John Carlson Records Two Assists Friday
Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson had two assists in Friday's 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. He collected both helpers during the first period, which Washington won 3-0. After he had a five-game slump, someone pushed the right buttons on Carlson, as he has notched five points (one goal, four assists) across the last three games. Carlson has been a 50-point guy in recent seasons, but in 2025-26, he has a chance to reach 60 points for a fifth time in his career. In 41 outings, Carlson has tallied nine goals and 25 assists. He is also a busy man in the defensive zone, recording 59 blocks this season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Isaiah Jackson's Absence Extends to 10 Games
Indiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson (concussion) will miss Saturday's game against Miami, extending his absence to 10 games as he continues through the league's concussion protocol. The Pacers' center rotation has been fluid, creating uneven fantasy value. Jay Huff has recently regained momentum, averaging 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.8 three-pointers over his last four games in 22.9 minutes, after Micah Potter briefly flashed earlier. Still, the shifting minutes make Huff a risky streamer. Potter and Tony Bradley remain watchlist options only.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Karel Vejmelka Picks Up Win No. 20
Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka saved 26 of 28 shots in Friday's 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues, improving to 20-11-2 for the season. Impressively, he became the first goalie this season to reach 20 wins. His recent form has been a major factor in Vejmelka reaching that milestone first, as he has gone 8-2-0 since Dec. 12. In 2026, Vejmelka has allowed only 11 goals across five starts. The 29-year-old has posted a 2.63 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage for the season, picking up one shutout. Vejmelka's fantasy stock is on the rise and could improve further in upcoming games against Eastern Conference strugglers Columbus and Toronto.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mike Conley Ruled Out Saturday for Rest
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (rest) will sit out Saturday against Cleveland, with his next chance to play Sunday versus San Antonio. The rest day opens short-term value in Minnesota's backcourt. Bones Hyland should see a usage bump after contributing during Conley's last absence, averaging 11.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.0 three-pointers in 22.5 minutes. Second-year guard Rob Dillingham could also enter the rotation. Hyland gains streamer appeal, especially if Anthony Edwards (foot) or Julius Randle (thumb) are limited.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Clayton Keller Dishes Out Three Assists Friday
Utah Mammoth winger Clayton Keller recorded three assists during Friday's 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Nick Schmaltz benefited twice from his playmaking, while Lawson Crouse also scored off Keller's feed. This was Keller's second multi-assist game in a row and already his third such performance of the month. He has started 2026 strong, recording eight points (one goal, seven assists) over five games. Compared to last year, Keller has taken a step back, but he could still average a point per game. In 45 outings, Keller has notched 13 goals and 28 assists.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jamie Benn to Remain Out Saturday
Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn (face) will miss a third consecutive game on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks. He is, however, expected to join the team in Los Angeles on Sunday and looks to be an option for Monday's matchup against the Kings. Benn departed the lineup at the start of the week after being injured against the Montreal Canadiens last Sunday. The Stars captain has made 23 appearances this season, recording 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) and 34 hits. Once he's ready to return, Benn will return to a middle-six role.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Will Robertson Sent to Triple-A Norfolk
Outfielder Will Robertson has passed through waivers unclaimed and has been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Robertson was designated for assignment earlier but went unclaimed on waivers and will remain in the Baltimore organization. Last season, Robertson made his MLB debut, sharing time with the Blue Jays and White Sox. Across 27 games, Robertson posted a .129/.173/.143 slash line with a 27:2 K:BB. The former fourth-round pick out of Creighton has spent the majority of their career in the minor leagues. Through 208 career games at the Triple-A level, Robertson has carried a .253/.348/.490 line with a promising .838 OPS. Managers should expect Robertson to spend the majority of the season in the minor leagues. If he can continue to flash some power upside, he could earn a stint in Baltimore.
Source: Rich Dubroff
Source: Rich Dubroff
Ilya Mikheyev Expected to Play Saturday
Chicago Blackhawks right wing Ilya Mikheyev (illness) will return to the lineup on Saturday against the Nashville Predators, Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The Blackhawks have a stomach bug going through the locker room, and Mikheyev didn't play in Friday's loss to the Washington Capitals. Mikheyev has been sharp offensively in his recent appearances, averaging a point per game over four contests. Overall, he has recorded 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 39 games this season. While Mikheyev has made a quick recovery, the Blackhawks may have other absences on Saturday.
