March 8, 2026
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell is starting in 12th place at Phoenix Raceway for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 after qualifying. This will be the third consecutive Phoenix Cup race where Bell will start outside of the top 10. In 12 Cup races at the Arizona track, Bell has two wins, seven top-10 finishes, and an average finish of 12.9. The No. 20 Toyota driver has won the last two March Phoenix races and finished in the top five in three of the last four Cup events at the site. In practice, Bell ranked 20th in overall lap averages and was among the top 10 fastest in 10-20 consecutive lap averages. Phoenix is one of Bell's better tracks statistically, and with favorable upside, he is worth rostering in all formats as he is likely to place in the top 10, as indicated by practice speeds.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 8, 2026
Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing will start in the 20th position for this week's Cup race at Phoenix Raceway, the Straight Talk Wireless 500. It will be the sixth time in his Cup Series career that Briscoe will start 20th or worse in a Cup race at Phoenix. In 10 prior races at the site, Briscoe has one win and five top-20 finishes, which were all scored within his last eight appearances. Briscoe also led three laps and placed in the top 10 at the end of the first two stages in last Fall's Phoenix race. In practice for this week's race, Briscoe ranked 18th in overall lap averages but displayed top-10 speeds in all other categories, including fourth in five consecutive lap averages and third in 10, 25, and 30 consecutive lap averages. Briscoe has highly favorable upside with a car easily capable of placing inside the top 10. As a result, Briscoe is highly recommended to start in all DFS formats as he is likely to move up through the field.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 8, 2026
Joey Logano of Team Penske will start in the pole position after qualifying first for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway. This will be the third time in his Cup career that Logano will start a race at Phoenix from the pole, with his last one coming in November 2022. In 34 races at the Arizona track, Logano has four wins (most of active drivers), 18 top-10 finishes, and 1,093 laps led, which is the third-most of active drivers. The No. 22 Ford driver has two top-5 finishes in the last three Cup events at Phoenix. In practice for this week's race, Logano ranked 12th in overall lap averages, 10th in 15 consecutive lap averages, and eighth in 20 consecutive lap averages. With strong track history at Phoenix and solid practice speeds, Logano is a potential dominator who can compete for the win this week.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 8, 2026
Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports is starting 26th after qualifying for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway. The driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet qualified in the lowest starting position of his Cup career in a race at the Arizona track. In 19 races at Phoenix, Elliott has one win, 11 top-10 finishes, and an average finish of 12.1, which ranks fifth-best of all drivers in the field this week. Elliott has finished in the top 10 in each of his last three Phoenix races as well. In practice for this week's race, Elliott ranked 27th in overall lap averages, 20th in 15 consecutive lap averages, and 18th in 20 consecutive lap averages. Historically, Elliott has been great at Phoenix, but his practice speeds indicated only a top-20-capable car. Despite that, Elliott does have a high DFS ceiling and should be worth consideration for all formats as a result.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 8, 2026
RFK Racing driver Chris Buescher will start in 17th for the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Phoenix Raceway. Despite having a flat tire and some small damage, Buescher will start in the top 20 for the third consecutive race in a row at the Arizona track. In 20 races at Phoenix, Buescher has 13 top-20 finishes, including six consecutive top-15 finishes at the site going into this week's race. In practice for this week's race, Buescher ranked first in overall lap averages and sixth in both 10 and 15 consecutive lap averages. Buescher's practice speeds indicate that he has one of the fastest cars in the field and is highly capable of a top-10 finish. Fantasy players should not underestimate Buescher, especially considering his solid finish consistency at Phoenix.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 8, 2026
In the early days of the Next Gen car, Ross Chastain was one of the best at Phoenix Raceway. He posted a pair of podium finishes here in 2022, and then went on to win the Championship race here in 2023. Since then, though, Ross has taken a step back on speed, as his driver rating hasn't been better than 93.1 over the last four races. This weekend, though, it looks like Chastain could be well on his way to getting back on track at Phoenix. In addition to qualifying sixth for Sunday's Straight Talk Wireless 500, Chastain also looked phenomenal in practice, ranking third or better in 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-lap average. At his $8.8K salary on DraftKings, Chastain makes for a very attractive tournament option / leverage pick in DFS on Sunday.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: ifantasyrace
March 8, 2026
