The Mavs’ Plight: Continuing the Harrison Curse
The Dallas Mavericks’ misfortune shows no signs of abating. On Monday, Kyrie Irving and Jaden Hardy were both sidelined early in their loss to the Sacramento Kings due to injuries. This latest development has further exacerbated the team’s struggles following the trade that sent Luka Doncic away. Fantasy managers are now left to navigate a depleted roster, but there are still under-the-radar players who can help fill the void. Key players to watch include Quentin Grimes, who notched a career-high 44 points recently, and Donovan Clingan, who continues to impress in his starting role. Despite the team’s woes, these players present opportunities for shrewd fantasy managers to capitalize on the Mavs’ adversity.
Sixers’ Struggles: Injuries Pile Up
Philadelphia’s injury woes took a turn for the worse on Monday when Joel Embiid was ruled out for the remainder of the season, and Tyrese Maxey suffered a back injury, limiting him to just 23 minutes of play. While Maxey’s injury isn’t believed to be serious, the Sixers can ill afford to lose another key player. The team’s tanking strategy means they are unlikely to rush Maxey back, creating opportunities for role players to step up. Andre Drummond, who posted a double-double with 25 points and 18 rebounds, and Quentin Grimes, who has shown flashes of excellence, are two players who could see increased roles and significant fantasy value in the coming games.
Shining Stars in the Mavs’ Lineup
With the Mavs’ roster decimated by injuries, several players are poised to step into larger roles. Quentin Grimes, who has already shown his scoring prowess with a career-high 44 points, is a must-add if he’s still available on your waiver wire. Despite a recent scoring lull, Grimes has continued to contribute valuable assists and rebounds, making him a well-rounded fantasy asset. Another player to watch is Naji Marshall, who has been playing well over the past three weeks. Marshall’s versatility and recent production make him a valuable addition, especially if Irving and Hardy are sidelined for an extended period. Max Christie, another player showing promise, has also been delivering consistent performances and could see more playing time in the absence of key guards.
Rising Stars in Philadelphia
The Sixers’ injury crisis has created openings for role players to shine. Andre Drummond, a four-time rebound champion, has been dominant on the boards and is a strong source of rebounds, field goal percentage, and steals. With Joel Embiid’s season over, Drummond could see a significant increase in playing time and fantasy value. Quentin Grimes, who has been trending positively, is another player to keep an eye on. His ability to contribute in multiple categories makes him a valuable asset in deeper leagues. Both players are worth adding to your roster to capitalize on their increased roles.
Under-the-Radar Finds
In the scramble for available talent, a few under-the-radar players stand out. Caris LeVert has been making a strong impact since joining the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 21.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 3.0 triples over the past week. His consistent performance off the bench suggests that his production is sustainable, making him a priority add. Donovan Clingan, a rookie center, has been starting for the Mavs in the absence of Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams. While his production has been inconsistent, Clingan’s recent double-double and his role as a rebounding and shot-blocking threat make him a worthwhile streaming option.
Deep League Gems
For those playing in deeper leagues or looking to take calculated risks, Kai Jones and GG Jackson II are players to consider. Kai Jones had a standout performance on Monday, contributing 21 points, eight rebounds, and a block in 34 minutes. With the Mavs’ frontcourt dealing with multiple injuries, Jones could see more playing time. GG Jackson II, who filled in for an injured Jaren Jackson Jr., posted an impressive 11/7/3 line with a block and a pair of three-pointers. Both players represent potential value picks for fantasy managers looking to capitalize on the Mavs’ current lineup challenges.
