Scottie Barnes Good to Go Monday
Toronto Raptors forward/center Scottie Barnes (hip) is available for Monday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers after dealing with soreness and tightness. Barnes played 36 minutes in Sunday's loss to the Lakers, finishing with 29 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The 25-year-old has been carrying a heavy offensive load with Kawhi Leonard (knee) sidelined, scoring 41 points Friday and averaging 24.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists through six games. RJ Barrett should remain heavily involved after adding 22 points and 10 rebounds Sunday.
Source: Zulfi Sheikh
Source: Zulfi Sheikh
Brewers Expected to Listen to Trade Offers on Trevor Megill
ESPN's Jeff Passan suggests that the World Series champion Milwaukee Brewers will at least listen to trade offers on right-handed closer Trevor Megill this offseason. Megill has one more year of team control, so the Brewers could be willing to part with Megill this winter, even after he helped them win their first-ever World Series this fall. The 32-year-old veteran was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his fourth year in Milwaukee, but he was just as good in 2026, posting a 2.63 ERA (1.85 FIP), 0.89 WHIP, 30 saves, a career-high 69 strikeouts, and 15 walks in 61 2/3 relief innings during the regular season. Megill now has 60 saves in his last two seasons for the Brew Crew, and 81 in his last three seasons. He continued to pitch well in the playoffs in October, allowing only two earned runs on five hits while walking three and striking out 11 with one win and five saves in nine innings pitched to help the Brewers come out on top over the Tampa Bay Rays in five games in the Fall Classic. If Milwaukee decides to trade Megill this offseason, left-hander Aaron Ashby could become the team's new full-time closer in 2027.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Jakobi Meyers is Limited on Monday's Injury Report
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (hamstring, ankle) was listed as a limited participant during Monday's walkthrough. Meyers was quiet during Sunday's victory over the Indianapolis Colts. He hauled in two of his three targets for 24 yards during the blowout victory. It's possible that his poor performance was because he's dealing with multiple injuries right now. It's only the beginning of the week, so fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried. The Jaguars have a quick turnaround with a Thursday Night matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9. Fantasy managers should check back on Tuesday and Wednesday for another update on Meyers.
Source: jaguars.com
Source: jaguars.com
George Pickens Could be Traded at Deadline
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is a name that is popping up in trade rumors ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. Pickens is currently playing on the franchise tag and has no long-term commitment to this organization. The Cowboys are playing well below expectations with a 3-5 record heading into the Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The Cowboys could look to cash in on Pickens and trade him ahead of the deadline. So far this season, Pickens has recorded 39 receptions with 533 receiving yards and two touchdowns in eight games for the Cowboys. The 25-year-old could be a big difference-maker for a contending team, assuming the Cowboys decide to move him at the deadline.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Brewers Exercise William Contreras' 2027 Option
The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Monday that they exercised their $15.5 million 2027 club option on All-Star catcher William Contreras, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. It was a no-brainer for the World Series champions after Contreras was named World Series MVP for both his offensive and defensive contributions in the win over the Tampa Bay Rays in the Fall Classic. The Venezuelan backstop was one of the best all-around catchers in both the regular season and the playoffs, and he went 8-for-21 with four RBI and two runs scored in the five-game series against the Rays in the World Series. Overall against Tampa, he slashed .373/.448/.588 with three home runs, two doubles, nine RBI, seven runs scored, and even a stolen base in 51 plate appearances. The 28-year-old will be one of the first catchers off the board in 2027 fantasy drafts after also hitting .270/.341/.417 with a .758 OPS, 18 homers, 94 RBI, and 82 runs scored in 147 regular-season games in his fourth year in Milwaukee. Contreras has hit at least 17 home runs since the start of his 2022 season, his last in Atlanta.
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Max Strus Set to Make Clippers Debut Monday
Los Angeles Clippers forward Max Strus (foot) will make his season and Clippers debut Monday against the Toronto Raptors. Strus has missed the first six games after partially tearing the plantar fascia in his right foot during the preseason opener. The 30-year-old practiced with the San Diego Clippers on Saturday before receiving clearance to return. He averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 12 games with Cleveland last season. Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) and Rui Hachimura (quadriceps) are both out, so there should be room for Strus to work into the wing rotation right away, even if the Clippers ease him back after the long layoff.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Bhayshul Tuten Misses Monday's Practice With Multiple Injuries
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (ankle, foot) was a non-participant during Monday's walkthrough, per Travis D. Holmes. Tuten is coming off an epic performance against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. He carried the ball 16 times for 104 yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in two receptions for 55 receiving yards and an additional score through the air. It appears that Tuten picked up a minor injury during that game, but fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried right now. There's still plenty of time for Tuten to get ready in time for Thursday's Week 9 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Tuten's status throughout the week.
Source: Travis D. Holmes
Source: Travis D. Holmes
Brandon Williams Won't Suit Up Versus Phoenix
Golden State Warriors guard Brandon Williams (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Phoenix Suns, according to Anthony Slater. Williams entered the day questionable with a quad contusion on the second night of a back-to-back. The 26-year-old is averaging 11.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 17.3 minutes through seven games. He scored 20 points in his lone start of the season against these same Suns. With Stephen Curry back, De'Anthony Melton and Will Richard could pick up some of Williams' minutes, while Golden State is also without Gui Santos (knee) and Al Horford (rest).
