Dallas Mavericks DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (ankle) was able to return to practice on Thursday and was listed as questionable for the team's Friday matchup at home against the Pelicans. Washington has been sidelined since February 8 and missed six of the Mavs' last seven games with his ankle injury. With both Daniel Gafford (knee) and Anthony Davis (adductor) out for extended time still, the Mavericks would rely heavily on Washington in the front court if he's available. While he has been out, Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Kessler Edwards have been getting extra playing time and usage. Before getting injured, Washington was posting strong numbers, averaging 22.5 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.0 steals in 35.9 minutes per game over his previous six contests.

Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis (adductor) was already expected to be out "multiple" weeks in an earlier report from Shams Charania and Tim McMahon from ESPN. In their latest report that confirmed Daniel Gafford (knee) is out for six weeks, they also said that sources told them Davis is expected to miss "at least four weeks." The report also suggests that the Mavericks are going to be cautious about Davis' recovery since he was the headlining piece in the trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. Kessler Edwards got the start at center in their last game while Naji Marshall and Olivier-Maxence Prosper saw a big increase in opportunities as well.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (knee) was originally expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks but will have to miss even more time. According to Shams Charania and Tim McMahon of ESPN, the big man will miss at least six weeks with a Grade 3 MCL sprain. This leaves the team hurting for frontcourt depth since Anthony Davis (Adductor), Dereck Lively II (ankle), and Dwight Powell (hip) are all out for an extended period of time. Olivier-Maxence Prosper should see a big uptick in minutes along with both Kessler Edwards and Naji Marshall. All three are in streaming territory after the former two joined the starting five and Marshall saw 33 minutes off of the bench in their last game on Thursday.

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Dante Exum (Achilles) will suit up for Thursday's clash against the Miami Heat. He sat out Wednesday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors and was initially on the injury report with a questionable designation. The Mavericks receive much-needed help with Exum back, as the team is down to its bare bones with all regular starters sidelined. The versatile Australian may receive increased usage on Thursday, but it's important to note that Exum, who has an extensive injury history, hasn't played more than 21 minutes in any game this season.

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Klay Thompson (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Miami Heat after being downgraded from questionable to out. Thompson logged 34 minutes on Wednesday in a special matchup against his former team, the Golden State Warriors, and the Mavericks will manage his workload by giving the veteran the night off against Miami. Kyrie Irving (shoulder) has also been ruled out, which means the Mavericks will enter Thursday's contest without any of their regular starters. Naji Marshall, Dante Exum, Max Christie, and Spencer Dinwiddie could all emerge as key players instead of the usual suspects.