April 9, 2026
Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (knee) is expected to return to the lineup on Friday against the Sacramento Kings, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reports. Golden State will begin a back-to-back on Thursday night against the Lakers, and Curry has been ruled out for that game. However, Steve Kerr told reporters at his pre-game press conference that Curry will be available for Friday's action. The team also hopes to have
Kristaps Porzingis (illness, knee) and
Al Horford (calf) back in the mix against the Kings. Since returning from a knee injury, Curry has made two bench appearances, averaging 23.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 steals in 25.5 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: Brett Siegel
April 9, 2026
Golden State Warriors point guard LJ Cryer (illness) has been cleared to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. He is available after missing two games due to illness. Cryer is expected to see an increased workload on Thursday night, with
Stephen Curry (knee) sitting out this one. The 24-year-old has flashed potential recently, scoring double-digit points in six of his last eight appearances. Still, it's hard to trust a player whose recent work also includes a couple of zero-point efforts.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Golden State Warriors center
Charles Bassey (ankle) will play on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been cleared to play despite a left ankle sprain. Golden State listed Bassey as questionable on the initial injury report, then upgraded him to probable earlier on Thursday.
Kristaps Porzingis (illness, knee),
Al Horford (calf), and
Quinten Post (foot) are all out against the Lakers, so Bassey should play a significant role. He had a solid 14-point, 12-rebound outing on Tuesday night against Sacramento and could be a double-double threat again.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Gui Santos (pelvis) will miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Warriors have downgraded Santos' status from questionable to out. He is dealing with a right pelvic contusion, and it's unclear whether we will see Santos again during the regular season. Golden State will have two more games to go after Thursday night, facing Sacramento on Friday and the Clippers on Sunday. With Santos,
Stephen Curry (knee), and
Kristaps Porzingis (illness, knee) sidelined against the Lakers,
Brandin Podziemski,
De'Anthony Melton, and
Pat Spencer are expected to shoulder most of the offensive load.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves center
Rudy Gobert (rest) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Houston Rockets. Gobert will miss his second straight game for rest purposes. The Wolves are playing it safe with the veteran center ahead of the postseason. His next chance to play will come during Sunday's regular-season finale against the New Orleans Pelicans. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Wolves hold out Gobert until the postseason.
Naz Reid should take on a larger role once again with Gobert hitting the bench. His fantasy value will see a boost until Gobert is back in the mix.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Houston Rockets forward
Tari Eason (illness) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Eason carried a questionable tag into this game, but he is feeling good enough to suit up. He finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three steals across 31 minutes during Tuesday's game. He has been a consistent contributor this season, so fantasy managers should be able to continue to rely on him. Fantasy managers can get Eason active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Josh Okogie and
Jae'Sean Tate should play their regular roles with Eason active.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Kobe Brown (back) is ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Brown was forced to exit early during Tuesday's game due to a back issue. He's not feeling 100 percent yet, but fantasy managers should check back for another update ahead of Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. His absence should mean larger roles for
Jarace Walker,
Obi Toppin, and
Jalen Slawson. Walker likely has the highest upside among the three players ahead of Thursday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Ben Sheppard (hip) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. This marks the third game in a row that Sheppard has missed due to a lingering hip issue. His next chance to play will come on Friday, so fantasy managers should check for another update ahead of that contest.
