Jayson Tatum Leads Top Fantasy Basketball Injury Stashes for Playoffs

Several star players could return from injury to boost fantasy teams in the postseason

Feb. 19, 2026 at 8:39pm

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With the fantasy basketball playoffs approaching, some of the league's top players are currently sidelined due to injuries, creating opportunities for savvy fantasy managers to stash high-upside talent. Leading the charge is Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, whose potential return from an Achilles tendon tear could significantly impact both real games and fantasy matchups. Other injured players to target include Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, Nuggets guard Peyton Watson, and Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.

Why it matters

Injuries can make or break a fantasy team's playoff run, so identifying and stashing injured stars who could return and make an impact is crucial. These players have the potential to swing fantasy matchups if they come back healthy in time for the postseason.

The details

Jayson Tatum recently hit major rehab milestones, participating in 5-on-5 practice with the Celtics' G League affiliate, indicating he's nearing a return from his Achilles tendon tear. Kyrie Irving has been sidelined after tearing his ACL in March 2025, and while there's optimism he could return in 2026, his recovery timeline remains uncertain. Peyton Watson has emerged as a surprise impact rookie for the Nuggets, but he's currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. Ja Morant's season has been disrupted by a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, and Darius Garland has struggled with a Grade 1 right big-toe sprain.

  • Tatum suffered his Achilles tendon tear last season.
  • Irving tore his ACL in March 2025.
  • Watson is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
  • Morant has been sidelined for several weeks with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament.
  • Garland has been out since mid-January with a Grade 1 right big-toe sprain.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A perennial All-Star for the Boston Celtics who averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in 2024-25 before suffering an Achilles tendon tear.

Kyrie Irving

A star guard for the Dallas Mavericks who was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists before tearing his ACL in March 2025.

Peyton Watson

A surprise impact rookie for the Denver Nuggets, averaging about 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting efficiently.

Ja Morant

The star point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies who was averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game before suffering a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.

Darius Garland

A two-time All-Star for the Cleveland Cavaliers who was posting strong averages of around 18.0 points and 6.9 assists per game before suffering a Grade 1 right big-toe sprain.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Injuries can make or break a fantasy team's playoff run, so identifying and stashing injured stars who could return and make an impact is crucial. These players have the potential to swing fantasy matchups if they come back healthy in time for the postseason.