March 5, 2026
Utah Mammoth goaltender Vitek Vanecek stopped all 16 shots he faced in a 3-0 shutout win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. Vanecek was drawing just his 14th start of the season, but he turned in an elite performance and earned his second victory in a row. He did not face many shots, but he stopped all of them and helped the Mammoth earn a big two points in the standings. Utah plays a back-to-back on March 9 and 10, so he will most likely suit up in one of those games.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 5, 2026
Charlotte Hornets forward/center
Grant Williams (knee) will rejoin the lineup on Friday against the Miami Heat. He hasn't been listed on the injury report after sitting out the second leg of a back-to-back on Wednesday against Boston. Williams has contributed 7.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 19.9 minutes per game since recovering from a bad knee injury and making his season debut on Jan. 10. On Friday, Williams might be slightly more productive on the offensive end, as Miami allows the sixth-most bench points in the Association.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
Indiana Pacers center
Ivica Zubac (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Before Wednesday's loss to the Clippers, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters that Zubac would definitely play this season. However, his Pacers debut won't happen on Friday night. The Croatian big man has been on the shelf since Feb. 2 due to a left ankle sprain.
Jay Huff and
Micah Potter will continue to do the heavy lifting at the No. 5 spot until Zubac is ready to play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
The Chicago Bears are releasing Pro Bowl linebacker Tremaine Edmunds on Thursday, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Edmunds will enter free agency this offseason after being a full-time starter in each of his first eight seasons in the NFL. The 27-year-old former 16th overall pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2018 out of Virginia Tech played in a career-low 13 games for the Chicago Bears in 2025 in his third year with the team. Despite missing four regular-season games, Edmunds still tallied 112 tackles (61 solo), one sack, a career-high four interceptions, nine pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. Edmunds has had over 100 combined tackles in all eight of his NFL seasons, and he should generate plenty of interest on the open market. Cutting Edmunds will free up $15 million on this year's salary cap for the Bears. Edmunds has exactly 900 combined tackles as he heads into his ninth year in the league in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 5, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard/forward
Aaron Nesmith (ankle, back) is listed as probable for Friday's meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 26-year-old is a bit banged up, dealing with ankle and lower back injuries, but he is expected to make a second straight appearance. Nesmith ended a five-game absence on Wednesday against the Clippers but clearly wasn't himself, notching two points, three rebounds, and two assists with 1-for-8 shooting. Indiana limited Nesmith to 20 minutes on Wednesday night and may continue to monitor his minutes against the Lakers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
The Houston Texans and five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter agreed to a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension on Thursday that includes a $30.7 million signing bonus, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The extension ties Hunter to the team through the 2027 season. The 31-year-old former third-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 out of LSU had 54 tackles (28 solo), 15 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 22 QB hits, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 17 regular-season starts last year in his second year in Houston. Hunter has recorded double-digit sacks in each of the last four seasons and in seven of his 10 NFL campaigns. Starting opposite pass-rusher Will Anderson, Hunter led the charge for the NFL's top-ranked defense in 2025. Hunter has 27 sacks in his two seasons in Houston and will be a clear top-10 defensive lineman target in IDP fantasy leagues in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
March 5, 2026
The Washington Commanders will rank in the top five for most salary cap space available this offseason, and ESPN's John Keim writes that they would like to add another tight end. Tennessee Titans impending free-agent tight end
Chig Okonkwo is a possibility. Okonkwo led the Titans in receiving in 2025 with 56 catches on 79 targets for a career-high 560 yards and only two touchdowns in 17 games played in his fourth year in the league. However, the 26-year-old only ranked as the No. 22 tight end in half-PPR scoring last year, losing valuable targets and playing time to rookie
Gunnar Helm, especially in the second half of the season. The Titans are expected to move forward with Helm as their pass-catching TE in 2026 and into the future, leaving Okonkwo to find a new team.
