February 6, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Jared McCain doesn't appear on the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. McCain was traded to the Thunder from the Philadelphia 76ers during Thursday's trade deadline. It appears McCain is set to make his team debut against the Rockets on Saturday. He could see a significant workload right away with
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) and
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) both out. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues looking for a sneaky add might want to consider McCain. His value could fade once the Thunder gets healthy, but he figures to see consistent minutes right now.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever
Nate Garkow has received an invitation to big-league spring training this year, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. The 28-year-old had a solid 2025 season at High-A Vancouver and Double-A New Hampshire, going 4-0 with a 3.19 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 86 strikeouts, and 31 walks in 53 2/3 innings out of the bullpen. He also added three saves. Garkow went undrafted out of Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, but he's impressed in his two minor-league seasons so far, going 8-0 with a 2.78 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 120:42 K:BB in 77 2/3 innings of relief. He will most likely be a long shot to win an Opening Day bullpen spot in Toronto, but if Garkow continues to get results on the farm, he could make his major-league debut for the Jays this year in a low-leverage bullpen role.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
February 6, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (eye) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Hartenstein is back after sitting out Wednesday's game due to a corneal abrasion. He missed significant time due to a calf injury and has only played in three games since returning on January 29. During that span, Hartenstein is averaging 9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 21.0 minutes of action. The expectation is that he'll likely remain on a minutes restriction for Saturday's game. That will hurt his value in DFS contests, but fantasy managers in season-long formats can get Hartenstein active this weekend.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Chet Holmgren (back) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Holmgren sat out of Wednesday's contest for injury management reasons, but will return this weekend. He has been a key contributor for the Thunder this season. He's averaging 17.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 29.2 minutes per game this season. His return to the rotation will shift
Kenrich Williams back to the second unit. Fantasy managers can return the star big man to their lineups for Saturday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Texas Rangers right-handed pitching prospect
Emiliano Teodo is fully healthy entering the 2026 season and could be a "bullpen asset with three weapons," according to MLB.com. Teodo was limited to just 30 minor-league innings last year due to a shoulder impingement, posting a 7.20 ERA and 1.87 WHIP with 38 strikeouts and 29 walks at the Rookie level, Double-A Frisco, and Triple-A Round Rock. The 24-year-old was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2020 for just $10,000. Teodo features a 97-99 mph sinker that touches 102, a tight upper-80s slider that falls off the table, and an upper-80s changeup with fade and depth. The hard-throwing pitching prospect is a volatile stash in dynasty/keeper leagues because of his control issues, but his pure stuff could earn him a call-up to the big leagues for the first time in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward
Julius Randle (thumb) will play on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans. He is ready to show his former team what they are missing, shedding a questionable tag Randle picked up because of a sore left thumb. Impressively, Randle has yet to miss any games this season. He's had a great campaign in Minnesota, though Randle's numbers have dipped slightly over the last 10 games. He has notched 20.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over that span.
--Taavi PailkSource: Minnesota Timberwolves PR
February 6, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Bobby Portis (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Portis is back after missing each of the last two games due to a hip injury. The expectation is that he'll be a full-go and won't be limited after missing two games. This season, Portis is averaging 13.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 24.4 minutes per game. He has been playing more minutes lately, with 36 minutes or more in four of his last five games. Portis is looking like a solid streaming option ahead of Friday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: Tony East
February 6, 2026
New York Knicks guard/forward
Josh Hart (ankle) will suit up against the Detroit Pistons on Friday, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports. The versatile veteran is dealing with a sprained left ankle, but he is ready to play. New York listed Hart as questionable on the initial injury report before upgrading him to probable earlier in the day. Hart has averaged 12.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.0 steals across his last eight outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Stefan Bondy
February 6, 2026
Athletics outfield prospect
Junior Perez could be in the "running for a backup outfielder gig" at spring training this year, according to MLB.com. The A's aren't shy about fast-tracking young players, and Perez has impressive tools. The 24-year-old Dominican slashed .231/.348/.473 with an .821 OPS, 26 home runs, 87 RBI, 87 runs scored, and 27 stolen bases in 137 games with Double-A Midland and Triple-A Las Vegas in 2025 over 587 plate appearances. Perez walked 14.8% of the time, but the drawback was his 28.1% strikeout rate, which led to his low average at the plate. He also had a career-best contact rate (73.5%) and career-best swinging-strike rate (10.3%). The hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League may have inflated his counting stats, but nobody will argue that Perez doesn't have intriguing tools. In addition to his offensive skills, Perez is a good defender with a plus arm. He figures to get his first taste of the big leagues in another hitter-friendly ballpark in Sacramento in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
New York Knicks forward/center
Karl-Anthony Towns (eye) won't play on Friday against the Detroit Pistons, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports. Due to a right eye laceration, the Knicks listed Toews as questionable on the initial injury report. He was downgraded to doubtful earlier on Friday and has now been ruled out. His absence will likely give
Mitchell Robinson the starting center role, while
Ariel Hukporti will get a chance to log extended minutes off the bench. Whether Robinson starts or not, his stats have stayed about the same throughout the season. Towns' first chance to return will be on Sunday against the Boston Celtics.
