RADIO
Morez Johnson Jr. Ruled Out Against Pacers
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Morez Johnson Jr. (shin) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup with the Indiana Pacers due to a left shin/tibia contusion. The rookie had appeared in each of Dallas' first 10 games and was finding his footing lately, collecting 26 rebounds over his last two outings, including a career-high 17 against Utah. Johnson is averaging 7.6 points and 5.1 boards in 17.0 minutes per game. With Dereck Lively II (foot) also sidelined, Santi Aldama could pick up additional frontcourt minutes alongside Daniel Gafford. Johnson's next chance to return comes Thursday in Minnesota.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Santi Aldama Probable for Mavericks Debut Friday
Dallas Mavericks forward Santi Aldama (knee) is probable for Friday's NBA Cup game against the Utah Jazz and appears set to make his season debut. Aldama has missed the first eight games while recovering from right knee surgery in March, though head coach Dusty May said earlier this week that he was "very, very close." The 25-year-old averaged career highs of 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 43 games with Memphis last season. Aldama could be eased back in after the long layoff, but his return may eventually cut into the minutes of Zaccharie Risacher and Morez Johnson Jr.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Santi Aldama Downgraded to Out Wednesday
Dallas Mavericks forward Santi Aldama (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Aldama went through a morning shootaround but was later downgraded from questionable to doubtful before being ruled out. The 25-year-old is still waiting to make his Mavericks debut after undergoing right knee surgery in March, though head coach Dusty May recently said he is "very close." Aldama averaged career highs of 14.0 points and 6.7 rebounds with Memphis last season. His next chance to return comes Friday against Utah, while Dallas will continue piecing together its frontcourt with Dereck Lively II (foot) also sidelined.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Santi Aldama Ruled Out Against Houston
Dallas Mavericks forward Santi Aldama (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Houston Rockets, marking his sixth straight absence to open the season. Aldama is still working his way back from the arthroscopic procedure he underwent in March, but there have been encouraging signs lately. The 25-year-old spent time with the G-League's Texas Legends on Tuesday, and head coach Dusty May recently said he was getting "much, much closer." Aldama averaged career highs of 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists last season. His shooting should give Dallas another useful frontcourt option once he is cleared.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Naji Marshall Back in Action Versus Houston
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Naji Marshall (illness) is available for Friday's game against the Houston Rockets after missing the past two contests. The 28-year-old opened the season averaging 13.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists through three games while taking on a useful secondary playmaking role. His return adds another option to a Dallas bench that got Zaccharie Risacher for 29 minutes Wednesday against Oklahoma City. Caleb Martin is also back in the rotation, so Risacher could lose some playing time. Marshall's ability to handle the ball should help him carve out a steady role right away.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Cooper Flagg Stars In Win Over Oklahoma City
Dallas Mavericks star forward Cooper Flagg scored 26 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out eight assists in the Mavericks' win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Flagg shot 10-for-23 from the field and 2-for-8 from the three-point line. Flagg is off to a good start to the season with 25.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, while shooting 52.2 percent from the field. The Duke star is a fantasy standout with his scoring ability and good shooting percentages, along with his contributions in rebounding and assists. His defensive game needs a bit of work, but Flagg looks like an All-Star-caliber player this season.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Caleb Martin Upgraded to Available Wednesday
Dallas Mavericks forward Caleb Martin (thumb) is available for Wednesday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and is set to make his season debut. The 31-year-old missed Dallas' first four games with a right thumb sprain after averaging 3.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 14.8 minutes across 58 appearances last season. Naji Marshall (illness) and Sergio de Larrea (knee) are both out, which could help Martin crack the rotation immediately. Still, he played no more than 17 minutes in any preseason game, and Dallas has enough forward depth to keep his fantasy ceiling low.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Naji Marshall Sidelined for Second Straight Game
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Naji Marshall (illness) will miss Wednesday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking his second straight absence after sitting out Monday's 113-109 win over Miami. Marshall averaged 13.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.7 steals across his first three games while handling a useful secondary playmaking role. Zaccharie Risacher should remain one of the main beneficiaries after collecting eight rebounds and three blocks despite shooting 2-for-13 against Miami. Walter Clayton Jr. could also retain added backcourt opportunities with Sergio de Larrea (right knee) sidelined, though Marshall's eventual return should tighten the rotation.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Cooper Flagg Upgraded to Available Monday Night
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (shoulder) is available for Monday's game against the Miami Heat after missing one game with a mild left shoulder sprain. Flagg went through Monday's shootaround before being upgraded to probable and eventually cleared to play. The reigning Rookie of the Year has averaged 23.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 60.9% shooting through two appearances. Fantasy managers can get him back into lineups immediately. With Naji Marshall (illness) and Caleb Martin (thumb) out, Zaccharie Risacher should remain in the wing rotation, though Flagg's return cuts into his upside.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Naji Marshall Ruled Out Monday with Illness
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (illness) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Miami Heat, according to Grant Afseth. Marshall finished Saturday's 122-106 loss to San Antonio with 10 points, four rebounds, and five assists in 21 minutes before exiting early in the second half. He is averaging 13.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.7 steals through three games. Kyrie Irving (knee) is off the injury report and should reclaim much of the creation work. Sergio de Larrea scored 21 points in 33 minutes Saturday, but Irving's return makes a repeat of that workload unlikely despite Marshall's absence.
