Boston Celtics DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (illness) was a late scratch for Monday's contest against Orlando. After he was named a starter for the matchup, the team downgraded him to questionable, and Tatum was ruled out entirely at halftime. He sat out his third game of the season, all of which have occurred this month. Tatum's absence on Monday obviously leaves a question marking hanging over him ahead of Boston's Christmas Day outing against Philadelphia. Al Horford replaced Tatum in the starting unit on Monday, while Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard might be more involved off the bench if Tatum isn't available against the 76ers.

Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig (Achilles) is available ahead of Monday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Craig will make his way back to the court after missing each of the last eight games. His return is good timing with the Bulls being shorthanded for Monday's game. Both Josh Giddey (ankle) and Lonzo Ball (illness) are out, so Craig might see additional run. The veteran forward is only averaging 11 minutes per game this season. He might see a few more minutes on Monday, but he's not a recommended streaming option on Monday's busy slate.

According to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (back) will play against the Orlando Magic on Monday. Hauser has been unavailable for the last two games due to lower back spasms. The 27-year-old has posted averages of 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists across 21 games this season. He's shooting a career-worst 37.3 percent from three-point range and will likely not impact fantasy much on Monday.

Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig (heel) is listed as questionable for Monday night's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Craig is dealing with left Achilles soreness and has missed Chicago's last eight games because of the issue. Chicago has been able to perform without Craig's three-and-D performance off the bench, going 5-3 in those eight games. The 34-year-old's health has been unreliable for Chicago this season as he's played in just six games this season and none of them consecutively. If Craig is unable to go on Monday, expect more time for Patrick Williams in the starting lineup while Matas Buzelis gets more minutes off the bench. Of the two, fantasy managers should prioritize Williams as the more reliable option.

According to Keith Smith of Spotrac.com, Boston Celtics forward/centerXavier Tillman Sr. (illness) will not play against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday due to an illness. Tillman's absence shouldn't impact the Celtics' rotation, as he's averaged just 8.6 minutes across 17 games so far in this year's campaign. With Tillman and Sam Hauser (back) both out, players like Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh could soak up a few extra minutes on Thursday.