February 18, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
T.J. McConnell (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's game against Washington. He wasn't available versus the Nets in the Pacers' final contest before the All-Star break. Hopefully, the time off did him some good, although it's possible he may need another night off to recover from nagging hamstring soreness. With
Pascal Siakam (personal) and
Ivica Zubac (ankle) ruled out, and
Aaron Nesmith (back) listed as questionable, McConnell might work his way into the starting lineup, assuming he gets the green light to play. At the same time, even if the 33-year-old comes off the bench, he'll be worth streaming in most fantasy setups.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 18, 2026
Washington Wizards guard
Trae Young (knee) has not been cleared for contact and did not practice Wednesday, coach Brian Keefe said, via The Athletic. There is no timetable for his debut, and he can be considered week-to-week as he works back from a right knee MCL sprain and quad contusion. His absence keeps
Bub Carrington in the starting role. Carrington is averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 threes in 28.0 minutes across 53 games, though on 40.2 percent shooting.
Tre Johnson remains a viable streamer after posting 12.9 points and 2.1 threes in 25.0 minutes over 40 games.
--Brian DailisanSource: Josh Robbins
February 18, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard/forward
Aaron Nesmith (back) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Wizards. He didn't suit up for the meeting with the Nets ahead of the All-Star break because of a lumbar strain. While Nesmith has a shot at playing on Thursday, it's also realistic to assume he won't be back on the court until Friday when these clubs meet again. With
Pascal Siakam (personal) sidelined,
Andrew Nembhard and
Jarace Walker have the best chance of leading the way offensively if Nesmith doesn't suit up.
Jay Huff could also be more involved on both ends of the floor, especially with
Ivica Zubac (ankle) still on the shelf.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 18, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam (personal) won't play on Thursday against Washington. These clubs will meet again on Friday, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see if he'll be back for that one. The Pacers have a number of players listed on the injury report, specifically,
T.J. McConnell (hamstring),
Aaron Nesmith (back),
Micah Potter (ankle), and
Ivica Zubac (ankle). As a result,
Kam Jones and
Ben Sheppard could see more work. That may also apply to
Quenton Jackson and
Ethan Thompson, depending on if they get the bump from the G League. With that said, there's a chance McConnell, Nesmith, and Potter will play, so there are a lot of moving parts in this scenario.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 18, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Darius Garland (toe) is considered week-to-week and continues practicing on a limited basis while managing his surgically repaired left foot, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. The team expects him to return this season, but a debut is unlikely before March. Garland carries a 28.6 usage rate when active, so his absence keeps
Kris Dunn entrenched as the starting point guard while
Kawhi Leonard maintains primary offensive control with a 34.8 usage rate.
Bennedict Mathurin and
Kobe Sanders carry value in deeper formats, though both profile as fringe options. Garland remains a firm hold in all competitive leagues.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
February 18, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Nicolas Claxton (ankle) won't play on Thursday versus Cleveland. He tweaked his ankle during practice on Wednesday, so it appears his absence might extend beyond Thursday's contest. While Claxton is sidelined,
Day'Ron Sharpe will likely replace him in the starting lineup. Sharpe has averaged 13.8 points, 8.5 boards, 2.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks in four starts this season, meaning he needs to be featured in all fantasy lineups as long as Claxton remains on the shelf.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 18, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward/center
Dylan Cardwell (ankle) sprained his left ankle at practice Tuesday and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, according to James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento. The rookie was providing 5.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 21.2 minutes across 29 games, flashing strong per-minute rebounding. With
Domantas Sabonis (knee) already out for the season,
Maxime Raynaud is locked into heavy run. Raynaud is averaging 9.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 23.5 minutes over 48 games and now projects for 30-plus minutes. He is a must-add in standard leagues, while
Precious Achiuwa gains deeper-league appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: James Ham
February 18, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (shin) won't play on Thursday versus Atlanta. He reported soreness in his right shin during the All-Star break, so he'll miss at least one contest. However, the 31-year-old will be re-evaluated leading up to Philly's three-game road trip in New Orleans, Minnesota, and Indiana, meaning there is a chance he might miss more time. While Embiid is out of commission,
Andre Drummond, averaging 8.9 points and 10.8 boards in 19 starts this season, will presumably replace him in the rotation.