Zach Ertz is a free agent, so if Okonkwo were to land in D.C., he could have a clearer path to TE1 utility in fantasy leagues this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - John Keim
March 5, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward
Trey Murphy III (neck) will make a third consecutive appearance on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings. He was listed as questionable on the initial injury report due to neck spasms. The team upgraded Murphy III to probable earlier in the day, and he has now been officially cleared to play. Even with the Pelicans struggling, Murphy III has had a fantastic campaign. He is averaging career-high numbers in several categories, posting 22.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. The Kings are horrible defensively, giving Murphy III a chance to do something special on Thursday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Zion Williamson (ankle) will suit up on Thursday night against the Sacramento Kings. Williamson played through an ankle injury on Tuesday against the Lakers and has been cleared for Thursday's game despite being listed as questionable on the initial injury report. While Williamson isn't at 100 percent, he managed 24 points, four rebounds, and one steal in 33 minutes against the Lakers. On Thursday, Williamson has an easier matchup and may also have more of the ball with
Dejounte Murray (Achilles) out of the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
The Washington Commanders could opt to sign wide receiver
Brandon Aiyuk (knee), who is expected to be cut by the San Francisco 49ers, according to John Keim of ESPN. Aiyuk is close friends with Commanders quarterback
Jayden Daniels and has said he wants to play with him. If the Commanders were to take a chance on Aiyuk, who didn't play at all in 2025, it would be "for a one-year prove-it deal," and they'd still likely go after another receiver to pair with
Terry McLaurin. It doesn't sound like the Commanders plan to attempt to bring
Deebo Samuel Sr. back. Other options that Washington could pursue are
Jauan Jennings,
Romeo Doubs,
Alec Pierce, and
Rashid Shaheed. Aiyuk, a former first-rounder in 2020, wore out his welcome in the Bay Area and will have to prove his health and fit with a new organization before most fantasy managers will take a look at him again. He did have back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Niners before his season-ending knee injury in 2024, though.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - John Keim
March 5, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back, neck) is considered probable for Friday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 26-year-old is dealing with soreness in his lower back and neck area, but the probable designation indicates that Nembhard is expected to make a second consecutive appearance. However, Nembhard's ongoing health issues appeared to impact him during Wednesday's game against the Clippers, where he managed only five points on 1-for-5 shooting. It was a major disappointment for fantasy managers who had seen Nembhard produce at least 20 points in each of his previous three games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on Seattle Sports on Thursday that Los Angeles Chargers impending free-agent outside linebacker Khalil Mack could be a "great fit" with the Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks. The nine-time Pro Bowler is an elite run defender and has ranked among the top 10 edge rushers at Pro Football Focus in each of the last three seasons. Mack has a total of 113 sacks and 36 forced fumbles in his 12-year career with the Raiders, Chicago Bears, and Chargers, including a career-high 17 sacks in 2023. The 35-year-old veteran and former fifth overall pick by the Raiders in 2014 out of Buffalo only played in 12 games last year due to an elbow injury and finished with 32 tackles (19 solo), 5.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, 11 QB hits, and four forced fumbles. Mack recently announced that he plans on playing in 2026, and he's ranked by ESPN as the No. 4 edge rusher and the No. 20 overall player available in free agency this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 5, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam (wrist) is probable for Friday's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. He looks to be on track to make a second consecutive appearance after shaking off a wrist injury. Siakam returned from a three-game absence on Wednesday with a 29-point effort in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. While health issues have limited Siakam's involvement in recent weeks, he has been brilliant when available, averaging 29.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over his last three outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
The Houston Texans restructured cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.'s contract on Thursday, converting $20.38 million of his $21.59 million salary cap figure into a signing bonus, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. The move will save the Texans around $16 million in 2026, according to a league source. Stingley signed a three-year, $90 million contract with the Texans in March of last year. The 24-year-old former third overall pick in 2022 out of LSU was a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler for the second straight year in 2025, finishing with 36 tackles (26 solo), four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 15 pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 17 regular-season starts. Stingley isn't really on the map in IDP fantasy leagues, but he was a big reason why the Texans had the top overall defense last year.
--Keith HernandezSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
March 5, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (elbow) will remain sidelined for at least a couple more weeks. On Thursday, the team announced that Morant continues to experience discomfort in his left elbow due to a UCL sprain, and follow-up imaging showed incomplete healing. Morant has been out since Jan. 21, playing in only 20 games this season. In Morant's absence, Memphis will continue to rely on
Ty Jerome (calf),
Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), and
Cam Spencer to handle playmaking duties, though Jerome and Pippen Jr. are both managing injuries of their own.
