Brooklyn Nets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (foot) has received a probable tag on Monday and should be able to suit up against the Detroit Pistons. The veteran combo guard was listed with a right foot contusion which seems like it's not too severe to keep him off the floor. He'll continue in his starting spot along with the usual starting five as Austin Reaves (ankle) and Anthony Davis (hip) are also considered probable. Russell has been a solid option for points, assists, and threes in category leagues.

Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (back) will have to miss his fourth game in a row while dealing with a strained lower back. The two-way guard experienced a lot of back issues last season with the 76ers, and it caused him to miss more games than he played. Hopefully, the strain isn't too severe and he can return to the court soon. In the meantime, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield have seen added opportunities. If Stephen Curry (ankle) returns, however, they wouldn't be the strongest streaming candidates.

Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (back) won't play on Saturday against Houston due to inflammation in his lower back. It will be the third consecutive game he will miss. Melton has played in three games this season after he was limited to 38 contests with the 76ers last season because of a back injury. WithStephen Curry(ankle) also out Saturday, Lindy Waters and Moses Moody will likely see more action.

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (back) will play against the Raptors on Friday night. He continues to battle back soreness. However, it hasn't cost him any games yet this season. Unfortunately, Russell has struggled in the Lakers' five games, averaging 10.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 25.0% shooting from behind the arc. He should break out of his funk at some point. But until then, fantasy managers may want to consider keeping Russell on the bench.

Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (hamstring) is available for Friday night's matchup against the Chicago Bulls. This will be Watford's season debut as he's been ruled out of action since early October. It should be expected that Watford will come off the bench in his return as he did almost all of last season for Brooklyn when he averaged 6.9 PPG in 13.6 minutes. Fantasy managers should temper their expectations and DFS managers can likely find better options if looking for a plug-and-play on Friday night. Jalen Wilson has been receiving the most minutes off Brooklyn's bench and his averaging 8.2 PPG and likely will be a better fantasy option on Friday, though Watford will likely eat into his minutes as the season progresses.