Atlanta Hawks guard/forward Dyson Daniels (hip) will miss his first game of the season on Tuesday night against the Chicago Bulls. He has been ruled out due to inflammation in his right hip. Daniels has developed into a big two-way force, averaging 11.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.0 steals during his fourth NBA campaign. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who was recently bumped to the bench by Trae Young's return, may be back in the first unit on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Vit Krejci is another player who could see increased minutes in a fantastic fantasy matchup. The two teams met only a few days ago, combining for 302 points.

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen (knee) is listed as doubtful for Tuesday's meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is managing a right knee injury, and the doubtful designation indicates that Allen is likely to remain out for a third consecutive game. This means Royce O'Neale will have another opportunity to start, with Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin logging more minutes in the backcourt. O'Neale and Goodwin have both struggled for consistency in recent games and are risky fantasy options, though it's a good matchup against the eighth-worst defense in the Association.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (groin) has been listed as out for Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns. He has a sore right groin and is considered day-to-day. It's possible Hachimura can return to the lineup on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets. In Tuesday's matchup, Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt will cover for Hachimura. LaRavia is the better fantasy option, but Vanderbilt has recently impressed with his rebounding, averaging 7.7 boards per game over the last three contests. It could be another busy night on the glass for him against the Suns, who are ranked 20th in rebounding rate.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (oblique) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's tilt against the New York Knicks. He sustained a left oblique contusion in Sunday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks, exiting the contest after logging just nine minutes of playing time. Due to the injury, McDaniels may now have to sit out his second game of the season. Mike Conley started the second half in McDaniels' place on Sunday and may keep the spot for Tuesday's matchup. However, the veteran floor general just returned from injury and could see limited minutes. Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon Jr. might also benefit from McDaniels' absence, but neither is a reliable fantasy option.

Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (knee) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. The veteran is managing a right knee injury and didn't play in Sunday's loss to the San Antonio Spurs as Washington wrapped up a back-to-back. Middleton has done a decent job in limited minutes this season, posting 10.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. However, he had a very poor performance in his last outing, finishing with only six points on 1-for-9 shooting in 22 minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies. Relying on Middleton to deliver a bounce-back performance on Tuesday carries significant risk.

Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) won't play on Tuesday night against the Miami Heat. He aggravated a back problem on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets, playing only seven minutes. Poeltl had missed the previous two games. The Raptors are having a great campaign, but it's a worrying situation with Poeltl, who has been dealing with the back injury since the preseason. Sandro Mamukelashvili is likely to jump back into the starting five on Tuesday. He has notched 16.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in four previous starts this campaign. On Tuesday, Mamukelashvili will have a decent fantasy matchup, as the Heat give up the third-most rebounds to opposing centers.

Washington Wizards guard/forward Corey Kispert (thumb) has been cleared to return to action on Tuesday against the Charlotte Hornets. He has missed nearly a month due to a fractured right shoulder. Kispert has been used as a bench contributor this season, averaging 8.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 19.9 minutes. He is among Washington's best three-point shooters, nailing 40.3 percent of his attempts from deep. On Tuesday, it likely won't be raining threes in this matchup, as Charlotte allows the fourth-fewest three-point attempts in the league.

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine (ankle) will miss a fourth consecutive game on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons. The team announced last Tuesday that LaVine had been diagnosed with a moderate left ankle sprain and would be re-evaluated in one week, but he has already been officially ruled out for the meeting with Detroit. LaVine's next opportunity to return will come during a back-to-back set this weekend against the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers. In LaVine's absence, Precious Achiuwa has joined the starting lineup, but his fantasy production has been modest.

Washington Wizards guard/forward Bilal Coulibaly (ankle) is considered questionable for Tuesday's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. The seventh pick of the 2023 draft recently returned from a quadriceps injury, but he managed to play only one game before picking up an ankle issue. The new injury may now sideline him for a third consecutive game. Justin Champagnie and Tre Johnson have had opportunities to play more whenever Coulibaly has missed time. On Tuesday, Kris Middleton (knee) and Corey Kispert (thumb) will be back in the fold, complicating the situation.

Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 14 points, 13 assists and 13 rebounds in a 135-112 win over the Jazz on Monday, Dec. 22.

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (hip) has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Golden State Warriors. Suggs is set to miss his third straight game with a left hip contusion as the Magic play the first night of a back-to-back. The fifth-year guard has started in all 21 games this season, averaging 15.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. With Suggs inactive for their game against the Warriors, look for Tre Jones to see more minutes, while Paolo Banchero will be a primary ball handler as well. In the last two games, Banchero has averaged 25/12/10 on over 40 minutes on the floor. With the Magic traveling to face the Trail Blazers on Tuesday, look for Suggs to be questionable again.

Orlando Magic small forward Tristan da Silva (shoulder) has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Golden State Warriors. da Silva was listed as questionable heading into Monday night, but with the Magic on the first night of a back-to-back, they are resting him for Tuesday night. The 24-year-old forward has averaged 9.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in over 23 minutes per game. With da Silva inactive and starter Franz Wagner (knee/ankle) already out, look for Jett Howard and Noah Penda to see more minutes against the Warriors. da Silva will miss his third straight game, but look for him to return Tuesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Quentin Grimes (illness) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Brooklyn. Grimes got the start in Saturday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, finishing with six points, seven assists, and two steals. He still has a chance to start on Tuesday if Dominick Barlow (illness) isn't available. However, if both players are cleared to suit up, Grimes will likely head back to the bench, decreasing his fantasy upside for the favorable meeting with the Nets.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Dominick Barlow (illness) is questionable for Tuesday's matchup against Brooklyn. Like many players around the NBA, he's not feeling well, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see how things play out. Barlow is easily having the best season of his career, averaging 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. His three-point percentage isn't great, although he's certainly still exceeded expectations. If Barlow can't suit up, Jabari Walker, averaging 2.0 points and 3.2 rebounds in five starts this season, might find his way back into the starting lineup. However, his upside is limited as long as Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid (knee), who is probable, are on the floor.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Aaron Wiggins (adductor) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Wiggins is set to miss his second straight game due to right adductor soreness. The fifth-year forward has been a vital part of the Thunder rotation this season, averaging 11.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 24 minutes per game. With Wiggins and multiple other key pieces out for the game against the Grizzlies, expect the Thunder to play a lot of "small-ball," with center Branden Carlson and power forward Kenrich Williams seeing more minutes. The Thunder travel to face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, where Wiggins should be considered questionable to play.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (calf) has picked up a questionable designation on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. He has missed three games with a left calf strain but is on the cusp of returning to the lineup. On Monday, Reaves was a limited participant at practice, and the team considers him day-to-day. Luka Doncic (leg) has been ruled out for Tuesday night, and Reaves could have a massive role on the offensive end if he plays. However, if he remains out, Nick Smith Jr. and Dalton Knecht would presumably play a larger role. The two have not been trustworthy fantasy contributors.

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (shoulder) is off the injury report and available to play against the Portland Trail Blazers. Duren played fewer minutes in their previous game against the Charlotte Hornets but was listed as probable heading into Monday night's game. The 22-year-old is having a breakout season, averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 29 minutes per game. With the fourth-year center set to play against the Blazers, Isaiah Stewart has limited value coming off the bench. Duren is a sure-fire start for fantasy managers against one of the worst defenses in the NBA.

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (elbow) has come off the injury report ahead of Tuesday's clash against his former team, the Phoenix Suns. An elbow injury kept Ayton sidelined for two games, allowing Jaxson Hayes to work as a starter. Jarred Vanderbilt also had a larger workload in the frontcourt. He may still see additional action on Tuesday due to Rui Hachimura's (groin) absence. Ayton's last appearance was against the Suns, and he did a good job showing what they are missing. In 30 minutes, the 27-year-old big man had 20 points, 13 rebounds, one block, and two steals in a 116-114 win on Dec. 14.

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (toe) will remain out of the lineup on Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors. He recently re-aggravated a toe injury, and it's unclear when Herro will be available to return. Tuesday's game will be his fifth straight absence. Fortunately for Miami, the team's other big guns have been cleared for Tuesday's game. With Herro out, all the other starters get additional scoring chances. At the same time, his absence has helped Kel'el Ware to reclaim a starting spot. The 21-year-old has exploded for 24.7 points and 15.0 rebounds over the last three games since rejoining the first unit, adding 1.7 blocks.

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) will miss his third game of the season on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Brunson had a monster game on Sunday against the Miami Heat with 47 points, but he will take Tuesday off to manage a right ankle injury ahead of Thursday's Christmas clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks' backcourt is also without Miles McBride (ankle) and Landry Shamet (shoulder), giving Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek significant roles in the rotation. With that said, Tuesday's matchup is a tricky one for the duo, as Minnesota typically does a good job limiting the offensive impact of guards.