February 18, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates outfield prospect
Jhostynxon Garcia has looked impressive on the defensive side of the ball during the early stages of camp. According to Pirates manager
Don Kelly, the young outfielder has held his own in the outfield when fielding flyballs. Kelly noted that Garcia's impact and ceiling" is "really high." The Pirates acquired Garcia from the Red Sox earlier in the winter, and he will have a chance to compete for a bench spot on the MLB roster out of spring training. Last summer, Garcia appeared in his first five MLB games and went 1-for-7 at the plate. However, at Triple-A, the 23-year-old held his own, posting a .271/.334/.498 slash line with 12 doubles and 18 home runs. Garcia is a name to monitor in deeper NL-only formats as he could earn a utility role in the Pittsburgh outfield. Managers should not expect him to earn a starting job as
Bryan Reynolds,
Ryan O'Hearn, and
Oneil Cruz are slated to be the team's primary outfielders.
--Andy SmithSource: Kevin Gorman
February 18, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays left-handed prospect
Ricky Tiedemann could be deployed in a relief role this season, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. The young lefty is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery and has looked quite impressive in the early stages of camp. According to Matheson, while Tiedemann has "all the time in the world" as a 23-year-old prospect, the team is keeping the door open for him to see time as a relief pitcher in 2026. While the team still hopes for the young southpaw to return to a starter's workload later in his career, the bullpen may be his easiest path to making an impact in 2026. In 2023, Tiedemann logged 44 innings to the tune of a 3.68 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and an 82:23 K:BB. In 2025, he threw just 17 innings after returning from injury. Managers should continue to monitor his status as he could have some sleeper appeal if he were to earn a high-leverage relief role later in the summer.
--Andy SmithSource: Keegan Matheson
February 18, 2026
Ludvig Aberg won the Genesis Invitational in 2025, but this is not Torrey Pines in San Diego. The Swedish golfer will be going up against the Riviera Country Club this time around. More than likely, a few more birdies will need to be made at the Los Angeles course. Aberg could not make putts at the Farmers Insurance Open, missing the cut. Things improved a little at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but Aberg never could get in contention. He finished T37, but his metrics roamed into positive territory. Riviera stands at a still long 7,322 yards. Aberg might be someone to stay away from early for DFS purposes.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
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
February 18, 2026
Utah Jazz forward/center
Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove a growth in his left knee. The team plans to re-evaluate him in four weeks to determine his recovery status. Last week, it was reported that Jackson Jr. will miss the rest of the season. After arriving from Memphis in an eight-player trade on Feb. 3, Jackson Jr. suited up for just three games for the Jazz. He averaged 22.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 steals. With Jackson Jr. sidelined,
Kyle Filipowski,
Brice Sensabaugh, and
John Konchar are expected to see increased playing time.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 18, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (foot) was spotted wearing a walking boot during the All-Star break, but he has avoided a serious injury. The rookie phenom sustained a left midfoot sprain before the break. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks are "relieved" that Flagg's injury isn't more serious. "Cooper Flagg was indeed spotted with a boot on his left foot Saturday at Duke's home game against Clemson, but league sources tell The Stein Line that Dallas feels fortunate that last week's MRI results on Flagg only revealed a left midfoot sprain," Stein reported. "It is still not known precisely how long the 19-year-old will be sidelined, but the Mavericks appear relieved that the injury was not more serious." While it's an encouraging update, Flagg might still miss some action when play resumes. Dallas will return to the court on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
--Taavi PailkSource: Marc Stein
February 18, 2026
With a T24 at Pebble Beach, Harris English continues a very consistent start to 2026, giving him four finishes of T28 or better to begin the campaign. He looks to keep it going at The Genesis Invitational, where he finished seventh in 2024, the last time the tournament was held at Riviera. Success here requires a sharp all-around game, and English has brought that early in the season. He ranks 33rd in total strokes gained (+1.142 per round), second off the tee (+0.974), 54th in putting (+0.388), and 30th in total driving. The only concern is his approach play, where he is still slightly positive overall (+0.019) but lost -1.323 strokes last week. In his last two trips to Riviera, he has gained more than 12.5 strokes combined with the putter. At $7,900 on DraftKings, English offers strong value given his recent form and ability to read Riviera's difficult Poa annua greens.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