--Taavi PailkSource: Stefan Bondy
February 6, 2026
Minnesota Twins left-handed pitching prospect
Connor Prielipp has the arsenal to start -- four-seam and two-seam fastballs, a slider, a changeup, and a curveball -- but he had thrown only 30 innings in the minors heading into last year since being drafted in 2022. Prielipp had Tommy John surgery back in 2021 and then needed an internal-brace procedure in July of 2023. The 25-year-old southpaw, who stands at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, recorded a 4.03 ERA and 1.51 WHIP with 98 strikeouts and 31 walks in 82 2/3 innings over 24 appearances (23 starts) in 2025 with Double-A Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul. It was encouraging that he got through a full season healthy, but his injury history could push the Twins to use him in shorter relief stints in 2026 if he's on the big-league roster. The former 48th overall pick struggled with control at Triple-A, but his 10.7 K/9 was encouraging. Prielipp is a pitching prospect to monitor in dynasty leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
Chicago Bulls point guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) won't be available on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets. A left hamstring strain will keep him off the floor for a sixth consecutive game. With
Tre Jones (hamstring) also out, the Bulls debuted a new-look backcourt against Toronto on Thursday. Newly acquired
Anfernee Simons and
Jaden Ivey both started, with the former scoring a team-high 22 points. Ivey made an impact with 13 points and six assists. The two look like solid fantasy options again for Saturday's action.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Cameron Johnson (knee) was upgraded to questionable on the injury report ahead of Saturday's clash against the Chicago Bulls. He is closing in on his return to the lineup, and Johnson's comeback would come at a great time for the Nuggets, who have just lost
Peyton Watson (hamstring) for several weeks. However, because he has not played since Dec. 23, Johnson will likely see limited minutes when he first comes back. Johnson has been inconsistent during his first year in Denver, averaging 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 30.6 minutes per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Kansas City Royals right-hander
Luinder Avila made his major-league debut last year for 13 relief appearances and thrived, posting a 1.29 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 16 strikeouts in 14 innings. The Royals see Avila as a potential starter down the road, but the team's rotation is too crowded going into the 2026 season. The 24-year-old could force the Royals' hand for another bullpen spot on Opening Day, though, if he continues to impress during spring training. The Venezuelan hurler primarily features an 82-85 mph curveball that generated whiffs on 50% of swings last year. He also has mid-90s fastballs (four-seamer and sinker), and an occasional 86-88 mph changeup. Before getting his first big-league call-up last year, Avila had a 5.01 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with 71 strikeouts and 26 walks in 59 1/3 innings over 17 outings (12 starts) for High-A Quad Cities and Triple-A Omaha. He's an intriguing pitching prospect to watch in dynasty/keeper leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic (ankle) is considered questionable for Saturday's meeting with the Chicago Bulls. After returning from a knee issue, Jokic has picked up an ankle injury. Since rejoining the lineup, Jokic has averaged 25.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 33.0 minutes per game. His absence on Saturday would open the door for extended minutes for
Jonas Valanciunas and
Zeke Nnaji, with the former set to move into the starting unit. As a starter this season, Valanciunas has pushed his productivity to 15.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (knee) doesn't have a timeline for his return, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. The former MVP is set to miss a third straight game on Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Curry has been dealing with "runner's knee" for a while. With Curry sidelined,
Gui Santos has made back-to-back starts, providing a little bit of everything. At the same time, backcourt players like
De'Anthony Melton and
Pat Spencer also have more fantasy appeal. They slotted into the starting lineup as well on Thursday against Phoenix, with Spencer producing a team-high 20 points.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Slater
February 6, 2026
New York Yankees right-hander
Cade Winquest, the team's Rule 5 pick from the St. Louis Cardinals, is trying to become the first Rule 5 pick to stick with the Yankees since Billy Parker in 1973. The 25-year-old former eighth-round pick in 2022 from the University of Texas at Arlington went 5-7 with a 3.99 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 110 strikeouts and 39 walks in 106 innings over 25 appearances (23 starts) with High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield last year in the Cardinals organization. Winquest relies mostly on a mid-90s fastball and a big-breaking upper-70s curveball. He has a 4.19 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 219:92 K:BB in 212 2/3 frames in his three seasons in the minor leagues. MLB.com lists Winquest as a candidate to make a push for an Opening Day roster spot this year, but fantasy managers in single-year leagues can ignore him for now.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
New York Knicks guard
Miles McBride (abdomen) will miss 6-8 weeks, SNY's Ian Begley reports. He could be out for the rest of the regular season following core muscle surgery. McBride's absence will leave the Knicks without an important rotational piece. The 25-year-old has averaged a career-high 12.9 points this season, along with 2.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists. However, the arrival of
Jose Alvarado from New Orleans will help fill the backcourt void.
