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UPDATE: Jan. 11, 4:47 p.m. — The Mavericks have reported four positive Covid-19 tests, Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News reports. We know one of those players who tested positive is Maxi Kleber. Josh Richardson, Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith were forced to quarantine due to health and safety protocols after contact tracing.
Sources tell me the Mavericks' number of positive COVID-19 cases is up to four.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) January 11, 2021
The Dallas Mavericks are the latest team to get hit by the health and safety protocols of the NBA. Josh Richardson, Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith have all been ruled out for Saturday’s game vs. the Orlando Magic after being placed in health and safety protocols. All three players stuck behind in Denver to quarantine. Trey Burke is available to play, per coach Rick Carlisle.
Rick Carlisle said Burke is available to play tonight vs. Magic after missing Thursday night with an illness.
— Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) January 9, 2021
Finney-Smith, Richardson and Brunson remain in Denver.
"KP is getting closer, but I don't have an exact timetable."
So this is pretty tough news with lock coming right now. Luka Doncic ($11,000) is going to be a great GPP play since two starters and the backup PG are sidelined. Tim Hardaway Jr. ($5,900) should also be forced to play a ton of minutes with the Mavericks really shorthanded. Maxi Kleber ($4,300) would be my favorite value play from Dallas. There’s a chance the Mavs start Doncic, THJ, James Johnson(?), Kleber and Willie Cauley-Stein. Wes Iwundu may end up starting at the 3 as well. He’s min-priced at $3K.
The line on this game hasn’t budged despite the Mavs news. Dallas is still favored by 6 points. The Magic don’t have Evan Fournier or Markelle Fultz, but Aaron Gordon is back in the lineup after sitting Friday night vs. the Rockets. My lean would be Orlando getting the points with Dallas looking at a short bench. I’d see what the player prop market looks like as well if something gets posted. There will be advantages with so many guys sitting for the Mavs. I hopped on THJ O24.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts after the news broke.
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