Source: Ben Pope
Source: Ben Pope
Alexander Kerfoot Sustains Upper-Body Injury Friday
Utah Mammoth forward Alexander Kerfoot (upper body) was hurt during Friday's 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth. He sustained an upper-body injury in the first period, logging only 2:11 of ice time. This injury blow is very unfortunate for Kerfoot, as it's been less than a month since his season debut. He missed the start of the campaign due to abdominal surgery, entering the lineup on Dec. 19. Kerfoot has posted one goal in nine games, averaging 10:20 of ice time on the fourth line. If Kerfoot can't play on Sunday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Liam O'Brien or Kailer Yamamoto will take over his place.
Source: Utah Mammoth PR
Source: Utah Mammoth PR
Seth Martinez Joins Boston on Minor-League Contract
Right-handed pitcher Seth Martinez has signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox, which includes an invitation to Spring Training. Martinez spent his first four MLB seasons in Houston before moving to Miami in 2025. With the Marlins, Martinez logged just 6 2/3 innings in the big leagues and allowed four earned runs with a 4:3 K:BB. While Martinez saw a similar result in 2023 and 2024, the right-hander showed some upside back in 2022. Through 38 2/3 innings with the Astors that season, the Arizona State product turned in a strong 2.09 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. Managers should expect Martinez to compete for a low-leverage role in the Boston bullpen. However, given his struggles over the past three seasons, he will likely begin the campaign in the minor leagues.
Source: Andrew Parker
Source: Andrew Parker
Nick Madrigal Inks Minor-League Deal with Angels
According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Los Angeles Angels have signed infielder Nick Madrigal to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to Spring Training. Madrigal was unable to play during the 2025 campaign after suffering a shoulder injury last February. However, the former fourth-round pick should be in the mix to compete for a role on the Opening Day roster during Spring Training. In 2024, Madrigal appeared in 51 games with the Cubs and posted a .221/.280/.256 line with three doubles and one stolen base. However, in the previous season, Madrigal posted a much higher .263 AVG with 10 stolen bases. While he is not a power hitter, Madrigal has shown high contact upside at times. He is worth monitoring in deeper 15-team formats as he could carve out a role in the Angels' infield.
Source: Robert Murray
Source: Robert Murray
Brett Wisely Designated for Assignment
The Atlanta Braves have designated infielder Brett Wisely for assignment. This transaction opened a spot on the roster for relief pitcher Greg Soriano, whom the team claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. Wisely spent the 2025 campaign with the Giants and Braves. Through 26 games in the majors last summer, Wisely posted a .185/.279/.315 slash line with four doubles and one home run. In 2024, Wisely logged a career-high 91 games in the majors (with the Giants) and held a .238/.278/.345 line with a low .623 OPS. Across 195 games at the Triple-A level, the former 15th round selection carries a .275/.372/.433 line. Managers should expect Wisely to draw some interest on waivers, given his defensive versatility and previous big league experience. If he goes unclaimed, he will begin the campaign with Triple-A Gwinnett.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
George Soriano Claimed by Braves
The Atlanta Braves have claimed right-handed pitcher George Soriano off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. In a corresponding move, the Braves have opted to designate infielder Brett Wisely for assignment. Soriano was claimed by the Orioles earlier this offseason but will now look to compete for a spot in Atlanta. Last season, the 26-year-old spent his third MLB season with the Miami Marlins. Through 36 2/3 innings of relief, Soriano posted a rough 8.35 ERA with a 1.77 WHIP. During this stint in the big leagues, he earned one save but held a 36:19 K:BB. During his debut season in 2023, the right-hander turned in his best campaign, logging 52 innings to the tune of a 3.81 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. Managers should not expect Soriano to hold much fantasy value in 2026 as he will compete for a low-leverage role in the Atlanta bullpen.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Rangers Claim Zak Kent Off Waivers
The Texas Rangers have claimed right-handed pitcher Zak Kent off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals designated Kent for assignment earlier this week but the reliever was able to find a new club quickly. Last season, the 27-year-old made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Guardians and posted a 4.58 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP across 17 2/3 innings of work. He struck out 16 hitters but served up free passes at a high 10.5% rate. He spent most of his 2025 season with Triple-A Columbus where he logged a strong 2.84 ERA with a 1.34 WHIP across 38 innings of relief. During this stint, Kent tallied two saves and totaled an impressive 50 punchouts. Managers should expect Kent to compete for a middle-relief role in the Texas bullpen during Spring Training.
