Phoenix Suns DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (ankle) was originally expected to miss 7-10 days with an ankle sprain, so it's not surprising that he's not supposed to play against the Boston Celtics on Saturday. Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reported that head coach Frank Vogel told the media that Booker is doubtful for this contest, so there's an outside chance he plays. With that being said, fantasy managers should still look for a backup plan which could be either Grayson Allen or Eric Gordon. Both should get plenty of opportunities without Booker's offense on the floor, but Allen has been looking like the most consistent option.

Phoenix Suns guard Jusuf Nurkic (calf) will play on Tuesday night against the Nuggets. The 2014 No. 16 overall pick was on the injury report for Sunday's game versus OKC because of neck spasms. However, he played and finished with 31 rebounds, a franchise record. But Nurkic was dealing with calf soreness heading into this one, and after he was downgraded to questionable, there were concerns about his availability. Yet, he is good to go for the meeting with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. The 29-year-old had 31 points versus Denver in early December, which is an extra incentive for fantasy managers to get him in the starting lineup.

Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Cody Martin (ankle) will be out of action for at least a couple of more weeks. He injured his left ankle last week and will miss a second consecutive contest on Tuesday versus the Magic. The team has announced that Martin will undergo a re-evaluation in two weeks. it's sad news for the 28-year-old, as he only made his season debut on Dec. 23 after injuries already ruined his 2022-23 campaign. Vasilije Micic has taken over Martin's spot in the starting unit. The Serbian guard struggled to get opportunities in Oklahoma City but has played well with the Hornets, averaging 8.7 points and 5.6 assists in 22.9 minutes.

Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (foot) has been upgraded from questionable to available for Tuesday's meeting with Orlando. He makes a quick return to the lineup after missing one game with right plantar fascia discomfort. Richards' return is set to bump Grant Williams back to the bench, although the tough forward could still be useful for fantasy managers, as he's done well in Charlotte as a member of the second unit. Richards averages 10.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks as a starter. He could be in for another productive evening on Tuesday, as centers are shooting 58.9 percent against the Magic.

Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (foot) is on the injury report as questionable ahead of Tuesday's contest against Orlando. He's dealing with discomfort in his right foot and was forced to sit against Toronto on Sunday after making 19 consecutive appearances. Richards has massively benefited from the absence of Mark Williams (back) throughout the season, going close to a double-double as a starter with 10.5 points and 8.8 rebounds. Grant Williams started in his place at the weekend as Charlotte went small. Williams has already gained a fair bit of momentum as a bench piece with the Hornets, and the starting role gives his fantasy stock a further boost. He finished Sunday's contest with 18 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal.