After Dallas Mavericks power forward Harrison Barnes couldn't participate fully in the team's shootaround on Monday morning, his status for tonight's game against the Los Angeles Clippers became clear. Barnes will miss Monday's game due to a left ankle injury.
The team's decision to rule Barnes out this soon before a game rather than a decision closer to tip off, increases the likelihood this is a fairly significant injury. The Mavericks next game is on Thursday against the Golden State Warriors, which gives him a nice stretch to rest, but his status for that matchup is also questionable at this time.
In his second season with the Mavericks, Barnes continues to play well. This season, he averages nearly 35 minutes per game and his field-goal percentage (45 percent) and three-point percentage (34.8) hold steady for his numbers last year, while the 25-year-old contributes 18.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game this season. Owned in over 90 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues, his absence will impact many fantasy owners.
As long as he is out of action, Dwight Powell should continue to see extended run at the four spot. Powell previously made two starts this season and averaged 12 points, eight rebounds and one steal per game. In his last game, Powell played a season-high 31 minutes and scored 17 points with nine rebounds. He'll be a DFS target for a few lineups tonight as a bargain play at the power forward spot.
Barnes' absence also will lead to a higher usage for Dennis Smith Jr., who averaged 16.7 points, 1.4 steals, 3.4 rebounds and six assists per game in January. He'll be a quality DFS target for lineups tonight.