Adem Bona should also see additional action and would be worth streaming if Drummond sits out a game during the road trip.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Associated Press
February 18, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) will be sidelined indefinitely after further evaluation revealed he requires additional rehabilitation for soreness stemming from a left high ankle sprain, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks, leaving a significant usage gap in the interim. Wagner carries a 25.6 usage rate, and his absence elevates
Anthony Black, who is averaging 16.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 threes in 31.1 minutes across 53 games.
Paolo Banchero should handle more creation duties, while
Tristan da Silva and
Noah Penda profile as short-term streamers.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 18, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward/center
Domantas Sabonis (knee) underwent season-ending surgery Wednesday to repair a torn left meniscus. The 29-year-old was limited to 19 appearances this season, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 29.7 minutes before being shut down as the 12-44 Kings shift focus to development. With backup center
Dylan Cardwell (ankle) also sidelined, rookie
Maxime Raynaud is positioned to handle 30-plus minutes nightly. Raynaud is averaging 9.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 23.5 minutes across 48 games and now profiles as a must-add in standard leagues.
Precious Achiuwa should see a steadier run off the bench, while
Keegan Murray and
DeMar DeRozan gain modest usage bumps. Sabonis can be dropped in redraft formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 18, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Kyrie Irving (knee) will not return this season as he continues recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery performed March 26, the team announced Wednesday. The 33-year-old has yet to play in 2025-26, and Dallas is prioritizing a full recovery with an eye toward next fall. His absence locks in heavy on-ball duties for rookie guard
Cooper Flagg, who carries a 28.3 usage rate in 35.0 minutes, while
Brandon Williams and
Max Christie should continue seeing expanded roles. Irving remains a stash only in dynasty formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dallas Mavericks
February 18, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Obi Toppin (foot) will remain out on Thursday against the Washington Wizards, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports. Toppin was at Tuesday's practice, but only as a limited participant. According to Pacers head coach, the former dunk champion is making progress in his recovery from right-foot surgery, but it's going to be "a while" before Toppin is ready to play. Toppin enjoyed a strong start to the campaign before landing on the shelf. He averaged 14.0 points and 6.7 rebounds across the first three games. As long as he's out,
Jarace Walker and
Micah Potter will benefit from extra minutes in the frontcourt.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dustin Dopirak
February 18, 2026
Indiana Pacers center
Ivica Zubac (ankle) isn't ready to make his team debut when the season resumes on Thursday, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports. The Croatian big man was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, and Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said after the session that it will be "a while" before Zubac is ready to play. The Pacers have the fourth-worst record in the league and aren't in a rush to get Zubac back into the lineup. With him out,
Jay Huff,
Micah Potter, and
Kobe Brown share minutes at center.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dustin Dopirak
February 18, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) practiced on Tuesday, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. He is also scheduled to take part in a team scrimmage on Wednesday. This suggests Porzingis could be ready to make his team debut on Thursday against his former squad, the Boston Celtics. The Latvian veteran hasn't played since Jan. 7 due to an Achilles issue. He had a decent start to the campaign with the Atlanta Hawks, recording 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Gui Santos may find himself on the bench when Porzingis returns, significantly lowering his fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Slater
February 18, 2026
Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (knee) is expected to participate in a team scrimmage on Wednesday, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. The team will then determine his status for Thursday's matchup with the Boston Celtics. Curry has been dealing with runner's knee and sat out the final five games before the All-Star break. Due to the issue, the two-time MVP was also unable to play in the All-Star Game on Sunday.
Pat Spencer has been starting at point guard during Curry's absence, averaging 14.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals over the last five games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Slater
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