January 22, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) was upgraded from probable to available on the injury report and will play on Thursday against the Washington Wizards. Gordon is a mainstay on Denver's injury report, but he has missed only one of the last eight games. He has logged 30-plus minutes in each of his last five appearances, which is another pleasing fact for fantasy managers. On Saturday, Gordon nearly had his third career triple-double in a home game against the Wizards, finishing with eight points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) has been downgraded to doubtful ahead of Thursday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Mitchell was tagged as questionable earlier in the day due to a left shoulder bruise. He has now been downgraded to doubtful, so fantasy managers should prepare to be without Mitchell. The Heat are already without
Tyler Herro (rib), so losing Mitchell is going to put them in a bad spot. It would likely mean significant minutes for
Pelle Larsson,
Kasparas Jakucionis, and
Dru Smith in the rotation. Among the trio, Larsson is the best streaming choice ahead of Thursday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Julius Randle (foot) has been upgraded to active for Thursday's clash with the Chicago Bulls. Randle is dealing with foot soreness and was added to the team's injury report late, but he has since been cleared to play. Fantasy managers should expect the 31-year-old to still be a big part of the team's offensive attack despite the foot pain. He's played in all 44 Wolves games this campaign, averaging 22.4 points, 5.4 assists, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 33.7 minutes per outing.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Timberwolves PR
January 22, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (hip) will be active on Thursday against the Washington Wizards. He will make his sixth consecutive appearance after the team listed him as probable on the initial injury report. Murray has been on fire lately, averaging 29.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 9.1 assists in January. The two teams met last weekend, and Murray stole the show with a 42-point performance, shooting 5-for-8 from downtown. He also had six assists, three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Norman Powell (back) has been downgraded from probable to questionable ahead of Thursday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Powell was a late addition to the injury report due to lower back tightness. It seems like the team is going to wait and see how he feels during warmups before making a final decision. If he sits,
Pelle Larsson and
Nikola Jovic would likely see larger roles in the rotation. Between the two, Larsson is the better streaming option ahead of Thursday's game. The second-year guard finished with 16 points, nine assists, and six rebounds during Tuesday's game. He's bringing enough to the table to warrant streaming while the Heat are banged up right now.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (calf) is expected to play against the Washington Wizards on Thursday. The veteran center sustained a right calf strain against Toronto on New Year's Eve and was initially due to miss at least four weeks. With
Nikola Jokic (knee) still out, the Nuggets could use Valanciunas to bolster their frontcourt during tonight's tilt. If he does indeed return, the 33-year-old would provide much-needed support to
Aaron Gordon (hamstring), who has recently filled in at center.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Bennett Durando
January 22, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (upper body) is questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Edmonton Oilers. He is dealing with an upper-body injury and missed Wednesday's win over the Calgary Flames after being a game-time decision. Jack St. Ivany came into the lineup and impressed with two assists in a 4-1 win. Ryan Shea, who took Letang's spot on the first power-play unit, made an impact as well with one assist. Brett Kulak also saw power-play time, while Parker Wotherspoon led the blue line in ice time with 22:14. The entire defensive unit must step up again on Thursday night if Letang remains out. Pittsburgh's defense has also recently operated without Erik Karlsson (lower body), who missed a fifth consecutive game on Wednesday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 22, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks forwards Frank Nazar (face) and Andre Burakovsky (illness) will hop back into the lineup on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes. Nazar has missed 14 games after taking a puck to the face, while Burakovsky wasn't available for Monday's win over the Winnipeg Jets due to illness. During the morning skate, Nazar worked as the second-line center, and Burakovsky joined Ryan Greene and Connor Bedard on the first line. The duo will also strengthen Chicago's power-play units. Nazar has managed 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 33 appearances this season. Burakovsky is Chicago's third-highest scorer, with 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 43 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 22, 2026
Charlotte Hornets PR announced that Charlotte Hornets forward
Grant Williams (knee) won't suit up against the Orlando Magic on Thursday due to right knee injury management. Williams has played in five games this season since recovering from an ACL tear that kept him out of action since November 2024. With Williams sidelined,
Josh Green and
Sion James could land expanded roles in the Hornets frontcourt during tonight's clash.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Charlotte Hornets PR
January 22, 2026
The FBI is investigating the death of Jim Irsay, the former owner of the Indianapolis Colts. Irsay died on May 25, 2025, due to cardiac arrest while vacationing in Beverly Hills at the age of 65. The FBI recently began investigating the cause of his death after obtaining a federal grand jury subpoena requesting records on his death, substance use, and his relationship with his addiction recovery specialist, Dr. Harry Haroutunian. Haroutunian oversaw Irsay's health before his passing. Haroutunian has assisted Irsay with his many battles with substance abuse and was responsible for giving him opioid prescriptions and a ketamine injection shortly after his relapse, which he suffered months before his death. Irsay's father, Robert Irsay, became the owner of the Colts in a trade in which he sent the Rams' ownership rights to Carroll Rosenbloom in exchange for the Colts. Currently, Irsay's daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, serve as co-owners of the franchise, with Carlie serving as CEO.
