4 mins ago23XI Racing has always been fast on flat 1.5-mile ovals and yesterday's Las Vegas race was no exception even though neither Bubba Wallace nor his teammate Tyler Reddick ended up with good finishes. Despite starting 20th, Wallace drove up to fourth at the end of Stage 1 then took the lead twice before being passed by both Kyle Larson and William Byron. However, while attempting to make a four-wide pass on Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, and Noah Gragson for sixth in the outside lane on a restart, Blaney, Wallace, and Gragson came together and Wallace ended up finishing 28th a lap down, which was not representative of how he ran. Nonetheless, he's definitely had improved speed this year likely thanks to his new crew chief Charles Denike who led over 1,000 laps with Christian Eckes in the Craftsman Truck Series last year. The fact that he's been pretty unlucky and is still 11th in points is a great sign.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
6 mins agoAlex Bowman started sixth and finished seventh at Las Vegas, so you might figure he had his typical run-of-the-mill run where he ran in the back half of the top ten of the race without really contending, but his run was actually a lot stronger than that. Bowman led two laps early after passing Austin Cindric after the first restart before Cindric repassed him, but then while running fifth on lap 90, he pitted for a loose wheel and fell to 35th. He gained considerably after staying out of the pits on the eighth caution and quickly reentered the top ten for good after that, running as high as fourth in the latter stages. It remains to be seen whether he will have the speed to dominate a race again (which he hasn't for a while), but yesterday was an encouraging sign.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
7 mins agoIn a race where all the Team Penske drivers and their Wood Brothers satellite entry for Josh Berry seemed quite fast, Austin Cindric outdueled Alex Bowman to win Stage 1 at yesterday's Las Vegas race, his first stage win on a non-drafting oval since Gateway in 2022. He still continuously ran in the top ten until he had to pit a second time during the caution for Shane van Gisbergen's crash for a loose wheel, but eventually worked his way up to 6th. If all the cars who stayed out of the pits on the eighth caution had ended up running out of fuel which seemed very possible at one point, Cindric might've been in the hunt for the win since there were times he was ahead of William Byron and Kyle Larson, the latter of whom he outfinished. Perhaps this suggests he has more staying power after strong qualifying sessions than he did in previous years.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
9 mins agoWilliam Byron entered yesterday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas as the points leader and expanded his lead over Christopher Bell to 29 points after a fourth place finish. Byron entered the race as one of the pre-race favorites and did briefly lead twice for ten laps after passing first Bubba Wallace then Michael McDowell for the lead before his teammate Kyle Larson passed him both times. Larson looked faster than Byron for most of the race, but Byron was rarely far behind and ended up passing all the drivers on the main pit strategy by race's end. However, the usual contenders outthought themselves in choosing to pit during the eighth caution and many others didn't, which (along with contact from Ross Chastain) prevented them from catching the unusual podium finishers of Josh Berry, Daniel Suárez, and Ryan Preece on the other strategy.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
10 mins agoOne week after leading at Phoenix due to his alternative tire strategy, Ryan Preece surprisingly delivered the best finish of his career on a non-drafting oval in yesterday's Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas, finishing third in a race where his two RFK Racing teammates Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski did not run very well. Although Preece qualified 12th, he fell through the field during Stage 1 before he made a furious charge from 20th to 11th at the end of Stage 2. The team made a visionary move to stay out of the pits on the caution for the multi-car crash that took out Ryan Blaney, then managed to catch a caution before they needed to pit again. This propelled Preece to third on the final restart. Although he dropped to fifth after being passed by William Byron and Ross Chastain, when they made contact he regained third as the repercussions from the contact broke the momentum of all the drivers chasing him.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
5 hours agoLos Angeles Dodgers shortstop/outfielder
