Washington Wizards DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (finger) has sustained a severe right ring finger injury and will be sidelined for approximately six weeks. It's another significant blow to Memphis' backcourt, which also learned on Monday that they will be without superstar Ja Morant (shoulder) for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign. Smart was on a heater before suffering the setback on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks, scoring at least 23 points with four three-pointers in each of his last three games. With the 29-year-old lockdown defender now sidelined likely until after the All-Star break, the Grizzlies should turn to Desmond Bane for primary ball-handling and facilitating responsibilities. Luke Kennard is also in line for more minutes at the point while Derrick Rose (hamstring) remains on the shelf.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (finger) exited Tuesday's win over the Dallas Mavericks. He didn't return. Ja Morant (shoulder) is done for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign, and Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) wasn't available, so Smart was expected to be a top producer for the Grizzlies on Tuesday night. He met expectations, amassing 23 points, shooting 9-for-16 from the field and 4-for-8 from deep. Unfortunately, Smart's evening ended after 21 minutes of work because of a right finger injury. Nonetheless, Memphis will have two days off before meeting the Clippers on Friday night, and depending on the severity of the injury, the 29-year-old could be out there. However, if he isn't, Desmond Bane, scoring a team-high 32 points versus the Mavs, would be a popular DFS option. Additionally, guys like Luke Kennard and Ziaire Williams, to name a few, could get more involved offensively.

Dallas Mavericks center Richaun Holmes (personal) is doubtful ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 30-year-old has missed the last two games, so it appears he's moving toward another absence. That said, Holmes has rarely seen the floor this season, averaging 3.8 rebounds and 3.4 points in 10.6 minutes per contest. He could see more action on Sunday, if he plays, considering Dereck Lively II (ankle) is expected to miss another game. However, Dwight Powell should get the most minutes in the middle, although he likely won't offer fantasy managers anything outside of rebounds.

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (heel) and center Richaun Holmes (personal) have both been downgraded from doubtful to out on Friday. Given the doubtful tag, this isn't a surprise that they're not playing, but at least the team made it official with plenty of time before the game. This will be their second consecutive game missed, but Exum's absence will likely be felt more than Holmes' since he only sees 10.6 minutes a night. Exum has enjoyed a career resurgence of sorts but has come back to Earth a bit since Kyrie Irving returned. In place of Exum, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Seth Curry should see some extra minutes. With Holmes out and Dereck Lively II (ankle) questionable, Dwight Powell could see some heavy minutes at center.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (knee, wrist) won't return to Thursday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. For the first time this season, Middleton played in both games of the back-to-back set. However, the Bucks decided to shut him down for the second half of Thursday's game. His removal seems like it was precautionary, so it doesn't sound like Middleton is dealing with anything serious. Pat Connaughton started during the second half and figures to have an expanded role in the second half of this game.