April 8, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Darius Garland (foot) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Clippers are going to play it safe and have Garland sit out the second leg of this back-to-back set. The team is calling it left toe injury management, so he'll likely return for Friday's contest versus the Portland Trail Blazers. The absence of Garland should mean larger roles for
Kris Dunn and
Jordan Miller. Between the two, Miller is the better streaming option due to his scoring upside. Both should be considered low-end options for Wednesday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Phoenix Suns center
Mark Williams (rest) will take a seat ahead of Wednesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. As expected, Williams will head to the bench for the second leg of this back-to-back set. Williams missed almost a month of action due to a foot injury, so the Suns aren't going to push him too hard. The big man has played in three straight games, so he'll get the night off on Wednesday.
Oso Ighodaro could be an interesting DFS option with Williams unavailable here.
Khaman Maluach could see a larger role as well, but Ighodaro is the better option for Wednesday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Atlanta Falcons starting right tackle Kaleb McGary (leg) has decided to retire after seven years in the NFL, agent Collin Roberts told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound lineman was Atlanta's first-round pick back in 2019. He started 92 of his 93 career games, but he missed all of the 2025 season due to a serious lower left leg injury that he suffered during training camp last summer. As a result, his final NFL snaps came in 2024, when he started 16 games with a 73.8 PFF grade. He was particularly productive in run blocking, where his grade of 77.6 ranked 17th-best among 81 eligible tackles. Retiring after just seven years (and six active seasons) is a bit early for a lineman, but his future in the NFL looked complicated due to the serious leg injury and his ongoing recovery. Going forward, he'll be replaced at right tackle by Jawaan Taylor, whom the Falcons signed to a one-year deal on Wednesday.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jeremy Fowler
April 8, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Washington Wizards. This marks the third game in a row that Giddey will miss due to a hamstring strain. After Thursday, there are only two games left in the regular season, so we'll see if Giddey is available for either of those contests.
Tre Jones should continue seeing an increased role in the rotation while Giddey is out. He finished with 20 points and nine assists across 27 minutes of action during Tuesday's game. Jones is looking like a reliable streaming option while Giddey is banged up.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons have signed free agent offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor to a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The contract includes a base value of $5 million and an additional $1 million available in incentives. Taylor previously spent four seasons in Jacksonville and three seasons in Kansas City. He has started all 111 games in which he has appeared, including a dozen contests in 2025. Although he's a household name, the 28-year-old didn't deliver the greatest production last year. His 53.3 PFF grade ranked 10th-worst among tackles, and his 43.8 run blocking grade was second-worst. He was also flagged for 13 penalties, and he surrendered 20 pressures, five quarterback hits, and three sacks. Despite an iffy season, Taylor projects as a starting tackle in Atlanta, where he'll fill the void left by the retirement of starting right tackle Kaleb McGary.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
April 8, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Matas Buzelis (illness) will officially miss his third game in a row on Thursday. Buzelis will remain sidelined against the Washington Wizards due to a lingering illness. There are only a few games left in the regular season, so it's unclear if Buzelis will play again this season. The continued absence of Buzelis should mean that
Leonard Miller keeps getting an extended look in the rotation. The second-year forward finished with 13 points and eight rebounds across 25 minutes of action during Tuesday's game. He figures to be a decent streaming option while Buzelis is out.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward
Isaiah Stewart (calf) is available to play ahead of Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Stewart is finally back after missing the last 13 games due to a calf injury. The expectation is that Stewart will be eased back into the rotation with only three games left in the regular season. The Pistons aren't going to push him too hard with the playoffs on the horizon. With that being said, Stewart is unlikely to be a favorable DFS option with limited playing time.
Ron Holland II and
Javonte Green could see reduced roles with Stewart back in the mix.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard
Cade Cunningham (lung) is officially back in action ahead of Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He was able to get through shootaround without any problems. Cunningham is good to go after missing the last 11 games due to a collapsed lung. The assumption is that Cunningham will operate under a minutes limit. He probably won't have a significant workload until the playoffs begin, so DFS managers might want to look elsewhere for help.
Daniss Jenkins should see a reduced role in the rotation with Cunningham officially back.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Victor Wembanyama (ribs) is unavailable for Wednesday's matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers. A rib contusion will keep the superstar center out of action this evening. The injury occurred on Monday, though imaging showed no structural damage. His next chance to suit up is Friday against Dallas. Fantasy managers should not expect him to handle a full workload even if he returns by the end of the week, with the Spurs locked into playoff positioning.
