NBA Player News

Muscala is back in the lineup after a one-game absence, and he had been in the starting unit in the last game he played. Isaiah Stewart is still out, so there is a chance that he replaces Kevin Knox in the startnig lineup. However, unless you’re desperate for 3-pointers, he won’t be worth streaming.

Thomas fell hard during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win over Sacramento, landing on the small of his back. His absence from the initial injury report means it’s “all systems go” for Brooklyn’s leading scorer.

Rozier missed Miami’s last two games because of what was initially described as right foot discomfort. He appears on track to play against the Bucks, which would prompt Duncan Robinson to return to the bench. Robinson is primarily a fantasy basketball specialist, providing points and 3-pointers. His move to the bench will not have a significant impact.

Schroder told reporters after Sunday’s game that he wasn’t sure if he would suit up Monday. He added that he would make the decision after shooting to see how it feels. Schroder first felt soreness on Saturday, though he’s not sure how he injured his ankle in Friday’s game against the 76ers. With Ben Simmons out, he would be the primary playmaker for Brooklyn if he’s able to play.

If Green is unable to take the court Tuesday, Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson could pick up the slack in his absence. Fred VanVleet will be available and should handle his typical workload after avoiding a suspension for his behavior toward officials in Saturday’s matchup with Portland.

Monk has been sidelined since November 10, when he sprained his ankle during an overtime win over the Suns. If cleared, his return will impact the playing time of Kevin Huerter and Keon Ellis, who both played more minutes in the games Monk missed.

Morant has missed the last eight games, but he’ll be available against Portland to kick off the week. It’s unclear if he’ll face a minutes restriction in his return, but his availability means Scotty Pippen Jr. should see a reduced role.

It sounds like there’s a bug going around Dallas’ locker room, and Irving and Grimes are in danger of sitting out against the Hawks. Luka Doncic is already out, and Klay Thompson is questionable. Reserves like Jaden Hardy, Naji Marshall and Spencer Dinwiddie could see massive bumps in playing time for the shorthanded Mavs.

Ryan Dunn and Royce O’Neale should see reduced roles with Durant and Beal expected back in the lineup. Devin Booker will have some pressure taken off of him as Phoenix’s de facto option on offense.

Thompson played Sunday in an OT loss to the Heat, and his potential absence on Monday could be precautionary on the second night of a back-to-back set. If he’s unable to go, Naji Marshall could slot into the starting five, with Spencer Dinwiddie logging extra minutes off the bench.