Landry Shamet and
Jordan Clarkson could also be more involved in the rotation going forward.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ian Begley
February 6, 2026
Despite having only 14 2/3 innings of minor-league experience on his resume due to elbow and back injuries, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Spencer Miles could be a candidate to win an Opening Day bullpen spot if he impresses the coaching staff at spring training. The former fourth-rounder by the San Francisco Giants in 2022 out of Missouri went to Toronto in the Rule 5 draft primarily because of a mid-90s fastball, a high-spin curveball, a solid low-90s cutter, and an upper-80s changeup that he showed in the Arizona Fall League, according to MLB.com. Miles struck out 12 and only walked one in 8 2/3 frames in the AFL and has the stuff to make an impact at the big-league level. The lack of a track record probably makes him a long shot to be on the Opening Day roster, but the 25-year-old is a relief arm to keep an eye on in the Blue Jays' system in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Kyle Kuzma (calf) won't play on Friday against the Indiana Pacers. The team has ruled him out with left calf soreness. Milwaukee has also listed
Bobby Portis (hip) as questionable for the game, meaning the frontcourt could be thin on Friday night. As a result,
Jericho Sims and
Pete Nance could see extended minutes, while newly arrived
Ousmane Dieng will also be available against the Pacers. Additionally, there would be additional offensive touches available if Portis joins Kuzma on the shelf.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
The Boston Red Sox are still trying to make a "prospect-based trade for a legit bat," several sources told Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe. The Red Sox are looking for more offense despite already acquiring first baseman
Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals in December. They also spent $130 million on left-handed starter
Ranger Suarez, but adding more infield depth is a priority after third baseman
Alex Bregman departed in free agency. Given Boston's outfield depth, the team is likely focusing on adding either a second or third baseman in a potential trade. A trade package could center around pitching prospects
Payton Tolle or
Connelly Early, and their potential targets could include Astros infielder
Isaac Paredes, Cubs infielders
Nico Hoerner and
Matt Shaw, Nationals shortstop
CJ Abrams, or Mets infielders
Brett Baty and
Mark Vientos.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Boston Globe - Peter Abraham
February 6, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward/center
Domantas Sabonis (back) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. On Wednesday, Sabonis returned from a back problem against the Memphis Grizzlies, but he will be out again on Friday night. This will mark his third absence in four games.
Maxime Raynaud is set to return to the first unit against the Clippers, while fellow rookie
Dylan Cardwell should also see healthy minutes at the No. 5 spot. As a starter, Raynaud has provided 11.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 6, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers designated left-hander
Anthony Banda for assignment on Friday after claiming catcher
Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, according to MLB.com. Banda, 32, pitched for seven different organizations before latching on with the Dodgers in May of 2024. In his two seasons in L.A., he was very solid, going 8-3 with a 3.14 ERA (4.15 FIP), 1.23 WHIP, two saves, 111 strikeouts, and 52 walks in 114 2/3 innings over 119 appearances (three starts) during the regular season. He gave up just one run in eight innings during the team's championship run in 2024, although he struggled in the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. In his nine major-league seasons, Banda has a career 4.44 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, three saves, a 21.5% strikeout rate, and a 9.9% walk rate. He will most likely be claimed off waivers.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in four weeks, the team announced on Friday. Watson was injured in Wednesday's double-overtime loss to the New York Knicks and has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain. The injury will pause Watson's breakout season, as he is averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.0 steals. Watson's absence will improve the fantasy outlook for
Spencer Jones,
Bruce Brown, and
Tim Hardaway Jr. While Jones has held a regular starting role this season, Brown and Hardaway Jr. have more fantasy upside.
