January 9, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game versus the Brooklyn Nets. Leonard suffered a right ankle sprain during Wednesday's loss to the New York Knicks. The Clippers might take the cautious approach on Friday, with this being the first game of a back-to-back set. The absence of Leonard could mean that
Kobe Sanders moves into the starting five. The rookie guard dropped 20 points with seven rebounds and three assists during a spot start on Monday. His playing time has been inconsistent this season, but Sanders could be worth a look as a streaming option if Leonard misses Friday's contest.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. It was speculated that the Tennessee native would likely return to college if it was not indicated that he would go in Round 1 after feedback from NFL scouts, which means he must have heard some positive news regarding his draft stock. In the middle of the 2025 season, Simpson was the betting favorite to be the No. 1 pick in April's draft. However, his play cooled off, and Indiana's Fernando Mendoza emerged as the clear QB1. Still, Simpson's overall body of work in his lone season as a starter suggests he's first-round-worthy in a QB-needy NFL. In 15 games, Simpson completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He added two scores as a runner. Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore are projected as the No. 1 and No. 2 picks off the board, but Simpson looks like the clear QB3, and he could be a top-10 pick. This will make him a clear first-rounder in superflex dynasty fantasy football drafts.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 9, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward
Brandon Ingram (thumb) is considered a game-time decision for Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. He is listed as questionable on the injury report, but is viewed as a game-time decision after participating in morning shootaround. Ingram is dealing with a sprained right thumb that he suffered during Wednesday's game. If active, it'll be interesting to see if this thumb injury impacts his performance on the court. Ja'Kobe Walker and
Jamal Shead figure to see extended run if Ingram is unable to play.
Gradey Dick could also see more run, but Walker and Shead are better streaming options.
--Andy WebbSource: Michael Grange
January 9, 2026
Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard is NFL-bound following two productive seasons in the SEC with the Crimson Tide. The 22-year-old began his career at Michigan State before transferring to Washington in 2023. Despite sharing a field with
Rome Odunze,
Jalen McMillan, and
Ja'Lynn Polk, Bernard caught 34 passes for 419 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore. He followed head coach Kalen DeBoer to Alabama ahead of the 2024 season, and he led the Tide in receptions in his junior and senior seasons with two different starting quarterbacks. Overall, Bernard snagged 114 receptions for 1,656 yards and nine touchdowns in 27 games over the last two years. He's slated to be a second-round pick in April's 2026 NFL Draft, which will likely be where he goes off the board in dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 9, 2026
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers had a phenomenal two seasons at Vanderbilt following stints at Texas A&M and New Mexico State. Originally recruited as a quarterback, Stowers converted to a tight end after losing the quarterback battle to Diego Pavia at New Mexico State. He followed Pavia to Vanderbilt and ended up being his No. 1 target en route to a productive career with the Commodores. In 25 games over the last two years, Stowers hauled in 111 receptions for 1,407 yards and nine touchdowns. He tallied career highs in receptions (62) and receiving yards (769) in 2025. The 22-year-old is a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he's widely viewed as the TE2 in the class, behind Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq. With just three seasons of experience at the position, Stowers could take time to develop at the NFL level, and his blocking ability leaves a lot to be desired at this point in his career.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 9, 2026
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq is viewed by most as the top prospect at the position in the 2026 NFL Draft Class, and he projects as a first-round pick at this point in the offseason. The 20-year-old has not officially declared for the NFL Draft since Oregon is still alive in the College Football Playoff, but it would be a surprise if he returned to Eugene. In 14 games this season, the true junior has hauled in 46 passes for 531 yards and eight touchdowns. He leads the team in touchdown grabs, and he was named Big Ten Tight End of the Year for 2025. Sadiq has elite speed and athleticism for the position, but he's a willing and physical blocker, which will help his draft stock. He lacks prototypical height (6'3") for tight ends, but his physical tools will help him make up for it. Sadiq carries first-round consideration in early dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 9, 2026
Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft following his redshirt junior season with the Vols. The former Tulane transfer caught 62 passes for 1,017 yards and nine scores in 12 games, despite competing for targets with two other 800-yard receivers. Brazzell was a contested-catch monster in 2025, but he's also shown the ability to blow by coverage for homerun balls. Listed a 6'5", Brazzell projects to be a boundary receiver at the next level with the potential to develop into a quarterback's top target with a wide catch radius. Brazzell is likely going to come off the NFL Draft board as a second-round pick, but his performance at the 2026 NFL Combine and other predraft activities could be a strong factor in whether he has a chance to move into the first round. In 40 career games with Tulane and Tennessee, Brazzell finished his collegiate career with 136 receptions for 2,072 yards and 16 touchdowns.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 9, 2026
Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion was dynamic and productive in his lone season in College Station, catching 61 passes for 919 yards and nine touchdowns. He added 75 rushing yards, 456 kick return yards, one rushing score, and two return touchdowns. Concepcion has flashed as an explosive playmaker since his freshman season at NC State, when he tallied 1,159 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns. The 21-year-old's production and athletic profile checks all the boxes of a potential difference-maker at the NFL level. Hopefully, he lands with an innovative offense coach who can put him in the best situations to succeed. Concepcion currently projects to be a late-first-round pick, which puts him firmly in the first-round discussion in dynasty rookie drafts.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 9, 2026
Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston is one of the top prospects at the position in the 2026 NFL Draft class, and at this point in the offseason, he's a projected first-round pick. The 22-year-old was buried behind
Rome Odunze,
Jalen McMillan, and
Ja'Lynn Polk during his first two collegiate seasons. However, he's been the Huskies' top wideout in each of the last two seasons. In 25 games since the start of the 2024 campaign, he's hauled in 125 receptions for 1,715 yards and 20 touchdowns. Listed at 6'4", Boston has excellent body control and quickness, traits coveted by the NFL among big-bodied wide receivers. Assuming Boston performs well in the pre-draft process, it would be no surprise to hear his name called on Day 1 of April's draft. His landing spot will determine his rookie upside, but either way, he should be a valuable dynasty rookie draft asset in Round 1.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 9, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III had an inconsistent 2025 season, but finished the year with 1,027 rushing yards on 221 carries (4.65 YPC) and five touchdowns. He also contributed 282 yards through the air on 31 receptions as well. The inconsistencies came on a week-to-week basis, as he split snaps and lost most of the goal-line work to
Zach Charbonnet, the five touchdowns he scored were scattered across four weeks of the season, and his carries per game fluctuated between 10 and 17 weekly, which resulted in him being a risky RB2 start all season long, even with the final numbers being decent. Heading into the NFL playoffs and managers drafting in fantasy playoff formats, Walker will remain a high-risk, high-reward running back option. The Seahawks are locked into the No. 1 seed in the NFC, meaning they will not play in Wild Card Weekend and will likely face a somewhat difficult matchup the rest of the way, as most NFC teams have fairly good run defenses. Combine that with Charbonnet's involvement in the offense and quarterback
Sam Darnold's inexperience in the playoffs, and it may be tough sledding for Walker and the Seahawks offense from a fantasy standpoint.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
January 9, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
Scottie Barnes (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Boston after sustaining a right knee sprain. Barnes exited briefly late in Wednesday's contest but returned to finish, suggesting the injury may be minor, though Toronto may still take a cautious approach.
Brandon Ingram (thumb) is also questionable, creating potential ripple effects across the rotation. If either sits,
RJ Barrett and
Immanuel Quickley would take on more of the offense after combining for 49 points on 43 shots last game.
Ja'Kobe Walter,
Ochai Agbaji,
Gradey Dick, and
Jamison Battle could see expanded minutes but remain volatile fantasy options.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
The Denver Broncos finished the 2025 season with the No. 1 seed in the AFC, going 14-3, largely thanks to an elite defense and wide receiver
Courtland Sutton on the offensive side of the football. Sutton finished the 2025 regular season with 1,017 receiving yards on 74 receptions (13.74 YPC) and seven touchdowns in 17 games played. Sutton hit a bit of a cold streak in the middle of the season when second-year player
Troy Franklin burst onto the scene, but for the most part, Sutton has operated as the team's No. 1 receiver and will rest with his teammates during the Wild Card weekend, while they wait to see who they play in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. Sutton will likely be drafted lower in fantasy playoff leagues due to the first-round bye, and him being a middling option, however, if the Broncos are going to make a run in the AFC, they are going to need their top receiver to perform, and second-year starter
Bo Nix will likely be looking the eight year vets way a lot when they do throw the football.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
January 9, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Orlando due to left knee injury management. Embiid has appeared in five straight contests and looked dominant, averaging 28.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 34.4 minutes during that stretch. He logged 28 points in just 25 minutes Wednesday, signaling efficiency even with workload monitoring. If Embiid sits,
Tyrese Maxey and
Paul George absorb heavier usage, while
Andre Drummond and
Adem Bona remain risky, low-minute fantasy pivots.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward
Trey Murphy III (back) is questionable for Friday's matchup against Washington after missing Wednesday with back spasms. His potential absence keeps usage elevated for
Jordan Poole, who logged 39 minutes and produced 21 points, three assists, three steals, and six three-pointers in his last outing. Poole carries real fantasy value due to points volume and strong free-throw impact, though his field-goal percentage remains volatile.
