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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days agoNFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the San Francisco 49ers officially hired former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh as their defensive coordinator on Friday, according to sources. Saleh also interviewed for three head-coaching jobs this cycle but will ultimately return to a familiar place after serving in the same role for San Francisco from 2017-20. If things go well again in the Bay Area for Saleh in 2025, he'll have the opportunity to become a head coach again in 2026. Saleh will run the defense after the Niners decided to move on from previous defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, although he could remain with the organization in a different role. During his previous run with the 49ers, Saleh turned their defense into one of the best and most productive units again, so they'll be hoping he can do something similar in 2025.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
2 days agoWashington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (shoulder) was removed from the final injury report on Friday and will be available to play in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. Luvu practiced in full on Wednesday and was limited on both Thursday and Friday. The 28-year-old injured his shoulder in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys but has held an every-down role for Washington in their two playoff wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Commanders will surely need him to be at the top of his game this weekend to try and slow down the NFL's leading rusher in 2024 in
Saquon Barkley. During the regular season, Luvu was the No. 16 fantasy linebacker in IDP formats, collecting 53 tackles, eight sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 17 games played.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Washington Commanders
3 days agoAccording to the team, Chicago White Sox starting pitching prospect
Noah Schultz is being invited to spring training. The left-handed pitcher is viewed as the top prospect in the White Sox system on MLB Pipeline and the No.16 overall in the sport. The 21-year-old made his professional debut in the 2023 season at the Single-A level and held a strong 1.33 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP across 27 innings of work. Last summer, the southpaw opened the campaign at High-A, where he logged 27 1/3 innings with a 3.95 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. He struck out an impressive 42 batters and allowed just nine free passes. He then earned a promotion to Double-A Birmingham, where he held a stellar 1.48 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP across 61 innings. He continued to flash strikeout upside as he tallied 73 across this stint. Schultz is a name to keep a close eye on, as he could make his major debut in 2025 if he continues this pace.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Chicago White Sox
3 days agoAccording to MLB.com, catcher
Chris Okey is returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a minor-league contract. The 30-year-old had two brief stints in the major leagues during the 2022 and 2023 seasons and held a .143/.200/.143 across nine games. Okey spent the entire 2024 season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Through 45 contests, Okey posted a .236/.282/.327 line with five doubles, two home runs, and a 10:33 BB:K ratio. Across 229 career contests at the Triple-A level, the Clemson product has posted a .242/.306/.363 slash line. Fantasy managers should expect Okey to remain in the minor leagues throughout most of the 2025 season, given his lack of big league experience and production.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoAccording to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Mets are interested in a reunion with free-agent starting pitcher
Max Scherzer. Earlier this week, the three-time Cy Young winner threw for interested teams, with the Mets being one of them. Scherzer spent the entire 2022 and most of the 2023 season with the New York Mets before being traded to the Texas Rangers. In 2022, the right-hander logged 145 1/3 innings of work with a 2.29 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. He struck 173 batters and served up just 23 free passes. In 2023, he tossed 107 2/3 innings with a 4.01 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP before being traded to Texas. Scherzer was limited to just 43 innings last season due to numerous injuries but has expressed he has felt healthy all offseason and will see a normal workload during spring training.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Pat Ragazzo
3
days
agoAccording
to
Pat
Ragazzo
of
Sports
Illustrated,
the
New
York
Mets
have
shown
interest
in
trading
for
Detroit
Tigers
first
baseman
Spencer
Torkelson.
The
former
No.1
pick
in
the
2020
MLB
Draft
had
a
disappointing
campaign
last
summer
and
could
be
without
a
read more...
