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Bryce Hopkins Selected by Nuggets With No. 49 Pick
The Denver Nuggets selected St. John's forward Bryce Hopkins with the No. 49 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The 24-year-old rebuilt his stock in his lone season with the Red Storm, averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in 28.8 minutes while shooting 46.9 percent from the field, 36.3 percent from deep, and 71.3 percent at the line. His fantasy path is not wide in Denver, where Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon headline the frontcourt, but Hopkins has enough rebounding, cutting, and improved shooting to compete for bench forward minutes if he carries over his late-season momentum.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Tobi Lawal Joins a Crowded Mavericks Frontcourt
The Dallas Mavericks closed their draft with an athletic upside swing, taking Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal with the 48th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The explosive leaper averaged 12.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks on 54.2 percent shooting as a senior, posting one of the best vertical marks in combine history. Lawal projects as a lob-finishing, transition-running, switchable energy forward in the Derrick Jones Jr. mold, though his shooting cratered to 25.0 percent from three and his half-court game is raw. The fantasy reality is a numbers crunch: he joins a Dallas frontcourt already deep with Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, and fellow rookie Morez Johnson Jr. Lawal is a long-shot athletic stash, not a fantasy piece, but the tools are rare enough to bookmark.
Source: Jake Fischer
Source: Jake Fischer
Knicks Land Tyler Nickel at No. 47 in a Four-Team Trade
The defending-champion New York Knicks came away with one of the draft's best shooters, acquiring Vanderbilt wing Tyler Nickel in a four-team draft-night trade after Phoenix selected him with the 47th pick. The movement shooter averaged 13.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on 44.5 percent shooting and 40.0 percent from three, hoisting 7.6 triples a night and burying 110 of them as a senior. Nickel is a Duncan Robinson-style specialist whose game starts and mostly ends with floor spacing, and Mike Brown's staff has a track record of developing exactly that. The catch for fantasy is the roster: he lands on a loaded title team and may not even open the year on a standard contract. He is a deep-watch shooter, nothing more, until he proves he can stick.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Samuel Basallo Up to 12 Homers After First Multi-Homer Game on Wednesday
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo recorded the first multi-homer game of his career on Wednesday in the team's 7-6 loss in 10 innings to the hosting Los Angeles Angels. Basallo went 2-for-5 with two home runs, four RBI, and two strikeouts to raise his season batting average to .257 and his OPS to .782. It was nice to see Basallo have a good game after entering Wednesday's contest with a .177 average (11-for-62) with a homer, a double, six RBI, four runs, five walks, and 18 strikeouts in 19 games played in June. The 21-year-old Dominican backstop is now slashing .257/.317/.465 with 12 home runs, 35 RBI, and 29 runs scored in 249 plate appearances in his first full season in the big leagues with Baltimore. Basallo will need to improve against left-handed pitchers to take the next step offensively, but he hits righties enough to be an intriguing young fantasy asset at the position. He has hit .266 (45-for-169) against right-handers this year with 10 of his 12 home runs. Basallo is currently rostered in exactly half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Felix Okpara Heads to Washington in a Draft-Night Deal
The Orlando Magic drafted Tennessee center Felix Okpara at No. 46 and flipped him to the Washington Wizards for picks 51 and 60 in the 2026 NBA draft, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports. The Lagos, Nigeria native averaged 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks on 59.7 percent shooting as a senior, anchoring an Elite Eight defense with his length and rim protection. Okpara is a lob-finishing, shot-blocking big with little offensive polish, landing behind Anthony Davis and Alexandre Sarr on Washington's depth chart. That is where it gets interesting for fantasy: both starters have long injury histories, and Tristan Vukcevic is the only other guaranteed center, so Okpara could back into spot starts and cheap blocks if either big misses time. Trae Young's lob passing only sweetens the fit.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Paul Goldschmidt Continues Resurgent Season, Homers Off Tigers Ace Twice
New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt certainly hasn't looked like an aging slugger in the Bronx in 2026. Goldschmidt had an impressive showing in Wednesday night's 4-2 win over the hosting Detroit Tigers, going 2-for-4 at the plate with two solo home runs off two-time Cy Young left-hander Tarik Skubal. It continues a theme of the former MVP victimizing left-handed pitchers. In his career against Skubal, Goldy is now 7-for-13 with four home runs. The 38-year-old former eighth-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009 out of Texas State University is now slashing .297/.355/.568 with 14 home runs, 39 RBI, and 30 runs scored in his 211 plate appearances in 2026 in his second year in New York and 16th total MLB season. With an expected batting average of .259 and an xwOBA of .342 (currently .384), it appears the seven-time All-Star could be hitting above his skis currently, but he should probably be rostered in more than 38% of Yahoo leagues. Fantasy managers need to ride the wave while it lasts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Emanuel Sharp Joins Darius Acuff Jr. in Kings Backcourt
