January 15, 2026
Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (lower body) is considered week-to-week and was moved to Injured Reserve on Thursday. The Swedish blue-liner is dealing with a lower-body issue and could miss the Olympics because of the injury. Brodin has recently improved his offensive production, reaching 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) for the season. Additionally, he has recorded 43 shots and 91 hits in 42 appearances, posting a plus-15 rating. While Minnesota added Carson Lambos to the roster on Thursday with a call-up from the minors, David Spacek is expected to take Brodin's spot in the lineup against the Winnipeg Jets. The 22-year-old will make his NHL debut after amassing 19 points (three goals, 16 assists) in 35 AHL appearances this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Minnesota Wild
January 15, 2026
According to Sean Cunningham of NBC Sacramento, Kings forward
Domantas Sabonis (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice. Cunningham added there's also "optimism" that he could return "as early" as Friday's meeting with the Washington Wizards. The 29-year-old hasn't had his best season in 2025, although he still produces at a high level, averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Unfortunately, a partially torn meniscus in his left knee caused him to miss the last 27 contests. At any rate, it appears Sabonis is close to getting back on the court, giving fantasy managers something to look forward to. He'll likely be limited for at least a few games. However, Sabonis should still be added back to all fantasy lineups once he's officially cleared to suit up.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Sean Cunningham
January 15, 2026
Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (personal) won't play on Thursday night against the Utah Mammoth. He is currently out of the lineup for personal reasons, missing a second straight game. Heiskanen sits eighth among defensemen in scoring, producing 36 points (seven goals, 29 assists) in 46 appearances this season. Ilya Lyubushkin re-entered the lineup as Heiskanen's replacement on Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. With Heiskanen out, Thomas Harley logged nearly four minutes of power-play time on Tuesday. Heiskanen's next opportunity to return will be on Sunday against the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 15, 2026
St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (lower body) was moved to Injured Reserve on Thursday and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Thomas came out of the lineup earlier this week due to a lower-body injury. It's now uncertain whether he can return before the Olympic break. Thomas leads the Blues with 22 assists and 33 points, appearing in 42 games this season. Brayden Schenn has taken over top-line center duties, with Dalibor Dvorsky also seeing top-six action. Both players made a positive impact in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, as Dvorsky scored St. Louis' second goal and Schenn produced a power-play assist.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 15, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) has spent about a month recovering from left Achilles tendonitis, but he was listed as probable for his team's home game against the Hawks on Thursday night. Grant will likely carry as much of the offense as he can with
Deni Avdija (back) still absent for a second straight game. After so long a layoff, Grant will likely have a minutes restriction, but the veteran showed he can still post good numbers by averaging 21.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 0.8 blocks in 32.9 minutes per contest over his last 13 appearances.
Sidy Cissoko is most likely heading to the bench Thursday with
Caleb Love starting for Avdija, although the Blazers could opt to keep Cissoko in the starting five and slide Grant into Avdija's spot.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (lower body) will remain out on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. Washington's leading scorer isn't ready to return to the lineup despite fully participating in Wednesday's practice. Wilson will be sidelined for a sixth consecutive game, with his next opportunity to return coming on Saturday against the Florida Panthers. Justin Sourdif (upper body) will miss a second straight game, giving Ethen Frank a chance to move into the top six. Frank has impressed recently with a three-game goal streak. He's in a great spot to make further damage on Thursday night, as San Jose has one of the weakest defenses in the league and allows an average of 31 shots on goal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 15, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (back) will miss a second straight game on Thursday night, when his team hosts the Hawks. Avdija sustained a back injury on Sunday and missed Tuesday's game, allowing
Caleb Love to make the start against the Warriors. Love had 17 points, three rebounds, seven assists, one block, and two steals over 34 minutes in the Blazers' loss, and he'll be a solid streaming or DFS play this Thursday with Avdija out again. Love has scored double-digit points in 12 straight games and deserves fantasy attention for as long as he stays so involved in Portland's rotation, either in the lineup or off the bench. Avdija's next chance to return will be Saturday against the Lakers.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun (illness) will return to action on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. He has been unavailable for a pair of games due to illness. Chychrun ranks second among defensemen with 15 goals and has managed 32 points in 45 games. Over his last six appearances, Chychrun has managed only two points. However, he finds himself in a fantastic fantasy matchup on Thursday, as San Jose gives up the third-most goals in the league (3.58 per game). Trevor van Riemsdyk will exit the lineup to accommodate Chychrun's return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 15, 2026
Retired left-hander
Clayton Kershaw will suit up one last time for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, USA Baseball announced on Thursday. After winning back-to-back World Series titles, Kershaw, an 11-time All-Star, three-time National League Cy Young winner, and 2014 NL MVP, will ride off into the sunset after representing his country. It will be Kershaw's first time taking part in the WBC after he had to withdraw from the 2023 edition due to insurance issues. "I learned a long time ago, you just want to be a part of great things, and this team seems like a really fun, awesome group," the 37-year-old future Hall of Famer said. Kershaw was an all-time great in his 18 big-league seasons, also winning five ERA titles and becoming the fourth lefty to join the 3,000-strikeout club. The Dodgers legend just wants to be an insurance option for Team USA's pitching staff and most likely won't be on the mound much.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA Baseball
January 15, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward
P.J. Washington (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's home game against Utah, as the team tries to manage his return from an ankle injury. Washington missed four games due to an ankle sprain but played 31 minutes in his return on Wednesday in the team's loss to the Bulls. His shot looked a little rusty, but if he plays on Thursday, he could be set up for a huge workload since
Anthony Davis (finger) remains out,
Cooper Flagg (ankle) and
Max Christie (illness) are doubtful, and
Daniel Gafford (ankle) is questionable. Washington will be an important update to watch for, since if he's out as well, there will be even more work for the value options in Dallas.