Quenton Jackson and
Ethan Thompson should see a boost in playing time with Sheppard sidelined. Jackson is the better fantasy option between the two, with 10 or more points scored in three of his last five games.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Jarace Walker (hip) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Walker is dealing with a hip issue, but it won't be enough to hold him out of this contest. He finished with 11 points, five assists, and six rebounds across 28 minutes of action during Tuesday's game. Given the injuries to this roster, Walker is likely going to continue playing significant minutes over the final few games of the regular season. He's usually a consistent enough contributor to be trusted as a DFS option ahead of Thursday's game.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
According to Zack Cox of the Boston Herald, Boston Celtics forward
Sam Hauser (back) is available for Thursday's matchup against the New York Knicks. Lower-back spasms won't keep him out, as this will be his 26th consecutive appearance. Hauser has been a regular starter for Boston in 2026, averaging 10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists since joining the first unit. The 28-year-old could see an increased role with
Jaylen Brown (Achilles) sidelined tonight.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Zack Cox
April 9, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Collin Sexton (finger) is expected to suit up for Thursday's matchup against the Washington Wizards. Sexton was previously listed as probable due to a right finger injury but has since been cleared to play. He profiles as a solid streaming option and should see increased usage tonight, especially given his recent play. Over his last nine games, he is averaging 19.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.8 steals in 27.6 minutes per contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
According to Taylor Snow of the Boston Celtics' official site, center
Neemias Queta (toe) will play against the New York Knicks on Thursday. Despite dealing with a toe sprain, the 26-year-old is set to suit up. Fortunately,
Derrick White (knee) is also available after previously being listed as questionable, as
Jaylen Brown (Achilles) is on the shelf. Queta has been on a strong run recently, averaging 16.3 points and 8.3 rebounds across 30.3 minutes per game over his last four outings.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Taylor Snow
April 9, 2026
According to Taylor Snow of the Boston Celtics' official site, guard
Derrick White (knee) is available for Thursday's matchup with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Despite dealing with a right knee contusion, he has been cleared to play tonight. The 31-year-old should be considered a strong fantasy option with an increased offensive role, especially with
Jaylen Brown (Achilles) on the shelf.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Taylor Snow
April 9, 2026
Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman (personal) will miss Thursday's encounter with the Colorado Avalanche. The team is in the midst of a six-game road trip, but Coleman has returned home for the birth of his son. Coleman has been among Calgary's top goal-scorers this season, finding the back of the net 19 times with 166 attempts on net. In 65 outings, he has also contributed 14 assists, while logging a team-best plus-13 rating. John Beecher will play instead of Coleman on Thursday, but he isn't expected to make a fantasy impact. Victor Olofsson will also rejoin the frontline against his former team, with Martin Pospisil sitting as a healthy scratch.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 9, 2026
Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (knee) is unavailable for Thursday's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. The two-time MVP has just returned from a knee injury, but he will have the first leg of a back-to-back off for injury maintenance. Curry should be back in action on Friday against Sacramento.
Pat Spencer and
Brandin Podziemski will likely take on extended minutes in Curry's absence.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield (undisclosed) will play on Thursday night against the Vancouver Canucks. It was initially unclear whether Byfield would be available for the matchup after he missed Wednesday's practice. The 23-year-old is trying to record his third straight 50-point campaign in 2025-26, but he will have to improve his scoring form in the final games to achieve it. In 74 games, Byfield has tallied 20 goals and 24 assists. Thursday's clash against the NHL's worst team is a great opportunity for Byfield to make up some ground. He will center the second line and the second power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 9, 2026
Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (forearm) will rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Florida Panthers. He broke his right forearm on March 23 and was expected to be out for 4-8 weeks following surgery three days later. Yet Chabot has been cleared to play after just two weeks. Jordan Spence's fantasy value takes a hit with Chabot's return, as he won't be part of either power-play unit going forward. Chabot has been a busy man for the Senators, totaling 31 points (seven goals, 24 assists) and 108 blocks in 55 appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 9, 2026
Boston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown (Achilles) will miss Thursday's matchup against the New York Knicks. He will sit out the first leg of a back-to-back due to left Achilles tendinitis.
Derrick White (knee) is also listed as questionable, meaning Boston could be without two of its top scorers.
Jayson Tatum could be in line for an increased offensive workload as he returns to the arena where he tore his Achilles tendon last year.
