Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (knee) will miss his fourth consecutive game on Monday versus the Phoenix Suns as he continues to nurse tendinitis in his right knee. As a result, Ayton sits out on an opportunity to play against the team that traded him away this past fall. The double-double machine is putting up 13.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game during his first year in Rip City and hopes to return when Portland continue an arduous seven-game road trip on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks. With Duop Reath (back) doubtful on Monday, the bulk of the center minutes will be left to Jerami Grant and Jabari Walker, the latter of whom came out of nowhere for 25 points and nine boards on Friday. Former Blazer Jusuf Nurkic could enjoy a New Year's Day feast with Portland significantly lacking size.

Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier (illness) is questionable for Monday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets. He's under the weather, so he may join Gordon Hayward (calf) and LaMelo Ball (ankle) on the shelf for the meeting against the defending champs. If that's the case, Ish Smith, Cody Martin, and Nick Smith Jr. could see more action. However, Miles Bridges, P.J. Washington, and Brandon Miller would be the favorites to lead things offensively without Rozier on the floor.

Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (oblique) remains out on Monday against the visiting Detroit Pistons. The 27-year-old is battling an oblique strain, so he'll now miss his third consecutive contest. He'll likely miss more time moving ahead, although head coach Ime Udoka couldn't say how long he'd stay on the shelf. Brooks has averaged 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in his first season in Houston. However, he's shooting a career-high 40.8% from behind the arc. But until Brooks is healthy, Jae'Sean Tate could remain in the lineup. Unfortunately, Tate has averaged just 5.5 points in two starts this year, which won't do anything to benefit fantasy managers.

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby isn't listed on the league's injury report ahead of Monday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although he's not hurt, he didn't suit up on Saturday versus the Pacers while the trade between the Raptors and Knicks, which also involved RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, was finalized. At any rate, the 26-year-old averaged 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 27 games with Toronto this season. He's expected to improve in many statistical areas with his new team. However, while Anunoby remains a must-start in season-long fantasy setups, DFS managers should take a cautious approach, especially since it may take him a few games to get acclimated with how things work under head coach Tom Thibodeau.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (foot) won't play on Monday night against the Clippers. The veteran returned from a four-game absence on Friday evening versus the Utah Jazz. However, he suffered a right foot injury, ending his night after only 23 minutes. Without question, the Heat will do all they can to keep Butler healthy, especially since he's battled various injuries throughout the 2023-24 campaign, so there's a chance he may miss more time during the Heat's road trip. Of course, it will be business as usual for Miami without Butler in the lineup, with Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. expected to lead the way offensively. On the other hand, Duncan Robinson and Jamal Cain are worth streaming for fantasy managers willing to take a risk.