--Taavi PailkSource: Memphis Grizzlies PR
March 5, 2026
The Indianapolis Colts are talking with teams about a trade for former Pro Bowl linebacker Zaire Franklin as they look to get under the salary cap before the start of the new league year next week, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Franklin led the NFL with 173 total tackles in 2024 and was a first-time Pro Bowler. The former seventh-round pick in 2018 out of Syracuse took a step back in 2025 in his eighth year in the league, but he still had 125 tackles (62 solo), two sacks, seven tackles for loss, six QB hits, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 17 starts. In fantasy scoring, he finished as the No. 27 linebacker in IDP leagues. Franklin has two years left on the three-year, $31.3 million contract that he signed in March of 2024. If he's not traded, the Colts have an out with Franklin for only $2.5 million in dead-cap money.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 5, 2026
The New York Giants re-signed wide receiver/special-teamer
Gunner Olszewski to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Olszewski is mostly used as a punt/kick returner on special teams, as his 10 catches (13 targets) on offense for 145 yards and one touchdown in 16 games were a career high in his sixth year in the NFL. On special teams, the 29-year-old returned 26 kickoffs for 682 yards and 24 punts for 216 yards. The former undrafted free agent out of Bemidji State has a grand total of 25 receptions for 325 yards and two touchdowns on 33 targets as a receiver in 81 regular-season games (five starts). Olszewski is highly unlikely to make an impact on offense for the G-Men in 2026, making him avoidable in all fantasy football leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 5, 2026
Phoenix Suns center
Oso Ighodaro has been named a starter for Thursday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. He will replace
Mark Williams (foot) in the first unit. Williams has been ruled out for 2-3 weeks, meaning this should be the first of several consecutive starts for Ighodaro. In his previous seven starts this season, Ighodaro has averaged 6.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in 23.8 minutes. However, earlier this week, Ighodaro demonstrated he is capable of much more by contributing to a 114-103 victory over Sacramento with a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double.
--Taavi PailkSource: Phoenix Suns
March 5, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams and tight end
Tyler Higbee agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal on Thursday, agent Erik Burkhardt told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Higbee has struggled to stay healthy the last two years, playing in a combined 13 regular-season games, but the 33-year-old veteran will return to L.A. In 10 regular-season contests last year, he caught 25 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns on 36 targets. The 10-year-old veteran has never topped 734 receiving yards or five touchdowns in a single season since being taken in the fourth round by the Rams in 2016 out of Western Kentucky, and that's unlikely to happen in his 11th season in 2026. Higbee has plenty of chemistry with quarterback
Matthew Stafford, but the Rams will likely continue to run a lot of two-tight-end sets that also include
Colby Parkinson and
Terrance Ferguson. Higbee will have a limited ceiling and low floor while sharing targets with Parkinson and Ferguson again next season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 5, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Collin Sexton and forward
Leonard Miller will join the first unit for Thursday's tilt against the Phoenix Suns. The two will replace
Josh Giddey (ankle) and
Matas Buzelis (ankle), respectively. While Sexton has plenty of prior experience as a starter, Miller will make his first career start. He has earned the opportunity by averaging 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 steals off the bench across the last three games.
Tre Jones,
Isaac Okoro, and
Guerschon Yabusele are also in the starting lineup against the Suns.
--Taavi PailkSource: Chicago Bulls
March 5, 2026
The New York Jets re-signed tight end
Jelani Woods to an undisclosed deal on Thursday, according to Eric Allen of NewYorkJets.com. Woods was initially claimed off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts last August. The 27-year-old played 60 offensive snaps and 12 special teams snaps over four games with the Jets in 2025, catching just one of three targets for four yards. He missed the 2023 and 2024 seasons with Indy due to hamstring and turf-toe injuries. Woods was the 73rd overall pick in the third round by the Colts in 2022 out of the University of Virginia. He caught 25 of his 40 targets for 312 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games (two starts) in his rookie year before the injuries hit. At best, Woods will enter the 2026 campaign in New York as the TE3 behind
Mason Taylor and
Jeremy Ruckert. He's off the fantasy radar in all formats.