Mookie Betts (illness) will not play in the season-opening two-game series in Tokyo, Japan, against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, March 18, and Wednesday, March 19, according to manager Dave Roberts. Betts came down with an illness right before the team left for Japan, and it held him out of the team's exhibition games on Saturday and Sunday against the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers, respectively. The 32-year-old former MVP isn't quite ready, and the Dodgers are considering sending him back to L.A. early so that he can continue to recover for the U.S. season opener on March 27 against the visiting Detroit Tigers. We'd be surprised if Betts isn't ready by then, but we'll continue to monitor his status closely. With Betts out this coming week against Chicago, expect veteran
Miguel Rojas to start both games at the 6 for the Blue.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
5 hours agoAfter signing wide receiver
Ja'Marr Chase to a record four-year, $161 million deal with $112 million guaranteed on Sunday night, the Cincinnati Bengals then turned around and signed receiver
Tee Higgins to a four-year, $115 million deal to make him the highest-paid No. 2 wideout in NFL history, according to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. The first two years of Higgins' new deal are guaranteed. Cincy put the franchise tag on Higgins for the second straight year, but it only served as a placeholder before they locked the 26-year-old up long term. Although the former second-rounder (33rd overall) in 2020 out of Clemson only played in 12 games (nine starts) in 2024 due to injuries, he excelled when on the field and finished with a 73-911-10 line. His 10 scores were a new career-high. Although Chase takes valuable targets away from Higgins, he still has two 1,000-yard seasons and two 900-yard seasons, making him a strong WR2 target in fantasy.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
5 hours agoThe Cincinnati Bengals signed wide receiver
Ja'Marr Chase to a four-year, $161 million deal with $112 million guaranteed on Sunday to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, according to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. The 25-year-old All-Pro wideout is now under contract with the Bengals for the next five years for $182.816 million. The former fifth overall pick in 2021 out of LSU was deserving of the record contract after leading the league in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), touchdowns (17) and yards per game (100.5) in 17 games (16 starts) for the Bengals in his fourth year in the league in 2024. Chase has now been a Pro Bowler in each of his four years in the NFL and has put up at least 1,046 yards and seven touchdowns every year. With
Tee Higgins also coming back and with
Joe Burrow throwing him the football, Chase will be the unquestioned top receiver in fantasy this fall.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
6 hours agoGolden State Warriors guard
Brandin Podziemski (back) is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters on Saturday that Tuesday's matchup is "the target" for Podziemski's return. He has been listed as out for Monday's contest against the Denver Nuggets. Podziemski, who will miss a fifth consecutive game on Monday, will eat into the minutes of
Moses Moody,
Buddy Hield, and
Gary Payton II once he returns to the lineup.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Anthony Slater
6 hours agoDenver Nuggets guard/forward
Christian Braun (foot) is tagged as probable for Monday's contest against the Golden State Warriors. He continues to deal with inflammation in his left foot, but this hasn't yet kept Braun out of the lineup. His only absence this season came on Dec. 16. The 23-year-old has had a few quiet outings lately, but his overall numbers remain strong. Over eight March appearances, Braun has averaged 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.3 steals. On Monday, Braun might be called upon to do even more, as Denver leaders
Nikola Jokic (elbow, ankle) and
Jamal Murray (ankle) could miss the action.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
6 hours agoDenver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (calf, ankle) may remain out for a second consecutive game on Monday against the Golden State Warriors after the team listed him as questionable for the contest. Gordon has been bothered by a calf injury all year and is now also dealing with a left ankle sprain. With him out on Saturday against the Washington Wizards,
Russell Westbrook returned to the starting lineup.
Peyton Watson,
Zeke Nnaji, and
Christian Braun (foot) also gain fantasy value with Gordon out of the lineup. The latter remains on the injury report but is listed as probable, which suggests that Braun will likely be available Monday night.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
6 hours agoDenver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (ankle) is considered questionable for Monday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Murray has been on the injury report for much of the season due to inflammation in his left knee, but he hurt his right ankle on Saturday against the Washington Wizards, and this new injury may prevent him from playing on Monday night.
