked 27th in 10 consecutive lap averages and 28th in overall lap averages. The JGR driver has a solid history at COTA, but his starting position in the field does not offer as much upside as other drivers in his salary range. Fantasy players should mainly consider Gibbs as a tournament option who can compete for a top-10 finish.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Spire Motorsports driver Michael McDowell will start sixth for Sunday's DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. This will mark the first time that McDowell will start in the top 10 in a Cup race at the site. In five previous races at COTA, McDowell has four finishes of 13th or better with one DNF due to steering issues. The No. 71 Chevrolet driver also led three laps in last year's race at COTA. In practice, McDowell ranked first in single lap times, second in five consecutive lap averages, fifth in 10 consecutive lap averages, and sixth in overall lap averages among all drivers. Although McDowell's upside for Place Differential is not high, his history at COTA and road courses in general is favorable. The low upside makes McDowell best for tournament lineups, but he is still a solid option to consider for a top-10 finish.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with Brooklyn, marking his third straight absence. The team does not anticipate a long-term issue, though he remains day-to-day heading into Tuesday. If
James Harden (thumb) is unable to play, Cleveland would have even more offensive workload and minutes to spread around the rotation.
Jaylon Tyson started the last game and logged 41 minutes, finishing with 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals, and four three-pointers.
Sam Merrill added 20 points in 36 minutes, while
Craig Porter Jr. recorded 12 assists in 32 minutes. Tyson profiles as the top short-term add, and Merrill remains a viable scoring streamer.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 1, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (oblique) will sit out the next three games after imaging confirmed a strain. The former MVP experienced right-side discomfort following Thursday's win and is targeting a potential return on March 7. With Embiid sidelined,
Andre Drummond is expected to step into the starting role. In his last start on Feb. 22, Drummond logged 22 minutes and produced six points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Second-year big man
Adem Bona added eight points and five rebounds in 20 minutes that night. Drummond profiles as a short-term rebounding streamer, while
Tyrese Maxey should shoulder even heavier offensive usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: Tony Jones
March 1, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with Oklahoma City, stretching his absence to seven games because of a midfoot sprain. He is trending toward missing Tuesday as well. With
P.J. Washington (ankle) doubtful and
Naji Marshall (finger) carrying a questionable tag, Dallas may be forced to lean heavily on
Brandon Williams, who owns a 26.3 percent usage rate in a reserve role.
Max Christie,
Khris Middleton, and
Klay Thompson should also see added scoring responsibility.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 1, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Darius Garland (toe) is expected to make his team debut Monday against Golden State after being sidelined since Jan. 14. The All-Star guard, acquired at the trade deadline, is returning from toe issues that kept him out for several weeks. In 26 games prior to the move, he averaged 18.0 points, 6.9 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 30.5 minutes. Garland's return should give the offense a steady playmaker next to
Kawhi Leonard and likely trim
Kris Dunn's role while reducing
Bennedict Mathurin's on-ball opportunities. Garland profiles as a must-start in standard leagues if his minutes are not heavily restricted.
--Brian DailisanSource: Chris Haynes
March 1, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward/center
Zion Williamson (ankle) will not return to Saturday's game against Utah after exiting in the second quarter. He finished with four points, two assists, and one rebound in 11 minutes before being shut down. If he misses time, New Orleans could lean more heavily on
Karlo Matkovic and
Derik Queen. Matkovic delivered eight points, six rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in 25 minutes, profiling mainly as a blocks streamer. Queen added seven points, nine rebounds, and three assists in 19 minutes and offers the more intriguing upside in deeper formats if the role expands.