Payton Pritchard and
Nikola Vucevic could also take on expanded roles, especially if White is ultimately ruled out.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitching prospect
Trey Yesavage (shoulder) allowed four earned runs while walking one and striking out six in 2 2/3 innings on Thursday in his minor-league rehab start for Single-A Dunedin, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Yesavage threw 34 of his 52 pitches for strikes. All four of the runs he allowed came on a string of singles in the first inning. Most importantly, Yesavage's velocity held firm, and his command was solid. The Blue Jays should announce a plan for the next step in his rehab on Friday. In his first rehab start with Dunedin, the 22-year-old allowed an earned run while walking one and striking out three in 2 2/3 innings. Yesavage slightly increased his workload, so he'll most likely be asked to make another rehab start or two before the Jays clear him to rejoin the big-league rotation. The prized young arm will be a fixture in Toronto's rotation for years to come, but they are going to slow-play him back into the big leagues in 2026 after a quick rise to the majors last year and an extended workload going deep into the postseason. He needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues for his high-end upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
April 9, 2026
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (undisclosed) has been ruled out for the rest of the season. He is set to undergo a procedure to fix an unspecified injury. New Jersey faces four more games, starting with Thursday's clash against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hughes will finish the campaign with 35 points (six goals, 29 assists), 150 SOG, and 52 blocks in 68 games. His absence will boost Simon Nemec's fantasy stock late in the season. He is expected to skate on the first power-play unit in Thursday's game. Dennis Cholowski will fill the void in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 9, 2026
The Miami Marlins are calling up first baseman
Deyvison De Los Santos from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, a source told Kevin Barral of Fish On First. The move comes with outfielder
Griffin Conine (knee) likely to land on the 10-day injured list after injuring his left knee while diving for a ball in the outfield in Thursday's win over the Cincinnati Reds. It will be the second time that the 22-year-old is with the Marlins in 2026, as he went 1-for-2 with a double in a short stint with the Fish earlier in April. He will compete for at-bats in Miami between first base and designated hitter, but he's unlikely to play enough to generate any real interest from fantasy managers in mixed leagues. Raw power is De Los Santos' calling card, but his poor defensive play and issues making contact will need to improve for him to have a chance at more playing time down the road in the big leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Fish On First - Kevin Barral
April 9, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner (eye) will return to the crease on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils. Last weekend, Skinner was struck near his left eye by a puck when he was serving as a backup goalie in a game. Luckily for Pittsburgh, the incident didn't result in a serious injury for Skinner, and he is ready to help the team on Thursday. Skinner has posted an 11-8-5 record since joining the Penguins in December, allowing 2.99 goals with a .886 save percentage. This isn't a great matchup for Skinner, as the Devils' offense has significantly improved late in the season, averaging 3.72 goals per game since March.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 9, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander
Brandon Sproat is no longer listed among the team's probable starters for this weekend's series against the Washington Nationals, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Right-hander
Chad Patrick is scheduled to start on Friday, followed by lefty
Kyle Harrison on Saturday, and veteran right-hander
Brandon Woodruff on Sunday in the series finale. Sproat was originally scheduled to take the mound for his next start on Saturday. It's unclear exactly why Milwaukee will skip the 25-year-old, but it probably has something to do with his 14.85 ERA through 6 2/3 innings in his first two appearances (one start) with the team this year. In addition to allowing 11 runs, Sproat has walked as many as he's struck out (seven) in his first couple of games after being included in the offseason trade that sent starting pitcher
Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets. If Sproat isn't injured, the Brewers might just be taking advantage of Thursday's off day to push him back and give him more time to make some adjustments before his next outing.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
April 9, 2026
According to Tim Bontemps of ESPN, the Philadelphia 76ers announced that center
Joel Embiid (appendicitis) is undergoing emergency surgery in Houston on Thursday after being diagnosed with appendicitis a few hours before the team's matchup with the Rockets. It's unclear when the 32-year-old big man will be able to return to the floor. With Embiid sidelined,
Adem Bona and
Andre Drummond should handle the bulk of the minutes at center over the final stretch of the regular season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Tim Bontemps
April 9, 2026
Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri (finger) could be done for the rest of the regular season. He injured a finger in Tuesday's win over St. Louis, and Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said Kadri "will miss some games." Since rejoining Colorado from Calgary, Kadri has made 16 appearances for the Avalanche, recording nine points (four goals, five assists). Joel Kiviranta is expected to replace Kadri on the third line against Calgary on Thursday night. Zakhar Bardakov could also see some action while Kadri is on the mend.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
April 9, 2026
Athletics left-hander
J.T. Ginn will make the start in Friday's series opener against the New York Mets, according to MLB.com's Martin Gallegos. Ginn will be the first man up to take over
Luis Morales' spot in the team's starting rotation. The 26-year-old former second-rounder by the Mets in 2020 out of Mississippi State has made three relief appearances for the A's so far in 2026 and has allowed four earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out four in seven innings of work. In his three MLB seasons, Ginn has recorded a 4.87 ERA (4.46 FIP), 1.34 WHIP, and 132:42 K:BB in 131 1/3 innings over 34 appearances (22 starts). He's been worse as a starter, posting a 5.04 ERA with a 1.40 WHIP and 105 strikeouts in 105 1/3 innings pitched. Against the Mets to kick off the weekend, fantasy managers should be looking to avoid Ginn as a deep-league or DFS streamer.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
April 9, 2026
Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones (foot) will be unavailable for the final few games of the regular season, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports. He suffered a broken bone in his foot during Tuesday's loss to Montreal. Earlier in the season, Jones missed time due to an upper-body injury and will finish the campaign with only 52 appearances. He posted 32 points (seven goals, 25 assists), 88 SOG, 61 blocks, and 47 hits. The Panthers' blue line has already been without Dmitry Kulikov (finger), Aaron Ekblad (finger), Uvis Balinskis (foot), and Niko Mikkola (lower body) to end the year. Mike Benning is a major beneficiary of the injury crisis and will join the first power-play unit on Thursday against Ottawa.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jameson Olive
April 9, 2026
Athletics outfielder
Brent Rooker (side) will undergo further testing on Friday morning after being pulled early from Thursday's 1-0 win in the Bronx over the New York Yankees, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Rooker said he's feeling "alright" with some tightness and soreness in his right side after taking an aggressive swing in the first inning. If it's an oblique injury for the 31-year-old veteran, he will almost certainly require a trip to the 10-day injured list, and he could end up missing several weeks. Rooker entered Thursday's game hitting just .150 (6-for-40) with two home runs, eight RBI, four runs scored, and two stolen bases in his first 11 games of 2026, and he went 0-for-1 in his only plate appearance on Thursday before being pulled. If Rooker lands on the IL, he will be a must-stash player due to his high-end power upside at one of the most hitter-friendly home ballparks in Sacramento.
Carlos Cortes figures to be the biggest beneficiary on the A's in terms of playing time if Rooker requires a stint on the IL.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
April 9, 2026
Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever
Carlos Estevez (foot) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Thursday, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. After an abysmal start to the 2026 season, the Royals placed Estevez on the 15-day injured list last Wednesday with a left-foot contusion that he suffered when he was struck by a comebacker. The 33-year-old veteran Dominican hurler was showing decreased velocity this spring, and it continued into the start of the regular season. In just one-third of an inning pitched in his only outing of the year before going on the shelf, Estevez allowed six earned runs on four hits (one grand slam) while walking two and striking out none. The two-time All-Star had a league-high 42 saves in his first year in KC in 2025, but there were underlying signs that his stuff was in decline.
Lucas Erceg has stepped up as the Royals' closer, and he may not relinquish the title, even when Estevez is cleared to return from the IL.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
April 9, 2026
Detroit Tigers outfielder
Parker Meadows (head) was carted off the field in the eighth inning at Target Field on Thursday after a scary collision in the outfield with left fielder
Riley Greene, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Meadows was sitting up and was alert as he was being carted off, but he'll surely be put through the league's concussion protocol and could end up landing on the seven-day concussion injured list. The 26-year-old came into Thursday's game hitting .273 (9-for-33) with two RBI, three runs scored, and three stolen bases in his first 11 games, and he went 0-for-3 with a strikeout on Thursday before being pulled from the game.
Matt Vierling could see the biggest playing time bump in Detroit if Meadows is forced to the IL. At the very least, we wouldn't expect Meadows to be back in the starting lineup in Friday's series opener at Comerica Park against the visiting Miami Marlins.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Jason Beck
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