Brooklyn Nets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

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.

Philadelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton (back) is on the injury report as questionable ahead of Wednesday's clash with the Hawks. The 25-year-old has missed three games, but he's been back in practice this week, which is a sign that he's trending in the right direction and could be available again on Wednesday. Melton has done well as Tyrese Maxey's backcourt partner this season, recording 12.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 steals. He'll have a crucial role in trying to slow down Trae Young on Wednesday if Melton is good to go.

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said forward Tobias Harris (ankle) and guard De'Anthony Melton (back) practiced on Monday. Robert Covington (illness) and Furkan Korkmaz (illness) were also seen at the session. Harris exited Friday's blowout loss to the New York Knicks early and is nursing soreness in his left ankle after missing Saturday's second half of a back-to-back. The versatile 31-year-old has some extra time to recover with the Sixers off until Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks. Melton, on the other hand, has missed three straight outings due to lumbar spine soreness, so his presence back on the court is certainly encouraging. Kelly Oubre Jr. has averaged 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 treys, and 1.2 steals in 14 starts for Philly this year and would likely continue to do so if one or both of Harris and Melton remain off the floor on Wednesday.