4 days agoLos Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (lower body) will rejoin the lineup for Friday's road game against the Dallas Stars. Doughty, whose season debut was delayed until late January due to a broken ankle, missed Wednesday's clash against the Vancouver Canucks with a lower-body injury. On Friday, Dought noted that he will have to "manage" his current injury for the rest of the campaign. This likely means that he will sit out further action down the road. The former Norris Trophy winner has made eight appearances with the Kings this season, logging four points (one goal, three assists), 15 shots, 13 blocks, and 11 hits, along with a plus-four rating.Source: Zach Dooley
4 days agoNew York Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller (lower body) is a game-time decision for Friday's contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He suffered a lower-body injury during Tuesday's matchup against the New York Islanders. On Thursday, Miller wore a non-contact jersey in practice. However, he returned to a regular jersey for Friday's optional morning skate, which is a positive sign regarding his availability for the game. The Rangers defense has already lost Adam Fox (upper body) this week, and Miller's absence would complicate matters further for the team. If Miller isn't feeling well enough to play on Friday, Matthew Robertson will likely step into the lineup for his NHL debut. Source: NHL.com
4 days agoThe Los Angeles Rams and left tackle Alaric Jackson agreed to a three-year, $57 million extension that includes $35 million guaranteed on Thursday, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Jackson will now remain in L.A. to protect the blind side of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who will also stay with the team after agreeing to a restructured deal. If he had reached free agency, Jackson would have been one of the top left tackles available on the market this offseason. It's a big day for the Rams' offense after they narrowly missed a shot at playing in the NFL Championship in 2024. The 26-year-old went undrafted out of the University of Iowa but eventually latched on with the Rams and made his NFL debut in 2021. He played in only 12 games his first two seasons but has started 29 games in L.A. the last two years.Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
4 days agoAccording to Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site, Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is questionable for Friday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Porzingis was a late add on the team's injury report due to a non-COVID illness. The 29-year-old played against the Pistons on Wednesday after missing Tuesday's matchup with Toronto because of the illness. If the big man is unable to suit up, players like Al Horford and Neemias Queta will take extra minutes. However, neither player will likely factor into fantasy this evening.Source: Taylor Snow
4 days agoNew York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (upper body) is a game-time decision for Friday's showdown against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has missed the last two games due to an upper-body injury but could return to action on Friday after fully participating in Thursday's practice. While Kreider has shown some improvement this month, he hasn't performed at his usual level for most of the season. In 48 games, he has recorded 17 goals and 21 points. If Kreider is not ready for game action on Friday, either Brennan Othmann or Arthur Kaliyev will have the chance to play.Source: NHL.com
4 days agoSan Francisco Giants pitcher Keaton Winn (elbow) appears to be a name being discussed as a possible starting rotation option. Winn started 12 games for the Giants last season before suffering a nerve issue in his elbow that ended his season. The right-hander has been throwing in spring training, but hasn't actually played in any contests. Winn posted an ugly 7.12 ERA with a 1.37 WHIP during his 12 starts last season. He wasn't exactly a solid option in the rotation, but it seems like the team is willing to give him another chance. If not, Winn might move into a long relief role or swingman out of the bullpen. Fantasy managers can use a wait-and-see approach here.Source: NBC Bay Area
4 days agoThe Las Vegas Raiders informed quarterback Desmond Ridder that they will not tender him an offer as a restricted free agent this offseason, a source tells NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Ridder will now hit the open market next month after playing in six games (one start) in his lone season for the Raiders in 2024. He went 52-for-85 for 458 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions as a backup in Vegas. The 25-year-old former third-round selection (74th overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022 out of the University of Cincinnati appeared in 19 games (17 starts) in his first two years in the NFL in Atlanta before the Falcons moved on. Ridder briefly latched on as a backup option with the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Raiders this past season. He has plenty of starting experience since entering the league, but Ridder will just be hoping for a chance to earn a backup gig somewhere else in 2025.Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
4 days agoNew York Rangers forward J.T. Miller (illness) is a game-time decision for Friday's matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Miller didn't practice on Thursday due to an illness and may have to skip his first game since rejoining the Rangers on Jan. 31. The Rangers offense has received a nice boost with the addition of Miller, who has tallied five goals and nine points in eight appearances with the team. Since the season resumed after the 4 Nations Face-Off break, Miller has accumulated five points (three goals, two assists) in three games. Arthur Kaliyev or Brennan Othmann may enter the lineup if Miller is unavailable on Friday.
