Wendell Carter Jr. Cleared to Play in Berlin
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (hip) will return to the lineup on Thursday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The two teams clash in Berlin, Germany, after Carter Jr. missed Sunday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans due to a hip problem. Goga Bitadze started in Carter Jr's place on Sunday and notched a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double. Sunday also brought the season debut of Moritz Wagner, adding more frontcourt depth for the Magic. However, with Carter Jr. back in the fold, Bitadze and Wagner are likely to see fewer minutes in Berlin.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Red Sox Have "Quietly Shopped" Brayan Bello
The Boston Red Sox "quietly shopped" starting pitcher Brayan Bello earlier in the offseason, per Ken Rosenthal and Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. While Bello remains a member of the Red Sox for the time being, Boston's recent big-money agreement with lefty starter Ranger Suarez could lead to renewed willingness to trade from their starting pitching depth. Across 166 2/3 innings (29 starts) for the Red Sox in 2025, Bello posted an 11-9 record with a 3.35 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 124 strikeouts. Bello, who turns 27 years old in May, is locked up on a team-friendly extension through at least the 2029 season. He would almost certainly generate interest on the trade market, and the presence of young arms such as Connelly Early and Payton Tolle in Boston could lead the team to move Bello in pursuit of a bat.
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal, Jen McCaffrey
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal, Jen McCaffrey
Myles Turner Available Thursday
Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (illness) is not on the injury report for Thursday's contest against the San Antonio Spurs. He battled an illness earlier in the week and didn't play on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bobby Portis took Turner's spot in the starting lineup and will likely return to the second unit on Thursday. Turner has been a disappointment in Milwaukee, and his performances have dipped further in 2026. Over five January appearances, Turner has managed 10.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Deni Avdija Likely to Remain Out Thursday
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Deni Avdija (back) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, meaning he is likely to miss a second consecutive game. The Israeli talent was forced to exit the lineup earlier this week after suffering a back injury in Sunday's loss to the New York Knicks. With Avdija absent on Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors, Caleb Love stepped into the starting lineup. Love has recently built up a lot of positive momentum and will be an appealing fantasy option on Thursday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jaylen Brown Ready to Face Heat Thursday
Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (back) is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Miami Heat, as the team has removed him from the injury report. The Celtics leader missed Monday's loss to the Indiana Pacers due to lower back spasms. His absence allowed Baylor Scheierman make his first start of the season. Brown has recently taken his game to a new level, averaging 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists since the calendar flipped. When Boston and Miami met for the first time this season, Brown finished with 30 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and one steal.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Spencer Jones, Bruce Brown Available Wednesday
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Spencer Jones (ankle) and guard/forward Bruce Brown (knee) will remain in the lineup on Wednesday versus the Dallas Mavericks. Jones and Brown were both listed on Denver's injury report -- Jones as probable and Brown as questionable. In Tuesday's win over New Orleans, they had similar workloads: Jones started and played 23 minutes, while Brown logged 24 minutes off the bench. Neither offers much fantasy upside at this time.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Aaron Gordon Cleared for Wednesday Night
Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (hamstring) will be in the lineup on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite managing a hamstring strain, Gordon is ready to play in the second leg of a back-to-back after logging 30 minutes in Tuesday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Gordon played an active role in the victory, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and two steals. He is averaging 17.0 points and 6.8 rebounds for the month.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jamal Murray Active Wednesday Night
Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (ankle, illness) will play on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks. Murray had 35 points in 37 minutes during a busy night against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, and it was initially uncertain whether he would suit up for the second leg of a back-to-back. However, he has been officially cleared for action. With Nikola Jokic (knee) out of the picture, Murray is the main man offensively for Denver and could go for another big scoring night against Dallas.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Cade Cunningham Ready to End Two-Game Absence
Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham (wrist) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. The talented playmaker appears ready to return from a two-game absence. Cunningham's return is bound to push Jaden Ivey back to the bench, while Daniss Jenkins will also have a smaller role. Cunningham has been outstanding all season, and his recent form is particularly noteworthy. Detroit's ascending star has recorded five double-doubles in his last seven appearances, averaging 27.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 11.7 assists, and 2.0 steals.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Devin Booker Questionable for Thursday Night
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (ankle) is considered questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. He injured his left ankle during Tuesday's loss to the Miami Heat, though Booker finished the game and logged heavy minutes. The Suns star reached the 40-minute mark for only the second time this season, which may indicate that Booker isn't dealing with a bad injury. However, if he must take some time off to recover, Jordan Goodwin and Ryan Dunn will be in line for more work on Thursday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Giannis Antetokounmpo Probable to Face Spurs
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) is listed as probable for Thursday's intriguing matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. The Greek superstar is on the injury report with a left ankle sprain, but the probable designation indicates that it's not a serious injury and that Antetokounmpo is likely to play. While Milwaukee has recently monitored Antetokounmpo's minutes, he has still stuffed the stat sheet. Over his last six appearances, Antetokounmpo has posted 29.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Brandon Williams Available Wednesday
Dallas Mavericks point guard Brandon Williams (illness) will return from a two-game absence on Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets. He has recovered from an illness and will make a timely return, as the Mavericks lost Max Christie (illness) for Wednesday night. Williams is a candidate to replace Christie in the starting five, though head coach Jason Kidd may explore other lineup options. Before he was knocked out of the lineup, Williams was performing well in a bench role. He's contributed 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in January.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jordan Whittington on Track to Return Against Bears?
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington (knee) was not listed on this week's injury report and appears to be on track to return for the Divisional Round of the playoffs this Sunday against the hosting Chicago Bears, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Whittington suffered a knee injury in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals and didn't play in the Wild-Card win over the Carolina Panthers last Saturday. The 25-year-old has recovered nicely from his knee injury, but he won't be a recommended fantasy football play in postseason leagues with receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams soaking up most of the targets. Whittington had only 18 receptions the entire regular season on 25 targets for 171 yards and no touchdowns in 17 games. He's too far buried on L.A.'s WR depth chart.
Source: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
Source: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
Max Christie Out Wednesday
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Max Christie (illness) won't play on Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets. This comes as no surprise, since Dallas listed Christie as doubtful on the initial injury report. Christie's absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup. Klay Thompson and Ryan Nembhard are the main candidates to join the first unit. Wednesday's matchup looks like a great spot for Thompson, as Denver gives up the 10th-most three-point attempts in the league.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
P.J. Washington Returns to Action Wednesday
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (ankle) has been upgraded to available for Wednesday's contest against the Denver Nuggets. The 27-year-old is ready to rejoin the action after missing four games with an ankle sprain. Washington will presumably head straight back to the first unit, and as a result, Naji Marshall may land on the bench. Still, Marshall has played a significant role all season, and Dallas will count on him to fill some of Max Christie's (illness) minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Scotty Pippen Jr.'s Season Debut Delayed for at Least Four More Weeks
Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) is expected to be out for 4-6 more weeks, the team announced on Wednesday. The 25-year-old has yet to play this season due to a toe injury. He is recovering from sesamodectomy that was performed on Oct. 21. Life could be very different in the Grizzlies' backcourt once Pippen Jr. is cleared to play, as Ja Morant (calf) is not expected to finish the season with the team. Morant's departure could open the door for Pippen Jr. to take on greater responsibilities, though he'll likely face a minutes cap when he first returns.
Source: Memphis Grizzlies PR
Source: Memphis Grizzlies PR
Brandon Clarke to Miss 4-6 More Weeks
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Brandon Clarke (calf) will be sidelined for 4-6 more weeks, the team announced on Wednesday. He is reportedly progressing well in his recovery from a Grade 2 right calf strain. With Zach Edey (ankle) also on the shelf, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, and Santi Aldama are doing the heavy lifting in the Grizzlies' frontcourt. Christian Koloko has also been in the mix, but his second 10-day contract just expired.
Source: Memphis Grizzlies PR
Source: Memphis Grizzlies PR
Mets Willing to Add Fourth Year for Kyle Tucker?
