LA Clippers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (calf) was downgraded to out ahead of Monday's matchup with the Atlanta Hawks. The 26-year-old missed nine games before returning for Sunday's meeting with the Miami Heat. He logged only 18 minutes, amassing four points and three rebounds. Zubac will likely play on Wednesday against the visiting Pelicans, barring a setback. But in the meantime, Mason Plumlee should take his spot in the lineup, with the veteran averaging 7.9 points and 7.4 rebounds in eight starts during the 2023-24 campaign.

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons (back) won't play on Monday against Golden State. He has just returned from a lengthy absence, and the team is closely monitoring Simmons' workload. It's the first game of a back-to-back, and Simmons will likely return to the lineup Tuesday versus Dallas. The three-time All-Star hasn't played much since making his comeback, but he's still been productive, averaging 5.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists in 17.0 minutes in the two games he's featured in since returning. With Simmons unavailable, Lonnie Walker IV and Dennis Smith Jr. could get a few extra minutes on the court off the Brooklyn bench.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Nicolas Batum (hamstring) continues to deal with a left hamstring strain that will keep him out of at least one more game. The team has already ruled him out on Monday for their game against the Dallas Mavericks. The 35-year-old's absence has been felt as the team's defense and ability to spread the ball around on offense have both suffered in the past few games. Batum, along with Joel Embiid (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (back), will be three of the five starters to watch from the sidelines while Tobias Harris (illness) could join them. Kelly Oubre Jr. has been in the starting lineup in his place, and could serve as a solid streaming option in deeper leagues.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Nicolas Batum (hamstring) sits on the injury report as questionable for Saturday's clash with the Nets. The veteran is bothered by hamstring tightness and could be out for a third consecutive game. From a statistical point of view, the absence of Batum isn't big news, but he's been a regular starter ever since arriving in Philadelphia and does well all the little things that don't show on the box score. Danuel House Jr. has stepped into the starting five during Batum's absence. He has struggled to make his mark and isn't a good option for fantasy managers.

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons (knee) is on track to return to the lineup for Saturday's matchup against Philadelphia. The team has listed Simmons as probable for the clash against his former team. Simmons returned from a nearly three-month absence against Utah on Monday but hurt his left knee and was forced to sit out another game on Wednesday versus Phoenix. The enigmatic Australian played only 18 minutes against the Jazz, but he put his talents on full display by amassing 10 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists.