Brooklyn Nets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

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.

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (back) is listed as probable ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Russell continues to deal with a lower back issues, but it's not expected to keep him out of the lineup. He has been off to a slow start to the season but has the ability to be a legitimate threat because of his shooting ability. He only saw 24 minutes during Wednesday's game, so the Lakers might continue to limit him until he's fully healthy again. Gabe Vincent might see an uptick in playing time on Friday.

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (back) will play in Wednesday's game versus the Cavs. He was listed as questionable heading into this contest. However, fantasy managers can safely add him back to the starting lineup. Unfortunately, Russell has struggled this season, averaging 11.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 28.0% shooting from deep. Still, the 28-year-old should break out of his slump soon. With Russell back in the mix, Gabe Vincent and Max Christie will see less work.

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (back) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 28-year-old has struggled this season, averaging 11.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 28.0% shooting from behind the arc. Yet, Russell could miss Wednesday's contest because of back soreness, although a night off may help him break out of his slump. Austin Reaves (thigh) is probable, so Max Christie and Gabe Vincent could split time at the one if Russell doesn't play. It's also possible LeBron James slides over, with Dalton Knecht entering the starting lineup.

Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (back) won't play on Tuesday against New Orleans. Melton was limited to 38 games with the 76ers last season because of a back injury, so his latest injury designation is concerning. Fortunately, an MRI showed "no structural damage," although his back strain will likely cost him more than a few games. With Stephen Curry (ankle) sidelined, Melton was in line to see more minutes. However, now that he's ruled out, Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody will likely split the ball handling duties moving ahead. As far as Melton is concerned, he will be re-evaluated on Friday.