Source: Texas Rangers
Source: Texas Rangers
Ryne Stanek, Cardinals Agree to a Deal
Free-agent right-handed reliever Ryne Stanek and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed on an undisclosed major-league contract on Friday, sources familiar with the deal told Robert Murray of FanSided.com. It's a worthwhile low-risk investment for a Cardinals team looking to rebuild its bullpen. The 34-year-old Stanek struggled in 2025 with the New York Mets, posting a bloated 5.30 ERA (4.40 FIP), 1.57 WHIP, three saves, 58 strikeouts, and 32 walks in 56 innings out of the bullpen. The nine-year veteran only has 14 career saves in 458 1/3 career innings, so he probably won't be a closing option to begin the year, especially because of his struggles last year with the Mets. However, St. Louis' closing situation is still up for grabs among Riley O'Brien and JoJo Romero, so Stanek could be involved if he bounces back and proves himself in his new digs. At the very least, Stanek could be worth a league in deeper holds leagues.
Source: FanSided.com - Robert Murray
Source: FanSided.com - Robert Murray
Brandon Williams Won't Play Saturday
Dallas Mavericks point guard Brandon Williams (illness) won't be available on Saturday against the Chicago Bulls. An illness limited Williams to nine minutes on Thursday against the Utah Jazz, and he will now sit out the entire game on Saturday to give his body a chance to recover. With Williams out, Ryan Nembhard and Klay Thompson are likely to be more involved in the rotation on Saturday night. Thompson matched his season high with 23 points on Thursday, entering the weekend with positive momentum.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Evan Engram Must Step Up for Broncos in Postseason
The Denver Broncos coaching staff talked up tight end Evan Engram during training camp, but he didn't end up making a huge impact on offense in his first year in Denver. Engram finished the regular season with 50 catches on 76 targets for 461 yards and only one touchdown, although he did stay healthy and play in 16 games. His limited usage on offense in 2025 merely makes him a TE sleeper in fantasy football playoff leagues when the Broncos begin their playoff run in the Divisional Round. The 31-year-old veteran did see exactly four targets in the final three regular-season games, but it amounted to 102 total yards and no touchdowns. The Broncos are going to need Engram to step up and produce more in the passing attack if they are going to make a run to the Super Bowl. Engram was the TE29 in half-PPR points this year, averaging only 4.9 points per game.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
P.J. Washington to Remain Out Saturday
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (ankle) will be absent for a third consecutive game on Saturday against the Chicago Bulls. He has landed on the shelf with a right ankle sprain and will get his next opportunity to return on Monday night in a meeting with the Brooklyn Nets. Naji Marshall is likely to keep his starting spot on Saturday and deserves fantasy attention. He is averaging 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in a starting role this campaign.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
LeBron James Ready to Face Bucks
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot/sciatica) will play on Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. The NBA's all-time leading scorer has received a couple of upgrades throughout the day and has now officially been listed as available for the game. James will return from a one-game absence, and as a result, Jarred Vanderbilt must likely settle for a bench role on Friday night.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Andrew Nembhard Could Miss Another Game Saturday
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) is in danger of missing a second consecutive game, as the team listed him as questionable for Saturday's game against the Miami Heat. Nembhard couldn't play on Thursday versus the Charlotte Hornets due to a sore lower back. Quenton Jackson started in his place, while T.J. McConnell and Ben Sheppard saw more action off the bench. McConnell had by far the best game of the trio, producing 23 points with four rebounds, eight assists, and four steals. If Nembhard remains out on Saturday, McConnell will be an appealing fantasy target in a matchup against a team that gives up the fifth-most fantasy points to point guards.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jusuf Nurkic Uncertain for Saturday
Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (toe) is considered questionable for a meeting with the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. The Bosnian big man could miss a second consecutive game with a toe injury. Kevin Love, who had 10 points and 10 rebounds in Thursday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, is looking at a second straight start if Nurkic isn't healthy enough to return. Kyle Filipowski would also have a more meaningful role to play, especially with Lauri Markkanen (rest) out of the lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Pat Bryant Could be a Key Weapon for Broncos in the Playoffs
