There is optimism within the Brooklyn Nets that guard Cam Thomas (ankle/foot), who is out on Thursday against the Detroit Pistons, could return in one of the next two games. The Nets have a back-to-back set on Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets and Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, so fantasy managers could get the 22-year-old walking bucket back this weekend. Dennis Schroder has stepped up in Thomas' stead, starting Brooklyn's last six games and averaging 17.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.8 threes on 58.6% shooting from deep in 30.8 minutes across this stretch ahead of an optimal matchup against a Pistons squad surrendering the most FanDuel points per game to opposing point guards in 2023-24.

The Utah Jazz announced on Tuesday that forward Taylor Hendricks (toe) will be out at least one week after an MRI confirmed a ligament sprain in his left big toe. Hendricks sustained the injury during the second quarter of Monday's win over the Washington Wizards. Brice Sensabaugh started at small forward for the depleted Jazz in Wednesday's narrow defeat to the Chicago Bulls, tallying an efficient double-double with 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting, 12 rebounds, and two three-pointers in 30 minutes. Although the rookie first-rounder is worth considering in deeper fantasy leagues amid Hendricks' absence, Sensabaugh next squares off on Saturday with a Denver Nuggets group that's allowing the fewest FanDuel points to opposing small forwards this year.

The Brooklyn Nets have downgraded guard Lonnie Walker IV (illness) to questionable for Thursday's game against the Detroit Pistons. With four regular rotation members already ruled out, the Nets could be drastically undermanned on Thursday. Walker is a candidate to join Brooklyn's starting lineup with Cameron Johnson (ankle) sidelined, but if he can't fight through an illness, Dennis Smith Jr. would be in play as a budget DFS option against a last-place Pistons team giving up more FanDuel points per game to opposing point guards than any other this season.

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons (back) has been ruled out for the rest of the season. He's missed the last five games and won't see the court again in 2023-24 due to a lower back issue. "Ben Simmons will remain out for the remainder of the season while he consults with specialists and explores treatment options for the nerve impingement in his lower back," the team said in a statement. "Simmons, along with his representatives and Nets medical personnel, are currently in discussions with numerous experts to determine the course of action that will provide him with the best opportunity for long-term sustainable health." Simmons finishes the 2023-24 campaign with only 15 appearances. He averaged 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists across 23.9 minutes. Dennis Schroder and Dennis Smith Jr. are set to share the main ball-handling duties for the rest of the campaign without Simmons. Lonnie Walker IV is well-positioned to enjoy a strong stretch as well, particularly with Cam Thomas (ankle) and Cameron Johnson (ankle) also currently unavailable.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Town has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee and is out indefinitely. Minnesota had already ruled him out for Thursday's clash with the Pacers, and it now looks like it's going to be a while until we see Towns on the court again. Towns' absence makes Naz Reid a hot commodity, while Kyle Anderson also looks set to play a larger part in the rotation.