December 17, 2025
New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect
Nolan McLean will pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, according to Brian Murphy of MLB.com. Per MLB Pipeline, McLean is the No. 11 prospect in the game heading into next season. The 24-year-old looked the part after making his MLB debut this past season, posting a 2.06 ERA with 57 strikeouts over 48 innings (eight starts). He'll be joining a Team USA rotation that will be headlined by Pittsburgh Pirates ace
Paul Skenes. In addition to McLean, the team announced that Mets right-hander
Clay Holmes and Minnesota Twins ace
Joe Ryan will pitch for USA in the WBC. The 24-year-old former two-way player has a diverse arsenal and plenty of different ways to generate swings and misses. McLean isn't going to crack the 200-inning mark in his first full year in the big leagues, especially after pitching in the WBC, but he's got one of the highest ceilings of any young arm in the game.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Brian Murphy
December 17, 2025
Toronto Raptors center
Jakob Poeltl (back) is considered probable for Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Austrian big man had been managing a back issue all season, but the probable designation suggests that he will be good to go on Thursday. This is a tough matchup for Poeltl, as the Bucks have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to centers this season, with defensive specialist
Myles Turner working at center for the team. In his prior two meetings with the Bucks this season, Poeltl has managed only 7.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in 23.5 minutes per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Golden State Warriors center
Al Horford (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Phoenix Suns. Horford has been dealing with a "sciatic nerve injury," but head coach Steve Kerr provided good news, stating his injury has healed, and he is nearing a return. The 19-year veteran is playing his first season in Golden State, but has struggled, averaging career lows in nearly every major statistic. While Horford is nearing a return to play, second-year center
Quinten Post will continue to play a major role in this Warriors lineup. Over the past four games with Horford out, Post has played over 25 minutes in three of the four games and has averaged 14.5 points and five rebounds per game.
--Nathan HarveySource: Anthony Slater - ESPN
December 17, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Mike Evans (collarbone) was limited on Wednesday after returning from a six-game absence to play and dominate in the team's Week 15 loss to the Falcons. After missing nearly two months with a broken collarbone, Evans caught six of 10 targets on Thursday night for 132 yards. While he played only 38 of 69 total offensive snaps, his 28 routes run were second-most on the team behind Chris Godwin, while his 4.71 yards per route run trailed only
Puka Nacua and
Luther Burden III across the league. At 32 years old, with a serious list of injuries sustained this season alone, the limited practice to begin the week is not unexpected, but fantasy managers will still need to monitor his status before a pivotal Week 16 matchup with the Panthers.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Brianna Dix
December 17, 2025
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Tim Hardaway Jr. (illness) is in danger of missing his first game of the season, having picked up a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Thursday's encounter with the Orlando Magic. The veteran sniper is dealing with an illness after logging a season-high 40 minutes in Monday's overtime win against the Houston Rockets. Hardaway Jr. benefited from Payton Watson's (side) early exit on Monday and could receive a larger workload again against Orlando, as Watson is also listed as questionable. If both players end up missing the action,
Bruce Brown's fantasy appeal would skyrocket.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Free-agent shortstop
Bo Bichette has been telling interested teams this offseason that he is willing to make the position switch from shortstop to second base, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Bichette hasn't been an excellent defender at the 6, but he showed in the World Series that he can play the keystone just fine after being forced to second base in the postseason due to a knee injury late in the season. Feinsand mentions the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and even the Toronto Blue Jays as teams with openings at the keystone. The 2025 season was a major bounce-back campaign for Bichette in his walk year, as he hit .311 with 63 extra-base hits, 94 RBI, 78 runs, 281 total bases, and an .840 OPS in 13 regular-season games for Toronto. Returning to Toronto is probably best for Bichette's fantasy outlook, but even if he departs, he has a high floor as a middle infielder, averaging 20 homers and 10 steals since he became a full-time starter.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
December 17, 2025
Dallas Mavericks point guard
Brandon Williams (Achilles) has been listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Detroit Pistons. Williams missed the previous game against the Utah Jazz with an Achilles issue, and it appears to be clouding his availability for Thursday as well. The 26-year-old guard has been a main contributor off the bench for the injury-plagued Mavericks, averaging 10.8 points per game, 2.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on nearly 22 minutes per game. If Williams is active, he could produce yet again, with veteran D'Angelo Russell questionable with an illness. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should monitor both Russell's and Williams' status heading into Thursday.
