Kai Jones

ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported Lively is "trending toward" a return this week, and that could come against Atlanta. It will have been 2.5 months since Lively last played, so managers should expect him to be on a strict minutes restriction. However, between Lively and Daniel Gafford, there may not be many minutes left over for Kai Jones at center.

Gafford will play for the first time since February 9, and he will immediately return to the starting unit. He'll replace Kai Jones as the starting center, but Gafford is on a 15-20 minutes restriction. Jones should still play a significant role off the bench.

Lively was upgraded to questionable ahead of this game, but his return will be delayed for at least one more game. Lively hasn't suited up since January 14, but ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported he is "trending toward" a return later this week. That is backed up by his questionable tag. If it's not Wednesday against the Hawks, Lively could play in one leg of the Mavs' mini-series with the Clippers on Friday and Saturday. With Daniel Gafford returning on Monday, Kai Jones could be pushed out of the rotation soon.

Due to a stress fracture in his ankle, Lively has not appeared in a game since January 14. That may change on Monday, as he's considered questionable. With Daniel Gafford (knee) probable to play, Kai Jones may fall out of the rotation entirely if Lively is also available. If Lively does not play, Jones should still log rotation minutes available.

While Martin will provide additional depth off the bench, Jones's status impacts the Mavericks and fantasy basketball more. He has started alongside Anthony Davis and is worth rostering in deep leagues while Dallas awaits the return of Daniel Gafford (knee) and Dereck Lively II (ankle).