Naji Marshall,
Brandon Williams,
Ryan Nembhard, and
Jaden Hardy will all have to carry more of the scoring load if Washington joins the other Mavs' starters on the bench. On the other hand, if he plays, he'll get as much work as he can handle in a favorable matchup against the Jazz's banged-up frontcourt.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
In his first career playoff appearance, New England Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye led his team to a 16-3 win in the Wild Card round over the Los Angeles Chargers. The 23-year-old completed 17 of 29 pass attempts for 268 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while adding 66 rushing yards on 10 attempts. However, Maye also fumbled twice, one of which was recovered by the Chargers. Maye's production upside remains sky-high, but any potential ball security issues may only be exacerbated in the Divisional Round against the Houston Texans. Houston allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards (3,486) in the regular season while ranking tied for third in interceptions (19). The Texans' defense is also coming off a dominating performance in the Wild Card round against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in which it forced two turnovers, recorded four sacks, and allowed just six points. Maye's rushing ability could carry him to success, but the difficult matchup makes him a low-end quarterback option for fantasy managers in the Divisional Round.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Max Christie (illness) will likely miss a second straight game after being listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against the Jazz, which finishes out his team's back-to-back. The Mavs didn't have Christie against the Bulls on Wednesday, and they also lost
Cooper Flagg (ankle) in that contest. Flagg is also doubtful for Thursday's matchup, leaving lots of time and usage available in the backcourt for
Brandon Williams,
Ryan Nembhard,
Jaden Hardy, and
Naji Marshall. If Christie can make it back into the lineup before Flagg, he could get expanded usage and be an interesting fantasy option, but he'll need to beat this illness first.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Chicago Bears running back
D'Andre Swift was one of the stars of his team's Wild-Card win over the Green Bay Packers, recording 92 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 15 touches. Swift and Bears rookie back
Kyle Monangai split playing time nearly evenly, with Swift earning 39 snaps and Monangai 36. However, Swift was the more productive player of the two, as Monangai was held to 49 scrimmage yards on nine touches. Chicago is now set to host the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round of the NFC playoffs. The Rams' run defense performed well during the regular season, but allowed three rushing touchdowns to the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card round. Swift profiles as the priority player in the Bears' backfield for fantasy managers in the Divisional round against Los Angeles.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
New York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) will sit out the second game of his team's back-to-back for injury management purposes on Thursday night as they face the Warriors. Robinson played 19 minutes and had eight points and 11 rebounds against the Kings on Wednesday, and in his absence,
Ariel Hukporti and
Guerschon Yabusele will likely split the backup minutes at center behind
Karl-Anthony Towns on Thursday. KAT will have to carry more of the offensive workload, with Robinson being joined by
Jalen Brunson (ankle) on the sidelines on Thursday night.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
New York Knicks guard
Landry Shamet (shoulder) hasn't played since Nov. 22, but he seems to be nearing a return since he was listed as questionable for Thursday night's road matchup against the Warriors. Shamet sprained his shoulder against the Magic just before Thanksgiving and returned to practice on Tuesday. With
Jalen Brunson (ankle) out Thursday, Shamet could help fill in along with
Tyler Kolek,
Miles McBride, and
Jordan Clarkson. He will likely be limited in his first few games back after such a long absence, but he's definitely worth watching to see how he fits into the Knicks' suddenly crowded backcourt. Shamet was playing well in his last 11 games before sustaining the injury, averaging 11.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.3 three-pointers, and 0.5 steals in 24.4 minutes per game.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
New England Patriots tight end
Hunter Henry (knee) returned to full practice participation on Thursday after being listed as limited on Wednesday due to a knee injury. Barring a setback, it appears as though Henry is on track to play in New England's Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans. The 31-year-old was one of the stars of his team's Wild Card Weekend win over the Los Angeles Chargers, hauling in three catches for 64 yards and a touchdown on five targets. Dating back to the regular season, Henry has now recorded a touchdown grab in three out of his last four outings. Houston profiles as a difficult matchup, as it has allowed the seventh-fewest receiving yards to tight ends in the NFL so far this season. Still, Henry's touchdown upside makes him a solid tight end option for fantasy managers in the Divisional Round.