After landing Darius Acuff Jr. in the first round, the Sacramento Kings added shooting around their new lead guard, taking Houston's Emanuel Sharp with the 45th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Houston's all-time leading three-point shooter averaged 15.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals on 41.3 percent shooting and 37.2 percent from deep as a senior, drilling 2.6 threes a night. Sharp is an undersized but knockdown 3-and-D guard who moves well off the ball and rarely turns it over. Unlike most second-round shooters buried on contenders, he lands on a rebuilding team actively clearing its veteran guards, so a rotation role is in reach if the shooting carries over. He won't help fantasy managers right away, but the fit next to Acuff makes him a name worth tracking.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Spurs Grab Maliq Brown at No. 44 Overall in the 2026 Draft
The San Antonio Spurs kept stockpiling defense in the second round, taking Duke forward Maliq Brown with the 44th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The 22-year-old led all of college basketball in defensive box plus-minus and was the ACC's top defender, averaging just 4.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals on 62.9 percent shooting off the bench. Brown is a switchable, havoc-creating defender whose offense barely registers: he hit 16.7 percent from three and 50.0 percent at the line. That profile has an NBA path as an energy big, just not on this roster soon, with Victor Wembanyama anchoring an elite frontcourt and San Antonio adding more size in the same draft. For fantasy, Brown is a name to file away and nothing more, barring a Nicolas Claxton-style defensive role down the line.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Hornets Entertain Trade Offers for LaMelo Ball
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Charlotte Hornets are engaged in trade talks involving guard LaMelo Ball. Charania reports that multiple teams are "strongly" pursuing the star point guard, with some making "aggressive" offers. He added that there's a legitimate chance Ball could be moved if a team is willing to meet Charlotte's asking price. NBA insider Marc Stein also reports that the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors have emerged as two of the teams interested in the 24-year-old, who averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 28.0 minutes across 72 games last season.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Tyler Bilodeau Taken by Nets in Second Round of NBA Draft
The Brooklyn Nets drafted UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau with the 43rd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday. Bilodeau is one of the better shooters in this year's draft class, hitting 46.4 percent of his three-point attempts during his senior season at UCLA. While he has room to improve defensively, his perimeter shooting could help him earn rotational minutes during his rookie season.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Ja'Kobi Gillespie Selected by Spurs in NBA Draft
The San Antonio Spurs selected Tennessee guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie with the 42nd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday. Gillespie began his collegiate career at Belmont before transferring to Maryland and then Tennessee ahead of the 2025-26 season. The 22-year-old averaged 18.4 points, 5.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals in 34.6 minutes per game across 37 starts for the Volunteers. He set Tennessee's single-season program record for steals during the 2025-26 campaign.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Tommy Edman a Priority Target on the Waiver Wire Following Return from Injury?
Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Tommy Edman had the start to his 2026 season delayed by recovery from offseason ankle surgery that kept him out until mid-June. Across 24 plate appearances since his return, the 31-year-old is hitting .364 with one RBI. Edman has seen time at second base, third base, and in left field, and his positional versatility should continue to keep him in the Dodgers lineup on a near-everyday basis. The veteran switch-hitter may no longer be the high-end speed threat he once was at his peak, as he's stolen just nine bases across 134 games since joining the Dodgers in 2024. Still, Edman hit 13 home runs with 49 RBI and 49 runs scored across 397 plate appearances for Los Angeles in 2025. As long as he continues to see regular playing time, Edman profiles as a high-floor contributor whose multi-positional versatility should make him an appealing waiver wire target for deep-league fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Addison Barger Still Worth Stashing Despite Slow Recovery?
