January 25, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's matchup in Memphis after sitting out Friday while managing soreness in both ankles. Given how thin Denver is up front, his status has clear fantasy implications.
Zeke Nnaji would be the primary beneficiary if Watson remains out after posting 11 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks in 37 minutes against Milwaukee.
Julian Strawther would likely stay in the starting group but remains a fringe option, while
Spencer Jones offers volatile, minutes-driven appeal. Watson's outlook is shaky as Denver continues to deal with multiple injuries.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (calf) is questionable for Sunday's matchup in Memphis after sitting out Friday following a brief return from an extended absence. His status bears close watching, as another scratch would suggest ongoing management rather than routine rest. If Valanciunas sits,
Zeke Nnaji would step in as the primary frontcourt fill-in after posting 11 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks in 37 minutes against Milwaukee, making him a viable short-term streamer.
DaRon Holmes II could also re-enter the rotation in a limited role. Valanciunas carries a clear risk for fantasy managers, while Nnaji is best viewed as a situational play tied to matchups and minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
San Francisco Giants pitcher
Hayden Birdsong is reportedly excited heading into Spring Training after making some mechanical adjustments during the offseason. Birdsong is happy about how he's throwing, and he even received praise from his teammate,
Logan Webb. The 24-year-old came into the league with some hype after posting strong numbers in the minor leagues. Since making his debut in 2024, Birdsong hasn't quite performed as well as the Giants had hoped. Last season, Birdsong posted a 4.80 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and a 68/37 K/BB ratio across 21 games (10 starts) with the Giants. The hope is that these adjustments will help Birdsong be a more productive option for the Giants in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Susan Slusser
January 25, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard
Jamal Murray (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against Memphis as he manages right hamstring and left hip inflammation. A potential absence would again thin Denver's backcourt and open short-term fantasy value.
Jalen Pickett has stepped into a larger role with
Christian Braun (ankle) already sidelined and would see another bump if Murray sits. Pickett logged 13 points, seven assists, and one steal in 34 minutes last time out, giving him short-term value for assists with some scoring help.
Bruce Brown's role would remain steady, while Murray still carries a clear risk of unavailability.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Houston Astros pitcher
Hayden Wesneski (elbow) is reportedly feeling good heading into Spring Training. Wesneski reportedly threw from 90 feet as he continues to work his way back from injury. The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in May of last year. He's aiming to throw off the mound in April. Given the long road ahead of him, Wesneski is hopeful to make his return to the big league mound after the All-Star break. He'll hopefully serve as a nice second-half boost for this Astros pitching staff. Before going down last season, Wesneski posted a 4.50 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 29/6 K/BB ratio across six starts.
--Andy WebbSource: Leah Vann
January 25, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard
Cade Cunningham (wrist) is listed as probable for Sunday's matchup against Sacramento after returning Friday from a brief absence. The designation appears precautionary, and he is expected to handle his normal workload if cleared. Cunningham logged 12 points, eight assists, two steals, and one rebound in 38 minutes in his return, a reminder that his usage remains secure despite a recent dip in scoring efficiency. If active, Cunningham's presence pushes
Daniss Jenkins back into a limited bench role after the rookie posted 17 points, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in 26 minutes as a spot starter.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Miami Marlins starting pitcher
Eury Perez is reportedly fully healthy heading into the regular season. In a recent interview, Perez said he had a healthy off-season and is feeling good heading into Spring Training. This is good news for the Marlins, who only got 20 starts from Perez last season. The 22-year-old has a ton of potential, but staying healthy on the mound has been the biggest problem. He made 19 starts in 2023 and then missed all of the 2024 campaign due to injury. When healthy, Perez was sharp on the mound last season. He posted a 4.25 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 105/32 K/BB ratio across his 20 starts. Both the Marlins and fantasy managers are hopeful for a full season from Perez in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Kevin Barral
January 25, 2026
San Antonio Spurs guard/forward
Devin Vassell (adductor) is available for Sunday's game against New Orleans, officially ending a 13-game absence tied to a strained left adductor. His minutes are expected to be monitored in his first action since late December, adding some short-term risk. Vassell has averaged 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 31.9 minutes this season when healthy. His return reshapes the wing rotation and likely trims
Julian Champagnie's role after the hot-shooting forward averaged 15.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 4.0 three-pointers over his last five games.