Source: Grant Afseth
Source: Grant Afseth
Cooper Flagg Upgraded to Questionable Against Miami
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (shoulder) is questionable for Monday's road game against the Miami Heat, according to The Dallas Morning News' Mike Curtis. Flagg missed Saturday's loss to San Antonio after being diagnosed with a mild left shoulder sprain, but the questionable tag gives him a chance to return after a one-game absence. The reigning Rookie of the Year averaged 23.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 steals on 60.9% shooting through his first two games. With Naji Marshall (illness) out, Zaccharie Risacher and Marcus Sasser could remain in larger roles if Flagg sits again.
Source: Mike Curtis
Source: Mike Curtis
Cooper Flagg to be Re-Evaluated Next Week
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (shoulder) will miss Saturday's home opener against the San Antonio Spurs after an MRI revealed a mild left shoulder sprain, according to Marc Stein. Flagg will be re-evaluated next week after landing hard following Aaron Nesmith's flagrant foul late in Friday's win over Indiana. The reigning Rookie of the Year opened the season with 32 points against Houston, making the early setback a frustrating one for fantasy managers. Dallas plays three times next week beginning Monday in Miami. Naji Marshall should have a larger role while Flagg is sidelined, while P.J. Washington remains heavily involved after posting 20 points and 13 rebounds Friday.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Cooper Flagg Awaiting Evaluation on Left Shoulder
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (shoulder) will be evaluated over the next couple of days after exiting Friday's 121-105 win over the Indiana Pacers with left shoulder soreness. Flagg landed hard after Aaron Nesmith's flagrant foul late in the first half and finished with 14 points, five rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block in 17 minutes. His status for Saturday against San Antonio is now in doubt, with Monday's game in Miami potentially affected as well. Naji Marshall opened the second half in Flagg's spot and could see a larger role if the reigning Rookie of the Year misses time, while Kyrie Irving and P.J. Washington would have more room to pick up the scoring and playmaking slack.
Source: Noah Weber
Source: Noah Weber
Cooper Flagg Won't Return Friday
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (shoulder) will not return to Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers due to left shoulder soreness. Flagg exited late in the first half after taking a hard foul from Aaron Nesmith on a breakaway and landing on his shoulder. The reigning Rookie of the Year had 14 points, five rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block in 17 minutes before departing. With Dallas back in action Saturday against San Antonio, his turnaround will be worth monitoring. If Flagg can't go, Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington would be the most likely options to soak up extra frontcourt minutes.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Santi Aldama Misses Second Straight Game
Dallas Mavericks forward Santi Aldama (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's road game against Indiana, per Dallas Sports Journal's Grant Afseth. It will be his second straight absence to open the season as he works back from right knee surgery, though head coach Dusty May said earlier this week that Aldama was "getting very close." Dallas brought the 25-year-old over from Memphis in July after he averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.6 three-pointers last season. Once healthy, his ability to stretch the floor should keep him firmly in the frontcourt rotation.
Source: Grant Afseth
Source: Grant Afseth