MLB Network Radio's Jim Duquette said on Wednesday that from what he can tell, it's likely the New York Mets have "gone to a fourth year" for free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker. Reports surfaced on Tuesday that the Mets were willing to offer Tucker a short-term contract with an average annual value of $50 million, but they might have added a year after it was announced that the Toronto Blue Jays had extended a long-term deal to Tucker. The Los Angeles Dodgers were seen as suitors for Tucker earlier this offseason, but right now, the Mets and Blue Jays are getting into a bidding war, which means he's unlikely to go to the Dodgers. Regardless of where the 28-year-old left-handed-hitting slugger goes, he will most likely be a top-20 position player in fantasy baseball, even considering his durability questions. The Mets would love to add some more middle-of-the-order lineup protection for lefty slugger Juan Soto and shortstop Francisco Lindor after losing Pete Alonso in free agency.
Source: MLB Network Radio - Jim Duquette
Source: MLB Network Radio - Jim Duquette
Josh Giddey Starting Ramp-Up Period, Could Return Soon
Will Gottlieb of AllCHGO.com reports that head coach Billy Donovan said Wednesday that Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) has started his ramp-up period, which is slated to last about one week, and if all goes well, he could return shortly after that. Giddey has been out of action since Dec. 29 due to a left hamstring strain. Barring any setbacks, the 23-year-old could return before the end of January. During Giddey's continued absence, Tre Jones will likely remain the Bulls' primary ballhandler. Jones is coming off an impressive outing on Tuesday as he dropped a career high 34 points, seven assists, two rebounds, and one steal in a losing effort to Houston.
Source: Will Gottlieb
Source: Will Gottlieb
Ja Morant Unavailable Thursday
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (calf) won't play in Berlin on Thursday against the Orlando Magic. The star guard has been ruled out for a sixth consecutive game as Morant continues to nurse a right calf contusion. His continued absence means more playing time for Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr. Spencer is the more attractive fantasy piece, averaging 10.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in January. He has finished back-to-back outings with double-digit assists.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Julian Phillips Out Wednesday
Chicago Bulls forward Julian Phillips (wrist) won't play on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz. The 22-year-old is bothered by a wrist sprain and will sit out both games during a back-to-back. He was initially considered questionable for Wednesday night. Phillips has averaged around 12 minutes per game in January, and his minutes will mainly be soaked up by Patrick Williams. Williams is coming off a zero-point dud against the Houston Rockets and isn't a recommended fantasy option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Mike McDaniel to Interview for Buccaneers Offensive-Coordinator Job
Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is scheduled to interview for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive-coordinator job later this week, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. McDaniel has been making the rounds after being fired by the Dolphins last week, and he recently interviewed for the Detroit Lions' OC job and the Tennessee Titans' head-coaching job. The Philadelphia Eagles are fully expected to get involved with McDaniel as well as they look for their new OC. McDaniel is also a head-coaching candidate for the Cleveland Browns. The Lions and Eagles OC jobs could be slightly more attractive if he can't get another head-coaching job, but the Bucs also have plenty of receiving weapons and quarterback Baker Mayfield, who continues to play well despite having a new OC every year.
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Coby White to Be Limited to 28-30 Minutes Wednesday
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (calf) will play 28-30 minutes on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz, Will Gottlieb of AllCHGO.com reports. The 25-year-old is back in the lineup after sitting out the front end of a back-to-back on Tuesday against the Houston Rockets. White has played more than 30 minutes just four times this season, so he will essentially have his regular workload on Wednesday night. In the first meeting with the Jazz this season, White posted 27 points and eight assists in 30 minutes.
