AJ

Johnson

Thompson is back after a one-game absence. While his return likely means fewer minutes for AJ Johnson, this change to the Mavericks’ rotation does not affect fantasy basketball.

Williams had been listed as probable, so the downgrade is not the best news. The Mavericks will also play on Friday night, so the team could sit Williams for the first leg of a back-to-back. If they do, the Mavericks would likely start Ryan Nembhard and give AJ Johnson more minutes.

Thompson was downgraded to doubtful earlier in the day, and he has now officially been ruled out. AJ Johnson played 34 minutes in Thompson’s most recent absence and should see a bump in minutes in this game as well.

Thompson is still nursing a right adductor contusion, and he’s likely headed to the sideline for another game. AJ Johnson could see increased run in Thompson’s absence, but Thompson’s availability isn’t highly impactful in the realm of fantasy hoops.

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.

Thompson, who returned to the rotation after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Grizzlies, suffered a right adductor contusion during the second quarter of Sunday’s game. He has since been ruled out for the rest of the night, finishing with seven points (3-of-8 FGs), one assist and one three-pointer in 15 minutes. AJ Johnson may pick up a few more minutes off the bench in Thompson’s absence.

While Marshall did have to exit Friday’s loss to the Grizzlies briefly after banging heads with Memphis’ Javon Small, a finger contusion is why he’s on the injury report for Sunday. Given how shorthanded the Mavericks are, his absence would have a noticeable impact on the team’s rotation. AJ Johnson and Miles Kelly could pick up additional minutes off the bench if Marshall can’t play.

The 2024 first-round pick was traded to Washington during his rookie year after being drafted by Milwaukee. He’ll be on the move once again and try to make things work in Dallas. The Mavs seem to be shifting towards a tank for this season, so Johnson could play big minutes down the stretch of this year, which could lead to some fun production during silly season.

The firsts include the Thunder pick in 2026 and a protected Warriors pick in 2030. Davis is set to be re-evaluated in late February, but managers shouldn’t expect to see him play much down the stretch as the Wizards look to improve their lottery odds. However, Davis joins Trae Young and a talented young core in Washington, and they should add another top pick this summer. Davis will form an elite defensive tandem down low with Alex Sarr that should allow Washington to return to the postseason as early as 2027, assuming they plan to keep him around.

When discussing Wizards players who could potentially have added value during the silly season, Johnson’s name rarely, if ever, comes up. And with good reason. Sunday’s game was the first in which he played more than 20 minutes. Johnson made the most of his 27 minutes, recorded a season-high point total, and dished out four assists. One game doesn’t suddenly put him on the list of players worth targeting for the post-deadline portion of the season. However, his performance against the Kings may have earned Johnson another shot at extended minutes.