--Nathan HarveySource: Grant Afseth
December 17, 2025
Free-agent right-hander
Brad Keller and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a two-year, $22 million deal on Wednesday, sources told Jesse Rogers of ESPN. There were reports this offseason that several clubs were interested in moving Keller, who excelled in a relief role in 2025 with the Chicago Cubs, back to the starting rotation. At least to open next season, the Phillies intend to keep the 30-year-old in the bullpen after he had a career-best 2.07 ERA (2.93 FIP), 0.96 WHIP, a career-high three saves, 75 strikeouts, and 22 walks in 69 2/3 innings over 68 appearances (one start) in the regular season for Chicago. With more velocity on his heater, Keller's strikeout rate spiked to a career-high 27.2% this past season, and he should be plenty valuable in holds leagues as the primary setup man in front of closer
Jhoan Duran in 2026 in Philly.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
December 17, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston (groin) was limited on Wednesday by the same groin injury that held him out of Week 15's win over the Chiefs. Johnston was a late addition to last week's injury report, logging a limited practice on Friday before missing his second game of the season. After a red-hot start to the year, Johnston has struggled with consistency, making him one of the more difficult start/sit decisions for most of the fantasy season. If he is able to ramp up his practice participation, he remains in play as a desperation start for the fantasy semifinals, as the Chargers face a Cowboys defense that ranks dead last in points surrendered above expectation to the wide receiver position.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Los Angeles Chargers
December 17, 2025
Dallas Mavericks point guard D'Angelo Russell (illness) is listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Russell has missed the previous two matchups as he continues to deal with an illness. In his first season with the Mavericks, Russell has averaged career lows in points per game (11.2), rebounds per game (2.6), and minutes per game (20:17). Despite spending the majority of his career as a starter, he has come off the bench in all but three games this season. Russell's availability will become much clearer as we approach tomorrow night, but his fantasy value is too low to consider in starting lineups with a crowded slate upcoming. If Russell is out, look for undrafted free agent
Ryan Nembhard and
Brandon Williams (who's also questionable with an Achilles injury) to handle his workload.
--Nathan HarveySource: Grant Afseth
December 17, 2025
The New York Mets are finalizing a two-year, $22 million deal on Wednesday with free-agent right-handed reliever
Luke Weaver, a source told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The Mets lost All-Star closer
Edwin Diaz in free agency to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but they have gained Weaver and right-hander
Devin Williams, who both pitched across town with the New York Yankees in 2025. The 32-year-old Weaver will most likely open the 2026 campaign in Queens as the primary setup man in front of Williams, but he could factor into the ninth inning if Williams struggles like he did in pinstripes. Weaver wasn't at his best in the second half in the Bronx this past season and finished with a 3.62 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, a career-high eight saves, 21 holds, 72 strikeouts, and 20 walks in 64 2/3 innings in relief. With an elite strikeout rate and plenty of holds coming his way with the Mets, Weaver will continue to have plenty of appeal in fantasy as a high-leverage reliever.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
December 17, 2025
New York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) may exit the lineup on Thursday against the Indiana Pacers, as he is considered questionable for the game. Robinson continues to manage an ankle injury. If he can shed the questionable designation, the 27-year-old may get an opportunity to re-enter the first unit. New York has three starters listed as questionable for Thursday, including starting center
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee). Centers have feasted against the Pacers all season, and it would be a favorable matchup for Robinson if he can play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
New York Knicks guard/forward
Josh Hart (abdomen) could miss his second game of the season on Thursday against the Indiana Pacers, as the team has listed him as questionable on the injury report. The versatile veteran is on the injury report with an abdominal strain. After beginning the season as a member of the second unit, Hart has been a regular starter over the last four weeks. He is one of three starters with a questionable tag on the injury, so the Knicks' bench mob could see additional playing opportunities on Thursday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Brandon Clarke (knee) is available to make his season debut on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team has upgraded his status from questionable to available. Clarke has been out so far due to offseason knee surgery. Given his long absence, fantasy managers shouldn't expect too much from the 29-year-old. However, the opportunity is there for Clarke to make a significant impact in the rotation, as the frontcourt is missing
Zach Edey (ankle).
