Tyus

Jones

Jones was traded twice and waived in February before the Nuggets picked him up. He appeared in 11 regular season games with Denver and three playoff games. The Nuggets saw enough to bring him back on a one-year deal, but he isn’t in line for a fantasy-relevant role.

While the Thunder will be without four of their usual starters, the Nuggets are without all five of theirs. Hardaway and Brown may be the safest options for fantasy managers in active leagues, but all five can offer value in their respective roles given Denver’s limited depth.

Jones, who was traded twice ahead of February’s deadline, was waived by the Mavericks on Saturday. Since he was waived ahead of the March 1 deadline, the veteran point guard will be eligible for the postseason. While he gives the Nuggets another ballhandler, Jones’ addition to the roster does not affect most fantasy leagues.

Having begun this season in Orlando, Jones was traded twice ahead of February’s trade deadline, ultimately landing in Dallas. He appeared in seven games for the Mavericks, averaging 3.6 points, 1.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 15.9 minutes. According to Stein, Jones desires to join a team with postseason ambitions. Being waived by March 1 ensures that he’ll be eligible for the playoffs. Now that Dallas has an open roster spot, it may convert Ryan Nembhard to a standard contract.

With P.J. Washington (ankle) sidelined, Williams was back in the Mavericks’ starting lineup for the first time since before the All-Star break. While he didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, the eight rebounds were a nice bonus for the few who streamed Williams. Unfortunately, the move into the starting lineup did not mean starters’ minutes for Williams, who logged 26 while Tyus Jones (six points, four assists and two three-pointers) played 22 off the bench. The Mavericks host the Thunder on Sunday in their final game of Week 18.

Christie is back after missing Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves and will be in the starting lineup. However, it will be Tyus Jones who heads to the bench, likely shifting more playmaking responsibilities onto Naji Marshall. That’s a positive development for those who have him rostered.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd told reporters that Jones will start on Friday. He’ll replace Max Christie (ankle) in the opening unit to provide the team with some playmaking and ball-handling at the lead guard position. Jones was recently acquired by the Mavericks via trade; he’s averaging 3.0 points and 4.3 assists in 17.0 minutes per game in his three appearances with Dallas. Joining Jones in the starting lineup are Naji Marshall, Khris Middleton, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford.

After previously going from questionable to doubtful, Christie will now officially miss Friday’s game against the Timberwolves, marking his fifth missed game of the season. The sharpshooting wing has started the majority of his 50 appearances this year, but in his absence, Klay Thompson and Tyus Jones could be candidates to replace him in the starting unit. Christie is averaging 13.3 points and 2.5 three-pointers per game.

Christie showed up on Thursday’s injury report, despite having played 30 minutes in the Mavericks’ most recent game before the All-Star break. Having scored in double figures in six of his last seven appearances, he’s become a reliable scoring option for the new-look Mavericks. If he’s unable to play, Tyus Jones, Klay Thompson, and Khris Middleton could see more time than usual.

Marshall is dealing with a strained left foot, casting some doubt on his availability for Thursday’s game. With Cooper Flagg (foot) listed as doubtful, Marshall would likely be in for a heavy workload if he can play. Tyus Jones would have added value if both sit, even with his subpar showing in Tuesday’s loss to the Suns.