--Brian DailisanSource: New Orleans Pelicans
February 28, 2026
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar scored twice in Saturday night's victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. His first goal came with nine seconds left in the second period, and the second one came on an empty-netter late in the third period. Centers Nathan Mackinnon and Martin Necas were credited with assists on both goals. Makar is now tied for fourth among all defensemen in scoring, trailing only Jakub Chychrun, Zach Werenski, and Matthew Schaefer.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
February 28, 2026
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid collected three more assists in Saturday afternoon's game versus the San Jose Sharks, but it wasn't enough to help them win the game, as they fell 5-4. McDavid now has 103 points in 61 games played, which is the most in the NHL. He is on pace to finish with 130 points for the third time in four years. His next match will be on Tuesday night at home versus the Ottawa Senators.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
February 28, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Keyonte George (ankle) is available to play ahead of Saturday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. It has been a tough month for George, who has only appeared in one contest during February. He has missed six straight games before getting cleared ahead of Saturday's contest. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Jazz have George under a minutes limit. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can go ahead and get George active in their lineups. The third-year guard won't be an ideal DFS choice, given his workload is unknown.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 28, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard
De'Anthony Melton (knee) has been cleared to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Melton is back in the mix after sitting out Wednesday's win due to left knee injury management. Given he has only missed one game, Melton should have his normal workload on Saturday. Over the last seven games, Melton is averaging 16.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over 25.3 minutes per game. He's worth a look as a streaming option given his recent play.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 28, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Draymond Green (back) is available to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Green is returning after sitting out Wednesday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies due to lower back injury management. The expectation is that Green will have his full workload on Saturday. His return to the lineup should push
Al Horford back to the bench. Horford won't be as appealing as a streaming option playing with the second unit. Fantasy managers can get Green active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 28, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder
Keston Hiura (hand) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's Cactus League matchup against the Chicago Cubs. Hiura exited immediately after taking a 97-mph sinker off his hand during the fifth inning of Saturday's contest. The severity of the injury is unknown, but Hiura is likely going to at least miss a few days. The 29-year-old is attempting to make the roster as a bench player, but has an uphill battle ahead of him. Hiura spent most of his time in Triple-A Albuquerque with the Colorado Rockies organization last season. He slashed .272/.369/.507 with 21 home runs and 67 RBI in 100 games. He hasn't seen significant big league action since the 2022 season with the Milwaukee Brewers.
--Andy WebbSource: Jack Vita
February 28, 2026
Athletics shortstop
Leo De Vries (illness) was removed early during Saturday's Spring Training contest against the San Francisco Giants. De Vries was pulled out of the game due to illness, which was likely dehydration. Luckily, this sounds like something minor that shouldn't keep De Vries sidelined for long. The expectation is that he'll be back in the lineup within a day or two. The 19-year-old is viewed as one of the top prospects in the league. He made it to Double-A last season and is likely going to open the 2026 season there or in Triple-A. There's a chance that De Vries makes his MLB debut in 2026, but that depends on how he performs in the minors. Regardless, the future is extremely bright for the youngster.
--Andy WebbSource: Martin Gallegos
February 28, 2026
Miami Marlins outfielder
Kyle Stowers (hamstring) underwent imaging after being scratched ahead of Saturday's game. The MRI has revealed that Stowers has suffered a minor hamstring strain. This sounds like a good diagnosis as far as hamstring injuries go. The Marlins expect Stowers to miss 1-2 weeks of action. Barring any setbacks, Stowers should be ready to go by the beginning of the regular season. The 28-year-old is coming off a breakout campaign with the Marlins last season. Stowers slashed .288/.386/.544 with 25 home runs and 73 RBI in 117 games. Assuming he's healthy to begin the season, Stowers should offer top-30 fantasy outfielder value.
--Andy WebbSource: Christian De Nicola
February 28, 2026
New York Yankees outfielder
Cody Bellinger (back) is dealing with a back injury that could sideline him for a few days. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Bellinger's back went out on him. This is a similar issue to what Bellinger dealt with early last season. The Yankees aren't going to take any risks this early into camp. The plan is to give Bellinger a few days off before getting him back in the lineup as early as Tuesday. Bellinger signed a five-year, $162 million deal with the Yankees over the offseason. He's expected to be a key piece in the middle of the order this season. This sounds like a minor issue that should only sideline Bellinger for a couple of days.
--Andy WebbSource: Bryan Hoch
February 28, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Corbin Carroll (wrist) is likely going to be ready for Opening Day. On Saturday, D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo said he wouldn't be surprised if Carroll was back for the season opener. Carroll is currently recovering from a broken hamate bone in his wrist that he suffered earlier this month. It's hard to believe that Carroll would be ready by late March, but the organization has faith in a quick recovery. Carroll slashed .259/.343/.541 with 31 home runs, 84 RBI, and 32 steals in 143 games. Despite the injury, Carroll should still be viewed as a first-rounder in fantasy drafts.