Luke Kornet could be a short-term streaming option, while
Devin Vassell and
De'Aaron Fox could see extended minutes until Wembanyama is set to return.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Jeff McDonald
April 8, 2026
Baltimore Orioles outfielder
Taylor Ward is enjoying the start to his first season with his new team in 2026 and added four more hits in a 5-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday at Guaranteed Rate Field. Ward went 4-for-5 at the plate with three doubles, two RBI, and a run scored. The 32-year-old right-handed power hitter is still searching for his first home run, while he leads the league with nine doubles. The long balls will likely come, but fantasy managers surely aren't complaining about Ward's .383/.464/.574 start with eight additional RBI. Plenty is expected of Ward in his first year in Baltimore after having his first 30-30 season in 157 games with the Los Angeles Angels in 2025 in his eighth year in the big leagues. Camden Yards won't make it easy on Ward in his attempt to reach 30 homers in a second consecutive season, but he should at least be a strong counting-stat contributor in fantasy while hitting near the top of the O's lineup on a regular basis.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 8, 2026
According to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio Spurs guard
Stephon Castle (knee) won't play on Wednesday against the Portland Trail Blazers. Castle logged an impressive outing during Monday's win over Philadelphia, bagging a triple-double. Unfortunately, he also hurt his right knee in the contest.
Victor Wembanyama (ribs) will also sit out tonight, so players like Dyaln Harper,
De'Aaron Fox,
Devin Vassell, and
Keldon Johnson could be a lot more involved in the offense.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Jeff McDonald
April 8, 2026
Cleveland Guardians outfielder
Angel Martinez had a big day at the plate in the team's 10-2 blowout win on Wednesday over the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Hitting in the two-hole while playing left field, Martinez went 4-for-5 with a grand slam and a strikeout. The ball was jumping off of Martinez's bat on Wednesday, and it led to his first runs batted in of the season and his first long ball. The 24-year-old Dominican switch-hitter came into Wednesday's contest against KC with a .208 average (5-for-24) with a double, three runs scored, and a stolen base in 10 games played for the Guards. Most of Martinez's playing time in Cleveland has come against left-handed pitchers, but he looked good against righties on Wednesday, which could earn him some more playing time going forward if he continues to make loud contact. His grand slam came in the eighth inning off right-hander
Steven Cruz.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 8, 2026
According to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Magic center
Wendell Carter Jr. (nose) is available for Wednesday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 26-year-old has been cleared to play after suffering a nasal fracture in Monday's win over Detroit, exiting the contest after logging just 18 minutes. Despite the injury, Carter is expected to handle his usual minutes. He is averaging 12.1 points and 7.4 rebounds across 29.5 minutes per game in 75 appearances this season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Jason Beede
April 8, 2026
After filing an appeal on his seven-game suspension from Major League Baseball, Atlanta Braves right-hander
Reynaldo Lopez reached a settlement with the league and will have his suspension reduced to five games, effective immediately, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Lopez threw a pitch up and in to Los Angeles Angels outfielder/designated hitter
Jorge Soler in the fifth inning on Tuesday night, and Soler took exception, charging the mound. Lopez and Soler threw haymakers at each other before the benches cleared to break up the brawl at Angel Stadium. With the reduced suspension, Lopez will not end up missing a start early in the year. He'll take the ball next Tuesday against the division-rival Miami Marlins, where he should be started by fantasy managers. The 32-year-old former reliever was a first-time All-Star in 2024 in his first year in Atlanta in his return to a full-time starting role. Lopez made only one start in 2025 due to shoulder issues, but he's healthy again and is off to a fine start in three outings so far, posting a 1.15 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 13:5 K:BB through three starts.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
April 8, 2026
Detroit Tigers outfielder
Kerry Carpenter (illness) is feeling better and is starting in right field and batting cleanup for Detroit on Wednesday on the road against the division-rival Minnesota Twins and right-hander
Bailey Ober, according to MLB.com. Carpenter didn't start in each of the last two games due to a stomach illness, but he was used as a pinch-hitter on Tuesday. Now that the 28-year-old left-handed hitter is feeling better, he'll attempt to dig himself out of an early-season funk at the plate. The former 19th-round pick in 2019 has gone 6-for-32 (.188) with two home runs, six RBI, and three runs scored while walking five times and striking out 16 times in just 38 plate appearances over 10 games played. Carpenter has plenty of experience against Ober, hitting .267 against him with an .886 OPS, a home run, and three RBI in 15 career at-bats, so perhaps this matchup is just what the doctor ordered for the struggling outfielder.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 8, 2026
Los Angeles Kings winger Andrei Kuzmenko (knee) will be re-evaluated in 7-8 days, Alexander Legget of Mayors Manor reports. The Russian forward is recovering from meniscus surgery and was ruled out for the rest of the regular season in early March. However, it looks like he could have a chance to play in next week's regular-season finale against Calgary. The team could really use his help, having struggled to secure a playoff spot. Kuzmenko has produced 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists) across 52 games this term.