--Andy SmithSource: The Washington Post
January 22, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is set to rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Dallas Stars. Marchment hasn't played for eight games due to an upper-body injury. He is projected to have a top-line role against Dallas, skating with Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko. Marchment is also on track to join the first power-play unit. The 30-year-old, who was acquired from Seattle on Dec. 19, has been a perfect fit in Columbus. He has recorded five goals and two assists in seven outings with his new team.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 22, 2026
Montreal Canadiens winger Alexandre Texier (lower body) remains day-to-day and won't play on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres. A lower-body injury will keep him out for a second consecutive game. Texier's next chance to return will be on Saturday in an Original Six matchup against the Boston Bruins. In the meantime, Kirby Dach will continue in a top-line role. He ended a 31-game absence on Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild, logging 16:46 of ice time. Although Dach went pointless, he still made an impact in a 4-3 victory with three blocked shots, one hit, and two shots on goal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 22, 2026
Houston Rockets guard
Aaron Holiday (back) won't suit up against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. Holiday was unable to shed a questionable tag and will sit out tonight's contest due to back spasms. The 29-year-old guard has struggled to make his mark in fantasy, averaging 6.0 points in 14.0 minutes per contest across 30 outings so far this campaign.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Minnesota Wild forwards Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body) and Marcus Johansson (lower body) skated on Thursday morning and could return to the lineup against the Detroit Red Wings. Eriksson Ek has sat out six games due to a lower-body injury and must be activated from Injured Reserve to return. Johansson has been dealing with a lower-body injury as well, missing three games. If they are ready to return, Eriksson Ek and Johansson are expected to join the second line and link up with Vladimir Tarasenko, who has been red-hot lately. Over the last four games, Tarasenko has notched five goals and three assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 22, 2026
Ottawa Senators winger David Perron will be out for 5-7 weeks because of a sports hernia that will require surgery. Stephen Halliday will replace Perron in the lineup on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. Perron has been hot offensively in recent games, posting two goals and two assists in four appearances. For the season, he has totaled 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 49 contests. If Perron can recover in five weeks, he could be back in the Senators lineup right after the Olympic break. Halliday has contributed six assists in 18 NHL appearances this season. He has been a point-per-game player in the AHL.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 22, 2026
San Antonio Spurs center
Luke Kornet (adductor) won't play against the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Kornet is dealing with left adductor tightness. His next chance to suit up is Sunday versus New Orleans. The 30-year-old big man has played in 36 games this campaign, averaging 8.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 24.3 minutes per contest. With Kornet out of action this evening, 36-year-old veteran
Kelly Olynyk will likely jump back into the rotation and backup star center
Victor Wembanyama.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen (illness) won't play on Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He will miss a second straight game due to illness after being a late scratch on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins. The Stars have struggled in 2026, and Rantanen's absence is a big blow for the team. Rantanen ranks sixth in the league with 63 points (19 goals, 44 assists) in 48 appearances. Mavrik Bourque is expected to continue in a first-line role on Thursday night. He made a big impact on Tuesday, contributing a power-play goal and an even-strength assist in a 6-2 win.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 22, 2026
Across 17 games in the 2025 regular season, Seattle Seahawks tight end
AJ Barner set career-highs across the board with 52 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns on 68 targets. However, the 23-year-old was held without a catch and earned zero targets in Seattle's NFC Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. Barner may also see a drop in playing time in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. Seahawks tight end
Elijah Arroyo (knee), who has been on Injured Reserve since Week 14 due to a knee injury, has returned to full practice participation and may be nearing his return. It's worth noting that Barner performed well in the regular season against the Rams, hauling in 14 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets across two matchups. Still, it may be difficult for him to repeat his success, given that Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) will likely be playing through an oblique injury. Given his underwhelming outing in the Divisional Round and the uncertain situation around him in Seattle, Barner may be a player for fantasy managers to avoid on Sunday.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
