December 22, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Dominick Barlow (illness) is questionable for Tuesday's matchup against Brooklyn. Like many players around the NBA, he's not feeling well, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see how things play out. Barlow is easily having the best season of his career, averaging 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. His three-point percentage isn't great, although he's certainly still exceeded expectations. If Barlow can't suit up,
Jabari Walker, averaging 2.0 points and 3.2 rebounds in five starts this season, might find his way back into the starting lineup. However, his upside is limited as long as
Tyrese Maxey,
Paul George, and
Joel Embiid (knee), who is probable, are on the floor.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (elbow) has come off the injury report ahead of Tuesday's clash against his former team, the Phoenix Suns. An elbow injury kept Ayton sidelined for two games, allowing
Jaxson Hayes to work as a starter.
Jarred Vanderbilt also had a larger workload in the frontcourt. He may still see additional action on Tuesday due to
Rui Hachimura's (groin) absence. Ayton's last appearance was against the Suns, and he did a good job showing what they are missing. In 30 minutes, the 27-year-old big man had 20 points, 13 rebounds, one block, and two steals in a 116-114 win on Dec. 14.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
New Orleans Saints running back
Evan Hull is coming off a very disappointing performance against the New York Jets. As a result, he can be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues ahead of his Week 17 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Although there had been some speculation that Hull would lead New Orleans' backfield on Sunday with
Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) sidelined, that never came to fruition. Instead, he handled just five carries for three rushing yards on a 21% snap share.
Audric Estime (three catches) was far more productive than Hull in the receiving game, and veteran playmaker
Taysom Hill (12 carries) handled the bulk of the volume on the ground. If Kamara misses another game, Hill is the early favorite to lead the team in carries while Estime gets involved in the passing game. That leaves Hull as the odd man out, despite facing a Titans defense that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren (shoulder) is off the injury report and available to play against the Portland Trail Blazers. Duren played fewer minutes in their previous game against the Charlotte Hornets but was listed as probable heading into Monday night's game. The 22-year-old is having a breakout season, averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 29 minutes per game. With the fourth-year center set to play against the Blazers,
Isaiah Stewart has limited value coming off the bench. Duren is a sure-fire start for fantasy managers against one of the worst defenses in the NBA.
--Nathan HarveySource: Omari Sankofa II
December 22, 2025
Washington Wizards center
Alexandre Sarr (adductor) is off the injury report ahead of Tuesday's meeting with the Charlotte Hornets. Sarr last played on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies, finishing with an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double. However, he didn't suit up versus the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, the second of back-to-back contests.
Tristan Vukcevic got the start, ending with 18 points and nine boards. Of course, with Sarr's return, Vukcevic will head to the bench, although he may see some action if
Marvin Bagley III (calf) can't play.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Austin Reaves (calf) has picked up a questionable designation on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. He has missed three games with a left calf strain but is on the cusp of returning to the lineup. On Monday, Reaves was a limited participant at practice, and the team considers him day-to-day.
Luka Doncic (leg) has been ruled out for Tuesday night, and Reaves could have a massive role on the offensive end if he plays. However, if he remains out,
Nick Smith Jr. and
Dalton Knecht would presumably play a larger role. The two have not been trustworthy fantasy contributors.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. has strengthened his status as a must-add player on the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 17. The rookie enjoyed another dominant performance against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, catching four passes for 34 yards and a touchdown. He handled an 86% target share in the loss, largely due to the continued absence of fellow tight end
David Njoku (knee). Fannin now has 22 catches, 239 yards, and three touchdowns over his last four games, ranking as the overall TE3 in fantasy football during that span. His upside depends on whether Njoku is in the lineup, but even if the veteran tight end returns to action this week, Fannin should remain a top-five fantasy tight end while operating as
Shedeur Sanders' favorite target. He'll now be tasked with facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points, fourth-most catches, fourth-most receiving yards, and second-most receptions to opposing tight ends in 2025. Fannin is a priority addition who should be rostered and started in all leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (toe) will remain out of the lineup on Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors. He recently re-aggravated a toe injury, and it's unclear when Herro will be available to return. Tuesday's game will be his fifth straight absence. Fortunately for Miami, the team's other big guns have been cleared for Tuesday's game. With Herro out, all the other starters get additional scoring chances. At the same time, his absence has helped
Kel'el Ware to reclaim a starting spot. The 21-year-old has exploded for 24.7 points and 15.0 rebounds over the last three games since rejoining the first unit, adding 1.7 blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Detroit Pistons small forward
Ron Holland II (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Holland is dealing with left knee soreness and didn't appear to have any injury in their previous game against the Charlotte Hornets. The second-year forward has seen a slight jump in his sophomore season, averaging 8.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in just 21 minutes per game. With Holland out, expect to see more
Javonte Green as the primary backup behind
Ausar Thompson. With the Pistons traveling to face Sacramento on Tuesday, there's a chance Holland is managing some soreness and will be active for their matchup against the Kings.
