January 23, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) is questionable for Friday's matchup against Portland as he works through a left thumb sprain and risks missing a third straight game. His availability matters for Toronto's frontcourt rotation, where
Sandro Mamukelashvili has stepped into a larger role. Mamukelashvili erupted for 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three three-pointers in 32 minutes last game, making him a strong short-term add if Murray-Boyles remains out. Murray-Boyles is a hold in deeper formats, but any absence continues to funnel minutes and usage toward Mamukelashvili.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
According to Spencer Nusbaum, Andrew Golden, and Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post, the Nationals have shopped star shortstop
CJ Abrams on the trade market this offseason. While they have yet to find a trade partner, they are actively looking to move the infielder. On Thursday, the Nationals traded their ace,
MacKenzie Gore, to the Texas Rangers in exchange for numerous top prospects, and could now look to pursue talks for Abrams. Abrams began his career with the Padres but was shipped to Washington in the
Juan Soto trade in August of 2022. Last season, Abrams posted a .257/.315/.433 line with a career-high 35 doubles. He hit 19 home runs and swiped at least 31 bases for the second-straight campaign. The 25-year-old remains a solid No. 1 SS in category formats, given his ability to hit for power and steal bases. If he were to be traded to a contender, he would see his counting stats receive a major boost.
--Andy SmithSource: Spencer Nusbaum, Andrew Golden, Chelsea Janes
January 23, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
RJ Barrett (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game in Portland, a step forward as he works toward a potential return. Barrett's availability directly impacts the backcourt rotation, as
Jamal Shead would likely slide back to the second unit if Barrett plays. Shead has been productive lately, averaging 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 31.8 minutes over his last five, though on a shaky 34.8 percent from the field. Fantasy managers should view Shead as a short-term standard-league option only if Barrett remains sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, free-agent pitcher
Brent Suter continues to draw interest among many clubs on the open market. Murray noted that the left-hander is currently evaluating his options. In 2025, Suter spent the entire campaign with the Reds and logged 67 2/3 innings, primarily as a reliever (three starts). He posted a modest 4.52 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. He struck out just 53 batters but did limit hard contact, generating a 32.9% hard-hit rate with a 7.8% barrel rate. Additionally, Suter showed strong command, serving up free passes at a low 6.2% rate. Managers in deeper leagues that reward holds should monitor his status as he could become a late-inning option for a team. However, he is not expected to compete for any closer role, as he has tallied just three saves in his 10-year MLB career.
--Andy SmithSource: Robert Murray
January 23, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks center
Myles Turner (ankle) is probable to play Friday against Denver after missing one game. His return would tighten Milwaukee's frontcourt rotation, cutting into
Bobby Portis' upside after the veteran big delivered 15 points, six rebounds, and nine assists in 37 minutes Wednesday. Turner's recent play has been uneven, averaging 11.2 points and 4.8 rebounds over his last five, which keeps expectations modest. Fantasy managers should view Turner as a low-end hold, while Portis slides from short-term standard-league value back to a capped bench role when Turner is active.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Free-agent right-handed pitcher
Zack Littell is drawing significant interest on the open market, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.com. Littell spent the 2025 campaign with the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds. Across 186 2/3 innings of work (32 starts), the right-hander posted a 3.81 ERA with a strong 1.10 WHIP. Littell showed elite command, allowing walks at a 4.2% rate, placing him in the 98th percentile among qualified pitchers. However, he generated much higher 4.36 xERA, suggesting he could face some regression in 2026. Additionally, he only struck out 130 batters (12th percentile), which lowers his ceiling for fantasy purposes. Managers should monitor his status, as he could be a viable boost to your WHIP ratio but will not have much impact in the other categories.
--Andy SmithSource: Robert Murray
January 23, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Sam Merrill (hand) will miss Friday's game against Sacramento, marking his fourth straight absence as he continues to manage a right-hand sprain. With Merrill and
Darius Garland (toe) sidelined, Cleveland is again leaning on
Jaylon Tyson for secondary scoring and playmaking. Tyson delivered 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 31 minutes last game, giving him short-term value in standard formats.
Craig Porter Jr. also continues to see an expanded role, though his seven points, one rebound, and two assists in 18 minutes keep him capped as a low-end option.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Free agent infielder
Isiah Kiner-Falefa met with several teams through virtual meetings over the past week, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.com. Kiner-Falefa spent the 2025 season with the Pirates and Blue Jays. Across 138 games, the 30-year-old posted a .262/.297/.334 line with two home runs and 15 stolen bases. While he does not make much of an impact in the batter's box, the infielder can play at numerous defensive positions, which gives him great value as a depth piece. Last summer, Kiner-Falefa had double-digit stats at second base, third base, and shortstop. Earlier in his career, he also saw time in the outfield. Managers in deeper 15-team formats should monitor Kiner-Falefa's free-agent market as he could hold value as a bench option given his defensive versatility.
