Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (ankle) has been sidelined for four straight games with an ankle sprain, but he seems to be nearing a return after moving well in Monday's shootaround before being ruled out along with Cade Cunningham (hip). Both starters are questionable for Tuesday night in Atlanta as the Pistons look to extend their winning streak to 11 games. If Thompson is ruled out again, Ron Holland II and Javonte Green will continue to get extra minutes and usage at forward and be excellent streaming and DFS options.

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (ankle) is nearing a return, and he was listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Hawks in Atlanta, along with Cade Cunningham (hip) and Ausar Thompson (ankle). On Monday, coach J.B. Bickerstaff said that Harris had no timetable for return, but now it looks like that timetable could be any day now. Without Harris for the last five games, Ron Holland II and Javonte Green have been playing very well for Detroit, but they will likely return to reduced roles when Harris and Thompson get back in the rotation. If he does play Tuesday, Harris would likely be on a minutes limitation, so temper expectations. It is great to see him near a return, though, for a Pistons team that is thriving early in the season.

Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham (hip) has missed the last three games for his team, which has stayed hot in his absence, extending their winning streak to 10 games by beating the Pacers on Monday. Cunningham could return for the second game of the back-to-back, and if he does, he'll probably resume his heavy workload. In his 11 games this season, Cunningham is averaging 27.5 points, 9.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 37 minutes per game. He hasn't played since his monster 46-point triple-double last Monday against the Wizards. If Cunningham is out again, Daniss Jenkins will be set up for another big workload after averaging 21.8 points, 7.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 triples, and 2.0 steals per contest in his four games in the starting lineup.

Denver's C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 36 points, 13 assists and 18 rebounds in a 127-130 loss to the Bulls on Monday, Nov. 17.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (calf) will likely sit out a second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns, as the team has given him a doubtful tag on the injury report. The veteran guard missed his first game of the season on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks, landing on the sidelines with a sore right calf. Jerami Grant started in his absence and delivered one of his best performances of the season, scoring 26 points. Meanwhile, Caleb Love and Sidy Cissoko shared most of the backup guard minutes, but their impact was minimal.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica) has been upgraded to questionable on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's tilt against the Utah Jazz. He logged a full practice with the team on Monday and could be ready to make his season debut in Tuesday's game. James has recently also logged additional practice sessions with the Lakers' G League team, so he should be in good shape after dealing with sciatica on his right side. However, it would be surprising if the team didn't monitor his minutes when he returns. If James can't make it back on Tuesday night, he will have a lot more time to prep for his 2025-26 debut, as the Lakers would then be off until Sunday, when they have a rematch with the Jazz.

Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo won't finish Monday's contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a left groin strain, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports. The former MVP left the game in the second quarter after racking up 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 13 minutes. Jericho Sims joined Milwaukee's starting unit for the second half. Antetokounmpo's exit from the lineup also creates more playing opportunities for Bobby Portis. Muscle strains typically take several weeks to heal, so the Bucks may be without Antetokounmpo for a significant period. However, we won't know for certain until he undergoes evaluation.

Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (biceps) will play on Monday night against the Chicago Bulls. The 29-year-old sustained a right biceps strain last week and sat out Saturday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Initially, he was in danger of missing a second straight game after the team listed him as questionable for Monday's matchup. With Johnson sidelined against Minnesota, Tim Hardaway Jr. had a sparkling performance with 22 points as a starter. On Monday, Hardaway Jr. will head back to the bench. Johnson's time in Denver has been a nightmare so far, as he has averaged only 7.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 24.5 minutes. Hardaway Jr. has been significantly more productive than him and will remain a better fantasy option even as a reserve.

Denver Nuggets guard/forward Julian Strawther (back) won't play in Monday's contest against the Chicago Bulls. The team has downgraded Strawther from questionable to out. He won't be a big miss for Denver, as Strawther has been limited to 7.9 minutes per game across seven contests. The rest of the Nuggets' reserve should share Strawther's minutes on Monday night. The 23-year-old will have his first opportunity to return to the lineup on Wednesday in a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (wrist) will officially be active against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. The Serbian superstar is dealing with a left wrist sprain, but the team has upgraded his status from probable to available. Jokic is once again having an MVP-caliber season, averaging 28.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 10.9 assists. On Monday, Jokic faces a 20th-ranked defense, and it's a significant pace-up spot for the Nuggets. As a result, the three-time MVP could end up with a particularly silly stat line.

