Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. The Nuggets have decided to take the cautious approach and hold Gordon out for the second leg of the back-to-back set. The absence of Gordon should mean increased playing time for Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes. Last time Gordon sat out on Jan. 5, Holmes drew the start, but Nnaji was the more productive player. Both players should be viewed as low-end streaming options with Gordon unavailable on Sunday.

Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Monday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Green appears to be nearing a return after getting in some 5-on-5 work this weekend. He hasn't played since November 8 due to a right hamstring strain. If he plays, Green would likely operate under a minutes limit, which would limit his fantasy value. His return would also mean that Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, and Grayson Allen would see decreased roles. Gillespie has been playing extremely well in the rotation while Green is out. His fantasy value would likely take the biggest hit once Green is available to return. Fantasy managers should check back on Monday for another update on Green.

Charlotte Hornets center Moussa Diabate (hamstring) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Diabate is back in the mix after sitting out the front end of the back-to-back set due to a right hamstring strain. He's back on Sunday and should return to his role as the starting center. This month, Diabate is averaging 9.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 30.5 minutes across six games in January. Ryan Kalkbrenner will take the biggest hit to his fantasy value with Diabate back in the mix. Diabate offers enough upside to at least be rostered in deep leagues.

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (rib) is not traveling with the team and has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Herro will miss his second straight game due to a rib contusion, which could keep him out much longer. Herro will undergo an MRI, so fantasy managers should get a better timetable soon. The Heat play the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday; it seems unlikely that Herro will be ready for that one. Pelle Larsson figures to draw another start, but his playing time could be limited with Davion Mitchell (shoulder) probable for that game. Larsson finished with 16 points and three rebounds during Saturday's game. He'll offer some low-end streaming appeal while Herro is out.

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (ankle) won't play on Sunday against Brooklyn. Williams logged 12 minutes when these clubs met on Friday night before he tweaked his right ankle and was eventually ruled out. It's unknown how long the injury will keep him out of commission. However, the 24-year-old has averaged a career-low 6.5 points this season, so his absence won't impact many fantasy managers outside of opening up more minutes for Jalen Smith, who is coming off a 14-point, 13-rebound, four-block effort.

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is active ahead of Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Ayton is back in the mix after sitting out the front end of the back-to-back set due to left knee soreness. He's back in the mix and expected to have a full workload for Sunday's slate. In January, Ayton is averaging nearly a double-double with 11.5 points and 9.1 rebounds in eight games. The big man is going to miss some games for rest purposes, but is a viable fantasy option when he's healthy. Fantasy managers should feel safe plugging Ayton into their lineups on Sunday.

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (hamstring) is available ahead of Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Hayes is back in the rotation after missing the last three games due to a left hamstring issue. He figures to play his regular role in the rotation with fellow big man Deandre Ayton (knee) active as well. The return of both big men will probably mean decreased roles for Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme. This season, Hayes is averaging 6.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 17.6 minutes per game. He's normally only playing minutes in the teens, which isn't going to offer high streaming appeal.

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's meeting with the Nets. The 2021 No. 6 overall pick carried a doubtful tag heading into this one. While nobody expected him to play, the doubtful designation suggests he's progressing. In the meantime, Tre Jones should continue to roll with the starters, with the former Duke Blue Devil most recently amassing 11 points, five assists, five boards, and one steal when the Nets and Bulls met on Friday night.

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (ankle) is ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Eason was listed as questionable coming into the game, but will now sit out his fifth straight game. When healthy, Eason has been solid, averaging 12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 23.8 minutes per game. His absence should mean that Josh Okogie draws another start on Sunday. He'll likely see decent playing time, but is too inconsistent to trust as a streaming option.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (toe) will be re-evaluated in 7-to-10 days after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 great toe sprain. The injury isn't to the same toe that forced him to miss the start of the 2025 campaign. However, it's unknown how long it will keep him off the floor. The 25-year-old is averaging 18.0 points, 6.9 assists, and 36.0% shooting from behind the arc this season. While Garland is out of commission, Donovan Mitchell should take over most of the ball handling duties, with Craig Porter Jr. and Jaylon Tyson in line for enhanced roles.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) will miss the remainder of the team's road trip. The multi-time All-Star suffered a left knee contusion during a meeting with the Detroit Pistons just over a week ago. While he managed to suit up for games against the Hornets and Wizards, he'll now head back to Los Angeles for treatment to address irritation in the knee. Leonard will be re-evaluated once the Clippers return home, so there's always a chance he'll miss more than two contests, especially since he's battled numerous knee injuries throughout his career. With that said, Jordan Miller is in line for an enhanced role, with the 2023 No. 48 overall pick most recently amassing 19 points, six assists, and four steals in Friday's 121-117 win over the Toronto Raptors.

Denver Nuggets' G Jamal Murray scored 42 points on 15-of-24 shooting in a 121-115 win over the Wizards on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Denver Nuggets' G Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 30 points on 10-of-18 shooting in a 121-115 win over the Wizards on Saturday, Jan. 17. Hardaway Jr. is owned in only 20.3% leagues.

Minnesota Timberwolves' G Anthony Edwards scored 55 points on 19-of-33 shooting in a 123-126 loss to San Antonio on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Celtics' F Sam Hauser scored 30 points on 10-of-21 shooting in a 132-106 win over Atlanta on Saturday, Jan. 17. Hauser is owned in only 1.5% leagues.

Boston's F Jaylen Brown scored 41 points on 14-of-30 shooting in a 132-106 win over Atlanta on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (thigh) won't return to Saturday's matchup with the Miami Heat. The 24-year-old was having a productive evening. However, he would eventually be ruled out with what the team is calling right thigh soreness, so he will finish this one with eight points, three boards, and three assists in 14 minutes. Of course, the Thunder will likely take the safe approach, meaning there's a chance he won't suit up on Monday in Cleveland. If that's the case, Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell should both be in line for more work.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid (shoulder) won't return to Saturday's meeting with the Spurs. He got the start in place of Rudy Gobert (hip). Unfortunately, the 26-year-old would end up logging only five minutes before eventually being ruled out because of left shoulder soreness. Minnesota plays again on Tuesday in Utah, although there likely will be an update in the next day or two. As far as the remainder of Saturday's contest is concerned, 2025 No. 17 overall selection Joan Beringer should see considerably more action.

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's meeting with the Orlando Magic. The Spaniard could be absent for the first time this season due to a right calf contusion. While Aldama has made eight consecutive appearances as a reserve, he often plays 30-plus minutes, meaning his absence would leave a notable gap in the rotation. GG Jackson II and John Konchar could take on extra minutes on Sunday if Aldama doesn't play.

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (knee) will miss a seventh consecutive game on Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies. With the Magic currently in Europe, Suggs will have some additional time to recover next week, but it's unclear when he will be ready to return. With Suggs on the shelf, Anthony Black, Tyus Jones, and Jase Richardson carry extra fantasy value. Black has been the best of the bunch, scoring 20-plus points in three consecutive games.