Josh Berry is an ace at racing short, flat tracks, and that should be on display this weekend at Phoenix Raceway. In the two races here last season, Berry walked away with fourth- and seventh-place finishes, and when you look over at New Hampshire (a very comparable race track), he has a pair of podium finishes over the last two years there. The Team Penske affiliation also helps Josh Berry have speed with his Ford Mustang Dark Horse, particularly on the long runs. With a qualifying effort of 10th-place for this weekend's Straight Talk Wireless 500, there's no doubt that Berry should be able to contend for another top-10 finish at Phoenix on Sunday. Could we be talking a potential race win, though? It's not likely, but it wouldn't be surprising. Berry ranked seventh-best at short, flat tracks last season.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: ifantasyrace
March 8, 2026
Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing will start in the 37th and final position after he failed to post a lap in qualifying. The No. 6 Ford driver skipped qualifying after his car was damaged in a crash during practice and will need to go to a backup car for the first time in his career at a Phoenix race. In 33 total starts at the site, Keselowski has 15 top-10 finishes, including a runner-up finish in his last appearance there, and an average finish of 13.9. In practice, Keselowski ranked 35th in overall lap averages and as high as 20th in 20 consecutive lap averages. Considering that Keselowski will be in a backup car and starting from the rear, no driver has more upside than Keselowski, making him an excellent option to consider for all DFS formats, especially in cash games.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 8, 2026
Tyler Reddick spun his No. 45 Toyota in practice at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday afternoon, although it's important to note that the 23XI Racing driver didn't hit anything when doing so. Reddick was able to qualifying his race car later that day and will start from eighth-place for Sunday's Straight Talk Wireless 500. All eyes will be on Reddick as he looks to become the first-ever NASCAR driver to win the first four races of the season. Can it be done? Anything is possible, but Reddick has never truly been a standout performer at Phoenix Raceway. Still, he has three top-10 finishes in the last six races here and should be able to contend for another one this weekend. Before his spin in practice, Reddick ranked 12th-fastest in terms of 20-lap average.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: NASCAR
March 8, 2026
Don't be surprised if William Byron is a contender in Sunday afternoon's Straight Talk Wireless 500, as the Hendrick Motorsports driver has been a constant threat at Phoenix Raceway in the Next Gen era. Looking at the last six races on this one-mile track, Willy B has one victory, four finishes of sixth or better, and has led 52 or more laps in four of those six races. This weekend, Byron will roll off the starting grid from ninth-place, which gives him some Place Differential upside in DFS contests as well as his race-winning potential. Byron wasn't a standout in practice this weekend, but his track history has to count for something here. Make sure you don't overlook William Byron ($10.7K on DraftKings) this weekend.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Driver Averages
March 8, 2026
Don't overlook Kyle Larson in this weekend's Straight Talk Wireless 500. The Hendrick Motorsports driver qualified on the outside pole for Sunday's race, and has finished fourth or better in five of the last six races at Phoenix Raceway. Now, Larson only has one win here: a victory back in the 2021 Championship race, but the No. 5 Chevrolet has been one of the strongest at this track on an annual basis. As far as DraftKings playability goes for this race, Larson is a very interesting tournament/leverage option, as he's likely to be overlooked by DFS players. However, with his strong track record and solid starting position, there's a good chance that Larson could dominate a portion of this race this weekend--and contend for the win. Make sure you have some Yung Money exposure this weekend.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Jayski
March 8, 2026
23XI Racing's Bubba Wallace is starting 28th after qualifying for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway. This will be Wallace's lowest starting position in a Phoenix Cup race since November 2024. In 16 races at the Arizona track, Wallace has eight top-20 finishes, with only three top-10s. The No. 23 Toyota driver has been great to start the 2026 season, as he placed 11th or better in the first three races of the year with two top-10s. In practice for Sunday's race, Wallace ranked 34th in overall lap averages, 17th in 15 consecutive lap averages, and 16th in 20 consecutive lap averages. Due to his underwhelming qualifying effort, Wallace will start deeper in the field with plenty of upside. Considering his equipment and practice speeds, fantasy players should consider Wallace playable in all DFS formats, but especially in cash games.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 8, 2026
