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.

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (groin) won't play on Tuesday versus the Indiana Pacers. The former Raptor has averaged 16.5 points, 8.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks. But he's now battling a strained left groin, which isn't a good scenario for Houston, a team that hasn't been consistent all year. VanVleet may miss more games moving ahead, including upcoming stops in Toronto and Atlanta. However, until he returns, Aaron Holiday, Amen Thompson, and Jalen Green should see more scoring chances. All three should also get a bump in usage without VanVleet in the equation.

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (nose) underwent a procedure on Monday. The 19-year-old, averaging 9.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in his inaugural season, suffered a nasal fracture during a meeting with the Orlando Magic a week ago. He hasn't been in the lineup since. The rookie also won't suit up for Monday's matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers or Tuesday's clash with the Brooklyn Nets. On a positive note, the procedure went well, so it appears there's a chance Lively will return soon. But in the meantime, Maxi Kleber figures to handle most of the work underneath the rim. Of course, Kleber isn't a trustworthy fantasy option. However, he at least has double-double upside when he starts.

Charlotte Hornets forward Leaky Black will be in the starting lineup for Monday's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. LaMelo Ball (ankle), Gordon Hayward (calf), and Mark Williams (back) are out, so the Hornets are hurting to put healthy bodies on the floor. The 24-year-old, averaging 2.2 points and 1.3 rebounds in limited action this season, will get his first crack with the first five. Of course, with more minutes on the horizon, Black's fantasy upside could increase significantly. As a result, he'll likely be a popular DFS value option on Monday evening. At the same time, Black has a place in fantasy lineups for those looking to fill a void.

Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (ankle) is not seen on the team's injury report leading into Monday's matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Monday is the second end of Toronto's back-to-back, and Poeltl just returned to play in Friday's defeat to the Houston Rockets following an 11-game absence due to a sprained left ankle. The 28-year-old Austrian big man was out there for 33 minutes during Sunday's double-overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, so the 17-32 Raptors may keep on eye on his playing time on Monday if the game gets out of hand. While that caveat poses some DFS risk, it shouldn't deter season-long fantasy managers from starting Poeltl, who is supplying top-100 numbers in nine-category leagues by averaging 10.7 points on 69.1% shooting from the field, 8.3 rebounds, 2.6 dimes, and 1.4 blocks in 38 showings for the Raps.