Nikola Jokic (elbow, ankle) is also uncertain for Monday night, so the keys to the offense could be handed to
Russell Westbrook.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
6 hours agoDenver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic (elbow, ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors. The three-time MVP has been dealing with elbow and ankle issues recently. However, he has previously had a probable designation on the injury report. Jokic last missed a game on Jan. 15 against the Houston Rockets, leading to
DeAndre Jordan being promoted to the starting unit. If Jokic is absent again on Monday, Jordan might return to the rotation; however,
Zeke Nnaji has recently moved ahead of him on the depth chart and is likely a better fantasy option.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
6 hours agoGolden State Warriors center
Quinten Post (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Monday's contest against the Denver Nuggets. The Dutch rookie has landed on the injury report with ankle soreness. Post has been a regular in the rotation lately, offering low-tier fantasy value. He has averaged 9.3 points and 5.0 rebounds in 19.8 minutes since the All-Star break. If Post sits out Monday's game, the Warriors could use
Kevon Looney more behind
Draymond Green, although head coach Steve Kerr might also choose to utilize smaller lineups.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
6 hours agoGolden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (back) has received a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Monday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets. The two-time MVP is dealing with a back issue, which may keep Curry sidelined for the first time since Jan. 28. If Curry isn't cleared to play,
Buddy Hield would likely see an increase in playing time, while Jimmy Butler,
Jonathan Kuminga, and
Moses Moody will be expected to contribute more on the offensive end.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
8 hours agoMemphis Grizzlies forward
Vince Williams Jr. (ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Williams appears ready to get back in action following a one-game absence due to a right ankle issue. Williams has been fairly quiet recently with three straight games of seven points or less. The 24-year-old doesn't exactly have a big role in the rotation, but possibly he sees more minutes with
Santi Aldama (calf) doubtful for this contest. Regardless, Williams is a fairly risky streaming option for Monday's slate.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Grizzlies PR
8 hours agoChicago Bulls guard
Coby White (toe) is listed as probable ahead of Monday's game against the Utah Jazz. White continues to play through a left toe issue, so fantasy managers should expect that to remain the case on Monday. White has been asked to pick up the slack lately with the team shorthanded at the guard spot. White has done an excellent job with 21 points or more in eight straight games. White has turned into a must-start fantasy player, especially with
Josh Giddey (ankle) and
Lonzo Ball (wrist) both sidelined.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
8 hours agoChicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (ankle) is listed as doubtful ahead of Monday's game against the Utah Jazz. It looks like Giddey is going to miss his third game in a row due to a right ankle sprain. This is a shame considering Giddey was on a hot streak before the injury. The absence of Giddey would mean that
Tre Jones and
Kevin Huerter continue seeing increased roles in the rotation. Huerter hasn't done much with the extra minutes lately, so Jones is the better streaming choice between the two guards right now.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
8 hours agoMilwaukee Bucks guard
Gary Trent Jr. (knee) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Trent was uncertain coming into this game due to a left knee issue. Despite that, Trent has been cleared to play and figures to play his normal role on Sunday. Trent offers low-end streaming appeal with back-to-back performances of 13 points or more. He's more worth a look in deep leagues rather than standard 12-team formats.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
8 hours agoMemphis Grizzlies guard
Scotty Pippen Jr. (wrist) is listed as questionable ahead of Monday's game against the Sacramento Kings. It appears Pippen suffered a left wrist injury during Saturday's contest. Despite that, Pippen finished with 11 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists across 29 minutes of action. Fellow guard
Ja Morant (hamstring) has already been ruled out, so Pippen should see an extended look once again, assuming he's cleared to play. Otherwise,
Luke Kennard and
Desmond Bane could be asked to play significant minutes if both Morant and Pippen are out.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Grizzlies PR
8 hours agoMemphis Grizzlies guard
Ja Morant (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Morant sat out on Saturday due to a shoulder issue, so it appears he is over that problem. Now, Morant will miss Monday's contest due to left hamstring tightness. When healthy, Morant is a stud as seen by his 44-point performance on Friday. Sadly, it hasn't been easy keeping it on the court lately considering this is his fourth absence this month. The absence of Morant should mean that
Luke Kennard and
Scotty Pippen Jr. (wrist) should have larger roles in the rotation. Both are worth a look as streaming options, but Pippen is the better of the two, assuming he's cleared to play.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Grizzlies PR
9 hours agoIndiana Pacers forward
Aaron Nesmith (ankle) is questionable for Monday's meeting with the Timberwolves. The 25-year-old hasn't been a consistent fantasy producer this season. Still, he can play well at times, as evident by his 30-point effort on Saturday against Milwaukee. But if Nesmith misses his first game since January 14,
Jarace Walker and
Bennedict Mathurin may enter the starting lineup. Walker and Mathurin are shaky fantasy options. But their upside will increase if
Tyrese Haliburton (back) and
Myles Turner (hip) aren't available.