Washington Wizards forward/center
Marvin Bagley III (illness) won't suit up against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. Bagley is under the weather and will be held out of tonight's contest. The 26-year-old big man is averaging 10.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 19.3 minutes per contest across 36 outings so far this season. Washington's frontcourt will also be without
Tristan Vukcevic (hamstring), so
Alexandre Sarr, with extended minutes, could make some noise in fantasy during tonight's tilt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Cooper Kupp had one of the least impactful regular seasons of his career in 2025, recording 47 receptions for 593 yards and two touchdowns on 70 targets across 16 games. However, the 32-year-old had one of his better performances in Seattle's NFC Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, hauling in five catches for 60 yards on five targets. Kupp's numbers may not jump off the page, but they are made more impressive when considering that Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) threw for just 124 yards on 17 pass attempts in the team's 41-6 win. In the NFC Championship Game, Kupp will face the organization he spent the first eight years of his career with in the Los Angeles Rams. Kupp was held in check by the Rams in the regular season, recording six catches for 62 yards on 11 targets across two matchups. Still, Kupp played his highest snap share of the season (93% of offensive snaps) in the most recent meeting between the two teams in Week 16. Between the revenge-game motivation and Kupp's encouraging Divisional Round performance, he could be in for a big game in the NFC Championship.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
New England Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye has led his team to victory in each of his first two postseason starts, completing 58.9% of his pass attempts for 447 yards and four touchdowns along the way. However, ball security has been a major concern for the 23-year-old, as he has taken 10 sacks, thrown two interceptions, and fumbled six times (three of which were lost). Maye will now face a difficult matchup in the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos. Denver's defense finished the regular season ranked second in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.1) and first in sacks (68). In the Divisional Round, the Broncos' defense forced Buffalo Bills quarterback
Josh Allen to commit four turnovers. Additionally, Denver's offense is working with backup quarterback
Jarrett Stidham, which could lead New England to lean into a run-heavy and conservative offensive approach. As a result, Maye could be a player for fantasy managers to avoid on Sunday.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford did enough to lead his team to victory, but did not have his best performance in the Divisional Round against the Chicago Bears. The 37-year-old completed 20 of 42 pass attempts (47.6%) for 258 yards without finding the end zone, and also took four sacks. However, it's worth noting that Stafford was playing through a sprained right index finger. The veteran quarterback has been removed from the injury report heading into his NFC Championship Game matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, so he may now be feeling closer to 100%. The Seahawks fielded one of the NFL's best pass defenses during the regular season, but Stafford was the one quarterback they seemingly could not contain. Across the two regular-season matchups between the two teams, Stafford completed 44 of 77 pass attempts for 587 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Particularly given his improved health status, Stafford profiles as a high-end quarterback option for fantasy managers on Sunday.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) is currently battling an oblique injury as his team prepares to host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game. The 28-year-old reportedly plans to play through the ailment, just as he did in Seattle's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. However, Darnold did not have to do much in the 41-6 win over San Francisco, completing 12 of 17 pass attempts for 124 yards and one touchdown. Darnold struggled in his two regular-season matchups against the Rams, throwing a combined six interceptions and taking four sacks. Dating back to the regular season, the dominant Seahawks' defense has held six of its last seven opponents to 16 points or fewer. Given Darnold's health status, Seattle may look to lean on its defense and run game to get past Los Angeles. Fantasy managers may want to avoid starting Darnold against the Rams.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) was a late addition to his team's injury report ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Trail Blazers. Mitchell missed two games with a shoulder contusion before returning Monday and playing 25 minutes against the Warriors. He also played on Tuesday against the Kings, logging 19 minutes, but apparently the shoulder is still an issue, since he is uncertain to be able to give it a go on Thursday. With