February 18, 2026
Patrick Cantlay bounced back from a missed cut at the Farmers Insurance Open with a T14 finish at Pebble Beach. He will look to carry that momentum into The Genesis Invitational, which returns to The Riviera after a temporary move to Torrey Pines in 2025. Regardless of venue, Cantlay has been constantly on the leaderboards at this event, recording seven finishes of T17 or better, including three straight top 5s, over the past eight years. Riviera demands strong play across the bag, and Cantlay fits that profile. He ranks 25th in total strokes gained (+1.142 per round), 73rd off the tee (+0.129), 12th on approach (+0.886), and 17th in total driving. At $9,300 on DraftKings, Cantlay is worth his price and should once again be firmly in the mix entering the weekend.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
February 18, 2026
Daniel Berger struggled to get anything going at Pebble Beach, losing over 11.4 total strokes and finishing T75. He will look to rebound at the Genesis Invitational, which returns to The Riviera after a temporary move to Torrey Pines in 2025. Riviera typically rewards complete players, but with the lowest greens-in-regulation rate on Tour, strong iron play remains especially important. Berger has been solid in that area, ranking 39th in strokes gained on approach (+0.542 per round) and 55th tee to green (+0.501), while also sitting 14th in greens in regulation. The issue has been converting those opportunities, as he has lost -0.223 strokes putting (109th) and -0.317 around the green (138th). At $6,900 on DraftKings, Berger profiles as a risky but intriguing value play, with his upside dependent on whether the short game cooperates.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
February 18, 2026
After a rather poor start to the season for a talented player, Sam Burns finally found some momentum last week at Pebble Beach, finishing T6 and returning to his usual role of gaining a large portion of his strokes on the greens (over six shots). The 29-year-old also averaged +1.06 strokes gained on approach and +0.59 off the tee. Riviera is a different animal from Pebble Beach in nearly every way, and Burns has been feast-or-famine in his six previous appearances. The large number of approaches over 200 yards doesn't necessarily fit his game, as he ranks in the 25th percentile in strokes gained per shot, proximity to the hole, and greens in regulation from that distance. Even with the good week on the Monterey Peninsula, there is still plenty of reasons to be skeptical.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
February 18, 2026
The golfing world finally saw Collin Morikawa back in the winner's circle this past week at Pebble Beach, as the 29-year-old narrowly eked out a one-stroke victory and claimed his seventh PGA Tour win. Gaining nearly two-and-a-half strokes per round on approach was the main contributor all week, while the rest of his game broke even. It is the type of lopsided statistics that can happen at such a gettable track. This week's Genesis Invitational is much different, as players need a much more well-rounded skillset to thrive at Riviera. He's established a solid track record, with finishes of T2, T6, and T19 over the last three events played here. The ball striking should interest everyone, as should his body of work on the West Coast in general. If DFS managers can deal with the huge ownership percentage he'll draw, there's no reason not to ride the momentum of last week.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
February 18, 2026
It has been two years since the PGA Tour has played this longstanding event at Riviera Country Club, and the last person to win this championship at this property was Hideki Matsuyama. It was an incredible week for the Japanese star, who is poised and playing well enough to have a repeat performance. The one terrifying truth about what the 33-year-old has struggled with recently is his off-the-tee performance. The collapse at the WM Phoenix Open is obviously the main reason for this underlying fear, but he has gained strokes only once in his first four events this season. Still, it's hard to argue with all of them being T18 finishes or better. The ironplay, short game, and even putting are perhaps as sharp as we've seen from him in quite some time. There is honestly a case to be made for either direction that DFS managers want to go this week.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
February 18, 2026
It has been the same old song and dance for Scottie Scheffler early this season. However, recent weeks have been somewhat frustrating with him being a bit too far back on Sunday to sneak into the conversation. This week has been another spot on his radar over the last few years, but he hasn't managed to come away with a victory. Riviera is no stranger to having some of the biggest names hoisting trophies, and Scheffler has all the tools needed to win. The main stats that point directly to this lack of winning positions here have been lower strokes gained off the tee metrics and inconsistency with the putter. Luckily, both areas are off to a fast start in 2026, as he's leading the tour off the tee (+1.026) and ranks 28th in strokes gained putting. Obviously, playing him in DFS is a must if you can reach his price point.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