--Keith HernandezSource: NewYorkJets.com - Eric Allen
March 5, 2026
New York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the Denver Nuggets. The seven-footer has been rested regularly during back-to-back sets, and that was the case again when the Knicks hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Robinson's return will bump
Ariel Hukporti down in the depth chart. On Friday night, Robinson will play a crucial role in the Knicks' effort to contain
Nikola Jokic. The 27-year-old has averaged 5.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks across his last six outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
There were reports earlier on Thursday suggesting that the Chicago Bears might be in play to acquire All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders, but ESPN's Adam Schefter doesn't see the Bears in the driver's seat for a deal right now, and he also isn't convinced that Crosby will actually be dealt. Schefter added that the Bears have no ties to Cincinnati Bengals impending free-agent defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip, pelvis) as they look to improve their pass rush. Instead of trading for Crosby or going after Hendrickson, Chicago could go after centers Tyler Biadasz or Lloyd Cushenberry to help replace Drew Dalman, who surprisingly retired this week. Crosby has been rumored to be a trade candidate since he was unhappy with the Raiders shutting him down for the final two games of the 2025 season due to a knee injury. He hasn't publicly requested a trade, though, and the Raiders may only move him if they receive two first-round picks and a young impact player in return.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 5, 2026
New York Knicks guard/forward
Josh Hart (back) is listed as questionable for a meeting with the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. The versatile veteran suffered a back contusion in Wednesday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This doesn't seem to be a significant enough issue to keep Hart off the court. However, if he misses time, New York will look for more production from
Jose Alvarado and
Landry Shamet.
Jordan Clarkson might also rejoin the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Cameron Johnson (ankle) won't play on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. There was hope that Johnson's absence due to an ankle injury would be limited to one game after the team listed him as questionable on the initial injury report. Johnson's next opportunity to return will be Friday night against the New York Knicks. With Johnson out on Monday against Utah, Denver experimented with
Jonas Valanciunas in the starting lineup next to
Nikola Jokic. Meanwhile,
Tim Hardaway Jr. and
Bruce Brown both saw 30-plus minutes off the bench. The two will probably continue to have a heavier workload on Thursday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dave McMenamin
March 5, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Kris Murray (illness) is considered questionable for Friday's tilt against the Houston Rockets. He's battling an illness and could be absent for a second consecutive game. Murray has recently been
Deni Avdija's (back) replacement in the starting unit. With both players on the shelf,
Scoot Henderson started Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies, finishing with eight points, one rebound, three assists, and one steal in 24 minutes. His night was hampered by 3-for-11 shooting.
Vit Krejci and
Sidy Cissoko are also candidates for larger roles if Murray and Avdija don't return on Friday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (back) has been tagged as doubtful for Friday's matchup with the Houston Rockets. A lower back injury is likely to keep him sidelined for a sixth consecutive game. With
Kris Murray (illness) also on the injury report,
Scoot Henderson and
Vit Krejci may continue to see increased minutes. Meanwhile,
Jrue Holiday and
Jerami Grant, who combined for 65 points in Wednesday's 122-114 win over Memphis, are expected to keep leading the offense.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward/center
Maxi Kleber (back) will miss the first game of a back-to-back on Thursday against the Denver Nuggets. He was listed as questionable on the initial injury report due to back soreness. Kleber was also considered questionable for Tuesday's meeting with New Orleans before getting the green light to play. Yet Lakers head coach JJ Redick elected not to use Kleber in that game. It wasn't surprising, as Kleber doesn't have a consistent role with the Lakers. Even if the German veteran returns to the lineup on Friday against the Indiana Pacers, he might receive another DNP-CD.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Matas Buzelis (ankle) will miss his first game of the season on Thursday night against the Phoenix Suns. The 21-year-old hurt his right ankle on Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder and was initially listed as questionable for Thursday's action. Buzelis' absence opens the door for greater involvement from
Leonard Miller and
Nick Richards. Of the two players, Richards -- fresh off a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double -- offers more fantasy upside.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
Chicago Bulls point guard
Josh Giddey (ankle) won't play on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns. He was initially listed as questionable for the contest after Giddey rolled his right ankle in Tuesday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Chicago's backcourt has been hit by several injuries, forcing
Tre Jones,
Collin Sexton, and
Rob Dillingham to step up. With Giddey out, Sexton is the prime candidate to join Jones in the starting lineup on Thursday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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