As of June 28, 2026, the NBA offseason is fully underway — no games on the schedule, no lineups to set, but plenty of critical roster construction decisions being shaped by a wave of injury news. NBA free agency is just around the corner, and the health statuses of several key players will directly influence which teams pursue upgrades, how depth charts shake out, and which fantasy assets rise or fall in dynasty and keeper league valuations. Here is what every fantasy manager needs to know right now.
Steven Adams (HOU) — Injury Update
Steven Adams, already viewed as out indefinitely with a Grade 3 sprain, has now been officially ruled out for the entire 2025-26 campaign. The veteran big man remains under contract with Houston through the 2027-28 season, meaning his long-term dynasty value is intact — but his near-term fantasy relevance takes a significant hit while he works through recovery.
With Adams sidelined, Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith are positioned to absorb a larger role in Houston's frontcourt. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues should monitor Adams' rehab timeline heading into NBA free agency season, as Houston may also explore external additions to shore up the center position.
Early signal (high severity)
Nick Richards (CHI) — Injury Update
Nick Richards will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season as he continues recovering from a right elbow sprain. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan confirmed that Richards is one of several Chicago players — including Josh Giddey, Guerschon Yabusele, Jalen Smith, and Anfernee Simons — being held out as the team winds down its campaign.
The sheer volume of Chicago players finishing the year injured creates significant offseason uncertainty for the Bulls. Fantasy managers with dynasty stakes in any of these players should pay close attention to how Chicago approaches NBA free agency and whether they add frontcourt help or lean into their young core's return to health.
Early signal (high severity)
Kyrie Irving (DAL) — Injury Update
Kyrie Irving's torn ACL recovery will extend into the 2026-27 season, a move the Mavericks are treating as a deliberate, full-rehabilitation approach rather than a rushed return. Dallas sits at 19-35 and is clearly pivoting toward a rebuild, making Irving's measured recovery timeline the sensible path. Irving has one more season remaining on his current contract, which will loom large in NBA free agency conversations once he returns to full health.
For dynasty fantasy managers, Irving's long-term upside remains elite when healthy — but the ACL timeline and Dallas's rebuilding posture add real uncertainty to his roster valuation. Keep him stashed, but temper expectations for early 2026-27 production as he works back to full strength.
Early signal (high severity)
Anfernee Simons (CHI) — Injury Update
Anfernee Simons will not return this season after fracturing his left wrist on February 21. Coach Donovan confirmed Simons is among the group of Bulls being shut down for the final stretch, a decision that reflects both the severity of the injury and Chicago's broader posture of protecting assets heading into a pivotal offseason.
Simons is a high-volume scoring guard whose fantasy value in dynasty formats depends heavily on what Chicago does this summer. The Bulls' approach to NBA free agency — whether they retool around their young pieces or make wholesale changes — will directly affect Simons' role and opportunity entering 2026-27. His wrist recovery timeline is a key watch item over the coming months.
Confidence: 25%
Jalen Williams (OKC) — Injury Update
Jalen Williams aggravated his left hamstring injury during the playoffs, managing just 10 minutes in Game 6 before being ruled out for Game 7. The star forward finished that appearance with one point and one assist on a single shot attempt — clearly not operating near full capacity. OKC is now in full offseason mode, and Williams' hamstring health will be the most closely watched recovery story in the Western Conference this summer.
For dynasty and keeper league managers, Williams remains one of the premier young forwards in the game. His offseason rehab progress will be a major storyline as the Thunder assess their roster and the broader NBA free agency market shapes up around them. Expect his value to rebound sharply once he is confirmed healthy ahead of training camp.
Early signal (high severity)
Get Real-Time Fantasy Intelligence
Offseason roster construction is where dynasty leagues are won and lost — and staying ahead of injury recovery timelines, NBA free agency signings, and depth-chart shifts gives you a real edge. Get real-time signals and AI-powered lineup advice at PlayCaller — free 7-day trial at playcallerapp.com.
Building something with sports data? PlayCaller's own API is free to try — Developer Sandbox, no card required.