Pascal Siakam (personal) has already been ruled out.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
9 hours agoIndiana Pacers guard
Tyrese Haliburton (back) is questionable for Monday's meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He recently missed time because of a hip injury. However, Haliburton was back on the floor for Indiana's last three contests, recently amassing 24 points, 15 assists, six boards, and five steals in Saturday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. But if the 25-year-old can't suit up,
Andrew Nembhard will likely slide over to the one, with
Bennedict Mathurin potentially entering the starting lineup. Mathurin has averaged 16.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in 45 starts this season, although he may be more productive if
Myles Turner (hip) and
Aaron Nesmith (ankle) don't play. In addition,
Pascal Siakam (personal) has already been ruled out for Monday night.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
9 hours agoPhil Miller of the Minnesota Star Tribune notes that Minnesota Twins pitcher
Michael Tonkin (shoulder) is set to begin the 2025 season on the injured list. The 35-year-old picked up what was labeled as a "slight" shoulder strain in his last outing on Feb. 28. Although he is progressing, it appears Tonkin won't make the team's Opening Day roster. The righty was solid in 2024 while spending time with the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and eventually, Minnesota -- pitching to a 3.63 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 79.1 innings. Fantasy managers can expect him to slot back into his middle reliever role upon returning to health.
--Alex CiullaSource: Phil Miller
9 hours agoOklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Aaron Wiggins (illness) has overcome a questionable designation and will play in Sunday's intriguing matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. He has been cleared to return to the lineup after missing Saturday's game against the Detroit Pistons due to an illness. Wiggins was a starter in his most recent appearance and could return to the first unit against Milwaukee after
Luguentz Dort (hip) was injured in Saturday's contest. In 21 starts this season, Wiggins has averaged 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 steals.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Joel Lorenzi
9 hours agoMartin Gallegos of MLB.com reports that Athletics pitcher
Michel Otanez (shoulder) has been shut down from throwing, and his status for Opening Day is in doubt. Otanez made his debut in 2024 and was solid, pitching to a 3.44 ERA with one win and one save across 34 innings. He struck out 55 batters and allowed a .214 average against him. It's unfortunate news for the hard-throwing righty, as he was set to work in a high-leverage role for the A's bullpen. Even though he has not been ruled out for the start of the season, it's hard to imagine him being ready with his shoulder impingement coming so late in spring training. Otanez struck out batters at a 36.4% rate last season and underperformed his xBA (.150) and xERA (2.49) by at least 60 points.
--Alex CiullaSource: Martin Gallegos
9 hours agoIndiana Pacers center
Myles Turner (hip) is questionable for Monday's encounter with the Timberwolves. Turner was on the floor for both halves of Indiana's back-to-back on Friday and Saturday, combining for 32 points and 11 rebounds. Unfortunately, he landed on the injury report because of a bruised hip, meaning he may miss his first game in over a month. If Turner can't get on the floor,
Thomas Bryant, averaging 14.2 points and 8.4 boards in five starts this season, should see streaming attention from fantasy managers. Bryant would also draw value interest from DFS participants, considering
Pascal Siakam (personal) won't play, and
Tyrese Martin (back) is questionable.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
9 hours agoMilwaukee Bucks forward
Kyle Kuzma (illness) will be in the lineup on Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Initially, he was iffy for the contest due to an illness. Kuzma has scored in single digits for three consecutive outings and finished 0-for-4 from downtown in Saturday's win over the Indiana Pacers. Across 32 minutes of action, he amassed eight points, eight rebounds, and three steals. On Sunday, Kuzma will face the NBA's top defensive team, which will make it difficult for him to overcome his slump.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Eric Nehm
9 hours agoIndiana Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam (personal) is out on Monday night versus the Timberwolves. The Pacers just completed back-to-back contests, with the 30-year-old combining for 53 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks during that span. However, he'll sit out on Monday night due to a personal issue.
Myles Turner (hip) is questionable, so the team may be down their starting bigs against Minnesota. But as far as Siakam is concerned,
Obi Toppin may slide into the starting lineup. But even if the former Knick doesn't start, he could see more work on the scoring end, especially if Turner,
Tyrese Haliburton (back), and
Aaron Nesmith (ankle) are ruled out.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
9 hours agoMilwaukee Bucks point guard
Damian Lillard (groin) will play against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Despite dealing with groin soreness, Lillard has been upgraded from probable to available. The star guard will hit the floor for a second consecutive night. He finished Saturday's 126-119 win over the Indiana Pacers with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Lillard is now on a run of three consecutive double-doubles and will surely be highly motivated on Sunday against MVP candidate
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Eric Nehm
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