Anthony Alfredo will start 31st in this week's Straight Talk Wireless 500, taking place at Phoenix Raceway. Alfredo is filling in for Alex Bowman in the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 Chevrolet, who will not be racing after being diagnosed with vertigo earlier in the week. This week, Alfredo is making his first Cup Series appearance at Phoenix since 2021, when he raced there with Front Row Motorsports as a rookie driver. In two Cup starts at Phoenix, Alfredo's best finish is 34th, but he also has two top-10 finishes at the site in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, including a finish of 10th earlier in the weekend. In practice for Sunday's race, Alfredo displayed top-15 speeds in the 10-30 consecutive lap average categories, including fifth in 30 consecutive lap averages. Despite little Cup experience outside of drafting tracks, Alfredo will be in top-notch equipment and has already performed well in practice. Fantasy players should consider rostering Alfredo in DFS lineups this week, especially with his high upside offered by his starting position.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 7, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 27 of 29 shots faced in a 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. This was a good bounce-back game for the Russian netminder, as he had lost three straight matches and allowed 12 goals in that span. Vasilevskiy now has a 28-10-3 record with a 2.25 goals against average and a .914 save percentage.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 7, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Nikita Kucherov had a two-assist game in Saturday night's 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. He set up goals by Ryan McDonagh, Jake Guentzel, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Brandon Hagel. Kucherov has now reached 100 points (32 goals and 68 assists) in just 57 games this season. This is the fourth season in a row he has reached this mark.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 7, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (calf) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report ahead of Sunday's contest against the Sacramento Kings. This is a positive development, as Smith has been out for five games and was listed as doubtful for the prior contest.
Guerschon Yabusele and
Nick Richards have been key in the frontcourt during Smith's absence and will both lose minutes if he returns. Before suffering a left calf strain, Smith was a starter in six consecutive appearances, averaging 12.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in 21.2 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward
Harrison Barnes (ankle) won't be in the lineup for Sunday's meeting with the Houston Rockets, missing a fourth consecutive game. Incredibly, Barnes had made 364 straight appearances before an ankle problem sidelined him earlier this week. Barnes' absence has opened up around 20 minutes in the second unit.
Carter Bryant has benefited the most in this situation, though the rookie can't yet be trusted in fantasy basketball.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Houston Rockets forward/center
Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) is not on the injury report for Sunday's I-10 rivalry matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Smith has played in only one of the last four games as he recovers from an ankle sprain.
Reed Sheppard has been starting in Smith's absence, producing some outstanding displays. On Sunday, Sheppard will likely be back in the second unit, but he will continue to have fantasy value as a spark plug off the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back, neck) is questionable to play on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 26-year-old has recently played through back and neck issues and could now opt for some rest to aid his recovery. The Pacers aren't really interested in winning late in the season, so backup point guard
T.J. McConnell is likely to log his usual minutes even if Nembhard doesn't play. Younger guards like
Quenton Jackson and
Kam Jones will benefit more from his absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam (wrist) is listed as probable for Sunday's action against the Portland Trail Blazers. He appears set for a third consecutive appearance despite dealing with a left wrist sprain. Siakam shoots with his right hand, so this isn't a major issue for him. The Pacers star has come out of the All-Star break on fire, averaging 28.3 points per game with 56.6 percent shooting. With Portland having a below-average defensive rating, the stage is set for Siakam to keep his hot streak going.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Matas Buzelis (ankle) could be absent for a second consecutive game on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, as the team has listed him as questionable. Buzelis injured his right ankle in Tuesday's loss to Oklahoma City and missed his first game of the season on Thursday against Phoenix.
Leonard Miller moved to the first unit on Thursday and could get another start against the Kings. In his first career start, Miller nearly bagged a double-double, finishing with eight points and nine rebounds. If only he hadn't gone 0-for-5 from three-point range, it might have been a very memorable night for Miller.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Chicago Bulls point guard
Josh Giddey (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings. He rolled his right ankle earlier this week and has already missed one game. As a result of Giddey's absence,
Collin Sexton got a chance to start on Thursday versus the Phoenix Suns, exploding for a season-high 30 points. This performance is likely to lead to Sexton earning a bigger role, even if Giddey returns on Sunday.