February 17, 2026
Xander Schauffele finished tied for 19th at last week's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and this was followed up by a tied for 41st finish at the Waste Management Phoenix Open the week prior. Schauffele has improved his performance each week in his three starts this season and will look to better his tied for 19th finish last week. Schauffele missed last year's Genesis Invitational but finished tied for fourth in 2024 and tied for 33rd in 2023. Over the past 12 months, Schauffele ranks in the 94th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 17, 2026
Maverick McNealy finished tied for 29th at last week's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am but lost strokes putting for the first time in his four starts in 2026. McNealy has gained strokes across the board in three of his four starts this season, and losing strokes putting was the only category he lost strokes in last week. Before last week, McNealy had three straight top-25 finishes to start his 2026 season. This week will mark McNealy's first start in the Genesis Invitational. Over the past 12 months, McNealy ranks in the 60th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 17, 2026
Viktor Hovland finished tied for 58th at last week's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to break his streak of three straight top-25 finishes in 2026. Hovland finished tied for 10th at the Waste Management Phoenix Open two weeks ago and gained strokes across the board except for off the tee. However, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am was a different story; he lost strokes across the board except for on approach. The good news is that Hovland has gained strokes on approach in every start this season, and he'll need that to compete this week at the Genesis Invitational. Over the past 12 months, Hovland ranks in the 99th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 17, 2026
Russell Henley rattled off his third straight top-25 finish at last week's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am by finishing tied for 19th. This was followed up by a tied for eighth finish at The American Express and a tied for 19th finish at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Henley has gained strokes on approach in two of his three starts, but he lost strokes on approach at last week's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. If he can find the approach game he flashed in his first two starts of the season, he'll be near the top of the leaderboard come Sunday. Over the past 12 months, Henley ranks in the 72nd percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 17, 2026
Tommy Fleetwood finished tied for fourth at last week's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and gained strokes across the board in his first PGA Tour start of the 2026 season. Fleetwood has played well at the Genesis Invitational in the past, finishing tied for fifth in 2025, tied for 10th in 2024, and tied for 20th in 2023. Fleetwood gained strokes on approach at the Genesis Invitational in 2024 and 2023, and if he plays anything like he did last week, he'll be at the top of the leaderboard with a chance to win come Sunday. Over the past 12 months, Fleetwood ranks in the 89th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 17, 2026
Pierceson Coody has played excellent golf to start the 2026 season and finished outside the top 25 for the first time in 2026 at last week's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. In his first four starts this season, the worst Coody finished was tied for 18th. This week will mark Coody's first appearance in the Genesis Invitational and give him a chance to continue showcasing the fine form he's been in. Coody has gained strokes on approach in all of his starts except one this season. Over the past 12 months, Coody ranks in the 28th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 17, 2026
Jacob Bridgeman finished tied for eighth at last week's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and this was followed up by a T18 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open the week prior. Bridgeman has now rattled off four top-20 finishes in four starts to begin the 2026 season. Bridgeman has gained strokes on approach and putting in all four of his starts. This will be Bridgeman's first appearance in the Genesis Invitational and will give him a chance to continue flashing the fine form he's been in so far. Over the past 12 months, Bridgeman ranks in the 48th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 17, 2026
Akshay Bhatia finished tied for sixth at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last week, and this was followed up by a tie for third at the Waste Management Phoenix Open two weeks ago. This has been a welcome return to form for Bhatia, who started this season with two straight missed cuts. Bhatia finished tied for ninth at last year's Genesis Invitational and will have a chance to best that if he continues playing the way he has the last two weeks. Over the past 12 months, Bhatia ranks in the 92nd percentile for proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
