December 22, 2025
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Klay Thompson (knee) is listed as questionable for Monday's action against the New Orleans Pelicans. The veteran has been a regular on the injury report lately due to a sore left knee, but Thompson has made four consecutive appearances. He may finally take some time off on Monday night to recover, as Dallas will start a back-to-back. Thompson's only two absences this season have come during back-to-back situations.
D'Angelo Russell and
Jaden Hardy could be more involved in the rotation if Thompson doesn't play. While Russell has the potential to produce in fantasy, his struggles over the past few weeks make him a less attractive option right now.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
As the 2025 season has progressed, Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Kenneth Gainwell has emerged as one of his team's most reliable all-purpose weapons. Over his last six games, the 26-year-old has recorded 568 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 84 touches. Gainwell has earned 38 targets in that six-game stretch and has now hauled in at least five receptions in five out of his last six outings. The Steelers continue to deploy a near 50/50 split in the backfield between Gainwell and
Jaylen Warren, which limits the upside for both players to some degree. However, as long as Gainwell continues to function as a featured piece in the Pittsburgh passing game, he should provide a safe production floor in PPR fantasy leagues. In any league where he remains available, Gainwell is a must-add player off the waiver wire heading into his Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Rams running back
Blake Corum began the 2025 season as his team's clear RB2 behind established back
Kyren Williams. However, as the year has progressed, Corum and Williams have moved closer to a true timeshare in the backfield. Over his last four games, Corum has recorded 328 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 44 carries. While Williams remains the team's leading rusher and snap-earner, Corum has played at least 22 offensive snaps in three straight weeks. Given the overall prowess of the Rams' offense, Corum has a chance to provide fantasy-relevant production every week, as long as he continues to earn double-digit touches. In any fantasy league where he remains available, Corum is a must-add player on the waiver wire heading into his Week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Indiana Pacers point guard
T.J. McConnell (knee) has been labeled as questionable for a clash against the Boston Celtics on Monday night. The veteran playmaker has a sore left knee, which may force McConnell out of the lineup for the first time since he made his season debut on Nov. 11. McConnell has maintained a backup role in Indiana this season, averaging 9.5 points, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 16.7 minutes. If McConnell can't suit up on Monday, players like
Quenton Jackson, Garrison Matthews, and
Ethan Thompson will likely absorb his minutes. However, none of the three is an appealing fantasy option.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Charlotte Hornets guard
Collin Sexton (quadriceps) is looking at a seventh consecutive absence, as the team lists him as doubtful for Monday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sexton is battling a quadriceps strain, and muscle injuries are not easy to shake off.
KJ Simpson,
Sion James, and
Tre Mann have more fantasy appeal due to Sexton's absence. The trio would receive an even larger boost if
LaMelo Ball (wrist) exited the lineup. Currently, Ball is listed as probable on the injury report.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) is listed as questionable for Monday's meeting with his former team, the Detroit Pistons. Grant is dealing with a sore left Achilles tendon, which may keep him sidelined for a second consecutive contest.
Kris Murray started in Grant's place on Saturday against the Sacramento Kings but didn't do a lot, finishing with nine points, three rebounds, and two steals in 36 minutes.
Sidy Cissoko also has a chance to see more action without Grant, but his impact on Saturday was even smaller than Murray's.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (groin) remains on the injury report ahead of Monday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets, putting him at risk of missing a third consecutive game. The Finnish star is managing a groin issue, and at least one absence looks guaranteed for him early this week, as Monday marks the start of a back-to-back.
Kyle Filipowski has had a starting role during Markkanen's absence, although he has been frustratingly inconsistent. Meanwhile,
Keyonte George,
Svi Mykhailiuk, and
Ace Bailey get more work on the offensive end among Utah's starters.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (back) could miss his second game of the season on Monday, as the team has listed him as questionable for a matchup against the struggling New Orleans Pelicans. The exciting rookie is nursing a back contusion. Dallas begins the week with a back-to-back, so it appears likely that Flagg will miss at least one game.
