Sal Stewart Drops Weight Heading into First Full MLB Season
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart won the "best shape of his life" contest for the team in December, as he had already dropped 26 pounds from his listed 6-foot-1, 224-pound frame, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Stewart is confident that he'll still have plenty of power despite playing at a lighter weight, and he has a clear path to regular playing time between first base and designated hitter with Spencer Steer primarily playing left field. The 22-year-old looked much more athletic in the offseason after trimming down, and he'll be looking to build on his first 18 games in the big leagues last year, when he hit .255 (14-for-55) with five home runs, eight RBI, and 11 runs scored. Stewart is a particularly intriguing dynasty/keeper asset because of his ability to hit for power while also maintaining solid hard-hit and strikeout rates.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
Source: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
Trinidad Chambliss Eligible for 2026 Season
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is expected to play for the Rebels in 2026 after he was granted a preliminary injunction against the NCAA, barring them from stopping Chambliss from being eligible for a sixth collegiate season. The preliminary injunction hearing took place in Pittsboro County, Mississippi, on Thursday. He is now eligible until the lawsuit is fully litigated, which will likely be after the 2026 college football season. This is a major development for Ole Miss, which will now get back its veteran who threw for 3,937 yards, rushed for 527 yards, and scored 30 total touchdowns en route to the College Football Playoff Semifinals. With Chambliss expected back, freshman Deuce Knight will presumably take on the backup role, and Ole Miss should be a contender in the SEC once again under first-year head coach Pete Golding.
Source: Pete Nakos - On3Sports
Source: Pete Nakos - On3Sports
Terrell Williams Takes New Job on Patriots' Staff, Could be Replaced by Zak Kuhr
The New England Patriots have moved defensive coordinator Terrell Williams to a high-ranking role on the coaching staff, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. Williams joined Mike Vrabel's coaching staff as the defensive coordinator prior to the 2025 season, but he stepped away from the organization in September for prostate cancer treatment. Linebackers coach Zak Kuhr assumed defensive play-calling duties for the remainder of the season, including the Patriots' Super Bowl run, and he's reportedly "a top candidate" to replace Williams as the defensive coordinator. Williams is now cancer-free and will remain a key member of the Patriots' staff in 2026, albeit in a different role. New England's defense allowed the eighth-fewest yards during the regular season, as well as the fewest yards per game during the playoffs.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Kyle Kuzma Cleared to Play Against Thunder
Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (foot) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's game against the Thunder. Kuzma has started in each appearance since Jan. 19 but did not play Feb. 6. His recent lines underscore the volatility, posting 31 points on 12-of-22 shooting against Chicago, then three points on three attempts two games later. He finished with 15 points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes Wednesday. With Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) still out, Kuzma retains scoring opportunity, though Cam Thomas and Kevin Porter Jr. continue to siphon usage, keeping Kuzma in risk-reward territory.
Source: Milwaukee Bucks
Source: Milwaukee Bucks
Miles Boykin Announces Retirement From NFL
Veteran wide receiver Miles Boykin has announced his retirement from playing football. Boykin was the Ravens' third-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2019. His first two pro seasons were the best of his career as he totaled 32 catches, 464 yards, and seven touchdowns. However, he peaked as the overall WR99 in PPR leagues in 2020, and he never returned to the top 185 receivers after that. After three seasons in Baltimore, he spent two in Pittsburgh. He also spent part of 2024 with the Seahawks and part of 2025 with the Bears, but he never appeared in a game for either organization. The 29-year-old is now hanging up his cleats and said (via Instagram) that he's "excited for this new chapter in my life."
Source: Miles Boykin
Source: Miles Boykin
Ryan Rollins Remains Sidelined Against Thunder
Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday's matchup against Oklahoma City. Rollins remains day-to-day, but his absence keeps Milwaukee's backcourt usage condensed. Cam Thomas is the clear short-term beneficiary after erupting for 34 points with four threes, four rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes Wednesday. He profiles as a points-and-threes streamer while Rollins sits. Kevin Porter Jr., who logged 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in 39 minutes, should continue handling primary playmaking duties. AJ Green's role remains steady, but low usage limits his ceiling.