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman/outfielder Addison Barger (elbow) will fly to Toronto to get checked out by the Blue Jays' medical staff before beginning a rehab assignment, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Barger was originally scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday, but Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Barger's been experiencing soreness in his injured right elbow. It's been a lost season so far for the 26-year-old, who has logged just 28 MLB plate appearances in 2026 due to elbow and ankle issues. Barger was a key piece of Toronto's lineup against right-handed pitching in 2025, hitting .243/.301/.454 with 21 home runs, 74 RBI, 64 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 502 plate appearances. He could be worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of his return, but fantasy managers should monitor to make sure he is still cleared to begin a rehab assignment following his meeting with the Blue Jays' medical team.
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Otega Oweh Drafted by Miami, Dealt to Oklahoma City
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com, the Miami Heat drafted Kentucky guard Otega Oweh with the 41st overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and traded his rights to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Oweh averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 1.8 steals in 32.8 minutes across 36 regular-season games for the Wildcats during the 2025-26 season. Oklahoma City's loaded roster could limit Oweh's playing time during his rookie campaign.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Blake Snell Scheduled to Throw 15-Pitch Bullpen on Friday
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell (elbow) is scheduled to throw a 15-pitch, fastball-only bullpen on Friday, per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports. Snell is working his way back from surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow, which he underwent on May 19. The 33-year-old also began the year on the injured list due to a shoulder issue, so he's thrown just three innings for the Dodgers in 2026. Snell was an effective pitcher when healthy in 2025, recording a 5-4 record with a 2.35 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 72 strikeouts across 61 1/3 innings (11 starts). However, the veteran left-hander's profile is riddled with injury risk, as he's reached 130 innings in just one season since 2018. While it's a positive sign that Snell appears to be progressing, he's likely still at least a few weeks away from going out on a rehab assignment.
Source: AM 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Source: AM 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Edward Cabrera Diagnosed With "Moderate" Left-Hamstring Strain
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a "moderate" left hamstring strain and does not have a timeline for his return, per Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network. Cabrera was removed early from his start on Tuesday against the New York Mets and immediately placed on the 15-day injured list due to the injury. It's been a rough first season in Chicago for the 28-year-old, who has recorded a 5-4 record with a 5.10 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 65 strikeouts across 72 1/3 innings (14 starts). While it's unclear how long Cabrera will be out, he may be looking at an extended absence based on how quickly he was placed on the injured list. Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd (knee, shoulder) is scheduled to come off the injured list on Thursday and will likely take Cabrera's place in the team's rotation.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Dillon Mitchell Lands in Boston in NBA Draft
The Boston Celtics selected St. John's forward Dillon Mitchell with the 40th overall pick on Wednesday in the 2026 NBA Draft. Mitchell is a physical defender who shines on that end of the floor, but he is limited offensively. He spent the 2025-26 campaign at St. John's, averaging 8.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in 37 outings. His defensive abilities could help him land a regular role in the NBA at some point.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Dansby Swanson Homers Twice, Drives in 11 in Doubleheader
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson had a monster day on Wednesday in the team's two wins over the hosting New York Mets in Queens during their doubleheader. In the first game of the twin bill, a 10-3 win by the Cubs, Swanson went off, going 2-for-4 with two home runs, seven RBI, and two strikeouts out of the nine-hole in the batting order to boost his season average to .194 and his OPS to .670. In the nightcap in Game 2, Swanson kept rolling, going 3-for-5 with a triple, four more RBI, a run scored, a stolen base, and a strikeout to get his average just over the Mendoza Line at .202. The 32-year-old veteran's first home run in Game 1 was a three-run shot off starter Nolan McLean in the sixth inning, and his second homer was a grand slam in the eighth frame. Swanson got off to a miserable start at the plate for the Cubbies in 2026, but he now has four of his 11 homers on the year during his last six games, and he's riding a modest six-game hitting streak into Thursday's series finale against the last-place Mets. Fantasy managers are hoping that he can keep this up for a while longer.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Spencer Horwitz Exits Early on Wednesday With Left-Hamstring Discomfort
Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz (hamstring) was forced to exit early from his team's game against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday due to left hamstring discomfort. Horwitz was 0-1 with a walk in two trips to the plate before being removed from the game. The 28-year-old has been one of Pittsburgh's key pieces on offense so far this season, hitting .280/.386/.455 with 10 home runs, 33 RBI, 36 runs scored, and one stolen base across 295 plate appearances. Horwitz has emerged as the primary leadoff hitter in Pittsburgh and has the same number of walks (40) as strikeouts on the year. Pirates utility man Tyler Callihan took over at first base after Horwitz exited the game. If Horwitz hits the injured list, Callihan, outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez, and designated hitter Marcell Ozuna could all be in line for more playing time in Pittsburgh.