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Onyeka Okongwu (knee) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's tilt against the Detroit Pistons. He may have to exit the lineup for the first time this season due to a right knee contusion. In the past two games, Okongwu has produced big performances as Kristaps Porzingis' (knee) replacement in the starting lineup. Porzingis is also on the injury report with a questionable tag for Tuesday's game. If neither player is healthy enough to play, Mouhamed Gueye would get a massive workload against the Pistons.

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (hip) carries a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. He is nursing a left hip contusion after taking a hard fall on a dunk attempt in Sunday's win over the Phoenix Suns. Risacher has contributed 12.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 24.8 minutes as a regular starter for the Hawks this season. Vit Krejci and Luke Kennard will likely share Risacher's minutes on Tuesday night if he can't play. With Kristaps Porzingis (knee) and Onyeka Okongwu (knee) also questionable for the game, there might be a massive chunk of extra minutes available for Atlanta's usual reserves.

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (knee) remains on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's clash against the Detroit Pistons, with the team listing him as questionable for the game. Porzingis has missed a pair of contests with a sore right knee, allowing Onyeka Okongwu (knee) to enjoy life as a starter. However, Okongwu is also listed as questionable for Tuesday, meaning the frontcourt might have to lean heavily on Mouhamed Gueye against Detroit. Previously, Gueye has shown potential, averaging 16.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks across a couple of starts this season.

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (groin) is on the injury report as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Golden State Warriors. After recovering from offseason knee surgery, Suggs has recently dealt with right groin soreness, and the issue might keep him sidelined for a second consecutive game. With Suggs out of commission, Anthony Black made his third start of the season in Sunday's overtime loss to the Houston Rockets. The 21-year-old has boosted his productivity to 15.3 points and 2.7 assists in a starting role. Golden State allows the seventh-most points and eighth-most assists to point guards this season, giving Black a good opportunity to impress if he keeps hold of a larger role on Tuesday.

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu (hamstring) will be in the lineup on Monday against the Denver Nuggets but will be on a minutes restriction, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports. After he played 26 minutes in Sunday's double-overtime loss, Dosunmu was listed as probable on the initial injury report. While it's great news that Dosunmu can play despite dealing with hamstring tightness, his minutes restriction means fantasy managers won't get full value from him. For the season, Dosunmu has averaged 25.4 minutes per game, recording 15.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (groin) will remain sidelined for a third consecutive game on Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors. The 2024 All-Star continues to nurse a left groin strain, with his next chance to return coming on Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers. In Banchero's absence, Tristan da Silva is poised to remain in the first unit on Tuesday night. He has played well as a starter, averaging 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in the previous two games. Tuesday's game marks a pace-up spot for the Magic, making it a good fantasy matchup for da Silva.

Chicago Bulls point guard Tre Jones (ankle) will miss a second consecutive game on Monday against the Denver Nuggets, Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic reports. This was expected after the team listed him as doubtful on the initial injury report. Jones' next chance for a comeback will come on Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. However, he was reportedly still feeling discomfort in his left ankle during a workout on Monday, so fantasy managers definitely shouldn't bet on Jones returning for that game. With Coby White (calf) also on the shelf against Denver, Josh Giddey and Jevon Carter will take care of the playmaking.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey (ankle) won't play on Monday against OKC. He was a late addition to the injury report, so fantasy managers will now wait and see if he can play on Wednesday versus the Denver Nuggets. With Zion Williamson (hamstring) out as well, Karlo Matkovic, who had four points, three boards, and two steals in Sunday's loss to the Golden State Warriors, may work his way into the starting lineup.

Toronto Raptors forward Jamison Battle (knee) has been upgraded to available for Monday's contest against the Charlotte Hornets. He is ready to re-enter the lineup after missing Saturday's win over the Indiana Pacers due to a back problem. With that said, Battle has only averaged 7.3 minutes per game for the Raptors this season and doesn't hold significant fantasy value. He has posted 4.1 points and 1.1 rebounds per game across 10 outings. Sandro Mamukelashvili has led the Raptors bench this season, notching 9.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 18.1 minutes.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) won't play on Monday versus OKC. The 25-year-old has bounced around injury designations over the last few games. However, he'll now miss a seventh consecutive game Monday night. At this point, it's hard to say exactly how much longer Williamson will remain on the shelf, although fantasy managers will keep their fingers crossed that he'll be healthy enough to return on Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets. Saddiq Bey (ankle) is also sidelined, so managers may see more minutes from Karlo Matkovic, who had four points, three boards, and two steals in Sunday's loss to Golden State.