Dwight

Powell

Charania’s report indicates Dallas is taking a cautious approach, so the injury may not be severe, but they will continue to evaluate him daily. Max Christie started the second half of Thursday’s game in place of Davis, but that was likely a matchup-based decision. Daniel Gafford should start in his place, with Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell filling out the reserve minutes. Plenty of usage will be up for grabs, but Cooper Flagg will continue to be the priority.

Powell is back after sitting out Tuesday’s win over the Nuggets. His absence did not result in another post player entering the rotation, as Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford split the minutes at the center position. Powell’s return may enable Davis to play a few more minutes at power forward, but he’ll get most of his run at the five.

While Powell has not been an impact option in fantasy basketball, his absence leaves the Mavericks even lighter on available options in the frontcourt. Moussa Cissé may crack the rotation, but he is not worth the risk in most leagues.

Powell had previously been listed as questionable but is now expected to be sidelined against Denver. However, with Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford healthy, Powell’s absence won’t impact the Mavs’ rotation.

Initially questionable for Monday’s game, Gafford is back after a three-game absence. He’s struggled with his right ankle since initially spraining it during training camp, so his playing time will be limited to 17-20 minutes. Anthony Davis is out, so Gafford may start, but he played 17 and 14 minutes in his last two appearances. Dwight Powell’s playing time may increase, but he is not worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.

Gafford has missed Dallas’ last three games as he continues to struggle with a right ankle injury initially suffered during training camp. Dwight Powell has taken on the backup center duties in his absence and would continue to do so if Gafford can’t play on Monday.

Gafford will miss a third straight game with a lingering right ankle injury. The absence of him and Dereck Lively II means that Dwight Powell will be part of the rotation, serving mainly as Anthony Davis’ backup. There’s no need to consider adding Powell with a healthy AD in the fold.

Gafford has missed two straight and four of Dallas’s last five games as his right ankle continues to be an issue. With Dereck Lively II (foot) done for the season, the Mavericks will continue to start Anthony Davis at the center position. Dwight Powell will pick up rotation minutes off the bench if Gafford remains out.

Lively was reportedly seeking other opinions last week, which is never a positive sign. He’s expected to make a full recovery, but after appearing in just seven games, his third year in the NBA will end up as a lost one. Anthony Davis will be asked to spend more time at center, especially when Daniel Gafford isn’t available. There will also be extra minutes for Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell, though only as depth pieces. Lively will only be 22 years old at the start of next season and will be an enticing option in fantasy hoops. However, he can be safely dropped in redraft leagues at this point.

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.