Los Angeles Lakers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (nose) is expected to play on Thursday versus the New York Knicks. The 24-year-old took an inadvertent elbow to the face from Kyrie Irving during Sunday's game in Philadelphia. He was able to play on Tuesday and began the game with a protective face covering. However, he quickly got rid of it, and it's apparent his nose wasn't giving him any problems, considering he finished with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists. Nonetheless, there's still a chance Doncic won't play, although he'll likely be out there. But if he isn't, Kyrie Irving (thumb) will take over duties at the one, with Josh Green and Tim Hardaway Jr. in line to benefit the most from a statistical standpoint.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (nose) is available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Doncic has been cleared to play, but he'll wear a protective mask because of his nasal contusion. The hope is that the mask won't impact his play on the court. The assumption is that he'll resume his normal role in the rotation. Fantasy managers should double check their lineups and make sure Doncic is in there.

Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (toe) will be available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Kleber has been cleared to play after being listed as probable ahead of this contest. The presence of Kleber will mean more with Dereck Lively III (nose) ruled out for this game. Kleber should have a bigger role which gives him more streaming appeal for Tuesday's game.

Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) remains out for Tuesday's game versus the Dallas Mavericks. Head coach Jacque Vaughn said on Monday that Finney-Smith is day-to-day, so the forward will look to return from a five-game absence with a sprained left ankle when the Nets host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday for the third outing of their current five-game homestand. DFS hasn't been the most useful from a fantasy standpoint, but his absence vacates 28.8 minutes per night. Cameron Johnson (adductor) is also sidelined on Tuesday, leaving Royce O'Neale as Brooklyn's primary three-and-D presence off the bench. Ben Simmons could also pick up some extra run, depending on his minutes limitations.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) has officially been diagnosed with a right mid-foot sprain, and the team doctors will re-evaluate his status in three to four weeks, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN. The 24-year-old sprained his foot in their contest against the Boston Celtics on Feb. 1. Some reports, before he was officially diagnosed, said he may miss the rest of the season. He at least has a timetable to check his status before then and has a chance to be back for the end of the season and a potential playoff run. In the meantime, Christian Wood and Rui Hachimura will likely see added time and could serve as streaming options in a pinch.