March 8, 2026
23XI Racing's Bubba Wallace is starting 28th after qualifying for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway. This will be Wallace's lowest starting position in a Phoenix Cup race since November 2024. In 16 races at the Arizona track, Wallace has eight top-20 finishes, with only three top-10s. The No. 23 Toyota driver has been great to start the 2026 season, as he placed 11th or better in the first three races of the year with two top-10s. In practice for Sunday's race, Wallace ranked 34th in overall lap averages, 17th in 15 consecutive lap averages, and 16th in 20 consecutive lap averages. Due to his underwhelming qualifying effort, Wallace will start deeper in the field with plenty of upside. Considering his equipment and practice speeds, fantasy players should consider Wallace playable in all DFS formats, but especially in cash games.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 8, 2026
Anthony Alfredo will start 31st in this week's Straight Talk Wireless 500, taking place at Phoenix Raceway. Alfredo is filling in for Alex Bowman in the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 Chevrolet, who will not be racing after being diagnosed with vertigo earlier in the week. This week, Alfredo is making his first Cup Series appearance at Phoenix since 2021, when he raced there with Front Row Motorsports as a rookie driver. In two Cup starts at Phoenix, Alfredo's best finish is 34th, but he also has two top-10 finishes at the site in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, including a finish of 10th earlier in the weekend. In practice for Sunday's race, Alfredo displayed top-15 speeds in the 10-30 consecutive lap average categories, including fifth in 30 consecutive lap averages. Despite little Cup experience outside of drafting tracks, Alfredo will be in top-notch equipment and has already performed well in practice. Fantasy players should consider rostering Alfredo in DFS lineups this week, especially with his high upside offered by his starting position.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 7, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (calf) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report ahead of Sunday's contest against the Sacramento Kings. This is a positive development, as Smith has been out for five games and was listed as doubtful for the prior contest.
Guerschon Yabusele and
Nick Richards have been key in the frontcourt during Smith's absence and will both lose minutes if he returns. Before suffering a left calf strain, Smith was a starter in six consecutive appearances, averaging 12.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in 21.2 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward
Harrison Barnes (ankle) won't be in the lineup for Sunday's meeting with the Houston Rockets, missing a fourth consecutive game. Incredibly, Barnes had made 364 straight appearances before an ankle problem sidelined him earlier this week. Barnes' absence has opened up around 20 minutes in the second unit.
Carter Bryant has benefited the most in this situation, though the rookie can't yet be trusted in fantasy basketball.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Houston Rockets forward/center
Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) is not on the injury report for Sunday's I-10 Rivalry matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Smith Jr. has played in only one of the last four games as he recovers from an ankle sprain.
Reed Sheppard has been starting in Smith Jr.'s absence, producing some outstanding displays. On Sunday, Sheppard will likely be back in the second unit, but he will continue to have fantasy value as a spark plug off the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back, neck) is questionable to play on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 26-year-old has recently played through back and neck issues and could now opt for some rest to aid his recovery. The Pacers aren't really interested in winning late in the season, so backup point guard
T.J. McConnell is likely to log his usual minutes even if Nembhard doesn't play. Younger guards like
Quenton Jackson and
Kam Jones will benefit more from his absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam (wrist) is listed as probable for Sunday's action against the Portland Trail Blazers. He appears set for a third consecutive appearance despite dealing with a left wrist sprain. Siakam shoots with his right hand, so this isn't a major issue for him. The Pacers star has come out of the All-Star break on fire, averaging 28.3 points per game with 56.6 percent shooting. With Portland having a below-average defensive rating, the stage is set for Siakam to keep his hot streak going.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Matas Buzelis (ankle) could be absent for a second consecutive game on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, as the team has listed him as questionable. Buzelis injured his right ankle in Tuesday's loss to Oklahoma City and missed his first game of the season on Thursday against Phoenix.
Leonard Miller moved to the first unit on Thursday and could get another start against the Kings. In his first career start, Miller nearly bagged a double-double, finishing with eight points and nine rebounds. If only he hadn't gone 0-for-5 from three-point range, it might have been a very memorable night for Miller.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Chicago Bulls point guard
Josh Giddey (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings. He rolled his right ankle earlier this week and has already missed one game. As a result of Giddey's absence,
Collin Sexton got a chance to start on Thursday versus the Phoenix Suns, exploding for a season-high 30 points. This performance is likely to lead to Sexton earning a bigger role, even if Giddey returns on Sunday.
Tre Jones, who tallied 21 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Suns, also has additional fantasy value in Giddey's absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers point guard
Tyrese Maxey injured his right hand late in Saturday's 125-116 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. With only around 25 seconds left to play, Maxey was involved in a collision with teammate
Adem Bona. He exited to the locker room clutching his right hand. This was a very unfortunate incident, considering the game was basically done and dusted. If Maxey's injury turns out to be serious, it would be a major blow for the 76ers. The star guard led his team with 31 points on Saturday, adding two rebounds, five assists, and four steals to his tally.
