Dallas Mavericks Update
The Dallas Mavericks confirmed on Wednesday that Kyrie Irving will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season due to complications from a torn ACL he sustained in March 2025. His ongoing recovery from specialized knee surgery will prevent him from returning to the court this year. With Irving’s absence solidified and the Mavericks facing the possibility of entering the draft lottery, the team is focusing on optimizing their draft position after trading away star player Anthony Davis.
The Mavericks tweeted about Irving’s situation, expressing eagerness for his comeback:
“Looking forward to your return, Kai #MFFL”
Fantasy Basketball Implications
As fantasy basketball players assess the implications of Irving’s exit, few roster changes appear necessary. Bradley Williams (11% rostered) has had sporadic success this season, but his inconsistency means fantasy managers may be hesitant to rely on him. Newly acquired point guard Tyus Jones (2%) complicates the situation for rookie Ryan Nembhard (1%), making it unlikely for him to see significant minutes on a standard deal anytime soon. Yet, for those managing Cooper Flagg (99%), his role may expand as the season progresses, positioning him as a primary playmaker and the future cornerstone of the franchise.
Injury Updates Across the League
Looking at broader injury concerns leading into Week 17 of the fantasy season, Jonathan Kuminga (20%) has yet to debut with the Atlanta Hawks while recovering from a knee bone bruise incurred with the Golden State Warriors. The Hawks revealed that Kuminga will undergo reassessment in a week, meaning he is likely to remain unavailable, leaving CJ McCollum (61%) as a primary offensive force off the bench.
Similarly, the Brooklyn Nets will miss Nic Claxton as he continues to deal with a sprained right ankle for their upcoming clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Day’Ron Sharpe (18%) could see ample playtime in Claxton’s absence, showcasing potential for fantasy managers looking for a reliable streaming option.
For the Golden State Warriors, only Kristaps Porziņģis appears ready to return against the Boston Celtics, while Stephen Curry remains sidelined following a lack of practice. Both Gui Santos (16%) and Moses Moody (18%) continue to be worth consideration in deeper leagues as viable streaming options.
Among the leagues, Tyler Herro (Miami Heat) long-awaited return might be imminent as he is expected to join Thursday’s practice, making him a player to keep tabs on in the coming days, while the Indiana Pacers’ duo, Obi Toppin and Ivica Zubac, are still not expected to play anytime soon.
In injuries that keep affecting teams, Darius Garland (LA Clippers) continues to recover from a toe injury, participating in limited practice but without a definitive timeline for return. Meanwhile, Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) remains out with a UCL strain, with his status to be reassessed in two weeks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will also undergo surgery soon, likely sidelining him while creating more opportunities for Taylor Hendricks (2%) in the Grizzlies’ lineup.
As for the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo feels recuperated from a calf strain but lacks a clear timetable from the team, leading to significant uncertainty surrounding their playoff push. Finally, the Sacramento Kings announced that Domantas Sabonis will miss the rest of the season due to a meniscus tear, and Zach LaVine is also out indefinitely, paving the way for various teammates to have an elevated role as the postseason approaches.