--Andy WebbSource: Nick Piecoro
February 28, 2026
Winnipeg Jets forward Vladislav Namestnikov (lower body) is considered week-to-week, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports. He sustained a lower-body injury in Friday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks. The Russian forward will exit the lineup after collecting 13 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 57 contests. Walker Duehr is expected to take over from Namestnikov on the third line when Winnipeg returns to action on Sunday against the San Jose Sharks. Although Duehr has been productive in the AHL this season, he has managed only 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) in 92 career outings in the big league and should be ignored by fantasy managers.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mitchell Clinton
February 28, 2026
Winnipeg Jets winger Nino Niederreiter (lower body) underwent surgery, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports. Recently listed as week-to-week, the Swiss veteran's status remains unchanged. Niederreiter has missed two games with a lower-body ailment. Before he was hurt, Niederreiter struggled to find form. He has tallied 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in 55 appearances this season, with 15 of his points coming before December. With Vladislav Namestnikov (lower body) also hurt, Walker Duehr is poised to join the third line.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mitchell Clinton
February 28, 2026
St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko (back) is doubtful for Sunday's matchup with the Minnesota Wild, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports. The 2026 Olympian exited the lineup for Saturday's game against New Jersey due to back spasms and appears poised to miss multiple games. Parayko leads the Blues with 141 blocks and has notched 14 points (one goal, 13 assists) in 58 contests. Matt Kessel replaced Parayko in the lineup on Saturday. Following Sunday's game, the Blues won't play again until Wednesday, giving Parayko extra time to recover.
--Taavi PailkSource: Lou Korac
February 28, 2026
Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports. He is poised to return from a four-game absence on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Benson has been a big part of Buffalo's success this season, posting a plus-16 rating and 26 points (seven goals, 19 assists) in 42 outings. His return will affect Peyton Krebs' usage. To activate Benson, the Sabres reassigned Anton Wahlberg to the minors.
--Taavi PailkSource: Heather Engel
February 28, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) is a game-time decision for Saturday's tilt against the Buffalo Sabres. Cirelli has missed four games and couldn't play for Canada at the Olympics due to an undisclosed injury, but he could be ready to return on Saturday. The 28-year-old has contributed 15 goals and 30 assists in 49 games this season, while logging a plus-30 rating. Cirelli's return would allow Jake Guentzel to return to the wing on the second line, with Scott Sabourin making way in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 28, 2026
Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (illness) will miss a second consecutive game on Saturday against the Nashville Predators. The Finnish forward has been unable to play since the Olympic break ended due to illness. With Tyler Seguin (knee) out for the season and Mikko Rantanen (lower body) also expected to miss extended time, Hintz will have a pivotal role to play for the Stars once he's back in the lineup. The 29-year-old boasts 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 52 games this season. Wyatt Johnston will center the first line until Hintz returns.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 28, 2026
Los Angeles Kings winger Andrei Kuzmenko (knee) will be out week-to-week after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus. Kuzmenko returned from the Olympic break with a two-assist effort on Wednesday against Vegas, but he exited the lineup for Thursday's clash against Edmonton and won't see action for quite some time. The Russian forward has tallied 13 goals and 25 points in 52 games, averaging 14:54 of ice time. L.A. placed him on Injured Reserve and recalled defenseman Angus Booth from the minors. The Kings' frontline could also be without Joel Armia (upper body) going forward after he was hurt on Thursday night. Warren Foegele and Corey Perry should continue to see top-six minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 28, 2026
The Kansas City Royals agreed to an undisclosed deal with free-agent outfielder
Starling Marte on Saturday, a source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The deal is pending a physical. Marte is heading into his 15th season in the big leagues and shouldn't be expected to see regular playing time in Kansas City. At best, he'll serve as an outfield/designated-hitter option off the bench against left-handed pitchers. The 37-year-old two-time All-Star hit a solid .270/.335/.410 with a .745 OPS in 98 games with the New York Mets last year, but it came with only nine home runs, 34 RBI, 37 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 329 plate appearances. Volume definitely isn't going to be there for Marte, even if he stays healthy. Marte hasn't played in over 100 games since 2022, when he was an All-Star for the second time in his career. Speed has always been Marte's biggest tool for fantasy managers, but he hasn't stolen over 30 bags since 2021.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
