Cleveland Cavaliers forward Max Strus (knee) will not play in Wednesday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. It's unclear when Strus strained his right knee, but he'll miss consecutive games with the injury and aim to return in Friday's battle with the West-leading Minnesota Timberwolves. Isaac Okoro is already filling in for Donovan Mitchell (knee), so the sharpshooting Sam Merrill could draw his second straight spot start after playing in Cleveland's first unit during Tuesday's close victory over the Boston Celtics. In a softer matchup against the Hawks, who are allowing the third-most threes per game (14.2) this season, Merrill is worth a look in fantasy hoops for points and triples.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (concussion) has been ruled out for Wednesday's contest against the Memphis Grizzlies. With the Sixers visiting the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, Maxey was always going to have a tough time suiting up due to a concussion with such a quick turnaround. The All-Star guard hopes to pass concussion protocol in time for Friday's tilt against the New Orleans Pelicans. Since Kyle Lowry (rest) will catch a breather on the second night of Philly's back-to-back, Cameron Payne will get all the run he can handle at point guard as a chalky DFS value play against the injury-plagued Grizzlies, despite a woeful 212-point implied total.

Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (ankle) will not play in Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. After spraining his left ankle in Tuesday's narrow win over the Boston Celtics, Mobley will sit out on the second end of Cleveland's back-to-back. Friday's showdown versus the first-place Minnesota Timberwolves marks the star big man's next chance to return. In Mobley's absence, Jarrett Allen should dominate center minutes, while sixth man Caris LeVert sees more run from the Cavs bench against a Hawks team that ranks dead last in defensive efficiency rating (117.6) this season.

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (foot) won't be available for a fourth straight game on Wednesday versus Chicago. The big guy from Auburn continues to nurse a right foot sprain. With Kessler out, Omer Yurtseven has become part of the regular rotation, but he hasn't made any noise. Brice Sensabaugh and Luka Samanic also get a chance to log more minutes, particularly in a situation where Kessler isn't the only frontcourt piece missing. However, the players haven't produced well enough to deserve attention from fantasy managers.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (quadriceps) won't have a reunion with the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, as he has been ruled out for the game. The 2023 All-Star, who started his NBA career in Chicago, will miss a second consecutive contest. Markkanen's absence on Monday versus Washington gave Luka Samanic his first start of the season. The 24-year-old couldn't take advantage of the opportunity, finishing with five points and two rebounds in 23 minutes. Trigger-happy guards Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson get extra shots without Markkanen. And with Taylor Hendricks (toe) and Walker Kessler (foot) also absent from the Jazz frontcourt, Brice Sensabaugh and Omer Yurtseven have a chance to grab extra shifts.