Source: Mark Masters
4 days agoThe Las Vegas Raiders are now expected to investigate veteran quarterback options that include free-agents Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Sam Darnold, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Raiders recently met with quarterback Matthew Stafford and reportedly offered him a two-year deal worth up to $90-100 million guaranteed, but Stafford instead chose to restructure his deal to stay in L.A. With Stafford now off the table, Vegas will turn to their backup options, including both of the Pittsburgh Steelers' impending free-agent signal-callers. Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew III are currently on the roster, but the new Raiders coaching staff prefers a veteran with experience, and Minshew is expected to be released. The most obvious fit is Wilson due to his history with head coach Pete Carroll in Seattle, but he's also 36 years old and fizzled out down the stretch in his first year in the Steel City.Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
4 days agoSan Francisco Giants infielder Osleivis Basabe (shoulder) has been shut down from throwing for a few days. The Giants are calling the issue a right shoulder strain, so they'll give Basabe a few days off to rest. It doesn't sound like the team plans on doing more imaging, so for now he's considered day-to-day. Basabe is currently competing for a bench spot on the roster, so his won't help his chances of making the roster. Regardless, Basabe is unlikely to offer fantasy value to begin the season.Source: Justice De Los Santos
4 days agoAccording to Taylor Snow from the official site of the Celtics, Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (finger) is unavailable for Friday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Holiday will be out of action due to an injured finger on his right hand. Friday's contest will be the sixth he's missed in the last nine games. With Holiday sidelined, Sam Hauser or Payton Pritchard must step up for the Celtics to have a successful evening since the Cavs have a tough backcourt for opposing teams to deal with.Source: Taylor Snow
4 days agoSan Francisco Giants corner infielder Jake Lamb (quad) has been shut down from doing baseball activities for the weekend. The veteran infielder recently suffered a left quad strain, so the Giants are going to have him rest for a few days. Lamb will be re-evaluated on Tuesday, so there should be more information about his status known then. The 34-year-old hasn't played in the big leagues since the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Angels. It's hard to imagine Lamb being a fantasy contributor at this point in his career.Source: Justice De Los Santos
4 days agoToronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (undisclosed) will be in the lineup on Friday against the New York Rangers. Nylander didn't hit the ice during overtime in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Boston Bruins and sat out Wednesday's practice. However, the Swedish star was back on the ice Friday morning and will play against the Rangers. Nylander leads the Maple Leafs with 33 goals and has amassed 58 points in as many games. He has notched three assists in three outings since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off. On Friday, Nylander is expected to remain on the second line with John Tavares and Pontus Holmberg.Source: NHL.com
4 days agoSan Francisco Giants catcher Tom Murphy (back) has started doing light rehab activities. Murphy was dealing with back spasms in camp, but an MRI revealed a more serious issue. The veteran backstop is dealing with a middle-back disk herniation. The fact Murphy is only beginning his rehab process means he probably won't be ready to play by Opening Day. Patrick Bailey is expected to basically play everyday, so Sam Huff might end up making the squad as the backup until Murphy is ready to play.Source: Justice De Los Santos
4 days agoHouston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (elbow) looked sharp during a recent bullpen session on Thursday. Astros' manager Joe Espada said that Garcia is close to facing live hitters, which is great news. Garcia is still working his way back from Tommy John surgery. The Astros are going to take it slow and they've already said Garcia won't be ready for Opening Day. Possibly, Garcia is able to get into some spring training contests, but the Astros are going to wait and see how he progresses. Fantasy managers might have to wait a month or two before getting anything from Garcia.Source: Brian McTaggart
4 days agoMinnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (groin) will miss a 13th consecutive game on Friday due to the groin strain he suffered in January. The Timberwolves are set to take on the Utah Jazz without either one of their starting bigs, Anthony Edwards (suspension), and possibly Donte DiVincenzo (questionable - toe). That means the team will likely go deep into their bench, but Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Terrence Shannon Jr. still see a big boost in opportunities. Both have been getting extra minutes already amid these injuries, and they clocked 35 and 29 minutes of playing time respectively on Thursday.Source: NBA Injury Report