February 17, 2026
Chicago White Sox infielder/outfielder
Luisangel Acuna has made swing tweaks this offseason to "stay loaded in his back leg more" to "allow him to elevate the ball for consistent power," according to James Fegan of Sox Machine. Acuna, 23, is trying to make the move to center field and carve out a regular role in his first year with the White Sox in 2026. The Venezuelan has appeared in the outfield twice in 109 career major-league games, but he split time more evenly between center and short in recent Venezuelan Winter League action. Acuna hit .282/.397/.542 with eight homers in a small 39-game sample size in his native country, but he batted .234/.293/.274 with no homers, eight RBI, and 16 steals in 95 games last year with the New York Mets. Making more contact should be a top priority for Acuna, who is favored to start in center field for the Pale Hose on Opening Day. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues will want to take a wait-and-see approach with the younger brother of
Ronald Acuna Jr.--Keith HernandezSource: Sox Machine - James Fegan
February 17, 2026
Colorado Rockies first baseman/outfielder
Kris Bryant (back) said the pain in his back hasn't allowed him to start baseball activities this spring, but he continues to consult with doctors and trainers to see what can get him back to playing, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. Bryant is not retiring and will stick with his rehab. The 34-year-old veteran has played in just 170 games over four seasons since he signed a seven-year, $182 million deal with the club in March of 2022. He's dealing with a lumbar degenerative disc disease. The Rockies already placed Bryant on the 60-day injured list, and it's unclear when he might be ready to play baseball again in 2026. The former MVP and Rookie of the Year played in just 11 games for Colorado last year, going 6-for-39 (.154) with no homers and 13 strikeouts. His injuries in recent years continue to sap him offensively. Stay away at all costs in fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
February 17, 2026
Chicago Cubs outfielder
Seiya Suzuki is expected to serve as the designated hitter in 2026 when the team faces a left-handed pitcher, according to Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network.
Moises Ballesteros will operate as the Cubs' primary DH when the team faces right-handers, but Suzuki will get a break from the outfield and serve as the DH against most southpaws. On days when Suzuki is the DH,
Matt Shaw is expected to play right field. The 31-year-old Suzuki made 102 starts at DH last year and had career highs in home runs (32) and RBI (103) while slashing .245/.326/.478 with an .804 OPS in 151 regular-season games (651 plate appearances). Suzuki's altered approach to pull the ball in the air more often paid off for fantasy managers in 2025, although it came at the expense of batting average. Heading into a contract year in 2026, Suzuki should be considered a top-25 fantasy outfielder in a strong Cubs lineup.
--Keith HernandezSource: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
February 17, 2026
Free-agent guard/forward
Alex Morales has signed a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic, while two-way center
Orlando Robinson has been waived. The 28-year-old has averaged 19.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.4 steals in 35.6 minutes across 18 G League appearances. Morales replaces Orlando Robinson on the two-way slot and provides wing depth behind
Jalen Suggs,
Desmond Bane, and
Franz Wagner. With Orlando's wing rotation already full, Morales looks more like depth for now than someone to target in standard leagues, unless injuries start opening minutes on the perimeter.
--Brian DailisanSource: Orlando Magic
February 17, 2026
The Orlando Magic released center
Orlando Robinson from his two-way contract to create space for wing
Alex Morales. Robinson, 25, played in four games this season and averaged 1.8 points and 1.0 rebounds in 6.2 minutes. With
Moritz Wagner healthy and
Wendell Carter Jr. entrenched as the starter, Robinson faced a limited path to rotation minutes. He is not expected to hold value in standard leagues and will likely return to the G League to continue his development.
--Brian DailisanSource: Orlando Magic
February 17, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard
Mike Conley finalized a deal with the team Tuesday, according to Michael Scotto of USA Today. The 38-year-old has averaged 4.4 points, 1.0 three, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 18.5 minutes over 44 games this season. He is expected to slot into a reserve role behind
Donte DiVincenzo, while
Ayo Dosunmu continues to handle second-unit playmaking duties. That role caps Conley's fantasy ceiling to deeper formats, with
Anthony Edwards and
Julius Randle driving the offense.
--Brian DailisanSource: Michael Scotto
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