February 8, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder forward
Jalen Williams (hamstring) will return to action in Monday's marquee matchup against
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. The 2025 All-Star hasn't played since Jan. 17 due to a right hamstring strain. Williams has also missed time this season due to wrist surgery, appearing in only 24 games. He has averaged 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 29.6 minutes per game. Because of his lengthy absence, Williams might carry a minute limit on Monday night. Still, with
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) out of commission, Williams will be expected to do a lot of work on the offensive end.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 8, 2026
New York Mets third baseman
Brett Baty is expected to shift positions this season. According to Anthony DiComo, Baty spent the latter part of his offseason getting reps in left field. The Mets brought in
Bo Bichette to be the everyday third baseman, so Baty is without a full-time spot right now. He could very well get regular at-bats in the outfield, assuming he can prove himself to be a viable fielder in the corner outfield. According to Baseball Reference, Baty has played 1.0 inning in left field during his big league career. He has mostly been playing third base with some second base mixed in as well. Baty did a nice job with the bat last season, slashing .254/.313/.435 with 18 home runs and 50 RBI in 130 games. The 26-year-old figures to get a fair shot at the left field job during Spring Training.
--Andy WebbSource: Anthony DiComo
February 8, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (concussion) has returned to the Super Bowl. Smith-Njigba exited the contest in the third quarter after being evaluated for a concussion. However, in the early stages of the game's final frame, the team's top wideout cleared protocol and returned to action. Before exiting, the 23-year-old caught three of his nine targets for 24 yards. He is expected to remain the team's top wideout over the final quarter of the season.
--Andy SmithSource: Gregg Bell
February 8, 2026
Miami Marlins starting pitcher
Sandy Alcantara is expected to be the Opening Day starter, according to Christina De Nicola. This isn't shocking news, given the Marlins traded
Edward Cabrera and
Ryan Weathers this offseason. The only competition for the Opening Day start would be
Eury Perez. The Marlins are expected to give the starting nod to the veteran Alcantara, who has certainly earned this honor. Alcantara mostly struggled last season, but showed signs of life down the stretch of the season. Over his final eight starts, Alcantara posted a 2.68 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and a 52/10 K/BB ratio across 53.2 innings. Fantasy managers will need to see a strong showing in Spring Training before jumping on the Alcantara hype train again.
--Andy WebbSource: Christina De Nicola
February 8, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (concussion) is questionable to return to the Super Bowl due to being evaluated for a concussion. The team's star wideout was seen jogging to the locker room in the game's third quarter after taking a hit. Before suffering the injury, New England held the 23-year-old to just three catches for 24 yards on nine targets. While he remains on the sidelines, veteran wideout
Cooper Kupp should operate as the top option in the Seattle passing game.
--Andy SmithSource: Jourdan Rodrigue
February 8, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Jose Berrios might not have a guaranteed spot in the starting rotation to begin the 2026 season. Berrios endured a tough campaign where he finished the regular season on the injured list and was left off the postseason roster. The right-hander finished with a 4.17 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and a 138/56 K/BB ratio across 31 games (30 starts) in 2025. His 166.0 innings were his lowest since the shortened 2020 season. The Jays have added
Dylan Cease and
Cody Ponce to the mix this offseason. They'll have
Kevin Gausman,
Shane Bieber, and
Trey Yesavage returning from last season. It's looking like Berrios could be the odd man out and headed to a swingman type of role in the bullpen. The Jays are still on the hook for $67 million over the next three years, so Berrios will have a role, but it might not be a full-time starter.
--Andy WebbSource: Keegan Matheson
February 8, 2026
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (concussion) is questionable to return to the Super Bowl due to a concussion. Knight sustained this concussion in the game's third quarter. Before exiting, the 25-year-old linebacker logged one solo tackle. While he remains on the sidelines, fantasy managers should expect Seattle to turn to Drake Thomas to have a larger role.
--Andy SmithSource: Michael-Shawn Dugar
February 8, 2026
The New York Mets have signed free-agent outfielder
MJ Melendez to an MLB deal on Sunday. They've agreed on a one-year, $1.5 million contract for the upcoming 2026 season. Hopefully, a change of scenery will help Melendez, who has struggled during his first four years with the Kansas City Royals. He only played 23 big league games last season and spent most of his time in Triple-A. Melendez slashed .261/.323/.490 with 20 home runs, 64 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 107 games at Triple-A Omaha last season. The former second-round pick continues to post strong numbers in the minor leagues, but can't seem to translate them to the MLB level. Clearly, the Mets believe that they can tap into his potential, but he'll likely be a fourth outfielder.
--Andy WebbSource: Jon Heyman
February 8, 2026
Brooklyn Nets point guard
Egor Demin (rest) won't suit up on Monday against the Chicago Bulls. The Russian rookie will be rested after making five consecutive appearances. Demin has had a tough time finding consistency, following Thursday's big 26-point effort against Orlando with a four-point dud in Saturday's win over Washington. The Nets also won't have
Michael Porter Jr. (knee) on Monday, leaving two openings in the starting lineup.
