Dallas Mavericks DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (concussion) is in the NBA's concussion protocol and won't play on Thursday against the New York Knicks. Gafford collided head-to-head with Isaiah Stewart in the third quarter of Monday's game against the Detroit Pistons, and he'll need to pass each step of the protocol before returning to game action. In his first full season with Kristaps Porzingis out of D.C., Gafford has developed into one of the league's best rim protectors with an elite field-goal percentage. The 25-year-old is producing 10.4 points on 68.5% field-goal shooting, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game and hopes to re-enter Washington's lineup for the start of a four-game homestand versus the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. Julius Randle could dominate in Gafford's absence on Thursday, since the Wizards are likely left with Marvin Bagley III and Kyle Kuzma handling the bulk of the minutes down low.

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford suffered a head injury against Detroit on Monday. He managed to tally eight points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a pair of blocks in 26 minutes before exiting. Newly acquired Marvin Bagley III could get a big opportunity to show what he can do if Gafford won't recover in time for Thursday's matchup against the Knicks. He wasn't yet available for Monday's game.

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.