Zaccharie Risacher (hip) upgraded to available

Flagg being listed as questionable on the Mavericks’ initial injury report is good news for fantasy managers. After he sustained a shoulder injury during Friday’s win over the Pacers, expectations were that the reigning Rookie of the Year would miss a few days. Now, Flagg could miss just one game after sitting out Saturday’s loss to the Spurs. If he returns, Zaccharie Risacher will head to the bench.

After Cooper Flagg sustained a left shoulder injury in Friday’s win over the Pacers, Risacher started for the Mavericks for the first time on Saturday. He had a highlight-worthy block on Victor Wembanyama at the rim in the first half, but his overall production wasn’t enough to put Risacher on the streaming radar. Naji Marshall and PJ Washington (12 points, four rebounds and two assists) are better fantasy options until Flagg returns.

The Mavericks won’t have Cooper Flagg or Kyrie Irving on Saturday, with the former facing an extended absence after injuring his shoulder during Friday’s win over the Pacers. As a result, Marshall and Risacher will start, with Naji offering a higher ceiling for fantasy managers seeking a streamer.

Dealing with a sore right hip, Risacher was initially questionable for Saturday’s game. With Cooper Flagg (shoulder) out and Kyrie Irving (knee) downgraded to doubtful, Risacher may have more offensive opportunities. However, Naji Marshall is a better option for managers seeking a streamer.

Risacher had 11 points off the bench in Friday’s win over the Pacers. With the Mavericks’ lengthy injury report, he could play at least 30 minutes again, though he’s probably not worth streaming in most fantasy leagues.

He started the first half with 11 points and ended the game with 11 points. Risacher took advantage of all the easy opportunities in front of him. He got out in transition and took efficient shots. It seems like the Mavs are really prioritizing him and will get ample opportunities this season, even if it’s not a starter. Dusty May likes to play players with length, skill, and athleticism and Risacher can fit that.

Martin will start the season on the injury report. However, Dallas has more than enough depth in the frontcourt to make up for his absence. Naji Marshall and Zaccharie Risacher may take on a few extra minutes.

The former No. 1 overall pick wasn’t able to figure things out in Atlanta, but he’ll get a fresh start in Dallas. With Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz running the show for the Mavs, they have rebuilt this roster around Cooper Flagg by adding multiple new players in the frontcourt, including Risacher, Santi Aldama and Morez Johnson. Risacher’s role will likely be limited off the bench to start his tenure with Dallas, though a fresh start on a rebuilding team could yield him the opportunity to develop into the player the Hawks hoped he would become. The three second-round picks heading to OKC are Chicago’s 2027 pick from Dallas and most favorable picks in 2031 and 2032 from Atlanta.

Okongwu and Kuminga sitting out Sunday’s regular-season finale would free up rotation minutes for multiple players. That includes Zaccharie Risacher, whose playing time has decreased with Kuminga in the fold, Asa Newell and Mouhamed Gueye.

After playing seven minutes in Monday’s loss to the Knicks, the first overall pick in the 2024 draft did not play at all on Wednesday. Jonathan Kuminga has seemingly absorbed the minutes that once went to Risacher. Logging 30 minutes, Kuminga finished with 24 points (11-of-20 FGs, 0-of-1 FTs), six rebounds, three assists and two three-pointers. An afterthought in fantasy basketball since the All-Star break, it’s fair to wonder about Risacher’s future in Atlanta, especially if he racks up more DNP-CDs during the postseason.