Phoenix Suns DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (calf) is officially active heading into Tuesday's game versus the Los Angeles Lakers. The 36-year-old has missed the last seven games because of a strained calf. Unfortunately, the Suns have struggled while Durant has been sidelined. But he's back, although head coach Mike Budenholzer indicated the team will be "logical" in managing his minutes moving ahead. While Durant is a lock for redraft formats, DFS managers may want to pump the brakes until he proves he's ready for his pre-injury workload.

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (calf) is on track to return from a five-game absence on Tuesday for their NBA Cup game against the Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Beal and Kevin Durant (calf) will both be returning at the same time to bring the scoring punch back to a Suns team that has lost their last five straight. Beal has appeared in nine games so far this season and has averaged 17.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.6 threes per contest.

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (calf) has been sidelined for the last seven games but his return is finally on the horizon. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Durant is planning to return on Tuesday along with teammate Bradley Beal (calf). The Suns have been on a five-game losing streak lately while both Durant and Beal watched from the sidelines. Their timing lines up with one of their NBA Cup games against the Los Angeles Lakers. Durant should especially be in fantasy lineups regardless of format.

Charlotte Hornets centers Mark Williams (foot) and Nick Richards (ribs) have both been sent to the team's G League affiliate on a rehab assignment. They will be practicing with the Greensboro Swarm on Monday, but don't have a specific timetable for their return to the Hornets. Williams has been out since early December of last season while Richards hasn't played since November 1 of this season. Both big men would regularly get minutes when back in the lineup, with Williams having the higher ceiling based on his play early on.

Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (rib) is out for Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to rib soreness. Richards, who returned to practice Thursday, has not been cleared to play and will miss the matchup. The 26-year-old has been highly effective this season, averaging 11.0 points and 10.0 rebounds while shooting over 63% from the field. His last game was on November 1st against the Boston Celtics. Richards' next opportunity to play will come Monday against the Orlando Magic. In his absence, Tidjane Salaun and Moussa Diabate are expected to take on additional frontcourt responsibilities.