April 4, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in 34 minutes during Friday's 115-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The former MVP shot just 6-of-17 from the field but still delivered strong category production with his all-around stat line. Embiid remains an elite fantasy anchor whenever active thanks to his scoring, rebounding, and defensive impact, though availability remains the main concern for fantasy managers.
Tyrese Maxey,
Paul George (knee), and
VJ Edgecombe should continue handling larger offensive roles when Embiid sits or is limited.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
Atlanta Hawks guard
CJ McCollum totaled 25 points, seven assists, and four three-pointers in 25 minutes during Friday's 141-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets. He shot 8-of-12 from the field and provided efficient scoring and playmaking. Over his last five games, McCollum has averaged 18.2 points, 4.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 three-pointers, and 1.0 steals in 30.6 minutes. He remains a steady fantasy option for points and assists, while
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and
Jalen Johnson carry more of the offensive load.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
New York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson started in place of
Karl-Anthony Towns (elbow) and delivered 17 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and one block in 23 minutes during Friday's 136-96 win over the Chicago Bulls. He shot a perfect 7-of-7 from the field while providing his usual defensive presence. Robinson remains a strong category league option when starting, thanks to his rebounding, field-goal percentage, and defensive stats. If Towns misses additional time, Robinson should remain a strong streaming candidate, while
Ariel Hukporti could continue to handle backup center minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
Orlando Magic center
Wendell Carter Jr. delivered 28 points, six rebounds, and three assists in 36 minutes during Friday's 138-127 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Carter shot 8-of-16 from the field and a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line while setting a new season high in scoring. He has now scored in double figures in 12 of his last 13 games and continues to provide efficient scoring around the basket. Carter remains a solid category league center thanks to his steady role alongside
Paolo Banchero and
Desmond Bane.
--Brian DailisanSource: Jason Beede
April 4, 2026
Orlando Magic guard/forward
Desmond Bane finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 33 minutes during Friday's 138-127 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Bane shot 8-of-13 from the field and 3-of-5 from three while adding eight free throws. He has now scored at least 20 points in three of his last five games and is averaging 20.4 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.4 three-pointers during that span. Bane remains a strong fantasy starter in all formats, providing steady scoring and across-the-board production alongside
Paolo Banchero and
Franz Wagner.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg erupted for a career-high 51 points in Friday's 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic, adding six rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block in 34 minutes. The rookie became the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 50 points. Flagg has averaged 26.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.4 steals over his last five games and continues to carry Dallas offensively. He's an automatic start in all fantasy formats and continues to provide elite multi-category production during his recent surge.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Andrew Wiggins (toe) is available for Saturday's game against the Washington Wizards and should continue to fill a steady two-way role. Wiggins has averaged 13.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks, and 2.6 three-pointers over his last five games while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 77.8 percent from the line. Wiggins remains useful in category leagues, particularly for defensive stats and strong percentages in standard formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Marcus Sasser (hip) is considered probable for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 25-year-old is nursing a right hip strain but will likely be available to make his sixth consecutive appearance. With
Cade Cunningham (lung) on the shelf, Sasser has had a chance to carve out a larger role. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened, as Sasser has been limited to 5.2 points and 2.7 assists in 12.6 minutes per game since Cunningham departed the lineup.
Daniss Jenkins will remain the main beneficiary of Cunningham's absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Washington Wizards forward
Justin Champagnie (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Miami Heat. He was added to the injury report late with a right knee contusion. Champagnie has had a few strong outings recently, including a 17-point, seven-rebound effort in Wednesday's loss to Philadelphia. If Champagnie is unavailable against the Heat,
Jamir Watkins and
Leaky Black will get a chance to contribute more. However, neither is very reliable in fantasy.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Washington Wizards forward/center
Tristan Vukcevic (knee) is questionable for Saturday's matchup with the Miami Heat. The 23-year-old has been a starter in each of the last three games, but he might have to make way now in the lineup due to a right knee contusion.
Alexandre Sarr (toe) is also questionable, so
Julian Reese may get a new opportunity to impress. The Maryland product has averaged 13.8 points and 13.0 rebounds over his last five outings. Due to his two-way status, the Wizards have used Reese in only one of the last four games. However, starting Saturday, Reese is eligible to suit up for all of Washington's remaining games this season, so he might have a regular role for the rest of the way.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Washington Wizards point guard
Trae Young (back, quadriceps) will miss a 10th straight game on Saturday against the Miami Heat. Young made five appearances with his new squad before sustaining a right quadriceps contusion in mid-March. He is also dealing with lower back pain. With only a week left in the regular season, it appears likely that Young's return won't happen until the 2026-27 campaign.
