Dwight

Powell

Cissé’s status is up in the air, but with Daniel Gafford (ankle) expected to play, his role likely will be reduced if he’s available. If he’s out, Dwight Powell will fill all the backup center minutes.

Gafford is set to return following a four-game absence. According to head coach Jason Kidd on Friday, “Gaff did shootaround. He did everything. He’ll be ready to go tomorrow.” Gafford’s return should send Dwight Powell back to the bench and eliminate the streaming appeal of he and Moussa Cissé.

Gafford will miss a fourth consecutive game, leaving the Mavericks to once again rely on Dwight Powell and Moussa Cissé at the center position. While the former has been the starter, the latter offers a higher fantasy upside. At a minimum, Cissé is worth rostering in deep dynasty leagues.

Gafford has missed the Mavericks’ last three games with a sprained ankle. While Dwight Powell started Monday’s win over the Knicks, reserve Moussa Cissé was more productive. That will likely be the rotation on Thursday if Gafford remains out, but Cissé is also questionable due to an illness.

Gafford will be out for a third straight game, which means more minutes for Dwight Powell, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Moussa Cisse. None of that trio is particularly appealing for fantasy basketball purposes.

Gafford will miss a second straight game after initially being listed as doubtful. Dwight Powell should start once again, with Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Moussa Cisse set to fill out the center minutes off the bench.

Gafford missed Thursday’s game after an early exit on Wednesday and is now expected to remain out once again. Dwight Powell should be in line for another start at center, with Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Moussa Cisse filling out the backup minutes.

The Mavericks are without multiple rotation players, with Thursday’s game being their second in as many nights. Williams, Martin and Powell are in the starting five, filling the voids left by Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. Of the three new starters, Williams offers the highest streaming upside.

Gafford played 18 minutes before exiting Wednesday’s game with a sprained right ankle. That’s the same ankle that caused two separate multi-game absences earlier this season. Dwight Powell’s playing time has increased, as Moussa Cissé is on assignment with the Mavericks’ G League affiliate. Gafford finished with six points and 10 rebounds.

The Mavericks’ starting lineup on Wednesday will look different from the one that last took the floor. Gafford (ankle) is back in the lineup, which sends Dwight Powell back to the bench against a Nuggets team also dealing with key injuries. The Mavericks are currently in 12th place in the Western Conference standings. They’ll look to record a second straight win on Wednesday.