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Philadelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton (back) will sit out a fifth consecutive game on Monday against San Antonio. Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse ruled Melton out last Monday for at least a week. He'll have his next chance to suit up on Thursday versus Indiana. Patrick Beverley (illness) has seen more time on the court without Melton and should be heavily involved again on Monday after sitting out one contest.

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse says guard De'Anthony Melton (back) will be out at least one week. Nurse said he and the staff noticed "something a bit off" with Melton due to his lumbar spine stress response and they want to fix something for the long term. Melton missed three contests with the injury between Jan. 2 and Jan. 8 before returning for two matchups, but the Sixers want to get this issue completely resolved. The 25-year-old glue guy and shutdown defender is submitting top-75 value in nine-category fantasy leagues this season, putting up 11.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.1 three-pointers, and 1.6 steals per game, and he should be stashed in those settings. Kelly Oubre Jr. started and swiped four steals in Monday's Martin Luther King Jr. Day victory over the Houston Rockets, and he should be rostered in most settings for the time being.

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (illness), who was not seen at the morning shootaround, is questionable for Monday's Martin Luther King Jr. Day showdown versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers say Russell will be re-evaluated pregame. If Russell's non-COVID illness prevents him from suiting up on Monday, it would be a tough break after he exploded for a season-high 39 points and six three-pointers with eight assists without LeBron James (ankle) in his return to the starting group during Saturday's road loss to the Utah Jazz following a seven-game period with the second unit. With James and Anthony Davis (ankle) also iffy to play, Austin Reaves might be particularly busy on Monday based on which of L.A.'s stars are available. Max Christie would also pick up additional minutes if Russell cannot give it a go.

Philadelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton (back) has already been ruled out for the team's game against the Houston Rockets on Monday despite playing the last two games on a minutes restriction. Unfortunately, the defensive-minded combo guard is dealing with a lumbar spine stress response. Back injuries usually are one of the trickier ailments to deal with, so Melton may end up missing more time. There hasn't been any word on whether or not this is the only game he'll need to miss, so updates will be needed as the week goes on. While he's sidelined, Kelly Oubre Jr. could join the starting five while Patrick Beverley will see some added opportunities as well.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's visit to Salt Lake City to face the Jazz. He has landed on the injury report with right knee contusion. Russell only just returned from a tailbone issue, but it looks like he could be back on the shelf Saturday night. He's had an awful time in L.A. this season, although Russell has shown signs of improvement in his most recent outings, averaging 14.3 points and 5.7 assists off the bench in three games since returning to action. Recent acquisition Skylar Mays could break into the rotation without Russell on Saturday.