--Taavi PailkSource: Alexander Legget
April 8, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Jaden McDaniels (knee) will play on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic. McDaniels is set to return after missing six consecutive contests due to left knee patella tendinopathy and a bone bruise. Despite
Anthony Edwards (knee),
Julius Randle (hand),
Ayo Dosunmu (rest),
Mike Conley (rest) and
Rudy Gobert (rest) all sidelined, the Timberwolves will likely remain cautious with McDaniels, keeping his minutes restricted tonight in Orlando.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
Chicago Cubs right-hander
Colin Rea will enter the team's starting rotation and make the start on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, according to MLB.com. Rea is going to get a chance to prove he deserves a rotation spot with
Matthew Boyd (biceps) and
Cade Horton (elbow) on the injured list (Horton is done for the season). The 35-year-old veteran has made two appearances in relief so far in the early going in 2026, allowing three earned runs on eight hits while walking one, striking out eight, and picking up a save in 6 1/3 innings. Rea has a 19.3% strikeout rate in his career and will likely be limited from a pitch-count perspective on Wednesday in his first start of the year, so we wouldn't recommend him as any kind of streamer against the Rays. At best, Rea will probably end up being a matchup-based streamer in deep fantasy leagues for however long he remains in Chicago's starting rotation.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 8, 2026
Detroit Red Wings forward Mason Appleton (upper body) won't play on Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers, Ted Kuflan of the Detroit News reports. He will miss a fourth consecutive game with an upper-body injury and might be unavailable for the rest of the regular-season slate. Appleton has recorded 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 65 games with 63 SOG and 89 hits. Detroit has also just lost Michael Rasmussen (lower body), so Carter Mazur and Dominik Shine could see regular action until the end of the regular season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ted Kulfan
April 8, 2026
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that shortstop
Anthony Volpe (shoulder) will likely come back with the team after their weekend series in Tampa, and he could "potentially" be sent out on a minor-league rehab assignment at some point next week, according to Erik Boland of Newsday. Volpe played through a torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder for the majority of last season before undergoing labrum surgery last October. He has been working out at extended spring training in Florida. If Volpe can avoid any setbacks with his surgically repaired shoulder in minor-league games, he could make his 2026 debut with the Yankees in late April or early May. Until then, the speedy
Jose Caballero will continue to see most of the playing time at the 6 in the Bronx. The 24-year-old Volpe is a career .222/.283/.379 hitter in his three big-league seasons, but he had a 20-20 season as a rookie in 2023, and he's stolen 70 bases in 472 regular-season games played, making him useful as middle-infield depth for fantasy managers in mixed leagues when he's healthy.
--Keith HernandezSource: Newsday - Erik Boland
April 8, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder forward
Jalen Williams (hamstring) is available to suit up for Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Williams will return to the floor after he was held out for hamstring injury management during Tuesday's victory over the Lakers. He finished with 20 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals across 29 minutes in his last outing against the Clippers on December 18. With the 24-year-old forward back in action,
Ajay Mitchell will likely see less playing time this evening as the team's rotation adjusts to accommodate Williams' return to the lineup.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 8, 2026
New York Islanders defenseman Tony DeAngelo (lower body) is expected to be available on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Rachel Luscher of the Islanders' official site reports. He has missed six games due to a lower-body injury but returned to practice on Wednesday, skating with Adam Pelech. The Islanders' playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, and DeAngelo's creative spark could help the team end a four-game skid. He is third on the team with 28 assists and has collected 33 points in 72 appearances. DeAngelo has recorded an assist in both of his encounters with the Maple Leafs this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Rachel Luscher
April 8, 2026
Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough called it a "possibility" that outfielder
Kyle Stowers (hamstring) will play first base this year, possibly as early as his minor-league rehab assignment, according to Kevin Barral of Fish On First. Stowers is approaching a rehab assignment after going through a workout on Wednesday. The left-handed slugger has never appeared at first base as a professional, but it could be a way for the Fish to keep him healthy for the long run. A right-hamstring strain forced Stowers to the 10-day injured list to begin the 2026 season. The 28-year-old former second-round pick by the Baltimore Orioles in 2019 out of Stanford was the Marlins' lone All-Star representative in 2025 after a breakout campaign that saw him hit .288/.368/.544 with a .912 OPS, 25 home runs, 73 RBI, 61 runs scored, and five steals in 117 games played. Durability is a major concern, but Stowers deserves to be stashed in all fantasy leagues as he looks for an encore in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Fish On First - Kevin Barral