Klay Thompson (knee) and
Max Christie (illness) are also considered questionable for Monday night, which could lead to
D'Angelo Russell and
Jaden Hardy having much larger roles in the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Chet Holmgren (back) is on the injury report as questionable for Monday's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. The uniquely talented big man is dealing with lower back spasms and could miss his first game since Nov. 7.
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) has already been ruled out, making it vital for the Thunder to have Holmgren available. It wouldn't be surprising to see both big men miss one game during the back-to-back that kicks off on Monday. If neither player is in the lineup against Memphis,
Branden Carlson and
Kenrich Williams will likely take on larger roles in the frontcourt.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Green Bay Packers running back
Emanuel Wilson could be a top waiver wire priority this week, as the Packers get ready to host the Ravens on Saturday. The team could be without
Jordan Love (concussion) and
Josh Jacobs (knee) for that matchup, and Wilson has proven he can be a fantasy factor if he takes over for Jacobs as the primary option. Last week, Wilson ran for 82 yards on 14 carries against the Bears, while Jacobs had just 36 yards on 12 carries. Wilson also starred in Green Bay's win over the Packers when Jacobs was injured, racking up 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries in that week. The Ravens have been a great matchup for running backs this season, and if Wilson gets the start, he could be a true difference-maker in Week 17.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN.com
December 22, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (ankle) will miss a third consecutive game on Monday versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. The oft-injured guard remains out due to an ankle sprain. With
Vince Williams Jr. (knee) also out,
Cam Spencer is likely to retain a starting role. The 25-year-old logged a 19-point, 11-assist double-double in Saturday's loss to the Washington Wizards. Spencer has had a very strong month, averaging 19.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 6.7 assists while shooting 60 percent from the field. His form will be put to a stern test on Monday, as the Thunder hold by far the best defensive rating in the NBA.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Michael Carter filled in as the starter in Week 16 for the team's banged-up backfield, and he had a solid game against the Falcons. He took 11 carries for 65 yards but failed to catch either of his two targets or get into the end zone. Carter played well ahead of
Emari Demercado and
Corey Kiner and will likely lead the backfield committee again in Week 17 with
James Conner,
Trey Benson, and
Bam Knight all on the shelf for the rest of the season. Carter and the Cards get a favorable matchup in Week 17 against the Bengals, so if you need some emergency help in the backfield, he's a solid streaming option with touchdown-dependent upside in Week 17.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
New England Patriots rookie running back
TreVeyon Henderson (head) suffered a head injury during their victory over the Ravens on Sunday night. Henderson suffered the injury in the second quarter. Before exiting, the second-round pick took just five carries for a mere three yards and brought in his lone target for nine yards. In relief, veteran
Rhamondre Stevenson led the way, totaling 51 yards and a score on eight attempts and bringing in two of his three targets for another 27 yards. Managers should pay close attention to Henderson's status ahead of their Week 17 contest against the Jets next Sunday. During the second half of the campaign, Henderson has enjoyed a massive breakout, averaging a stellar 22.6 PPR points per game over the last five games, entering Sunday night. If Henderson sits out in Week 17, Stevenson would carry high-end RB2 upside facing a Jets defense that is allowing the third-most PPR points to opposing RBs.
