Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (back) has already been ruled out of Monday night's game against the Chicago Bulls. Usually, the team has been listing him as doubtful and then downgrading him the day of the game, but they didn't bother with that same song and dance this time around. There still isn't a timetable for Williams' return from his lower back contusion. There hasn't even been an update on how he feels and how much it's been limiting him from practice. So, while he sits out for a 14th consecutive game, Nick Richards will get the start at center again. Nathan Mensah saw some of the backup minutes in their last contest, while JT Thor could see some opportunities as well.

Dallas Mavericks forward Grant Williams (ankle) was upgraded from questionable to available late on Sunday evening ahead of their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was forced to miss their last contest against the Portland Trail Blazers while he dealt with a right ankle sprain, but that will be the only absence due to this ailment. Recently, it seems whether or not Williams gets the starting nod depends on the matchup. He may get the start in this one due to Dereck Lively II (ankle) and Maxi Kleber (toe) both missing the game. Williams is more fantasy-relevant when it comes to deeper leagues since he's not a great source of consistent stats.

Dallas Mavericks forward Grant Williams (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Timberwolves. He's dealing with a sprained right ankle, keeping him out of the lineup in Friday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Luka Doncic (ankle) didn't play in that game, either, so Williams could have gotten more involved offensively. At any rate, if Williams can suit up and Doncic can't, he is worth considering as a streaming option for fantasy managers. However, the former Celtic will be a risky option in any format.

Dallas Mavericks forward Grant Williams (ankle) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Both Williams and Dereck Lively II (ankle) were injured during Wednesday's game. Between the two, Lively has been much more impactful on the court this season. Dwight Powell is expected to see more run if one or both of them sit out. Williams has seen his role become limited due to the presence of Derrick Jones Jr. in the rotation. Jones would likely see more run if Williams is unable to play.

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (back) will remain a spectator for Friday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls due to his lingering lower back contusion. With no end to his absence in sight, Williams appears to be out indefinitely rather than day-to-day at this point. Despite a streak of 12 consecutive games missed after Friday's action, the 22-year-old interior presence needs to be stashed in all nine-category fantasy leagues. Williams is posting fifth-round value in those 12-team formats. Nick Richards is the direct fantasy beneficiary of Williams' absence, averaging 9.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 13 starts this season.