Source: Milwaukee Bucks
Source: Milwaukee Bucks
Patrick Mahomes Loses Grasp on Top-Tier Fantasy Status
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) is no longer a top-tier fantasy option, primarily due to injury uncertainty. Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL in Week 15, and it's currently unclear whether he'll be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season. He's still one of the most talented players in NFL history, but without a clear timeline, fantasy managers shouldn't expect to rely on him as their starting quarterback in Week 1. We also can't ignore the fact that his fantasy production has gone backward. He went from the overall QB1 in 2022 to QB8 in 2023, QB11 in 2024, and QB11 in his shortened 2025 campaign. He has thrown at least 11 interceptions in each of his last five seasons, and he's been held to 27 or fewer touchdowns every year since 2022, when he threw for 41. Josh Allen has taken over as the consensus QB1 in fantasy football, but players like Lamar Jackson, Drake Maye, and Joe Burrow have also become more appealing to managers than Mahomes. Of course, that could change if the Chiefs add a superstar receiver this offseason, and it also wouldn't hurt if tight end Travis Kelce bounces back following a down year.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Warren Ascending Into a Larger Role?
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had the best fantasy finish of his career in 2025, and he could take another step forward with less competition next season. Warren entered the 2025 campaign as the Steelers' preferred running back after Najee Harris departed in free agency. The expectation was that Warren would gradually lose touches to Kaleb Johnson, but instead, he found himself in a split backfield with Kenneth Gainwell. While sharing touches with Gainwell, Warren tallied 958 rushing yards, 333 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He finished as the overall RB17 in full-PPR leagues, while Gainwell was the RB16. Gainwell is expected to hit free agency this offseason, and early rumors indicate that the Steelers don't plan to re-sign him. Presumably, they'll bring in another running back or give more touches to Johnson. However, as the incumbent starter, Warren should maintain a heavy workload and fantasy relevance. He has shown an ability to produce as a ball-carrier and pass-catcher, and he flashed a nose for the end zone by doubling his previous career-high touchdown total. Warren is a solid hold in dynasty leagues, and he projects as a mid-range RB2 option in redraft leagues for 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Juwan Johnson Showcases Terrific Rapport with Rookie Quarterback
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson finally broke out during the 2025 season, largely due to his rapport with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. Last year was Johnson's sixth in the NFL, and it seems like there had been buzz about a Johnson breakout nearly every season. It didn't come to fruition through his first five campaigns in the NFL, mostly because of a crowded tight end room and poor quarterback play. He turned the corner early last season with Spencer Rattler at quarterback, but he really took his productivity to the next level with Shough under center. Johnson finished the 2025 season with 77 catches, 889 yards, and three touchdowns, ranking as the overall TE8 in full-PPR leagues. Signed through 2027, Johnson has a steady future in New Orleans and could take another big step forward next year, especially now that the Saints seem to have some consistency at the quarterback position. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound tight end should enter 2026 fantasy drafts as a mid-to-low TE1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dak Prescott Should Continue to Benefit From Strong Supporting Cast
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had one of the best seasons of his career in 2025, and he should remain a top fantasy option for 2026. Prescott finished the year with a 67.3% completion rate, 4,552 passing yards, 32 total touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 177 yards. He finished the year as the overall QB6 in fantasy football and has now ranked as a top-six quarterback in his last two healthy seasons (excluding 2024, when he missed nine games). Prescott was able to perform at an elite level largely due to the supporting cast around him. Dallas had one of the top receiver rooms in the NFL with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, while tight end Jake Ferguson also played at a very high level. Pickens and running back Javonte Williams are both slated for free agency, but it sounds like Dallas plans to bring back Pickens, even if that means using the franchise tag on him. If Prescott can get all three of his top targets back in 2026, he'll compete to be a top-five quarterback in fantasy football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dodgers Sign Keston Hiura to a Minor-League Deal
The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed first baseman Keston Hiura to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. He spent 2025 with the Colorado Rockies, primarily playing at Triple-A. The former first-round pick debuted with a .938 OPS in 2019, but his offensive metrics in the majors have been severely underwhelming ever since then. He went 4-for-18 with zero walks and seven strikeouts in the majors last year, but he fared much better at the Triple-A level with a .272/.369/.507 slash line, 21 home runs, a 10.6% walk rate, a 26.7% strikeout rate, and 107 wRC+. Hiura has shifted to first base full-time at this point in his career. The Dodgers are seemingly taking a low-risk opportunity on Hiura because of his average defense and intriguing display of power in the minors last year. Freddie Freeman is locked into a starting role, but there could be a 26-man roster spot for Hiura if the Dodgers want to carry a backup first baseman.