--Will BradySource: New England Patriots
January 15, 2026
New York Knicks guard
Jalen Brunson (ankle) will not play Thursday, as expected, after he departed Wednesday's game after just five minutes with an ankle sprain. While Brunson will miss Thursday's game against the Warriors, the good news is that the fantasy stud is considered day-to-day, and he may not be out long-term. As for Thursday, the Knicks will likely lean on
Miles McBride,
Tyler Kolek, and
Jordan Clarkson in the backcourt while
Mikal Bridges and
Karl-Anthony Towns could get more work as well. The Knicks also could get back
Landry Shamet (shoulder), who is questionable after missing almost two months with a shoulder injury.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Shams Charania
January 15, 2026
Chicago Bears wide receiver
DJ Moore (knee) was a limited practice participant on Thursday as he battles a lingering knee issue, per Michal Dwojak of Bears Insider. Moore was also listed on Chicago's injury report in the lead-up to the team's Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Green Bay Packers. However, he was active for the game and recorded six receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. Barring a setback, it seems likely that Moore will be able to play in the Divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams. The 28-year-old had a rough close to the regular season, recording just two receptions for 18 yards on seven targets over his final two outings. Still, he led all Chicago wide receivers in snap share in his bounce-back performance against the Packers. Moore profiles as a low-end wide receiver option for fantasy managers in the Divisional round.
--Will BradySource: Bears Insider - Michal Dwojak
January 15, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) was listed as questionable for his team's home game against Utah. Gafford has been dealing with a right ankle sprain for much of the season and was forced to leave Wednesday's loss to the Nuggets in the third quarter. He finished with six points and 10 rebounds in 18 minutes. If he plays on Thursday, he could have a big workload with
Cooper Flagg (ankle) and
Max Christie (illness) doubtful, and
P.J. Washington (ankle) questionable. If he isn't able to play through the issue in this favorable matchup,
Dwight Powell would likely move back into the starting five. Powell started in place of Gafford on Monday and chipped in five points, 10 rebounds, and three assists against the Nets.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) was a limited practice participant on Thursday, per Michal Dwojak of Bears Insider. Odunze missed the final five games of the regular season due to a stress fracture in his foot and is apparently still managing the injury. However, the 23-year-old was able to return to the field in Chicago's Wild Card Weekend win over the Green Bay Packers, recording two catches for 44 yards on six targets. Barring a major setback, it seems likely that Odunze will play through the injury once again in the Divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams. Still, Odunze was limited to just 69% of the Bears' offensive snaps against the Packers and could be facing a reduced workload for the remainder of Chicago's playoff run. Given his injury concerns and the recent emergence of Bears wide receiver
Luther Burden III and tight end
Colston Loveland, Odunze will be tough for fantasy managers to trust against the Rams.
--Will BradySource: Bears Insider - Michal Dwojak
January 15, 2026
Omar Ruiz of NFL Network reports that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback
Patrick Mahomes (knee) says his rehab from ACL and LCL tears in his knee is "going great." According to Ruiz, Mahomes stated that his goal is to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season, which doctors have said is possible, but there is still a long way to go. Mahomes underwent surgery in mid-December, so a Week 1 return would require less than nine months of recovery time. Across 14 games before getting injured, the 30-year-old completed 62.7% of his pass attempts for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Mahomes also rushed for 422 yards and five scores, making 2025 the most productive rushing season of his career. His recovery progress will be one of the key storylines for fantasy managers to track throughout the offseason.
