April 9, 2026
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Xavier Legette has not lived up to his hype as a first-round pick, and he could continue to trend in the wrong direction for fantasy football in 2026. Legette has ranked outside the top 60 fantasy receivers in each of his two NFL seasons. Last year, he ranked as the WR71 with 35 catches, 363 yards, and three touchdowns. He missed two games, so even if you extrapolate his stats over a full 17-game season, it was still a putrid year for the 25-year-old. Outside of his first-round capital, Legette doesn't have much working in his favor. Most notably, he sits behind both
Tetairoa McMillan and
Jalen Coker on the depth chart. It'll be tough for him to carve out consistent volume as the No. 3 receiver in a balanced offense like Carolina's. Outside of an injury to McMillan or Coker, we don't envision a path to meaningful fantasy production for Legette next year. He can be dropped in most dynasty formats or stashed on the bench in the deepest of leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 9, 2026
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Rashod Bateman has been extremely underwhelming in fantasy football throughout his five-year career. Despite having high draft capital as a former first-round pick, Bateman has never finished higher than WR40 in fantasy football. He has finished as WR69 or worse in four of his five pro seasons. Most recently, in 2025, Bateman was held to just 19 catches, 224 yards, and two touchdowns. Sure, he missed four games due to injury, but the per-game averages are still putrid. Plus, fantasy managers don't want receivers who struggle to produce and can't stay healthy. The only good news about Bateman's situation is that the Ravens made a coaching change this offseason, replacing John Harbaugh with Jesse Minter. Still, there's not enough optimism behind Minter to justify getting back on board the Bateman hype train. After five years of disappointment, managers can drop Bateman in all dynasty leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 9, 2026
Carolina Panthers tight end
Ja'Tavion Sanders has struggled to emerge as a relevant fantasy option through his first two seasons in the NFL. He showed some upside near the end of his rookie campaign in 2024, but he has yet to finish higher than TE36 in PPR leagues. It's not for a lack of talent, as Sanders was an early fourth-round pick and has flashed impressive receiving skills. However, Carolina's offense doesn't seem to prioritize getting the ball to its tight ends. In fact, we haven't really seen the Panthers have a legitimate fantasy threat at tight end since Greg Olsen in 2016. It's unlikely that will change next season, but there is hope. Head coach Dave Canales recently turned offensive play-calling duties over to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, so perhaps that will lead to more tight end targets for Sanders. Still, we wouldn't bet on an immediate breakout for the 23-year-old. Rostering Sanders will require patience, and he's more of a hold than a buy or sell in dynasty leagues at the moment.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 9, 2026
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher
Eric Orze was tasked with closing the door versus the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. The Twins didn't have many options with
Kody Funderburk,
Justin Topa, and
Cole Sands all pitching in three of the last four days. Twins' manager Derek Shelton decided to lean on Orze, and it worked out great for him on Thursday. Orze tossed a scoreless ninth inning with one strikeout to earn his first save of the season. The 28-year-old holds a strong 1.59 ERA across his first five appearances this season. The Twins have used five different pitchers to record a save this season. Orze will likely be in the mix again, but it's going to be tough for fantasy managers to trust him as a reliable source of saves.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 9, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Drew Rasmussen could make his return to the mound on Saturday, according to Marc Topkin. There was hope that Rasmussen could pitch on Friday, but it sounds like the earliest that he'll be back is on Saturday. The right-hander is currently on the paternity leave list, but should be activated in the near future. In the meantime, the Rays will turn to left-hander
Steven Matz for the series opener against the New York Yankees on Friday. Fantasy managers should check back for an update, but it sounds like Rasmussen should be ready to go this weekend.
