NBA Player News

Jones will be back after missing the season opener, but he will likely only have a minimal role, if he sees the floor at all.

After Cooper Flagg sustained a left shoulder injury in Friday’s win over the Pacers, Risacher started for the Mavericks for the first time on Saturday. He had a highlight-worthy block on Victor Wembanyama at the rim in the first half, but his overall production wasn’t enough to put Risacher on the streaming radar. Naji Marshall and PJ Washington (12 points, four rebounds and two assists) are better fantasy options until Flagg returns.

Eason was ejected after playing just a few minutes in the season opener and was productive off the bench against the Spurs on Friday. However, this was his best offensive performance so far. He still wasn’t able to knock down a shot from beyond the arc, but he was still able to set a season high for scoring. Plus, the defensive production was still there, as he now has five steals in three games. Eason’s role isn’t large enough for him to be a must-roster player, but he’s still capable of producing at a high level.

With Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg unavailable, Marshall moved into the starting lineup for Saturday’s game. He took on playmaking responsibilities for large stretches of the 122-106 defeat, dishing out five of the 12 assists recorded by Mavericks starters. While Irving should be back for Monday’s game against the Heat, Flagg’s shoulder injury may keep him out for multiple games. If so, Marshall is worth streaming in deep leagues.

Gafford appeared to tweak something in his lower body during the first half of Saturday’s game, but he wasn’t on the bench long before returning. The veteran center’s final line lacked only a three-pointer, but no one expects Gafford to add value in that category. After two underwhelming performances to start the season, Gafford needed a night like Saturday, as did those who still roster him.

Fred VanVleet (knee) was sidelined for the second leg of Houston’s back-to-back, which allowed Sheppard to get the start. He took full advantage of the opportunity and made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, including some hustle plays that didn’t show up in the box score. He played well, and it resulted in an excellent night in fantasy hoops. Houston’s next back-to-back is next week, so Sheppard should get another start then.

De Larrea didn’t start Saturday’s game, but Kyrie Irving’s and Cooper Flagg’s absences gave the rookie opportunities he wouldn’t get if the Mavericks’ rotation were whole. To his credit, the first-round pick capitalized on the extra playing time, leading the Mavericks in points and three-pointers. De Larrea’s performance doesn’t change much regarding his value in redraft leagues, as Irving should be available for Monday’s game against the Heat. But dynasty-league managers who are rostering the rookie should be thrilled with what they saw.

Through three games, Castle has shot 23-of-51 (45.1%) from the field. While that isn’t great, it’s slightly higher than his career mark of 44.7%. Beyond the points, Castle offered solid assist and steal production against the Mavericks in 28 minutes. San Antonio opens Week 2 with a Tuesday/Wednesday back-to-back, so Castle’s playing time could stay in the high-20s in one of those games.

One night after scoring 19 points in a loss to the Rockets, Fox matched that mark against the Mavericks on Saturday. The veteran point guard also recorded nine assists in a second straight game, bringing his total to 25 over three games. After committing five turnovers against the Rockets, Fox committed two against the Mavericks. The Spurs play three games in Week 2, starting with the Kings on Tuesday.

Harper’s first three games have gone well for him individually, even though the Spurs are just 1-2 this season. Against the Mavericks, he posted a season-high point total and recorded his first two steals. The Spurs’ rotation still isn’t whole because of Tobias Harris’ strained calf, but Harper’s place in the starting lineup appears secure.

Tyson didn’t do much scoring in the season opener, but he was able to contribute some buckets off the bench in this game. He doesn’t hold as much upside this season as a reserve with Peyton Watson in town, but he should fill in as a starter if Watson, Donovan Mitchell or James Harden were to miss a game. Most of his value this season will likely come as a short-term streamer, though he’ll occasionally have scoring nights like this one off the bench.