4 hours agoNew Orleans Pelicans forward/center
Zion Williamson (illness) will return to action on Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets. The enigmatic star has been in and out of the Pelicans lineup, with his last appearance coming on Jan. 17. Williamson has taken the court just 10 times this season. However, he has been in top form when available, averaging 21.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 steals in 28.9 minutes. Williamson will spearhead the team alongside
CJ McCollum and
Trey Murphy III, with
Dejounte Murray (finger) sidelined on Saturday.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
5 hours agoThe Detroit Lions have promoted Kelvin Sheppard from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator on Saturday. This comes after former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn left Detroit for the New York Jets heading coaching position. Sheppard has been the linebacker coach in Detroit for the past four years. That doesn't seem surprising given the fact that Sheppard was a linebacker in the NFL for eight years. Now, the 37-year-old will get a chance to prove he's ready for a bigger role. It'll be big shoes to fill given Glenn's success, but it looks like the Lions believe he's ready for the job.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport
5 hours agoAccording to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, Houston Astros starting pitchers
Luis Garcia (elbow) and
Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) will not be ready for Opening Day. McTaggart noted that both pitchers are throwing but will need additional time before they are cleared for major league action. Garcia was sidelined during the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2023. McCullers underwent surgery to repair his right flexor tendon in June 2023. Garcia posted a 3.72 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 157 2/3 innings during the 2022 season. McCullers held a 3.16 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP through 162 innings during the same season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during spring training as they will both likely contend for a spot in the rotation when they are cleared to return. While they are sidelined, newly acquired
Hayden Wesneski will likely have a spot in the rotation during the start of the season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Brian McTaggart
5 hours agoNew Orleans Pelicans guard
Dejounte Murray (finger) won't play on Saturday against Charlotte. The former Hawk missed over a month to begin the 2024-25 campaign because of a left hand injury. However, according to head coach Willie Green, Murray will get X-rays on his right hand. For now, he's ruled out with a sprained right index finger. While that injury could keep the 28-year-old off the floor, fantasy managers are hoping the injury isn't more severe. In the meantime,
Jose Alvarado and
Jordan Hawkins will likely see a bump in fantasy production.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Andrew Lopez
5 hours agoWashington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (knee, finger) has been downgraded to out ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This is a tough break for the Commanders who have struggled to contain the running game all season long. Now, their All-Pro tackle is sidelined which could be a problem against star running back
Saquon Barkley. The absence of Payne means that rookie second-round pick Jer'Zhan Newton will likely see an increased role. It's probably going to be difficult for the Commanders to stop the running game without Payne, so Barkley is looking like a must-start DFS option.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport
5 hours agoAccording to the team, the Chicago White Sox have signed right-handed pitcher
James Karinchak to a minor-league deal. The 29-year-old battled a shoulder injury throughout the season and was limited to just six 2/3 innings of work in the minor leagues. Karinchak posted a 2.70 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP with 12 punchouts in this limited stint. In 2023, Karinchak posted a 3.23 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP with 52 punchouts across 39 innings of work. The Bryant University product has flashed high-upside strikeout potential throughout his major league career and could earn a high-leverage role in the White Sox bullpen if he can perform well in spring training. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression, as he could have value in deeper redraft formats if he makes the Opening Day roster.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Chicago White Sox
5 hours agoOrlando Magic center
Goga Bitadze (concussion protocol) won't play on Saturday against Detroit. The 25-year-old exited the January 12 meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers because of a hip injury. However, he also developed concussion-like symptoms, keeping him off the floor for Orlando's previous five games. Bitadze was questionable, so it appears he could be close to returning. But for now,
Wendell Carter Jr., averaging 8.6 points and 7.9 rebounds in 24 starts this season, will fill Bitadze's spot in the rotation.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Magic PR
5 hours agoColumbus Blue Jackets defenseman Denton Mateychuk (illness) is ready to rejoin the action on Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings. The talented blue-liner has been unavailable for three games due to an illness. Mateychuk will link up with Ivan Provorov on the second defensive pairing, and the two are also expected to skate with the second power-play unit. While he has been nearly a point-per-game player in the AHL, Mateychuk has yet to find his offensive game in the big league. The 20-year-old has notched one goal and two assists in his first 12 NHL games. However, he has been averaging almost two blocks per game.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Aaron Portzline