Cameron Payne is likely to take over starting point guard duties if Maxey misses time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBC Sports Philadelphia
March 7, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (groin) will miss Sunday's big clash against the Detroit Pistons. He continues to recover from a Grade 1 groin strain, sitting out a fifth consecutive game. Powell leads the Heat in scoring this season, and without him, there's more offensive responsibility on
Tyler Herro and
Bam Adebayo. Meanwhile,
Pelle Larsson has held a starting role for an extended period, recording averages of 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists since the All-Star break.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Miami Heat forward
Andrew Wiggins (toe) is considered questionable for Sunday's tilt against the Detroit Pistons. Wiggins sat out Friday's win over Charlotte with a knee issue and is in danger of missing further action due to left big toe inflammation. With
Norman Powell (groin) still out, the Heat could really use Wiggins' scoring ability against the Eastern Conference leaders on Sunday.
Myron Gardner
started in Wiggins' place on Friday, notching six points, five rebounds, and two assists in 16 minutes.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and
Kel'el Ware also enjoy expanded roles without Wiggins.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (back) remains on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers. This time, he has been listed as questionable, giving fantasy managers hope that Avdija might finally be ready to return from a lingering back problem. He has been out for six games. With
Kris Murray (illness) also sidelined, Scott Henderson has made back-to-back starts. He's had a very difficult time, posting 12 points on 4-for-20 shooting. The combination of
Jerami Grant and
Jrue Holiday will keep leading Portland's offense if Avdija doesn't return on Sunday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Tyler Huntley has signed a new deal with the team on Saturday. Huntley is signing a two-year deal worth up to $11 million to stay in Baltimore. The 28-year-old has spent five of his six professional seasons with the Ravens, so it's not shocking that he'd like to continue playing with the organization. Given the injury history of
Lamar Jackson, it makes sense that the Ravens want to have a capable backup who knows the system. Last season, Huntley threw for 426 passing yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions in five games (two starts) with the Ravens. He also rushed for over 150 yards on the ground this past season. The Ravens enjoy having a player with a similar skill set to Jackson, so they don't have to completely change the game plan if an injury occurs.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Schefter
March 7, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
Brandon Ingram (illness) is in danger of missing Sunday's meeting with the Dallas Mavericks. After dealing with a thumb injury, Ingram has come down with an illness, which might end his run of consecutive appearances at 22 games. If Ingram isn't available to play, the Raptors will likely turn to Ja'Kobe Walter to fill in for him in the first unit. Walter is an inconsistent performer and hasn't capitalized on previous chances to start this season. averaging 7.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 22.7 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
San Francisco 49ers kicker
Eddy Pineiro agreed to a long-term extension with the organization on Saturday. They've agreed on a four-year, $17 million deal, which includes $10 million in guaranteed money. Pineiro signed a one-year deal with the 49ers last offseason and turned it into a huge payday for himself. The 30-year-old was elite as he knocked down 28-of-29 field goal attempts with a league-leading 96.6 field goal percentage. The 49ers weren't going to let their best kicker in years walk away into free agency. Pineiro was going to get paid regardless, so the 49ers made sure it wasn't by anyone else. The 49ers hopefully have the kicker position taken care of through the 2029 season.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Schefter
March 7, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (knee) is set to play on Sunday against the New York Knicks after the team removed him from the injury report. Ayton hurt his left knee in Thursday's loss to Denver and didn't play on Friday night against Indiana. But luckily for the Lakers, Ayton's absence will be limited to one game. With Ayton back in the lineup,
Jaxson Hayes will return to the bench.
Drew Timme's playing time also takes a hit, and it wouldn't be surprising if he didn't see any action in Sunday's contest. Having drawn criticism recently, Ayton might be motivated to make a statement against the Knicks, but he'll be up against a team that has limited centers to the fourth-fewest fantasy points this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (elbow, foot) has a questionable designation on the injury report for Sunday's clash against the New York Knicks. After sustaining an elbow contusion, James sat out the second game of a back-to-back on Friday against Indiana. Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters James will likely return to the lineup on Sunday, but the questionable tag leaves his status uncertain. James' absence from the lineup gave
Rui Hachimura an opportunity to start on Friday night.
Jarred Vanderbilt and
Jake LaRavia are also in line for more work if James doesn't return on Sunday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker is set to become a free agent this Monday. The former first-round pick is expected to have strong value on the open market. The Packers reportedly made a strong push to sign Walker to an extension, but the two sides couldn't finalize a deal. Instead of chasing Walker in free agency, Green Bay acquired Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. Walker hasn't played a full season since his rookie season in 2022, but that hasn't stopped him from posting impressive numbers. Last season, Walker recorded a career-high 128 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and eight tackles for loss in 14 contests. The 25-year-old should have no problems landing a hefty multi-year deal this offseason.
--Andy WebbSource: Tom Pelissero
March 7, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard/forward
Will Richard (ankle) will miss a third straight game on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Golden State's initial injury report listed Richard as questionable, leaving the possibility of his return open. His next chance for a comeback will be on Monday night against the Utah Jazz.
