March 8, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Matas Buzelis (ankle) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Buzelis will shed the questionable tag and return to the mix after missing Thursday's game due to an ankle issue. The second-year forward has been on a nice run lately. Over the last five games, Buzelis is averaging 19.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists across 29.4 minutes per game. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Buzellis active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (back) will return to the lineup on Sunday against the Indiana Pacers, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports. Avdija will be on a minutes restriction after missing six games due to a lower back injury. It's unclear how much Avdija will play, but his return is good news for Portland and fantasy managers alike. With Avdija back,
Scoot Henderson will probably have to settle for a bench role. This might actually be beneficial for the young guard, as Henderson has struggled in recent games as a starter.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Marang
March 8, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Ajay Mitchell (ankle, abdomen) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Mitchell is set to return following a 20-game absence due to an abdominal strain and sprained left ankle. He's expected to operate under a minutes limit, given Mitchell hasn't played since mid-January. His return to the rotation should mean reduced roles for
Jared McCain,
Isaiah Joe, and
Cason Wallace. Mitchell could be worth snagging for the fantasy playoffs, but it'll likely take him a few games to ramp up.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Kyle Kuzma (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's tilt against the Orlando Magic. Initially, he was listed as questionable for the game due to a back injury.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) will also depart the lineup on Sunday, and
Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) remains out, leaving Milwaukee short-handed for this contest. As a result,
Bobby Portis,
Ryan Rollins, and
Cam Thomas will be expected to do most of the work on the offensive end.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Chet Holmgren (illness) is considered questionable for Monday's meeting with the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder have already ruled out
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) for the game and may also be without Holmgren, who is battling the flu. With the two big men sidelined,
Jaylin Williams and
Isaiah Joe started on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors. Both performed well and are likely to keep their spots in the first unit if Holmgren is ruled out. In the absence of Holmgren and Hartenstein,
Kenrich Williams and
Aaron Wiggins have also seen an uptick in playing time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Denver Nuggets. He will sit out a second consecutive game due to a left calf contusion. With
Chet Holmgren (illness) questionable,
Jaylin Williams could once again have a heavy workload as a starter in the frontcourt. The 23-year-old has averaged 10.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.0 blocks in the starting unit this season.
Kenrich Williams and
Aaron Wiggins could also be more involved in the action.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Brooklyn Nets guard
Egor Demin (foot) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Demin will miss his fifth game in a row due to a lingering foot injury. He continues to be ruled out a full day in advance, which doesn't bode well for his game status on Tuesday. Fantasy managers should check back for another update, but Demin should be considered highly questionable for Tuesday's game.
Nolan Traore,
Terance Mann, and
Ziaire Williams should all see increased roles while Demin is out. Both Mann and Williams are worth looking at as streaming options while Demin is sidelined.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday's fascinating matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Murray sprained his left ankle on Friday night against the Knicks, playing only 18 minutes. Fortunately, he appears to have avoided a major injury, but the Canadian star may still have to miss some time.
Julian Strawther started the second half in Murray's place against the Knicks. Considering Strawther failed to make a significant impact, the Nuggets could consider starting
Tyus Jones on Monday if Murray can't play. There would also be additional minutes available for
Bruce Brown and
Tim Hardaway Jr.--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Michael Porter Jr. (rest) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Porter will take a seat for the front end of this back-to-back set. The expectation is that he'll return to the court for Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Without Porter available,
Danny Wolf,
Ziaire Williams, and
Ochai Agbaji are all candidates to see increased playing time. Among the three, Williams is the best streaming option without Porter on the court. He finished with 23 points, four rebounds, and knocked down five three-pointers during Friday's contest. He's worth a look in deep leagues at the minimum, while Porter is out.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard
VJ Edgecombe (back) is listed as questionable for Monday's clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The rookie has missed a pair of games with a back problem, but he could be back in action on Monday night. The 76ers could certainly need some help after losing
Tyrese Maxey (finger) to injury this weekend. Philadelphia also remains without
Joel Embiid (oblique) and
Paul George (suspension). Due to the injury situation, Edgecombe could play a very important role in Monday's contest if he returns. If he can't make it back,
Quentin Grimes will continue to have additional fantasy value as his replacement in the starting lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Jonathan Isaac (knee) is ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Isaac will miss his third straight game due to left knee soreness. Given his injury history, it's not shocking to see the Magic being extremely cautious with Isaac. His absence from the rotation should mean more minutes for
Noah Penda,
Tristan da Silva, and possibly
Goga Bitadze. Penda has been mostly quiet since being recalled from the G-League earlier this month. He's a decent dynasty stash, but isn't consistent enough to warrant streaming in most formats right now.
