Brooklyn Nets

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse says guard De'Anthony Melton (back) missed Thursday's practice. Teammates Furkan Korkmaz (illness) and Robert Covington (knee) were also unavailable, but Melton, who is nursing lumbar spine soreness, is certainly the most important name for fantasy purposes. It puts Melton on the wrong side of questionable for Friday versus the visiting New York Knicks, with a short turnaround looming on Saturday when the Sixers host the Utah Jazz. The 23-year-old three-and-D player is far more useful in category leagues, logging 12.1 points, 3.2 assists, 2.1 three-pointers, and 1.7 steals per game, and he is integral to Philly's perimeter defense. If Melton can't play on Friday, Kelly Oubre Jr. would figure to share the starting backcourt alongside Tyrese Maxey as he did on Tuesday.

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (tailbone) has officially been downgraded from doubtful to out on Wednesday versus the Miami Heat. Russell did not participate in the morning shootaround with a tailbone contusion, which was a harbinger for things to come. Russell will aim to suit up when the Lakers continue a five-game homestand on Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies. Recently demoted to L.A.'s bench, the 27-year-old former All-Star is stumbling to his fewest points per game (14.8) since Year 1 in his first full season of his second stint in Tinseltown during 2023-24. Though Russell is becoming a popular fantasy drop, we would recommend holding DLo in most leagues unless his role really goes off the rails. After putting up 20 points and nine assists in 36 minutes off the bench on Sunday, Austin Reaves looks like the team's primary facilitator alongside LeBron James (illness) for now.

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (tailbone) isn't expected to play on Wednesday versus the Miami Heat. He's battling a tailbone contusion, so he'll miss a second straight game if he can't get healthy. Head coach Darvin Ham recently sent Russell to the bench, meaning his fantasy ceiling has been significantly lower of late. However, his absence could at least allow guys like Max Christie and Christian Wood to get a few extra minutes, although both men aren't dependable fantasy options.

Philadelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton (back) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Chicago Bulls. The Sixers are going to take the cautious approach here with Melton dealing with back soreness. They don't want to push him and make the issue worse, so hopefully a day of rest will be enough for him. In the meantime, Patrick Beverley is expected to move into the starting five. Beverley has put together some big games with the Sixers, but is normally not consistent enough to trust.