Dallas

Mavericks

The contract includes a team option for the 2026-27 season, according to Stein. The Mavericks created a roster spot when they waived Tyus Jones, who prefers to join a team with playoff ambitions. Nembhard will now occupy a roster spot since he’s on a standard contract. He’s averaged 9.9 points, 6.1 assists and 44.4 percent three-point shooting in 17 starts this year.

After playing 13 minutes in Thursday’s loss to the Kings, Powell figured more prominently in the Mavericks’ rotation on Friday. The 23 minutes were the most the veteran forward/center has played in a game since January 28 against the Timberwolves. With Daniel Gafford (14 points, five rebounds and two blocks) still under a minutes restriction due to his right ankle, there were a few more minutes available to Powell against the Grizzlies. Give him credit for recording a double-double, but fantasy managers should not consider adding Powell.

While Christie had a solid night shooting the basketball, the overall production was modest. Making matters worse were the five turnovers, which were the most in a game for the Mavericks’ guard this season. Fantasy managers should not be too concerned, however, as Christie had no more than three in a game before Friday. He’ll look to bounce back on Sunday when the Mavericks host the Thunder.

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.

The Mavericks won’t have P.J. Washington for Friday’s game, as he suffered a sprained ankle late in Tuesday’s win over the Nets. He’ll be replaced in the lineup by Williams, whose move into the starting five means less time on the ball for Naji Marshall.

Thompson joins the long list of Mavericks rotation players who won’t be available for Friday’s game. His absence does not significantly affect fantasy basketball, but it likely opens up rotation minutes for rookie Miles Kelly.

Washington is officially out after the Mavericks announced earlier Friday that he was doubtful to play. With Caleb Martin (back) also out, this may be a spot where Brandon Williams makes a spot start. However, that isn’t guaranteed, and he has not been the most consistent fantasy option this season.

The writing was on the wall when Martin was downgraded to doubtful earlier Friday evening. With Klay Thompson also out, the Mavericks have made two-way contract wing Miles Kelly active for the matchup with Memphis. As for fantasy value, Naji Marshall and Khris Middleton receive boosts due to Dallas’ depleted roster.

Initially questionable for Friday’s game, Martin is on track to sit due to a sore lower back. Due to how shorthanded the Mavericks are on track to be on the wings, rookie Miles Kelly may play rotation minutes. However, he would not be worth the streaming risk. Khris Middleton and Naji Marshall are available and can be slotted into fantasy lineups.

Dallas has a number of players on the injury report for the second leg of a back-to-back set. With Thompson and P.J. Washington (ankle) doubtful and Martin questionable, Naji Marshall, Max Christie and Khris Middleton could all be in line for additional run.