--Andy WebbSource: Orlando Magic
March 8, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Anthony Black (back) won't play on Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks. He injured his back in Saturday's loss to Minnesota and has been ruled out for Sunday's action after initially being considered questionable.
Tristan da Silva is set to rejoin the starting lineup in Black's absence, while
Jevon Carter may see increased minutes off the bench. This season, da Silva has averaged 10.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in 20 starts.
--Taavi PailkSource: Orlando Magic
March 8, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward
DeMar DeRozan (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bulls. He was absent from the initial injury report, but he must've picked up an illness throughout the day. Fantasy managers should consider DeRozan as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. His absence should open up playing time for
Nique Clifford,
Daeqwon Plowden, and
Doug McDermott. Among the three, Clifford is likely going to be the most useful streaming option. He figures to have a sizable role on Sunday and is worth starting while DeRozan is out.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Washington Wizards center
Alexandre Sarr (hamstring) will be limited to 16-20 minutes on Sunday against New Orleans, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports. The French big man has missed 10 games due to a right hamstring strain, and the team will monitor his workload to prevent the risk of reinjury. Sarr has averaged 28.2 minutes per game for the season, posting 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.0 blocks.
Julian Reese, who nearly recorded a 20-20 game on Thursday against Utah, should continue to see significant playing time while Sarr remains on a minutes restriction, boosting his fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: Josh Robbins
March 8, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks guard
Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) will miss a third consecutive game on Sunday against the Orlando Magic. He is dealing with a knee issue and has given up his spot in the starting lineup to
Ryan Rollins. Since returning to the first unit, Rollins has posted back-to-back double-doubles. He missed a triple-double by just two assists in Saturday's win over Utah. On Sunday, Rollins is expected to carry a huge offensive load, as the Bucks will also be without the services of
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf).
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) won't be in the lineup on Sunday against the Orlando Magic. He will sit out the second game of a back-to-back after tallying 27 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and four steals in 27 minutes in Saturday's win over Utah.
Bobby Portis is the most likely candidate to start in Antetokounmpo's spot. Across nine previous starts this season, Portis has averaged 15.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. Antetokounmpo's absence could also increase responsibilities for
Kyle Kuzma (back), though he is considered questionable for Sunday's game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers point guard
Tyrese Maxey (finger) will miss the team's upcoming back-to-back against Cleveland and Memphis. The two-time All-Star sprained his right fifth finger in Saturday's loss to Atlanta. Maxey will undergo further testing before a treatment plan is established. With Maxey absent,
Cameron Payne and
Quentin Grimes will have increased roles in the backcourt. Offensively,
Kelly Oubre Jr. will also be expected to do more, especially with
Joel Embiid (oblique) and
Paul George (suspension) still unavailable.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 8, 2026
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher
Andrew Abbott has been named the Opening Day starter, according to manager Terry Francona. This will be the first Opening Day assignment for Abbott, who earned it as a consolation prize. Normally, ace
Hunter Greene (elbow) would get the Opening Day nod. Unfortunately, Greene is dealing with an elbow injury and won't be able to make that start. Abbott posted a 2.87 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and a 149/43 K/BB ratio across 29 starts with the Reds last season. His current ADP sits at 208, which feels like a steal given his success last season. Abbott has the potential to be a top 45-50 starting pitcher in the league.