3 days agoAccording to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, free agent first baseman
Pete Alonso met with the Los Angeles Angels earlier this week. Alonso has been linked to several teams during free agency, including the Toronto Blue Jays and even a potential reunion with the Mets. Ragazzo noted that negotiations between Alonso and the Blue Jays are "not close." If Alonso were to sign with Los Angeles, the team would have move to
Nolan Schanuel to another position as
Jorge Soler will likely be the team's designated hitter throughout most of the season. Last summer, Alonso saw his power production drop as he hit just 34 home runs with a .240/.329/.459 line. In 2023 and 2022, Alonso launched 46 and 40 long balls, respectively. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring this situation, as Alonso would bring a much-needed power bat to his new club.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Pat Ragazzo
3 days agoNew York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin stopped 29 of the 30 shots he faced en route to defeating the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday evening. Sorokin surrendered the game's opening goal on a Tyson Foerster wrist shot in the first period but shut the door for the remainder of the night. The Flyers had a slight advantage in the shot total, but Sorokin was able to step up when called on. This victory extended his winning streak to two games. During this two-game stretch, the 29-year-old has allowed just one goal in each contest with an overall .964% SV. Before this streak, Sorokin carried a modest 2-3 record with a 2.43 GAA and a .913% SV. Fantasy managers should expect Marcus Hogberg to receive the starting nod in the second half of a back-to-back on Saturday evening against the Carolina Hurricanes.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
3 days agoTampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov tallied a goal and two assists during their overtime victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday evening. Kucherov tallied the primary assist on Mitchell Chaffee's power-play strike in the opening frame. Later in the third, Kucherov would add another primary assist on the man advantage, this time on Jake Guentzel's goal. In overtime, Kucherov would play the hero as he scored the game-winner on the power-play. This performance extended his current point streak to 11 games. During this stretch, the 31-year-old has tallied 19 points (six goals, 13 helpers), with eight of the points coming on the power-play. He remains a must-start option in all formats and a strong lineup anchor in DFS. He will look to stay hot on Saturday evening against the Detroit Red Wings.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
3 days agoWinnipeg Jets right wing Cole Perfetti scored a hat trick during their victory over the Utah Hockey Club on Friday evening. Perfetti scored the game's opening goal on the power-play in the first period. Perfetti would tack on his other goals in the final frame, one on a snap shot, and the other being the empty-netter in the final minutes. Perfetti added three hits, four shots on goal, and a +2 rating in this contest. This was his first career hat trick. Entering this contest, Perfetti has tallied just two points (both assists) over his previous 14 contests. However, before this cold stretch, the 23-year-old tallied eight points over his previous 12. Fantasy managers should continue to view Perfetti as an option for deeper formats, as he has yet to produce consistent scoring production this season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
3 days agoAccording to Jameson Olive of NHL.com, Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (upper body) practiced with the team on Friday. Olive noted that head coach Paul Maurice said the star defenseman "has a chance" to play against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday evening. The 28-year-old has missed eight of his previous nine games with this injury. However, seeing him skate alongside Gustav Forsling during practice suggests he is nearing a return. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status before the game on Saturday night. Through 41 games this season, Ekblad has scored twice and added 18 helpers. He has logged 59 hits, 55 blocked shots, and a +3 rating. If he does return to action, Tobias Bjornfot will likely exit the starting lineup.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Jameson Olive
3 days agoAccording to Emily Kaplan of ESPN, the Carolina Hurricanes have traded right wing Martin Necas to the Colorado Avalanche in a three-team deal. The Hurricanes acquired right wing Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks, while the Avalanche also received center Jack Drury. The Blackhawks received a third-round pick and are retaining half of Rantanen's salary. Necas has spent his entire NHL career with the Carolina Hurricanes since making his debut during the 2017 season. In 2022, Necas tallied a career-high 71 points (28 goals, 43 assists). Through 49 contests this season, the 26-year-old has scored 16 goals and added 39 helpers with 22 of his points coming on the power-play. Fantasy managers should expect Necas to play alongside Nathan MacKinnon on the top unit and Drury to slide into the bottom-6.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Emily Kaplan
3 days agoAccording to Emily Kaplan of ESPN, the Colorado Avalanche are trading right wing Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-team deal. The Avalanche are acquiring Martin Necas and Jack Drury, while the Hurricanes will also receive Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks will retain half of Rantanen's salary and earn a third-round pick. Rantanen has been a mainstay on the Colorado top line for the majority of the past few seasons and was part of Colorado's Stanley Cup Championship in 2022. That same season, Rantanen tallied a career-high 105 points (55 goals, 50 helpers). This season, Rantanen has scored 25 goals and added 39 helpers across 49 contests. Fantasy managers should expect Rantanen to play on Carolina's top forward unit alongside Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Emily Kaplan
3 days agoThe Kansas City Chiefs defense took care of business last week in their Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans, holding them to 12 points on offense. Despite finishing the game without a takeaway, the Chiefs sacked
C.J. Stroud eight times and walked away with the victory. The Chiefs will have a more challenging time in the AFC Championship game against
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Josh Allen had the lowest percentage of plays resulting in a turnover in NFL history this season. If Kansas City wants to avoid a repeat of their Week 11 loss to Buffalo, they will need to slow the pace and force Allen to make mistakes. It will be difficult to trust the Kansas City defense in DFS and playoff leagues, considering the potency of the Bills offense.
--Joshua Costello - RotoBallerSource: NFL on CBS - Twitter
3
days
agoKansas
City
Chiefs
kicker
Harrison
Butker
will
be
relied
upon
in
the
AFC
Championship
game
against
the
Buffalo
Bills
this
Sunday.
Butker
was
perfect
on
five
kicks
against
the
Texans
last
week,
knocking
through
three
field
goals
and
two
extra-point
attempts.
The
veteran
read more...
3 days agoKansas City Chiefs wide receiver
DeAndre Hopkins did not have a single catch in the Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. The veteran receiver was acquired by the Chiefs at the trade deadline and had an immediate impact. Hopkins' involvement dwindled as the season continued, and
Xavier Worthy stepped into the WR1 role. The 32-year-old could be relatively uninvolved again versus the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game. Kansas City has centered its winning playoff strategy around running the ball and relying on a few trusted pass catchers.
Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy are above Hopkins in the pecking order, which could leave very few opportunities for the veteran receiver. Hopkins should not be started in most playoff leagues and should be viewed as a touchdown-dependent flex play in DFS.
--Joshua Costello - RotoBallerSource: John Frascella - Twitter
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