--Taavi PailkSource: Memphis Grizzlies PR
December 17, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (leg) won't play on Thursday versus the Clippers. It's the first of back-to-back contests for the champs, so he'll likely be available for Friday's game in Minnesota. With
Jaylin Williams (heel) also out, OKC may need to go smaller than usual, with
Kenrich Williams projected to see minutes behind
Chet Holmgren in a favorable matchup against one of the worst defensive teams in the National Basketball Association.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (ankle) has officially been ruled out for Wednesday's contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Unfortunately, due to an ankle sprain, Morant has to make an exit from the lineup just two games after returning from a calf injury. Memphis' backcourt will also be without
Cam Spencer (personal), opening up a lot of additional minutes for the rest of the crew.
Vince Williams Jr. impressed during Morant's recent absence and will get a new opportunity to make a big impact.
--Taavi PailkSource: Memphis Grizzlies PR
December 17, 2025
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (hip) won't play on Thursday against Denver. The 24-year-old was injured during Saturday's NBA Cup loss to the New York Knicks. As of now, he's considered day-to-day. However, that doesn't mean he's projected to get back on the floor anytime soon, especially considering his injury history. With
Franz Wagner (ankle) also ruled out,
Anthony Black should remain in the starting lineup.
Tyus Jones, who has averaged only 2.4 points this season, is currently the favorite to take over at the one. Jones has historically played well as a starter throughout his career, so he'll have streaming value in all fantasy formats. He'll also draw attention from DFS managers.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
New York Knicks forward
OG Anunoby (knee) is considered questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Indiana Pacers. After starring in the 2025 NBA Cup final, Anunoby has landed on the injury report due to a left knee contusion.
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee),
Josh Hart (abdominal), and
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) are also on the injury list as questionable, so the Knicks could have a very different look on Thursday night. Bench players such as
Jordan Clarkson,
Tyler Kolek, and
Guerschon Yabusele must be ready to take on larger workloads.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
New York Knicks forward/center
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) may take a night off after winning the NBA Cup, as he has been listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers. The big man is on the injury report with a sore left knee.
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is also listed as questionable, meaning
Ariel Hukporti and
Guerschon Yabusele may have to carry the frontcourt in a favorable matchup. This is a pace-up spot for the Knicks against a weak defense. The Pacers have especially struggled to contain centers, giving up the eighth-most fantasy points to the position this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (toe) won't play on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets. He is traveling with the team but has been ruled out for a second straight game.
Simone Fontecchio started in Herro's place on Monday against the Toronto Raptors, though he had a poor outing with three points, four rebounds, two assists, and one block. This may prompt Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra to try a new lineup on Thursday. In Herro's absence,
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and
Dru Smith are also candidates for additional playing time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves guard
Anthony Edwards (foot) won't play on Wednesday against Memphis. His next chance to suit up will be on Friday versus the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder. For now, he'll miss his third-straight game due to right foot "injury maintenance."
Mike Conley (Achilles) is also out, meaning
Bones Hyland remains in line to re-enter the starting lineup. The 25-year-old looked good in Sunday's win over the Sacramento Kings, finishing with 18 points, five assists, three boards, and one block in 36 minutes of work.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Chicago Bulls guard/forward
Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) won't play on Wednesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team downgraded his status from questionable to out. This means Dosunmu won't be available for the fourth time in five games. He is dealing with injuries to both thumbs, but the team currently has him on the injury report with a right thumb sprain.
Kevin Huerter and
Tre Jones have extra fantasy value due to Dosunmu's absence, though their performances tend to fluctuate.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
Anthony Davis (calf) is listed as questionable for a matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. He came through a full practice session on Wednesday and hopes to return from a one-game absence.