--Andy WebbSource: Cincinnati Reds
March 8, 2026
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher
Shane Smith will get the honor of taking the ball on Opening Day. According to Scott Merkin, Smith will get the nod to begin the regular season. The selection of Smith makes it five consecutive seasons that the White Sox have started a different pitcher on Opening Day. The 25-year-old is deserving of the honor after posting a strong rookie campaign in 2025. He registered a 3.81 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 145/58 K/BB ratio across 29 starts. His overall numbers don't scream ace pitcher, but Smith can be a capable big league arm. It's unlikely that he'll rack up a ton of wins on the South Side, which won't help his fantasy value. His current ADP is sitting around 260-270 range, which seems fair. He could be a decent depth option for fantasy managers with potential to get better.
--Andy WebbSource: Scott Merkin
March 8, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Merrill Kelly (back) was able to throw a successful live batting practice session on Sunday. According to Steve Gilbert, Kelly felt good during the session and everything went well. The next step will likely be Kelly throwing a bullpen session before getting into game action. Barring any setbacks, Kelly should be ready in time for Opening Day. In 2025, Kelly posted a 3.52 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a 167/48 K/BB ratio across 32 starts. The 37-year-old pitched well last season, but a regression is possible given his age. If healthy, Kelly could be an interesting late-round option, but he's unlikely to surpass last year's numbers.
--Andy WebbSource: Steve Gilbert
March 8, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays infielder
Gavin Lux (upper body) is expected to make his Spring Training debut on Tuesday. The team has been vague about Lux so far, but they've been holding him out due to body soreness. He'll take some live at-bats on Sunday and will get into game action on Tuesday. Barring any setbacks, Lux should be ready to go for Opening Day. Lux was traded to the Rays in a three-team deal in January. He figures to get regular playing time at second base with
Brandon Lowe no longer on the team. Last season, Lux slashed .269/.350/.374 with five home runs, 53 RBI, and one steal in 127 games. The 28-year-old is unlikely to offer much fantasy value given his lack of power and speed.
--Andy WebbSource: Marc Topkin
March 8, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder
Cedric Mullins (back) has been kept out of the lineup lately due to a lingering back issue. Mullins is reportedly feeling better and was able to resume baseball activities. Rays' manager Kevin Cash said that Mullins is improving, but he isn't going to play for a little bit. The Rays aren't going to take any chances early in camp, so they'll let Mullins get 100 percent healthy. This shouldn't be something that impacts his status for Opening Day. Mullins is looking to bounce back after a fairly disappointing season in 2025. He slashed .216/.297/.391 with 17 home runs, 59 RBI, and 22 stolen bases in 122 games with the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets last season. The 31-year-old can still help fantasy managers with a little bit of pop and his speed upside.
--Andy WebbSource: Marc Topkin
March 8, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman
Yandy Diaz (hand) has been unable to play most of this past week due to injury. According to Marc Topkin, Diaz has been out since Tuesday due to left-hand soreness. Rays' manager Kevin Cash said that Diaz is fine and he'll get a few more days off before returning to the lineup. It's Spring Training, so teams are almost always going to be extremely cautious with even minor issues. This doesn't sound like something that is going to impact Diaz for much longer. Diaz is coming off an excellent season where he slashed .300/.366/.482 with 25 home runs and 83 RBI in 150 games. There will likely be a regression in his power numbers with the move away from Steinbrenner Field. Fantasy managers should still be able to count on Diaz as a reliable bat.