Source: Jon Heyman
Source: Jon Heyman
Shaedon Sharpe Sidelined Against Utah
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Shaedon Sharpe (calf) will miss his fourth consecutive contest on Thursday against the Utah Jazz. He strained his left calf last week and will be out through the All-Star break, possibly returning against the Nuggets on Feb. 20. Vit Krejci will continue to see an expanded role during Sharpe's absence. He finished with 17 points, one rebound, and one assist across 20 minutes against Minnesota on Wednesday. Scoot Henderson and Blake Wesley could also take on extra minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Nick Castellanos Drawing "a Lot of Interest"
Free agent outfielder Nick Castellanos is drawing "a lot of interest" after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Castellanos was cut loose after Philadelphia failed to find a trade partner. While none of the other 29 teams were willing to trade for Castellanos, Heyman notes that many of those organizations were waiting for him to be released. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Trading for Castellanos could have cost teams a prospect, and they would have had to pay a portion of the remaining money on his contract. By letting him hit free agency, he'll simply cost the league minimum without requiring trade compensation. However, teams will now have to compete for his services; we won't see a bidding war, but Heyman's report indicates that the veteran outfielder will get to pick from multiple suitors. Across 147 games in 2025, Castellanos slashed .250/.294/.400 with 17 home runs, a 5.4% walk rate, a 22.6% strikeout rate, and 90 wRC+. He posted negative fWAR with his bat and glove, and he also finished the year with -12 OAA and -12 FRV in the outfield. At this point in his career, the 33-year-old projects best as a part-time designated hitter, and he'd benefit from playing in a hitter-friendly ballpark.
Source: Jon Heyman
Source: Jon Heyman
Hunter Dobbins Not Running or Fielding Yet
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Hunter Dobbins (knee) is not participating in fielding or running drills as spring training gets underway, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It was recently reported that Dobbins didn't have a timetable for his return to the mound, and the fact that he's being held out of key camp drills isn't a very encouraging sign. There's still more than a month until Opening Day, so Dobbins has time to recover and compete for a spot in the rotation. However, he's presumably on the outside looking in as pitchers and catchers ramp up. Dobbins, who was acquired from Boston in exchange for Willson Contreras during the offseason, tore his knee ligament last year. He made 13 appearances (11 starts) prior to his injury, posting a 3.87 FIP, 6.64 K/9, and 2.51 BB/9. Kyle Leahy projects as the Cardinals' No. 5 starter for the duration of Dobbins' absence.
Source: Derrick Goold
Source: Derrick Goold
Jeff Criswell to Open 2026 Season on 60-Day Injured List
The Colorado Rockies have placed reliever Jeff Criswell (elbow) on the 60-day injured list. Criswell underwent Tommy John surgery last year and hasn't pitched since his rookie season in 2024. Across 19.2 innings of relief work as a rookie, he posted 12.36 K/9, 4.12 BB/9, and 1.83 HR/9. He managed to escape with a 2.75 ERA, but his 5.06 xERA suggests he got quite lucky. The right-hander's timetable is a bit murky, and today's transaction confirms he'll miss at least the first few weeks of the regular season, if not more. Newcomers RJ Petit and Keegan Thompson could fill Criswell's void until he's able to return.
