January 9, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard
Vince Williams Jr. (knee) is available to play Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Williams returned Monday, playing 22 minutes and recording 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists. After missing the second half of Tuesday's back-to-back, Williams is set to play and have a big role against the defending champions. With
Ja Morant (calf),
Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe),
Ty Jerome (calf), and
John Konchar (thumb) all out, and rookie
Cedric Coward (ankle) listed as a game-time decision, Williams may have to handle a heavy workload despite just returning from injury. Fantasy managers can rely on the 25-year-old guard to provide some value against the Thunder, who have been struggling as of late.
--Nathan HarveySource: Jonah Dylan
January 9, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Friday against the Orlando Magic. Embiid continues to manage his left knee and was initially listed as questionable on the injury report, but he is ready to make his sixth consecutive appearance. We have seen a vintage Embiid lately, as teams have struggled to contain the former MVP. Most recently, he notched 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in just 25 minutes in a blowout victory against the Washington Wizards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Leonard was questionable coming into this game after tweaking his ankle on Wednesday. It wasn't significant enough to hold Leonard out of action, so he'll suit up for the first game of this back-to-back set. Over his last 10 games, Leonard is averaging 32.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 37.1 minutes per game. Fantasy managers should double-check their lineups and make sure Leonard is active ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: Law Murray
January 9, 2026
According to Ari Alexander of 7News, the New York Yankees have claimed right-handed pitcher
Kaleb Ort off waivers from the Houston Astros. The Astros designated the relief pitcher for assignment earlier in January and will compete for a spot on the Yankees' Opening Day roster. Ort struggled during the 2025 campaign, logging 46 innings to the tune of a 4.89 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. However, during the 2024 season, Ort was one of the most reliable relievers in the Houston bullpen. Through 24 2/3 innings, the 33-year-old posted an impressive 2.55 ERA with a near-perfect 0.81 WHIP. During this campaign, he tallied 26 punchouts and added three holds. Managers in deeper holds leagues should monitor his status during spring training, as he could carve out a high-leverage role in the Bronx.
--Andy SmithSource: Ari Alexander
January 9, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward
Trey Murphy III (back) will return from a one-game absence on Friday versus the Washington Wizards. He's been dealing with lower back spasms, but the team upgraded Murphy III's status from questionable to available. Murphy III began the week with a career night against the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 42 points on Tuesday night. He could cook up something special again on Friday, as Washington has the second-worst defensive rating in the league.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is scheduled to interview for the Tennessee Titans' head-coaching job next Wednesday, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. McDaniel has generated significant interest around the league since the Dolphins fired him on Thursday after posting a 35-33 record and two playoff trips in his four seasons at the helm in Miami. He is not only generating interest for head-coaching jobs around the league, but also openings at offensive coordinator. The Lions are one team interested in McDaniel as a coordinator. The Cleveland Browns are another team reportedly interested in talking to McDaniel about their head-coaching position. If McDaniel is hired by the Titans, it would be good news for the development of quarterback
Cameron Ward, who struggled in his first year in the NFL after being taken first overall by Tennessee last April.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 9, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Tristan da Silva (back) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. This comes as a surprise, given da Silva looked fine during Wednesday's game. He finished with 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists across 24 minutes of action. His absence should free up playing time for
Tyus Jones and
Jett Howard in the rotation.
Jalen Suggs (knee) is also sidelined, so Jones will probably see heavy minutes. He's the better streaming choice between the two players for Friday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: Orlando Magic
January 9, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Michael Porter Jr. (knee) will play against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. The team upgraded his status on the injury report from probable to available. The 27-year-old has shaken off knee soreness and will continue to lead Brooklyn's offense on Friday. Porter Jr. averaged 28.3 points in December and has been even more productive in his first few outings in January, notching 30.5 points per game. Since the Clippers have the fifth-worst defensive rating in the NBA, Porter Jr. could be in line for another prolific scoring performance on Friday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
The Washington Nationals claimed left-handed pitcher
Paxton Schultz off waivers on Friday from the Toronto Blue Jays. The southpaw was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays earlier this week. The 28-year-old made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays last summer and logged 24 2/3 innings to the tune of a 4.38 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. Across this stint, the left-hander Schultz struck out 28 hitters and served up eight free passes. While his ratios seem high on the surface, he generated a promising 3.77 xERA with an above-average .219 xBA, suggesting he could enjoy a strong sophomore season in the big leagues. Through 203 1/3 career frames at the Triple-A level, Schultz has posted a 4.47 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP. Managers should expect Schultz to compete for a role in the Washington bullpen during Spring Training.
