Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (hip) is listed as out for Monday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Brown has been dealing with a left hip flexor strain that caused him to miss Friday night's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Brown has averaged 25.7 PPG and 7.2 RPG to start the season so a bit of production will be left off the table with his absence. In Saturday night's game against the Charlotte Hornets the Celtics inserted Al Horford into the starting lineup. Expect Horford to get another start on Monday against his former team, who will be on a rest advantage on the second leg of a back-to-back. Horford has averaged 7.7 PPG to start the season and may not be a great fantasy option on Monday night as he didn't score in his spot start on Saturday.

Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (hip) won't play on Saturday against Charlotte. The Celtics and Hornets met on Friday night, the first of back-to-back games between the clubs, with Brown finishing the night by scoring 25 points, adding six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. He's bothered by a hip flexor strain, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see if he'll play on Monday in Atlanta. But without Brown in the mix on Saturday, Sam Hauser (back), who is probable, is expected to enter the starting lineup, giving him a more promising outlook in all fantasy setups.

Boston Celtics center Al Horford (rest) won't play on Friday against Charlotte. Horford has averaged 9.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals this season. He's also shot 60.0% from behind the arc. But the veteran will take the night off before presumably suiting up for the rematch with the Hornets on Saturday. With that said, Luke Kornet will likely take over at the five and is worth starting in all fantasy formats. Xavier Tillman Sr. and Neemias Queta will also draw value attention from DFS participants.

Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (back) is available for Friday night's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Hauser has been dealing with a back issue that's already forced him to miss three of Boston's five games so far. The 26-year-old did return to action in the Celtics' most recent game on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers. He played significantly fewer minutes against the Pacers compared to the opening night blowout against the New York Knicks, but much of that can be attributed to the game against the Pacers being much closer. Tonight's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets may provide an opportunity for Hauser to receive more minutes in garbage time if Boston, a 10.5 point favorite, blows out Charlotte. Fantasy managers may have better options to get into their starting lineup. DFS managers wanting to take a shot on a cheaper option may find more value in adding Hauser to their lineup than traditional fantasy managers.

Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports that Boston Celtics small forward Sam Hauser (back) will likely be available for Wednesday's matchup with the Indiana Pacers. He played opening night against the New York Knicks, finishing with 10 points (4-10 FG), five rebounds, and an assist. Hauser was on the court for 24 minutes, coming off the bench during the 132-109 blowout win. Since then, the 26-year-old has missed three consecutive contests. Getting Hauser back will add even more firepower to the undefeated (4-0) Celtics.