Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Monday's meeting with Detroit. Smith Jr. missed his first game of the season Friday versus Philadelphia due to a left ankle sprain. It looks like his absence could be limited to only one game, but it's not fully certain Smith Jr. can return against Detroit. With Dillon Brooks (oblique) also sidelined, Jae'Sean Tate and Jeff Green have jumped into the starting unit. They could be in line for even more extra work on Monday, as Tari Eason (leg) is also questionable for the contest.

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (leg) is questionable for Monday's matchup against Detroit. Eason has struggled with a left leg problem for a bit but has played in each of the past four games. However, he's carried a minutes restriction and clearly isn't at 100 percent, as he's become a regular on the injury report. The 22-year-old has provided great frontcourt cover off the bench, averaging 9.4 points and 7.1 rebounds in 21.7 minutes. Jae'Sean Tate and Jeff Green should feature more heavily if Eason can't play in Monday's very favorable matchup against the worst team in the league, especially if Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) remains out.

Denver Nuggets power forward Aaron Gordon (face/hand) is ready to jump back into action on Monday versus Charlotte. He was bitten by his dog on Christmas and was initially ruled out indefinitely, but Gordon was back in practice on Sunday and is officially regarded as questionable for Monday's game. The high-flying forward has sat out two games, with Peyton Watson providing cover for Gordon in the starting unit. Watson played well but is set to be bumped back down to the bench with Gordon's return.

New York Knicks point guard Malachi Flynn (ankle) won't make his team debut on Monday versus Minnesota. He's on the injury report with a right ankle sprain. Flynn will provide some point guard depth behind Jalen Brunson in New York, but he isn't expected to play a large role. Meanwhile, OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa, who also came over in the trade with Toronto last week, aren't on the injury report, which suggests that they are available to make their Knicks debuts against the Timberwolves.