--Andy SmithSource: Robert Murray
January 23, 2026
Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes set up three goals, including Kirill Kaprizov's game-winner, in Thursday's 4-3 overtime victory against the Detroit Red Wings. The star blue-liner also helped Kaprizov net a power-play goal in the first period and assisted Mats Zuccarello early in the third frame. Amazingly, despite this being only his 20th appearance for the team, Hughes already matched a franchise record for the most three-assist games in a single season. It was his third hat trick of assists with the Wild. Overall, Hughes has posted 24 points (two goals, 22 assists) in 20 games since moving to Minnesota. He has finished six of his outings with multiple points, including three of the last four.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 23, 2026
Texas Rangers first baseman
Jake Burger (wrist) is fully recovered from offseason wrist surgery and is expected to be a full-go for spring training, according to Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News. In 2025, Burger appeared in only 103 games and had a disappointing season in the batter's box, posting a low .236/.269/.419 line with 16 home runs and a high 24.7% K%. During the season, he battled numerous lingering injuries, including a wrist injury that now looks to be behind him. In 2023 and 2024, Burger launched at last 29 home runs in each season and held an overall .250/.205/.488 line with a 793 OPS. Managers should expect the 29-year-old to operate as the primary first baseman in Texas. He is a solid target late in drafts if looking for power, as he should return to his 25+ HR upside following a healthy offseason.
--Andy SmithSource: Shawn McFarland
January 23, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) will miss Friday against Oklahoma City as he continues to recover from a right thumb sprain and has now missed 10 straight games. Indiana will keep leaning on
Aaron Nesmith and second-year wing
Johnny Furphy, though results have been uneven. Nesmith is mired in a slump, shooting 23.1 percent from the field over his last five starts. Furphy has shown flashes with 7.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over that stretch, though the production has been volatile and is best left for deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins winger Anthony Mantha scored two goals in Thursday's 6-2 road win over the Edmonton Oilers. He provided the goals in the span of 22 seconds early in the first period. Sidney Crosby quickly added another one, giving Pittsburgh three goals inside 37 seconds against the team's former goalie, Tristan Jarry. These were Mantha's first goals since the turn of the year. He has struggled in front of the net after wrapping up 2025 with a three-game goal streak. Still, it has been a good campaign for Mantha, who sits on 34 points (16 goals, 18 assists) through 50 appearances. Should he maintain his current scoring rate, the 31-year-old would get to celebrate a new career high at the end of the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 23, 2026
According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, free agent starting pitcher
Max Scherzer is not in a rush to sign a contract. Scherzer is reportedly fully healthy and prepped to sign with a team. However, the veteran is willing to wait for his offers to find the perfect opportunity. Rosenthal and Sammon even noted that there is a possibility that Scherzer waits until after Opening Day to sign with a preferred club. Last season, Scherzer spent the 2025 campaign with the Blue Jays and posted a 5.19 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 85 innings. He struck out only 82 hitters but showed strong command, allowing walks at a 6.4% rate. In 2024, Scherzer logged only 43 1/3 innings. Once Scherzer does sign with a club, he will likely only hold value in deeper formats given his declining strikeout upside.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
January 23, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Alex Caruso (adductor) will sit out Friday against Indiana, extending his absence as the Thunder continue to manage his workload. With Caruso and
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) sidelined and
Aaron Wiggins (groin) carrying a questionable tag, Oklahoma City's wing rotation thins again. That creates a short-term opportunity for
Isaiah Joe, who logged five points in 25 minutes last game and offers situational three-point streaming value in deeper leagues. Caruso remains a defensive-category specialist when active, but his limited scoring profile keeps his fantasy ceiling capped.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves recorded his first shutout of the season in Thursday's tough matchup against the Dallas Stars, finishing a 1-0 victory with 28 saves. Zach Werenski did the business at the other end. Greaves has become a solid option for fantasy managers as the season has progressed. Currently, he is on an 8-4-1 run over his last 13 starts. The 24-year-old has allowed two or fewer goals six times over that span. For the season, Greaves holds a 15-12-6 record, with a 2.62 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 23, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) will miss Friday's game against Indiana after exiting early Wednesday, sidelined by an abdominal strain. His absence opens short-term backcourt minutes, pushing
Cason Wallace,
Luguentz Dort, and
Isaiah Joe into larger roles. Wallace logged nine points, two rebounds, two assists, and four steals in 31 minutes last game, making him a viable deep-league streamer for defensive stats. Dort adds scoring stability after scoring 13 points with three three-pointers, while Joe remains a low-usage specialist. Mitchell remains a hold in deeper formats, with a return possible Sunday.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak notched a goal and two assists in Thursday's 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. With the Czechia star leading the charge, the Bruins jumped to a 4-0 lead. Pastrnak had two power-play assists, and his even-strength goal ended up being the game-winning marker. Boston improved to 9-2-0 over its last 11 games. During that stretch, Pastnark has been on another level, posting 22 points (six goals, 16 assists). He has become one of only six players in the league this season with at least 20 goals and 40 assists. In 46 appearances, Pastrnak has racked up 63 points (21 goals, 42 assists).
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 23, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will not play Friday against Indiana and remains sidelined by a lingering soleus strain that has kept him out since late December. With no clear timetable, fantasy managers should treat Hartenstein as a stash only in deeper formats. His continued absence opens frontcourt minutes for
Kenrich Williams, who logged 18 points and eight rebounds in 28 minutes last game, while
Branden Carlson added nine points and six rebounds in 16 minutes.
Jaylin Williams' (glut) questionable status further boosts Kenrich's streaming appeal in deeper leagues, with fringe standard-league value if minutes hold.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau (lower body) is expected to rejoin the lineup on Friday against the Washington Capitals. Due to a lower-body injury, he didn't play in Wednesday's loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Huberdeau has had a frustrating start to 2026, going eight games without a point. Overall, he has bagged 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) in 44 appearances. Matvei Gridin has had a quiet spell in the top six and could come out of the lineup on Friday to accommodate Huberdeau's return.
--Taavi PailkSource: Reuters
January 23, 2026
New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect
Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz is a name to closely monitor during spring training. Rodriguez-Cruz is currently viewed as the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Yankee system and No. 97 overall on MLB.com. Last summer, the right-hander began the season at High-A but was promoted through the system quickly and ended the season at Triple-A. At High-A, Rodriguez-Cruz logged 83 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.26 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 99 punchouts. At Double-A, he continued to succeed, striking out 74 hitters across 61 1/3 innings with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. During his brief five-inning taste of Triple-A, Rodriguez-Cruz allowed four runs. Given that the Yankees will likely be without
Gerrit Cole (elbow) and
Carlos Rodon (elbow) for the start of the season, Rodriguez-Cruz could push to make his MLB debut much sooner than expected.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 23, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Jonathan Kuminga (knee) was ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against Dallas after exiting early with left knee soreness and is scheduled for an MRI on Friday. Kuminga logged 10 points on 3-3 shooting, one rebound, two assists, and two steals in nine minutes before being shut down as a precaution. Recently back in the rotation following
Jimmy Butler III's (knee) season-ending injury, Kuminga remains a hold if cleared quickly. Any absence would boost minutes for
De'Anthony Melton,
Moses Moody, and
Brandin Podziemski, while
Draymond Green's usage could tick up in smaller lineups.
--Brian DailisanSource: Anthony Slater
January 23, 2026
Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (upper body) returned to practice on Thursday and will be an option for Saturday's matchup against the St. Louis Blues. Kuemper left Tuesday's win over the New York Rangers early due to an upper-body injury. He was unable to continue after a collision with Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski. "Yeah, kind of got hit on the side of my neck, and it pinched my neck and pinched the nerves, and my arm went dead," Kuemper said. "So, yeah, wasn't allowed to come back in until we did some further testing yesterday." Kuemper, who is on Team Canada's roster for the Olympics, has shown outstanding form throughout 2025-26, allowing 2.52 goals with a .904 save percentage and two shutouts. However, because of the Kings' inconsistent offense, Kuemper has won only about a third of his starts, going 12-9-9.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 23, 2026
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper enjoyed a very productive 2025 season and has left the door open for a late 2026 MLB debut. He begna the 2025 seaons with High-A Cedar Rapids and held a .293/.385/.479 line across a 54 game stint. He then earned a ticket to Double-A Wichita, where he continued to swing a hot bat, posting a .285/.367/.460 line with seven doubles, 11 home runs, and 10 stolen bases. Overall, he finished his 2025 season carrying an impressive .844 OPS with 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases across 113 contests. While managers should expect Culpepper to begin the 2026 season with Double-A, a strong showing in camp could give him the opportunity to begin the season with Triple-A. He is a name to continue to monitor in deeper redraft leagues, as he could emerge as a viable stash candidate if he continues to show this five-category potential.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
January 23, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Deni Avdija (back) exited Thursday's game against Miami early after feeling discomfort, but is expected to suit up Friday versus Toronto, according to coach Tiago Splitter. Avdija was productive before leaving, posting 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 18 minutes, and has been on a heater lately, averaging 27.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.8 three-pointers, and 1.2 steals in 32.5 minutes over his last five games. Fantasy managers should treat him as a confident hold, though any late scratch would funnel extra usage to
Shaedon Sharpe and
Jrue Holiday.