4 days agoDenver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (knee) is probable for Friday's matchup with the Detroit Pistons. Fantasy managers are used to seeing Murray's name on the injury report as he has been dealing with inflammation in his left knee. However, it appears the 28-year-old will likely be good to go for Friday's contest. Murray finished with 20 points, three rebounds, five assists and one steal across 40 minutes on Thursday against Milwaukee. As always, if available, Murray is a must-start for fantasy managers.Source: NBA Injury Report
4 days agoToronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (shoulder) is uncertain as to whether he'll ready in time to play on Opening Day. Blue Jays' manager John Schneider hinted earlier in camp that Varsho could spend some time on the injured list to begin the season. Varsho has started throwing up to 120 feet, but the next step is Varsho throwing over 80 mph regularly. It's possible that the Blue Jays carry Varsho on the Opening Day roster just as the designated hitter. He has looked fine as a hitter during spring training, but is still increasing his arm strength. George Springer might start the season in center field if Varsho isn't ready yet. UPDATE: Varsho hit a two-run home run in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Detroit Tigers.Source: Keegan Matheson
4 days agoNew York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil (shoulder) has been shut down from throwing after feeling discomfort during a recent bullpen session. The team will have Gil undergo an MRI, so there should be a better timetable after that. The right-hander is reportedly feeling tightness in his right shoulder, but fantasy managers shouldn't panic yet. There is a chance that Gil does miss Opening Day, which is a shame considering Gil is expected to be a significant part of the rotation. Marcus Stroman might find his way into the rotation if Gil does miss time.Source: Bryan Hoch
4 days agoVinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports that Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) is questionable for Friday's matchup with the Detroit Pistons. Gordon is on the injury report due to a left ankle sprain, a new setback for the 29-year-old forward. He posted nine points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block across 33 minutes of work in Thursday's 121-112 loss to Milwaukee. If Gordon is out of action against the Pistons, Zeke Nnaji and Julian Strawther will likely see more minutes on the floor.Source: Vinny Benedetto
4 days agoMinnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (toe) has drawn a questionable tag for Friday's game against the Utah Jazz due to the toe injury that kept him out for over a month. Thursday was his first game back since January 15, so it wouldn't come as a big surprise if the Timberwolves decide to ease him back and let him sit the back part of a back-to-back. If he doesn't suit up, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Terrence Shannon Jr. should see plenty of minutes since Anthony Edwards (suspension) is also out. They both are likely available in a wide range of fantasy leagues, but Shannon has shown a lot of promise, especially after 25 points, five rebounds, and two assists on Thursday.Source: NBA Injury Report
4 days agoMinnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (suspension) has been suspended for receiving his 16th technical foul of the season and will miss Friday's game against the Utah Jazz. This is only a one-game suspension, so he should return on Sunday to face the Phoenix Suns. In the meantime, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Terrence Shannon Jr. should both see added time, especially if Donte DiVincenzo (questionable - toe) doesn't suit up. Alexander-Walker posted 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block while Shannon had 25 points, five rebounds, and two assists in their last game on Thursday.Source: Shams Charania
4 days agoPhiladelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will officially miss the remainder of the season due to the same knee issues he's been experiencing since last season. The team issued a statement that said they are working with Embiid and "top specialists" to figure out the best treatment for his ongoing knee troubles. They also stated that they're looking to better his "long-term health and performance." This means the former MVP finishes the year with 19 appearances and averages of 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 threes, and 3.3 turnovers per game. Guerschon Yabusele, Andre Drummond, and Adem Bona will split minutes at center from here on out.Source: Philadelphia 76ers