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Cubs Want Tarik Skubal "Badly"
Left-hander Tarik Skubal is far and away the best player in this year's free-agent class, and the expectation is that he will sign before the Dec. 1 lockout. ESPN's Jeff Passan writes that the Chicago Cubs "badly" want Skubal, but they are also skeptical that they will be willing to compete at the sort of dollars Skubal is expected to get -- well in excess of $300 million, and potentially in the $400 million range. The two most obvious suitors are the two teams with the highest payrolls in the game: the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. The San Diego Padres, who could lose both starting pitchers Michael King and Nick Pivetta, could be a darkhorse candidate to consider. ESPN's Alden Gonzalez gets the sense that Skubal would "love" to return to the Dodgers after enjoying the culture in Hollywood. Skubal became "best buddies" with fellow lefty Blake Snell and "seemed to fit in seamlessly." Despite having arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow in 2026, Skubal did not miss a beat as one of the best all-around starting pitchers in the game, going a combined 12-7 with a 2.72 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 186 strikeouts in 158 2/3 innings over 26 starts with L.A. and the Detroit Tigers. Regardless of where he lands in free agency, Skubal will be a top-tier, elite fantasy SP1.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Alpha Diallo Cleared to Play Monday
Denver Nuggets forward Alpha Diallo (wrist) is available for Monday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers after missing four straight contests with a wrist sprain and personal reasons. Diallo made his only appearance of the season on Opening Night, recording four points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 22 minutes against Oklahoma City. With Spencer Jones (hamstring) and Julian Strawther (knee) still sidelined, Diallo should have a chance to work his way back into Denver's wing rotation. His defense should help him stay in the mix, but he will need to show more on offense before there is much fantasy value to chase.
Source: Denver Nuggets
Source: Denver Nuggets
Clint Capela Downgraded to Out Monday
Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Boston Celtics, head coach Ime Udoka told Varun Shankar. Capela rolled his ankle in Saturday's win over Oklahoma City and played just 10 minutes. With Steven Adams (calf) also sidelined, Houston is short on traditional centers behind Alperen Sengun. Oscar Tshiebwe is the leading candidate for backup minutes, while the Rockets could also use smaller frontcourt combinations with Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Durant. Tshiebwe could have some short-term value if Houston keeps him in the regular rotation while Capela and Adams are out.
Source: Varun Shankar
Source: Varun Shankar
Reed Sheppard Returns Monday Without Minutes Restriction
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (back) will play Monday against the Boston Celtics without a minutes restriction, head coach Ime Udoka told Varun Shankar. Sheppard missed the previous two games with a back issue. The 22-year-old is averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 2.3 threes in 23.3 minutes through four appearances. He has shot just 37.5 percent from the field and 28.1 percent from deep after hitting 39.4 percent of his threes last season. Sheppard should slide back into a regular backcourt role alongside Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart.
Source: Varun Shankar
Source: Varun Shankar
Kyrie Irving Downgraded to Out Versus the Kings
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Sacramento Kings, according to Marc Stein. Irving was initially questionable before being downgraded, with the absence listed as injury management. The 34-year-old missed all of last season while recovering from a torn ACL and is coming off a season-high 35 minutes in Friday's win over Houston, when he scored 35 points with nine assists. Irving is averaging 21.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.2 threes through five games. With Sergio de Larrea (knee) also out, Marcus Sasser and Walter Clayton Jr. could pick up extra minutes, while Cooper Flagg should handle more of the playmaking.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Dejounte Murray Set to Miss Third Straight Game
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (personal) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies, according to Rod Walker. It will be Murray's third straight absence following the birth of his son. The 30-year-old is averaging 17.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists through four appearances. Herbert Jones is a strong candidate to remain in the starting lineup, while Jeremiah Fears should continue handling plenty of the playmaking with Jordan Poole (ankle) also out. Fears has produced 22 points and 13 assists against Sacramento and 20 points on 9-for-12 shooting against Atlanta over his last two games.
Source: Rod Walker
Source: Rod Walker
Zach Charbonnet Warming Up With Starters on Monday Night
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet was the first running back to get handoffs from quarterback Sam Darnold before the Monday night game against the visiting Chicago Bears, according to Gregg Bell. Rookie first-rounder Jadarian Price was the second to run with the Seahawks' first-team offense during warmups just before kickoff. Charbonnet is active in Week 8 and is making his season debut after tearing his ACL in the postseason in mid-January, while Price is making his return from Injured Reserve due to a chest injury. Seattle has one of the most crowded backfields in the league now, with Emanuel Wilson and George Holani also involved, but based on warmups, it looks like Charbonnet and Price will see the most work against Chicago. Charbonnet has the most rest-of-season upside after scoring 20 rushing touchdowns in the last two seasons, but he is expected to be on a snap count to close out Week 8 action, which makes him a risky fantasy starter in his first game back. Price might be an even riskier fantasy option in his return from IR.
Source: Gregg Bell
Source: Gregg Bell
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