Source: Pittsburgh Pirates
Source: Pittsburgh Pirates
Braxton Ashcraft Keeps Rolling, Strikes Out 10 Against Seattle
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Braxton Ashcraft had his third straight strong start on Wednesday night in an 11-1 blowout win at PNC Park against the Seattle Mariners. Ashcraft allowed just one earned run on five hits while walking none and striking out 10 in six innings of work for his seventh victory of the 2026 season. The strong start lowered his season ERA to 3.07. The lone run that the 26-year-old former second-rounder in 2018 gave up came in the first inning, but he settled down after that to shut the M's down. It was Ashcraft's third straight start with two runs allowed or fewer, and he has now held opponents to two runs or fewer while going at least six innings in six of his last 10 starts. In addition to his 3.07 ERA on the year, Ashcraft has posted a 1.09 WHIP with 107 strikeouts and only 22 walks in 96 2/3 innings pitched across 16 starts in his second year in the big leagues. His strong second year with Pittsburgh has boosted his fantasy appeal, and he's now rostered in almost 90% of Yahoo leagues. Ashcraft will be put to the test in his next scheduled outing on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies. In his first meeting at home against Philly on May 15, Ashcraft allowed four earned runs with no walks and five strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings for a no-decision.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mick Abel Set to Undergo Arthroscopic Elbow Surgery
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Mick Abel (elbow) will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow, per Twins beat writer Aaron Gleeman. Gleeman reports that Minnesota will determine a timeline for Abel's return following the operation. Abel initially hit the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation in mid-April. The 24-year-old made two rehab appearances in June and appeared to be on the doorstep of a return to the big leagues, but he was apparently still dealing with swelling in the elbow and will now face an extended absence. Across 20 1/3 innings before getting hurt, Abel recorded a 1-2 record with a 3.98 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, and 23 strikeouts. Without Abel, Twins right-handers Mike Paredes and Zebby Matthews could have an extended runway to prove themselves in the team's starting rotation.
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Jack Kayil Taken by Knicks in Second Round of NBA Draft
The New York Knicks have selected guard Jack Kayil with the 39th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NBA draft. The Houston Rockets originally had this pick, but they traded it to the Knicks on Wednesday. Kayil posted a productive season for Alba Berlin this past season. He averaged 12.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 21.0 minutes per game. At first, Kayil committed to Gonzaga, but ultimately decided to enter the draft. He offers a good overall skill set, but probably isn't quite ready for the professional level yet. It sounds like Kayil is ready to join the league and won't play another year in Germany. It seems unlikely that he'll crack the rotation or that he'll have a minimal role at best.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Bulls Draft Braden Smith, Trade him to Indiana
The Chicago Bulls have selected Purdue guard Braden Smith with the 38th overall pick on Wednesday in the 2026 NBA draft. He'll immediately be on the move to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Kam Jones and future draft swaps. The Purdue product finished his career as the NCAA's all-time assist leader. As a senior, Smith averaged 14.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 8.8 assists at Purdue. His best attribute is his ability to run an offense and find open players. He won't start in Indiana, but Smith could end up as a quality backup guard. The Pacers do have depth at the guard spot, so we'll see where Smith lands on the depth chart.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Ryan Conwell Drafted by Thunder in Second Round of NBA Draft
The Oklahoma City Thunder have selected Louisville guard Ryan Conwell with the 37th overall pick during Wednesday's NBA draft. Conwell won't stick around in OKC. Instead, he'll head to the Miami Heat in exchange for No. 41 and cash. Conwell is a capable scorer with 18.8 points per game with Louisville this past season. He also averaged 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 3.3 three-pointers during his final year of college ball. The Heat traded a ton of talent to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo earlier this week. There is a chance that Conwell has a role in the rotation right away in Miami. He'll need to improve in other areas of his game, but he can probably be trusted as a perimeter scoring option.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Baba Miller Selected by Clippers at No. 36 Overall in NBA Draft
The Los Angeles Clippers have selected forward/center Baba Miller with the No. 36 overall pick during Wednesday's NBA Draft. The Clippers need depth after trading away Ivica Zubac this past season. Miller won't fix the problem, but he should be a benefit as a rebounder, which is something the Clippers desperately need after moving on from Zubac. The Cincinnati product averaged 13.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks as a senior this past season. There is certainly room to improve after finishing with a 52.9 percent from the floor as a senior. His biggest asset will be his rebounding, but it's unlikely that Miller has a consistent role in the rotation right away.
