Dereck Lively II (foot) not yet cleared for camp

While Lively finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2024 as part of a team that reached the NBA Finals, injuries have been a major issue in his three seasons. The 7-foot-1 center has struggled with right foot injuries, most recently appearing in just seven games last season before undergoing surgery. With Daniel Gafford on the squad and the Mavericks having added Santi Aldama and rookie Morez Johnson Jr., the team has options in the frontcourt. Lively and the Mavericks have until just before the start of the 2026-27 regular season to agree on a new deal. If they can’t, he will be a restricted free agent next summer. Lively can be a productive option for fantasy managers, but the injury concerns may make him someone not worth the risk in standard leagues.

Both bigs were initially doubtful for this game, and they have now officially been ruled out. Moussa Cissé and Dwight Powell should fill the minutes at center for the season finale. Gafford’s fantasy value in 2026-27 probably depends a lot on how healthy Dereck Lively is, but he has a chance to produce if given a path to major playing time.

Sunday’s game won’t impact anything beyond draft lottery odds, so the Mavericks are likely to put out a rotation that lacks most of the team’s proven players. With Gafford and Bagley considered doubtful for the regular season finale, Moussa Cissé should play plenty with veteran Dwight Powell also available to log rotation minutes at the five.

Gafford will miss a third straight game, though this time, it’s due to rest. Marvin Bagley III should be in line for another start. He enters this game having scored at least 20 points in back-to-back games.

Gafford has missed the Mavericks’ last two games, and he’s likely to miss a third on Friday. The good news is that the reason is rest, not the right shoulder injury he suffered during Sunday’s win over the Lakers. Marvin Bagley III should remain in the starting lineup, making him an appealing option for those in active fantasy leagues.

Gafford will miss his second game in as many days, as the Mavericks gear up for the second game of a back-to-back on Wednesday. Gafford has dealt with injuries all season long, appearing in only 55 games this season. His absence should lead to more minutes for Marvin Bagley III.

Gafford will miss a second straight game after sustaining a shoulder injury on Sunday, and Marvin Bagley should get the start in his absence. Moussa Cisse could provide some useful minutes off the bench.

Gafford’s right shoulder impingement will keep him out of Tuesday’s game. Marvin Bagley III is available and should move into the starting lineup.

With Daniel Gafford (shoulder) and P.J. Washington (elbow) doubtful, Bagley should see meaningful frontcourt minutes.

Gafford exited early on Sunday and is expected to remain out against LA. Marvin Bagley (shoulder) is questionable, but if he plays, he’ll fill out the starting center spot. If not, Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse will split the minutes down low.