January 25, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Paul George (knee) won't play on Monday against the Hornets. The Sixers will face the Bucks on Tuesday night, so George will sit this one out before presumably returning for that contest. With
Joel Embiid (knee) also ruled out,
Tyrese Maxey,
VJ Edgecombe, and
Kelly Oubre Jr. should see the most scoring opportunities.
Quentin Grimes may also find a spot in the starting lineup, with the former Knick averaging 12.0 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in seven starts this season.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) won't play on Monday in Charlotte. The 31-year-old has picked things up from a production standpoint of late, most recently amassing 38 points in Saturday's loss to the New York Knicks. His knee appeared to be bothering him late in that contest, so it's unknown if he's being held out for that reason, or if its to keep him fresh for Tuesday's meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks. With Embiid sidelined,
Andre Drummond will likely slide into the starting lineup, with the 2012 No. 9 overall pick averaging 8.9 points and 11.2 boards in 16 starts this season.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
The Detroit Tigers are "one of many teams" interested in signing free agent starting pitcher
Lucas Giolito, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Giolito impressed in the Red Sox' rotation last year, and he remains on the market with less than one month until spring training. He tossed 145 innings across 26 starts in 2025, posting a 3.41 ERA, 7.51 K/9, and 3.48 BB/9. His 4.59 xFIP suggests he may have gotten lucky at times last season, but nevertheless, the results were enough to keep Giolito entrenched in the No. 2 starter role behind
Garrett Crochet. It doesn't sound like a deal is imminent, but if Giolito does land in Detroit, he'll go from pitching behind one AL Cy Young candidate in Crochet to another in
Tarik Skubal. He'd also reunite with Tigers starter
Jack Flaherty, who was his teammate in high school. Giolito currently ranks as the #123 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings, but that placement will presumably shift a little once we know where he'll be pitching in 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jon Heyman
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee, illness) is available against the Nets. The multi-time All-Star isn't feeling well while also dealing with a left knee contusion. However, he's good to go for a favorable matchup versus Brooklyn, a team that has struggled defensively throughout the 2025 campaign. With Leonard cleared for action,
Kobe Sanders and
Jordan Miller should see considerably fewer scoring opportunities.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Justin Russo
January 25, 2026
The Chicago Cubs have signed outfielder
Dylan Carlson to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Greg Zumach of The Baseball Tribune. Carlson was the Cardinals' first-round pick in 2016 and made his MLB debut with the organization in 2020. He ascended into the role of everyday right fielder and was a finalist for National League Rookie of the Year in 2021. However, his productivity at the plate dipped over time. He was traded to the Rays in 2024 and spent last season in a platoon role with the Baltimore Orioles. Across 83 big-league contests in Birdland, he slashed just .203/.278/.336 with an 8.7% walk rate, a 22.4% strikeout rate, and 74 wRC+. He posted negative fWAR for the second season in a row, forcing him to settle for a minor league contract this offseason. Now back in the NL Central for the first time since 2024, Carlson will look to compete for a 26-man roster spot in camp. It's a relatively crowded position battle, though, especially after the Cubs inked outfielder
Chas McCormick to a similar minor league deal last week.
