Marvin

Bagley

Gafford is on the injured report once again for right ankle injury management reasons, but the 27-year-old center hasn’t missed a game since January 24. Marvin Bagley III would replace Gafford in the starting lineup if he’s ultimately ruled out.

Gafford’s right ankle injury has lingered throughout the season, but he hasn’t missed a game since January 24. If that changes on Sunday, Marvin Bagley III will be the next man up.

One of the bright spots for the Mavericks on Friday was the production they received from their centers. Starter Daniel Gafford (8/5/2/2/3) recorded five “stocks,” while Bagley contributed his second double-double since joining the Mavericks as part of the Anthony Davis trade. MBIII has averaged 11.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game since the trade, with the lackluster production in the other major categories and poor foul shooting limiting his fantasy value.

Gafford is good to go after being listed as questionable initially. He’ll occupy his usual role as the starting center, with Marvin Bagley III serving as the backup.

Gafford’s right ankle has been something the Mavericks have accounted for throughout the season. If he’s unable to play on Friday, the Mavericks will most likely turn to Marvin Bagley III to fill the void, and he would be worth streaming.

For the few who had Bagley rostered, his Mavericks debut went about as well as one could hope. Despite coming off the bench, he played 24 minutes, six more than starter Daniel Gafford (nine points, four rebounds and two assists), who was in foul trouble for most of the night. Even if the minutes were reversed, Bagley offers solid fantasy upside in Dallas. Deep-league managers should consider picking him up, with Dallas playing four games in Week 17.

Bagley has been a solid backup center for Washington this season, which includes some productive outings as a starter. With Dallas, he could be productive down the stretch of this season. He isn’t a long-term solution at center, but he will be part of the rotation along with Daniel Gafford, Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell. Bagley is arguably the best offensive big in that group, so he should be able to carve out a place in the rotation and could spend time as a starter, given Gafford’s injury frequency.

The firsts include the Thunder pick in 2026 and a protected Warriors pick in 2030. Davis is set to be re-evaluated in late February, but managers shouldn’t expect to see him play much down the stretch as the Wizards look to improve their lottery odds. However, Davis joins Trae Young and a talented young core in Washington, and they should add another top pick this summer. Davis will form an elite defensive tandem down low with Alex Sarr that should allow Washington to return to the postseason as early as 2027, assuming they plan to keep him around.

Back in the lineup after sitting out Sunday’s win over the Kings, Sarr had his hands full with Karl-Anthony Towns. The second-year center finished one rebound shy of a double-double, but he had just one steal and no blocked shots. Marvin Bagley, who started on Sunday, chipped in with 11 points, six rebounds and one assist in 16 minutes off the bench. Bagley is only worth a look on nights when the Wizards don’t have Sarr, whose fantasy value should hold steady the rest of the season.

Sarr missed Sunday’s game against the Kings, but he’ll be back to take on New York. Marvin Bagley was productive as a starter in Sarr’s stead and scored 15 points without missing a shot. Bagley will return to the bench with Sarr back.