Tre Jones, who tallied 21 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Suns, also has additional fantasy value in Giddey's absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers point guard
Tyrese Maxey injured his right hand late in Saturday's 125-116 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. With only around 25 seconds left to play, Maxey was involved in a collision with teammate
Adem Bona. He exited to the locker room clutching his right hand. This was a very unfortunate incident, considering the game was basically done and dusted. If Maxey's injury turns out to be serious, it would be a major blow for the 76ers. The star guard led his team with 31 points on Saturday, adding two rebounds, five assists, and four steals to his tally.
Cameron Payne is likely to take over starting point guard duties if Maxey misses time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBC Sports Philadelphia
March 7, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (groin) will miss Sunday's big clash against the Detroit Pistons. He continues to recover from a Grade 1 groin strain, sitting out a fifth consecutive game. Powell leads the Heat in scoring this season, and without him, there's more offensive responsibility on
Tyler Herro and
Bam Adebayo. Meanwhile,
Pelle Larsson has held a starting role for an extended period, recording averages of 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists since the All-Star break.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Miami Heat forward
Andrew Wiggins (toe) is considered questionable for Sunday's tilt against the Detroit Pistons. Wiggins sat out Friday's win over Charlotte with a knee issue and is in danger of missing further action due to left big toe inflammation. With
Norman Powell (groin) still out, the Heat could really use Wiggins' scoring ability against the Eastern Conference leaders on Sunday.
Myron Gardner
started in Wiggins' place on Friday, notching six points, five rebounds, and two assists in 16 minutes.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and
Kel'el Ware also enjoy expanded roles without Wiggins.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (back) remains on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers. This time, he has been listed as questionable, giving fantasy managers hope that Avdija might finally be ready to return from a lingering back problem. He has been out for six games. With
Kris Murray (illness) also sidelined, Scott Henderson has made back-to-back starts. He's had a very difficult time, posting 12 points on 4-for-20 shooting. The combination of
Jerami Grant and
Jrue Holiday will keep leading Portland's offense if Avdija doesn't return on Sunday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Tyler Huntley has signed a new deal with the team on Saturday. Huntley is signing a two-year deal worth up to $11 million to stay in Baltimore. The 28-year-old has spent five of his six professional seasons with the Ravens, so it's not shocking that he'd like to continue playing with the organization. Given the injury history of
Lamar Jackson, it makes sense that the Ravens want to have a capable backup who knows the system. Last season, Huntley threw for 426 passing yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions in five games (two starts) with the Ravens. He also rushed for over 150 yards on the ground this past season. The Ravens enjoy having a player with a similar skill set to Jackson, so they don't have to completely change the game plan if an injury occurs.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Schefter
March 7, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
Brandon Ingram (illness) is in danger of missing Sunday's meeting with the Dallas Mavericks. After dealing with a thumb injury, Ingram has come down with an illness, which might end his run of consecutive appearances at 22 games. If Ingram isn't available to play, the Raptors will likely turn to Ja'Kobe Walter to fill in for him in the first unit. Walter is an inconsistent performer and hasn't capitalized on previous chances to start this season. averaging 7.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 22.7 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
San Francisco 49ers kicker
Eddy Pineiro agreed to a long-term extension with the organization on Saturday. They've agreed on a four-year, $17 million deal, which includes $10 million in guaranteed money. Pineiro signed a one-year deal with the 49ers last offseason and turned it into a huge payday for himself. The 30-year-old was elite as he knocked down 28-of-29 field goal attempts with a league-leading 96.6 field goal percentage. The 49ers weren't going to let their best kicker in years walk away into free agency. Pineiro was going to get paid regardless, so the 49ers made sure it wasn't by anyone else. The 49ers hopefully have the kicker position taken care of through the 2029 season.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Schefter
March 7, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (knee) is set to play on Sunday against the New York Knicks after the team removed him from the injury report. Ayton hurt his left knee in Thursday's loss to Denver and didn't play on Friday night against Indiana. But luckily for the Lakers, Ayton's absence will be limited to one game. With Ayton back in the lineup,
Jaxson Hayes will return to the bench.
Drew Timme's playing time also takes a hit, and it wouldn't be surprising if he didn't see any action in Sunday's contest. Having drawn criticism recently, Ayton might be motivated to make a statement against the Knicks, but he'll be up against a team that has limited centers to the fourth-fewest fantasy points this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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