Danny Wolf is expected to replace Porter Jr., while
Terance Mann and
Drake Powell are the top candidates to fill in for Demin.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Michael Porter Jr. (knee) won't play against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. He has been ruled out for the game due to right knee tendinitis. Porter Jr.'s absence creates an intriguing situation, as he leads the Nets in scoring with 25.0 points per game. The rest of the squad must pick up the slack on the offensive end. Meanwhile,
Danny Wolf is poised to replace Porter Jr. in the starting lineup, having regularly filled in for him in the past. Wolf averages 10.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists as a starter.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (back) might be out for a fifth consecutive game on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers, as he has been listed as questionable on the injury report. Avdija is having trouble shaking off a back issue, which has limited him to only four appearances since mid-January. In Avdija's absence,
Jerami Grant has moved back into the first unit, scoring a game-high 29 points in Saturday's win over Memphis.
Sidy Cissoko, who tallied seven points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals on Saturday, also has more fantasy appeal with Avdija on the shelf.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (knee) will sit out a fourth consecutive game on Monday versus the Memphis Grizzlies. There's no clear timetable for Curry's return, but it seems likely he'll remain out through the All-Star break. On Saturday, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters there's a "good chance" Curry won't play before the break. With Curry out,
Pat Spencer operates as Golden State's starting point guard. There have also recently been starting roles for
De'Anthony Melton and
Gui Santos, while
Brandin Podziemski has been tasked with providing a spark off the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (knee) is listed as probable for Monday's matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ayton missed Saturday's win over Golden State due to a sore right knee and was labeled day-to-day by Lakers head coach JJ Redick. However, he appears on track to return against the defending champions. This is a rough spot for Ayton against
Isaiah Hartenstein and
Chet Holmgren. Ayton managed only six points and five rebounds when these teams locked horns for the first time this season on Nov. 12.
Jaxson Hayes and
Maxi Kleber will lose minutes with Ayton's return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers point guard
Luka Doncic (hamstring) has been listed as out for Monday's clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He will miss a second consecutive game due to a left calf strain. After Saturday's win over Golden State, Lakers head coach JJ Redick labeled Doncic day-to-day, so he shouldn't be out for long. However, the Lakers have three games in four nights scheduled and will be cautious with Doncic to prevent any further injury. Without Doncic,
LeBron James and
Austin Reaves have to do more on the offensive end, while
Rui Hachimura joined the first unit on Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) remains on the injury report with a questionable tag for Monday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. He shook off the questionable tag on Saturday, putting in a 33-point effort against the Phoenix Suns. Since Embiid has played regularly in recent weeks and there's no back-to-back on the schedule, it appears likely that the 2023 MVP will suit up. However, if he isn't ready to play, the usual suspects,
Andre Drummond and
Adem Bona, will take care of the minutes at the No. 5 spot. At the same time,
Tyrese Maxey,
Kelly Oubre Jr., and
VJ Edgecombe would have more offensive responsibilities.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (calf) is on the injury report with a questionable designation ahead of Monday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Smith couldn't play on Saturday against Denver due to a right calf strain and may miss a second consecutive contest versus Brooklyn.
Guerschon Yabusele started in Smith's place on Saturday, with
Nick Richards serving as his backup. Although Yabusele saw more action, Richards made a bigger impact in the game. He had 15 points, seven rebounds, one steal, and one block across 19 minutes. Chicago's frontcourt is in a good spot on Monday, with Brooklyn allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to centers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Chicago Bulls point guard
Tre Jones (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Monday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets. He suffered a left hamstring strain in late January and is likely to miss a 10th consecutive game.
Josh Giddey (hamstring) also isn't expected to return on Monday, elevating the fantasy values of
Anfernee Simons,
Jaden Ivey, and
Collin Sexton. While Simons and Ivey have been Chicago's starting backcourt duo in recent games, Sexton was the team's highest-scoring guard in Saturday's loss to Denver, notching 17 points and four assists in 29 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Chicago Bulls point guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) is expected to miss a seventh consecutive game on Monday against the Brooklyn Nets, as he has been listed as doubtful on the injury report. Giddey was having a great year until he ran into hamstring issues, and it wouldn't be surprising if the team kept him on the shelf until the All-Star break. Giddey's health issues, along with
Tre Jones' (hamstring) absence, have allowed
Anfernee Simons and
Jaden Ivey to make productive starts in Chi-Town.
Collin Sexton has also just made his team debut, helping cover for the backcourt absences.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai (shoulder) has returned to the Super Bowl. Tavai made a brief exit earlier in the second quarter witha shoulder injury. However, Mike Reiss of ESPN reported that the 39-year-old has been cleared to return to action. During the regular season, Tavai logged 42 tackles and is expected to remain in a rotational role this evening.
--Andy SmithSource: Mike Reiss
February 8, 2026
Atlanta Hawks guard
Dyson Daniels (ankle) has been tagged as questionable for Monday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is currently dealing with inflammation in his right ankle, and Daniels may be out for only the third time this season. If that's the case,
CJ McCollum is likely to land a starting role for Monday night, with
Buddy Hield and
Gabe Vincent potentially also more involved in the action. McCollum has made a decent start to life in Atlanta, averaging 17.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 27.9 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Seattle Seahawks safety Ty Okada (calf) is questionable to return to the Super Bowl due to a calf injury. The safety suffered this injury in the game's second frame. Before suffering the injury, the 26-year-old did not get himself on the box score. Throughout the regular season, the free safety served as the No. 2 option behind Julian Love. Managers should expect Love to see a larger role in the secondary while Okada remains on the sidelines.