5 hours agoOrlando Magic guard
Cole Anthony (illness) will play on Saturday against the Pistons. The 24-year-old had been starting in place of
Jalen Suggs (back). However, Anthony missed the last two games because of an illness, opening the door for
Anthony Black to get a crack at the starting lineup. But with Suggs back in the equation and starting, Anthony will head back to the bench. Although Suggs should be limited in his first appearance after missing the last 10 games, Anthony's fantasy potential is much lower.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Magic PR
5 hours agoOrlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (back) will play on Saturday versus Detroit. The Magic recently welcomed back
Paolo Banchero and
Franz Wagner. But now the team will get back Suggs, who has averaged 16.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals this season, all career-highs. While he'll likely get eased back into the swing of things, at least for a few games, fantasy managers can get him back in their starting lineups. The potential for fewer minutes for Suggs should also keep
Cole Anthony (illness), who is available, relevant for at least a few more contests.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Orlando Magic
5 hours agoLos Angeles Kings right wing Alex Laferriere (upper body) will hop back into the lineup on Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He returns to the mix after sitting out four games due to an upper-body injury. Laferriere should take his usual position on the third line. Although Laferriere isn't a regular scorer, he's experienced moderate success in 2024-25. In 41 games, the 23-year-old has tallied 13 goals and 26 points. He will look to end a personal five-game pointless streak on Saturday.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Zach Dooley
5 hours agoPittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (lower body) will not return to Saturday's contest against the Seattle Kraken. Malkin exited the action in the first period following a collision with Seattle forward Chandler Stephenson, and the team has announced that the Russian star will miss the rest of the game due to a lower-body injury. This is another setback for the Penguins in a season full of frustration. Fantasy managers should consider Malkin day-to-day for now. Pittsburgh's next game is set for Monday in San Jose. Cody Glass previously filled in as the second-line center earlier this month, while Kevin Hayes might also assume the role if Malkin is unable to play on Monday.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Pittsburgh Penguins
5 hours agoBrooklyn Nets guard/forward
Ben Simmons (illness) will play on Saturday against Miami. The 28-year-old missed the last three games because of an illness. With
D'Angelo Russell (personal) also sidelined on Wednesday versus Phoenix,
Keon Johnson, finishing with 20 points, spent time at the one. However, with Russell and Simmons back in the mix, Johnson likely won't be as productive. With that said, Simmons hasn't been consistent on the scoring end, although that has been going on for years. Still, he's at least good for some assists and rebounds for category managers.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
5 hours agoNew Jersey Devils left wing Ondrej Palat (illness) is poised to rejoin the lineup for Saturday's clash against the Montreal Canadiens. Palat did not play on Wednesday against the Boston Bruins due to an illness. However, he practiced on Friday and is expected to be back in action against the Canadiens. Palat will work with Jack Hughes and Paul Cotter on the first line. The Czech veteran boasts 10 goals and 19 points in 48 games for the year. A spot on the first line next to Hughes places Palat in a good position to make an impact on Saturday, but he hasn't increased his points total in four straight appearances.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Amanda Stein
6 hours agoFlorida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (upper body) is good to go for Saturday's game against the San Jose Sharks. After missing eight of the last nine games, Ekblad came through Friday's practice session without any issues. On Saturday morning, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice confirmed that Ekblad will be re-inserted into the lineup for the meeting with the Sharks. Ekblad will rejoin his regular partner Gustav Forsling on the first defensive pairing, bumping Dmitry Kulikov and Nate Schmidt down in the lineup. Schmidt will also relinquish his spot on the first power-play unit to Ekblad, who leads the Panthers blue-liners with 20 points (two goals, 18 assists) in 41 games. Tobias Bjornfot will come out of the lineup as a healthy scratch.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
6 hours agoMontreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (undisclosed) is considered a game-time decision for Saturday's matchup against the New Jersey Devils. He is in danger of missing his first game of the season. Anderson has amassed 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 48 contests in 2024-25. Brendan Gallagher (undisclosed) is also a game-time call for Saturday, so Montreal might lose most of its third line for the matchup. Joel Armia and Jake Evans could take on larger roles if Anderson and Gallagher are out. Evans is having an impressive campaign in a bottom-six role, boasting 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) through 48 outings.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Priyanta Emrith