--Brian DailisanSource: Joe Freeman
January 23, 2026
Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson (upper body) was injured in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times reports. With a couple of minutes left to play, Canadiens forward Zachary Bolduc hit Benson in the head with his elbow. Benson registered the game-winning goal in the contest, ending a three-game point drought. While scoring hasn't been easy for Benson in recent games, he is enjoying a career year. The 20-year-old has notched 23 points (six goals, 17 assists) across 37 outings. Buffalo also lost defenseman Jacob Bryson (upper body) to injury on Thursday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: Bill Hoppe
January 23, 2026
San Francisco Giants first base prospect
Bryce Eldridge will be in a good position to break camp with the MLB roster. The team's top prospect received a brief 10-game stint in the majors late last season. While he only posted a low .107/.297/.179 line during this stretch, he generated a strong .362 xwOBA, suggesting he is due for significant positive regression during his second stint. He began the campaign with Double-A and needed only 34 contests to prove he was ready to join Triple-A Sacramento. With Sacramento, Eldridge posted a .249/.322/.514 line with an .836 OPS, 13 doubles, 18 home runs, and an 88:28 K:BB. In the offseason, he underwent wrist surgery but is not expected to be limited during camp. Currently, Eldridge is expected to serve as a first baseman/designated hitter for the Giants, sharing time with
Rafael Devers. He is a name to monitor in camp, as he could push for a full-time role early this season.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 23, 2026
Athletics infield prospect
Leodalis De Vries could be in the mix to make his MLB debut in the second half of the 2026 campaign. De Vries was the headliner piece that went to the Athletics in return for relief pitcher
Mason Miller, who was traded to the Padres at the deadline. De Vries is currently viewed as the No. 3 overall prospect in baseball on MLB.com. The 19-year-old spent most of the 2025 campaign with High-A and posted an overall .249/.354/.426 line with a .780 OPS, 10 home runs, and nine stolen bases. He was then promoted to Double-A Midland late in the season and continued to perform well over his brief 21-game look. During this short look, De Vries led a .281/.359/.551 line with five long balls. If the 19-year-old can continue this pace at Double-A to begin the season, he should be in the mix for an early promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas, leaving the door open for the late-season MLB debut. He is a top dynasty asset heading into the 2026 season.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 23, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect
Zyhir Hope has seen his stock increase over the past year and is seen as not only one of the top prospects in the Dodgers system but in all of baseball. In 2025, Hope began the campaign with High-A and spent 121 games with Great Lakes. During this stint, the 21-year-old outfielder posted an elite .264/.377/.428 line with an .805 OPS. He hit 27 doubles, added 13 long balls, and swiped 26 bases. He then earned a brief six-game stint with Double-A to conclude the season, where he went 6-for-19 with two doubles and a stolen base. Hope now sits as the No. 20-ranked prospect in baseball and the No. 2-ranked in Los Angeles, only behind fellow outfielder
Josue De Paula. While Hope is unlikely to debut in 2026, he is a name to follow in dynasty/keeper leagues as he appears to be a budding five-category producer.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 23, 2026
The Washington Nationals acquired first-base prospect
Abimelec Ortiz, along with Gavin Fien, Alejandro Rosario, Devin Fitz-Gerald, and Yeremy Cabrera from the Texas Rangers, in return for left-handed pitcher
MacKenzie Gore. Gore saw his name in many trade discussions throughout the winter, and the Nationals were able to acquire several high-end prospects in return. Oritz was viewed as the No. 18-ranked prospect in the Texas system on MLB.com prior to the trade. Last summer, the first baseman opened the campaign with Double-A but was able to join Triple-A Round Rock after an 89-game stint. With Double-A, Ortiz held a .247/.343/.444 line with 19 doubles, 16 home runs, and three stolen bases. During his first taste of Triple-A, Ortiz looked quite comfortable, holding a .283/.388/.565 line with a .953 OPS and nine home runs (across 41 games). Given Washington's lack of options at first base, Ortiz could make a strong case to begin the season in the big leagues. He is a name to closely monitor heading into camp.
--Andy SmithSource: Robert Murray
January 22, 2026
Denver Broncos tight end
Evan Engram was a disappointment during the regular season in his first year with the Broncos, catching 50 of his 76 targets for 461 yards and only one touchdown in 16 games played. That continued in the Divisional Round overtime win over the Buffalo Bills last Saturday, as Engram caught just one of three targets for seven yards. The 31-year-old veteran just did not live up to the expectations that Denver's coaching staff placed on him during training camp. Perhaps Engram will be a favorite target for quarterback
Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots in place of the injured
Bo Nix (ankle), but it's probably unlikely. Engram went over 45 receiving yards just once during the regular season, and his lone TD on the year came way back on Oct. 5 in a win over the Eagles. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting a sudden breakout for Engram in the AFC Championship.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
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