John Poulakidas puts up 14/3 against the Pelicans

Due to injuries, Poulakidis appeared in 13 NBA games for the Mavericks as a rookie. He surpassed 20 points in two of his final three games, including a 28-point effort against the Bulls in the regular-season finale, so the Mavericks are well aware of what the former Yale standout is capable of. Against the Thunder, Poulakidis shot 5-of-12 from beyond the arc, leading six Mavericks in double figures with 19 points. Given his status as a two-way contract player and the Mavericks boasting a better rotation than last season, Poulakidis’ opportunities in 2026-27 are likely to be limited.

The Mavericks’ rookies put on a show in Sunday’s season finale, and that doesn’t include Cooper Flagg, who left during the first half with a sprained ankle. Poulakidis put on a shooting exhibition, making eight of his 16 three-point attempts. And the rookie guard was at his best in the third quarter, scoring 22 points. Poulakidis is on a two-way contract, so he’ll have some work to do to lock down a consistent role. But the Mavericks should be encouraged by his finish to the season.

Washington and Marshall are poised to finish the 2025-26 season on the bench, as both players are doubtful for Sunday’s finale. The former has missed the Mavericks’ last three games, and the latter the last two. John Poulakidis and Tyler Smith have played rotation minutes in recent games, with the former logging 30 minutes in Friday’s loss to the Spurs.

Marshall will miss a second consecutive game with a hip contusion. Ryan Nembhard started Wednesday’s loss to the Suns, but it was John Poulakidis who offered the most value, as he scored a career-high 23 points off the bench. Both rookies should play plenty in Friday’s game.

Washington will remain out for a third straight game with this elbow injury. Khris Middleton should get another start in his place, though he only played 18 minutes in Wednesday’s loss. John Poulakidas ended up playing 29 minutes off the bench.

Marshall is on track to miss a second consecutive game as he deals with a hip contusion. While Ryan Nembhard moved into the starting lineup, John Poulakidis scored a career-high 23 points off the bench. For managers in active fantasy leagues needing scoring, Poulakidis will be worth a look.

Poulakidas had the best game of his young NBA career on Wednesday. In just his 11th appearance, the rookie led all players in made three-pointers on the night, which helped him reach the 20-point mark as a scorer for the first time in his career. Poulakidas’s role could be reduced if the Mavericks’ injured wings return before the season ends. If not, he will likely get more opportunities to close the regular season strong.

Marshall, who fell hard on his hip during Tuesday’s loss to the Clippers, will join the long list of Mavericks sidelined for Wednesday’s game. John Poulakidis should once again play rotation minutes off the bench, and Ryan Nembhard could move into the starting five.

The Mavericks’ injury list for the second leg of their back-to-back set is quite extensive, and with Brandon Williams (illness) also doubtful, Dallas could turn to Max Christie, Khris Middleton and John Poulakidas. Cooper Flagg should shoulder a heavy offensive workload.

Dallas will be missing a number of key players, which should pave the way for Khris Middleton to see more playing time. Dallas could also give more minutes to Tyler Smith and John Poulakidas.