Kyrie Irving (knee) doubtful Monday vs. SAC

It was a two-man show for Dallas in this one with Irving and Cooper Flagg combining for an eye-popping 78 of their 125 points. The pair hoisted 43 shot attempts total and connected on 10-of-16 three-pointers. Seven of those conversions from long range came courtesy of Irving as he put together one of his best shooting efforts in recent memory, matching his previous season-high mark in the scoring department set against the Rockets back on October 30. The 34-year-old point guard is putting together an impressive campaign, averaging 22.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.2 steals through nine games.

Johnson will miss Monday’s game with a shin contusion. However, the Mavericks have frontcourt depth, with Santi Aldama and Naji Marshall among those whose minutes may increase in Johnson’s absence.

MJJ is a late addition to the injury report, and he’s in danger of missing the second leg of Dallas’ back-to-back set. The rookie has pulled down 26 total rebounds across his last two games, and if he’s ultimately ruled out, Naji Marshall and Santi Aldama could see additional minutes.

Irving played in Sunday’s win over the Nets, and he’s on track to take the court for the second leg of the back-to-back set. On the season, he’s averaging 21.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists across 29.5 minutes per game.

Irving played 29 minutes on Sunday, sitting the entire fourth quarter because Dallas held a large lead. The Mavericks guard has scored at least 21 points in four of his eight appearances this season and continues to strengthen his chemistry with Cooper Flagg. Unfortunately for those rostering Irving, Week 4 could be tough. The Mavericks host the Pacers on Monday, then play another back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday. Irving managers may not get more than two games of production.

Sunday’s game is the first of two in as many days for the Mavericks, who host the Pacers on Monday. With Irving available, fantasy managers should plan for the possibility that he doesn’t play against Indiana.

Kyrie played in the last game against the Spurs, so there shouldn’t be any changes in the rotation. Unless the illness flares up during the game, he should be full steam ahead. If he underperforms tonight, the illness could be a reason why.

Although Irving is listed as probable, getting added to the injury report just hours before tip-off with an illness is never a positive update. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status leading up to the Friday evening slate.

The Mavericks had no answer for Victor Wembanyama and looked set to get blown out. However, Marshall got going in the second half, shooting 7-of-9 from the field and scoring 17 points. Marshall remains a player who can be rostered in deep leagues, even though he’ll come off the bench on most nights.

Active after sitting out Monday’s loss to the Kings, Irving played 36 minutes in the 112-111 thriller. He had a chance to put the Mavericks ahead in the final seconds of regulation, but the shot missed. Irving has provided excellent fantasy value so far, but availability remains a concern.