Tyler Herro (ribs) out, there should be plenty of work for Mitchell if he can play through the injury, but if not,
Dru Smith and
Kasparas Jakucionis are candidates to fill in at point guard for the Heat's injury-depleted starting five.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
The Washington Nationals acquired right-hander Alejandro Rosario (elbow), third baseman Gavin Fien, shortstop Devin Fitz-Gerald, first baseman
Abimelec Ortiz, and outfielder Yeremy Cabrera from the Texas Rangers on Thursday in exchange for left-hander
MacKenzie Gore, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Rosario, 24, was considered Texas' No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The former fifth-rounder out of Miami delayed having Tommy John surgery for almost an entire year after missing the 2025 campaign in the minor leagues. It means that Rosario will miss two full seasons, but the Nationals were still interested in the right-hander. In 18 outings (17 starts) for Single-A Down East and High-A Hickory in 2024, he had a 2.24 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a 129:13 K:BB in 88 1/3 innings on the farm. Rosario has the upside of a front-line starter, but his development has been delayed due to his elbow injury.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
January 22, 2026
Miami Heat center
Kel'el Ware (hamstring) was downgraded from questionable to out for his team's Thursday night game in Portland. He also missed Tuesday's game against the Kings, and he's likely day-to-day at this point since no clear timetable has been given. With Ware missing a second straight game, the Heat will most likely go small, using
Bam Adebayo more at center and giving more playing time to
Nikola Jovic. Ware's next chance to return will be Saturday in Utah, which would be a great fantasy matchup for him if he's available.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Julius Randle (foot) was a mid-day addition to the injury report for his team's home game against the Bulls on Thursday. Randle is dealing with foot soreness, and if he's ruled out,
Naz Reid would likely step into even more work off the bench and be a great play against the Bulls in a smash spot for the Timberwolves frontcourt.
Rudy Gobert could also get a little more work if Randle is sidelined and be a good option in this contest. Check back to see if Randle can play through the issue Thursday night, but the team will likely be cautious with Randle since he has been such a big part of their offense this season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
The Washington Nationals are acquiring infield prospect Gavin Fien, the 12th overall pick in the 2025 MLB draft, and four other players from the Texas Rangers on Thursday in exchange for left-hander
MacKenzie Gore, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Before the trade, Fien was considered the Rangers' No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Nats will also receive Alejando Rosario,
Abimelec Ortiz, Devin Fitz-Gerald, and Yeremy Cabrera. The 18-year-old Fien hit .220/.267/.341 with seven RBI and four runs scored in 45 plate appearances at Single-A in 2025 in his first taste of pro ball. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder hits from the right side and has a quick swing that gives him plus raw power. Fien was drafted as a shortstop, but scouts believe he'll profile better as a third baseman long term.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
January 22, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) will not play Thursday in his team's first game back after two international matchups against the Grizzlies over the last week. Wagner was sidelined for over a month due to a sprained left ankle before returning for the games in Germany and London, but he won't be ready for Thursday's game in Orlando. With Wagner out again on Thursday,
Tristan da Silva seems to be the most likely choice to replace him in the starting five. In his 13 starts, Da Silva has averaged 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 26.3 minutes per game.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
The Texas Rangers are acquiring left-hander
MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals on Thursday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Nationals will receive third baseman Gavin Fien, the 12th overall pick last year out of high school. Gore was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his third year in D.C., going 5-15 with a 4.17 ERA (3.74 FIP), 1.35 WHIP, career-high 185 strikeouts, and 64 walks in 30 starts over 159 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old southpaw looked like he was on his way to becoming a high-end fantasy starter in the first half, with a 3.02 ERA and 11.3 K/9 in his first 19 outings. But then everything fell apart, and Gore had a rough 6.75 ERA in his final 11 starts while also missing some time with ankle and shoulder injuries. Gore's strikeout upside gives him a decent floor, and the potential for more wins in Texas should raise his ADP going into the 2026 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
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