Brooklyn Nets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (illness) wasn't even on the injury report until he was surprisingly ruled out late Sunday night due to a non-COVID illness. The 28-year-old has only missed a few games since the turn of the new year, and he wasn't even listed as dealing with an illness prior to this news. With Russell missing from the starting lineup and LeBron James (ankle) still questionable, Spencer Dinwiddie is likely to move into the starting lineup. Cam Reddish and Max Christie should also see more opportunities off of the bench, but Dinwiddie is more likely to be the better streaming option.

Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (toe) will miss his 17th game of the season on Monday as he deals with a toe sprain. Johnson was able to play a full 31 minutes in their last game and registered 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal. He has since picked up the toe sprain, so the Nets will have to fill his starting role. Dorian Finney-Smith will likely be the one to move into the starting five since Mikal Bridges, Cam Thomas, and Dennis Schroder will take care of the backcourt duties. Lonnie Walker IV will be the first one off of the bench since Dennis Smith Jr. (hip) is also out, but he's a risky streaming option as a reserve.

Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson will draw the starting nod versus the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. The Nets are still without Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle), which means Johnson gets another start. Johnson has played fairly well over the last few games. He has scored in double digits in four straight games. He's worth a look as a low-end streaming option while Finney-Smith is out.

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (illness) will play on Thursday against Milwaukee. He was questionable because of an illness. However, he at least feels well enough to suit up for this one. Naturally, Claxton's availability will mean less work for Day'Ron Sharpe, who had 17 rebounds in 24 minutes in the loss to the Pelicans on Tuesday evening. But considering Claxton has struggled at times versus the Bucks throughout his career, he may not be the best fantasy option, either, even if Giannis Antetokounmpo (hamstring) misses another game.

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (illness) is sporting a questionable tag ahead of Thursday's battle against Milwaukee. He might be forced to miss his first game of 2024 due to an illness. Claxton has registered six double-doubles in 10 March appearances and would be in a solid position to do damage again on Thursday, as the Bucks struggle defensively and are a mediocre rebounding team. If he's missing, we could see a big performance from Day'Ron Sharpe, with Trendon Watford also in line to see extra minutes.