Bub Carrington and
Sharife Cooper will continue to split the point guard duties in Saturday's game. Carrington holds the starting job and has enjoyed a good nine-game stretch, with averages of 14.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Jahmai Mashack (neck) didn't complete Friday's blowout loss to the Toronto Raptors. He had two points, one rebound, and one assist in 14 minutes during the first half but didn't play in the second. The team initially announced that Mashack was doubtful to return due to neck soreness. Mashack has been among the many players who have benefited from the Grizzlies' injuries this season, but his neck issue might now keep him sidelined. Memphis will return to action on Sunday against Milwaukee.
--Taavi PailkSource: Memphis Grizzlies PR
April 4, 2026
Houston Rockets forward/center
Jabari Smith Jr. (face) left Friday's win over the Utah Jazz in the third quarter and didn't return. According to The Athletic's Will Guillory, Smith Jr. went to the locker room after taking a shot to the face from teammate
Amen Thompson. Before leaving the action, Smith Jr. notched 18 points, five rebounds, and one steal in 24 minutes. Although Smith Jr. doesn't appear to be dealing with a serious injury, fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status before Sunday's contest against Golden State.
Tari Eason and
Josh Okogie could get more action if Smith Jr. doesn't play on Sunday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Will Guillory
April 3, 2026
New York Mets outfielder
Juan Soto (calf) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants. Soto reached on base with a single in the first inning. However, the superstar slugger appeared to have tweaked his right calf while running the bases later that inning. The severity of the issue is unknown right now, but Soto will likely undergo further testing. For the moment, fantasy managers should consider Soto as day-to-day.
Tyrone Taylor took over in left field on Friday and could be in line for a few starts, assuming Soto misses time.
--Andy WebbSource: New York Mets
April 3, 2026
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher
Emilio Pagan was tasked with shutting down the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning of Friday's game. It has been a rocky start for Pagan, but he was able to bounce back nicely on Friday. The right-hander tossed a perfect final frame and recorded one strikeout on his way to earning his second save of the season. This was a strong bounce-back outing after Pagan allowed four earned runs during Wednesday's game. Fantasy managers should stick with him despite a slow start to the season.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 3, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher
Gregory Soto was called upon to close the door against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. Soto was tasked with holding a two-run lead versus the tough Orioles offense. The southpaw gave up a home run to
Gunnar Henderson, but was able to limit the damage. The solo homer was his only hit allowed as Soto was able to record three strikeouts and earn his first save of the season. It's a small sample size, but it looks like Soto could be the favorite for saves in Pittsburgh. He has recorded 11 strikeouts across 5.2 innings of work this season.
Dennis Santana was used during the eighth inning on Friday and figures to be in the mix for saves as well. This might end up being a headache for fantasy managers, but Soto appears to be a possible source for saves right now.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 3, 2026
San Francisco Giants infielder
Casey Schmitt (back) has been scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the New York Mets. Schmitt has been pulled from the lineup due to back tightness. This doesn't seem like something that will sideline him long, so fantasy managers should consider Schmitt as day-to-day.
Jerar Encarnacion will take over at first base and bat ninth in place of Schmitt on Friday. Fantasy managers should check back on Saturday for another update, but Schmitt isn't someone who needs to be rostered in most fantasy formats at the moment.
--Andy WebbSource: Alex Pavlovic
April 3, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Jorge Polanco (Achilles) reportedly suffered a setback in his recovery from his left Achilles tendinitis. With that being said, Polanco is being held out of the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants. The veteran slugger has been serving as the designated hitter while battling through this issue. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Mets place Polanco on the Injured List, so he can get fully healthy.
Mark Vientos has been logging in extra at-bats with Polanco missing time due to this injury. It hasn't helped too much, considering Vientos only has three hits coming into Friday's game. Vientos remains a mixed league option even with an expanded role.
--Andy WebbSource: Mike Puma
April 3, 2026
New York Yankees starting pitcher
Gerrit Cole (elbow) continues to make progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The veteran right-hander was able to make two starts during Spring Training. Since then, Cole has thrown a live batting practice session on April 1. The plan is for Cole to continue ramping up his activities before eventually beginning a minor league rehab assignment. The Yankees are hopeful that Cole will be ready to pitch for the big league team by the end of May. The six-time All-Star hasn't pitched since the 2024 campaign, but is one of the best in the game when he's healthy.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 3, 2026
Minnesota Twins outfielder
Byron Buxton (forearm) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Buxton was pulled out of the game after taking a fastball to the right forearm in the seventh inning. Luckily, the X-rays were negative, so Buxton is considered day-to-day with a forearm contusion. Before exiting the game, Buxton went 0-for-3 at the plate.
James Outman replaced him on Friday and is considered the favorite to replace Buxton if he misses more time.
--Andy WebbSource: Audra Martin
April 3, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward/center
Isaiah Stewart (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. After Stewart injured his left calf in mid-March, he was initially expected to miss one week, but he hasn't been able to make a quick return. Saturday's game will mark his 12th consecutive absence.