6 hours agoOttawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson (lower body) will return to action on Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 22-year-old missed Thursday's loss to the Boston Bruins due to a lower-body injury, but luckily for Ottawa, Sanderson's absence will be limited to only one game. Sanderson has played a significant role for the Senators in 2024-25, recording 25 points (two goals, 23 assists) in 47 games while blocking a team-high 102 shots. The Ottawa defense will also welcome back Travis Hamonic (lower body) on Saturday, although Nick Jensen (undisclosed) has been ruled out for the weekend. Hamonic will replace Jensen on the second defensive pairing, while Sanderson will continue his duties on the top pairing. Sanderson is also expected to rejoin the first power-play unit.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
6 hours agoBrooklyn Nets guard
D'Angelo Russell (personal) will play on Saturday against Miami. The 28-year-old wasn't available for Wednesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Ben Simmons (illness) also wasn't on the floor for that one, resulting in
Keon Johnson getting some work at the point and finishing with 20 points. But with Russell and Simmons back in the mix, Johnson likely won't be as productive. As far as Russell is concerned, he's played well since being acquired by the Nets, averaging 14.6 points, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals in seven appearances for Brooklyn. With
Cameron Johnson (ankle) still on the shelf, D'Lo may be more productive.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
6 hours agoDallas Mavericks guard
Jaden Hardy (ankle) will play on Saturday against Boston. He missed the last three games because of a sprained ankle. However, the 22-year-old has averaged just 8.1 points this season, so he likely won't have a spot in most fantasy lineups for the NBA Finals rematch. With
Luka Doncic (calf),
Naji Marshall (illness),
Dereck Lively II (ankle), and
Dwight Powell (hip) sidelined, there are minutes up for grabs. Still, Grimes can't be trusted for fantasy production, even with the potential for more work.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
6 hours agoDallas Mavericks guard/forward
Klay Thompson (ankle) will play on Saturday against Boston. The former Golden State Warrior missed the last two games because of a sprained left ankle. Fortunately, he's good to go for the NBA Finals rematch. Thompson has had one of the worst seasons of his career, averaging 13.6 points. He could have trouble turning things around on Saturday, considering the Celtics have allowed just 108.4 points per game, the sixth-best mark in the National Basketball Association. Still, Thompson is worthy of a spot in most fantasy lineups, especially with
Luka Doncic (calf) on the shelf. His presence will likely result in
Quentin Grimes heading back to the bench,
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
6 hours agoBoston Celtics guard
Derrick White (knee) will play on Saturday versus Dallas. He popped up on the injury report because of left knee soreness. However, while it's something fantasy managers should monitor moving forward, the ailment won't keep him off the floor for the NBA Finals rematch. The 30-year-old has averaged 15.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks, all career-highs. With White available,
Sam Hauser and
Al Horford should see fewer minutes, lowering their fantasy ceilings for Saturday night.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
7 hours agoMilwaukee Bucks forward
Bobby Portis (personal) won't play on Saturday night versus the Clippers. The veteran wasn't listed on the injury report. However, he won't suit up due to a "family matter." Portis has been a quality contributor for Milwaukee this season, as expected, averaging 13.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, so the team is hoping he'll be back in the lineup on Monday evening in Utah. While Portis is out,
Gary Trent Jr. and
Taurean Prince could be in line for more work, although both haven't been consistent fantasy producers this season.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Eric Nehm
8 hours agoAccording to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks are optimistic that guard
Luka Doncic (calf) will return before the All-Star break. The 22-year-old had seen a dip in production before sustaining a left calf strain during the Christmas Day meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves, keeping him off the floor for Dallas' previous 15 contests. Of course, that timeline could always change, depending on Doncic's progress over the next few weeks. The team will also play it safe by not rushing him back too early while potentially keeping him out of the lineup at times moving ahead. But until Doncic is cleared to suit up,
Kyrie Irving should remain the Mavericks' No. 1 scoring option, with
Spencer Dinwiddie,
P.J. Washington, and
Klay Thompson also benefiting on the offensive side of the ball.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Marc Stein
8 hours agoAtlanta Hawks forward
Jalen Johnson (shoulder) is sidelined indefinitely. The 23-year-old has had the best season of his career, averaging 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.6 steals. He recently missed time because of right shoulder inflammation. However, Johnson exited Thursday's loss to the Toronto Raptors after sustaining a left shoulder injury. He'll undergo further testing, with the team providing an update "as appropriate."