--Andy SmithSource: Toronto Blue Jays
January 9, 2026
The Baltimore Ravens announced on Friday that they completed an interview with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski for their head-coaching position. The Ravens are casting a wide net for their next head coach following the firing of John Harbaugh earlier this week after 18 years with the organization. Stefanski has been a hot head-coaching candidate this cycle after the Browns fired him on Monday. He has already met with the New York Giants and is expected to interview with the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans as well. Stefanski spent the first 14 years of his NFL career on the Minnesota Vikings' coaching staff before joining the Browns in 2019. He finished 45-56 during the regular season in his six years as Cleveland's head coach, leading the team to its first playoff appearance in 18 years and first playoff victory in 26 years.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baltimore Ravens
January 9, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (foot/sciatica) is now considered probable for Friday's action against the Milwaukee Bucks. The team initially listed him as questionable on the injury report. The fact that James was upgraded to probable indicates he is likely to return to the lineup after a one-game absence. While James has ridden the backseat for most of the campaign, he has started 2026 in dominant fashion. Across three January appearances, the veteran star has produced 29.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. It's been a remarkable run, given that James turned 41 on Dec. 30.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Nicolas Claxton will move back into the starting five ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Claxton returned on Wednesday after missing two games due to personal reasons. He operated under a minutes limit on Wednesday as the team wanted to ease him back into action. He'll return to the starting five on Friday, which will shift
Day'Ron Sharpe to the bench. Claxton is averaging 13.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 29.9 minutes per game this season. He appears to be a full-go now, so fantasy managers can get him back into their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: C.J. Holmes
January 9, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
Brandon Ingram (thumb) will miss his first game of the season on Friday against the Boston Celtics. The former All-Star injured his right thumb during Wednesday's win over the Charlotte Hornets and was ruled out for Friday after initially being considered a game-time call. Ingram's first opportunity to return will come on Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers. On Friday, the Raptors are also rolling without
Scottie Barnes (knee), so
RJ Barrett and
Immanuel Quickley could have extremely high usage rates. Meanwhile,
Jamal Shead,
Ja'Kobe Walter, and
Gradey Dick may see additional time on the court.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
San Jose Sharks defenseman John Klingberg (lower body) could be ready to rejoin the lineup on Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights, Max Miller of NHL.com reports. The Swedish veteran won't take the ice for Saturday's matchup against the Dallas Stars, missing his fourth consecutive game. However, Klingberg is closing in on his return and may be an option for the next game. Klingberg has registered 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) and 41 blocks in 31 games this season. He has been inconsistent with his offensive production, as half of Klingberg's points came last month during a five-game hot spell.
--Taavi PailkSource: Max Miller
January 9, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward
Scottie Barnes (knee) won't play on Friday against Boston. He injured his knee in Wednesday's win over the Charlotte Hornets. While the 24-year-old could miss a few contests, the fact he wasn't ruled out early heading into this one at least suggests he might be day-to-day, meaning there may be a chance he suits up on Sunday versus Philly. With
Brandon Ingram (thumb) also unavailable,
RJ Barrett and
Immanuel Quickley should pick up more of the slack offensively.
Collin Murray-Boyles and
Sandro Mamukelashvili could also benefit on both ends of the floor.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Free-agent infielder
Andy Ibanez agreed to terms on an undisclosed one-year big-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday that is pending a physical, a source told ESPN insider Kiley McDaniel. The 32-year-old Ibanez became a free agent when he was non-tendered by the Detroit Tigers in November. The 32-year-old Cuban right-handed hitter spent the last three years with the Tigers and hit a combined .251/.304/.392 with a .696 OPS, 20 home runs, 94 RBI, 96 runs scored, and seven steals in 304 regular-season games. Ibanez hit .239 (42-for-176) in 91 regular-season games in 2025, adding four home runs, 21 RBI, 24 runs, and a career-high four stolen bases. Because he's out of minor-league options, he's a good bet to make L.A.'s Opening Day roster as infield depth off the bench. As a light-hitting utility infielder, Ibanez should be ignored in all mixed fantasy leagues in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Kiley McDaniel
January 9, 2026
New York Rangers center Noah Laba (upper body) will be a game-time decision on Saturday against the Boston Bruins, Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic reports. Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan called Noah Laba "a possibility" for the game. The 22-year-old practiced fully on Friday after missing three games due to an upper-body injury. Laba's first year in the NHL has gone fairly well. He has contributed five goals and seven assists in 42 outings, averaging 13:13 of ice time. If he's ready to return against Boston, Laba is expected to fill third-line duties.
