Dallas Mavericks DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (back) has picked up a questionable tag ahead of Tuesday's contest against Denver. This is a positive sign, as he was ruled out for 1-2 weeks on Jan. 6. Another sign pointing toward his potential return is that Irving came through full practice on Monday. However, if he can't go on Tuesday, Irving will quickly have another chance to jump back into action, as Dallas begins a back-to-back on Tuesday and faces New Orleans on Wednesday night. Irving's return will negatively impact Spencer Dinwiddie, Quentin Grimes, and Jaden Hardy, who have played well while the team has battled injuries.

Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (foot) remains on the injury report with plantar fasciitis but has been listed as probable for the team's first game in nearly a week. They've had their last few games postponed due to the wildfires in California, and it looks like they'll resume play in their home arena on Monday against the San Antonio Spurs. Davis has posted 26 double-doubles in 34 appearances this season and has recorded at least one block in 27 games. He remains one of the most valuable fantasy assets in the league.

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Caleb Martin (groin) will not suit up for Sunday's contest against Orlando. He was a late addition to the injury report and has been ruled out due to a sore right groin. Eric Gordon will move to the starting unit as Martin's replacement. The veteran sharpshooter has had a tough campaign but recently netted 15 points with four makes from downtown in another spot start. However, it might be tough for Gordon to replicate the performance on Sunday, as the Magic allow the fewest three-point attempts per game in the league.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) will return to action on Thursday against Portland. The team has upgraded Gafford from questionable to available. He ended up missing just one game after injuring his left ankle on Monday versus Memphis. Gafford will provide support to starting center Dereck Lively II, with Maxi Kleber likely seeing less action on Thursday. The Trail Blazers allow the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing centers, so Gafford and Dereck Lively II should enjoy a productive evening.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford is questionable for the Mavs' Thursday matchup with the Trail Blazers after missing just one game with a sprained ankle suffered in Monday's loss to the Grizzlies. After the injury, coach Jason Kidd said Gafford was "probably going to be out some time," so him missing just one game would actually seem to be a very favorable outcome for the 26-year-old big man. Gafford has averaged 11.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 20.1 minutes per game while sharing time in the middle with Dereck Lively II. Gafford had a few big games while Lively was sidelined recently, but he'll be back in the timeshare if he's able to return Thursday. If he misses a second game, Lively would carry the load in the middle with Maxi Kleber getting more work off the bench.