February 21, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward
De'Andre Hunter (eye) will undergo surgery to repair a detached retina, ending his 2025-26 campaign. The veteran wing played just two games for Sacramento after the trade before being sidelined. He finishes the season averaging 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.7 three-pointers in 26.1 minutes across 45 appearances. With Hunter out and both
Zach LaVine (finger) and
Domantas Sabonis (knee) already sidelined, minutes are available.
Nique Clifford and
Daeqwon Plowden are fringe fantasy options for now, though the path to larger roles exists.
Precious Achiuwa also stands to benefit after a 14-point, 10-rebound, four-steal, two-block outing in 34 minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Chris Haynes
February 21, 2026
Washington Wizards forward/center
Tristan Vukcevic (hand) will not return to Friday's game against Indiana after sustaining a hand contusion. He recorded 14 points on 7-of-12 shooting with eight rebounds, one assist, and one block in 20 minutes as a starter before exiting. His status for Sunday against Charlotte is uncertain. It's a tough stretch for Washington, which is already dealing with several injuries to key pieces. If Vukcevic is sidelined,
Anthony Gill becomes a deep-league streaming option after posting 11 points, six assists, and three blocks in 23 minutes in the last outing.
--Brian DailisanSource: Tony East
February 21, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward/center
John Collins (head) left Friday's game against the Lakers after taking a hard fall in the second quarter and did not return. He was ruled questionable to come back but remained sidelined for the rest of the contest, placing his status for Sunday's matchup against Orlando in doubt. If Collins misses time,
Bennedict Mathurin stands to gain the most after posting 26 points and seven rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench.
Nicolas Batum could see a modest minutes bump, while
Kobe Sanders may re-enter the rotation. Mathurin profiles as the priority add.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
February 21, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will not return to Friday's game against the Lakers after leaving in the fourth quarter due to left ankle soreness. Before exiting, he delivered 31 points on 11-of-19 shooting with four threes and five assists in 31 minutes. If he misses additional time,
Bennedict Mathurin becomes the primary scoring option after posting 26 points and seven rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench.
Kris Dunn added eight assists in 35 minutes and would handle more playmaking, while
Derrick Jones Jr. could see elevated usage. Leonard's status warrants close monitoring.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
February 21, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba isn't in a rush to sign a new deal after winning Super Bowl LX, but the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year did say that he thinks he deserves to "be the highest-paid in my position," according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. It would mean an extension worth more than $40 million in new-money average. The Seahawks can exercise a fifth-year option on the former first-rounder's contract by May 1, but they plan to work out a new deal with JSN this offseason. The 24-year-old picked a great time to have the best year of his career, setting a franchise record and leading the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards despite the fact that the Seahawks ran the ball more than any other team. Smith-Njigba also had 10 touchdowns and went for 199 yards and two touchdowns in three playoff games. He finished second to only
Puka Nacua in overall fantasy points in 2025 and will surely be a first-round fantasy selection in drafts this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
February 21, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (hip) has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against Orlando after aggravating a right hip strain. His absence again funnels usage to
Jalen Green and
Collin Gillespie. In the last game, Green posted 26 points with four threes and three steals in 26 minutes, while Gillespie handed out eight assists across 30 minutes.
Jordan Goodwin added 10 points in 27 minutes. Green profiles as a potential long-term hold if he stays healthy. Gillespie offers assists value in deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) will not play Saturday in New Orleans, marking his fourth straight absence. With the All-Star big man sidelined,
Tyrese Maxey remains the primary usage driver, while the frontcourt minutes continue to split between
Andre Drummond and
Adem Bona. In the last game, Drummond logged 28 minutes and posted 10 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists, while Bona added 9 points and seven rebounds in 20 minutes. Both remain volatile options, though Drummond profiles as the stronger rebound streamer. Embiid's absence boosts Maxey and
Kelly Oubre Jr. in scoring formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 21, 2026
Detroit Tigers infield prospect
Kevin McGonigle is starting at shortstop and is hitting second in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the New York Yankees, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. The Tigers have moved McGonigle around to third and second base in camp to increase his chances of making the Opening Day roster, but shortstop remains the focus for the 21-year-old long-term, and it's his clearest path to regular playing time in the big leagues in 2026. McGonigle is the consensus No. 2 prospect in baseball, behind only the Pirates'
Konnor Griffin, due to his elite ability to make contact and drive the ball with authority.