--Andy WebbSource: Marc Topkin
April 9, 2026
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jayden Reed had an underwhelming campaign in 2025. Between his reduced role and 10-week injury absence, he finished the season with just 19 catches for 207 yards and one touchdown across seven games. The injury definitely contributed to his down season, but even when he was healthy, he averaged just 2.7 catches, 29.6 yards, and 0.1 touchdowns per game. Reed had totaled more than 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns across his first two seasons in 2023 and 2024, so fantasy managers will hope he can get back to that level of performance in 2026. The good news for Reed is that
Romeo Doubs Jr. departed in free agency, leaving behind 85 vacated targets. The bad news is that a large portion of that volume could go to
Matthew Golden, who is trending up ahead of a potential Year 2 breakout. Reed is not a lock to replicate his top-30 fantasy finishes from his first two pro seasons, but at a minimum, he'll be a decent volume-based flex if he can stay healthy next season. As a result, he's an intriguing buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 9, 2026
Jacksonville Jaguars two-way player
Travis Hunter (knee) should be a full participant by training camp, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Hunter suffered a torn LCL during practice in October and missed the entire second half of the 2025 campaign. When he returns to the field, he'll be a full-time cornerback and part-time receiver. While Hunter was heavily involved as a receiver before getting injured in his rookie season, this latest update falls in line with the general consensus from before the 2025 NFL Draft that Hunter offered the most value on defense. It seems highly unlikely that Hunter will match last year's average of 6.4 targets per game. Not only is he going to play fewer offensive snaps, but he also faces plenty of competition for targets with
Brian Thomas Jr.,
Jakobi Meyers, and
Parker Washington all in the mix. Hunter currently ranks #74 overall in RotoBaller's early fantasy football rankings for the 2026 season.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
April 9, 2026
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher
Mick Abel was able to bounce back in a big way against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. The right-hander tossed six shutout innings, allowing four hits, three walks, and struck out six batters in the no-decision. He exited the game with a one-run lead, but the Twins' bullpen quickly blew that. Despite losing his first potential win, this was the best outing of the season for the young right-hander. Abel will carry a 6.08 ERA with a 13:10 K/BB ratio into his next start versus the Boston Red Sox. He's worth a look in at least mixed leagues ahead of that start.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 9, 2026
Athletics relief pitcher
Hogan Harris was called upon to hold a one-run lead versus the New York Yankees on Thursday. A's manager Mark Kotsay decided to play the matchups with a trio of left-handed batters coming up for the Yankees. Harris retired all three batters to record his first save of the season. Harris only has five career saves, but he could be gaining more trust as a late-inning option. The A's have turned to three different pitchers to record saves for them this season. It looks like Harris could be another option for them if the opposing team has a heavy dose of left-handed batters.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 9, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward
Anthony Edwards (knee) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Houston Rockets. He has been dealing with a nagging knee injury since mid-March, sitting out 10 of Minnesota's last 12 games, including the last two.
Mike Conley has started during Edwards' absence, but he dropped out of the rotation on Wednesday against Orlando when
Jaden McDaniels returned from a knee injury.
Ayo Dosunmu (calf) and
Bones Hyland (hip) have benefited from Edwards' absence as well, but both are also questionable for Friday's action.
Terrence Shannon Jr. erupted for a career-high 33 points on Wednesday and could get another chance to shine against Houston.
Jaylen Clark will also have a more prominent role if Edwards, Dosunmu, and Hynes miss the game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Athletics starting pitcher
Jeffrey Springs looked untouchable on the mound during Thursday's outing against the New York Yankees. Springs made it through six innings without allowing a hit. Unfortunately for him,
Ben Rice smacked a single in the seventh inning to ruin the no-hit bid. Springs would finish his day going seven shutout innings, allowing one hit, and striking out six batters. The southpaw now holds a 1.47 ERA with 15 strikeouts across 18.1 innings of work this season. His next scheduled outing is against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday. Springs has looked strong against some tough lineups to begin the season. The 33-year-old is worth a look as a streaming option ahead of his next matchup.
--Andy WebbSource: Baseball Reference
April 9, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (ankle) has been listed as out for Friday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. Phoenix will give its star man some time off to manage an ankle injury after locking into the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. Booker's recent form will have the Suns fans excited for the postseason, as he has notched 30-plus points in five of the last six games. On Friday, the Suns might also be without
Jalen Green (knee), who is listed as questionable on the injury report.
Collin Gillespie is set to move back into the starting unit, while
Grayson Allen (quadriceps), who is ready to return from a one-game absence, should also have a leading role in Friday's game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic (wrist) is considered questionable for Friday's tilt against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The three-time MVP has been added to the injury report with a right wrist injury. Jokic's absence from the lineup would give
Jonas Valanciunas a big opportunity to stand out as the starting center. The Lithuanian veteran has posted averages of 14.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game as a starter this season. He could feast against a Thunder frontcourt that won't have the services of
Chet Holmgren (back) and
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf).
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 9, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (oblique) has been ruled out for Friday's clash against the Denver Nuggets. Oklahoma City has just secured the top seed in the Western Conference and will give the reigning MVP some rest after a back-to-back set. The defending champions will be without many regulars on Friday night, so
Jared McCain should get an opportunity to eat up as many minutes as he can handle in the backcourt, along with
Nikola Topic. Both players could be part of the starting lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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
L.J. 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
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