Source: Colorado Rockies
Source: Colorado Rockies
Ryan Walker Fixes Mechanics in Pursuit of Closer Role
San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Ryan Walker believes he found a mechanical fix during the offseason that should improve his command in 2026, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports. The reliever struggled with slider command last year, forcing him to rely on his sinker. He locked down 17 saves, but he also had six blown saves with a 4.11 ERA, up from his 1.91 ERA in 2023. Now that he has more command of his breaking ball, he won't need to fill up the zone with as many sinkers. He believes the mechanical fix will help him compete for the closer role. "I'm coming in with the mentality of earning that spot," Walker told Pavlovic. "I'm not here to sit around and be like, 'Oh, I just want a job.' I'm coming in with the full mentality of I'm going to earn this role, and it's going to be good." RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings reflect Walker's bid to earn more save situations in Tony Vitello's bullpen, as he currently ranks #21 among relievers.
Source: Alex Pavlovic
Source: Alex Pavlovic
Raiders Still Have "a Lot to Repair" With Maxx Crosby
Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) has been in the team's building every day as he works out and rehabs the surgically repaired meniscus in his knee, and he recently had a positive discussion with new head coach Klint Kubiak. However, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said on the Rich Eisen Show that there are "a lot of other fences that would need to be mended" for Crosby to stay in Vegas. The 28-year-old five-time Pro Bowler has already been through six different head coaches with the Raiders and has only been to the playoffs once. Crosby still has an affinity for the franchise and owner Mark Davis, but he's in the process of determining whether he wants to be traded. Pelissero adds that meanwhile, the Raiders figuring out if it makes sense to keep Crosby, especially if they can get two first-round picks for him to aid their rebuild. With the drama between Crosby and Vegas aside, he should be a high-end defensive lineman target in IDP fantasy leagues in 2026, regardless of where he's playing, if he's healthy for the start of the 2026 season.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Scoot Henderson Available Again on Thursday
Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (hamstring) is expected to play Thursday against the Utah Jazz. He recorded 18 points, four rebounds, and two assists in 19 minutes during Wednesday's loss to Minnesota. The 22-year-old had been a candidate for a maintenance day, but he has been cleared to suit up. That said, Henderson will likely remain on a limited workload as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring tear in just his fourth appearance of the season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Carlos Rodon Has Thrown Five or Six Bullpen Sessions
New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (elbow) has thrown five to six bullpens and expects to throw another one on Saturday, according to Meredith Marakovits of YES Network. Rodon has been sidelined since October after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies and to shave down a bone spur in his left elbow. He also had two rounds of platelet-rich plasma therapy to speed up his healing and recovery process. We originally heard that Rodon was on track to return in May, and this latest update suggests that he's either on schedule or ahead of schedule. That's great news for the Yankees, who are also without Gerrit Cole (elbow) until the summer. Rodon was effective when healthy last year, posting a 3.78 FIP, 9.4 K/9, and 3.4 K/9 across 33 starts (195.1 innings). He ranks as the #59 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest 2026 fantasy baseball draft rankings.
Source: Meredith Marakovits
Source: Meredith Marakovits
Trevor Megill Facing More Competition for Saves in 2026
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Trevor Megill functioned as his team's primary closer in 2025, recording a 2.49 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 60 strikeouts, six wins, and 30 saves across 47 innings pitched. The 32-year-old has largely been a standout reliever since joining Milwaukee in 2023, recording 162 strikeouts and 51 saves across 128 innings (129 games). However, Brewers right-hander Abner Uribe established himself as a dominant high-leverage option in 2025, posting a 3-2 record with a 1.67 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 90 strikeouts, and seven saves across 75 1/3 innings pitched. Heading into 2026, it appears as though Milwaukee could choose to deploy both Megill and Uribe in the ninth inning, operating without a single traditional closer. With a current average draft position of pick 120, Megill is typically coming off the board somewhere around RP10. Fantasy managers may be wise to avoid Megill at that cost, as he will be hard-pressed to return number one closer value if he consistently loses out on saves to Uribe.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Deandre Ayton Ruled Out on Thursday
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) will not suit up for Thursday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. He's set to miss his second straight contest due to right knee soreness. With Ayton sidelined, Jaxson Hayes is expected to draw another start, while Maxi Kleber should handle increased minutes off the bench. In his starts this campaign, Hayes has averaged 11.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Dallas has surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing centers, making this a favorable matchup for the Lakers' frontcourt.
