Klay

Thompson

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 has taken on a significant role in Dallas’ rotation, and his looming absence should free up additional playing time for Klay Thompson and Khris Middleton.

Martin sat out Dallas’ final game before the All-Star break with a sprained left ankle. His absence coincided with Klay Thompson’s return to the rotation, allowing the veteran shooter to take on those minutes. With Cooper Flagg sidelined, there should be room for both in the Mavericks’ rotation if Martin plays.

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.

Martin was downgraded to doubtful with an ankle injury Thursday afternoon, so his absence against the Lakers isn’t a surprise. Klay Thompson could see more minutes off the bench with Martin out, but he isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy leagues at this point in his career.

Thompson did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the Suns, with fellow vet Khris Middleton playing 22 minutes off the bench in his Mavericks’ debut. With Cooper Flagg (foot) listed as doubtful, Thompson may wind up absorbing some of the minutes that would usually go to the rookie.

Initially questionable for Tuesday’s game, Thompson will sit out Dallas’ penultimate game before the All-Star break. Khris Middleton is available to make his Mavericks’ debut, so he can absorb the minutes that would have gone to Thompson.

Thompson could get the night off despite not dealing with an injury. He has played roughly 20 minutes per game off the bench over the Mavericks’ last three games and should see a similar role if he’s available. Khris Middleton is expected to make his debut for Dallas, so he would soak up Thompson’s minutes.

Thompson turned back the clock during the second quarter of Saturday’s game, scoring 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field. The Spurs did a better job of defending Thompson during the second half, but the final stat line was solid. Unfortunately for the few who hold out hope that Klay can achieve fantasy relevance, he wasn’t moved at the trade deadline. Getting to a team with postseason ambitions may have given him a better shot at providing value later in the season.

Middleton has had a solid season in Washington, and he will now get a fresh start in Dallas. Just like with the Wizards, Middleton’s availability for the rest of the season will be spotty, though he should be relatively effective when available. He’ll be part of the wing rotation, which means he’ll take away minutes from Caleb Martin, Max Christie and Klay Thompson. It’s unclear if he’ll start or come off the bench, but the minutes should be similar regardless.