--Andy SmithSource: New England Patriots
December 22, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. seems to have secured the top spot in the backfield coming down the stretch, and he should be fantasy relevant in the closing weeks of the season. He makes a solid waiver wire add if you need a running back after picking up 63 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries on Saturday against the Eagles, and adding a six-yard catch as well. He played 28 snaps (52%) this week, compared to just 15 snaps (28%) for
Jeremy McNichols and 11 snaps for
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (20%). Rodriguez and the Commanders face the Cowboys on Christmas Day after a short week, and he'll have touchdown-dependent flex upside in a favorable matchup against Dallas this coming week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN.com
December 22, 2025
Boston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown (illness) is questionable for Monday's game against Indiana after sitting out the previous contest. Brown has averaged 30.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 35.3 minutes over his last five, serving as a primary option in Boston's offense. The illness introduces availability risk without signaling a role change. If Brown sits again,
Sam Hauser and
Hugo Gonzalez would see increased wing minutes, while
Derrick White absorbs more scoring responsibility. Brown remains a firm hold in all formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Green Bay Packers tight end
John FitzPatrick (Achilles) was helping to fill in for the injured
Tucker Kraft, but he suffered his own season-ending injury during Saturday's 22-16 overtime loss to the Chicago Bears. Tests confirmed that FitzPatrick suffered a torn Achilles, which will end his season after 12 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. Without FitzPatrick,
Luke Musgrave will continue to be the team's top tight end with
Josh Whyle as his primary backup.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Adam Schefter
December 22, 2025
Utah Mammoth defenseman Mikhail Sergachev produced two assists in Sunday's 4-3 overtime win against the Winnipeg Jets. Sergachev's passing ability helped the Mammoth race to a 3-0 lead, but the team ultimately needed the fastest overtime goal in franchise history to secure two points. Clayton Keller ended the game just 13 seconds into the extra frame. On Sunday, Sergachev also made significant contributions on the defensive end, logging three blocks and one hit, while leading all skaters in ice time with 25:19. The Russian blue-liner is looking to post his season consecutive 50-point season. Currently, he is on 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) through 38 games, earning 10 points (two goals, eight assists) on the power play.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson (back) is considered day-to-day after sustaining a back bruise in the second quarter of Sunday night's loss to the Patriots. He took a knee to the back from Craig Woodson on a run in the second quarter and was unable to return. He said he hopes to play on Saturday against the Packers, but his status is very uncertain after battling multiple injuries this season. Jackson and the Ravens are still chasing the Steelers for the top spot in the AFC North, but it isn't clear if they'll have Jackson or
Tyler Huntley under center when they take on the Packers on a short week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Ian Rapoport
December 22, 2025
Ottawa Senators winger Fabian Zetterlund tallied a season-high three points in Sunday's 6-2 win over the Boston Bruins. He potted a pair of power-play markers and set up Tim Stutzle for a goal. After a couple of poor months to start the season, Zetterlund has finally found some form on the offensive end in December. Nine of his 16 points have come this month. He has notched nine goals and seven assists in 35 games this season. Entering the new week, Zetterlund boasts a three-game point streak, his longest since January. While Zetterlund isn't a very reliable fantasy option, he currently looks like an appealing pickup as a member of Ottawa's first line and second power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (hip) is trending toward another absence Monday against Golden State, with the team listing him as doubtful on the front end of a back-to-back. Suggs has already missed two games, with Orlando prioritizing caution as he works through the hip contusion. In his most recent five appearances, Suggs produced 21.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals in 29.6 minutes, but those numbers come off the board if he sits again.
Anthony Black would continue handling more creation duties, while
Paolo Banchero and
Wendell Carter Jr. absorb extra offensive volume.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Pat Bryant was released from the hospital after suffering a scary injury when he took a massive hit over the middle in the final minute of Sunday's loss to the Jaguars. He had to be stretchered off the field and taken to a hospital for further evaluation. Although he was diagnosed with a concussion, he cleared the rest of the tests and seems to have avoided any more serious injury. Since the Broncos play the Chiefs on Christmas this Thursday, it seems unlikely that he'll be able to clear the protocol in time to play in that game. Without Bryant, more work would likely go to
Troy Franklin and
Marvin Mims Jr. behind
Courtland Sutton. Stay tuned for further updates this week, but it's great news that Bryant did not have any further injuries.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Zac Stevens
December 22, 2025
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren (hip) is listed as probable for Monday's game against Portland. The fourth-year big man has averaged 14.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 29.0 minutes over his last five, continuing to anchor Detroit's interior. The hip contusion adds mild risk, but his role and workload remain intact.