Source: Dave McMenamin
Source: Dave McMenamin
Rays Set to Deploy Closer-by-Committee Approach in 2026
Tampa Bay Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander and manager Kevin Cash said the team intends to work with a closer-by-committee approach in 2026, per Evan Closky of 10 Tampa Bay News. Using multiple relievers in the ninth inning is something Cash has done with regularity in previous years, although veteran right-hander Pete Fairbanks logged 27 saves for Tampa Bay in 2025. However, Fairbanks signed with the Miami Marlins in free agency this past winter, and it does not appear as though the Rays intend to name a single successor for the closer role. Right-handers Edwin Uceta and Griffin Jax, as well as lefty Garrett Cleavinger, could be the most likely high-leverage relief candidates in Tampa Bay. Uceta racked up 103 strikeouts across 76 innings pitched for the Rays in 2025, while Jax recorded 10 saves for the Minnesota Twins in 2024. Cleavinger has eight saves over the past two seasons with Tampa Bay and might be the best lefty option Cash has at his disposal. Fantasy managers may see value from multiple different pieces of the Rays bullpen throughout 2026, but likely should not expect one dominant source of saves in Tampa Bay.
Source: 10 Tampa Bay News - Evan Closky
Source: 10 Tampa Bay News - Evan Closky
Jacob Melton Likely to Open 2026 in Triple-A?
Tampa Bay Rays beat writer Evan Closky of 10 Tampa Bay News reports that he expects Rays outfielder Jacob Melton to start the 2026 season in Triple-A, based on comments by Rays manager Kevin Cash and President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander on Thursday. Tampa Bay acquired Melton from the Houston Astros in December as part of a three-team trade that saw the Rays send out second baseman Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum, and relief pitcher Mason Montgomery. The 25-year-old Melton got his first taste of big-league action in 2025, slashing .157/.234/.186 with zero home runs, seven RBI, seven runs scored, and seven stolen bases across 70 plate appearances with the Astros. His Triple-A numbers were significantly better, as he posted a .945 OPS with 12 stolen bases across 150 plate appearances. However, it appears as though interested fantasy managers may have to wait on Melton's arrival in Tampa Bay. If Melton does indeed begin the year in the Minors, the Rays will likely deploy a combination of Cedric Mullins, Jake Fraley, Chandler Simpson, Jonny DeLuca, and Justyn-Henry Malloy in their outfield spots.
Source: 10 Tampa Bay News - Evan Closky
Source: 10 Tampa Bay News - Evan Closky
Carson Williams Expected to Open 2026 in Triple-A?
Tampa Bay Rays beat writer Evan Closky of 10 Tampa Bay News reports that he expects Rays shortstop Carson Williams to start the 2026 season in Triple-A, based on comments by Rays manager Kevin Cash and President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander on Thursday. A 2021 first-round pick, Williams made his Major League debut in late August 2025. However, the 22-year-old struggled mightily in 106 plate appearances, hitting .172/.219/.354 with five home runs, 12 RBI, 11 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Williams struck out in 41.5% of his big-league plate appearances, which is only marginally worse than the 34.1% strikeout rate he posted across 451 plate appearances last season at Triple-A. If Williams does indeed open the season in the Minors, Taylor Walls would likely open the year as Tampa Bay's starting shortstop. Walls is known as one of the best defenders in the game, but has hit .195 with 22 total home runs across over 1,500 MLB plate appearances.