4 days agoNew Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (conditioning) will be sidelined on Friday for the second half of their back-to-back against the Phoenix Suns. He's officially listed on the injury report as "return to competition reconditioning," but it was pretty much expected since he hasn't been playing back-to-backs. Bruce Brown may see a bigger chunk of minutes since he's off of the injury report, or the Pelicans could go with a smaller lineup and give Jordan Hawkins and Jose Alvarado more minutes. Fantasy managers can look towards the latter two for a more consistent streaming option after they both posted double-digit points on Thursday. Alvarado even posted three steals to go with five assists.Source: NBA Injury Report
4 days agoNew Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (rest) has been ruled out for the Friday night rematch against the Phoenix Suns while he receives a rest day. This is the back half of a back-to-back, and the Pelicans are fresh off of a win over the Suns on Thursday where McCollum posted 19 points, four rebounds, and two assists. On Friday, Jordan Hawkins and Jose Alvarado should both see a boost in minutes while McCollum and Zion Williamson (injury management) are both sidelined this time around. Hawkins finished with 10 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks on Thursday while Alvarado had 14 points, five assists, and three steals.Source: NBA Injury Report
4 days agoPhoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (foot) is dealing with foot soreness and has been listed as doubtful for Friday's rematch against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Duke product saw the court for 16 minutes on Thursday and failed to score a single point on seven shots. Now that he's doubtful to play, and Bradley Beal (calf) has been ruled out, Ryan Dunn and Royce O'Neale should see added opportunities off of the bench. Dunn saw 13 minutes against the Pelicans on Thursday and registered no points, two rebounds, and one block. Fantasy managers' best bet for any streaming options would be with Nick Richards or Bol Bol.Source: Gerald Bourguet
4 days agoPhoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (calf) has been ruled out for the second consecutive game with calf tightness. This is going to be his 19th absence of the season, so the Suns will likely continue to tinker with lineups. On Thursday, Nick Richards and Bol Bol started next to each other in the front court while Tyus Jones started at point guard. Bol is likely more available across all fantasy leagues and has put up double-digit points in every game that he's received 20 or more minutes this season. That includes averages of 19.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game over his last two starts.Source: Gerald Bourguet
4
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4 days agoTampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that infielder Jose Caballero (foot), who suffered a bruised left foot in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Detroit Tigers, was "moving around much better" during a workout in camp on Friday and could return to a spring training contest on Saturday. Caballero fouled a ball off his left foot on Thursday and was removed as a precaution, and it sounds like he'll be just fine after X-rays came back negative. The Panamanian infielder led the league with 44 stolen bases and 16 times caught stealing in 2024 in his first year with Tampa, but his fantasy value is on the decline this year, mainly because he's likely ticketed for a utility infield role for the Rays now that prospect Junior Caminero will be an everyday player in 2025. Still, Caballero can be a late-round target for his speed in AL-only leagues.Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
4 days agoChicago White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi (hand) wants to push his rehab timeline and try to be ready for Opening Day in late March. The fracture that Benintendi suffered in his right hand in Thursday's Cactus League game is just below his pinkie finger, and he can already form a fist with his hand. He's been through a hamate fracture before and thinks this fracture is less of a hindrance to his swing. The White Sox gave the 30-year-old veteran outfielder a four- to six-week timetable for a recovery, which means he could be ready right around Opening Day, depending on how his rehab goes. However, the White Sox aren't going to rush him by any means. If Benintendi begins the year on the injured list, Austin Slater would probably be the team's starting left fielder. Benintendi hit 20 homers for the second time in his career in 2024, but he has virtually zero fantasy upside anywhere else and doesn't contribute anything on defense.Source: The Athletic - James Fegan