--Taavi PailkSource: Vince Z. Mercogliano
January 9, 2026
New York Giants running back
Cam Skattebo (ankle) is out of his walking boot after being "stuck" in it for eight weeks, and he said he is on schedule in his recovery from a gruesome dislocated right ankle that he suffered in Week 8, according to Dan Salomone of Giants.com. Skattebo said he will soon start "upping" his speed, and training camp remains his ultimate goal for a return date. The 23-year-old fourth-round pick out of Arizona State last April should be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season this fall as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks once he begins ramping up on-field workouts.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. remains in the fold in New York's backfield, but before Skattebo's injury, he had become the Giants' clear preferred option at RB. Skattebo is a bruising dual-threat back that had 410 rushing yards and five scores on 101 carries in his first eight NFL games, adding 24 catches for 207 yards and two more TDs.
--Keith HernandezSource: Giants.com - Dan Salomone
January 9, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (upper body) will be a game-time call on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports. Philadelphia has taken several injury hits this week. But while Bobby Brink (upper body) and Jamie Drysdale (undisclosed) are expected to miss a few games, Konecny may avoid his first absence of the season on Saturday. The 28-year-old sustained an upper-body injury during Thursday's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Konency is on pace for his second consecutive 70-point campaign. He has scored 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) across 42 games. If Konecny isn't available on Saturday night, we may see Matvei Michkov in a larger role.
--Taavi PailkSource: Kevin Kurz
January 9, 2026
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Dallas Mavericks forward/center
Anthony Davis (hand) "could miss a number of months." AD suffered an injury to his left hand in Thursday's loss to the Utah Jazz. He is heading for a second opinion, and there's a chance he may need surgery. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, Davis might find himself remaining with the Mavericks. However, the team could still find a trade partner, although his asking price can't get much lower. With that said, with Davis out of the picture,
Moussa Cisse and
Dwight Powell may gain consistent minutes behind
Daniel Gafford throughout the remainder of the 2025 campaign, assuming Dallas can't acquire another big.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Utah Mammoth center Kevin Stenlund (illness) will hop back into the lineup for Friday's tilt against the St. Louis Blues. Due to illness, the veteran forward was absent from Wednesday's win over the Ottawa Senators, missing his first game of the season. As a fourth-line center, Stenlund doesn't have any fantasy value. However, he has done solid work in the role for the Mammoth, recording 10 points (three goals, seven assists), 38 shots, 31 blocks, and 25 hits across 43 appearances, while winning 52.9 percent of his faceoffs. Stenlund's return will push Kailer Yamamoto out of the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Houston Texans running back
Jawhar Jordan (ankle) remained sidelined at practice on Friday due to a high-ankle sprain that he suffered on an illegal hip-drop tackle in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, league sources told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. High-ankle sprains often sideline players for multiple weeks, so the 26-year-old Jordan is looking like a long shot to be able to play on Wild-Card weekend on Monday night against the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers. Jordan had taken over RB2 duties in the final few weeks of the regular season from veteran
Nick Chubb before his injury. With Jordan now looking unlikely to play on Monday, expect Chubb to be active against the Steelers and serve as the backup to rookie RB
Woody Marks. Jordan had only 43 rushing attempts for 193 yards and no touchdowns in four games for Houston during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
January 9, 2026
Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (lower body) will sit out a second consecutive game on Friday night against the Winnipeg Jets. The Kings captain sustained a lower-body injury in Monday's win over the Minnesota Wild and remains day-to-day. Joel Armia (lower body), Trevor Moore (upper body), and Corey Perry (personal) are also still out, leaving L.A. with a depleted frontline for another contest. With key forwards out, Taylor Ward and Jeff Malott are expected to continue in top-six roles, and the team will also dress an extra defenseman for the game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Jonnu Smith (glute) was added to the injury report on Friday and was listed as a limited participant in practice, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. It's unclear if Smith injured his glute in practice on Friday, but either way, his status for Monday night's Wild-Card game against the visiting Houston Texans is now up in the air. We should have a better idea of his availability after Pittsburgh's final practice of the week on Saturday. With
Darnell Washington (forearm) out of the picture the rest of the way,
