Klay

Thompson

Christie is expected to miss a game for the first time since before Christmas, which would open up a spot in the starting lineup. Klay Thompson, who has been hot from deep lately, could fill the vacancy in the starting lineup.

Thompson isn’t having a great season, to say the least. He doesn’t provide much outside of scoring and threes and he’s only averaging 11.4 points per game this year. Occasionally, he’ll get hot from downtown, like his old self from the Golden State days. The 35-year-old had 18 points on six threes Monday. The only other category where he totaled more than one of anything was rebounds with two. He’s not worth rostering in most leagues.

Thompson needed just 13 shots to tie season-highs in points and three-pointers on Thursday. His production didn’t come in bunches; it was spread throughout the game, with at least five points in each quarter. Additionally, the four-time NBA champion set a new season-high in assists and finished second on the team in that department. Thompson’s second season in Dallas has featured several highs and lows, but Thursday’s game marked a trend in the right direction after failing to score in double figures in the three previous games.

Thompson has made at least four three-pointers in two of his last three outings. However, while he did a good job on the boards as well, this isn’t enough to make the veteran guard much more than a specialist in deep category leagues. Even with the Mavericks playing four games in Week 11, Thompson can be left on the waiver wire.

Thompson is good to go after initially being probable for Thursday’s game. While Naji Marshall’s usage may decrease after receiving a bump on Tuesday, he’ll remain in the starting lineup. His fantasy value should not take a significant hit with Thompson available.

Thompson missed Tuesday’s game against the Nuggets with a knee injury. The 35-year-old shooting guard is expected back Thursday against the Warriors given his probable listing. Naji Marshall saw an uptick in usage with Thompson and Max Christie out Tuesday, but won’t have that same setup again Thursday.

Thompson was initially doubtful for Tuesday’s game, so his absence is unsurprising. Starter Naji Marshall should have a higher usage with Klay and Max Christie out, while Jaden Hardy may slide into the back end of the rotation.

Dallas has a number of players on the injury report for the second leg of a back-to-back set. With Christie and Thompson expected to sit this one out, Naji Marshall could be in line for monster usage.

Thompson came out hot on Monday, making some wonder if a “turn back the clock” performance was in store. Unfortunately, after shooting 7-of-12 from the field in the first half, the veteran wing missed all five of his attempts in the second half. Thompson’s final stat line was good, but Monday served as a reminder both of what he’s capable of and how much more difficult it is for him to sustain that production over the course of a game.

Thompson was initially questionable for Monday’s game, but he’ll be available. The veteran wing has been better since moving to the bench, but he still offers limited fantasy value. There’s no need to roster Thompson in 12-team leagues.