

Memphis Grizzlies small forward Ziaire Williams (hip) won't play on Monday against Brooklyn. The 22-year-old was injured in the previous game against Portland and steps out of the lineup with a right hip flexor strain. Williams has played a significant role for the Grizzlies lately, starting in six consecutive games. He's shown flashes of good upside, averaging 10.3 points and 5.4 rebounds in 15 starts across the season. The Memphis rotation is more unpredictable than the weather, but the likes of Jake LaRavia, John Konchar, and Luke Kennard might get extra opportunities without Williams.


New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (knee) was injured in Sunday night's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Playing less than one minute, the former Villanova Wildcat exited with what appeared to be a severe left knee injury. However, it seems the Knicks dodged a bullet, with head coach Tom Thibodeau reporting that X-rays were negative. Even more promising, Thibodeau added that Brunson has a knee contusion, which is certainly fantastic news. The 27-year-old has had the best season of his career in 2023-24, averaging 27.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. The Knicks don't play again until Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks. But based on the update from Thibs, Brunson could be out there. On the other hand, the Knicks need him healthy if the team hopes to advance deep into the postseason, so he could miss a game or two until he's fully healthy. If that's the case, Miles McBride, scoring 16 points on Sunday evening, would make a fine addition to most fantasy rosters.


Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) is officially out on Monday against the Clippers. The 32-year-old is nearing a month on the shelf, although he has practiced in a limited capacity of late. However, with Middleton still out of the equation, Jae Crowder should continue to take his place in the lineup. Crowder has averaged only 5.4 points and 4.1 rebounds in 14 starts this season, making him an unattractive fantasy option under normal circumstances. Yet, with Giannis Antetokounmpo (Achilles) in danger of missing Monday's game, Crowder could be much more aggressive on both sides of the floor.


Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (ankle, foot) won't play in Monday's matchup with Memphis. The 22-year-old injured his ankle and foot late in a meeting with the Grizzlies a week ago, keeping him off the floor for Brooklyn's previous three contests. As a result, Dennis Schroder has been more involved offensively. However, with Ben Simmons (leg) potentially returning on Monday, Schroder's workload and contributions on the scoring end might plummet. On the other hand, Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson, combining for 61 points on Saturday in the win over Atlanta, should remain in all fantasy lineups.


Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (illness) isn't listed on the NBA's official injury report heading toward Monday's contest against the Washington Wizards. The veteran wasn't feeling well and didn't suit up on Saturday against the Miami Heat, allowing Talen Horton-Tucker to get more involved. Clarkson combined for just nine points in his previous two games, so fantasy managers may have concerns about putting him into their lineups. However, with Lauri Markkanen (hip) ruled out for Monday night, Clarkson could benefit significantly from a production standpoint.