Source: Jake Fischer
Source: Jake Fischer
Isaiah Stewart Gets Traded to Grizzlies
Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Stewart will make his way to Memphis in exchange for three future second-round picks. There has been speculation for weeks that Stewart could be moved as part of a cost-cutting decision. The expectation is that Paul Reed will slide into his role behind primary center Jalen Duren. The Pistons could potentially add another forward or center on a cheaper deal in free agency. As for Stewart, he should play significant minutes off the bench as the backup to Zach Edey. This past season, Stewart averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks across 22.7 minutes per game in 58 contests with the Pistons last season. The assumption is that his value should increase with the move to Memphis.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Trevon Brazile Lands With Nuggets in NBA Draft
The Denver Nuggets have selected Arkansas forward Trevon Brazile with the 35th overall pick on Wednesday in the 2026 NBA draft. This is a solid move for the Nuggets to add depth behind Aaron Gordon at the power forward spot. Brazile is coming off a career year during his final season of college ball. He averaged 13.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks across 31.5 minutes per game. He notched 52.5 percent from the floor, while hitting 34.1 percent from three this past season. His overall role will be determined by what the Nuggets do with the rest of their offseason. Brazile should have a chance to earn minutes as a rotational piece behind Gordon.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Cavaliers Add Meleek Thomas in Second Round of NBA Draft
The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas with the No. 34 pick during Wednesday's NBA Draft. There was speculation that Thomas would be taken in the late first-round, but ends up falling to the Cavs here. Thomas is viewed as one of the better shooters in this entire draft class. He knocked down 41.6 percent from three-point range while averaging 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists this past season at Arkansas. There isn't a clear path to playing time right away with the Cavs having depth at the guard spot. Thomas should be able to force his way into the equation if he continues to shoot the ball the way he did in college. It'll take time for Thomas to get a consistent role, so fantasy managers shouldn't count on him right away.
Source: Jake Fischer
Source: Jake Fischer
Isaiah Evans Taken by Timberwolves at No. 33 Overall
The Minnesota Timberwolves have selected guard Isaiah Evans with the 33rd overall pick on Wednesday in the 2026 NBA draft. The Brooklyn Nets originally had this pick, but they traded it to Minnesota as part of the Julius Randle trade. Evans was talked about as a possible first-round selection, but he ended up falling to the Wolves in the early second round. He averaged 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 2.7 three-pointers with Duke this past season. Evans does a little bit of everything on the court, which means he could be a quality 3-and-D wing in the league. The Wolves are going to be without Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) for the majority of next season. Evans has a chance to play consistent minutes as a rotational piece this upcoming season.
Source: Jake Fischer
Source: Jake Fischer
Richie Saunders Snagged by Grizzlies in Second Round
The Memphis Grizzlies have selected BYU guard Richie Saunders with the 32nd pick in the second round of the 2026 NBA draft. At first glance, this seems like a significant risk given that Saunders tore his ACL in February. Before that, Saunders was playing well alongside first overall pick AJ Dybantsa at BYU. He averaged 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists before suffering his season-ending knee injury. It seems highly unlikely that Saunders is going to be ready for the beginning of the season. His recovery from knee surgery is going to have a significant impact on how much he contributes during his rookie season. He could eventually be a decent wing piece for the rebuilding Grizzlies.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