--Brian DailisanSource: Paul Garcia
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward
Austin Reaves (ankle) is trending toward a return after taking part in a scrimmage Saturday. He still needs to clear another full-contact practice before being available. His earliest chance to suit up comes Monday in Chicago, with optimism that he rejoins the lineup at some point on the road trip. Reaves' eventual return reshapes the backcourt rotation, trimming the short-term fantasy appeal of
Marcus Smart, who has averaged 14.2 points, 2.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in 28.6 minutes over his last five starts. Smart shifts back to a secondary role once Reaves is active.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dan Woike
January 25, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Christian Braun (ankle) will miss Sunday's matchup with Memphis, marking his ninth straight absence and leaving his return timeline unclear. His continued unavailability has kept
Jalen Pickett in the starting lineup, where the young guard has focused more on facilitating than scoring. Pickett has averaged 7.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 29.8 minutes over his last five starts, making him a low-ceiling helper. His fantasy outlook improves if
Jamal Murray (hamstring) sits, while Braun remains a deep-league stash.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Santi Aldama (knee) will sit out Sunday against Denver, marking his third straight absence and keeping his status uncertain for Monday in Houston. His continued absence has opened steady frontcourt minutes, with
Jock Landale capitalizing as the primary beneficiary. Landale delivered 24 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 32 minutes on Friday and has remained productive with expanded usage.
GG Jackson II,
Vince Williams Jr., and
John Konchar continue to absorb secondary minutes, though their fantasy value stays matchup dependent.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) will miss Sunday's game against Toronto, while guard/forward
Alex Caruso (adductor) also remains sidelined. Mitchell's second straight absence and Caruso's continued inactivity thin Oklahoma City's perimeter rotation and push minutes to secondary options.
Cason Wallace has offered the safest fantasy floor, posting 10 points, five rebounds, and two steals in 30 minutes in his last start.
Luguentz Dort continues to log heavy minutes but brings volatile scoring, while
Isaiah Joe profiles as a streaky deep-league streamer tied to shooting efficiency.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will remain sidelined Sunday against Toronto, extending his absence to 15 straight games with no firm return date. His continued absence keeps the Thunder thin up front and creates situational fantasy openings.
Kenrich Williams has flashed usefulness when his minutes climb, posting 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 28 minutes last time out, but his production has come in a limited sample and remains volatile.
Jaylin Williams continues to fill a rotation role, offering rebounds, passing, and the occasional block with modest scoring. Both remain fringe fantasy options, offering value only in favorable matchups or expanded roles.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (ankle) will not play Sunday against Miami after exiting Friday's loss on crutches, and the situation carries multi-game risk. His absence funnels fantasy value to the backcourt.
Grayson Allen has been steady, averaging 19.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over his last five games with strong three-point volume.
Collin Gillespie has also delivered, posting 15.8 points and 5.0 assists in that span while logging starter minutes.
Jordan Goodwin remains a deeper-league option, but his production has swung night to night. Booker should be treated as doubtful for Tuesday.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
The New York Mets have signed free-agent relief pitcher
Craig Kimbrel to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. It feels odd seeing Kimbrel sign a deal with a team that already has an established late-inning option. Kimbrel is one of the most successful relievers of all time with 440 career saves, which puts him fifth on the leaderboard. The 37-year-old isn't the same pitcher who earned four straight All-Star appearances. Kimbrel can still be a viable option in the bullpen, and his veteran presence and leadership alone are enough to sign him to an MLB deal. He most recently posted a 2.25 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 17/7 K/BB ratio across 14 games with the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros in 2025. The expectation is that Kimbrel could serve as a late-inning option with occasional save chances when
Devin Williams needs a breather. That's assuming Kimbrel makes the team, as he'll need to compete for a roster spot during camp.
--Andy WebbSource: Jon Heyman
January 24, 2026
Houston Astros infielder/outfielder
Jose Altuve will mostly play second base in 2026. Astros manager Joe Espada said Altuve will mainly be at second base, but will occasionally play in left field as well. The long-time second baseman made the switch to the outfield last season. The Astros quickly realized that having a five-foot-six-inch outfielder with below-average arm strength might not be the best decision. They've decided to put Altuve back in his primary position, which is the best move for everyone involved. At his age, Altuve is best served playing second base or getting reps at designated hitter.
