The Dallas Mavericks (2-3) face a tough road test against the improving Detroit Pistons (3-2) in a neutral-site showdown at Arena CDMX in Mexico City. With the Mavericks still dealing with injuries to stars like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, but now with Daniel Gafford active to bolster the frontcourt, Dallas will rely on rookie Cooper Flagg, veterans like P.J. Washington, and emerging bench contributors like Brandon Williams to compete. The Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham's all-around play, aim to capitalize on their defensive edge and home-like favoritism in what should be a competitive, mid-paced battle.

 

 

 

Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons Total and Spread

  • Spread: Pistons -8
  • Total: 227.5

 

Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons Injury Updates

Dallas Mavericks:

Detroit Pistons:

  • Jaden Ivey: Out (right knee arthroscopy; re-evaluated in four weeks)
  • Marcus Sasser: Questionable (right hip impingement)

 

Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons Projected Starting Lineups

Dallas Mavericks:

Detroit Pistons:

 

 

 

DFS Captain / MVP Picks

Cade Cunningham (DET, PG)

Cunningham remains the premier captain choice with his slate-high 44.7 FPPG average in 2025, serving as Detroit's primary engine in playmaking and scoring. He'll exploit a Mavericks backcourt missing Irving and potentially Russell, targeting mismatches in pick-and-roll sets for a high-ceiling output that easily justifies the 1.5x multiplier in a favored Pistons script.

 

Ausar Thompson (DET, SF)

Thompson's versatile stat-stuffing (32.55 FPPG) makes him a strong captain pivot, especially with his defensive impact likely generating steals and blocks versus Dallas' makeshift lineup. Extended starting minutes in a positive game environment position him for differentiation in tournaments.

 

P.J. Washington (DAL, SF)

Washington provides contrarian captain appeal at 31.75 FPPG, stepping up in rebounding and scoring with Davis out. Gafford's activation helps the frontcourt, but Washington should still see heavy involvement as a floor-spacer and defender to keep Dallas in the game.

 

 

 

DFS Utility Picks 

Jalen Duren (DET, C)

Duren is a core utility play with 32.6 FPPG, dominating rebounds and interior scoring. Even with Gafford active for Dallas, the Mavericks' frontcourt remains vulnerable without Davis and Lively, setting Duren up for a strong double-double floor and high upside.

 

Tobias Harris (DET, PF)

Harris offers steady production at 28.7 FPPG through scoring and boards, thriving in Detroit's balanced attack with consistent touches. He's a reliable cash-game fit against a thinned Dallas defense.

 

Cooper Flagg (DAL, PG)

Flagg's rookie versatility (28.15 FPPG) shines in a starting role amid backcourt injuries, delivering across categories. His athleticism could yield a breakout if Dallas pushes the pace to counter Detroit.

 

Daniel Gafford (DAL, C)

Gafford, now confirmed active after being questionable, steps into a starting center role with Lively out and Davis sidelined, providing immediate value through blocks, rebounds, and efficient scoring inside. In his 2025 debut, expect him to anchor the Mavericks' defense and capitalize on second-chance opportunities against Detroit's frontcourt, offering strong upside at a mid-range salary in a rotation that's desperate for big-man production.

 

 

 

DFS Dart Throws

  • Dwight Powell (DAL, PF/C): Bench role with Gafford starting, but could see rotational minutes for cheap rebounds if foul trouble hits.
  • Naji Marshall (DAL, SF/PF): Versatile forward with steals and threes in a depleted rotation; multi-category potential at low cost.
  • Javonte Green (DET, SG/SF): High-energy bench wing for defensive stats in a favorable matchup.
  • Max Christie (DAL, SG/SF): Starting guard with scoring and perimeter upside amid injuries; solid value for ownership fade.
  • Brandon Williams (DAL, PG/SG): Recent bench spark (22 minutes, 20 points post-Davis injury); scoring potential in expanded role for low-owned leverage.
  • Ron Holland (DET, SF/PF): Forward with athletic upside off the bench; could rack up multi-category stats like rebounds and steals if minutes increase.
  • Caris LeVert (DET, SG/SF): Versatile wing capable of playmaking and scoring bursts; value if he sees boosted usage, despite lower early-season FPPG.

 

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