--Nathan HarveySource: Omari Sankofa II
December 22, 2025
New York Jets wide receiver
Adonai Mitchell has been heavily targeted lately, but he's a risky fantasy option heading into a tough matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 17. To his credit, Mitchell has enjoyed a career resurgence since being traded to the Jets, commanding at least six targets in each of his last six games. However, he has caught just 45.6% of his targets since the trade, averaging a modest 8.6 full-PPR points per game during that span. This week's matchup is far from ideal for Mitchell, especially as he adjusts to the quarterback play of inexperienced rookie
Brady Cook, who will earn another start on Sunday. The Patriots have allowed the seventh-fewest catches and ninth-fewest receiving yards to wide receivers in 2025. Mitchell has a high ceiling and low floor, which makes him a risky option as the fantasy playoffs continue. He's only worth adding off the waiver wire in leagues with at least 12 teams.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
New York Knicks forward
OG Anunoby (ankle) won't suit up for Tuesday's encounter with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has landed on the injury report with a sore left ankle, indicating that Anunoby isn't dealing with anything serious. It looks like the team simply wants to give him some rest before facing the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day.
Guerschon Yabusele (illness) also won't play on Tuesday, making it likely that
Mohamed Diawara will log his second career start. It's a great opportunity to impress for the 20-year-old rookie, but fantasy managers should tame their expectations. In his first career start, Diaward settled for five points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Detroit Pistons. Grant is set to miss his second straight game due to left Achilles tendon soreness. The 12-year veteran has played in 26 games this season, averaging 20 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in a little over 30 minutes per game. With Grant ruled out, expect second-year forward
Kris Murray to start once again, and other starters like
Deni Avdija,
Shaedon Sharpe, and Toumani Camera to see a jump in fantasy value as well. With Portland facing the Orlando Magic as part of a back-to-back, fantasy managers could be without Grant until after Christmas.
--Nathan HarveySource: Danny Marang
December 22, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Chris Godwin Jr. has been a consistent target on offense, and his steady role should make him a priority waiver wire target for Week 17. Godwin has 24 targets, 17 catches, 183 yards, and one touchdown over his last four games. He has tallied double-digit fantasy points in three of those four contests, and he ranks as the overall WR31 in half-PPR leagues during that span. Although Godwin remains the No. 2 option behind
Mike Evans, he has been able to carve out solid volume in all of his games. He should continue to handle plenty of targets as this
Baker Mayfield-led offense pushes for a playoff berth. The 29-year-old receiver ranks as a strong WR3 option ahead of Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the 10th-most touchdowns to wide receivers in 2025. The struggling Dolphins just allowed
Ja'Marr Chase and
Tee Higgins to combine for 162 yards and a touchdown.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
New York Knicks point guard
Jalen Brunson (ankle) will miss his third game of the season on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Brunson had a monster game on Sunday against the Miami Heat with 47 points, but he will take Tuesday off to manage a right ankle injury ahead of Thursday's Christmas clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks' backcourt is also without
Miles McBride (ankle) and
Landry Shamet (shoulder), giving
Jordan Clarkson and
Tyler Kolek significant roles in the rotation. With that said, Tuesday's matchup is a tricky one for the duo, as Minnesota typically does a good job limiting the offensive impact of guards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (illness) appears ready to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets, as the team considers him probable for the game. After sitting out two games due to illness, the former MVP came through a full practice on Monday. Embiid's return to the lineup would force
Andre Drummond into a bench role, significantly reducing his fantasy value. Before he was sidelined by illness, Embiid logged 30-plus minutes in three consecutive appearances, averaging 25.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (illness) is available for Monday's contest against the Utah Jazz. Valanciunas was listed on the injury report with an illness heading into Monday, but the veteran will continue his streak of not missing a game in 2025. The 14th-year big man is averaging 8.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in just 13 minutes per game. He has yet to start a game this season, filling in behind superstar
Nikola Jokic, which will continue to limit his fantasy value. With Jokic in the lineup for Monday's game against the Jazz, Valanciunas should be left out of fantasy lineups.