Bryce McGowens and rookie
Micah Peavy should see minutes but remain unreliable for consistent fantasy production.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Green Bay Packers running back
Emanuel Wilson has had a nice 2025 season, rushing for 496 yards on 125 attempts (3.97 YPC) and scoring three touchdowns across 17 games. His involvement in the Packers offense increased this season, as he has played a complementary role to starter
Josh Jacobs, and he has also filled in for Jacobs a handful of times throughout the 2025 season, providing fantasy managers with a plug-and-play RB2 option during those weeks. With the Packers resting their starters in Week 18, and Jacobs coming out and saying on Wednesday that "this is the best he's felt in six weeks," after dealing with a knee injury for the majority of the second half of the season, it appears likely that the Packers will lean on the veteran in this situation. This would make it difficult to justify rostering Wilson in fantasy playoff leagues as anything more than a bench spot should Jacobs get hurt, and Wilson would step in.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
January 9, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is listed as probable for Friday's game against Atlanta as Denver continues to manage his workload. Gordon is still playing under a reduced workload, logging 23 minutes while producing 12 points and six rebounds on Wednesday.
Nikola Jokic (knee) remains out, but
Jamal Murray (ankle),
Christian Braun (ankle), and
Bruce Brown (knee) are all probable, helping stabilize the rotation.
Peyton Watson should still see meaningful usage after a 30-point outing, while Gordon profiles as a steady fantasy option with a capped ceiling until his minutes normalize.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Kendrick Bourne recorded 37 receptions for 551 yards (14.89 YPC) and zero touchdowns on 53 targets in 16 games in 2025. The majority of Bourne's production came in early October, when he stepped in as the team's main pass-catcher, with
George Kittle,
Jauan Jennings, and
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) all ruled out for a brief time. Bourne's role faded as the team continued to get healthy; however, should Pearsall miss Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, Bourne could find himself playing more often and would likely be elevated to the team's No. 2 wide receiver alongside Jennings. Additionally, according to Novig, the Niners are underdogs (+4.5) and should be in a game flow that favors a pass-happy approach, which would result in more target opportunities for Bourne should he get more playing time.
Demarcus Robinson would likely be operating more in three-wide receiver sets. Pending Pearsall's availability, Bourne would be a bit of a dart throw in fantasy playoff leagues, but would be worth a roster as a long-shot option.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
January 9, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Ja Morant (calf) will remain sidelined Friday against Oklahoma City, marking his fourth straight absence after being ruled out a day in advance. His next chance to return is Sunday versus Brooklyn. With Morant out,
Cam Spencer has stepped into a larger role, averaging 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers in 30.4 minutes over the last three games. Spencer profiles as a viable assists-and-threes streamer, while
Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to shoulder added offensive responsibility.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs have issued a statement regarding domestic allegations against wide receiver
Rashee Rice, which came up because his former girlfriend had posted pictures on social media. "The club is aware of the allegations on social media and is in communication with the National Football League. We have no further comment at this time", David K. Li of NBC News reports. These allegations could result in a second significant off-field suspension for Rice, who was already suspended six games during the 2025 season following a hit-and-run incident in April of 2024. This is not the first time Rice's behavior has resulted in a potential suspension. Dynasty managers will want to keep tabs on this situation to know whether or not they will be without the Chiefs' No. 1 wide receiver at any point in the 2026 season. Rice racked up 571 receiving yards (10.77 YPC) on 53 receptions and five touchdowns during the 2025 season, in which he played in eight games.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: NBC News - David K. Li and Joe Kottke
January 9, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (foot/sciatica) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Milwaukee after sitting out the second half of a back-to-back on Wednesday. The Lakers expect a decision closer to tipoff, and indications lean toward availability. If James sits,
Luka Doncic would continue to shoulder the offense after posting 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in 38 minutes on Wednesday.