--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Omar Ruiz
January 15, 2026
The Colorado Rockies agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with free-agent utility man
Willi Castro on Thursday, sources told Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Castro, a 28-year-old switch-hitter from Puerto Rico, will be looking to bounce back in 2026 after a rough year with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs in 2025. In 120 total games last season, he hit .226/.313/.366 with a .679 OPS, 11 home runs, 33 RBI, 58 runs, and 10 stolen bases. After being traded to the Cubs, Castro went 17-for-100 (.170) with a homer, eight walks, and 27 strikeouts in 34 regular-season games. He can play pretty much all over the diamond, which should give him a path to regular playing time in Colorado this year. Castro should also bounce back offensively at hitter-friendly Coors Field, but he remains a glove-first asset that won't be much more than bench depth in deeper fantasy baseball leagues in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
January 15, 2026
ESPN's Jeff Darlington reports that former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel could decide to wait to take another head-coaching job this cycle, especially since he very much likes the idea of a few of the open offensive-coordinator jobs around the league. The Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Chargers all have openings that McDaniel might really like. The Buccaneers' job, in particular, could be the most appealing to McDaniel because of the autonomy it would provide. The Eagles, Lions, and Chargers all have offensive-minded head coaches who could clash with McDaniels' scheme and preferences. Right now, the former Dolphins coach is doing his due diligence and interviewing with all the teams that are interested in him before he makes a final decision.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Darlington
January 15, 2026
Buffalo Bills kicker
Matt Prater (quadriceps, calf) has been cleared to kick in the Divisional Round this Saturday against his former team, the Denver Broncos. Prater was held out of Tuesday's practice, was a full-go on Wednesday, and was limited on Thursday. The 41-year-old veteran aggravated a quad injury in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the New York Jets, but he was active last weekend and handled field goals and extra points in the Wild-Card win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Prater made both of his field goals (one from 50-plus yards) and all three of his extra points against the Jags. He'll have the thin air in Denver to his advantage on Saturday, but at less than 100% in a tough matchup, Prater is on the lower end of kicking options this weekend. The Broncos allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to placekickers in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: Buffalo Bills PR
January 15, 2026
Buffalo Bills tight end
Dalton Kincaid (knee, calf) was limited in practice all week with knee and calf injuries, but he was cleared from the final injury report on Thursday and will be active on Saturday against the hosting Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. Kincaid might not be 100% healthy this weekend, but he'll be available and should be one of quarterback
Josh Allen's top targets, especially with receivers
Gabe Davis (knee) and
Tyrell Shavers (knee) out. The Broncos' defense was pretty stingy all year against opposing offenses, but they were around the middle of the pack in terms of half-PPR points allowed per game to the TE position. Given the lack of aerial weapons for Allen, he'll be forced to use both Kincaid and TE
Dawson Knox. Kincaid is coming off a touchdown in the Wild-Card win over the Jaguars and should be considered a top-three TE in fantasy lineups this weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: Buffalo Bills PR
January 15, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (ankle) left Wednesday's loss early with a sprained left ankle and is officially listed as doubtful for the second game of his team's back-to-back on Thursday night against the Jazz. Without Flagg and
Anthony Davis (finger),
P.J. Washington (ankle) could be in for a big workload if he can play through his own questionable tag, while
Brandon Williams,
Jaden Hardy,
Ryan Nembhard,
Caleb Martin, and
Naji Marshall should all get more minutes and usage. Both teams will roll out depleted rotations on Thursday, creating a ton of potential value plays on both sides of this contest. Williams is the primary place to start, but there will be plenty of work to go around.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Buffalo Bills quarterback
Josh Allen (foot, knee, finger) was listed with foot, knee, and finger injuries this week, but he practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday and has been cleared to play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs this Saturday against the Denver Broncos. Allen is heading into a less-than-ideal matchup on the road with two of his receivers (
Gabe Davis and
Tyrell Shavers) out for the rest of the year with torn ACLs. However, he should still be considered one of the top-two QB plays in fantasy football playoff leagues because of his dual-threat abilities. Denver's strong defense allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to QBs during the regular season, but Allen is a different breed. He was the top fantasy QB in 2025 and led the NFL with 14 rushing touchdowns -- the next closest was
Trevor Lawrence with nine.
--Keith HernandezSource: Buffalo Bills PR
January 15, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (illness) was listed as out on Thursday, as the team finishes a back-to-back with a game in Dallas. Markkanen missed Wednesday's loss to the Bulls and will also be out Thursday, leaving more work for the rest of the rotation.
Brice Sensabaugh went off for 43 points on Wednesday night off the bench, while
Kyle Filipowski also got some extra work and had 19 points and seven rebounds in 31 minutes. Filipowski and Sensabaugh will be strong options against the short-handed Mavs, while
Keyonte George should also be lined up for all the usage he can handle.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) was downgraded to out after originally being listed as doubtful for Thursday's home game against the Boston Celtics. Mitchell picked up a left shoulder contusion on Tuesday against the Suns, and he'll miss at least one game with the injury. With the starting point guard out Thursday,
Pelle Larsson and
Dru Smith should get extra work in the backcourt and could be great value plays for DFS lineups or streaming consideration this Thursday.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Miami Heat forward
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (knee) was downgraded from questionable to out for Thursday night's home game against the Celtics. This will be the first game Jaquez misses with knee soreness, and his next chance to return will be Saturday against the Thunder. Without Miami's version of JJJ,
Nikola Jovic could pick up some extra minutes in the second unit, although Jaquez is only playing 23.0 minutes per game over his last five games, produccing averaging 12.4 points, 3.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Reprot
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