Anthony

Davis

Davis finished Saturday’s game with a stat line on par with what many have expected of him, but injuries have been a disappointing issue for him. However, he did play both games of this Friday/Saturday back-to-back, which is immense, given Davis’ struggles to stay healthy. Dallas only plays once during Week 8, which will give Davis and his teammates some time to get healthier.

Davis had his worst performance of the season on Friday. In 24 minutes, he tallied more assists than he did points, and contributed just one made shot on the evening before finishing as the only Mavericks starter to score in single digits. His lone impact from a fantasy basketball standpoint came as a facilitator, where he notched a season-high in assists. It was otherwise a performance the veteran center will hope to quickly move on from. He’ll have a chance to bounce back against the Rockets on Saturday, should he be available to play.

Gafford exited Wednesday’s win over the Heat during the third quarter, resulting in Anthony Davis spending more time at the center position. Davis started at the five on Wednesday, and that will likely remain the case regardless of Gafford’s availability. Dwight Powell could potentially enter the rotation if Gafford sits, but this does not affect fantasy basketball.

Davis didn’t have the best night shooting the basketball, and his injured right ring finger may be an issue. That said, he still shot 50 percent from three and was highly impactful as a rebounder and shot-blocker. And with Daniel Gafford (ankle) exiting Wednesday’s game during the second half, the Mavericks may need Davis to spend more time at the center position than he may prefer. Just as concerning as Davis’ finger is the schedule, as the Mavericks end Week 7 with a back-to-back. He did not play both games of Dallas’ most recent back-to-back (November 28-29).

Gafford continues to attempt to play through a lingering right ankle injury. Unfortunately, he had to leave Wednesday’s game during the third quarter and has since been ruled out for the rest of the night. With Dallas’ Week 7 slate concluding with a Friday/Saturday back-to-back, the few who have Gafford rostered should anticipate him missing at least one of those games. With Dereck Lively also out, that means more Anthony Davis at the center position as long as he’s able to play back-to-backs, which may not be the case.

Gafford has missed the Mavericks’ last two games, leading to Anthony Davis serving as the starting center in Monday’s win over the Nuggets. Dwight Powell served as Davis’ backup in Denver, and that would likely remain the case if Gafford can’t play against Miami. Powell is not worth the risk in fantasy leagues.

Davis reached the 30-point mark for the first time all season on Monday, needing 32 minutes of game action to do so. The scoring outburst against the Nuggets was a drastic improvement from Friday’s 12-point outing against the Lakers, which marked his first game back from a calf injury. Prior to the injury, AD had logged 20-point double-doubles in each of the first four games of the season. He was his usual productive self on the glass, as well, which led to his fifth double-double of the season. As his minutes start to pick back up, there’s no reason to believe Davis won’t continue to put up big numbers.

Davis will make his second appearance after returning from a calf injury that had previously kept him out of the lineup. He scored 12 points in his return on Friday against the Lakers, before sitting out on Saturday against the Clippers on the second night of a back-to-back. He’ll reclaim his starting spot, ultimately sending Dwight Powell back to the bench.

AD returned to the lineup on Friday but sat out the second night of the back-to-back on Saturday. Dwight Powell started in his place with Daniel Gafford sidelined. With Davis back, Powell will return to playing a role off the bench.

Before Friday’s game, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said Davis would be restricted to 24-27 minutes in his first game back from a strained calf. He played 28 minutes, replacing Daniel Gafford (5/4/0/1 in 17 minutes) in the starting lineup. While Davis’ scoring output was limited, fantasy managers will take the assists and blocked shots. Unfortunately, he has already been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Clippers, which could mean Gafford returns to the starting lineup.