Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons (back) has been listed as probable for Monday's contest against Utah. Nets head coach Jacques Vaughn said at the weekend that there's a "high likelihood" Simmons will play on Monday, and it indeed looks like he'll make his first appearance since Nov. 6. Simmons had a solid start to the season with a number of near-triple-doubles, but he can't be expected to perform at his best straight away after missing nearly 40 games. However, it's great to see him being available again, and Simmons could make a big impact in fantasy basketball.

Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (personal) won't play on Saturday against Houston. He will be unavailable for the ninth time this season. The trio of Cam Thomas, Lonnie Walker IV, and Royce O'Neale looks set to benefit from Johnson's absence. Thomas is by far the most attractive option for fantasy managers, and he'll head into Saturday's clash with some newly found momentum, having posted 20-plus points in three of his last four appearances.

Brooklyn Nets center/forward Day'Ron Sharpe (knee) hasn't played since January 7 against the Portland Trail Blazers after hyperextending his left knee. In a conversation with Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Sharpe said he was still a long way away from returning to the court. There was still some pain and he was working on strengthening his knee. He has yet to get much on-court work in practice and likely won't until the strengthening routine is fully finished. While Sharpe has been sidelined, Nicolas Claxton, Royce O'Neale, and Dorian Finney-Smith have been splitting up the extra minutes.

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons (back) could return to the court as early as Monday. Simmons has been sidelined since early November due to lingering back issues. He's currently practicing with the Long Island Nets. The organization is hopeful that Simmons can return for Monday's matchup against the Utah Jazz. However, Simmons would be on a strict minutes restriction if he does play. That being said, Simmons wouldn't be a recommended fantasy option until he's back to full speed. Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale would be the two players who would likely lose the most value with the return of Simmons.

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.