--Nathan HarveySource: Denver Nuggets
December 22, 2025
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Victor Wembanyama (calf) is considered questionable for Tuesday's intriguing matchup against the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The French superstar continues to manage a calf injury that recently kept him sidelined for nearly a month. Since returning, Wembanyama has averaged only 20.3 minutes across five appearances. Despite the limited playing time, he has still provided high-level fantasy production, posting 19.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. If Wembanyama takes the night off on Tuesday,
Luke Kornet and
Kelly Olynyk will share the center minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Konata Mumpfield took on a larger role last Thursday, and he continues to trend up ahead of Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons. Mumpfield has earned more targets lately with
Davante Adams (knee, hamstring) sidelined. While the door remains open for Adams to face the Falcons, he faces an uphill battle to suit up. Therefore, Mumpfield has an opportunity to produce once again. Last week, as
Matthew Stafford's No. 2 option in the passing game, the rookie caught three of his eight targets for 40 yards while handling a 46% snap share. His target share might regress this weekend, but his overall production should benefit from a matchup against the Falcons, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points and fourth-most catches to wide receivers in 2025. Mumpfield is a potential WR3/flex this week, and he's an intriguing waiver wire target, especially in deeper leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers point guard
Luka Doncic (leg) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Doncic injured his left leg in Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and will sit out at least one game. His injury isn't believed to be a long-term issue, as the Lakers consider him day-to-day. According to Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Doncic has dealt with the same issue several times this season.
Dalton Knecht and
Nick Smith Jr. could see increased usage due to Doncic's absence, though
Austin Reaves (calf) may return on Tuesday and would significantly impact the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (trunk) is available to play on Monday against the Utah Jazz. Watson has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but is off the injury report and slated to play on Monday. The fourth-year forward has started in 15 of 25 available games this season, averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. With
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) still out after suffering his injury on November 21st, Watson will continue to start as the power forward for the Nuggets. While a minute restriction is possible given the missed time, Watson offers some fantasy value as a streaming option with Gordon off the floor.
--Nathan HarveySource: Denver Nuggets
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Colby Parkinson remains a top target on the waiver wire heading into Week 17. Although Parkinson let down his fantasy managers with just two catches for 21 yards last Thursday against the Seahawks, this game was likely an outlier and can be attributed to a tough matchup. Prior to that subpar outing, he had put together an impressive six-game stretch with 22 catches, 230 yards, and six touchdowns. He's a particularly appealing option given that
Davante Adams (knee, hamstring) is trending toward missing Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons. Adams has been a major threat in the red zone this year, scoring 14 touchdowns. Given Parkinson's success around the goal line lately, he should take over as one of
Matthew Stafford's favorite red-zone targets in Adams' absence.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Tyquan Thornton (concussion) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice report. The Chiefs did not practice on Monday, so this designation is based on an estimation from the team. Thornton missed Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans, and it now appears that he's at risk of missing a second consecutive game, albeit on a short week. Kansas City faces the Denver Broncos on Thursday, giving Thornton just a few days to clear the NFL's five-stage concussion protocol. The 25-year-old hasn't been a major contributor this year, catching just 19 passes for 438 yards and three touchdowns. However, with
Rashee Rice (concussion) also sidelined, Kansas City's receiving corps needs all the help it can get. Managers invested in Thornton's availability should stay tuned for additional updates when the Chiefs publish their subsequent injury reports on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Chris Oladokun will quarterback Kansas City in Week 17, lowering the floors of all Chiefs pass-catchers in fantasy football.
--Andersen PickardSource: Kansas City Chiefs
December 22, 2025
The Pittsburgh Pirates have added some depth by signing outfielder
Dominic Fletcher to a minor-league contract. The 28-year-old will get an invitation to spring training to catch on as outfield depth. Fletcher is a former second-round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2019. He hasn't panned out at the MLB level yet, but maybe a change of scenery will help. Fletcher is slashing .233/.280/.325 with four home runs and 33 RBI across 112 big league games between the D-Backs and Chicago White Sox. He played well in Triple-A Charlotte last season, so hopefully he can bring it to the next level. This doesn't seem like anything more than a depth move for Pittsburgh.