Source: 10 Tampa Bay News - Evan Closky
Source: 10 Tampa Bay News - Evan Closky
Browns Request to Interview Cory Undlin for Defensive-Coordinator Job
The Cleveland Browns have requested an interview with Houston Texans passing-game coordinator Cory Undlin for their defensive-coordinator job, a source told Mark Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Browns interviewed Atlanta Falcons' defensive passing-game coordinator Mike Rutenberg for the DC job on Wednesday. Cleveland was hoping to keep Jim Schwartz as their defensive coordinator, but he resigned after being passed over for the head-coaching gig. Whoever takes over the Browns' offense will have plenty to work with, namely Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. The 54-year-old Undlin has been in Houston since 2023 after following head coach DeMeco Ryans from San Francisco. He worked under Schwartz with the Eagles from 2016 to 2019 as a defensive backs coach and also worked on the Jaguars' staff alongside new Browns head coach Todd Monken from 2009 to 2010.
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
Jose Caballero Holds Early-Season Sleeper Value Heading into 2026
Despite being utilized mostly in a reserve role, New York Yankees utility man Jose Caballero has emerged as one of MLB's most prolific base-stealers in recent years. Across 126 games split between the Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays in 2025, Caballero stole 49 bases, his second straight season with at least 44 steals. With Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (shoulder) expected to start the year on the injured list due to offseason shoulder surgery, Caballero appears ticketed for an everyday role in New York early on in 2026. The 29-year-old should not be expected to provide much fantasy value with his bat, as he hit .236/.339/.347 with five home runs, 36 RBI, and 52 runs scored across 370 plate appearances in 2025. However, with everyday playing time, Caballero could be a game-changing source of speed for fantasy managers. With a current average draft position of pick 222, Caballero could be a multi-position eligible sleeper to target, particularly in the early part of the season.
Source: rotoballer
Source: rotoballer
Raiders Hiring Mike McCoy as Assistant Head Coach
The Las Vegas Raiders are hiring former Tennessee Titans interim head coach Mike McCoy as their assistant head coach, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The 53-year-old spent four years as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers and will be an experienced addition to first-time head coach Klint Kubiak's staff in 2026. McCoy went 27-37 in his time with the Chargers before serving as an offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos in 2017 and the Arizona Cardinals in 2018. He then was the Jacksonville Jaguars' quarterbacks coach for three seasons before he was hired by the Titans last year as a senior offensive assistant. McCoy will be Kubiak's right-hand man next season and will also have input on the offense, although Kubiak plans to call the plays. He will also help in the development of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be the first overall pick in this year's NFL Draft.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Isaiah Hartenstein Resting on Thursday
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (rest) will not play on Thursday against the Bucks in the second game of his team's back-to-back set before the All-Star break. Hartenstein played only 18 minutes on Wednesday in the Thunder's blowout win in Phoenix, producing eight points, six assists, and four rebounds. Despite the light workload, he'll get Thursday off, with Jaylin Williams in a great spot to step up in his place. Kenrich Williams could also be in the mix more, and the team could also go with more small-ball lineups against Milwaukee. Jaylin Williams is the main value to target for streaming and DFS usage while Hartenstein is sidelined.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Williams Will Not Play Thursday Against the Bucks
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) missed 10 straight games from Jan. 19 to Feb. 7 and left Wednesday's game after aggravating the injury. Williams will miss at least Thursday's game, but the team could be cautious to try to get him back for their playoff push. Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen), and Isaiah Hartenstein (rest) will all be absent from Thursday's favorable matchup against the Bucks, leaving lots of potential production available for Jaylin Williams, Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Alex Caruso.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Deni Avdija Listed As Questionable on Thursday
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (lower back injury management) is uncertain to play on Thursday night in Utah after being listed as questionable for the second game of his team's back-to-back. Avdija had a huge night with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists on Monday in a win over the 76ers, but he only managed 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists on Wednesday in a loss to the Timberwolves. He has been critical to the Trail Blazers success and is having a breakout season, but he has been dealing with some back issues over the last few weeks. If the team opts to give him Thursday off, Vit Krejci and Sidy Cissoko would pick up more work, especially with Shaedon Sharpe (calf) missing a fourth straight contest.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
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