Javier Baez and
Zach McKinstry are better suited for utility roles than for regular duties at the 6, so if McGonigle handles himself well in spring training games, he's likely to win the starting job at short. He hit .305/.408/.583 with 19 home runs and 10 steals in 88 games in three minor-league stops last year and should be drafted in all single-year fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
February 21, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Bo Bichette is starting at third base and batting third in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the division-rival Miami Marlins, according to Max Goodman of NJ.com. Despite the injury to
Francisco Lindor (hand) that could keep him sidelined to start the 2026 season, the Mets will keep Bichette at the hot corner. The 27-year-old former second-rounder in 2016 had an injury-plagued year for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024 but bounced back nicely and led them to the World Series last season, slashing .311/.357/.483 with an .840 OPS, 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 139 regular-season games (628 plate appearances). The move to Queens should be good for his run production near the top of a strong lineup, and as long as he stays healthy, he should provide around 20 long balls. Adding third base eligibility will help, too. RotoBaller has Bichette ranked as the No. 14 fantasy shortstop to begin 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: NJ.com - Max Goodman
February 21, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals infield prospect
JJ Wetherholt is starting at second base and batting fifth on Saturday in the team's Grapefruit League opener against the Washington Nationals, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News. The offseason trades of both
Nolan Arenado and
Brendan Donovan have cleared a path for Wetherholt to be an everyday player on the infield for St. Louis in 2026, and he's expected to be their Opening Day second baseman. The 23-year-old is the No. 5 overall prospect in the game, per MLB Pipeline, after hitting .306/.421/.510 with 17 home runs and 23 stolen bases in 109 games last year with Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. The former seventh overall pick in 2024 doesn't have an obvious weakness at the plate, although in his first big-league season, fantasy managers should temper expectations for his power and speed. Still, Wetherholt can hit 15-plus homers right away as St. Louis' starting second baseman.
--Keith HernandezSource: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
February 21, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays infielder
Kazuma Okamoto is starting at third base and batting sixth in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. The Blue Jays will get Okamoto as many at-bats in spring training as they can before the 29-year-old reports to Team Japan for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Third base is his job to lose as he enters his first year in the major leagues, especially since Toronto could use
Addison Barger more in the outfield with
Anthony Santander (shoulder) potentially missing all of 2026. The biggest question is whether Okamoto's power will translate to MLB immediately. He hit at least 27 home runs in each of his first seven seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, but he only managed 15 in 2025 due to an elbow injury. Still, his combination of contact and power skills makes him intriguing near the heart of the Blue Jays' batting order.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
February 21, 2026
New York Mets manager
Carlos Mendoza said the designated hitter spot will be in play "big" time as the team tries to keep infielder
Jorge Polanco healthy in 2026, according to Chelsea Janes of SNY. Mendoza also expects infielders
Mark Vientos and
Brett Baty to get playing time at first base when Polanco is the DH. The Mets are also slow-playing the 32-year-old switch-hitting Dominican early in Grapefruit League games. Polanco has played in 100-plus games in six of his 12 seasons in the big leagues, although he did manage to play in 138 contests while hitting .265/.326/.495 with an .821 OPS, 26 home runs, 78 RBI, 64 runs scored, and six steals for the Seattle Mariners last year.