Nate Williams has been part of the rotation during Richard's absence, and LJ Cryer may also get more action on Saturday. That said, the two aren't expected to make a significant fantasy impact.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
The Indianapolis Colts traded linebacker Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. In exchange, the Colts will receive defensive lineman Colby Wooden in what is a rare player-for-player trade. Franklin has spent the entirety of his career with Indy after being drafted in the seventh round by the organization in 2018. He became a full-time starter in 2020 and earned his first Pro Bowl selection during the 2022 campaign. This move gives the Packers a reliable linebacker to pair with Edgerrin Cooper. Fellow linebacker Quay Walker is set to become a free agent, so the move to acquire Franklin could soften that blow. As for Wooden, he became a full-time starter this past season in Green Bay. He recorded 50 tackles and nine tackles for loss in 16 games. The former fourth-round pick should be a viable option on the defensive line.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Schefter
March 7, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers point guard
Darius Garland will join the starting lineup on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The two-time All-Star came off the bench in his first two appearances for the team. With him now in the first unit, it's possible Garland has been cleared to play more than the 23.5 minutes he has so far averaged in L.A.
Kobe Sanders will make room for him in the starting lineup. Even as a starter, Sanders hasn't been particularly productive, and moving to the bench will only reduce his chances to contribute.
--Taavi PailkSource: Los Angeles Clippers
March 7, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis signed a three-year extension with the organization on Saturday. The Eagles have decided to lock up their star defensive tackle after a breakout campaign in 2025. Davis recorded career highs in tackles (72), sacks (4.5), and tackles for loss (nine) in 17 games with the Eagles last season. The 26-year-old has finally become a top-tier player after being drafted in the first round by the Eagles in 2022. They've decided to lock up Davis to a long-term deal before he possibly becomes too expensive next offseason. There is no word on the salary numbers at the moment, but this appears to be a solid move by Philly.
--Andy WebbSource: Jordan Schultz
March 7, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) has been removed from the injury report and will return to the lineup on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors. Gafford has been nursing a right ankle injury and didn't play on Friday against Boston as Dallas wrapped up a back-to-back set. With Gafford and Marvin Bagley (neck) out,
Moussa Cisse entered the rotation on Friday, logging 26 minutes off the bench. He could be out of the lineup again on Sunday. Gafford produced a double-double in his last appearance and has averaged 9.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.0 steals since the All-Star break.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (foot) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report ahead of Sunday's contest against the Toronto Raptors. The rookie phenom has just returned from a midfoot sprain and may need to take some time off after logging 56 minutes across a back-to-back set on Thursday and Friday. Dallas has several options to replace Flagg in the starting lineup, with
Brandon Williams and
Naji Marshall as the most likely candidates. Both have been impactful off the bench but would have additional fantasy value in the first unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will be limited to around 15-20 minutes on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. Golden State will ease the Latvian veteran back into action after he missed six games due to illness. Still, Porzingis could make a significant impact even with limited minutes. He has averaged only a little over 20 minutes per game this season (23.9), posting 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Slater
March 7, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers center
Jarrett Allen (knee) will miss Sunday's tilt against the Boston Celtics. He has been ruled out due to right knee tendonitis. Allen hurt his knee on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons.
Thomas Bryant and
Dean Wade (ankle) are the candidates to take Allen's spot in the starting lineup. Wade has missed three games with a sprained ankle but is listed as probable on the injury report. Allen's absence will also increase the pressure on
Evan Mobley to perform well in the frontcourt.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (groin) is listed as probable for Sunday's clash against the Boston Celtics. This suggests Mitchell is ready to return from a right groin strain, which has kept him sidelined for four games. Mitchell logged a full practice on Friday. His return to action will likely end
Sam Merrill's time in the first unit. However, since Sunday's game is part of a back-to-back set, Merrill might get another start if Cleveland decides not to overwork Mitchell after his injury and rests him on Monday against Philadelphia.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 7, 2026
Boston Red Sox infielder
Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) will be evaluated on Tuesday to determine if he'll need to undergo surgery. Gonzalez hasn't participated in any baseball activities this spring due to left shoulder inflammation. This is something that continues to hinder Gonzalez, which could require surgery as the only solution. Gonzalez was already a long shot for Opening Day, but now he's looking at being on the shelf much longer. Last season, Gonzalez slashed .305/.343/.483 with nine home runs and 53 RBI in 96 games with the Red Sox. If he misses significant time,
Kristian Campbell and
Andruw Monasterio are candidates to see more at-bats to start the season.
--Andy WebbSource: Rob Bradford
March 7, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard/forward
Gary Payton II (ankle) will be active on Saturday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is back in the fold after missing two games with an ankle issue. With
De'Anthony Melton (knee) joining
Stephen Curry (knee) and
Moses Moody (wrist) on the sidelines, Payton II could see more time on the floor against the Thunder. He will have an important role to play defensively against
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and could also be asked to contribute more on offense. Recently, Payton II has improved his offensive production, averaging 12.8 points since the All-Star break.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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