--Andersen PickardSource: Greg Zumach
January 25, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Norman Powell (back) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns. As expected, Powell is cleared to play after being listed as probable coming into this game. He has been dealing with a back issue, but will continue to play through the injury. Powell will continue to have a significant workload while the Heat are without
Tyler Herro (ribs) and
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) right now. Fantasy managers should make sure to get Powell in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher
Jared Jones (elbow) has been throwing bullpen sessions twice a week as he continues his rehab program, he told John Perrotto of PiratesRoundtable. Jones experienced UCL discomfort last spring and ultimately underwent an internal brace procedure in May. As a result, he hasn't pitched in a game since his rookie season in 2024. During that campaign, he tossed 121.2 innings across 22 starts with a 3.78 xFIP, 9.76 K/9, and 2.88 BB/9. At just 24 years old, he brings plenty of upside to a young Pirates rotation that also features
Paul Skenes,
Mitch Keller,
Braxton Ashcraft, and
Bubba Chandler. Perrotto said that, although the Pirates don't have an exact timetable for Jones' recovery, a June return seems realistic at the moment. He currently ranks as the #139 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: John Perrotto
January 25, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Kasparas Jakucionis (head) has been upgraded to available ahead of Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Jakucionis made an early exit during Saturday's game after taking an elbow to the head. He suffered a facial contusion, which put his status for this game in jeopardy. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to keep him sidelined, so fantasy managers can get Jakucionis in their lineups. He figures to play a larger role with
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) ruled out for this game. Jakucionis is worth a look as a low-end streaming option while Mitchell is sidelined.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Jalen Green (hamstring) is ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. Green made an early exit from Friday's game after appearing to aggravate his right hamstring. The Suns have decided to take the cautious approach and hold Green out for Sunday's contest. They will be shorthanded with
Devin Booker (ankle) also heading to the sideline here. Their absence should mean,
Grayson Allen and
Collin Gillespie are likely going to play heavy minutes during this game. Both players are looking like strong streaming options for Sunday's slate. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on Green's timetable.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Aaron Wiggins (groin) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Wiggins is back in the mix after missing each of the last two games due to a lingering groin issue. He figures to have a full workload, given Wiggins only missed two games. This month, Wiggins is averaging 10.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 25.1 minutes per game.
Cason Wallace and
Isaiah Joe would likely see reduced roles with Wiggins back in the mix. Given the injuries to this roster, Wiggins does have decent streaming appeal with the Thunder banged up.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher
Justin Steele (elbow) resumed throwing off a mound last week, according to the team's injury tracker on MLB.com. Steele has been on the injured list since undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery last April, and the only significant update on his status between then and now was an October report that said Steele had resumed throwing. Throwing off a mound is the latest step in his recovery, and Steele recently said that he is either on or ahead of schedule. He might not be ready for Opening Day, but an April return remains a real possibility, especially amid reports that he should face batters during spring training. Steele was the ace of the Cubs' staff when he was fully healthy in 2024, putting together a 2.74 xERA with 9.02 K/9, 2.47 BB/9, and a 44.8% ground ball rate. It's unclear which rotation spot he'll slot into upon his return, as the Cubs' five current projected starters all had sub-3.75 ERAs last year. Despite the crowded pitching staff, Steele's track record puts him in line for a prominent rotation role once he's healthy enough to pitch again. If anything, the Cubs' pitching depth could allow them to be extra cautious and not rush Steele back.
--Andersen PickardSource: MLB.com
January 25, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Jose Alvarado (oblique) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. This marks the first time that Alvarado has suited up since January 6. He's likely going to have his minutes monitored, given Alvarado has missed nine straight games. His return to the court will likely reduce playing time for
Jordan Poole and
Jeremiah Fears. Alvarado offers some low-end streaming appeal, but isn't an ideal option given he'll likely be limited on Sunday. He's someone worth keeping an eye on once he gets back to full speed.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
The Texas Rangers have signed free agent left-handed pitcher
Austin Gomber to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. The 32-year-old has spent parts of seven seasons in the majors, including the last five with the Colorado Rockies. He tossed just 57.2 innings over 12 starts last year, pitching to a 0-7 record and 7.49 ERA. It's possible that he was a bit unlucky, as his xFIP was 5.67 and presumably would have been even lower if he didn't have to pitch at Coors Field. Still, it was the worst season of his career, as his strikeout rate dropped to 5.3 K/9 and his home run rate soared to 2.5 HR/9. Joining the Rangers should allow Gomber to pitch in a park that is far more pitcher-friendly, but first, he'll have to make the team. Gomber will spend spring training competing for the Rangers' fifth and final rotation spot behind
Jacob deGrom,
Nathan Eovaldi,
MacKenzie Gore, and
Jack Leiter.