Marcus Semien will be locked into Polanco's primary position at second, so most of his at-bats figure to come as New York's DH. Fantasy managers need to expect Polanco to miss time due to injury in 2026, but when healthy, he hits the ball hard and has solid pop with second base eligibility.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Chelsea Janes
February 21, 2026
Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve, Ryan Pike of Flames Nation reports. This indicates Coleman will be ready to return to action when Calgary continues its season on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. Coleman hasn't played since suffering an upper-body injury on Jan. 8. The 34-year-old has totaled 21 points (13 goals, eight assists) in 44 appearances and boasts 110 hits for the campaign. John Beecher (upper body) was also activated from Injured Reserve on Friday, giving the Flames two additional options up front.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ryan Pike
February 21, 2026
Free-agent infielder
Ramon Urias is in agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals on a one-year, $2 million contract on Saturday, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Urias will have a $1.5 million salary in 2026 with a $500,000 buyout on a 2027 mutual option. The deal also includes $2 million in incentives based on plate appearances. The 31-year-old veteran will give the Cardinals infield depth behind
JJ Wetherholt at second base and
Nolan Gorman at third base this year. The Mexican infielder is coming off one of his worst offensive seasons, slashing .241/.292/.384 with a .675 OPS, 11 home runs, 44 RBI, 33 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 112 total games played with the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros. Urias is mostly valuable for his glove and doesn't offer much of a skill set for fantasy managers. You can avoid him in all mixed leagues in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
February 21, 2026
New York Rangers right wing Matt Rempe (thumb) will be placed on Injured Reserve. Rempe injured his left thumb in October during a fight with San Jose Sharks forward Ryan Reaves and will now undergo a second procedure to get it fixed. It's unclear when Rempe will be ready to return to action, but the team hasn't ruled him out for the season. The 23-year-old enforcer has managed one goal in 26 outings this season, with 11 penalty minutes and 86 hits.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
February 21, 2026
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that he sees outfielder
Roman Anthony as the team's leadoff hitter this year, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. True to his word, Cora put Anthony in the leadoff spot for the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday versus the Minnesota Twins. It's not a huge surprise after the 21-year-old former top prospect hit atop Boston's order after making his major-league debut last year. Before an oblique strain cut his season short late in the year, Anthony was as advertised, slashing .292/.396/.463 with an .859 OPS, eight home runs, 32 RBI, 48 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 257 at-bats. The Red Sox could move Anthony down in the batting order when they face left-handed pitchers, but even so, he has the upside of a top-10 fantasy outfielder going into his first full season in the majors. Anthony became one of just two Red Sox players to have 20-plus extra-base hits and 25-plus walks in their first 52 career games, joining the legendary Ted Williams.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
February 21, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (lower body) is a game-time call for Sunday's Olympic final, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports. After missing Friday's semifinal win over Finland, Crosby skated on Saturday. However, Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper didn't confirm whether Crosby would be good to go for Sunday's mouth-watering matchup against Team USA. Getting Crosby back for the gold-medal game would be a big boost for Canada. The team has a 24-2 record at best-on-best tournaments with Crosby in the lineup. Crosby, who is chasing his third Olympic gold, has contributed two goals and four assists in four appearances in Milan.
--Taavi PailkSource: Elliotte Friedman
February 21, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that right-handed reliever
Edwin Uceta was diagnosed with shoulder inflammation and a slight impingement in his right shoulder, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Uceta got a cortisone shot, and the plan is for him to start throwing next weekend. Topkin writes that Uceta could be cutting it close to be ready for Opening Day on March 26. The 28-year-old figures to be squarely in the mix for save chances in Tampa alongside
Griffin Jax and
Garrett Cleavinger this year after posting a 3.79 ERA (3.69 FIP), 1.17 WHIP, one save, a career-high 103 strikeouts, and 27 walks in 76 innings for the Rays in 2025. He was even better the year prior with a 1.51 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and a career-high five saves. Uceta was one of just five relievers last season to reach 100 K's.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
February 21, 2026
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (upper body) won't be available for Sunday's Olympic final against Team USA. The Canadian blue-liner suffered an upper-body injury in the tournament opener. Since he won't be available for Sunday's game, Morrissey may also miss some action for the Jets. Winnipeg will resume play on Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. Despite his team's tough campaign, Morrissey has enjoyed a solid season, recording 42 points (10 goals, 32 assists) in 56 games. The Jets' defense has already been without Neal Pionk (lower body), Colin Miller (knee), and Haydn Fleury (upper body).