Source: Will Gottlieb
Source: Will Gottlieb
John Harbaugh to Meet With Titans on Thursday
Former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is scheduled to meet with the Tennessee Titans' decision-makers at his home on Thursday, sources tell Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Harbaugh interviewed with the New York Giants on Wednesday, and reports indicated that the Giants were making a "massive" push to try to get a deal worked out with him before he left the building. Sources have suggested that it's down to the Giants, Titans, and Atlanta Falcons for Harbaugh. In addition to meeting at the Giants' facility on Wednesday, Harbaugh got to meet with quarterback Jaxson Dart. The Titans have another young QB in Cameron Ward that Harbaugh would get to work with, while in Atlanta, he could be in play to help pick the organization's next general manager. Right now, the Giants appear to be the favorites to land the former Ravens head coach.
Source: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
Source: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
Rome Odunze Still on Injury Report With Foot Injury
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) remains on the team's injury report and was listed as limited for the walkthrough practice on Wednesday. Odunze missed the final five weeks of the regular season due to a stress fracture in his foot. The 23-year-old returned for the Wild-Card round of the playoffs in the win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers, though, and played 69% of the offensive snaps while securing only two catches on six targets for 44 yards. Odunze was a disappointment for any fantasy managers that rolled with him, but he could have a bigger role in his second game back this Sunday in a Divisional Round matchup against a Los Angeles Rams defense that gave up the 11th-most half-PPR points to WRs during the regular season. Still, Odunze will be a pretty shaky low-end WR option for fantasy playoff lineups since he hasn't really done much since early in the 2025 season.
Source: Bears Communications
Source: Bears Communications
DJ Moore Still Dealing With Knee Injury
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (knee) was listed as a limited participant during the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday. Moore was also listed on last week's injury report due to a knee injury, but he was eventually removed and caught six of a season-high seven targets for 64 yards and a touchdown in the Wild-Card win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers. The 28-year-old also led the team's WRs with an 86% snap share. It was a bit of a surprise with Rome Odunze returning from a foot injury that kept him out of the final five regular-season games. Moore and the Bears will face a Los Angeles Rams defense in the Divisional Round that has had trouble slowing down opposing offenses in recent weeks, and they gave up the 11th-most half-PPR points to opposing wideouts during the regular season. However, Moore's role could shrink with Odunze another week removed from his foot injury.
Source: Bears Communications
Source: Bears Communications
Paul George Active Against Cavaliers
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George (knee) will suit up for Wednesday's tilt against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The injury-prone star was listed as probable on the initial injury report before the team upgraded him to available. Due to poor shooting efficiency, George has struggled to put together big fantasy lines. Across six January appearances, he has averaged 15.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.3 steals.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Terrance Ferguson Looks Ready to Return for Divisional Round
Los Angeles Rams rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) was a full participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Daily News' Adam Grosbard. A hamstring injury kept Ferguson from playing in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals and the Wild-Card win over the Carolina Panthers last Saturday. Now that the 22-year-old is practicing in full again, though, he should be ready to play on Sunday against the Chicago Bears in the Divisional Round. For fantasy purposes, managers should be looking in another direction. Ferguson scored in each of his last two games, but that was before Tyler Higbee returned from Injured Reserve. The Rams also have Colby Parkinson, who has been involved since Higbee's return. Ferguson had only 11 catches during the regular season and will most likely struggle to produce this weekend.
Source: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
Source: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
Joel Embiid Cleared to Play Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee, adductor) will be in the lineup on Wednesday versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. The former MVP has been upgraded from probable to available. Embiid faces a tough night against Cleveland's well-equipped frontcourt, but he has been highly effective. In January, Embiid has averaged 26.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, with 55.3 percent shooting from the field.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Matthew Stafford Practices in Full on Wednesday
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (finger) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Stafford sprained his right index finger in the Wild-Card win over the Carolina Panthers last Saturday, but the Rams were never concerned about his availability for the Divisional Round this Sunday versus the Chicago Bears. In the win over the Panthers, Stafford went 24-for-42 passing for 304 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The 37-year-old veteran is the favorite to win the NFL MVP this year after throwing for a league-high 4,707 yards, a league-high 46 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions in 17 regular-season games. His finger injury shouldn't be an issue this weekend in Chicago against a Bears defense that allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to QBs. Stafford is the top QB on the board in fantasy this week.
Source: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
Source: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
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