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant suffered a scary concussion in the Week 16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and didn't play in Week 17. Bryant returned in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, though, to catch four of his five targets for 31 yards. Although the first-year player out of Illinois wasn't in the top 50 receivers in half-PPR points per game during the regular season, he did have a pretty solid first year in the NFL, with 31 catches, 378 yards, and one touchdown on 49 targets in 15 games (seven starts). Bryant was more involved in the second half, too, being targeted at least five times in four of his last five games. Still, he averaged 2.1 receptions and 25.2 yards per game in a Broncos offense that spread the ball around in the passing game in 2025. Without knowing who the Broncos will face yet in the Divisional Round, Bryant is setting up as a low-floor, low-ceiling WR3/flex in fantasy playoff leagues.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Ryan Kalkbrenner on Track to Return Saturday
Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) is listed as probable for Saturday's contest against the Utah Jazz. This is a sign that the rookie big man is ready to end a 10-game absence. He departed the lineup before the holidays due to a left elbow sprain. Kalkbrenner's return would mark the end of Moussa Diabate's run as a starter. Meanwhile, PJ Hall could fall out of the rotation. Kalkbrenner has chosen a good spot for his return, as Utah has some of the weakest defensive numbers in the league against opposing centers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Bruce Brown Active Against Hawks
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Bruce Brown (knee) has been upgraded from questionable to available for Friday's encounter with the Atlanta Hawks. The veteran swingman is ready to play despite dealing with inflammation in his right knee. Brown had a busy night as a starter on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers, but he will come off the bench on Friday night, limiting his fantasy appeal.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Aaron Gordon Available Friday Night
Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is active against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. Denver upgraded his status from probable to available ahead of tip-off. Gordon has averaged 16.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 22.5 minutes since returning from a hamstring injury. He has been used off the bench since his comeback, and Gordon will remain part of the second unit on Friday night.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Christian Braun Cleared to Play Friday
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Christian Braun (ankle) will suit up for Friday's clash against the Atlanta Hawks. The team upgraded Braun's status from probable to available. This will be Braun's third game since his return from an ankle injury. His first couple of efforts since the injury have been underwhelming, as the 24-year-old has averaged 4.0 points and 3.5 rebounds. On Friday, Braun could have a more prominent role on offense, with Jamal Murray (ankle, illness) joining Nikola Jokic (knee) on the shelf.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Spencer Jones Won't Play Friday
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Spencer Jones (ankle, illness) will not play on Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks. He's dealing with inflammation in his right ankle and an illness. Jones has been a regular starter for Denver since late November. The team has several options to replace him in the starting unit, including Aaron Gordon, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown (knee), who has shaken off a questionable tag.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Marvin Mims Jr. Not Making Enough Big Plays to be Fantasy Relevant
Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. had a disappointing third year in the NFL, catching 37 of 51 targets for a career-low 322 yards and only one touchdown in 15 regular-season games. He added 12 rushing attempts for 78 yards and one touchdown. Last year, he caught only two more passes, but he went for 503 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 17 games. Mims, known as a big-play receiver, had just 8.7 yards per reception and 21.5 yards per game. He was a victim of quarterback Bo Nix spreading the ball around in 2025, and the emergence of both Troy Franklin and rookie Pat Bryant as receiving threats behind WR1 Courtland Sutton. Mims' only receiving score of the year came way back on Sept. 14, and he eclipsed 50 receiving yards just two times all year. Regardless of who Denver faces in the Divisional Round of the postseason, Mims will be a low-upside WR3/flex option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jamal Murray Out Friday
Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (ankle, illness) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. The star guard was initially on the injury report as probable with a left ankle injury. However, he was downgraded to questionable earlier in the day due to illness, and the team has now ruled him out. Jalen Pickett recently had a big game against the Philadelphia 76ers as Murray's replacement in the starting unit, and he will likely play a larger role again on Friday night.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Julius Randle Questionable Saturday
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle (thumb) is considered questionable for Saturday's meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The veteran is dealing with a sore thumb on his shooting hand. If he can't shake off the injury, Randle would be out for the first time this campaign. There is also a question mark hanging over Anthony Edwards (foot), so Minnesota's attack could have a completely different look on Saturday. Randle's departure from the lineup would likely mean larger roles for Naz Reid and Jaylen Clark.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
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