Pat Freiermuth would be the team's clear pass-catching tight end on Monday if Smith is unable to play. In offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's multi-TE system, Smith struggled to produce in 2025 after a career year with the Dolphins in 2024. He had just 38 catches for 222 yards and two touchdowns for the Steelers during the regular season, and Smith should be ignored in fantasy lineups if he's active, especially with receiver
DK Metcalf returning from a two-game suspension.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
January 9, 2026
Washington Capitals winger Aliaksei Protas (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is ready to rejoin the lineup on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Belarusian forward has been out for three games due to a lower-body injury. Before he was knocked out of the lineup, Protas was in sensational form, totaling six goals and five assists in eight games. He has managed 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) in 41 games across the season. Protas will likely rejoin the top-six group on Friday and could see increased power-play time, with Tom Wilson (lower body) still out.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Jaylen Warren (illness) returned to a full practice on Friday, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Warren was under the weather and did not practice on Thursday. Now that he's back, he should be ready to rock by Monday night when the Steelers take on the Houston Texans in a Wild-Card playoff matchup. The 27-year-old back finished as the RB17 in half-PPR scoring during the regular season with 958 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 211 carries. He added 40 receptions on 45 targets for 333 receiving yards and two more TDs. Warren will be splitting the backfield workload with
Kenneth Gainwell, who has become a bigger part of the offense in the second half of the season. Warren should be considered a low-end RB1 during Wild-Card weekend while going up against a Texans defense that allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards to RBs this year.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
January 9, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard (shoulder) will rejoin the lineup on Friday against the Washington Capitals. Chicago's ascending star has recovered from a shoulder injury, which kept him sidelined for 12 games. Bedard is having a special campaign, scoring 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 31 games. On Friday, Bedard is expected to skate on the first line alongside Ryan Greene and Andre Burakovsky. Additionally, he will reclaim his spot on the first power-play unit. Washington has struggled defensively in recent games and has a 77.2 percent penalty kill, giving Bedard a chance to make a big impact in his return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) is considered questionable to play on Sunday against the hosting Philadelphia Eagles in a Wild-Card playoff game, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. The questionable tag leaves the door open for Pearsall to play this weekend, but he's definitely on the wrong side of questionable after missing a full week of practice for the second straight week. The 25-year-old aggravated a PCL sprain in his knee that caused him to miss a big chunk of the regular season as well. Fantasy managers definitely shouldn't expect him to be active on Sunday. If Pearsall is officially out for a second straight game,
Jauan Jennings should operate as the team's clear WR1, with both
Demarcus Robinson and
Kendrick Bourne filling bigger roles behind Jennings. Tight end
George Kittle should also be heavily targeted.
--Keith HernandezSource: Bay Area News Group - Cam Inman
January 9, 2026
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (ankle) has been cleared from the final injury report and will play on Wild-Card weekend on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. Kittle missed Week 17 with a sprained ankle, but he returned to play 95% of the offensive snaps in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks last Saturday. The expectation all along was that the 32-year-old veteran Pro Bowler would be good to go for the first round of the playoffs. The matchup isn't great -- the Eagles' defense allowed the second-fewest half-PPR points to opposing TEs this year -- but Kittle should still be considered one of the best options at the position in fantasy playoff formats. Kittle averaged 12.1 half-PPR points per game (third-most at TE) in his 11 regular-season contests.
--Keith HernandezSource: Bay Area News Group - Cam Inman
January 9, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Grant Calcaterra (ankle) upgraded to a full practice on Friday and has been removed from the final injury report for Sunday's Wild-Card playoff matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Fellow TE
Dallas Goedert (knee) has also been cleared after the Eagles rested him in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders. Calcaterra might have been a TE sleeper worth considering for Wild-Card weekend in fantasy football playoff leagues, but only had Goedert missed a second straight game. The 27-year-old will most likely play a limited role on offense for the Eagles against the Niners, so fantasy managers should ignore him everywhere. Calcaterra had only nine catches in 15 regular-season games for 76 yards and one touchdown.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Eagles
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