Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson said Wednesday that while Villanueva won't return to Dallas, he expects the veteran forward to play in the NBA this season, Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

After two seasons as a low-end option off the Mavericks' bench, Villanueva became a free agent in July, but has largely failed to generate interest from NBA teams thus far. As a high-volume shooter who holds underwhelming career rates of 43.5 percent from the field and 34.1 percent from three-point range, Villanueva may not possess the skill set that most teams would find deserving of a guaranteed contract. While Villanueva wouldn't have much trouble earning a training camp invite from a club, the 32-year-old may value the financial security of a guaranteed deal, which could prompt him to explore his options overseas. For what it's worth, Villanueva was reportedly gauging interest from teams in the Chinese Basketball Association earlier this month, according to international basketball writer David Pick.

Villanueva totaled nine points (3-5 FG, 3-5 3Pt), two rebounds, and one assist in 15 minutes during the Mavericks' 96-91 loss to the Spurs on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Villanueva has appeared in three of the last four games while seeing double-digit minutes in two. He has been called upon sporadically this season for his ability to drain three-pointers, but Villanueva is extremely unlikely to receive similar playing time during the Mavericks' first-round series with the Thunder.

Villanueva scored 16 points (6-13 FG, 4-8 3Pt) in a loss to the Warriors on Friday. He added five rebounds, one block and a steal.

EDGE Analysis

Charlie V. scored all 16 of his points in a fourth quarter flurry that helped the Mavs make a late push against the Warriors. He will likely continue to see a bump in minutes with teammate Chandler Parsons (knee) out for the season.

Villanueva recorded seven points (2-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), four rebounds, and one steal in 13 minutes during the Mavericks' 128-101 win against the Timberwolves on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Villanueva made an appearance in six out of 10 games during the month of February. However, he averaged just five points, 2.3 rebounds, 0.6 threes, 0.4 assists, and 0.1 steals in 10 minutes per matchup. The 31-year-old forward had averaged more playing time in every other month during 2015-16, and his fantasy value is nearly non-existent at this stage of his career.

Villanueva scored a team-high 13 points (5-10 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds and three assists over 23 minutes in Friday's 116-90 loss to the Spurs.

EDGE Analysis

The fact that the 11-year reserve led Dallas in scoring is indicative of the type of night it was for the Mavericks. It was the Villanueva's first double-digit scoring output since Jan. 20 against the Timberwolves, and his ninth overall on the season. While Friday's production was certainly solid, Villanueva's opportunities to reach even modest scoring totals only typically come about as a result of injury to others in front of him, or in the second half of severe blowouts.

Villanueva posted 14 points (5-14 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block in 28 minutes during the Mavericks' 106-94 win against the Timberwolves on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Villanueva made his fourth start of the season on Wednesday, and stepped in nicely with Dirk Nowitzki (knee) receiving the night off. Nowitzki reported he is set to return on Friday, which would result in Villanueva returning to his role off the bench. He might make a decent DFS play on nights when Nowitzki sits, but otherwise Villanueva is mostly a non-factor in fantasy.

Villanueva will start in Wednesday's contest against Minnesota, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Villanueva will get his fourth start of the season as he fills in for Dirk Nowitzki. It's unclear if he'll see a large uptick in minutes be he's sure to receive some. He'll likely drop down the the bench again for Dallas' next game against the Thunder on Friday.

Villanueva scored seven points (3-7 FG, 1-4 3Pt) with one rebound and a steal over 14 minutes in a 108-89 loss to the Thunder on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

With regular starter Chandler Parsons receiving a day off Wednesday, Villanueva drew just his third start of the season. Villanueva squandered the opportunity for increased minutes, however, by getting ejected in the second quarter during an altercation between Russell Westbrook and J.J. Barea. Villanueva, who appeared to grab Westbrook's throat, may receive disciplinary action from the commissioner's office.

Villanueva will start Wednesday versus the Thunder, Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman reports.

EDGE Analysis

Villanueva is drawing the start due to Chandler Parsons sitting this one out. He has played well this year when given an opportunity, and should see even more usage than normal Wednesday due to the Mavericks resting their normal starting five.

Villanueva (coach's decision) didn't see the court in Tuesday's 117-116 double-overtime win against the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

It ended a streak of nine straight appearances for Villanueva, who may have a tough time seeing the court now that the Mavs' bench is back to full health. Villanueva is capable of providing a scoring spark to the second unit on nights the starters fail to get it going, but his defensive limitations will frequently make coach Rick Carlisle reluctant to trust him in competitive affairs like Tuesday's contest.