--Andy WebbSource: Alex Stumpf
December 22, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Rashee Rice (concussion) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice report. The Chiefs did not practice on Monday, so this designation is based on an estimation from the team. Rice missed Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans, and it now appears that he's at risk of missing a second consecutive game, albeit on a short week. The 25-year-old's absence will be felt, given that he had been averaging 6.6 catches, 71.4 yards, and 0.6 touchdowns per game when healthy. Managers invested in Rice's availability should stay tuned for additional updates when the Chiefs publish their subsequent injury reports on Tuesday and Wednesday. If he can't suit up,
Xavier Worthy will remain in the No. 1 role while catching passes from third-string quarterback
Chris Oladokun.
--Andersen PickardSource: Kansas City Chiefs
December 22, 2025
Boston Celtics forward
Josh Minott will return to the starting lineup for Monday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers. He will be filling in for
Jordan Walsh (illness). Minott enjoyed a run of nine consecutive starts earlier in the campaign, averaging 8.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 22.3 minutes. With
Jaylen Brown back in the lineup,
Sam Hauser is returning to the second unit. Minott and Brown will be joined in the starting lineup by
Payton Pritchard,
Derrick White, and
Neemias Queta.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sean Grande
December 22, 2025
Phoenix Suns guard
Jalen Green (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports. Green has been unavailable for most of the season, making only two appearances. He hasn't played since Nov. 8 after re-aggravating a hamstring injury, which delayed his season debut. Green's absence has allowed
Collin Gillespie to break out. The Vilanova product is averaging 13.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 27.9 minutes.
Jordan Goodwin has picked up more shifts in the rotation as well, especially with
Grayson Allen (knee) also struggling to stay healthy.
--Taavi PailkSource: Duane Rankin
December 22, 2025
The Chicago Cubs agreed to a minor-league contract with catcher
Christian Bethancourt on Monday. According to Jon Heyman, Bethancourt will get an invitation to spring training with the Cubs. The 34-year-old is likely coming in to serve as depth at catcher with the organization moving on from
Reese McGuire this offseason. During his last big league season, Bethancourt slashed .209/.241/.367 with five home runs and 22 RBI in 62 games between the Miami Marlins and Cubs in 2024. The Cubs have
Carson Kelly,
Miguel Amaya, and
Moises Ballesteros as their top options behind the plate right now. It looks like Bethancourt will have an uphill battle to make the 26-man roster to begin the season.
--Andy WebbSource: Jon Heyman
December 22, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
Ryan Flournoy (knee) has been diagnosed with a knee sprain, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. The 26-year-old receiver said he feared that he might have suffered a significant knee injury, so he's relieved that additional testing revealed only a sprain. With that being said, Flournoy isn't sure if he'll be able to play in Thursday's Week 17 contest against the Washington Commanders. He was estimated as limited following Monday's walkthrough, and he now has three days to get healthy before the Cowboys' divisional contest on Christmas Day. Flournoy has impressed with 18 catches, 207 yards, and two touchdowns over his last two games, but as long as
CeeDee Lamb and
George Pickens are healthy, he's stuck in the No. 3 receiver role and isn't a consistent option for fantasy football.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jon Machota
December 22, 2025
The Seattle Mariners have signed free-agent first baseman/outfielder
Rob Refsnyder on Monday, according to Jeff Passan. The deal is reportedly a one-year contract worth $6.25 million for the 2026 campaign. The journeyman has spent each of the last four seasons as a part-time player with the Boston Red Sox. Refsnyder mostly plays against left-handed pitching, but has excelled enough at that to carve out a decent career for himself. Last season, Refsnyder slashed .302/.399/.560 with seven home runs and 25 RBI against southpaws. The 34-year-old figures to be a platoon option at both first base and right field, and possibly sees time at designated hitter, making him mainly an option in AL-Only Leagues.
--Andy WebbSource: Jeff Passan
December 22, 2025
San Francisco 49ers running back
Jordan James is active for Monday's Week 16 contest against the Indianapolis Colts and is on track to make his NFL debut. The rookie had previously been a healthy scratch, but he's getting a chance to play on primetime television, perhaps in a mix of special teams and offensive depth roles. He's taking the spot of fellow rookie
Isaac Guerendo, who is a healthy scratch for the first time in his young career. Guerendo has contributed on special teams this year, but he doesn't have an offensive snap yet. Both running backs remain buried on the depth chart behind
Christian McCaffrey and
Brian Robinson Jr.--Andersen PickardSource: San Francisco 49ers
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