Max Christie (shin) upgraded to available Saturday

The Mavericks are dealing with a lengthy injury report that has Cooper Flagg (shoulder) listed as out and Kyrie Irving (knee) listed as questionable. Role players Christie and Johnson are questionable with shin injuries. It’s looking like Dallas will certainly be shorthanded against the Spurs on Saturday.

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.

Williams has been a consistent source of offense off the bench for Dallas, and his absence would open up plenty of minutes in the backcourt. Max Christie, Klay Thompson and John Poulakidas should all take on extra minutes if Williams is out.

Dallas is shorthanded across the board, so more minutes will be available for the likes of Brandon Williams, Khris Middleton, Caleb Martin, Max Christie and AJ Johnson.

After going on a streak of five consecutive games with a steal, Christie did not record any in the four games he played before Sunday. The Mavericks’ guard picked up two against the Thunder, and his ability to consistently provide value in that category will be critical for his fantasy outlook moving forward. While a capable shooter, Christie is not a prolific scorer, so category league managers certainly need a bit more from him in the “other” categories. In addition to the two steals, he grabbed seven rebounds, the third time he’s hit that number in a game since New Year’s Day.

While Christie had a solid night shooting the basketball, the overall production was modest. Making matters worse were the five turnovers, which were the most in a game for the Mavericks’ guard this season. Fantasy managers should not be too concerned, however, as Christie had no more than three in a game before Friday. He’ll look to bounce back on Sunday when the Mavericks host the Thunder.

Dallas has a number of players on the injury report for the second leg of a back-to-back set. With Thompson and P.J. Washington (ankle) doubtful and Martin questionable, Naji Marshall, Max Christie and Khris Middleton could all be in line for additional run.

Having missed Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves, Christie returned to the starting lineup on Sunday and logged 31 minutes. The percentages, assists and three-pointers were a solid capper to his Week 17, and the good news for Christie managers is that Dallas plays four games in Week 18. Tuesday’s matchup with the Nets could be another positive one for the guard, who’s scored at least 16 points in four of his last five appearances.

Christie is back after missing Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves and will be in the starting lineup. However, it will be Tyus Jones who heads to the bench, likely shifting more playmaking responsibilities onto Naji Marshall. That’s a positive development for those who have him rostered.

Christie is back after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves. His return will likely push Naji Marshall to the bench. While his fantasy value does take a hit with the demotion, Marshall should play enough to make him worth holding onto in 14-team formats.