Brooklyn Nets

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse says guard De'Anthony Melton (back) is out for now, and he isn't sure for how long. Melton left Tuesday's loss to the Boston Celtics with back spasms, perhaps re-aggravating the lumbar spine stress response that plagued him for nearly two months between early January and late February. Fantasy managers should view the 25-year-old lockdown defender as out indefinitely, and while he's posting top-75 numbers in nine-category leagues with 11.5 points, 3.1 assists, 2.1 three-pointers, and 1.6 steals per game in 2023-24, Melton is a drop candidate for those who can't afford to stash him. The Sixers will continue to heavily rely on All-Star Tyrese Maxey in their backcourt, with the recently-acquired Kyle Lowry being worth watching as an option to occupy Melton's role for the time being in Philly.

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons (leg) has picked up a questionable tag ahead of Thursday's matchup against Atlanta. He wasn't on the team's initial injury report. Simmons could be out for a second consecutive game after sitting out the tail end of a back-to-back on Tuesday against Orlando. Dennis Schroder and Dennis Smith Jr. should get more action on the Brooklyn backcourt without Simmons, especially with Cam Thomas (ankle) already shelved for the contest.

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons (back) will be available for Thursday's contest against Atlanta. He was rested on Tuesday when the Nets completed a back-to-back in Orlando. Simmons could get back into the starting lineup for Thursday's tilt with Cam Thomas (ankle) on the shelf. The versatile Australian has averaged 6.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 26.1 minutes in a starting role this season. This will be a great matchup for Simmons and the Nets, as Atlanta is ranked last in defensive efficiency for the season.

Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (ankle, foot) is officially listed as out ahead of the team's game Thursday against the Hawks. The 22-year-old sustained an ankle injury during Monday's game, compelling him to sit out on Tuesday. The severity of the injury remains uncertain, but Thomas will miss his second consecutive game, with his next opportunity to play being the Saturday rematch against Atlanta. In his absence, Dennis Schroder, Lonnie Walker, and Ben Simmons are expected to see increased minutes or usage. Thomas boasts averages of 20.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in 29.8 minutes this season.

Philadelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton (back) has been ruled out for the rest of Tuesday's game against the Boston Celtics. Melton missed nearly a month of action due to a back issue. Now, he's sidelined again after only nine minutes during Tuesday's game. Kyle Lowry is still under a minutes restriction. That means, Cameron Payne should see an increased role off the bench with Melton being unable to finish this contest. Despite the increased role, Payne won't be worth a look in most fantasy formats.