2 days agoAccording to Ari Alexander of KPRC2, Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown believes it is a "long shot" for free-agent third baseman
Alex Bregman to return to Houston for the 2025 season. Bregman is viewed as the top bat on the free agent market and has been linked to several teams throughout the offseason, including the Chicago Cubs. However, earlier this offseason, the Houston Astros acquired
Isaac Paredes to cover the hot corner. However, if Bregman were to work out a contract with Houston, Paredes would shift to the keystone, which would move
Jose Altuve to the outfield. Last season, Bregman posted a .260/.315/.453 line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. He showed an elite eye at the plate with a 13.6% K rate, making him more valuable in points leagues. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Bregman's status throughout the offseason, as his fantasy stock could rise if he were to join a competitive lineup.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ari Alexander
2 days agoThe New Orleans Saints have interviewed Mike Kafka for their vacant head-coaching position. Kafka has served as the offensive coordinator on the New York Giants for each of the last three seasons. He was a popular head coaching candidate last offseason before deciding to stay in New Orleans. Now Kafka appears to be one of the top choices for the Saints job, but there's plenty of other competition. The Saints are also considering both Kellen Moore and Mike McCarthy for their head coaching job. Kafka is a smart offensive mind, so he should get his chance eventually.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: New Orleans Saints
2 days agoCharlotte Hornets guard
Seth Curry (ankle) will suit up for Saturday's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. The veteran sharpshooter was in street clothes on Friday when Charlotte began a back-to-back set against the Portland Trail Blazers. Curry provides outside shooting and serves as a backup for the guard positions, but he doesn't contribute much in fantasy basketball. Throughout the season, Curry has averaged 5.3 points in 13.4 minutes with 44.4 percent shooting from three-point range.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 days agoCharlotte Hornets center
Mark Williams (foot) will miss the second leg of a back-to-back on Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Williams is managing a tendon injury in his right foot, and the team doesn't want to overwork him. Veteran
Taj Gibson will move to the starting lineup to fill in for Williams. Gibson was a double-double threat at the peak of his powers, but he has made minimal impact even in a starting role this season. In previous eight appearances as a starter, Gibson has averaged 3.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 14.3 minutes.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 days agoAccording to Roch Kubatko, several teams are very interested in signing right-handed pitcher
Nick Anderson. Anderson threw for several teams on Thursday and is drawing interest for a one-year contract. Kubatko noted that Anderson spent the offseason with a pitching analyst, refining his mechanics to hone in on fastball metrics and split change. Last summer, Anderson posted a 4.04 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP across 35 2/3 innings in the major leagues. He struck out 29 batters and held a hefty 9.8% walk rate. In 2023, Anderson was productive with the Braves, posting a strong 3.06 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP across 35 1/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should expect Anderson to compete for a spot on an Opening Day roster during spring training.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Roch Kubatko
2 days agoAtlanta Hawks center
Clint Capela (knee) will play in Saturday's rematch with the Raptors. The veteran didn't suit up when the Hawks and Raptors met on Thursday because of right knee soreness, his first absence of the 2024-25 campaign. But after carrying a questionable designation, he's good to go. Capela was recently bumped from the starting lineup in favor of
Onyeka Okongwu. However, with
Jalen Johnson (shoulder),
De'Andre Hunter (illness), and
Zaccharie Risacher (hamstring) sidelined, Capela could see more minutes than usual from off the bench.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 days agoThe Buffalo Bills will keep their offensive coordinator going into next season, as Joe Brady has decided to remain with the organization. Brady was in the running to be the head coach of the New Orleans Saints along with Kellen Moore. Both coaches were expected to get second interviews, but Brady has decided to remain in Buffalo. Brady took over as the offensive coordinator with the Bills in 2023 and he previously worked as the OC with the Carolina Panthers in 2021. The Saints will likely now shift their focus to Moore and possibly Mike McCarthy, while Brady looks to win a Super Bowl in Buffalo.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport
2 days agoAtlanta Hawks forward
De'Andre Hunter (illness) won't play against the Raptors on Saturday. He was listed as questionable because of an illness. Unfortunately, the 27-year-old won't suit up for this one. With
Jalen Johnson (shoulder) and
Zaccharie Risacher (hamstring) on the shelf,
Dyson Daniels and
Trae Young (hamstring) should lead the way on the scoring end. Fantasy managers also shouldn't rule out above-average production from
Vit Krejci,
David Roddy, and
Larry Nance Jr. (hand).
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 days agoCharlotte Hornets forward
Miles Bridges (back) will rejoin the action on Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans. The 26-year-old is dealing with a back issue and didn't play on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers. Bridges is enjoying a strong month, having notched 20-plus points in six of eight games. He is in a great position to add to the streak on Saturday, as New Orleans has the third-worst defensive rating in the league. Bridges will reclaim his starting position from
Cody Martin (core), who is unavailable on Saturday.
Josh Okogie will log fewer minutes due to Bridges' return.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Charlotte Hornets PR
2 days agoAccording to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, New York Mets outfielder
Brandon Nimmo (foot) is still dealing with plantar fasciitis but is hoping to be ready for Opening Day. Ladson noted that the outfielder received an injection in his foot and has done physical therapy. While this injury has not prevented Nimmo from stepping into the batting cage, he is not running at full speed. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training, as any setback could put him in danger of missing Opening Day. The 31-year-old battled this injury throughout most of the 2024 season and limited his production, as he held a .224/.327/.399 slash line with 23 home runs and 15 stolen bases. His .224 average was a sharp drop from the .274 mark he posted during the 2023 campaign. If Nimmo were to miss time,
Jose Siri would likely see time in center field.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Bill Ladson
2 days agoAtlanta Hawks guard
Trae Young (hamstring) will play on Saturday against the Raptors. The former Oklahoma Sooner is usually listed on the injury report because of a nagging Achilles issue. However, hamstring tightness was the culprit heading into Saturday night. The Hawks are in trouble, with
Jalen Johnson (shoulder),
Zaccharie Risacher (hamstring), and
De'Andre Hunter (illness) all sidelined. But those injuries could at least open the door for more production from Young, who has averaged 22.9 points and 11.7 assists this season.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Blake Murphy
2 days agoThe New York Jets have hired Darren Mougey as their new general manager. As expected, Mougey will get the job after getting multiple interviews with the team. Mougey has been the assistant general manager of the Denver Broncos since 2022. However, Mougey has been with the Broncos organization for over a decade. This will certainly be an interesting situation for Mougey given the Jets roster seems ready to compete, but they lack a legitimate franchise quarterback. It remains to be seen if
Aaron Rodgers is going to come back with Mougey in charge now.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport
2 days agoCharlotte Hornets point guard
LaMelo Ball (wrist) will play on Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Ball missed the first leg of a back-to-back on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a wrist injury. However, he has been upgraded from probable to available ahead of Saturday's game. Ball's return sends
Vasilije Micic back to the bench. Micic put up 12 points with three assists on Friday, but he generally struggles to make an impact as a member of the second unit.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Charlotte Hornets PR
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
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