Trae Young and
De'Andre Hunter have benefited the most in games without Johnson in the lineup. But players like
Keaton Wallace and
Vit Krejci could also see a bump in fantasy production.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Atlanta Hawks
8 hours agoBoston Celtics guard
Derrick White (knee) has been added to the injury report ahead of Saturday's game with the Mavericks. The veteran is questionable because of knee soreness, putting him in danger of missing his third game of the 2024-25 campaign. If White isn't available against Dallas, there are a number of directions head coach Joe Mazzulla could go regarding the starting lineup. However, it's reasonable to assume
Al Horford or
Sam Hauser could start the game, although both would be in line for more work if White doesn't play regardless of their roles. The same can be said for
Payton Pritchard.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
8 hours agoMinnesota Timberwolves guard
Anthony Edwards (illness) will play on Saturday against Denver. He was listed on the injury report because of an illness. However, Edwards is one of the most durable players in the National Basketball Association, so most had already assumed he'd be out there for this one. The 23-year-old had a solid outing when the Timberwolves faced the Nuggets on November 1, with Edwards finishing with 29 points while going 7-for-14 from behind the arc. Granted, fantasy managers shouldn't expect that same level of production. Yet, Denver has struggled on the defensive end during the 2024-25 campaign, giving the 2020 No. 1 overall pick plenty of upside on Saturday afternoon.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
8 hours agoAccording to Mike Vorel of the Seattle Times, the Seattle Seahawks may entertain trade offers for wide receiver
DK Metcalf during the offseason. Vorel noted that even though Metcalf is still under contract, he suggests the team may look to move his contract to open cap space to improve their offensive line, which allowed the third-most sacks this season. In addition, Vorel noted that ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler believes the Los Angeles Chargers could be a potential destination for Metcalf. Metcalf struggled to find consistency throughout the 2024 season. Metcalf averaged 81.1 yards per game during the first seven games with three scores. However, Metcalf averaged just 53.0 yards per game over the final eight games. With the emergence of young wideout
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Metcalf will likely draw significant interest on the trade market during the offseason.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Mike Vorel
9 hours agoAccording to Ed Werder, the Dallas Cowboys have hired former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus as their new defensive coordinator. Eberflus worked under head coach Jason Garrett in Dallas as their linebackers and passing game coordinator from 2011 through 2017. Eberflus was hired as Chicago's head coach in 2022 and was eventually relieved of his duties following Week 13 of this season. During his tenure with Chicago, Eberflus held a 14-32 record. This past season, he won just four games. Eberflus will join newly hired head coach Brian Schottenheimer and bring a sense of experience, given his previous tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. This past season, the Dallas defense took a significant step back, allowing the second-most points-per-game (27.5) under Mike Zimmer. Eberflus will look to bring the Dallas defense back to their 2023 form when they allowed the fifth-fewest points-per-game (18.5).
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ed Werder
9 hours agoAccording to the team, Philadelphia Eagles rookie defensive back Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) is off the injury report and cleared to face the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon. Mitchell suffered this shoulder injury last weekend during their victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Mitchell opened the week as a limited participant during practice but was able to log two full sessions to conclude the week. The Toledo product has had a key role in the secondary throughout his rookie season. The former 22nd overall selection in last year's draft has logged 53 tackles (44 solo) with nine assists, 14 pass deflections, and one interception across 18 contests. Mitchell will likely be tasked with covering
Dyami Brown as No.1 defensive back Darius Slay will likely shadow
Terry McLaurin.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Philadelphia Eagles
11 hours agoNew England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers was acquitted by a jury on Friday in his trial for assault and battery. Peppers testified by denying that he choked or shoved the woman that was accusing him of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Peppers said he "knew eventually the truth would come to light" after being acquitted on Friday. He also admitted to cocaine possession ahead of his domestic-violence trial, but if he stays out of trouble over the next four months, the charges will be dropped. Peppers was put on the commissioner exempt list on Oct. 9 and miss seven games as a result. He was taken off the list on Nov. 25 but appeared in just two of the team's final five games in 2024 due to foot and hamstring ailments. He was signed to an extension by New England before the 2024 season, with his new contract expiring after the 2027 season.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com
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