--Andersen PickardSource: Aram Leighton
January 25, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Trey Murphy III (hand) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Murphy was tagged as probable earlier in the day due to right-hand soreness. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to keep Murphy on the sideline. Fantasy managers should expect Murphy to have his full workload on Sunday. This season, Murphy is averaging 22.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 35.7 minutes per game. Fantasy managers should double-check their lineups and make sure Murphy is in there ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard
Ja'Kobe Walter (hip) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Walter is back in the mix after missing the last seven games due to a hip injury. It's unclear if Walter will have a minutes limit during his first game back in the rotation. Walter hasn't been a consistent contributor this season anyway, so he's better off left on waivers. His role will likely be minimal, especially with
Immanuel Quickley (ankle) cleared to play.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard
Immanuel Quickley (ankle) has been upgraded to available ahead of Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He entered this game as questionable due to right ankle soreness. Quickley is feeling good enough to play and should have his normal role in the starting five. This season, Quickley is averaging 17.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 32.6 minutes per game. Fantasy managers should double-check their lineups and make sure Quickley is in there ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Norman Powell (back) has been upgraded to probable ahead of Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Powell has played through back tightness during the last two games. It seems likely that Powell is going to play through the issue once again on Sunday. He finished with 13 points, six assists, and four rebounds in 25 minutes of action during Saturday's game. He's basically a must-start option when healthy.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and
Simone Fontecchio would be asked to take on larger roles if Powell is unable to play. Between the two, Jaquez is the better streaming option for Sunday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) has been downgraded from doubtful to out ahead of Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns. This marks the third game in a row that Mitchell has been forced to miss due to a left shoulder injury.
Kasparas Jakucionis (face) has started the last two games, but remains questionable for this game with a facial contusion.
Dru Smith would likely be asked to take on a significant role if both players are unable to go. Smith finished with six points, five assists, and 10 rebounds during Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. He's worth a look as a streaming option with the Heat shorthanded at the guard spot right now.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
San Jose Sharks forward Philipp Kurashev (upper body) will join the team for its upcoming five-game road trip, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports. He is expected to return to action at the end of the trip. Kurashev has missed 17 games due to an upper-body injury. The forward did a good job for the Sharks earlier in the campaign, posting 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 31 games. Once healthy, Kurashev will compete for a middle-six role. Recently acquired Kiefer Sherwood (upper body) is also on track to join the lineup during the upcoming road trip.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sheng Peng
January 25, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D'Astous (lower body) was placed on Injured Reserve, Diandra Loux of The Hockey News reports. D'Astous appeared to injure his left leg during Saturday's loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was one of three Lightning blue-liners to exit the game early, along with Erik Cernak (upper body) and Max Crozier (illness). D'Astous has been a surprise contributor for the Lightning this season, recording 17 points (three goals, 14 assists), 52 shots, 45 blocks, and 53 hits in 43 games. The team recalled Maxim Groshev from the minors as D'Astous's replacement on the roster.
--Taavi PailkSource: Diandra Loux
January 25, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (groin) missed a fifth consecutive game on Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche and doesn't have a timeline for his return. The Swedish star skated before practice on Saturday as he works his way back from a groin injury. Nylander has showcased superb form when in the lineup this season, amassing 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) in 37 appearances. He is still Toronto's leading scorer despite missing 15 games over the course of the season. With Nylander unavailable, Scott Laughton joined the top-six group on Sunday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Tutu Atwell (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's NFC Championship. Atwell is a healthy scratch for the second game in a row after he did not appear on the Rams' injury report all week long. The 26-year-old had an underwhelming regular season and also dealt with a six-week injury absence. He finished the year with six catches, 192 yards, and one touchdown, and he was not targeted in the Rams' Wild Card win over Carolina. In his absence last week,
Jordan Whittington and
Konata Mumpfield both stepped up with two catches apiece. With Atwell inactive again, we expect Whittington and Mumpfield to continue to handle increased involvement behind
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Grosbard
January 25, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks winger Teuvo Teravainen (upper body) will miss his sixth consecutive game on Sunday against the Florida Panthers. He took part in the morning skate, wearing a non-contact jersey, indicating Teravainen is close to returning. However, the Finnish forward will miss at least one more game. Teravainen has had a decent campaign in 2025-26, recording 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 45 outings. He is expected to practice again on Monday, and his next opportunity to return will be a Central Division tilt against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 25, 2026
Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end
Elijah Arroyo (coach's decision) is officially inactive for Sunday's NFC Championship against the Los Angeles Rams. Seattle activated Arroyo from injured reserve on Saturday, and the fact that he didn't have an injury designation seemed to indicate that he would play. In the end, though, he'll be a healthy scratch as the Seahawks look to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. Arroyo was held to a modest 15 catches and 179 yards during the regular season, and it's been more than a month since he last played in an NFL game, so his absence on Sunday is not necessarily surprising.