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
February 21, 2026
Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil will be out indefinitely after sustaining a facial fracture in practice this week. During Wednesday's practice session, Chytil was hit in the cheek by a puck. Chytil missed Vancouver's last game before the Olympic break due to migraines and was out for three months earlier this season with a concussion. He has been limited to 12 appearances in 2025-26, scoring three goals. With Chytil out, Aatu Raty is set to get regular playing time with the Canucks. The Finnish forward does not hold any fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 21, 2026
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid had two assists in Friday's 3-2 Olympic semifinal victory over Finland, posting a new scoring record for a single Olympic tournament featuring NHL players. He has totaled 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in Milan. On Friday, McDavid also established a new record for the longest multi-point streak in an Olympic tournament with NHL players, having finished all five of his outings with multiple points. The Oilers captain has been in sensational form and will be expected to carry Team Canada to gold on Sunday, especially if Sidney Crosby (lower body) can't make it back into the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 21, 2026
Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson (undisclosed) is expected to play in Sunday's Olympic final against Team Canada. The American forward missed the third period of Friday's semifinal win over Slovakia. Fortunately, it was only for precautionary reasons. Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters postgame that he anticipates Thompson being available for Sunday's gold-medal game. Thompson is having a big year with the Sabres this season and has also played well in the Olympics, posting three goals and four points in five games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 20, 2026
MLB.com's Sonja Chen suggests that Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar and four-time MVP
Shohei Ohtani is fully expected to begin the 2026 regular season in the starting rotation, but he has limited time to build up as a pitcher while representing Team Japan exclusively as a hitter in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The Dodgers could use someone like
Justin Wrobleski in long relief behind Ohtani as they build up his pitch count early in the season. The 31-year-old didn't make his debut as a pitcher for the Dodgers last year until June after recovering from Tommy John surgery, and L.A. eased him in slowly. Ohtani had a 2.87 ERA (1.90 FIP) and 1.04 WHIP with 62 K's and just nine walks in 47 innings over 14 starts during the regular season. His upside will be limited on the mound early on in 2026 as he's being eased in, but once he's fully stretched out, Ohtani should at least be a solid No. 2 starter in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Sonja Chen
February 20, 2026
The Miami Dolphins have a new front office and coaching staff and are looking to get younger heading into the 2026 season. The NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reports that plenty of teams will be eager to talk to Miami to see which players they might be willing to trade. We already know that the Dolphins want to try to trade quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa, but Wolfe says that they prefer not to get rid of running back
De'Von Achane and wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle, two of their top offensive playmakers. Achane was by far the team's most consistent offensive player in 2025, finishing as the RB6 in half-PPR scoring thanks to a career-high 1,350 rushing yards and eight TDs on 238 carries. He also had 67 receptions for 488 yards and four more scores. Waddle fell short of 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight year, but he bounced back with 910 yards and six TDs on 64 catches. Despite questions at QB and with a new coaching staff, the Dolphins should continue to lean heavily on both Achane and Waddle in 2026 if they stick around.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
February 20, 2026
Tennessee Titans quarterback
Cameron Ward (shoulder) is "recovering well" from his right-shoulder AC sprain that he suffered in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. Ward has been working with the team's quarterbacks coach on his lower body, and the plan is for him to resume throwing the football in March. Before he resumes throwing, the Titans want to work on the former first overall pick's base after he picked up some bad habits in his rookie season. The 23-year-old is excited to work with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and believes he'll allow him to be the playmaker he was in college at the University of Miami. Wolfe says that Daboll and Ward hit it off during the pre-draft process last year, and Daboll tried to trade up to get Ward as the Giants' head coach. Time will tell if Daboll will help in Ward's development. He predictably struggled in Year 1 in a Tennessee offense without many high-end weapons. Going into Year 2, Ward will be a low-end QB2 target in fantasy with upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