Paul Reed will continue to fill in for Stewart as
Jalen Duren's backup. The former G League MVP has averaged 11.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks over his last five outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 3, 2026
According to The Athletic's Eric Nehm, Milwaukee Bucks forward/center
Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) told reporters before Friday's game against Boston that he's healthy and ready to play, but the team is keeping him out against his wishes. "I'm available to play, but I'm not in the game," Antetokounmpo said. "I'm available to play today. Right now. I'm available. Do I look like I'm not available? ... I don't see myself in the first 12. I don't see myself in the starting lineup. I don't know what game is being played right here, I just don't wanna be a part of it." The NBA is investigating the situation and has reportedly interviewed Antetokounmpo, the Bucks, and team doctors. Antetokounmpo has been out of action with a left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise since March 15. Following Antetokounmpo's explosive comments, it seems his departure from Milwaukee will only be a matter of time this offseason.
--Taavi PailkSource: Eric Nehm
April 3, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Victor Wembanyama (ankle) hasn't been included on the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets. With San Antonio playing its second game in as many nights, Wembanyama sat out Thursday's matchup with the Clippers. Wembanyama has been a beast lately, posting 41 points in each of his last two appearances, while racking up rebounds and defensive stats for fun. Saturday's game will be Wembanyama's first matchup of the season against fellow MVP candidate
Nikola Jokic.
Luke Kornet, who tallied eight points, six rebounds, and five assists in a spot start on Thursday, will move back to the bench against Denver.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 3, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam (back) didn't finish Friday's matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. He missed the final few minutes of the game, with the team announcing that Siakam won't return due to a bruised lower back. Before exiting with 3:48 remaining in the fourth quarter, Siakam had an excellent performance. He finished with a game-high 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 34 minutes. Siakam's early exit on Friday night leaves him questionable for Sunday's meeting with Cleveland.
Obi Toppin,
Micah Potter, and
Jarace Walker (back) would all be candidates for larger roles if Siakam misses time, although the latter has been out of the lineup for the last few games due to a back issue of his own.
--Taavi PailkSource: Indiana Pacers
April 3, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward/center
Karlo Matkovic (back) will not play in Friday's game against the Sacramento Kings, marking his second straight absence.
Derik Queen could continue to see expanded minutes after posting 12 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two steals, and one block in 28 minutes last game.
Yves Missi may also benefit after recording six points, seven rebounds, and one block in 20 minutes. Queen looks like the more appealing short-term fantasy option for his all-around production, while Missi offers deeper league rebounding and defensive stat appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 3, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Zeke Nnaji (hip) will remain in street clothes on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs. He injured his left hip last weekend against Golden State and exited the lineup on Wednesday night versus Utah. His next chance to suit up will come on Monday against Portland. Nnaji plays only a limited role with the Nuggets, and his absence doesn't affect how the team operates.
Jonas Valanciunas will continue to be the primary frontcourt option off the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 3, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Spencer Jones (hamstring) will miss a second straight game on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs. He suffered a right hamstring strain last week and could be sidelined for the rest of the regular season, as muscle injuries usually take a minimum of 2-3 weeks to heal. The Nuggets have also lost
Peyton Watson (hamstring) from the rotation, so
Tim Hardaway Jr. (knee),
Bruce Brown, and
Julian Strawther could see more time on the floor during the final few regular-season games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 3, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward
Trey Murphy III (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Sacramento Kings after recently returning from a three-game absence. Murphy posted 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 36 minutes last game and has averaged 19.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 steals across his last five appearances. He should remain locked into fantasy lineups without a minute limit. Murphy should continue to play a major scoring role alongside
Zion Williamson and
Saddiq Bey.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 3, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Tim Hardaway Jr. (knee) is probable for Saturday's clash against the San Antonio Spurs. The 13-year veteran couldn't finish Wednesday's matchup with Utah due to a sore left knee, but it looks like the issue won't keep Hardaway Jr. off the court this weekend. He practiced fully on Friday. Hardaway Jr. has produced good numbers off the bench this season and might have a slightly larger workload during the final week of the regular season, with
Peyton Watson (hamstring) on the shelf. Since the All-Star break, Hardaway Jr. has nailed 41.4 percent of his three-point attempts, averaging 12.6 points per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 3, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (illness) will not play in Saturday's game against the Washington Wizards, extending his absence to four straight contests.
Pelle Larsson should remain in the starting group after posting 18 points, six assists, three steals, three rebounds, and two three-pointers in 38 minutes last game. Larsson looks like a solid short-term streaming option while Powell remains out, especially for managers needing points, steals, and assists.
Tyler Herro should continue to carry more of the scoring load, while
Jaime Jaquez Jr. could also see steady minutes off the bench.
--Brian DailisanSource: Barry Jackson
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