Dallas Mavericks DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Charlotte Hornets forward/center P.J. Washington (foot) will return for Sunday's meeting with the Miami Heat. The 25-year-old injured his ankle during the January 5 matchup against the Chicago Bulls, keeping him off the floor for Charlotte's following three contests. He was listed as doubtful, so most assumed he was heading for a fourth consecutive absence. However, Washington is good to go, which is welcome news, considering the Hornets are down Mark Williams (back) and Gordon Hayward (calf). Washington has averaged 12 points this season, more than two points less than a season ago. Still, he has the potential to see an increased workload and scoring opportunities, although he hasn't been a consistent fantasy contributor.

Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin (ankle) will suit up for Sunday's game against the Hornets. The oft-injured 28-year-old returned from a seven-game absence for Friday's win over Orlando. He logged just 24 minutes, finishing with 11 points. It's reasonable to assume Martin's workload will increase. However, there's also a chance the Heat will build up a substantial lead during the contest, meaning Miami's bench might see more action. That said, Martin's ceiling is lower on Sunday. Still, with Jimmy Butler (toe) out, there's room for anyone to get Tyler Herro (shoulder) and Bam Adebayo's scraps.

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (foot) remains out on Saturday against the Pelicans. The 28-year-old will now miss his sixth consecutive contest because of a right plantar sprain, which is unfortunate, considering he's averaged 14.5 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds this season. With Luka Doncic (ankle) also sidelined and Josh Green (illness) questionable, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kyrie Irving could lead the way offensively, with the duo combining for 66 points in Thursday's meeting with the New York Knicks. Derrick Jones Jr., Grant Williams, and Jaden Hardy should also get more scoring opportunities, although none can be trusted for consistent fantasy production.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving put up both a season-high and his highest scoring output while wearing a Mavs jersey. The superstar combo guard finished the 128-124 win on Thursday night with 44 points on 15-for-26 shooting and added 10 assists, four rebounds, two steals, five turnovers, and six made threes in the process. Luka Doncic (ankle) ended up missing the game and the Knicks were coming into it as the hottest team in 2024. Irving was up to his usual magic tricks with the ball while scoring from everywhere on the floor. His usage and fantasy value skyrockets every time Doncic is sidelined, so fantasy managers will want to look out for that as the season progresses.

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (heel) will miss a fifth consecutive game Thursday versus the Knicks. The 28-year-old is trying to overcome a right plantar strain. Exum had an impressive spell in the team before getting hurt. He has averaged 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists as a starter this season. Josh Green has stepped into the starting five in Exum's absence, but he hasn't been a reliable source for consistent fantasy value, and Green even went scoreless in 23 minutes against Memphis on Tuesday.