Isaiah Stewart holds limited streaming appeal if Duren is capped, while
Cade Cunningham continues to benefit from Duren's screening and finishing. Duren remains a clear hold in all formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar recorded his third game of the season with at least three points on Sunday, picking up a goal and two assists in an impressive 5-1 road win against the Minnesota Wild. Two of Makar's points, including his goal, came on the power play. Colorado has four more games to go in 2025, and Makar is attempting to become only the second player over the last 25 years to lead defensemen in scoring for two straight calendar years. This season, Makar leads the pack with 43 points (11 goals, 32 assists) in 35 games, putting him on track to join an exclusive list of defensemen with 100-point campaigns. Only six rearguards have achieved it, most recently Erik Karlsson in 2022-23.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus) will not play Monday against Memphis in the first leg of a back-to-back. Hartenstein had averaged 9.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 24.3 minutes over his last five, providing steady boards and defensive value. His absence pushes
Branden Carlson into deeper-league streaming consideration and opens small-ball minutes for
Kenrich Williams. If
Chet Holmgren (back) is limited,
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and
Jalen Williams should absorb more rebounds. Hartenstein remains a hold.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl finished Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers with three points. He notched two points on the power play, including his goal. With Jack Eichel (lower body) out of the lineup, Hertl has recently had more responsibilities, coming alive offensively by posting a three-game point streak (one goal, four assists). The Czech veteran has had only two longer scoring streaks this season. Across the campaign, Hertl has registered 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) in 34 games. Before the holiday break, he will head out one more time, facing a meeting with his former team, the San Jose Sharks, who allow 3.36 goals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Charlotte Hornets center
Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) is questionable for Monday's game against Cleveland on the front end of a back-to-back. The rookie has averaged 7.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 25.5 minutes over his last five, but the elbow issue adds short-term volatility. If he sits or is limited,
Moussa Diabate becomes a deeper-league streamer for rebounds and defensive stats.
LaMelo Ball and
Brandon Miller would also absorb steadier frontcourt usage, while Kalkbrenner profiles as a cautious hold.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid stretched his point streak to 10 games on Sunday, bagging an even-strength goal and two power-play assists in a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. The Oilers captain recorded his 18th career point streak of at least 10 games, ranking behind only Wayne Gretzky (31) in NHL history. He has been incredible over the last three weeks, amassing 12 goals and 14 assists during his scoring streak. It has put McDavid in the race for his sixth Art Ross Trophy as the league's top scorer. As the new week starts, McDavid leads the standings, with Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon trailing by just one point. McDavid has totaled 62 points (23 goals, 39 assists) in 37 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Charlotte Hornets guard
LaMelo Ball (wrist) is listed as probable for Monday's matchup against Cleveland on the front end of a back-to-back. Ball has averaged 18.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 26.1 minutes over his last five, shooting 42.7 percent from the field. The wrist issue adds mild risk, but his usage and playmaking remain intact.
Brandon Miller and rookie shooter
Kon Knueppel continue to benefit as secondary scorers, while
Collin Sexton's (quadriceps) doubtful tag keeps Ball's floor stable in all formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby set the franchise's scoring record in Sunday's 4-3 shootout win over the Montreal Canadiens. The Penguins captain entered the contest one point behind Mario Lemieux. He had a goal and an assist against Montreal, reaching 1,724 points (645 goals, 1,079 assists) in his 1,387th career game. Crosby also moved past Lemieux to eighth on the NHL's all-time scoring list. The top pick of the 2005 draft has aged like fine wine and continues to average over a point per game even during his 21st NHL season. He has notched 20 goals and 17 assists in 35 appearances, giving Crosby a realistic opportunity to post his second 50-goal season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry (lower body) will be sidelined for a couple of weeks, head coach Kris Knoblauch said on Sunday. Edmonton's new No. 1 suffered a lower-body injury on Thursday against the Boston Bruins and has missed two games. Calvin Pickard and Connor Ingram will work between the pipes until Jarry returns. Ingram made his Oilers debut on Sunday night, recording a 4-3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights with 25 saves. Pickard had a rough weekend, suffering a 5-2 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. Neither goalie looks like a great fantasy option and must rely on Edmonton's offense to get wins.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
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