--Andy SmithSource: Seattle Seahawks PR
February 8, 2026
Utah Jazz point guard
Keyonte George (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's tilt against the Miami Heat. This comes as no shock after George sprained his right ankle in Saturday's loss to Orlando. George also recently dealt with a left ankle sprain, missing three games. Due to a lack of bodies in the backcourt,
Isaiah Collier logged 48 minutes in back-to-back games. While he now has help with
Vince Williams Jr. in town, Collier looks set for another busy night on Monday, and it's a perfect matchup for him -- Miami allows the fifth-most fantasy points to point guards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai (shoulder) is questionable to return to the Super Bowl, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. The 29-year-old linebacker sustained this injury when attempting to make a tackle on a third-down stop. Tavai was seen immediately going to the blue medical tent for further evaluation. Before exiting, he did not log a tackle. If he were to remain sidelined this evening, Christian Ellis would likely see a larger role.
--Andy SmithSource: Mike Reiss
February 8, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Malik Monk (illness) will miss a second consecutive game on Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans. After dropping six three-point bombs and scoring 18 points against the Clippers on Friday night, Monk missed Saturday's contest against Cleveland due to illness and still needs time to recover from the bug. Sacramento's backcourt has also lost
Zach LaVine (finger), improving the fantasy outlook of
Nique Clifford and
Devin Carter. Clifford led Sacramento's offense on Saturday, producing a career-high 30 points. Carter also made a mark in the game, finishing with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, one block, and one steal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren (knee) is considered probable for Monday's clash with the Charlotte Hornets. He didn't suit up on Friday night in the 118-80 win over the New York Knicks. As a result,
Isaiah Stewart got the start, finishing with 15 points.
Paul Reed was also more involved than usual, amassing 12 points, six boards, four assists, one block, and one steal in 26 minutes. With Duren anticipated to return to the lineup, Stewart's ceiling will be lower, although he'll remain a viable starting fantasy option. On the other hand, Reed won't offer much upside.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward/center
Domantas Sabonis (back) is carrying a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Monday's contest against the New Orleans Pelicans. The former All-Star has battled a back issue lately, missing four of the last five games. In Sabonis' absence,
Maxime Raynaud and
Dylan Cardwell have had a chance to log extended minutes. While Raynaud has been Sabonis' replacement in the starting lineup, Cardwell performed slightly better on Saturday against Cleveland, recording a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double. With New Orleans ranking among the bottom six teams in fantasy points allowed to centers, the rookie big men could have another productive performance on Monday night if Sabonis doesn't play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard/forward
Zach LaVine (finger) won't play on Monday night against the New Orleans Pelicans. Due to a sore finger, LaVine missed the second leg of a back-to-back on Saturday against Cleveland and will now be out for a second consecutive contest. Sacramento has also lost
Malik Monk (illness) and
De'Andre Hunter (eye), boosting the fantasy value of
Nique Clifford,
Daeqwon Plowden, and
Devin Carter. All three played well on Saturday, though Clifford made the biggest impact with a career-high 30 points.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) is questionable for Monday's meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks. He suffered a sprained left ankle during the loss to the New York Knicks on December 7. While Wagner appeared in two games in Mid-January, he wasn't well enough to return and has since missed the last nine contests. Assuming the 24-year-old is cleared to suit up, he'll probably play less than the 32.8 minutes he's averaged this season. He may also come off the bench, which would keep
Anthony Black with the starters. Either way, Wagner should reclaim his spot in all fantasy lineups despite the chance of a below-average performance.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward
De'Andre Hunter (eye) will be re-evaluated in 10 days, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reports. Hunter was hit in his left eye on Friday night against the Clippers and was diagnosed with iritis. It's a tough blow for Hunter, who was only recently traded to Sacramento and is trying to build chemistry with his new teammates. He's had a quiet start as a King, averaging 7.5 points and 1.0 rebounds in two games, both as a starter.
Daeqwon Plowden started in Hunter's place on Saturday against Cleveland, notching 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, and one steal. He looks set for a significant role for at least a couple more games, as the Kings are also without
Zach LaVine (finger) and
Malik Monk (illness).
--Taavi PailkSource: Jason Anderson
February 8, 2026
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Detroit Pistons guard
Daniss Jenkins agreed to a two-year deal with the club. The 24-year-old went undrafted in 2024 and has been operating on two-way contracts with Detroit ever since. He played sparingly as a rookie. However, it's been a different story this season, with Jenkins averaging 15.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in seven starts. With
Jaden Ivey no longer in the picture, Jenkins should remain in line for a stable role from off the bench. He'll also presumably continue to start when necessary. With that said, unless Jenkins is with the first-five, he's hard to trust as a starting fantasy option on a day-to-day basis.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
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