Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets have upgraded forward Cameron Johnson (shoulder) to available for Thursday's tilt versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. A left shoulder contusion threatened Johnson's status, but he'll suit up for the struggling Nets as they continue a five-game homestand on Thursday. The two-way wing has taken a step back during his first full year in Brooklyn, putting up a modest 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.5 threes per game. Expect no minutes restrictions for Johnson, but it's a tough matchup against Minnesota.

Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (shoulder) is on the injury report as questionable ahead of Thursday's matchup against Minnesota. He's in danger of missing his first game since Dec. 27 after hurting his left shoulder versus the Knicks on Tuesday. Lonnie Walker IV and Cam Thomas should share most of the available minutes if Johnson can't play through his shoulder issue. The latter is the more attractive fantasy option, with Thomas having proven himself as a microwave scorer this season.

The Philadelphia 76ers have announced that guard De'Anthony Melton (spine) will be re-evaluated in approximately one week after completing an offloading period, and he will now begin ramping up to return to play. Melton will travel with the team on their upcoming six-game road trip, but he is listed as out for Thursday's clash with the Indiana Pacers and is unlikely to return before the end of January based on this timeline. Notching top-75 numbers in nine-category fantasy leagues, the 25-year-old shutdown defender should remain stashed in those formats while nursing a lumbar spine stress response. Swingman Kelly Oubre Jr. has filled in as a starter for the Sixers in Melton's absence, averaging a modest 12.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 three-pointers, and 1.3 steals in nine games without Melton overall this season.

Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn said on Tuesday that guard/forward Ben Simmons (back) will not play in the team's next three games. Simmons traveled with the Nets on their recent three-game West Coast road trip, which suggested his return was imminent, but this latest timetable rules him out until at least Jan. 29 at home versus the Utah Jazz. The former Philadelphia 76ers standout hasn't suited up for Brooklyn since Nov. 6 due to a nerve impingement in his left lower back in what's been yet another injury-plagued season, and it remains unclear if he suffered a setback in his progression after participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages recently. Though it hasn't been enough for consistent fantasy relevance, Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale will continue sharing Simmons' minutes for however long he remains on the shelf.

Philadelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton (back) will sit out a fifth consecutive game on Monday against San Antonio. Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse ruled Melton out last Monday for at least a week. He'll have his next chance to suit up on Thursday versus Indiana. Patrick Beverley (illness) has seen more time on the court without Melton and should be heavily involved again on Monday after sitting out one contest.