As the Dallas Mavericks enter 'tank mode' for the remainder of the 2018 season, even the slightest injury to a starter could result in a spot on the inactive list. As a result, shooting guard Wesley Matthews will miss Tuesday's game against the Denver Nuggets due to a hip injury.
Matthews, who played in 62 of Dallas' 64 games prior to his recent two-game absence, averaged 34 minutes per game for the Mavericks this season. In 62 games, the 31-year-old averaged 12.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game this season and entered March with a 38.2 three-point shooting percentage. He's been more effective as of late, shooting 42 percent from behind the three-point line and made 3.2 three pointers per game in nine February contests.
In his absence, Doug McDermott will step into a significant role. The 26-year-old played 34 minutes in Sunday's 126-109 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans and finished the night with 10 points, three assists and one rebound and two three-point shots made. Given his season averages of 2.5 rebounds and one assist per game, DFS owners would be entirely dependent on McDermott getting hot on Tuesday night and delivering a 20-plus point performance in order for him to offer any significant value in DFS lineups as a punt play.
Matthews could return for the Mavericks next game on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies. But he isn't a strong enough fantasy producer where fantasy owners should be concerned about a prolonged absence.