April 8, 2026
San Jose Sharks defenseman John Klingberg will rejoin the lineup on Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports. After missing time due to an upper-body injury, Klingberg has been a healthy scratch for a couple of games. He last played on March 24. The 33-year-old has appeared in 54 contests this season, recording 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists), 79 SOG, 61 blocks, and 46 hits. Early in the campaign, Klingberg was an effective player for the Sharks, but he's been struggling since the turn of the year. Across his last 11 appearances, Klingberg has made it on the score sheet just two times. Shakir Mukhamadullin will make way for Klingberg in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Curtis Pashelka
April 8, 2026
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon (lower body) won't dress for Wednesday's matchup with the New York Rangers, Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic reports. He left the morning skate early due to a lower-body injury. Since Buffalo carries three goaltenders, Lyon wasn't expected to dress anyway on Wednesday. But his injury could force Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff to rethink his plans for the final few regular-season games. Lyon has been impressive in 2025-26, posting a 20-10-4 record, a 2.77 goals-against average, a .907 save percentage, and three shutouts. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is scheduled to start on Wednesday, with Colten Ellis serving as his backup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Matthew Fairburn
April 8, 2026
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Minnesota Timberwolves center
Rudy Gobert (rest) won't play against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. The 33-year-old big man will have the backend of a back-to-back set off to rest after closing with five points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks across 33 minutes in Tuesday's 124-104 win over Indiana.
Anthony Edwards (knee),
Julius Randle (hand),
Ayo Dosunmu (rest) and
Mike Conley (rest) will also miss tonight's contest.
Naz Reid and
Joan Beringer are slated to have expanded frontcourt workloads this evening.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Jon Krawczynski
April 8, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (middle body) will return from a one-game absence on Wednesday against the Washington Capitals. The Swedish veteran wasn't available for Saturday's contest against L.A. due to a minor middle-body injury. He is expected to take Troy Stecher's spot on the blue line for Wednesday's game. Ekman-Larsson has been one of Toronto's better players during a disappointing season, totaling 38 points (eight goals, 30 assists) in 73 outings. However, he has gone cold offensively late in the season, finishing scoreless in 12 of his last 14 appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 8, 2026
Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin hasn't yet decided whether the 2025-26 campaign will be his final NHL season. "We're going to make a decision in the summer," Ovechkin said in an interview posted by the team on social media. The Capitals captain is finishing up a five-year, $47.5 million contract. Despite turning 40 in September, Ovechkin has continued to produce for fantasy managers, scoring 31 goals and 61 points in 78 games. He is only the fourth player in NHL history to score 30-plus goals in a season at age 40 or older.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 8, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays right-handed reliever
Edwin Uceta (shoulder) will pitch one inning on Friday and on Sunday for Double-A Montgomery on a minor-league rehab assignment before being sent to Triple-A Durham to build his arm up further, according to Ryan Bass. "I'm hopeful just before May 1," manager Kevin Cash said on a possible return timeline. "He didn't have a spring training, so he's gonna get built out, and then it'll kind of decide how we want to navigate."
Griffin Jax began the 2026 season as Tampa's first option for saves with Uceta sidelined, but he quickly blew two saves and has been surpassed by
Bryan Baker for the time being in the closer hierarchy in Tampa. Uceta, who was one of only five relievers with 100-plus strikeouts in 2025, could quickly become the team's closer once he's activated from the 15-day injured list later this month. The Dominican reliever had a sparkling 1.51 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and five saves in 2024 as well, and is one of the most talented arms in the Rays' bullpen.
--Keith HernandezSource: Ryan Bass
April 8, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard
Cade Cunningham (chest) is expected to play Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks, per Vincent Goodwill of ESPN.com. Despite still carrying a questionable tag, Cunningham should be upgraded to available soon, as he went through shootaround without any issues. The 24-year-old star guard is averaging 24.5 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.9 assists in 34.4 minutes across 61 games this season.
Daniss Jenkins and
Marcus Sasser would likely lose usage in Cunningham's return.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Vincent Goodwin
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