--Taavi PailkSource: Denver Nuggets
February 6, 2026
NFL.com's Matt Okada ranks the Kansas City Chiefs as No. 1 on his list of teams that are positioned to be hit the hardest by free agency in 2026. In addition to having 30 impending free agents (tied for fifth-most in the league), the Chiefs are projected to be $54.7 million over the salary cap this year. They are coming off a six-win season (fewest wins since 2012), and superstar quarterback
Patrick Mahomes (knee) is recovering from a torn ACL. The most notable Chiefs players scheduled to hit free agency are tight end
Travis Kelce (retirement is a possibility), starting defensive backs Jaylen Watson and Bryan Cook, pass-rusher Charles Omenihu, running backs
Isiah Pacheco and
Kareem Hunt, and a good chunk of their receivers. To save cap space, the Chiefs could cut starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor, but it's not an ideal move for a team looking to shore up their offensive line. If anyone can work magic, it would be general manager Brett Veach, but things are looking bleak for KC after they missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL.com - Matt Okada
February 6, 2026
Free-agent right-handed reliever
Scott Barlow and the Athletics agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract on Friday that includes $1.3 million in performance bonuses, a source told Robert Murray of FanSided.com. Barlow was originally a sixth-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011, and he made his major-league debut in 2018. He spent the first five years of his career in KC before bouncing around with the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, and Cincinnati Reds for the last three years. In a career-high 75 outings (one start) with the Reds last year, the 33-year-old veteran held a 4.21 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, one save, 75 strikeouts, and a career-high 45 walks in 68 1/3 innings. He'll immediately become the most experienced reliever in Sacramento in terms of career saves (59), but he hasn't had a sub-4.00 ERA since 2022 and could be involved in a closer-by-committee situation in one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in the majors.
--Keith HernandezSource: FanSided.com - Robert Murray
February 6, 2026
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the presumptive first overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, said on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday that throwing at the NFL scouting combine isn't a "priority" and that he's more focused on throwing at his school's pro day to help out "his guys." Mendoza previously said he would attend the combine, which takes place in Indianapolis from Feb. 23 to March, but he wouldn't participate in any drills. The 22-year-old won the Heisman Trophy in 2025 and led the Hoosiers to the national title during an undefeated season. He is the overwhelming favorite to be taken first overall in April by the Las Vegas Raiders. Mendoza completed 72% percent of his passes last year for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions, adding 276 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder probably won't be much of a runner at the next level, but he has all the other attributes to make him a franchise QB in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
February 6, 2026
South Dakota head coach Travis Johansen is leaving the program to become the defensive coordinator at Rutgers, according to On3's Pete Nakos. Johansen spent just one season with the Coyotes, posting a 10-5 record and a trip to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs. He has nine years of collegiate experience as a defensive coordinator at Grand View and South Dakota. Last season, the Scarlet Knights ranked last in the Big Ten in total defense (432.8 YPG) and tied for second-to-last in points per game allowed (31.8). Johansen will be tasked with turning the defense around in a hurry to help Rutgers be more competitive in the conference next season.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Nakos - On3Sports
February 6, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams are adding former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to their coaching staff under head coach Sean McVay, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Kingsbury and McVay are close and have talked about working together for a full season, and Kingsbury wants to continue to grow as a coach and learn more about what it takes to be a head coach in the NFL again. Kingsbury and the Commanders parted ways early in the offseason, and he was in consideration for a couple of head-coach openings, but nothing materialized. He will now head to Hollywood and learn under the best in the business in McVay. It's unclear exactly what role Kingsbury will fill for the Rams, but it is interesting since previous offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur left for the Cardinals' head-coaching job. Regardless, the already potent Rams offense will have another bright offensive mind on its staff in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
February 6, 2026
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Alec Pierce had arguably the best season of his young career in 2025, recording 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns across 15 games played. Pierce remains one of the NFL's most dangerous downfield threats, as he averaged 21.3 yards per reception in 2025 and has led the league in that stat for two years running. However, the 25-year-old also showed signs of becoming a more consistent feature of the Colts' offense this past year. After averaging 4.3 targets per game over the first three seasons of his career, Pierce averaged 5.6 targets per contest in 2025. Pierce is now set to hit unrestricted free agency this spring, but it appears Indianapolis will be looking to bring him back after trading away 2024 second-round wide receiver
Adonai Mitchell in the middle of the 2025 season. With the Colts, Pierce profiles as the team's WR2, a role he has proven he can produce in. He may never be an ultra-high volume target earner, but Pierce's fantasy value in dynasty formats should be on the rise after 2025, particularly in leagues that use half and non-PPR scoring.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
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