--Andy WebbSource: Marc Topkin
March 8, 2026
Free-agent right-hander
Zack Littell and the Washington Nationals agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal on Sunday, sources told Kiley McDaniel of ESPN. Littell pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds in 2025, going a combined 10-8 with a 3.81 ERA (4.88 FIP), 1.10 WHIP, and 130:32 K:BB in a career-high 186 2/3 innings over his 32 starts. It remains to be seen how built up the 30-year-old is with less than three weeks until Opening Day at the end of March, but Littell figures to be locked into a starting rotation spot in D.C. after the club traded away
MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers in the offseason. Littell had the lowest walk rate (4.2%) among qualified starting pitchers, but he only struck out 17.1% of the batters he faced. Without high-end velocity and a lot of swing-and-miss stuff, the home run ball has been an issue for Littell. The fantasy upside here is limited.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kiley McDaniel
March 8, 2026
Seattle Mariners right-hander
Bryce Miller (oblique, side) will go through a touch-and-feel bullpen session in camp on Sunday, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. It will be Miller's first time on a mound since he received a platelet-rich plasma injection last weekend. He has been throwing off flat ground the last few days. The 27-year-old can't afford any other setbacks if he wants to be ready for Opening Day later this month. Miller's 2025 season was derailed by elbow issues that landed him on the injured list two separate times. The former fourth-rounder in 2021 out of Texas A&M never recovered, going 4-6 with a career-worst 5.68 ERA (5.17 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 74 strikeouts and 34 walks in 90 1/3 innings pitched over a career-low 18 starts. There's bounce-back potential for Miller if he's healthy in 2026, but in addition to his oblique/side issue, he could eventually need a procedure for a bone spur in his elbow.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
March 8, 2026
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent running back
Kenneth Walker III "seems to be the market-setter as it stands" at the RB position this offseason. Jacksonville Jaguars RB
Travis Etienne Jr. will also have a very strong market. Some teams around the league are setting the market's ceiling at around $12 million. Fowler adds that Walker will consider the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Tennessee Titans. Depending on price ranges, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs also check in on Walker, the Super Bowl LX MVP. Even though last year was Walker's only full season in his four years in the NFL, the 25-year-old's stock is up after a strong finish in last year's postseason. Walker's 2026 fantasy value will depend on his landing spot, but fantasy managers must remember that the former second-rounder was splitting touches pretty evenly with
Zach Charbonnet during the regular season. Walker finished with his second 1,000-rushing season in 2025 but found the end zone a career-low five times in 17 starts.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 8, 2026
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler expects the Las Vegas Raiders to make a run at Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent wide receiver
Rashid Shaheed, "depending on how the dominoes in the receiver market fall and the price point." New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak "loves" Shaheed after working with him in the second half of last year, after the Seahawks acquired him in a midseason trade with the New Orleans Saints. However, Fowler points out that Vegas' bigger need is the offensive line. The Raiders could definitely use some upgrades at the wideout position for their expected new franchise quarterback in Indiana QB
Fernando Mendoza, especially after trading
Jakobi Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025. Shaheed, 27, only had 15 catches on 26 targets for 188 yards and no touchdowns in nine regular-season games in Seattle, although he does also have electric special teams capabilities as a return man. Shaheed is going to be a boom/bust WR4/flex in fantasy wherever he lands.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 8, 2026
Miami Heat forward
Andrew Wiggins (toe) is ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Wiggins is set to miss his second game in a row due to a lingering toe injury. Fantasy managers should consider him questionable to suit up for Tuesday's contest against the Washington Wizards. The absence of Wiggins should mean larger roles for
Myron Gardner,
Jaime Jaquez Jr., and
Kel'el Ware. Gardner drew the start on Friday, but Jaquez and Ware made a more significant impact on the scoreboard.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers center
Jarrett Allen (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Boston Celtics. Allen won't suit up after suffering a right knee injury during Tuesday's win over the Detroit Pistons. He will sit out the front end of the back-to-back set, so fantasy managers will need to check back for his availability for Monday's game.
Dean Wade (ankle) is available to play and will take over Allen's spot in the starting five.
Evan Mobley will shift over to the center spot, while
Thomas Bryant likely sees more playing time off the bench. Both Wade and Bryant should be viewed as possible deep league streaming options for Sunday's slate. Wade is the better option between the two with him in the starting five.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers forward
Dean Wade (ankle) is back in action ahead of Sunday's game against the Boston Celtics. Wade is returning after missing the last three games due to a right ankle sprain. As expected, Wade will return after earning a probable tag ahead of this matchup. Wade will likely start due to the absence of
Jarrett Allen (knee) on Sunday. The veteran forward isn't normally a noteworthy fantasy option, but he could be worth a look on Sunday. The increased playing time and move to the starting five should give Wade enough value to consider streaming while Allen is out.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
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