--Andy WebbSource: Chandler Rome
January 24, 2026
Utah Jazz center
Jusuf Nurkic (illness) will play on Saturday against Miami. He popped up on the injury report because of an illness, carrying a questionable tag. Nurkic has amassed two-straight triple-doubles, most recently finishing with 17 points, 14 assists, and 11 boards in Thursday's loss to the San Antonio Spurs. While it's hard to imagine he'll maintain that same level of production, he has an excellent chance to continue exceeding his usual fantasy expectations in a projected high-scoring contest. With Nurkic on the floor, it should mean less work for
Kyle Filipowski.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Houston Astros infielder
Isaac Paredes will reportedly get reps at second base during Spring Training. Paredes is primarily a third baseman, but will get some playing time at the keystone in camp. This isn't a completely foreign position to Paredes, as he's played 67 games at second base during his pro career. During his first season with the Astros last season, Paredes saw time only at third base and designated hitter. The Astros could be attempting to shift Paredes over to second base to give
Jose Altuve more time in left field and at DH. Paredes isn't known for his defensive abilities, but a move to second base might help him on defense.
--Andy WebbSource: Chandler Rome
January 24, 2026
Houston Astros infielder
Brice Matthews will reportedly take some reps in the outfield during Spring Training. According to Chandler Rome, Matthews is going to see some playing time in center field during camp. Until this point, Matthews has almost exclusively played in the infield during his pro career. He did play nine games in center field during his time in Triple-A Sugar Land last season. The Astros need another outfielder with
Jesus Sanchez,
Jake Meyers,
Cam Smith, and
Jose Altuve as the main options. Matthews appears to be ready for the big league level after posting impressive numbers in the minors last season. His best path to playing time might be moving to the outfield.
--Andy WebbSource: Chandler Rome
January 24, 2026
Houston Astros outfielder
Yordan Alvarez will reportedly play some left field this upcoming season. According to Chandler Rome, Alvarez will see time in left field, but will mostly serve as the designated hitter. This isn't shocking news, given Alvarez was limited to 48 games due to injuries last season. The Astros keeping Alvarez as the DH is the best way to protect him from injury. Alvarez played 15 games in left field in 2025 and 53 games in the outfield during the 2024 campaign. The 28-year-old isn't exactly known for his defensive ability, so keeping him at DH for the majority of the games makes sense. He's an elite player when healthy, so hopefully, fantasy managers will get a full season from Alvarez in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Chandler Rome
January 24, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Rashid Shaheed was largely responsible for putting last week's Divisional Round rubber match with the 49ers out of hand from the jump, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown in a game that was never close. The play marked Shaheed's third special teams score since being acquired from the New Orleans Saints via a mid-season trade, but his impact has been felt less on offense. After playing his first half of the season in New Orleans on a 17-game pace of 83 receptions for 943 yards and four touchdowns, that pace has fallen drastically to 26 catches for 320 yards and zero receiving touchdowns since his trade to Seattle. Over the past four games, he's caught two passes for ten yards. Even against a Los Angeles defense that has been beatable through the air, Shaheed carries very little value outside of fantasy playoff leagues that reward return yards and touchdowns.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Denver Broncos running back
Jaleel McLaughlin should continue to be the primary change-of-pace back behind rookie
RJ Harvey, with
J.K. Dobbins remaining on Injured Reserve after a week of limited practices. In Denver's Divisional Round win over a Bills team that came into the playoffs with one of the worst run defenses in the league, McLaughlin was able to turn four carries into 21 yards. In the Conference Championship, he'll face a Patriots defense that has been dominant against the run since Milton Williams' return from an ankle injury that cost him five games. Through two playoff games, New England has allowed a total of 74 yards on designed runs, so if McLaughlin is to find any success on Sunday, it may need to come through screens and checkdowns, though that is a role that's been owned by Harvey for most of the year. McLaughlin is RotoBaller's RB7 for the week, but there is a world where he is entirely phased out of the game script.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly the favorites to re-sign free-agent starting pitcher
Zac Gallen. A reunion appears to be in the works after it seemed likely that the two sides would go their separate ways at the beginning of the winter. Gallen rejected the qualifying offer and entered free agency, but with draft pick compensation tied to his name. The Orioles, Braves, Giants, and Tigers have reportedly expressed interest in Gallen, but there is no deal in place. The 30-year-old is coming off a down year with the D-Backs in 2025. Last season, Gallen posted a 4.83 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and a 175/66 K/BB ratio across 33 starts. It was the first year that Gallen had finished with a 4-plus ERA since the 2021 campaign. It seems possible that Gallen would take a short-term deal with opt-out options to try to re-establish his value. The D-Backs haven't replaced Gallen's spot in the rotation, so a reunion could still happen. Gallen is a quality arm that makes sense for a team that doesn't have a ton of established arms to count on right now.