Daniel Gafford was Dallas' starting center on Monday versus the Utah Jazz and will presumably return to the bench on Thursday if Davis is ready to return. Across five December appearances, Davis has averaged a double-double with 20.8 points and 12.0 rebounds per game. The Pistons will match up against Davis with
Jalen Duren and
Isaiah Stewart, making it a difficult game for the Mavericks star.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Los Angeles Clippers guard
James Harden (calf) will come out of the lineup on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The former MVP played through a calf issue and struggled on Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. Now, he is taking a full game off to get some additional recovery time.
Bogdan Bogdanovic appears to be the likeliest candidate to take Harden's spot in the first unit, while players like
Kris Dunn,
Kobe Sanders, and
Jordan Miller may also benefit from his absence. These players could have additional fantasy value for multiple games, as Harden is also considered uncertain for Saturday's tilt against the Los Angeles Lakers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring) did not practice all week and has been listed as doubtful to play on Thursday night against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks in Week 16, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. Adams aggravated a hamstring issue he's been battling for weeks now in Sunday's win over the Detroit Lions, and on a short week, he's unlikely to be able to go. The 32-year-old veteran wideout is a big loss for a high-scoring Rams offense and for fantasy managers, as he currently leads the league with 14 touchdown receptions in 14 games played. It will be Adams' first missed game of 2025, with his next chance to return coming in Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football on Dec. 29. With Adams likely out on Thursday,
Tutu Atwell,
Jordan Whittington, and
Konata Mumpfield will look to soak up targets behind top wideout
Puka Nacua against a tough Seahawks defense.
--Keith HernandezSource: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
December 17, 2025
Charlotte Hornets point guard
LaMelo Ball (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. He is dealing with yet another ankle issue, sitting out three straight games.
Sion James and
KJ Simpson have received opportunities in the first unit during Ball's absence. James started the most recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers but had a tough time. He shot only 3-for-9 from the field to finish with nine points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one block in 37 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Atlanta Hawks point guard
Trae Young (knee) has picked up a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Thursday's meeting with the Charlotte Hornets. He has been out of action since Oct. 29 due to an MCL sprain in his right knee. Young recently logged some practice time with the Hawks' G League affiliate and looks set to rejoin the lineup this week.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has had a much larger role with Young sidelined, while his return will also impact
Dyson Daniels and
Jalen Johnson, who have run the offense during his absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Javonte Williams (neck) was listed as a limited participant due to a neck injury on Wednesday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Williams suffered a neck/shoulder injury in the Sunday night loss to the Minnesota Vikings shortly after a touchdown plunge on the team's first drive of the game in the first quarter. The 25-year-old sat out the rest of the first half, but he eventually returned in the second half and finished with 15 carries for 91 yards and the one touchdown while playing only 28% of the snaps. Williams should be able to play this weekend against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers, but fantasy managers will want to continue monitoring his status leading up to Sunday's game. If Williams is limited at all or out,
Malik Davis, who had 10 touches for 37 yards and a touchdown in Week 15, would become Dallas' lead back.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jon Machota
December 17, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (ankle) is likely to sit out Wednesday's contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team has downgraded him to doubtful on the injury report. Morant was spotted in street clothes and using crutches at shootaround, which is a very bad sign regarding his availability. The Grizzlies star only recently returned from a calf injury, making only two appearances.
Cam Spencer (personal) has already been ruled out for Wednesday, meaning players like
Vince Williams Jr.,
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope,
Cedric Coward, and
Jaylen Wells can expect to have larger roles.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver
Pat Bryant (hamstring) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. A hamstring issue kept Bryant from playing in the Week 15 win over the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Sean Payton said the 23-year-old could have played if it were a playoff game. Now that Bryant is back to practicing in full, he should be active this Sunday versus the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars, barring a setback in the next two days. Bryant's impending return is bad news for second-year wideout
Troy Franklin, who caught all six of his targets for 85 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay. Before his hamstring injury, Bryant was seeing more involvement in Denver's passing attack, catching 12 of 17 targets for 156 yards in Weeks 11, 13, and 14. If he's back this weekend, Bryant profiles as a WR4/flex option in deeper fantasy formats. He has just one trip to the end zone in his first 13 NFL contests.
--Keith HernandezSource: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
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