February 20, 2026
The Kansas City Star's Pete Sweeney reports that Jacksonville Jaguars impending free-agent running back
Travis Etienne Jr. has "legitimate interest" in signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency this offseason, according to sources. Chiefs RBs
Kareem Hunt and
Isiah Pacheco are both scheduled to hit free agency, too, so KC is definitely in the market for backfield help. Etienne, the former 25th overall pick by the Jags in 2021 out of Clemson, had a nice bounce-back campaign in 2025, reaching the 1,000-yard mark for the third time in his four NFL seasons. The 27-year-old had 260 carries and added seven rushing touchdowns while catching 36 passes for 292 yards and a career-high six receiving TDs in 17 regular-season games. Etienne would be a significant upgrade for a Chiefs offense looking to become more explosive after failing to make the postseason last year for the first time in a decade. Etienne was the RB10 in half-PPR scoring in 2025 and would have clear RB1 upside if he joined the Chiefs.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Kansas City Star - Pete Sweeney
February 20, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Zach Charbonnet (knee) posted on his Instagram account on Friday that he underwent surgery to fix a torn ACL, according to Corbin K. Smith of Emerald Spectrum. Smith explains that it's not uncommon for such a surgery to happen several weeks after the injury occurred, but it pushes Charbonnet's recovery clock even further into the 2026 season. The 25-year-old tore his ACL in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks have not given a firm timetable for when Charbonnet might return in 2026, but he almost certainly won't be ready for the start of the regular season this fall. Not only will Seattle most likely not have Charb ready in Week 1, but
Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP, will hit the free-agent market in March. Charbonnet saw a bigger role alongside Walker in 2025, setting career-highs across the board in carries (184), rushing yards (730), and rushing TDs (12) in 16 regular-season games. However, his 2026 fantasy stock will take a big hit since he most likely won't have a full season coming off his torn ACL.
--Keith HernandezSource: Emerald Spectrum - Corbin K. Smith
February 20, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward
Austin Reaves (calf) will start Friday against the Clippers after working his way back from a strained right calf that sidelined him for 19 games. The 27-year-old has appeared in five of the last six contests and is averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.6 threes in 25.4 minutes over his last five outings. With the Lakers at full strength alongside
Luka Doncic,
LeBron James, and
Deandre Ayton, Reaves profiles as a strong hold in standard formats, though usage may fluctuate in a balanced offense.
Marcus Smart shifts back to a secondary role.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dan Woike
February 20, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forwards
Kris Murray (back) and
Matisse Thybulle (knee) are available for Friday's matchup against Denver. Murray returns from a prolonged absence due to a lumbar strain and has averaged 6.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 25.7 minutes across 34 games this season, though a full workload is unlikely with the rotation near full strength. Thybulle, who has logged 12.2 minutes over four outings, is averaging 5.0 points and 2.5 steals, giving him deep-league appeal as a defensive streamer.
Vit Krejci could see a slight minute reduction.
--Brian DailisanSource: Danny Marang
February 20, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard
Scoot Henderson (hamstring) will no longer face a minutes restriction after returning from a torn left hamstring. The third-year guard has averaged 20.0 minutes, 14.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.8 threes on 51.7 percent shooting across four appearances, though 4.5 turnovers per game remain a concern. An expanded workload should push him into standard-league relevance as a points and assists source.
Jrue Holiday and
Deni Avdija may see slight usage dips, while
Shaedon Sharpe's (calf) role could fluctuate once healthy. Henderson profiles as a viable add with upside.
--Brian DailisanSource: Sean Highkin
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