--Andy WebbSource: Diamondbacks on SI
January 24, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Marvin Mims Jr. is coming off his best performance of the season after leading the team with eight receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown in last Saturday's overtime win over the Bills. If the Broncos and backup quarterback
Jarrett Stidham are to have any success moving the ball against an attacking Patriots defense, Mims may once again be tasked with carrying a heavy workload. Patriots cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III match up well on paper against the bigger bodies of
Courtland Sutton and
Pat Bryant, so it could fall on the smaller, quicker Mims to provide an intermediate outlet for Stidham if New England continues to send extra bodies in the pass rush. Mims is RotoBaller's WR8 for the Conference Championship Round of playoff fantasy leagues, but he could be more valuable in Full-PPR formats.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
The San Diego Padres have signed infielder/outfielder
Samad Taylor to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Taylor recently elected free agency after being removed from the Seattle Mariners' 40-man roster. His versatility makes Taylor an attractive utility option, but he lacks experience at the big league level. The 27-year-old has only played 38 games across parts of three seasons. He slashed .296/.378/.461 with 17 home runs, 86 RBI, and 44 stolen bases across 137 games in Triple-A with the Mariners last season. He only played in three big league games last season, but his excellent play in the minors makes him worthy of a flier. He figures to compete for a bench role on the 26-man roster during Spring Training.
--Andy WebbSource: Chris Cotillo
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Rams veteran tight end
Tyler Higbee has seen his usage and productivity decline in each of his three games since returning from an ankle injury in Week 18. In his first game back after missing nearly two months of action, he led the team in receiving yards and scored his third touchdown of the season, but in the team's two playoff games since, he's seen a total of four targets, and he was on the field for only eight offensive snaps in the Rams' Divisional Round win over Chicago. With rookie
Terrance Ferguson returning for that game after missing two weeks of his own with a hamstring injury, Higbee was relegated to the third tight end in passing sets, behind Ferguson and
Colby Parkinson, and was taken off the field for
Davis Allen in more obvious running situations. Higbee is RotoBaller's TE3 for the week, but it should come as no surprise if he continues to run behind Parkinson and Ferguson on Sunday.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Rams rookie tight end
Terrance Ferguson recorded a touchdown in each of his final two regular-season games. After missing two weeks with a hamstring injury, he returned for last week's Divisional Round win over the Bears and was targeted five times. Unfortunately, he was able to collect only one of those looks, finishing his first career playoff game with a single catch for 19 yards. With Los Angeles using a heavy deployment of jumbo packages down the stretch, Ferguson should see the field plenty against a Seahawks defense that has excelled against fantasy running backs and wide receivers while finishing in the middle of the pack against tight ends.
Colby Parkinson is likely the safest bet out of the Rams' crowded tight end room, given his steady usage near the goal line, but Ferguson may be the most talented of the bunch, and he is RotoBaller's TE5 for Conference Championship Weekend.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
The New York Jets were scheduled for an in-person interview with Wink Martindale for their defensive-coordinator job, sources told Connor Hughes of SNY. Although the Jets have interviewed seven other candidates for the job, Martindale is considered a favorite for the position. He has previously served as the DC in the NFL with the New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, and Denver Broncos, and at the collegiate level at the University of Michigan. Martindale's defenses typically are aggressive at getting after the quarterback, which aligns with head coach Aaron Glenn's philosophy on that side of the ball. The Jets need all kinds of help on the defensive ball after they became the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without recording a single interception in 2025. Hiring Martindale would at least give the Jets some experience and an aggressive mentality as they look to bounce back in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Connor Hughes
January 24, 2026
Brooklyn Nets guard
Nolan Traore (illness) won't play on Sunday against the Clippers. The rookie had a career-high 21 points in Friday's double-overtime loss to the Boston Celtics. With
Cam Thomas (ankle) ruled out, Traore would have been in line for more action, especially since he had double-digit scoring performances in three of his last four appearances. While that may still be the case once he's healthy to return,
Ziaire Williams and
Tyrese Martin are now the favorites to receive additional scoring opportunities versus Los Angeles.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Nashville Predators defenseman Nicolas Hague (lower body) was labeled week-to-week before Saturday's loss to the Utah Mammoth. He exited the lineup due to a lower-body injury, with Adam Wilsby (lower body) filling in for Hague in his return from a four-game injury absence. The injury to Hague will all but end his attempt to reach 20 points for the first time in his career. The 27-year-old has totaled 11 points (two goals, nine assists), 32 shots, 37 blocks, and 54 hits in 41 appearances this season. Since Wilsby isn't known for scoring either, the change in Nashville's lineup doesn't really affect fantasy hockey.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
RADIO
