The Layup Line: Tuesday, February 27th

  • By Paul Williamson

    Last Updated on February 27, 2024 5:48 pm by Mike Passador | Published: February 27, 2024

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    Dallas Mavericks @ Cleveland Cavaliers

    Game Time: 7:00 pm ET

    DraftKings Lines

    DAL +4 (-108), CLE -4 (-112)
    Game Total 231.5

    Key Storylines

    Can we cancel this timeshare? – Well, this Mavericks center rotation is not shaping up very well for fantasy managers. I did not think that Maxi Kleber would maintain as much of a role as he has since the deadline acquisitions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. Kleber has played more minutes than Gafford and Dereck Lively II and that is a bit surprising. It is still early as Gafford has time to carve out and earn a larger role. But as of now, it is very hard to start any of the three but Livley and Gafford’s upside makes them impossible to drop. If either of them can knock out or significantly cut into Kleber’s minutes, then they will have excellent 9-cat value. My money is on Gafford as Lively II is a rookie who is still a very raw talent. Gafford probably will give them a better chance to win in the short-term.

    Evan Mobley’s impact – Since his return to the lineup, the Cavaliers have allowed the fourth-lowest FG% in the NBA with the league’s second best defensive rating, trailing just the Minnesota Timberwolves. They also own the league’s fourth best offensive rating on the backs of the third-best assist rate in the NBA. Mobley is a nice playmaker for a big who can help keep the ball moving and keep the offense moving. He may not be an elite triples threat (yet) but he does not have to just hang in the paint to be an effective offensive player on or off the ball. Mobley’s rim protection is the most enticing part of his fantasy profile and that will anchor his fourth-to-fifth round 9-cat value.

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    February 27, 2024, 5:48 pm