Jake LaRavia logged an extended run with 16 points and four three-pointers, while
Jaxson Hayes added 10 points and seven rebounds. James remains a high-end fantasy play, with availability the only variable to watch.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) will remain inactive for Friday's game against Houston, set to miss his 12th straight contest. Grant has not played since Dec. 18 and continues to be ruled out a day in advance, with Sunday against New York his next chance to return. His absence has opened up consistent wing minutes. Rookie
Caleb Love has stepped into a larger role, averaging 16.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 3.4 three-pointers in 29.3 minutes over his last nine games. Love remains a viable short-term stream, while Grant is a stash as managers wait for clearer updates.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (upper body) exited Thursday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs after the second period. The team announced that Konecny had suffered an upper-body injury. Prior to his exit, Konecny scored Philadelphia's only goal of the game. He was on target for the third time in five games. Konency is the Flyers' second-highest scorer, with 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) in 42 games. The 28-year-old has been part of a very effective line alongside Trevor Zegras and Christian Dvorak, but that combination may now be broken up if Konecny has to miss time. The Flyers will return to action on Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
--Taavi PailkSource: Philadelphia Flyers
January 9, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Chet Holmgren (shin) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Memphis due to bilateral shin soreness after appearing in nine straight contests. His absence further thins an already short-handed frontcourt, with
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and
Jaylin Williams (heel) also sidelined.
Jalen Williams should absorb added interior responsibility after posting 17 points, six rebounds, and eight assists in 41 minutes on Wednesday.
Aaron Wiggins and
Kenrich Williams are in line for modest bumps, while
Branden Carlson remains a deep-league option tied to minutes. Holmgren remains a clear hold.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman (undisclosed) exited Thursday's matchup against the Boston Bruins early for precautionary reasons, head coach Ryan Huska confirmed after the game. Coleman was limited to 9:55 of ice time, finishing scoreless. He has managed 21 points (13 goals, eight assists) in 44 games this season, sitting second on the team with 110 hits. Additionally, Coleman is tied for second on the roster with a plus-10 rating. Huska's words indicate that Coleman isn't dealing with a serious health issue, but it remains to be seen whether he will be available on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 9, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will remain sidelined for Friday's game in Memphis, marking his seventh straight absence after being ruled out a day in advance. With
Chet Holmgren (shin) also unavailable, Oklahoma City is expected to lean small.
Jalen Williams could log minutes at center, boosting his all-around output and usage stability.
Aaron Wiggins and
Kenrich Williams stand to see modest role bumps, while
Branden Carlson remains a deep-league flier after logging 11 minutes last game. Hartenstein remains worth holding in standard formats, despite ongoing uncertainty around his return.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (lower body) left Thursday's 5-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period. He appeared to injure his left leg. The Golden Knights plan to fully evaluate him on Friday. On Thursday night, Hart gave up one goal and made no saves before his premature exit. Akira Schmid took over in the net, stopping 21 of 23 pucks. Schmid started the season strongly but has been playing second fiddle to Hart recently. Now, his workload might increase again if Hart misses additional time. Vegas' regular No. 1, Adin Hill (lower body), has been sidelined since October. Hill practiced on Thursday, but it's unclear when he will be able to play.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 9, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) will not play Friday in Memphis due to an ankle sprain. His next chance to return comes Sunday against Miami. Oklahoma City will also be without
Chet Holmgren (shin),
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf),
Cason Wallace (toe), and
Jaylin Williams (heel), concentrating offensive responsibility.
Jalen Williams should see elevated usage after averaging 17.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.4 steals in 30.0 minutes this season.
Ajay Mitchell emerges as a strong streamer, posting 13.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 three-pointers, and 1.5 steals on efficient shooting.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (undisclosed) was labeled day-to-day after his early exit from Thursday's win over the Seattle Kraken. He left the game in the second period with an undisclosed injury. Fortunately, he avoided a major injury and could be ready to play on Saturday against the New York Islanders. In 45 appearances, Eriksson Ek has posted 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) and 68 hits, ranking among the top three on the team in both categories. If Eriksson Ek can't play this weekend, Ryan Hartman may get a fresh opportunity in the top six.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Toronto Raptors center
Jakob Poeltl (back) will not play Friday against Boston after falling short of a return following Thursday's practice. Sunday against Philadelphia is his next opportunity to play. His absence continues to open frontcourt minutes. Rookie
Collin Murray-Boyles has started the last three games and profiles as a short-term stream after averaging 9.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 29.8 minutes.
Sandro Mamukelashvili remains productive off the bench with 11.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 three-pointers in 26.4 minutes. Both are low-end options tied to Poeltl's status.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Colorado Avalanche left wing Joel Kiviranta (lower body) is considered week-to-week. He missed a fifth consecutive game on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators. The Finnish forward will probably remain out for at least a few more games, but he is expected to recover in time for the Olympics. After posting a career-high 16 goals and 23 points in 79 games last season, Kiviranta has had a limited impact offensively in 2025-26. He has managed only one goal and three assists across 21 outings. Zakhar Bardakov is currently filling Kiviranta's spot on the fourth line, recording assists in back-to-back games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
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