AJ Barner will continue to lead the tight end room against the Rams, while
Eric Saubert and
Nick Kallerup round out the depth chart.
--Andersen PickardSource: Seahawks PR
January 25, 2026
Vancouver Canucks center David Kampf will exit the lineup on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sportsnet's Brendan Batchelor reports. He will be replaced by Aatu Raty, who has missed two games as a healthy scratch. Kampf has been quiet with the Canucks since signing a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the team in November. In 30 outings, he has contributed only two goals and four assists. With Filip Chytil and Teddy Blueger back in action, Kampf has fallen down in the depth chart and is now completely out of the lineup. Vancouver is also expected to have Marco Rossi (lower body) back in the middle soon, further crowding the center position and complicating Kampf's situation.
--Taavi PailkSource: Brendan Batchelor
January 25, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Pat Bryant (hamstring) exited during the first half of Sunday's AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. He was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to out. He finishes the game with one catch for two yards. It has been a rough two weeks for Bryant, who also left last week's game early due to a concussion. This time around, he reportedly injured his hamstring on the opening drive and initially tried to play through it before exiting the game. His absence leaves the Broncos short-staffed at wide receiver, as they're also without
Troy Franklin (hamstring) on Sunday.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey and
Elijah Moore will continue to earn more snaps behind
Courtland Sutton and
Marvin Mims Jr. The good news for the Broncos is that, if they advance to the Super Bowl, Bryant will have a full two weeks to recover.
--Andersen PickardSource: Zac Stevens
January 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (upper body) is poised to return to action on Sunday night against the Vancouver Canucks. The Penguins have been without Letang for two games after he suffered an upper-body injury. Erik Karlsson also recently returned to the lineup, giving Pittsburgh two top options in defense. With Karlsson back in action, Letang must settle for a spot on the second power-play unit. He will skate with Brett Kulak on the second defensive pairing during even-strength action. Letang recently had his fourth three-game assist streak of the season, boosting his points tally to 25. He has contributed three goals and 22 assists in 48 appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 25, 2026
Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (personal) will return to the lineup on Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights, Julian McKenzie of The Athletic reports. Ullmark, who has missed 14 games for personal reasons, will dress as Mads Sogaard's backup. He hasn't played for the Senators since Dec. 27. Ottawa has a light two-game week coming up, but we will likely see Ullmark's return to action soon. The former Vezina Trophy winner has posted a 14-8-5 record this season, allowing 2.95 goals with a .881 save percentage. A couple of weeks before exiting the lineup, Ullmark notched his first shutout of the season against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
--Taavi PailkSource: Julian McKenzie
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford "does believe he has some good football left" and plans to return for the 2026 season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rapoport notes that he expressed this desire before the Rams clinched an NFC Championship berth, so it's possible that he could change his mind if Los Angeles wins the Super Bowl. However, at the very least, the veteran quarterback feels that he has plenty left in the tank and is trending towards playing next year. Indeed, he has shown no signs of slowing down, completing 65% of his pass attempts for a league-best 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns in his age-37 season. He also threw just eight interceptions. Stafford appears to be the MVP front-runner and has supported huge seasons for both of his top receivers,
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
January 25, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Pat Bryant (hamstring) exited during the first half of Sunday's AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had one catch for two yards. Bryant, who cleared concussion protocol in time to play on Sunday, reportedly injured his hamstring on the opening drive and initially tried to play through it before exiting the game. His absence, even if temporary, leaves the Broncos short-staffed at wide receiver, as they're also without
Troy Franklin (hamstring) for today's game.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey and
Elijah Moore should now earn snaps alongside
Courtland Sutton and
Marvin Mims Jr.--Andersen PickardSource: Mike Klis
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