The Los Angeles Clippers secured a decisive 114-91 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, showing their prowess as they push for playoff positioning. The absence of Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, both sidelined with injuries, heavily impacted Dallas's performance, resulting in their lowest first-half scoring this season. Naj Marshall led the Mavericks with 22 points, but their shooting woes, including a dismal 4-for-20 from beyond the arc, proved costly.

The Clippers, meanwhile, are riding a hot streak, winning 13 out of their last 16 games, bolstered by outstanding shooting from Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac. The win puts the Clippers in a tightly contested race for playoff spots, demonstrating their defensive strength and cohesion as they aim to avoid the play-in tournament.

The return of Luka Dončić to Dallas has sent ripples of anticipation through the NBA community. As the Mavericks prepare for a crucial matchup against the Lakers, emotions are running high for fans and players alike. This game isn't just another regular-season affair; it's a moment filled with nostalgia and intensity as Dončić faces his former team in a highly charged atmosphere, reminiscent of past legendary returns.

Anthony Davis has been a pivotal player since arriving in Dallas, playing with a chip on his shoulder. His performance against Atlanta has set the stage for an electrifying showdown, as both teams vie for crucial playoff positioning. The stakes are high; the outcome could significantly impact the playoff landscape, making this matchup one of the most anticipated games of the season.

As the NBA season winds down, the focus shifts to Saturday's DraftKings DFS slate featuring just five games. The Clippers and Mavericks are set for a back-to-back, raising concerns about player availability and performance. Key injuries, like Cade Cunningham's status for Detroit, add further intrigue to lineup decisions. Players like Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert are highlighted as potential stars against favorable matchups, while the pricing of standout players like Giannis Antetokounmpo raises questions about their viability against tougher opponents.

With an emphasis on injuries and back-to-back games, identifying the right plays is crucial. For instance, if Cunningham sits, Dennis Schroder and Marcus Sasser could become valuable picks. Meanwhile, in the game between Milwaukee and Miami, Bam Adebayo is positioned as a pivotal play, while Giannis' high price may deter some fantasy managers. As the playoffs approach, monitoring player news and adjusting strategies will be essential for maximizing points in daily fantasy leagues.

This upcoming Saturday features five NBA games, presenting unique streaming options as the season nears its conclusion. Significant player absences, including Anthony Davis and Cade Cunningham, will influence team dynamics and fantasy lineups. The Los Angeles Lakers will likely have to contend without Davis, who may rest during back-to-back games. Additionally, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to rest key players like Daniel Gafford. The Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Knicks also face potential lineup changes due to player health, particularly concerning Jaylen Brunson's status.

With playoffs on the horizon, fantasy managers should closely monitor these developments. The eight teams playing their last games on Saturday—Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis, Miami, Minnesota, Orlando, and Philadelphia—should prompt managers to drop any players from these rosters who won't contribute through the playoffs. Notably, the Knicks could see Brunson return, which may alter the landscape for other guards. Additionally, players like Lonnie Walker and Jaden Hardy might emerge as streaming options, especially with their potential increased minutes due to the absences in their respective lineups.