February 28, 2026
San Francisco Giants first baseman
Rafael Devers (hamstring) is being withheld from all activity for the next two to four days due to left-hamstring tightness, according to Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News. The Giants scratched Devers from the Cactus League game on Friday, and now they will hold him out for a few more days as a precaution. The 29-year-old left-handed hitter should have time to get ready for Opening Day in late March, but only if he doesn't have any further setbacks once he returns to baseball activities. If he were to land on the injured list for the start of the 2026 regular season, first base prospect
Bryce Eldridge would likely start at first base. Devers will have a full season at a very pitcher-friendly ballpark in 2026 in San Fran, but he still has a pretty solid floor as a top-10 fantasy first baseman. The three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger managed 35 homers with Boston and the Giants in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: The San Jose Mercury News - Justice delos Santos
February 28, 2026
Atlanta Braves superstar outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr. looked to be in midseason form in Friday's Grapefruit League win over the Boston Red Sox, going 2-for-3 with a grand slam, three runs scored, two stolen bases, a walk, and a strikeout. The grand slam was Acuna's first spring homer, and it came in the third inning off minor-league pitcher
Steven Brooks. The 28-year-old has already torn the ACL in his knee twice, but he's still worth the risk in all fantasy baseball drafts in the first round as a top-10 overall player. The Venezuelan outfielder hit .290/.417/.518 with a .935 OPS, 21 home runs, 42 RBI, 74 runs, and nine stolen bases in 95 games played last year. The five-time All-Star and former MVP hit 40 home runs, drove in over 100 runs, and stole 73 bases in 2023, and if he starts to run more again in 2026, he'll be worth every penny if he stays healthy.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 28, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals infield prospect
JJ Wetherholt homered for his first spring training hit in Friday's Grapefruit League game versus the New York Mets. Per MLB Pipeline, Wetherhold is the No. 5 prospect going into the 2026 season. The home run he hit on Friday traveled 422 feet and had a 105.4 mph exit velocity. The bomb came off Mets closer
Devin Williams. The 23-year-old has only one hit in his four spring training games, but he's added four walks and a stolen base. Wetherholt came up through the minors as a shortstop, but he's expected to be St. Louis' starting second baseman on Opening Day this year. The former seventh overall pick in 2024 hit an impressive .306 with a .421 on-base percentage, 17 home runs, and 23 stolen bases in 109 games at Double-A and Triple-A last year. Wetherholt has nothing left to prove in the minors and should eventually be a middle infielder with 20-homer power.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB Pipeline
February 28, 2026
Seattle Mariners right-hander
Bryce Miller (side) has been battling soreness in his left side in camp, and an MRI exam showed inflammation, according to Shannon Drayer. Miller, who has dealt with this same issue in the past, had a platelet-rich plasma injection and is being shut down for five days. Drayer adds that it's "very precautionary." If it were the regular season, Miller "probably wouldn't have reported the soreness." The 27-year-old reported soreness after his Cactus League outing on Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians. As long as Miller doesn't have any further setbacks with his side, he still has a chance to be ready for Opening Day in late March. Miller went on the injured list two separate times in 2025 due to elbow issues and made a career-low 18 starts, posting a career-worst 5.68 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 74:34 K:BB in 90 1/3 innings. It's possible that he could eventually need surgery for the bone spur in his right elbow, making Miller a risk/reward late-round consideration in 2026 drafts for rotation depth.
--Keith HernandezSource: Shannon Drayer
February 28, 2026
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher
Spencer Strider pitched two innings against the Baltimore Orioles in his 2026 Spring Training debut on Saturday, allowing two hits and an earned run while striking out two and walking none. The 27-year-old averaged just 92.7 mph on his fastball in the first inning, which could be viewed as a bit of a red flag. However, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports that Strider is looking to "pace himself" this spring, and that he's more focused on regaining fastball shape than velocity at this point. Strider was one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB from 2022 to 2023, recording 485 strikeouts across 318 1/3 innings. However, elbow surgery knocked him out for almost all of 2024 and delayed his start to 2025. Upon his return last season, Strider struggled to regain his previous form and pitched to a 4.45 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 125 1/3 innings (23 starts). At his best, Strider relies heavily on a dominant fastball/slider combination, so his ability to regain velocity over the course of the spring will be something for fantasy managers to monitor closely.
--Will BradySource: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
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