The Dallas Mavericks will enter Wednesday’s home matchup against the New York Knicks with another lengthy injury report, though the team expects to have more size available than it did during Monday’s loss in Minnesota.
The Mavericks officially listed Cooper Flagg as available (right thumb sprain), Daniel Gafford as probable (right ankle injury management), Dereck Lively II as probable (right knee injury management), and four players as out: Anthony Davis (left calf strain), Danté Exum (right knee injury management), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), and Ryan Nembhard (left knee sprain).
Head coach Jason Kidd said Nembhard sprained his knee while working out.
Before practice, Kidd explained why Nembhard will remain sidelined, saying, “Ryan sprained his left knee working out. Hopefully he’ll be back in 2–3 weeks,” Kidd said.
Anthony Davis Remains Out as Calf Recovery Continues
Anthony Davis will miss his 10th straight game as he continues recovering from a left calf strain. Kidd said earlier this week that Davis will be re-assessed after “seven to ten days.” His absence, combined with the recent back-to-back stretch, has forced Dallas to lean heavily on its youngest players.
Without Davis, Gafford, or Lively available Monday, Dallas was overmatched inside during a 120–96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, ending a grueling three-games-in-four-days stretch that included two overtime games.
Kidd said fatigue played a significant role in the loss, adding that the lack of size and continuity continues to test the roster.
“Fatigue, and they were aggressive,” Kidd said. “Give them credit. They came out and pressured us and we turned the ball over too many times against a talented team.”
Since trading for Davis, the Mavericks have gone 9-25 in games that he doesn’t play, while posting a 9-7 record (including play-in) when he plays. He hasn’t played since Oct. 29.
Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II Expected to Return
The return of both Gafford and Lively would give Dallas much-needed frontcourt stability after neither center played in Minnesota. Gafford had been pushing through ankle discomfort in recent games, while Lively has been monitored closely since suffering a knee setback.
The team saw encouraging signs from rookie Moussa Cisse in his first career start. Cisse grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked two shots, giving Dallas the physical presence it lacked up front.
Jaden Hardy said Cisse’s performance stood out in a difficult situation.
“Moussa’s done a great job ever since he’s gotten here,” Hardy said. “He’s bringing great energy, and whenever his number is called he tries to go out and make the right play.”
Kyrie Irving, Danté Exum Still Out; Guard Depth Remains Thin
With Irving, Exum, and Nembhard still unavailable, Dallas continues to play without a true point guard. The circumstances have forced D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Williams into expanded ball-handling roles.
Kidd said the team is trying to manage as best as possible under the circumstances.
“We’re asking people — and D-Lo — to be point guards and do things,” Kidd said earlier this week. “Chemistry is something he’s going through right now — getting used to his new teammates.”
The backcourt shortage has also contributed to early-game turnover issues. Dallas committed seven first-quarter turnovers in each of its last two games, creating immediate deficits that pressured a rotation already stretched thin.
Cooper Flagg Cleared; Still Dallas Mavericks’ Leading Scorer
Flagg, who remains cleared despite a right thumb sprain, leads the team in scoring among qualified players with 15.5 points per game. He also averages 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals.
Dallas enters Wednesday at 4–11 and has dropped four of its last five games. Still, players said they believe the group will steady itself once bodies return.
Hardy said the players have kept confidence in each other even as injuries have piled up.
“It’s a great group of guys,” Hardy said. “We all like being around each other. We all know this is not going to last that long.”
The three-game homestand offers Dallas a brief opportunity to regroup before another challenging stretch that includes a four-game road trip with matchups against the Heat, Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets.